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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
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NORFOLK COUNTY
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MASS VCH US H TFS:
MAQGRAPHICAL SKEBITCHES
PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN.
COMPILED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF
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(Ik DSU Seabee Le Be
PHULADEE PHILA:
J. W. LEWIS & CO.
1884.
PRESS OF
LIPPINCOTT & CO.,
PHILADELPHIA.
— — — — — — — — —_——————EEEeOOOOO
a. B.
~
}
\
Copyright, 1884, by J. W. Lewis & Co.
PUES ne de ia a,
NEARLY two years ago the attention of the publishers, who have long made a speciality
of this class of work, was called to the fact that a history of Norfolk County was needed.
After mature deliberation the work was planned and its compilation. commenced. ‘The best
literary talent in this section of the commonwealth for this especial work was engaged,
whose names appear at the head of their respective articles, besides many other local writers
on special topics. These gentlemen approached the work in a spirit of impartiality and
thoroughness, and we believe it has been their honest endeavor to trace the history of the
development of the territory embodied herein from that period when it was in the undis-
puted possession of the red man to the present, and to place before the reader an authentic
narrative of its rise and progress. The work has been compiled from authenticated and
original sources, and no effort spared to produce a history which should prove in every
respect worthy of the county represented.
THE PUBLISHERS.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1884.
ili
INTRODUCTION. : i : : : 5 5
CHAPTER I.
THe Bencu AND Bar
CHAPTER TI
Tue Norrotk District Mepican Socrery A é 6
CoHPAGP AIH bela.
DEDHAM.
The Settlement — The Town Covenant— Names of the
Signers—Organization of Town Government—Character
of Settlers—Formation of the Church—The Rey. John
Allin—Division of “Lands—Burial-Ground—Training-
Ground— Description of the Village in 1664 .
Ce HPAS ERE DiVic
DepHam—( Continued).
Mother Brook, or East Brook—Dedham Island—Long
Ditch—Indian Village at Natick—Pacomtuck, or Deer-
field — Boggastow, or Medfield — Wollonomopoag, or
Wrentham—Decease of leading Men among the First
Settlers
CHAPTER V.
Depuam—( Continued).
Indian Deeds—Philip’s War—Rey. William Adams—New
Meeting-House—Timothy Dwight—William Avery—
Daniel Fisher, the second—His Part in Resisting Sir
Edmund Andros.
CHAPTER VI.
Drepuam—( Continued).
Province Charter—Changes and Contentions—Incorpora-
tion of Needham—Rev. Joseph Belcher—The Second
Parish and Churech—Rey. Thomas Baleh—The Third
Parish and Church—Rey. Josiah Dwight—Reyv. Andrew
Tyler—Incorporation of Walpole—Services of Church
of England begun—Rey. William Clark—Samuel Col-
burn—Devise of Estate to Episcopal Church—Rey. Sam-
uel Dexter—The Fourth Parish and Church—Rev. Ben-
jamin Caryl—Services of Dedham Menin French Wars
—New Meeting-House—Dr. Nathaniel Ames—The Pil-
lar of Liberty—Events Prior to the American Revolu-
tion ; : : : : 2 : 0 :
CHAPTER Vili:
Drpuam—( Continued).
Dedham Village in 1775—Leading Men—Lexington Alarm
—Minute-Men and Militia Companies March—Siege of
Boston—Town Votes upon Question of Independence—
Bounties for Soldiers—Parishes Raise Money by Taxa-
tion—Articles of Confederation Approved—Delegates to
State Convention for forming Constitution—Expenses of
29
41
44 |
4 |
PAGE
Revolutionary War—Pecuniary Distress—Amendments
to State Constitution Proposed—Col. Daniel Whiting
CUHVAC PAY Hives Vie lcalenle
DrepHam—( Continued).
Second Parish—Rey. Jabez Chickering—Third Parish—
Rev. Thomas Thacher—Fourth Parish Incorporated as a
District under the name of Dover—Shay’s Rebellion—
Incorporation of Norfolk County—Episcopal Chureh—
Rev. William Montague—Old Church Removed and Re-
built—Fisher Ames; Sketch of His Life—Edward Dowse
—Rey. Jason Haven--Churech Covenant of 1793—Di-
vision in the Third Parish-—-New Meeting-House—A bout
Sixty Members Withdraw to the Baptist Society in Med-
field—Second Parish and Church—Reyv. William Coggs-
well
CHAPTER IX.
DrepHAam—( Continued).
| Dedham in the Beginning of the Present Century—Manu-
facturing Corporations——Mill Privileges on Mother
Brook—War of 1812—Legacy for Schools in Will of
Samuel Dexter—The First Church—Resignation of Rev.
Joshua Bates—Parish elect Rev. Alvan Lamson-——Ma-
jority of Church Refuse to Concur—Kcclesiastical Coun-
cil—Protest by a Majority of the Church—Ordination of
Mr. Lamson—Suit at Law to Recover Church Property
—Decision of Supreme Court—New Meeting-House So-
ciety Formed—Rey. Ebenezer Burgess—Improvements
in Old Meeting-House—Third Parish—Rey. John White
—Second Parish, Rev. Harrison G. Park, Rev. Calvin
Durfee and his Successors—Description of Dedham Vil-
lage in 1818—Dedham Bank—New Jail and Court-
House—Town-House—Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance
Company— Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company—
Dedham Institution for Savings—Gen. Lafayette’s Visit
—Gen. Jackson’s Visit
CHAPTER X.
Depuam—( Continued),
Universalist Society, South Dedham—Episcopal Church—
Rev. Isaac Boyle—Rev. Samuel B. Babeock—New
Church — Dedham Branch Railroad — Manufactures—
Population in 1835—Newspapers—Centennial Celebra-
tion, 1836—Dr. Lamson’s Historical Discourses, 1838—
Dr. Burgess’ Discourse in “Dedham Pulpit’’—Rey.
John White’s Historical Discourse, 1886—Rev. Mr. Dur-
fee’s Historical Discourse, 1836—Destructive Fires—
Improvements in Schools and School-Houses—Norfolk
County Railroad—First Baptist Church, West Dedham
—Baptist Church, East Dedham—Baptist Church, South
Dedham—Methodist Episcopal Church, East Dedham—
First Parish—Resignation of Dr. Lamson, and of Dr.
Burgess—Third Parish—Successors of Rev. John White
53
57
63
vi CONTENTS.
PAGE |
—Successors of Dr. Lamson in First Parish—Improve-
ments in Meeting-House—Successors to Rev. Dr. Bur-
gess—Burning of St. Paul’s Church—New Stone Church
—Chapel—Roman Catholic Chureh—St. Mary’s School
and Asylum—Annexations to West Roxbury and Wal-
pole—Dedham Gas-Light Company—Dedham Histori-
PAGE
CHAPTER XIX.
CoHASSET.
_ Pioneer History—Reference to Hingham—Heirs of the
71 |
Sachem Chickatabut—Deed from the Indians, July 4,
1665—The Pioneers: Beal, Cushing, James, Lincoln,
Tower, Sutton, Bates, Kent, Nichols, Orcutt, Pratt, Stod-
.-- =
calle socicky, : . i 7 : ; ; : dard—The First Settlement—Its Location—Derivation
CHAPTER XI. _ of name of Town—Incorporation of Parish—Little
Diwan = ( Conciued) | Hingham—The Church—Petition for Incorporation of
<F of ‘a ; i Town—Opposed by Hingham—Town Incorporated April
The Civil War, 1861-65—Companies of Dedham Men— 26, 1770—Early Votes concerning Schools—Votes con-
Their Services in the War—Commodore G. J. Van Brunt cerning the Revolution—Cohasset’s Representative at
—Expenses of the War for Bounties and Aid to Soldiers’ the Boston Tea-Party—Maj. James Stoddard—War of
Families—Memorial Hall—Names of those who Fell 1812—Shipwrecks, ete. . f . : f 4 216
Inscribed on the Tablets woul
CHVACP HR eat | eran oie eos
Depuam—( Continued). ConasseT—( Continued).
Readville annexed to Hyde Park—Dedham Public Library Bankes Civil History, Miltary . : j ; ee
—Incorporation of Norwood—Death of Rey. Dr. Bab- CVA Pin hE Raexexole
cock—Steam Fire-Engine—Dedham Water Company— Couasser—( Continued)
Temporary Asylum for Discharged Female Prisoners— 1 : . : ‘
Gricduic=Church of the’ Goad Shepherd Islington Ecclesiastical and Educational—Pioneer History—First
; - 7 5 sg Reference to Cohasset in Hingham Records—Various
Congregational Church—New Colburn School-House—
Pen neaala Cemotopy = Vawn Soal-Conelusion 88 Votes concerning the Town—Divisions of the Meadow
: ; ; ; ‘ “| Lands with the Proprietors at Conihasset—The First
I
CHAPTER XIII. Meeting-House—Subsequent History—Methodist Soci-
BRAINTREE " ; ; : t : ; ; 111 | ety in North Cohasset—Second Congregational Churech—
; - | The Beechwood Church—St. Anthony’s Church—Eduea-
CHAPTER XIV. — | tional Interests é . : 6 c c : - 231
BrRAINTREE—( Continued) . : 2 : : é - 122
CHAPTER XXII.
ae XV.
CE ON Dover : 5 : é 3 : 5 é . - 238
BELLINGHAM. : ; : ° , : < - 1438
alae ‘ CHAP T HR xXx EET.
TER XVI.
QUINCY.
|
scsi ae | The Massachusetts Fields . : : : : 5 . 20%
Early History as a Precinect—First Cession of Dedham—
Purchase of Wrentham—The New Precinet—Church CAEIEASP SH Ri Noe Neal vies
Organized— First Minister— Meeting-House— Church Quincy—( Continued).
Music— Discords— Precinct Ministers— Revs. Haven,
Gee ian Merrymont 4 : : . : : . . - 260
Barnum, Emmons—Civil History—-Move for a 'Town—
Town History—Incorporation—Why named Franklin-— CHAPTER XXV.
Town Library—Topography—Maps—Indian Traditions | Quincy—( Continued).
—Revolutionary War—Sentiments in Town-Meeting—
M Wollaste . é a : c : c . 268
Soldiers’ Second Meeting-House—Its Site, Cost, Bell— gun anonaewD
Moved and Modernized—Interior Glimpse of Home Life | CHA PDR, XOXVGr
—Military Affairs—Trainings and Musters—The Poor Quincy—( Continued)
—Burial Grounds— Post-Offices— Temperance— Early ?
: ., | Old Braintree . 5 : ¢ 5 3 : : . 276
MTIQUISERTCS | scesaresa cectacisesascsecrsiotevsce cece tsetstcacaseceseiedeee. 160 |
CHAPTER XVIL CHAPTER, XX Ver
Quincy—( Continued).
FRANKLIN—( Continued).
| r oe 1 .
Later Town History—Weclesiastical—Ministers of the First | eS Eo rrne roe ne. Cub ch ‘ : i i , =e
Churech—Other Churches and Meeting-Houses—South | CHAPTER. XOXVelLiE
Franklin Congregational—Grace UniversaJist—Baptist |
—Catholic—Methodist—Town Library—Publie Schools
—High School—Franklin Academy—Dean Academy—
College Graduates—Statistics of Material Growth—Town
Industries—Straw Goods—Feltings, ete.—Newspapers—
Railroads—Banks—Fire Protection—The Rebellion—
List of Soldiers—Precinect and Town Officers—Centen- | The North Precinct Annals : : : : : - 323
nial Celebration . 5 4 : ¢ : ° pe dlide!
Qutncy—( Continued).
| Life in the Colonial Town . ‘ : : Re - 295
| CHAPTER Xoxorxs
Quincy—( Continued).
CHAPTER XVIII.
RANDOLPH . ~ : : ; : : § ; . 188
| CHAPTER XXX.
| Quincy—( Continued).
|
Modern Quincey . : 4 : : c 5 G . 355
in ii aL
ation—First Settlements— Petition for Preaching in 1709
— Petition for Act of Incorporation—Op posed by Dedham
—Lands for Support of Ministry—Incorporation of Town
—Named after Needham in England—The First Town-
Meeting — Selectmen Elected — Burying-Ground—The
First Minister—First Meeting-House—Westerly Pre-
cinct Set Off—The First Church Bell—Early Educa-
tional Interests—Social Library . 2 .
CHAPTER XLI.
Nerepu amM—( Continued).
War of the Revolution—The Battle of Lexington—Need-
ham’s Prompt Response—Her Citizens perform Efficient
uo
“wT
CyHPA-P DERRE XO VL
WereymourH—( Continued).
Recovering from the Effects of the War—Work-House—
Local Matters—Smallpox—Norfolk County—Attempt to
divide the Town—Business Enterprises—Post-Ofice—
War with England—Alarm at Cohasset—Town Lines—
Manufacturing Companies Discouraged—Surplus Rev-
enue—Anti-Slavery Resolutions—Town Records—Town
Hall—War of the Rebellion—Opening Scenes—Twelfth
Regiment—Raising Troops—Military Records—Boun-
ties—Thirty-fifth Regiment—Town Bonds and Seal—
CONTENTS. vii
|
: PAGE | . . PAGE
CHAPTER XXXI. Service—They harass the British Retreat from Lexing-
STOUGHTON. | ton and Concord—Ephraim Bullard alarms the Minute-
Stoughton—Named in Honor of Governor William Stough- | Men—List of Names composing Needham Companies—
ton—Territory allotted to Dorchester in 1637—Known | See Aaron Smith’s Company of Militia—Capt. Caleb
aa the “New (Grant”==Dorchester South Precinect—A | Kingsbury’s Company of Minute-Men—Capt. Robert
Part set off to Wrentham in 1724—Incorporation of | Smith’s Company—Sketches of the Killed—Incidents—
Stoughton—Original Territory—Second Precinct set off Votes of the Town during the Revolutionary Period 518
in Oa ET of Tou in 1743—The CHAPTER XLII.
First Town-Meeting—Incorporation of Stoughtonham— E ; ;
The Revolution—Votes of the Town in 1723, 1724, 1725, _—| NeEpHau—(Continued).
1726 — Committee of Correspondence — Revolutionary Ecclesiastical History.—Congregational Church— Unitarian
Bounties, ete. . . 389 Church—Baptist Church—Methodist Episcopal Church,
Highlandville—Second Adventists . 526
C03) 5 OD.) 22d Wi pd ke. GQ ll
SrouauTron—( Continued). CHAPTER XLIII.
Ecclesiastical History.—Universalist Church—Congrega- NrEpHAM—( Continued).
tional Church—Methodist Episcopal Church—Roman The Press—Civil History—Military Record.—The Need-
Catholic Church—Methodist Episcopal Church, North ham Chronicle—Changes in Boundary-Line—Valuation
Stoughton—Baptist Church, East Stoughton . . 394 | —Population— Documentary—Representatives—Select-
| men—Town Clerks—Treasurers—Military Record 532
CHAPTER XXXIIT.
SroueHton—( Continued). | CHAPTER XUV.
The Press—The Stoughton Sentinel—Masonie— Rising Star | Mepway . : : : : : 5404
Lodge, F. and A. M.—Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter :
CHE XLV.
—Stoughton Lodge, No. 72, I. 0. 0. F.—The Boot and APTER
Shoe Interest—Civil History—Representatives and Town WeyMovrH.
Clerks from 1731 to 1884—Military Record—Number of | Geography—Geology—General History—Weston’s Colony
Men Furnished—Amount of Money Expended for War | —Gorges’ Settlement—Hull’s Company—Ecclesiastical
Purposes . 403 | Troubles—Pequod War—Emigration—Town Govern-
ment - 560
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Houeroox . 427 ClHATP TB Ree kein Vor
WeymoutH—( Continued).
HAP y XKXXV. Ss
© EES paca | King Philip’s War—Company of Horse—Town Affairs —
MEDFIELD . . 439 Sir Edmund Andros—Military Company—Canadian
CHAPTER XXXVI | Expedition—Local Matters—Town Boundaries—New
q aga } i Precinet—Dr. White—Town Regulations—Parsonage
one. Oe Property—Pigwacket Indians—Town Commons—Throat
CHAPTER XXXVIL. | Distemper—French and Indian Wars—French Neutrals
Wirorerae j wir | —Dr. Tufts—Highways—South Precinct . 067
CHAPTER XXXVIIL | CHAPTER XLVII.
WeELLESLEY—( Continued). WerymoutHo—( Continued).
Wellesley College 482 | Revolutionary War—Arbitrary Measures of the Crown—
sley g 2
Agents Chosen to Meet in Boston—Committees of Cor-
CHAPTER XXXIX. respondence—No more Tea—Energetic Action—Record
Norwoop 495 of Votes on the Resolutions of Congress—Refusal to Pay
| Taxes to the Royal Treasurer—Town Committee of Cor-
CHAPTER XL. respondence—Minute-Men—Preparations for War—
NEEDHAM. | Raising Troops—Declaration of Independence—Bounties
Indian Occupation—Original Purchase in 1680—Consider- | —State Convention—State Constitution —Procuring Men
| and Provisions—Soldiers to Hull 572
vill
CONTENTS.
Forty-second Regiment—Contributions— Difficulties—
Fourth Heavy Artillery-—-Final Attempt to divide the
Town—Soldiers’ Monument—Two Hundred and Fiftieth
Anniversary — Water Question—Fire
Growth of the Town
Department —
CHAPTER XLIX:
Weymoutn—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History.-Congregational Churches——The
First Church .
CHAPTER L.
Weymoura—( Continued).
Congregational Churches (Continued): Second Church,
Union Church of Weymouth and Braintree, Union
Church of South Weymouth, Church at East Weymouth,
Pilgrim Church—Methodist Episcopal: Church at East
Weymouth, Chureh at Lovell’s Corner—Universalist :
First Church, Second Church, Third Chureh—Baptist:
First Church—Roman Catholic: Parish of St. Francis
Xavier, Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Parish of
the Sacred Heart, Parish of St. Jerome—Protestant
Episcopal: Trinity Parish
CHAPTER LI.
Weymoutu——( Continued).
Educational Institutions—Publie Schools-—-Wey mouth and
Braintree Academy—Newspapers—-Wey mouth Histori-
cal Society—Social Libraries—Mutual Library Associa-
tions—Tufts’ Library
CHAPTER LILI.
Werymoura—( Continued).
Military Organizations: Early Companies, Company for
the Castle, Weymouth Light-Horse, Weymouth Artil-
lery, Weymouth Light Infantry, Franklin Guards—
Grand Army of the Republic: Lincoln Post, No. 40,
Reynolds Post, No. 58—Societies and Associations:
Masonic Orphans’ Hope Lodge, Delta Lodge, South
Shore Commandery, Pentalpa Royal Arch Chapter—
Odd-Fellows: Crescent Lodge, Wildey Lodge, Wompa-
tuck Encampment—Knights of Pythias: Delphi Lodge
—Knights of Honor: Pilgrim Lodge—Weymouth Agri-
cultural and Industrial Society—Other Organizations
COHCAS PERTH Reel Tekes
WerymoutH—( Continued).
Business Enterprises—Mills: The Waltham- Richards-
Bates’ Mills, Tide Mill, Tirrell’s Mill, Reed’s Mill, Loud’s
Mill, Vinson’s Mill, Dyer’s Mill—Turnpikes: Weymouth
New and Quincy
Bridge—Railroads: Old Colony, South Shore—Expresses
and Braintree, 3edford, Hingham
—Telegraph — Telephone — Financial Corporations —
Banks: Weymouth National, National of South Wey-
mouth Weymouth, South Weymouth,
East Weymouth—Weymouth and Braintree Fire Insur-
ance Company—-Manufactures :
mouth
Savings Banks:
Boots and Shoes—Wey-
Iron Company—Fish Company—Weymouth
Commercial Company—Ice Companies—Bradley Fer-
tilizer Company—Ship Building—Bay State Hammock
Company—Howe & French—Fire-Works—Mitten-Fac-
tory—-Miscellaneous
CHAPTER
Weymovutru——( Continued)
LIV.
PAGE
on
—vT
wo
. 584
. 589
. 594
. 598 |
600 |
605 |
CHAPTER LV.
WRENTHAM. 5 5 a 5 R i 5
CHA PSE R Vee
FoxBorouGH.
Incorporation of Town—EHarly History—The First Settler
—Jacob Shepard—List of Early Settlers—Early Votes—
The Pioneer Schools—The First Town Clerk—Church
History—Early Votes—Manufactures, etc. .
CVA PTE Re baveigie
FoxsorouGcH—( Continued).
Military Record.—The Heroes of Three Wars—War of
the Revolution—1812—War of the Rebellion—List of
Soldiers, 1861—65—Patriots of 1776—Soldiers of 1812—
Roll of Honor, 1861—65—Veterans of the War—Militia,
1796 < ‘ : é A . z -
CeHCA PD eR a Vel aie
Foxsorougu—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History.—Congregational Church—Baptist
Chureh— Universalist Church—Roman Catholic Chapels
—Civil History—Delegates to Constitutional Convention
—State Senators—Commission of Insolvency—Represen-
tatives—Justices of the Peace—Selectmen—Town Clerks
—Town House—Memorial Hall—The Howe Monument—
Change in Boundaries—Masonic— Historical Items—The
Press—The Centennial Celebration—Population—Sta-
tistical . 3 c : : - A
CEVPAVR AT ER) lee
WALPOLE.
Pioneer History—The Dedham Covenant—Indian Pro-
prietors—Primitive Condition of the Country—Early
Settlements—The Cedar Swamp— Petition for Precinct—
Incorporation of Town—The French and Indian War—
Capt. Bacon’s Company from Walpole—Slavery in Wal-
pole—Deacon Robbins’ Slave “ Jack””—War of the Rey-
olution—Resolutions of the Town—List of Revolutionary
Soldiers—War of 1812—Capt. Samuel Fales’ Company
of Light Infantry
CHAPTER LX.
W ALPOLE—( Continued).
| Ecclesiastical History.—First Congregational Society—Or-
thodox Congregational Church—Congregational Church,
East Walpole—Methodist Episcopal Chureh—Methodist
Episcopal Church, South Walpole . = F A
CHAPTER LXI.
WaLpoLe—( Continued).
| The Press—The Walpole Standard—The Walpole Enter-
| prise—The Norfolk County Tribune—The Walpole Star
—Manufacturing Interests—Civil History—The Town
Hall—Military History—Number of Men Furnished
—Amount of Money Expended—Roll of Honor—Memo-
rial Tablets
CHA PMR exe ie
MILTon.
Pioneer History —The First Settlements — Stoughton,
Hutchinson—Grant of the Territory to
| Dorchester—Release of Indian Title—Cutshamoquin—
Location of First Settlements—-King Philip’s War—
Glover, and
. 673
. 683
. 697
. 718
é
»
“
:
CONTENTS. Pix
PAGE PAGE
Prominent Early Settlers—Biographical Sketches of CHAPTER LXXI.
Prominent Citizens—Robert Vose, Robert Tucker, Ben- CANTON.
jamin Wadsworth, Joseph Belcher, Oxenbridge Thatcher, Indian Name of the Town, Punkapaog—John Eliot—Or-
John Swift, Peter Thatcher, Dr. Miller, Samuel Miller, ganization of Precinct, 1715—List of Precinct Officers—
Governor Belcher, William Foye, Col. Gooch, Governor Incorporation of Stoughton, 1726—Roger Sherman— War
Hutchinson, James Smith, Oxenbridge Thatcher, Jr., | of the Revolution—Various Votes—The Suffolk Resolves
Samuel Swift, Nathaniel Tucker, Seth Adams, William —The First Troops from Stoughton—Capt. James Endi-
Foye, Jr., Joseph Gooch, Benjamin Pratt, Col. Joseph | cott’s Company—Other Companies—Committee of Cor-
Vose, Job Sumner, John Miller, Benjamin Wadsworth, respondence and Inspection—Documentary History—
“W. S. Hutchinson, Josiah Badcock, Samuel Henshaw, | Incorporation of Town—Names of Petitioners—First
Edward H. Robbins, Rufus Badcock, Thomas Thatcher, Town Officers—War of 1812—Extracts from Town Ree-
Jesse Tucker, J. 8. Boies, Nathaniel J. Robbins, John ords—The First School-House . 919
M. Forbes, Solomon Vose, Roger Vose, Charles P. Sum-
iY Gilly 6 = ake a a ek eo 730 CHAPTER LXXII.
CHAPTER LXIII. Canton—( Continued).
Mitton. Ecclesiastical History.—First Congregational Churech—Or-
War of the Revolution 745 ganization—The Covenant of 1717—The First Pastor,
CHAPTER LXIV. Rev. Joseph Se 13 First Celebration of the Lord’s
Supper—The First Deacons—Extracts from the Early
Minron—( Continued). Records—List of those who joined the Church during Mr.
Ecclesiastical History.—The First Congregational Society— Morse’s Ministry—Death of Mr. Morse—Inventory of his
The First Evangelical Society—The Second Evangelical Estate—Rev. Samuel Dunbar—Reyv. Z. Howard—Rev.
Society—Lower Mills Baptist Church . 749 William Richey—Rey. Benjamin Huntoon—Succeeding
Le Pastors—Church Buildings—Evangelical Congregational
ee Church—Baptist Chureh— Universalist Chureh—Roman
Mitton—( Continued). Catholic Church 931
The Crehore Estate—The Sumners—The Wadsworths—The
Vose Place—The Robert Tucker Place—The Oldest House CHEATER, exe re
in Milton—The Tucker House—The Billings House— Canton—( Continued).
The Blue Hills—The Foye House—The Hutchinson The Press, Manufgcetures, Banks, ete.--The Canton Journal
House—The Robbins House—The Governor Belcher —Early Manufactures—The First Cotton-Factory—
Place—Milton Cemetery—Detailed History—Different | Present Manufactures—Memorial Hall—Military Record
Purchasers—Ancient Inscriptions—Tombs 157 —Number of Men Furnished—Amount of Money Raised
CHAPTER LXVI. —Various Votes in Relation to Bounties, ete.—Roll of
; Honor—Revere Encampment, Grand Army of the Re-
BSED ALORA) public—The Neponset National Bank—Canton Institu-
Civil and Military—Representatives—Town Clerks—Town tion for Savings—Representatives from 1876 to Present
Treasurers—War of the Rebellion—List of Soldiers, ete. 770 me . 944
1
C HVACR Tn RL Xo We. CHAPTER LXXIV.
Miiton—( Continued) s 0 772 NorFouk.
CHAPTER. TxXxOv hit. North Parish of Wrentham—Early Settlements—Residents
Mittron—( Continued). in 1795—North Society—First Meeting-House—Incor-
Town Hall—The Blue Hill National Bank—The Milton Degen ape oy purer non: eet ho wm
a3 Meeting—Officers Elected—List of Selectmen—Town
ecg ee OHICor ie Clerks—Representatives—Town House—Present Valua-
CHAPTER LXIX. tion—Industrial Pursuits—Churches—Schools 973
BRooKLINE 783
APPENDIX 3 978
CHAPTER LXX.
Hyper Park : - : 895 | ERRATA 1001
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Aspinwall, William................. SQOBOEO BODIE SSDS TORII SA COSCO 891
POLLO MMU AN Chiesecesnslscenaasnciacesseicacecriscs-srtsecenacesstescsos 415
PMUMOULONS AIO les ssc arecccicccascesNosssesiseseccecciiacscesacisescscess 417
PMEWOOO SE SUA CKACH ss scercd<ssscacoclcods=sceclatecssens vecenes-sledeeeenss 186
Topo aer el ie) FS Te cneetaaes socaan nobene pondadous cceoceods yobuosede sonsosonc 3
Bacon, Joseph T........0....sccnsecccnccoee cesses cecnes covsccece sooees 670
SIRO MBCA CIS MV Varese cine scincn|-caan=sa/tescrencclacecadscjecsndNocesss 729
AMO WAL OMIASsessmd ace ce scivciecceccess|sncescensincssears Daseesosee 93
Tynan, TORII Lice aognigondooes bocune <Uol00.25n600 deobon candonnsancDas0 388
TEGO, DATS) Bedsenss osaccosdaco sacécx0c0 as0500 anid CoNGRDICE aaSanUuanAdE 618
Ey AGN LCOLEG eDisasceslecesonlscansevesissacstassnncWecherassstecnaselseccels 883
TSI RG) Nah excooods coceco sco cocosen6n Conor CoS BSCCAG Sdcca0 aacacancO 916
POs OM. cess voce casestcansaiie Sacous Seondo00n paDdosGosedoobERcC 92
ISULE ORS, WUENOZEL. c....cs.cicovscocecienanatlsoseasinesceseas(eabsos)ssoees 95
@andage; BR. Ge B......\-...cccssesacscecrssisssnscese eens socoeneacss 887
Capen, Nahum. ........ -...ccsoecorccnses asvcescoe cesses cossccoes coenee 957
Carpenter, E.........ccsssessccssscecresccsccees vovsceees sosecnsceceeres 703 |
Chapman, 0. S..........ssce-eccersences sosccnece cocccesce ees soesseoes 962
hire Hull WAIMNOS4...c-cou-eseecseeeceeosiecrencees Pe asericesaescericaseee 380
(Charman, (C5 (Ch atassnee checeesco cocooocas Got soc OCH OSS NO Io0 GOROIC 109
Clapp, Luciuss......... ...-scceececonscererennes secccenee secscoees oncene 424 |
Clark Joseph) Wo. ..-..s0-c.sssecesesscccsessnsace's Masencecseimacecanes 102
lowe lant wlinaicecscuccees¢<sa/tor onseseiorcscciacnscoceslescossesisenciassees 101
Cia awesls iMG GIs casnedaode senende ca060 cep ocaLbosoccdeanaa00s RnoceooG 12
WDONPELOUACG Lincercadcscsrcsessuneees ones ssnives coe Ono pcnoos Hacncon) 672
(Crealic, IN Gide iit J2\ceaeneanaceriencagudde sedodnco0 coscoo adoro asonocdcst ood 159
(Comal ers, JRO) Cane cnat onaenor ear encod Cnorhe LEOROS I 05 DAC ERDe Dec oucoda nes 142
(Chioting, Dyan) 1D) per aeanesiseeeu coccocuc pancun Doo0ekd0ddd sanado;co0ncs 452
PF pansr seh ecnalival MMIC) ie cnccicsiccclseincssctesaccsscssscacieccensicndssoese 881
[Dinigi ta, JERE RES) \Wicoobariodecugacoqgd con ndueac ococnon clancucaaccd oaccon 971
ID iitseie, My Cccdsno ontanee ecuboionos codes noneacaccssserbRasosnnss saehac 616
DTAPEL; PAMES.. sac. cavecsseccaaidancanaserceserssresorssssconasssseessi 967
WNP OLS A leg onewsinea si saserseciss>icclasse(soccanieceees[oncesttesivcercelosie 215
Hine re hha COUP Otcccmdietassccisceceeiatcantesncerlorusaiecccwearsiesecas 514
Mtoe MElGnn yates assess ails enaciseanssenfacctcesseicosessacloeese ses 376
CLO OVW UNIAN Secerc coder ss. cosluacecmnssrisas[evocccserinsasesiesesscsee 381
WIS Kop WMO cco sceccnssaccdsssel scmeccnciscorenieciseviciussraclsscccelanscns 488
LENS EG UICC a serae wcececa cnoLecen PoC HUnneUCoaua I DASECe COCHBECCOM SERCO 453
MiGs ORIAM des eacesvaleterniuseesasealeseadclaseteniececnaeresacesies 668
BRIG td iN eceesceleneccshecssieancenieceasaivnsssaneciscues ses sseslccursesue 669
Fisher, JabeZ......0..cccessvccescccvccces seccersosece soenee seven socecs 672
Hashor. WieiMecccscccansccsccesseccereenecsdssectiisereta-vecesesisccess 57
Ola os SOLOMON s.-.coecuoatseceversitetoc ssnsisereanousiovsamesssisevocests 489
HO DOWN Ss. .0...c00e cecescereseceseisscesninsnesecssierassesvaicssoseocs 615
HOPED AV IC Seces-s\s-ceecceclescecceesivsonesiececnnsssitnssncinasseslovedes 515
[Rired erick, JWIGAZOla.ccsccucersececccsoaesesnnlesdtcenssecsacricvesesees 382
Mrenchs WMAGlesiilisn es sosecnsecwscnsajsereesreclscseecastnctccsiarenssese 960
Gaston; WLUiaIN....cscsesesasnres oe JOOS IRC IOSIIONOSE COOH SOORECOCn 21
(MESA dik NiliecceacpucteC cap horep pad sonorcsbeneconcep clgdlodien cuohaneceno: 110
Xx
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Gridley, Jieremish\.........),5...0000 ecueccnees senaneenedseeme ieostan OOO
Griges: PROMAS o0..c.<peesceesecess-leenenereniesaoeneeees Chacon peers 871
| Grover, HO WAM... ..cccossscrse+cos-o:ccs50sfsesessaenes + eosee ta seeee eam
| Hewins Family (The)).....<..00...sss-:«ccsesses escasessoeeeeaeetee 470
Hodges; Al irediccccsst-0s-sonsine BEES BOR SOOICO LECUCE NE OS sileeeesene 708
Hodes, Benjamins... ...0..cvsccencjeasascncosuemeeceenenes caceieaneee 706
Hodges’ amily (‘The).......,..0sa<cscasse/rsnsenpaeeaieeseeeesteeeee 705
Od ges, LeON ard ss..cveecescs sore cccecrassecesesleastersones Bocororidos 6a ilits)
VOd Fes) (SOWwallleso...csscesesciccsecaess -ssesclee: ee eee ee eeen ese Boren i AUO
Hodges, William A <..:-cscs.cceceseiccsseeteebecss ee eee eee 386
Holbrook, -Aimos’ Hi’. jecsicsvercecssnesacciececceese these mee eee neeee 158
FF olbrook, iB. N.c.c..ctsessscoceseses os cceecssienenteeeaeeeeee seseoaendes 437
Hollingsworth, BH. A\.......0.s-00-:cstse~ -coe sees s/neossasesieeeenenae 132
| eolimes; Warren sMi:). «cnc. ceiice. caoc seas cosne eee enero pases 473
Howe; rAippletons...c..sescecorcsotieos-oseeseesnes ena tereee et eeeeetees 611
Kimball, Danieli:..c....s.css0s.0sessecssssascoseeeessseeereeeeeenee 540
| Kantoman, Bradtord.cc-..scsscscoressslseoccosclomenstsisceeetiesseeeeate 883
Tamsons Al Vaiis..ccsnssscessesceceiesosesiecsces setveesse econ eteeeeeen 99
Pincoln; James) i cececscoseieeseselsetnsleceamscceneee ements Bs0C0ee 670
THY.O01, JH Alias. conse sscuscees:sesssiecece ds coasceseelshetesse tetas aeeeeeeae 539
| McDonnell; Patrick:.....0..-scesscsseiessceeseciossserivacsnieeeeent 384
Mamsfield SWalliaim’.. .</ssccsconsclcasosacccisoose=ssel we coneceeeeiemens 963
| Mann, George H.... sc... sosesssocccnsncnne seceeseronounronnsjetsssanes 470
| Martin, N. Cu... ceccecce scerccserennceeeees covesccoenenes seceernes 782
Monk, Blisha:. C.....sc00<ccs50 0sececcss sosecsiscsiceslacosesteeeeeeenaemt 422
Morrison Family (The)... 2020-00: ce esisuosdesiseeoeiensserenenem 133
Morse, Bigg Avcccse.sccccocnscestsincteecossl sone seis eenearenteneeee 965
Morse; Utheticecence steno) nelson elnons avons ceteltalsitielscmeitertets donboane 473
| PMIOTRESOUSivsccccacses-ecclsceeeancssecrercenslaccereseet eset nentamaeet 516
| Noyes ySamueliB ..ssccecedses sccklaenrecscelse=sselsferesree t= eeeeer 22
Orr; Gale 2225. osteo esesteovessneslenc sec losescsicadeeh oneaene see ene 538
Parsons, WHOM ASrsscsciscecese sel accrelsctisielesoancdetasnerls BNOKONSDCS: 880
Pal) HbeneZerssivs cccscvstoe ccs csecsssncstecsessetecste ce sesceneenemee 108
Peirce, THOM yas. sess socesessciecis sacsssiosiassencnianslerdacaneneceenenates 879
| Pierce, Edward! Us csicecceoscecscss:a+2<centsy stacedem ae eeneeeeeeeee 777
| Pierce:Mamily: (DG) sco soct cocaceis+ccensclslsna sey esse in ss sccmalsneaee 408
|) Pierce; Heniyy Dineerertecessiescersescis+sesseselibiieseeaet see eteeen 410
Pierce; Jessi. seccvas costs ves tieeecsssvosetlsses sumeceaoee eset eee eeeeee 408
Porter; Robert: coccicccssecevs ss sscdees duvechcce ae boeieceerineeeeeaemeee 425
Riay,; Jian OS vPresccocedlerececssslseesse|selnescenelvcoss-lecesetintecsenaetia 184
| ays POSe phi Greccessoccsssccseovecsasdnecseactienseores cient cpencenes 185
Richards; IMSS... cccscicccsseses- nee csare reese etait ee eeee mate 472
| Richardson; Stephen’ Wi:........0accossesleeossecorcee=tenseeenectten 187
Sanford) (Mis His. u.cicccisecc cutee owclesebeoviocs vowels cuene csaaniceaseneeeeen 555
Sargent, James H.... 0.25 secs: acseceraiecsisnaenoesmasins seniusteelssents 560
Shaw Natnanicli-cos occa. ctueseccseccasesisteneatecee coctskone 613
Sheldons WRHOGESs<.sccc.cjcc enon sacs ssicncesccssusssncensiavemeeesnteaseen 671
Shepard, DAMES 9... cer. so+c sec sreneseriorseocciicoessricvswersene oserey GOs
sSherburne,, Williams. <5. sccsc.sisscans sesesicccestiesicceslenventereaenne 671
|! Sherman, w) Obi..c.cccccecssccecs ceedecesdtesvewecncensesasethien ase eeree 707
Blatter’ Carlos <.. Maccsccencceclcsccastecosecsessatiocsbe seetertiocsasaie 107
Smiths Wisaaencccesverecescccesitcccavecstesceuecetecdshecsicamsodeessemeas 702
Smith, Ly MAanisccos).-0.0.cew scessresuinnseceecenctrwes leceecriessmesses 513
| Southgate, George A....... cccccsessesces sevescessasseessscevenseors 109
| Southworth, Amasa..........,..00c00sees metre ane lccenariaavenianseeaces 421
ILLUSTRATIONS. xi
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OULHWOLLH ARO lescccccaccarcdcaccdslsccocerecuscicestencccstsessns SP LUO Wales ON RCHANICl-22 7 con ccenclsccacticscccs cossgocsusecncauscscuasteccccee S402
Southworth, Consider..........0..ssseseereeees eiidcuvedonesceecneeees AGES WAT Ord OBIS nc ocreslsccssessaiscousevessn Maweeccaeldacdcneacuartaeees seen DTG
Southworth, Col. Consider........ a Locteboes subeoteceaecbicestts pee DOW LO AEN OV sORMUCL c..cccscectesecres cecrecenelss sek swices sizes teecrtvoness 21
Spaulding, Corodon............. Beiceetersncieneardeccberen dose sceoeens 970 Washburn, Andrew.......... aeeatieccesstoasents caaooisueantnaasenaa rac 917
SLOISONS! OAIGD: teseseassecsscccsssactscsscessessersscssscsassccesccee-o Lol | Wason, HIDTIO ge... 2... .....cesccssescascencceas discaaastvocassessteshst’s 878
RILAESOTIMOHIVOR Obb- rec cestcscss <coscoscuc sce Uoscaeecle ceeeecesieccoees seis 727 | Wentworth Family (The)...............06 sae's coiceaa deedapenwasvese 968
Stetson, J. A............ Sedasiee Riessanejeadaacee® RCOLCBSACOROSIG CORREO OEE SOMME UOT Mop NG coancnscses slacicencioecensicescealesncenieececncesiscneacers 535
Stone, Ebenezer.......... Seer cean ce soctcleseeaesteecearcrareseectesece LAN) Jt WEG IMO EO \GCOLLO sc ccccvcecsveccsccasedencoe.oseecesdeis dass netsees 492
Stone, Eliphalet...............0. code conadd cosEceaHOdasannoce pecesenc 107 VALI s TN Tg: Uhis5-605 anéaas toons aa eancos oan ag SS NOT aAEA aK 139
SL isVPHILAITE Desteses fosestee: cnesscesdececsesarcsize>seceneshesee PO LM lee VV Ibes HOM ASencncsocclecocssancidscnencae cnccsriceccnrace ncncas wdvtnews - 438
Patt, Hera W.;.<scs-sssls02s0 eeeeese SD SSCOORCC ONO sponticecnnoseaonoane cD Gh WERE IG WAN neeee ciocens sisueoes coneseieaescdesspanieceadereclereaseese 110
SEEN O LM AEN CN ocenent-ns-ceslswconscsn/sococcesseevnscvestccvescctlccssec Ai a WIG e CHAT CS sccusccescveccarssssecescieanseusselcsrcciswansiactecetiecsres 874
piveny Cree Daya cece nnsarerakescatlseserciceesseccesuescles scolleesss cases PLS GCM es HC WAG! UAt cs esieswss cic ccne'svaniseeiess ve. cciesee beeen omereneneees 876
Mince rawhinanie iseesseres ce -Wecceerescueciescieresanc-cesdcesscoredsecsccese) DLO | NVOLCO Lis: HugE\sconcecesjnoseccewnenasaaresescinscecsisorascinscecouesisnseee 779
Siprredilees ales eeeereeccacs caesssteredencessceceoerorcerecseadcoscssseem mOLON | WOOG sm EL CN DY nccacceinanon scecrelesvestaeccelsaasericosensinescmneneasens . 490
PROTO Yai IMES peciss(seseressescesceescacens cece soarooconaanacesuedacs 62051) Worthinoton pHrastus:..-.sces|o-c scons cossueaoscnscersseirssescioeatee 25
WWictles | Martin cc cccsssn-cocaesee =o asboro desconéicouseto anaes cosccoten 414 |
PAGE PAGE
PAC ANNs OM Nemseavens saccossce vo sveninceccsase\veesconet sansorscs facing: 320) ||) Draper; James.c\ccc..ccocescnose ss voces swaace succes oastedesees facing 967
Ata, POL QUINCY)-2-.-:c00-0+0-cscceasccoranessaseascosse & SOS SDTV BOIS; AS He. geccoce a ciuaressdceccuccsovcertecvenceeeeeboows ss 215
Adams, Thomas......... .cssscesesecseceeeseeeteqpersereeereees es SHO HVCLGhia CEOLLO: costes ceosteececccs <tecee ee ceecionsecoeeaecaes ce 514
Alden, Eberezer...........ccscoessecseescccccssseccencenseeees s ZO SiH HARON HEN Cys Heeecssstcuscsecce derorscosarcdeceaces-trosees ss 377
PAI OS mV allies ee anise accasee cocedes sctevdoecledeacscncscseedesas e Le | Hiel dy Willian’. a.ecnscecewsssiccnsacJesscbacectorcane serenees «e 381
Atherton, James..............s0006 PREC OCECD OOS COCO LOCOS OLIENEE se AN St Wishers MriMy, oc cise. soswdnacanssstedaces sbedsaeeeseet anes fs 557
Atherton, Samuel..............ccecsecoseececceces caresesoeees Api pc Wiskap lr MOUs ec cecessdoceaessteccsel cs sss es seaesueestaese ate 4 488
PAUWOOG yO MeOMaCHrercaosacsicnesecee-/ovenccter cvcsacc~claaeas “ ES GU | WMISkes ISAACT cc csscsccccescsssccescncaeoscessissoconeeelacesecece es 453
EPG Keg Se Eaeate seteeee sence cecnyeleces<2sse'a1sasneiecceceseasts) | arg GSS] ISKCON atic tasces sc ciasscescss <onsosecsice-sarteacscessontesenses 669
Bacon, Joseph T...........cccsesesccoscossseece secscecccssoneee es GOP) Mace Solo Oni... .cc.c.ccvcssasiseccosccs <ectceeonesitacess ses ss 489
SEXP CE AD AMT G Use P cae siecle scaiscsecscacinciecNaiseccssevieckoncess ee DOSS | HOP TDA VIGUSc5-cores-cos osisecscesoncssscveccmeescraceeseessei E 515
SATO WSs A OMIAS ss cseslecenseisccccceceneracessiessevler ees between 92, 93 HO ROOMS ic catcarwaruosecbcssssanass signee seers reece cose ere? ob 615
Esse maT SMD sce FALE, 3 Seals nyeed foe UcedaucsSseussesse facing 618 | Frederick, Eleazer................. i: toeeieine nae «382
‘Bird, Francis’ W)..:........ Beamer ecusnee cdeslsweviaise Teclesececese §s 2 9ele Breneh- Charles: Hesc..ccsscccevsscccs sascsetscsucsoreeccucceen: b 960
> Blake GhEOLPO) Lye csesscearacscassascocarcesssennecisossenasnense ce 883, | (Gastons \Williambt-cc: .c-cc.c0s+0esceses veseeessose-cceceeoceee ee 21
Bem T Os OD EE reccoces slavscscesc'sooccslocccesacsiveesssi0=-resie~= s DEI |e Grae yard ne Wisseanaieas sjesiwesissacisl ose ns ccecins scealenesecses between 110, 111
‘ “‘ Boylston Place,’ Residence of Henry Lee............ se SHO Gini crs. Wheartiag p Ph soe soe oho) onc wa dacewaw che cutee facing 871
‘ Burgess, Hbemezer ........ss0nscseescoccececeesecscersseee cee é QOH Own SmVWNE DUD cc eds snesctccwcorecestineeeselsncosncscesace ecco és 471
: Bullard, JOMMN.........c.ccccsecorsesenssoe, one SoocnHON GAAaSAce * 92 | Hodges, Alfred......... ER ee wi eg 7 oe ce 708
amd are ReiGrs Was. .ceacciesccossncrselsseose sasve-sneessloenee ROS | SHOUT OS m DEN] AMIN s.csece.cinetesssecnccessseeissasoetbsaussocd a: TN6
; Canton Memorial Hall............ ..c00. severe orccensesceeees * Gol Hodges, Meonard:2...<cc.-+--0---+e+ee)s Sbeeaseciacsssseaceeces s 418
; Capen, Nahum .........cceceseenceeceeseceec nesses see seeeee ces s J Gain GUS ek se Me Wallllescceceesacsastiscecssens sores taeaercssnccceese ee ss 705
Carpenter, J. B.......cc.ecce ceeeeecencen scenes tecenceseteenes ee MOSeye tod mess, William SA... Jesctccccs cose ve cceeventocen. conteccecsss cs 386
Chapman, 0. S.........c:.secccececeee cece eeceee seeeesceaees cee is 962" | olbrook:, (Am Os Hiss. .c..sj:<ssesesscsesescesreceseessslucocssest Be 158
bm eH WAM OSs. nc. .0cecs cc 0cce cacdacescerensesioseersianncense & TOUMUE EL OLDTOO Keb Ns soracsicccccccss/esiccae covcestecoesseereasseceee es 437
Churchill, C. C........0.c0scescscceoes coccecece coscccese betweensl0S 109) is Hollies worth, BAe. cre ....ccecersesesrvsieccsassese oscars G2 132
@lapps UUCIUS2.c5,..c-c----aa2c.ccaoseras conus osseonseeiseeseree= PACING mea Co VOLES; Wathen. .s.ccs2selssscesnce)cwsrtowstecsssencnlecnas> 473
Clark, Joseph W........0 cscs scsecosce sevees seeceeee pepoeae “ 102. Hunnewell, H. H., Residence and Views of Grounds.. 478-480
Cleveland, Ura... .....20.ccces cesses ccvercces occcseee=csccosess £ NOM EELON ey eA PP lelONe.acccecscaceseiesnsewinescsnitecesicladecsesaacese facing 612
Wilbur OVW ald Oreccecescsescescessleacsacieeranasacncesarlaences= os Dar SAIN SOW, PAL VAN nes -oswinse cs riec-reclcacccins esosecae sccanicecees fe 99
Wag kw OracenUincsececisaseccoccnenesnisnencsenssssines sph ot agNOee aa Gia) elitiverence; A A”, IueSId ence: (Of.csscensiccnceseaeaan tomes 859
WOOK Na THAN TA cacacescccccssiusss cs sesveiscescielensasnjsnes ens sé 5 Spe rincolyers aives Dc: ossieceses awecessestveesseeereceses between 670, 671
CHL TiO sass econconsoconccocad Saeooduco EA ane oo Oca ss ADE | Miliny ons Bis TAV.ks co setecanbsiavis svianisecesssicessesiesecigeeesecce(oaeses facing 539
Wurtiss Daniel Des. cc ccscoccieccecoccsearoes asanesiaveess cers o AD De anti G COLPOME ecessccccscesnoucineeccectalecs sasjenceecieccee= id 470
Davis, RiODELE S...s.2.<ocscassococcec tenes ccese veces cose csse sf SoD eManstields Williatier-.cuetscs\orecsce tcc ecestinwctecescseecace s 963
Weare TAnGis \W escreiccsestiocecorscclssace) caaccslsvesssica sone « Oita |) McDonnell) Patrick:cccv..2<.ccccssevessesocnescsecessecoecss oe 384
Wrziera Vien Ceceernsccarenccacc cscaceiscises's cvencciscieshe/ccanem seo DD GUE Monks Bilish’ah Ce occsccccen nse ccontoeccjacesectceoereswsveseiter se 422
xil ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE PAGE
OY Koy wl tio) + a. Ce Agnocage Sieecadehcnsabceats ccna casera scdacing U34! | (Stone, Hbenezer....s.s.cececccraeccsconssesassccsesccosociscosest ACN DME
Morrison, A. S......0+00 Kiar te eenenry cRateeee e e » © 185: |" Stone, Wliphalet..cess,-<r-++4: vecuena edtensirics MOSSE . ane
Wronnisoniep Deeiicsceaciactesaseaccecesesaceatsasesarieesohtwescs sé 136) |; Stuart; Williamivd).2.t.ce.c..ccascececossescnesscnctveessvacercoiminas 917
OTE OM ENNAN WAterccaceusccieresticese\secssceaar« teccracs fidag UE 965 | Taft, Ezra W....... Co Ancnoc soSanoNNANA aatagsceseoennctsnenonten bd 106
Morse, Otis.........- Seperncanesiernacvieceacseomcsecess moeaneseaes “ HIGH MalbotssWiarrenivesss ecareessassaccets peecoccor seoveeee, Detween 472, 473
INO V.GE pOATIUOL Descaccercnscrancescecionacascas codoreacdbeea00c 6 20/a| eittrauven. uD a yada mest eee seen eee Roccrssteamiee . facing 137
Orr Galen cccccraccsesccvesccrecclurcecrncccecucesscivnsence senses ce 538 | Tinker, Francis........ Sescgessensne a dassceaiceeceaieabees between 514, 515
Parsons, THOMAS. ........0..scccceeees Sacond aes S81) Mince sim Os secemmesseeeenienseee ese nogenocd Seeaosast * 612768
Paul, Hbenezer..........0....00 Dae ceecenanye aaeeee eee wes ott LOOM einrell Wino teeeeanstremesciacasesteess coleeeeensasoneteaces ) 1612563,
POINCe ELODTY:ccacsscnnsaccscacee= Saas cstecissaessiencecslececnas ciao 880. || "Norrey,, Jamesyesecntctsacccrie nerd eteenteee ..facing 620
Pierce, Edward L......... Peecediacsemesereredsuacsscisnseacese a6 Gt |) Wises; s Man LIN easn-cecsciessnescers=ndeecnssesnatedasenes ie co 414
rence melennyslusscrccs. corecesskcccsccssvasesesiestes re (Co A110 Wiles) Naitihanie] sesaeeeeaeer ese eee sent eeeeee Reece le
AT ONGOseOlOSSOscececiacccaracs[cesseclacecceonclsnessincaaate sauseees ce 408"|' "Ware; JOsiah;.c.c.scciseessnececeseeteccerecenesccenecenmenees ae 976
BOTUEK RODEN asacssesucccesvisccccciccsccscssircccceacclsowscsces ob 425) | Wiatner SAMUCl..coccccsteassescsenneceeroscer deesecsvnccscsae mines 20
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Ne OE hy Cor Oa:
BY NAHUM
THAT divisions and subdivisions of extended terri-
tory, of increasing population and the multiplying
wants of society are necessary for safe and economic ©
efficiency, are truths almost too obvious to require |
elucidation. In these are to be found the outlines of
Their importance was fully exemplified in the reign
of Alfred the Great of England’. The Puritans and
the Pilgrims had no choice but to adopt such a system
that they might hold their possessions as they ac-
quired them by purchase or otherwise, and preserve
their authority as they had means to establish it with
an increasing population.
was recognized as a part of their community without
The terms first adopted were
modified from time to time, according to their grow-
ing importance. Under the monarchy of Great
No individual nor family
a registered permit.
_ Britain the American continent was divided into
provinces, or colonies, and these were subdivided into
towns and counties.
Before Massachusetts was nominally divided into
CAPEN, LL.D.
| things for the General Court amongst the three Regi-
ments, is to be carried by the deputies to the freemen
}
|
of every towne, and their answer returned to the
next session of this Court.” Winthrop’s Journal of
May 16, 1639, says, “two Regiments in the Bay
republican strength necessary to a permanent union. |
mustered at Boston.” Evidently the phrase “in the
bay” “then excluded soldiers who belonged to what
was afterwards called Essex County. Hence regi-
ment at these dates denoted an equal number of gen-
_ eral and territorial divisions in the colony.” ”
The following statistics of Norfolk County repre-
sent the towns as they stood from 1793 to 1868,
when Hyde Park was taken from Dorchester, Ded-
counties, in 1643, it appears to have had such divis-
ions, designated by the term regiments. Under the
date of Oct. 7, 1641, in General Court records is the
uties for a yeare, and transacting and preparing all |
ham, and Milton, and incorporated April 22, 1868.
Norfolk was taken from Wrentham, Franklin, Med-
way, and Walpole, and incorporated Feb. 23, 1870.
Norwood was taken from Dedham and Walpole, and
incorporated Feb. 23, 1872. Holbrook was taken
from Randolph, and incorporated Feb. 29, 1872.
Wellesley was taken from Needham, and incorporated
April 6, 1881.
Norfolk County was taken from Suffolk County,
March 26, 1793. It was bounded northeast by Bos-
_ton harbor, north by Suffolk County, west by south-
following passage : ‘The proposition of choosing dep- |
east part of Worcester County, south by the northeast
part of Rhode Island, and southeast and east by the
counties of Bristol and Plymouth.’
1 After Alfred had subdued and had settled or expelled the |
Danes, he found the kingdom in the most wretched condition;
desolated by the ravages of those barbarians and thrown into
disorders which were calculated to perpetuate its misery.
“These were the evils for which it was necessary that the
vigilance and activity of Alfred should provide a remedy.
“That he might render the execution of justice strict and
regular, he divided all England into counties; these counties he
subdivided into hundreds, and the hundreds into tithings.
Every householder was answerable for the behaviour of his
family and slaves, and even of his guests if they lived above
three days in his house. Ten neighboring householders were
formed into one corporation, who, under the name of a tithing,
Number of square miles, 4495.
Population: 1790, 23,878; 1800, 27,216; 1810,
31,245 ; 1820, 36,471 ; 1830, 41,901 ; 1840, 53,140 ;
1850, 78,892 ; 1860, 109,950 ; 1870, 51,286 ; 1880,
| 70,9224
County town, Dedham. Number of towns, 27,
less Dorchester and Roxbury, annexed to Boston,
viz.: Bellingham, Braintree, Brookline, Canton, Co-
hasset, Dedham, Dorchester, Dover, Foxborough,
| Franklin, Holbrook, Hyde Park, Medfield, Medway,
decennary, or fribourg, were answerable for each other’s con- |
duct, and over whom one person, called a tithing-man, head-
bourg, or borsholder, was appointed to preside.
was punished as an outlaw who did not register himself in some
tithing. And no man could change his habitation without a
warrant or certificate from the horsholder of the tithing to
which he formerly belonged.” —Hume, vol. i. pp. 70, 71.
i
Every man
Milton, Needham, Norfolk, Norwood, Quincy, Ran-
dolph, Roxbury, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, Wel-#
lesley, Weymouth, Wrentham.
2 Mass. State Records, vol. i. p. 26. Edited by Nahum Capen.
3 Mass. State Record, 1847, vol. i. p. 26.
4 These figures will be varied by the annexation of Rox-
bury, West Roxbury, and Dorchester to Boston.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Bellingham was set off from Dedham and incorpo-
rated as a town in 1719. It lies eighteen miles
southwest from Dedham, seventeen north by west
from Providence, R. I., and twenty-eight southwest
from Boston.
Braintree formerly included Quincy and Randolph,
and was at first called Mount Wollaston, the first
settlement of which was in 1625. Braintree was
incorporated in 1640. It lies ten miles south by
east from Boston, and twelve east by south from
Dorchester.
Brookline, before its incorporation in 1705, be-
longed to Boston. It is four miles southwest from
Boston, and five miles north-northeast from Ded-
ham.
Canton was originally the south precinct of Dor-
- chester, the first parish of Stoughton, called Dorches-
ter Village. It was incorporated in 1797. It is
fourteen miles south by west from Boston, and six
miles southeast from Dedham.
Cohasset was originally a part of Hingham. It
was incorporated in 1770.
The settlement of Dedham commenced in 1635.
Dedham is the shire-town of the county, and lies ten
miles southwest from Boston, thirty-five east from
Worcester, thirty-five northwest from Plymouth,
twenty-six north by west from Taunton, and thirty
north-northeast from Providence."
Dorchester was incorporated in 1630, annexed to
Boston at different periods, and now makes a part of
Suffolk County.
Dover was originally a part of Dedham. It was
incorporated as a precinct in 1748, and as a town in
1784.
teen southwest from Boston.
It is five miles west from Dedham, and four-
Foxborough was settled previous to 1700, and
was formerly a part of Wrentham, Walpole, and
Stoughton.
Franklin was set off from Wrentham in 1737 as
a distinct parish, and incorporated as a town, and
named in honor of Dr. Franklin, in 1778.’
1 See History of Dedham, by Erastus Worthington, Esq.
2“The name was selected in honor of Benjamin Franklin,
LL.D.
Boston wrote to him that a town in the vicinity of Boston had
While Dr. Franklin was in France, a friend of his in
chosen his name, by which to be known in the world, and he
presumed, as it had no bell with which to summon the people
to meeting on the Sabbath, a present of such an instrument
from him would be very acceptable, especially as they were |
about erecting a new meeting-house. The doctor wrote, in re-
ply, that he presumed the people in Franklin were more fond
of sense than of sound ; and accordingly presented them with |
a handsome donation of books for the use of the parish.”—
Smalley’s Centennial Sermon.
Centre Village, twenty-seven miles southwest from
Boston, and seventeen southwest from Dedham.
Medfield was originally a part of Dedham. It
was incorporated in 1650. It lies eight miles south-
west from Dedham, and seventeen southwest from
Boston.
Medway was originally a part of Medfield. It
was incorporated in 1713. It lies twenty-four miles
southwest from Boston, and fourteen southwest from
Dedham.
The Indian name of Milton was said to have been
Uncataquisset. The town of Dorchester in 1662
voted that Unquety should be a township, and it was
incorporated in 1662. It lies seven miles from
Boston, and six east from Dedham.
Needham was originally a part of Dedham. It
was incorporated in 1711. It lies five miles north-
west from Dedham, and by Worcester Railroad
thirteen miles southwest from Boston.
Quincy was originally the first parish in Braintree.
It was first settled in 1625. It lies eight miles south
by east from Boston, and ten east from Dedham.
Randolph was originally a part of Braintree. It
was incorporated in 1793. It was named in honor
of Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, the first president
of the American Congress. It lies fourteen miles
south from Boston, and twelve southeast from Dedham. :
Roxbury was incorporated in 1630. Roxbury and
West Roxbury now make a part of Boston and Suf-
folk County.
Sharon was originally the second parish of Stough-
It was incorporated in 1765. It was first
named Stoughtonham, but it was soon changed to
Sharon.
from Boston, and nine south from Dedham.
Stoughton was originally a part of Dorchester,
ton.
It is seventeen miles by railroad southwest
and embraced within its limits the towns of Canton,
Sharon, and Foxborough.
1726. It lies eighteen miles south from Boston, and
ten southeast from Dedham.
It was incorporated in
Walpole was originally a part of Dedham. It was
incorporated in 1724. South Village is three miles
from the Kast Village, and the East is nine miles
south by west from Dedham, and nineteen southwest
from Boston.
Weymouth, the Wessagussett of the Indians, is
the
Plymouth.
oldest settlement in Massachusetts except
It lies eleven miles south by east from
Boston, and fourteen southeast from Dedham.
It
was set off in 1661, and incorporated as a town in
Wrentham was originally a part of Dedham.
1673. It lies twenty-seven miles south-southwest from
Boston, and seventeen south-southwest from Dedham.
INTRODUCTION.
It is a beneficent provision of Providence that
society is divided and subdivided into circles, whether
of a political, industrial, moral, domestic, social, or
religious nature. Each circle has its centre, from
which emanate its own peculiar influences, and which
are reflected back from its circumference. This is
true of the county, although the political organiza-
tion of a county affords but few opportunities to its
inhabitants to distinguish themselves either officially
or as citizens.
extent, and character. And yet, if we turn to his-
tory, we find numerous examples of remarkable
events within the smaller circles leading to great re-
sults in the larger. This truth was fully exempli-
fied in the action of committees, town-meetings, and
can Revolution. Such action was natural, easy, con-
venient, and practicable, party-men acting together
in the same neighborhood, town, or county. Some
of the most important measures of the Revolution |
originated in the committee, the town-meeting, or in |
the county convention.” Several of the counties of
Massachusetts held conventions, and some of the
most spirited and patriotic resolutions were passed.
The Provincial Congress was recommended by these
county conventions and the Continental Congress |
‘ boldly sustained.
At this critical and alarming period no county
distinguished itself for intelligence and patriotism
more than the inhabitants of Norfolk County.
“Ata meeting of the Delegates of every Town and District |
of the County of Suffolk [which embraced the towns now Nor- |
folk County], on Tuesday, the 6th of September, 1774, at the |
house of Mr. Richard Woodward, of Dedham; and by ad-
journment at the house of Mr. Vose, of Milton, on Friday,
the 9th of September.
“Joseph Palmer, Esquire, being chosen Moderator, and Wil-
liam Thompson, Esq., Clerk.
“A Committee was chosen to bring in a Report to the Con-
1 The Puritans did not allow the people to plead distance as
an excuse for non-attendance at church. The following item |
is taken from the town records of Ipswich, Mass.: “1661. As
Still, it is alive to its own interests, |
| line; Doctor Samuel Gardner, Milton;
county conventions in the earlier days of the Ameri- |
3
vention; and the following being several times read, and put,
paragraph by paragraph, was unanimously voted.’ 3
The committee reported nineteen resolutions, re-
citing the grievances of the colonies and recommend-
ing uncompromising action, and boldly appealed to
the people to defend their constitutional rights.‘
“At a Meeting of Delegates from several Towns and Dis-
tricts in the county of Suffolk, held at Milton, on Friday, the
9th of September, 1774.
* Voted, that Dr. Joseph Warren and Dr. Benjamin Church,
of Boston; Deacon Joseph Palmer, Germantown ; Captain Lem-
uel Robinson, Dorchester ; Colonel Ebenezer Thayer, Braintree ;
Captain William Heath, Roxbury; William Holden, Esq.,
Dorchester; Colonel William Taylor, Milton; Captain John
Homans, Dorchester; Isaac Gardner, Esq., Brookline; Mr.
Richard Woodward, Dedham; Captain Benjamin White, Brook-
Nathaniel Sumner,
Esq., Dedham; and Captain Thomas Aspinwall, Brookline, be
a Committee to wait upon his Excellency, the Governor, to
inform him that the people of this county are alarmed at the
fortifications making on Boston Neck, and to remonstrate
against the same; and the repeated insults offered by the sol-
diery to persons passing and repassing into that town, and to
confer with him upon these subjects.
“Attest, WILLIAM THoMmpsON, Clerk.”’
The committee prepared a communication to Gov-
ernor Gage, and he replied to it, but his reply was
deemed unsatisfactory, and it was voted to insert the
correspondence in the public papers.°
In August, 1774, the grand jurors of this county
and the petit jurors unanimously refused to be sworn
because of the late tyrannical acts of the British
Parliament, and publicly gave their reasons. Of the
twenty-two in number, six were from Boston, and
sixteen were from the towns, now Norfolk County,
VIZ. :
Ebenezer Hancock, Boston ; Samuel Hobart, Hing-
_ ham ; Peter Boyer, Boston ; Joseph Pool, Weymouth ;
Joseph Hall, Boston; William Bullard, Dedham ;
Thomas Craft, Jr., Boston ; Jonathan Day, Needham ;
James Ivers, Boston; Abijah Upham, Stoughton;
Paul Revere, Boston; Moses Richardson, Medway ;
Robert Williams, Roxbury; Henry Plympton, Med-
an inhabitant of Ipswich, living at a distance, absented him- |
self with his wife from public worship, the General Court em-
ower the ‘Seven men’ (the town authorities) to sell his farm, |
Pp ,
so that they may live nearer the sanctuary, and be able more
conveniently to attend on its religious services.”
2 In his letter to the Abbé De Mably, John Adams says,—
“The consequences of these institutions have been, that the
inhabitants having acquired from their infancy the habit of
discussing, of deliberating, and of judging of public affairs,
it was in these assemblies of towns or districts that the senti- |
ments of the people were formed in the first place, and there |
resolutions were taken from the beginning to the end of the
disputes and the war with Great Britain.””—John Adams, vol.
v. p. 495.
field; William Thompson, Brookline; Lemuel Hal-
lock, Wrentham; Abraham Wheeler, Dorchester ;
Joseph Willet, Walpole; Joseph Jones, Milton;
Thomas Pratt, Chelsea; Nathaniel Belcher, Brain-
tree; Nicholas Book, Bellingham.
The names of the petit jurors are given, but not
the towns from which they came.®
The county is an important part of the common-
3 American Archives, vol. i. p. 776.
£ These resolutions are too long to be copied. They may be
found in American Archives, vol. i. p. 776.
5 See American Archives, vol. i. pp. 779-782.
6 See ibid., pp. 747-49.
4
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
wealth, and the ambition of its officials is to make
reports of the people not only favorable to themselves,
but creditable by comparison with other counties. It
has a natural ambition and a commendable pride in
its courts and institutions to see that justice is promptly
administered, the criminal secured, the wicked re-
formed, the weak defended against the strong, the
widow wisely advised, the orphan protected.
authority adjusts the highways from town to town,
builds the bridges, and decides upon the convenience
and interests of the people who have occasion to
travel within its boundaries. ‘The farmers and the
learned professions associate within county limits to
perfect themselves, each class in its own way, by
making common stock of individual experience, and
by discussing doubtful questions. The fruits of such
associations in due time are extended to the com-
monwealth and to the nation, either by the press or
conventions.
Norfolk County can boast of one organization,
such as cannot be found in New England, viz., “ The
Stoughton Musical Society.” It was organized by
leading men of Norfolk County, Nov. 7, 1786, and it
is said to be, of the kind, the oldest in the United
States.
It adopted a constitution of nine articles, denomi-
nated ‘ Regulations.”
The following extracts “indicate the moral and
artistic character of the association :”
“Bvery member shall behave with Decency, Politeness, and
Dignity; and whosoever behaves disorderly shall be punished
according to the nature of his offence, as the society shall
order.
“There shall be a Committee chosen, who shall examine all
persons who shall wish to join the Society, and no one shall be
admitted without their approbation.”
To these regulations the following names were
subscribed :
Elijah Dunbar, Esq., Enoch Leonard, Capt. Samuel |
Talbot, Samuel Capen (2d), Nathan Crane, Thomas
Crane, Elijah Crane, James Capen, Joseph Smith (4th),
Uriah Leonard, Samuel Dunbar, Jonathan Capen, |
Andrew Capen, Isaac Horton, Thomas Capen, Sam-
uel Tolman (deacon), Joseph Richards, Jr., George
Wadsworth, David Wadsworth, John D. Dunbar,
Peter Crane, Lemuel Fisher, Jonathan Billings, Jesse
Billings, Atherton Wales.
22,
At a meeting, Nov. 1786, the following were
chosen officers of the society :
Capen, register (or secretary); Capt. Samuel Talbot,
Its |
| first publication in 1829, “The Stoughton Collec-
Committee of Examination: Elijah Dunbar, Esq.,
Capt. Samuel Talbot, Lieut. Samuel Capen, Capt.
Joseph Richards, Jr., Andrew Capen, Jonathan
Capen, Enoch Leonard.
At this meeting it was voted to purchase the
“ Worcester Collection,’ a book which had been
recently published by Isaiah Thomas,—the first type
music published in America. The society issued its
tion,” from the press of Marsh & Capen, Boston,
which passed through several editions, and was the
text-book for practice by the society for many years."
The second publication of the society was “The
Centennial Collection,’ published by Oliver Ditson
in 1878.
Esquire Dunbar, as he was universally called by
way of honorable distinction, remained president of
the society until 1808, and was succeeded by Capt.
Talbot, who held the office until 1818.
In 1787 a new constitution was adopted. In the
preamble the value of the cultivation of vocal music
by man, “who is of that elevated rank of beings
capable of sounding forth the praise of God,” was
asserted, declaring it a recognized duty “to study to
promote that harmony which is pleasing to our Maker,
and so delightful to ourselves.”
In 1801 another constitution was adopted, in
which the members pledged themselves anew to the
duty of the study and practice of vocal music as a
“Divine institution, promotive of friendship and
sociability.”
The constitution was again revised in 1872. Since
1825 the annual meeting has been held the 25th
December, Christmas afternoon and evening; dinner
at five o’clock, and a grand concert in the evening
with a selected programme from ancient and modern
authors.
The society now numbers about five hundred mem-
bers, resident chiefly in Stoughton, Canton, Sharon,
Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, Abington,
Brockton, Easton, and Quincy. The attendance of
members at these annual meetings is often above
three hundred, ‘joyously uniting their voices,” to
quote the language of President Battles, “in the
swelling strains of the precise tunes, words, and
notes which were sung by their predecessors nearly
a hundred years ago.”
The present government of the society (1884) is
as follows:
Elijah Dunbar, Esq., president; Lieut. Samuel |
vice-president ; Joseph Smith (4th), first treasurer ;
Andrew Capen, second treasurer.
Winslow Battles (Randolph), president; T. H.
1Tts preface and introduction were prepared by Nahum
Capen.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
5
Dearing, M.D. (Braintree), Hon. David W. Tucker |
(Milton), Elijah G. Capen (Stoughton), George N.
Spear (Holbrook), Charles F. Porter (Brockton),
vice-presidents; Daniel H. Huxford (Randolph),
secretary; Alfred W. Witcomb (Randolph), treas-
urer; Prof. Hiram Wilde (Boston), conductor ;
George N. Spear (Holbrook), vice-conductor ;
Lucius H. Packard (Stoughton), George R. Whitney —
(Brockton), George N. Spear (Holbrook), executive
committee; Herman L. West (Holbrook), pianist.
Not to notice such a society in this introduction
would be an unpardonable omission. Some of its
leading members, from its organization to the present
time, are numbered as among the most distinguished
citizens of Norfolk County.
As natives or residents of this county may be men-
tioned the illustrious names of John Hancock, John
and in the honorable success of its citizens, however
and wherever engaged. This is natural. Beginning
with the family, what mother could find children
superior to her own, a medical adviser more skillful
than her physician, or a religious teacher more attrac-
tive and eloquent than the minister of her own parish ?
Enter what circle we please, all is centred in what
we have, in what we think, and in what we do, and
in the place where we live.
This is as it should be.
of things.
It is in the constitution
If we do not care for our own, or our
surroundings, who could be found to care for us?
But, in boasting of what is personal, selfish, or local,
let us not narrow the habits of the mind. Let us
_ not forget that we are capable of expanding our sense
Adams, John Quincy Adams, Charles Francis Adams, |
Gen. Joseph Warren, James Bowdoin, William Eus-
tis, Edmund Quincy, Josiah Quincy, Capt. Roger
Clapp, John Capen (the first in the colony to contri-
bute money to public schools), Roger Sherman,’ Rey. |
Dr. Emmons, Fisher Ames, Horace Mann, Erastus
Worthington, Marshall P. Wilder, Dr. Jonathan
Wales, Rev. T. M. Harris, Samuel D. Bradford, Ed- |
ward Everett, A. H. Everett, John Everett, Edward —
H. Robbins, Daniel Fisher, John Wells, ete.
write the names as they occur to us and without order
as to date, but to include all would too much extend
the list for this place.
To all the sources of gratification which are to be
found in society, it may be added that the people
of a county, whether by birth, residence, or associ-
ation, become attached to one another, and have a
common pride in all that is done within its limits,
1 Roger Sherman lived in Canton before he removed to Con-
necticut.
We.
of duty, our affections and generous considerations,
from the smaller to the larger circles, from the town
to the county, from the county to the commonwealth,
and from the commonwealth to the great republic,
the American Union.” To this broad and commend-
able pride is to be attributed the production of the
following pages, giving to the world a just estimate
of the character and distinction of some of the men
who have lived to honor Norfolk County.
2In speaking of the American Continent, in 1776, in his
article published nnder the title of ‘“ Common Sense,” Paine
says,—
“?Tis not the affair of a city, a county, a province, or a king-
dom, but of a continent,—of at least one-eighth part of the
habitable globe.”
“Tn this extensive quarter of the globe we forget the narrow
limits of three hundred and sixty miles (the extent of Eng-
land) and carry our friendship on a larger scale; we claim
brotherhood with every European Christian, and triumph in
the generosity of the sentiment.
“Tt is pleasant to observe by what regular gradations we sur-
mount local prejudices as we enlarge our acquaintance with
the world.”—Common Sense, pp. 33, 35.
CHAPTER, f.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
BY ERASTUS WORTHINGTON,
THE county of Norfolk was incorporated by an
act of the General Court which passed March 26,
1793, and took effect June 20, 1793. All the terri-
tory of the county of Suffolk, not comprehended
within the towns of Boston and Chelsea, was then
erected into an entire and distinct county, with Ded-
ham as its shire-town. The towns of Hingham and
Hull were excepted by another act passed at the
same session, and a few years after, those towns were
' annexed to Plymouth County. The territory of the
new county extended from the line between Boston
and Roxbury, southwesterly to the Rhode Island line,
and from Middlesex on the north, to the Old Colony
line, excepting Hingham on the south. It was com-
posed chiefly of towns with farming communities,
having but few compact villages, except in the lower
parts of Dorchester and Roxbury, which were imme-
diately contiguous to the large town of Boston. The
formation of a new county had been the subject of
petitions to the General Court from the towns for
6 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
J
several years, based upon the obvious grounds of con-
venience to the people in transacting the public busi-
ness. Dedham was selected as the shire-town on
account of its central position, and perhaps because it
was the parent town, which once included all the
northerly and westerly towns of the county. Med-
field had been proposed, with the idea of uniting sev- |
eral towns of Middlesex. At this time Dedham had
i population of about two thousand people, mostly
farmers, with a small central village.
As there was no court-house, the records of the
Supreme Judicial Court from 1794 to 1796 contin-
ued to be kept in Boston, and the records for 1797
and 1798 are imperfect. The first term of the Court
of Common Pleas, then a county court, was held in
the meeting-house in Dedham, Sept. 24, 1793, and
the first case was committed to a jury at the April
term, 1794. At the same term the number of actions
entered was one hundred and sixty-six. The first
term of the Supreme Judicial Court was held in
August, 1794. A court-house and jail were ordered
to be built in 1794, but they were not finished until
1795. Both structures were of wood and have long
since disappeared.
Fisher Ames, in a letter to Thomas Dwight, dated
Sept. 11, 1794, writing of Dedham, says, ‘“ Our
city is soon to be adorned with a jail and court-
house, provided a committee of the Sessions can be
persuaded to hasten their snail’s gallop. I think
I have mentioned in a former letter, that the Honor-
able Supreme Court was to sit here in August. They
did sit, and in tolerable good humor. ‘Two days and
a piece finished the business. ‘The jurors could not
but feel relief from the former burden of attending
fifteen, sometimes thirty days in Boston.” he allu-
sion to the humor of the judges is made more em-
phatic in a letter written several years later, where
he speaks of Judge Ursa Major, R. T. Paine, and
of whom, after an uncomfortable scene in court, Mr.
Ames once said, with reference to his deafness, that |
‘““no man could get on there unless he came with a club
in one hand and a speaking-trumpet in the other.”
At the beginning of the separate existence of Nor-
folk County, the number of lawyers practising in the
towns must have been very few. There were not a |
dozen lawyers in the town of Boston. Fisher Ames
and Samuel Haven of Dedham, Horatio Townsend
of Medfield, Thomas Williams of Roxbury, Edward |
Hutchinson Robbins of Dorchester Lower Mills,
Asaph Churchill of Milton, were the only attorneys |
practising in the courts at this period. Members of |
the bar in Suffolk, Middlesex, Worcester, and Bristol |
then and for some years afterwards were in the habit |
of attending the courts of Norfolk County, and of
course had a considerable share of the practice. The
profession was then regarded with much jealousy
and suspicion, which found expression in the records
of the towns of that period. Among the instructions
given to the representative from Dedham in 1786
occurs the following:
“Tue Orper or LAwyers.—We are not inattentive to the
almost universally prevailing complaints against the practice
of the order of lawyers, and many of us too sensibly feel the
effects of their unreasonable and extravagant exactions; we
think their practices pernicious and their mode unconstitu-
tional. You will therefore endeavor that such regulations be
introduced into our courts of law that such restraints be laid on
the order of lawyers as that we may have recourse to the
laws and find our security and not our ruin in them. If, upon
a fair discussion and mature deliberation, such a measure
should appear impracticable, you are to endeavor that the order
of lawyers be totally abolished, an alternative preferable to
their continuing in their present mode.”
Among the reasons urged for the division of the
county was the belief that if the court was held in a
country town “the wheels of law and justice would
move on without the clogs and embarrassments of a
numerous train of lawyers. The scenes of gayety
and amusement which are now prevalent at Boston
we expect would so allure them as that we should be
rid of their perplexing officiousness.” With such a
distrust existing in the country towns, the number of
lawyers was no doubt kept conveniently small.
The first meeting of the members of the bar for
the county of Norfolk was held at the office of Sam-
uel Haven, in Dedham, Sept. 28, 1797.
present at this meeting Fisher Ames, who presided,
There were
Samuel Haven, who acted as secretary, Thomas Wil-
liams, Horatio Townsend, and Asaph Churchill of
the county, and Seth Hastings from Worcester,
Laban Wheaton from Bristol, and Artemas Ward
from Middlesex. The only business done at this
meeting was to establish a schedule of prices for
writs. No other meeting was held until 1802, when
the additional names appear of William P. Whiting,
Henry M. Lisle, Jairus Ware, John 8. Williams,
James Richardson, and Gideon L. Thayer of Nor-
_ folk County, with others from Bristol and Plymouth.
It would seem from the attendance at this meeting,
that the number of lawyers was rapidly increasing.
In 1803, the bar adopted an elaborate code of regu-
lations relating to the practice of law in the courts.
From this time forward, excepting intervals of a few
years, the bar of Norfolk County held its stated
annual meetings down to 1853. These meetings
were held generally for passing upon the qualifications
of candidates for admission as attorneys to the different
courts and of counsellors to the Supreme Judicial
THE BENCH AND BAR.
a
Court, the law then requiring separate admissions as
attorneys and counsellors to the respective courts.
The recommendation of the bar was then a pre- |
requisite for admission. In a few instances they ad-
ministered discipline upon members who had brought
disgrace upon the body by their intemperance or evil
practices. There were also many resolutions passed
at these meetings to provide against the infringement
of the rights of one of the brethren by another in
encroaching upon his field of practice.
A very curious and suggestive record, illustrative
of their scrupulous care upon this matter, was en-
tered at the meeting held September, 1805, which
shows in a striking manner how this practice of hav-
ing offices in two places was then viewed.
“Voted, unanimously, that the bar discountenance and will
by no means sanction any gentleman of the profession having
more than one office at any time in the same or different towns;
and understanding that Perez Morton, Esq., now has an office
in Boston, and another in Dedham, further voted that the sec-
retary of the bar furnish Mr. Morton witha copy of this vote,
thereby requesting him to immediately relinquish and discon-
tinue, both directly or indirectly, either one or the other of said
offices, The secretary is desired, if the above request to Mr.
Morton is not complied with, to make a communication on the
subject to the Suffolk bar.”
There is a tradition in the county, that one of the
justices of the County Court of Common Pleas once
overruled a motion made by a Suffolk lawyer on the
ground that he was an interloper. The records of bar
meetings show, that a careful scrutiny was made not
ouly into the qualifications and time spent in the |
study of law of the candidates, but also into the
|
personal and professional conduct of each member of |
the bar in his profession and practice.
At this time there was but one court of general
common law jurisdiction in the commonwealth, which
was the Supreme Judicial Court, established July 3,
1782.
Court of Common Pleas, also established July 3,
1782, whose powers and jurisdiction and number of
There was also a county court called the
justices were afterwards changed by several acts of |
the General Court.
fined to cases where the ad damnum was over £4.
By statute 1798, chapter 24, the court was made to
consist of a chief justice and three other justices. In
1803 the powers and duties of the Court of General
Sessions and of the Peace were transferred to the Court
of Common Pleas, except as to jails and county build-
Its original jurisdiction was con- |
ings, accounts of county, county taxes, licenses, and |
highways. In 1811 the commonwealth was divided
into six circuits, and Circuit Courts were established, |
to consist of a chief justice and two associate justices. |
“son, one of the first members of the bar, admitted
This court was known as the Circuit Court of Com-
mon Pleas, and it continued until 1820, when the
Court of Common Pleas for the commonwealth was
established, and which existed until 1859, when the
Superior Court was created.
There was also another county court called the
Court of Sessions of the Peace, which was established
in 1782. This court consisted of the justices of the
county, and determined all matters relative to the
preservation of the peace and punishment of offences
cognizable by them. In 1803 the powers and duties
of this court were transferred to the County Court
of Common Pleas, except those relating
county buildings, allowing and settling county ac-
to jails and
counts, estimating, apportioning, and issuing warrants
for county taxes, granting licenses, and highways. In
1807, this court was made to consist of one chief
justice and four associate justices in this county. By
another act of the same year, the name of this court
was changed to the Court of Sessions, and in 1809
this court was abolished, and its powers and duties
transferred to the Court of Common Pleas. In 1811
| the Court of Sessions was restored, and again in
1813 it was abolished, and its powers and duties
transferred to the Circuit Court of Common Pleas.
This last act was repealed in 1818, and the Court of
Sessions again established. After some further legis-
lation in 1819 and 1821, finally in 1827 the Court
of Sessions was abolished, and the Court of County
Commissioners established.
These changes effected in the courts are remark-
able and perplexing, and can only be understood with
the explanation that they were made as one political
party or another had the control of the Legislature.
In 1807, Dr. Nathaniel Ames, the clerk, records that
after passing sundry accounts, ‘an eternal adjourn-
ment of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace
is made according to law.” But the Court of Sessions
was afterwards twice restored and twice abolished.
The Probate Court has remained unchanged since
1784, except that in 1858 it was consolidated with
the Court of Insolvency.
Fisher Ames died July 4, 1808. Although he
spent the last fifteen years of his life upon his estate
in Dedham, and had a law-office near the court-house,
yet the state of his health was such during much of
the time as to prevent his engaging in constant prac-
tice, but he tried many causes before the jury, and was
retained in some important causes in other counties.
His fame as a statesman, orator, and political writer
completely overshadowed his reputation as a lawyer.
His name does not appear upon the bar records after
1804. He had for his law partner James Richard-
8
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
after the formation of the county. He studied law _
with Mr. Ames, and was admitted as an attorney of
the Supreme Court in 1803. He always lived in
Dedham, where he practised his profession until the
infirmities of age withdrew him from active life. He
at one period engaged in manufacturing business,
which somewhat interfered with his practice. He
before the members of the Norfolk bar, at their re-
quest, on the “ antiquity and importance”’ of the legal
profession, its ‘‘duties,and responsibilities ; the evils
pher Webb, of Weymouth. All these had been ad-
mitted as attorneys to one of the courts prior to 1820.
Ashur Ware, afterwards judge of the United States
District Court in Maine, had an office in Milton,
where he lived from 1815 to 1824. At a later pe-
riod, John W. Ames and Jonathan H. Cobb began
practice at Dedham, Aaron Prescott at Randolph,
was a man of excellent attainments in law and let- |
ters, and on Feb. 25, 1837, he delivered an address |
to which its members are exposed,” and its ‘‘ conso- |
lations and rewards,’ which was printed.
president of the bar for many years, and died in
1858.
Probably no member of the Norfolk bar ever ex-
ercised a stronger influence in elevating its profes-
sional standard and in making it a body deserving of
respect and confidence, than Theron Metcalf.
came to Dedham in 1809, having had unusual ad-
vantages for the time, in pursuing his preparatory
justly celebrated for the eminence of its teachers.
period of thirty years. While nearly all his contem-
poraries in practice at Dedham embarked in manu-
facturing enterprises or adopted other callings, Mr.
Metealf steadily devoted himself to the study and
practice of his profession, although at this time it
was not very remunerative.
the bar association adopted a resolution expressing
their estimation of his learning, integrity, and profes-
sional character ; and while they regretted “ his loss
to their fraternity, they had reason to rejoice that he
had been called to exercise his pre-eminent talents
and distinguished learning in a sphere more extended
in usefulness, where the profession might be equally
benefited.”
Among the earlier members of the Norfolk bar
who were contemporaneous with Mr. Richardson and
Mr. Metcalf, may be mentioned Asaph Churchill, of
Milton; Thomas Boylston Adams, the third son of
President John Adams ;
Thomas Greenleaf, of Quincy; Daniel Adams, of
He was |
He |
_ present at the term of the Supreme Court.
studies at the law-school in Litchfield, Conn., then |
|
|
Warren Lovering at Medway, and Jonathan P.
Bishop at Medfield. In 1827, Horace Mann began
practice at Dedham, and in 1826 John J. Clarke
began practice in Roxbury. In 1834, Ira Cleveland
began practice in Dedham, occupying the office re-
cently vacated by Horace Mann. Ezra W. Sampson
had an office in Braintree for twelve years, until
1836. Ezra Wilkinson came to Dedham about
1835, and occupied the office with Mr. Metcalf, which
was formerly that of Fisher Ames, opposite the court-
house. —
The court-house, which forms the south wing of
the present building, was finished and occupied for
the first time in February, 1827, the full bench being
Chief
Justice Parker made some complimentary remarks
concerning the new building, and the bar gave a din-
He remained in practice at Dedham until 1839, a |
ner to the justices of the Supreme Court, reporter,
attorney-general, solicitor-general, and the architect,
Solomon Willard. The new court-house was a Gre-’
cian building, with porticoes at both ends, like that on
the south wing at present. It was considered a fine
structure for the time, and there were other court-
At the time of his ap- |
pointment as reporter of judicial decisions, in 1839, |
houses in the commonwealth, designed by the same
architect, which bore a resemblance to it in its
architecture. The extensive enlargements of the
court-house on the northerly end were completed in
1861.
The county in 1835, had been established upwards
of forty years, during which period it had grown in
wealth and population, and by the introduction of
manufactures had ceased in some degree to be an ex-
clusively agricultural county, as at its beginning.
Some of the original members of the bar had dropped
from the ranks, either into other callings or into re-
Gideon L. Thayer and>
|
Medfield ; William Dunbar, of Canton ; Jabez Chick- |
ering, Erastus Worthington, and John B. Derby, of
Dedham ; Williams, John
Samuel J. Gardner, and David A. Simmons, of Rox-
bury; Samuel P. Loud and Abel Cushing, of Dor-
chester; Josiah J. Fiske and Meletiah Everett, of
Wrentham ; John King, of Randolph; and Christo-
Thomas
S. Williams, |
tirement, or had removed or died. The trial of cases
in court was about to pass into the hands of another
generation of lawyers. In important causes in the
Supreme Court eminent counsel from other counties,
—among whom were Pliny Merrick of Worcester,
Rufus Choate and Franklin Dexter of Boston—were
sometimes retained, but it was not many years before
a large majority of the cases were tried by Mr. Wil-
kinson on one side, and Mr. Clarke on the other.
For more than twenty years they were the leaders of
the Norfolk bar. Mr. Wilkinson had acquired the
THE BENCH
AND BAR. 9
reputation of being an able, upright, and learned
lawyer, and thoroughly devoted to his profession.
Mr. Clarke also stood deservedly high in his profes-
sion, and was especially successful in the trial of cases
before the jury, and had a large practice. The in-
fluence of both these gentlemen upon the character
of the members of the bar during their professional
career was marked and exemplary. Mr. Wilkinson
retired upon his appointment as a justice of the Su-
preme Court in 1859, and Mr. Clarke a few years later
left practice in Norfolk County,—Roxbury having
been annexed to Boston in January, 1868. Besides
these leaders, there were other good triers of causes
at the bar. Among these were David A. Simmons,
Ellis Ames, Francis Hilliard, and Asaph Churchill,
the younger of that name. :
The successors to the leadership of the bar, after
the retirement of Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Clarke,
were William Gaston, of Roxbury, and Waldo Col-
burn, of Dedham. Mr. Gaston was not admitted to
practice in this county, but he studied law with Mr.
Clarke, and practised in this county for many years,
and considered himself a Norfolk lawyer. He was an
eloquent and successful advocate and had an excellent |
practice. He had removed to Boston prior to the
annexation of Roxbury. Mr. Colburn always prac-
tised in Dedham until he was appointed an associate
justice of the Superior Court in 1875. He attained
a high position in his profession as a wise counsellor,
an able trier of causes, and a lawyer in whose hands
the interests of his clients were always safe.
In the decade from 1865 to 1875 the course of
legislation and events had tended to diminish the
legal business of the county by transferring it to the
county of Suffolk.
allowed actions to be brought in the county where
either party had a place of business, had encouraged
the members of the bar in all the towns near Boston,
to open offices there, and therefore to bring many of |
their actions in Suffolk County.
were residents of this county, and gradually the choice
A statute passed in 1854, which |
There were many |
clients who had places of business in Boston, but who |
|
|
which this statute gave as to the place where actions |
might be brought, was made in favor of Suffolk County. |
Boston was becoming at this period what it has since
actually become, a place of legal exchange for the sur-
rounding country within a circuit of twenty miles. |
In addition to these incidental causes, for several
years the project of annexing the city of Roxbury to
Boston had been agitated, and petitions presented to
the Legislature until, by the act which took effect in |
January, 1868, the union of the two cities was effected. |
The loss of Roxbury was a serious one in many ways
|
to the county, and in nowise was the loss more
seriously felt than in the removal of some of its best
practitioners at the bar and the consequent withdrawal
of their business. Mr. Clarke, Mr. Gaston, and Mr.
John W. May, all having a good practice in Norfolk
County, in course of time ceased to practise here alto-
gether. In 1870 the old town of Dorchester, one of
the best towns in the county, and in 1874 West Rox-
bury were both annexed to Boston and taken from the
county. The inevitable results of the removal of such
a large proportion of the territory, valuation and busi-
ness of the county, were to materially diminish the
business of the courts, and to deprive the bar of many
of its best members.
The last recorded meeting of the bar but one, was
held Oct. 15, 1852, when resolutions were passed
with reference to the decease of Daniel Webster, re-
questing the court to adjourn, and that the bar attend
the funeral in a body, and that John J. Clarke offi-
~ciate as marshal, and that the sheriff be requested to
suitably drape the court-room in mourning. The last
meeting was held in February, 1853, and was a busi-
ness meeting relating to the purchase of books for the
library. This is the last recorded meeting of the Nor-
folk bar as an organized fraternity. An attempt was
made to reorganize it some years afterwards, but with-
out success.
In 1815 there was formed a Law Library Associa-
tion, which continued in existence until 1845. An
attempt was made to reorganize it in 1860.
In speaking of the Norfolk bar as it now exists,
reference could be made only to those members resi-
dent within the county and who practise in it. The
number of such gentlemen is not larger than it was
fifty years ago, although the number of attorneys who
reside elsewhere and practise in the county is much
greater. The profession has everywhere changed in its
character during the last half-century. The fraternal
feeling, the jealous watchfulness that no unworthy
applicant should be admitted to the profession, the
old-time distinctions as to leadership have all passed
away, and nowhere is this change more clearly to be
seen than in Norfolk County. In former times mem-
bers who had offices in Boston and in the town of
their residence, were censured by their brethren at bar
meetings in formal votes. At the present time there
is scarcely a member of the bar who has not two
offices, one in Boston and another in the county. The
old organization with all its traditions has passed into
history, but beyond this it has ceased to have any
influence upon the present time. Of the new era in
the profession, of the character of its members, of its
methods in the conduct of causes, of its emoluments,
10 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and of the rapid increase of its members, the time has
not yet come to speak as matters of history.
Justices of the Judicial Courts. — THERON
METCALF was the son of Hanun and Mary Metcalf,
and was born in Franklin, Oct. 16, 1784. He and
his ancestors for five generations belonged to the
county of Norfolk. At the age of seventeen years
- he entered Brown University, where he was gradu-
ated in 1805. After graduating, he studied law
with Mr. Bacon, of Canterbury, Conn., and in April,
1806, he entered the law-school at Litchfield, then a
celebrated institution, and the only law-school in the
United States. Here he remained until October,
1807, when he was admitted to the bar in Connec-
ticut. After studying a year with Hon. Seth Has-
tings, of Mendon, he was admitted as an attorney of
the Cireuit Court of Common Pleas in this county
at the September term, 1808, and as counsellor of
the Supreme Judicial Court at the October term,
1811. He practised law for a year in Franklin, and
removed to Dedham in 1809.
In 1817 he became county attorney, and con-
tinued to hold that office for twelve years, until the
office was abolished by the statute establishing the
office of district attorney. He was representative to
the General Court from Dedham in 1831, 1833, and
1834, and a senator from the county in 1835.
In October, 1828, he opened a law-school, and
began a course of lectures upon legal subjects in
Dedham. He had many students, among whom
were the late Hon. John H. Clifford, of New Bed-
ford, and the Hon. Seth Ames, the son of Fisher
Ames, and afterwards a justice of the Supreme
Judicial Court. The series of papers published in
the American Jurist and afterwards embodied in |
his work on the “ Principles of the Law of Contracts
as applied by the Courts of Law,” were originally
prepared for his students.
In December, 1839, he was appointed reporter of
the decisions of the Supreme Judicial Court, and re-
moved from Dedham to Boston. He held this office
until Feb, 25, 1848, when he was appointed a justice
of the Supreme Judicial Court. He remained upon
the bench until Aug. 31, 1865, when he resigned
after over seventeen years of service.
years.
Although Judge Metealf had removed from the
county, and was in no way identified with it during
the last forty-six years of his life, yet the thirty years
during which he had resided and practised in Dedham
comprehended nearly the whole of his professional
career. During this period he edited a number of
He died in |
Boston, Nov. 13, 1875, at the age of ninety-one |
|
law books, among which were “ Yelverton’s Reports,”
“Starkie on Evidence,” ‘“ Russell on Crimes,”’
‘Maule and Selwyn’s Reports,’ “ Digest of Massa-
chusetts Reports,” and with Horace Mann supervised
the publication of the Revised Statutes of 1836, the
index to which was made by him.
Of his reputation and influence while at the bar
some mention has been made. There were probably
few lawyers in the commonwealth of his time who
had such a full and accurate knowledge of the prin-
ciples of the common law as Judge Metealf. His
reputation as a writer upon legal subjects is well
established. His volumes of the Massachusetts Re--
ports, it has been said, are the “model and despair
of his successors.” His opinions as a justice of the
Supreme Judicial Court are remarkable for their
precision of statement and their familiarity with the
decisions, both English and American, as well as with
the principle and maxims, of the common law, of
which he was master. He never concealed his dis-
trust of the changes effected in the administration of
the law by legislation, especially the statute giving
full equity jurisdiction to the Supreme Judicial
Court.
He was an accurate scholar, and occasionally wrote
articles for the reviews on other than legal subjects.
He was in person below the average height, and of
great gravity of demeanor, although he had a quaint
He was a keen and intelligent critic upon
many subjects, and his pithy sayings will be long
humor.
remembered and quoted by those who knew him.
He received the degree of Doctor of Laws from
Brown University in 1844, and from Harvard College
in 1848.
SrerH AMES was the youngest child of Fisher
Ames, and was born in Dedham, April 19, 1805,
and was but three years of age when his father died.
He was graduated at Harvard College in 1825, and
studied law with Theron Metcalf in Dedham, and
was admitted as an attorney of the Court of Common
Pleas at the September term, 1828, being the same
| term at which Ezra Wilkinson was admitted, He
never practised law in this county, but removed to
Lowell, where he practised law for twenty years. In
1849 he was appointed clerk of the courts for the
county of Middlesex. In 1859 he was appointed a
justice of the Superior Court, then established, and
in 1867 was appointed chief justice of that court.
In 1869 he was made an associate justice of the
Supreme Judicial Court, which office he resigned
Jan. 15, 1881. He died at his residence in Brook-
line, in this county, Aug. 15, 1881.
Although Judge Ames had no connection with
eS
THE BENCH
AND BAR. 11
Norfolk County during his professional career, yet
as he was born and pursued his professional studies
in Dedham, and was admitted to practice in the court |
held for this county, and often presided as justice of |
the courts here, he may be claimed as a son of Nor-
folk County. He well sustained the illustrious name
he bore. Of great simplicity and modesty of char-
acter, he possessed an admirable judicial mind, and
was the master of a pure and concise style as a writer,
qualities which make his legal opinions worthy of
imitation. In the language of Chief Justice Gray,
“he was a diligent student, a good lawyer, a safe
counsellor, a faithful and useful public servant, a
Christian gentleman.”
Ezra WILKINSON.—He was born in Attleborough,
Feb. 14, 1801, and was graduated at Brown Univer-
sity in 1824. He began his professional studies with
Hon. Peter Pratt, of Providence, R. 1, where he
remained about a year,and he completed them in the
office of Josiah J. Fiske, in Wrentham. He was ad-
mitted as an attorney of the Court of Common Pleas,
at Dedham, at the September term, 1828. He was ad-
mitted as a counsellor of the Supreme Judicial Court,
at Taunton, at the October term, 1832.
practice at Freetown, and subsequently removed to
Seekonk, in Bristol County. In 1835 he removed to
Dedham, and had an office in the same building for-
merly occupied by Fisher Ames, and then by Theron
Metcalf. He was employed to collate and complete
the records of the court, which had fallen into some
confusion through the prolonged illness of Judge
Ware, the clerk, who had then recently deceased. In
1843 he was appointed by Governor Morton as dis-
trict attorney for the district then composed of Worces-
. ter and Norfolk Counties.
1855. In 1859, upon the establishment of the Su-
perior Court, he was appointed one of the associate
justices, being then nearly sixty years of age, and he
held the office until his death, Feb. 6, 1882, being
He had been in active
practice for thirty-one years, so that his professional
more than twenty-two years.
and judicial career covered a period of fifty-three
years. He faithfully and promptly met all the re-
He was always a Democrat in politics. He was
representative to the General Court from Dedham for
three sessions, and was the candidate of his party
against John Quincy Adams for Congress. He was
also a member of the Constitutional Convention of
1853.
He died in Dedham, but his remains were interred
in Wrentham. At his funeral in St. Paul’s Church,
Dedham, a large number of members of the bar from
Resolu-
tions of respect for his memory were presented in the
Boston and elsewhere were in attendance.
Superior Court at Salem, and in Boston, shortly after
his decease. At the April term of the Superior
| Court in Norfolk County, 1882, Associate Justices
Colburn and Staples being upon the bench, the fol-
lowing resolutions, adopted by the members of the bar
| practising in Norfolk County, were presented to the
He began |
He held this office until |
quirements of his judicial position without any inter-
ruption by illness, or asking any time for relaxation.
Within a month before his death he held a term of
court at Salem, and rendered decisions which com-
manded respect and confidence. In person he was
very tall and erect, even to the last days of his life.
He was scrupulously neat in his attire, and bore him-
self with dignity without affectation.
easy or fluent in speech, but he was concise and accu-
rate in his use of language.
He was not
court, and entered upon its records. These resolu-
tions, with the remarks by Mr. Justice Colburn, em-
body the high estimation and profound respect felt by
_the bench and bar for Judge Wilkinson’s character
and attainments.
They were presented by Asa French, Esq., district
attorney, and addresses followed from Ellis Ames,
John Daggett, Asaph Churchill, Nathaniel F. Safford,
Samuel B. Noyes, Frederick D. Ely, and Erastus
Worthington. The following are the resolutions:
‘“Wuereas, On the sixth day of February last the Hon. Ezra
Wilkinson, a justice of the Superior Court, departed this life at
the age of eighty-one years, the members of the bar practising
in the county of Norfolk, where he was born, and for twenty-
five years was a leading practitioner, at the first term of that
court held for civil business since his decease, would express
their high appreciation of his character and services as a coun-
sellor, as a prosecuting officer, and a judge, in the following
resolutions :
“ Resolved, That we hold in grateful memory the high sense
of professional duty and obligations, and the thorough devotion
to the study of jurisprudence, which characterized Judge Wilk-
inson from the beginning to the end of his long career; that
we would recognize his accurate and ample learning both in the
common and statute law, his unswerving integrity, which tol-
erated no suggestion of any indirect or questionable method in
advancing his client’s cause, his power of clear statement and
convincing argument to the jury upon which he relied, rather
than upon appeals to passion or prejudice, and his constant
desire to maintain the honor and dignity of his profession.
‘“‘That asa district attorney from 1843 to 1855 for the district
of which the county of Norfolk formed a part, he acquired a
deserved reputation of strict fidelity to the duties of that respon-
sible office, and for learning and skill in criminal pleading and
practice, and for his performance of the highest duties of a pros-
ecuting officer in ten capital trials from 1843 to 1849, that being
the period during which the office of attorney-general was
abolished in this Commonwealth.
“That as a judge of the Superior Court during a period of
more than twenty-two years—1859 to 1881—we recall his judi-
cial patience in the trial of causes, his readiness and aptness in
applying legal principles to the facts of the case, and in which
12 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
he rarely erred, and his capacity to discern the real points in
issue, which enabled him to bring to the minds of the jury the
exact questions they were called upon to decide.
“That by his death has been removed one of the few survivors
of the latest generation of lawyers who were trained in the school
of the common law before its essential modification by the stat-
utes, and we regard Judge Wilkinson as a remarkable example
of a jurist who kept himself fully informed of the decisions
and statutes made and pussed during half a century, and at the
age of more than fourscore years, and scarcely more than a
month prior to his death, was able to preside at the term of his
court in the county of Essex, and to render decisions which
commanded the respect and confidence of those before him.”
Mr. Justice Colburn responded to the resolutions
as follows:
“Gentlemen of the Bar,—The life of Judge Wilkinson ex-
those well acquainted with him knew, and as his notes in the
volumes of his extensive library and various memoranda show.
“Though always deeply interested in public and political
affairs, he was never a politician or desirous of political ad-
vancement, his political services having been limited to three
sessions of the Legislature and the Constitutional Convention
of 1853. He thoroughly despised all hypocrisy, cant, and in-
sincerity, and never hesitated to express his convictions on all
proper occasions, but never obtrusively, however much they
might conflict with the prevailing sentiment of the times. All
kinds of dishonesty, oppression, and injustice excited his indig-
nation, and as prosecuting officer, though pursuing offenders he
believed to be guilty with all his strength, he has been known
| to withdraw a case from the jury when the evidence appeared
tended over nearly the entire portion of the nineteenth century |
which has passed.
a few years spent in the adjoining county of Bristol, he con-
tinued a resident of this county until his death. Leading a
single life, unaverted by family ties and cares, from inclination |
| positive statute provision could induce him to add what he
or gradually contracted habit, going but little into society, he
early learned ‘to scorn delights and live laborious days,’ not
from a desire for fame or fortune, but from a pure love of know-
ing all that could be learned upon all subjects which excited his
interest or would qualify him for the adequate discharge of the |
From his admission to the bar
to his appointment to the bench he had an extensive and varied
practice.
ney, and during the first half of this time, there being no attor-
ney-general, he had the sole management of all capital trials
and the argument of all exceptions in criminal cases in his dis-
trict. As soon as appointed he began to especially qualify
himself for his new duties; he went to the fountain-head; he
acquired all the English criminal reports and leading treatises
and books of precedents, and became one of the most accom-
duties of his chosen profession.
plished criminal lawyers and an unsurpassed criminal pleader. |
“Upon the formation of the Superior Court, in 1859, Judge
Wilkinson was appointed to that bench, and continued uninter-
ruptedly, ably, and acceptably to discharge his judicial duties
during the remainder of his life. For the adequate perform-
ance of these duties his legal acquirements and extended civil
and criminal practice qualified him in an unusual degree. His
independence of his surroundings rendered absence from home
at long terms of the court in distant counties less irksome to him
than to other men. He seemed always to have some subject
which occupied his mind and furnished him with all the recrea-
tion he required, exempting him from that feeling of impatience
which sometimes results from protracted labor away from home
and friends. His stores of learning, his knowledge of unfa-
miliar matters of practice and procedure, the results of wide
studies and long experience, were always at the service of his
brethren of the bench, and the starting of an inquiry, which he
could not readily answer, would lead him to an investigation
Born in this county, with the exception of |
for the assistance of an associate with as much interest and |
patience as if it had become important in the discharge of his |
own duties.
“Though not possessed of what are considered brilliant tal-
ents, he had a soundness of judgment, an independence in
to be leading to certain conviction, having become satisfied from
his previous conferences that his witnesses, through excessive
zeal or pride or opinion or some worse motive, were testifying
more strongly against the defendant than their actual knowl-
edge would warrant, and fearing that injustice might be done.
And I have heard him say that, in sentencing defendants, he
had never imposed more than the one day of solitary imprison-
ment absolutely required in certain cases; that nothing but a
regarded as a kind of torture to a term of confinement to hard
labor.
“Descended from a long line of New England yeomanry, he
derived from them many of the best characteristics of that
branch of the Anglo-Saxon race, which has so largely influ-
| enced the destiny of the Western world, had a fund of anecdote
For twelve years he held the office of district attor- | illustrating their early struggles and peculiarities, and an un-
usual knowledge of their local and municipal histories. As age
advanced his fondness for rural quiet and retirement increased ;
he acquired large tracts of land, and delighted to spend his
| summer leisure among their rocks and woods, brooks and foun-
tains, which had been familiar to him in youth and early man-
hood. Though he appeared to those who did not know him
well reserved and unsocial, this was not his natural disposition,
but resulted from circumstances and his self-reliance, which
induced habits of life not readily changed. He was at times a
most instructive and entertaining companion. No man who
has lived eighly-one years can be said to die untimely ; but the
strength which extended his years so far beyond the allotted
| term appeared so free from the predicted labor and sorrow that
we failed to realize how much our senior he really was. A
learned lawyer, an upright judge, a high-minded, honorable
man, in the maturity of years and the full vigor of his powers,
has passed away, leaving the burdens he bore so long and well
to be taken up and carried by younger men, until they in their
turn shall be called upon by the great Disposer of the destinies
of men to lay them down, to be again assumed by others.
“Tn accordance of the request of the bar their resolutions,
with a memorandum of these proceedings, will be entered upon
the records of the court.”
Hon. Watpo Corpurn, son of Thatcher and
Hattie Cleveland Colburn, was born in Dedham,
Mass., Nov. 13, 1824. He traces his ancestry in this
country to Nathaniel Colburn, who emigrated from
reaching his conclusions after duly weighing all arguments, a |
power of application, and a willingness to give his entire time
and attention to any subject he had in charge, which more than
compensated for the most brilliant talents without these quali-
ties. He had read appreciatively all the leading authors in
English literature, some of whom he especially admired, as
England, and Aug. 11, 1637, received a grant of
land in the town of Dedham.
until his death, May 14, 1691.
is as follows: Samuel, born Jan. 25,1654; Ephraim,
born Nov. 5, 1687; Ephraim, born Dec. 31, 1716;
Ichabod, born Feb. 26, 1754; Thatcher, born Feb.
He remained here
The line of descent
ee
THE BENCH AND BAR.
13
20, 1787, and united in marriage with Hattie Cleve-
land in June, 1823.
The subject of our sketch received the rudiments
of his education at the common schools of his native |
town, and at the age of fifteen entered Phillips (An-
dover) Academy, where he graduated in 1842, in the
“English Department and Teachers’ Seminary,” |
which at that time was entirely distinct from the —
classical course. In the following year (1843) he en- |
tered the classical department, where he remained
and for two years following engaged in various pur-
suits, chiefly, However, civil engineering and survey-
ing.
May 13, 1847, he entered the law-office of Ira
Cleveland, Esq., at Dedham, where he pursued his
studies with diligence and attention, and May 3,
1850, was admitted to the bar. In the mean time,
however, he had spent some time in the Harvard Law-
School. He at once commenced the practice of law
in his native town, and very soon took a leading posi-
tion at the bar. He continued practice here until
May 27, 1875, when he was appointed by Governor
Gaston one of the justices of the Superior Court, a
position virtually thrust upon him, as he knew nothing
of the intention of Governor Gaston to appoint him
until the day his name was proposed to the Council,
and he was promptly confirmed.
in the State Senate, and served on the Judiciary
Committee, and had charge of drafting the well-
known corporation act. Judge Colburn was also for
several years the candidate of the Democratic party
for attorney-general. He was chairman of the board
of selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor of
Dedham for nine successive years, beginning in 1855.
He is also president of the Dedham Institution for
Savings, and a director in the Dedham National
- Bank.
until the summer of 1845, when he left the academy, |
| with which he has since affiliated.
Politically, Judge Colburn was a member of the
old Whig party, but upon the death of that organi-
zation he became a member of the Democratic party,
He is a kind and
| beneficent neighbor and friend, a learned and upright
Nov. 10, 1882, he |
was commissioned by Governor Long as a justice
of the Supreme Court, a position which he occupies
at the present time.
by Governor Gaston, a writer says, ‘‘ The comprehen-
sive knowledge of affairs, the wisdom, tact, and abil-
ity, the legal culture and judicial grasp of mind dis-
played by Judge Colburn, clothe his appointment
to the bench of the Superior Court with special fitness
and propriety, and make it one of the salutary acts of
Governor Gaston’s administration.” One of the lead-
ers of the Suffolk bar, in speaking of Judge Colburn,
says, “ He is one of the ablest, most successful, and
popular judges in the commonwealth.”
judge, and one of Massachusetts’ most honored citizens.
Nov. 21, 1852, he united in marriage with Miss
Mary Ellis Gay, daughter of Bunker Gay, of Ded-
ham. She died Oct. 22, 1859, leaving two daugh-
ters,—Mary and Anna F.,—who are still living.
Aug.*5, 1861, he married Elizabeth C. Sampson,
daughter of Ezra W. Sampson, a lawyer, and for thirty
years clerk of the courts of Norfolk County. There
was one son by this marriage, who died in childhood.
Eiis AMEs (see history of Canton).
Judges of Probate.\— WILLIAM HEATH was born
in Roxbury, March 2, 1737, on the estate settled by his
ancestor in 1636, and was bred a farmer. His fondness
for military exercises led him, in 1754, to join the
_ Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, which he
In speaking of his appointment |
Judge Colburn, although never having been an |
active politician, has always labored to advance the |
interests of his native town, and has filled many posi-
tions of trust and responsibility within the gift of his
townsmen. He was a member of the Legislature in
1853, serving as chairman of the Committee on_
Parishes, Religious Societies, ete. He was returned to
the Legislature the following year, and served as |
chairman of the Committee on Railroads and Canals.
During these years he earnestly opposed loaning the
State’s credit to the Hoosac Tunnel scheme.
commanded in 1770, having previously been made a
captain in the Suffolk regiment, of which he became
| colonel in 1774. In 1770 he wrote sundry essays in a
Boston newspaper, signed “ A Military Countryman,”
on the importance of military discipline and skill in the
use of arms. He wasa member of the General Court
in 1761 and in 1771-74, engaged with zeal in the
Revolutionary contest, was a delegate to the Pro-
vincial Congresses of 1774-75, and was a member of
the Committees of Correspondence and of Safety.
Appointed a Massachusetts brigadier-general Dee. 8,
1774; major-general, June 20, 1775 ; brigadier-general
(Continental army), June 22, 1775; major-general,
Ait oe Miniilsy
pursuit of the British troops from Concord, April 19,
He rendered great service in the
1775, and in organizing the rude and undisciplined
army around Boston, and with his brigade was sta-
tioned at Roxbury during the siege of Boston. After
its evacuation he accompanied the army to New York,
1 The following notices of the judges of the Probate Court
| are taken from the “‘ Norfolk Court Manual,” prepared and
| published by Henry 0. Hildreth, Esq., in 1876, with the kind
In 1870 he represented the Second Norfolk District |
permission of the author.
14
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
opposed the evacuation of that city, and near the close
of the year 1776 was ordered to take command of the
posts in the Highlands.
In 1777 he was intrusted with the command of the
eastern department, and had charge of the Saratoga
(convention) prisoners. In June, 1779, he was or-
dered to the command on the Hudson, where he was
stationed till the close of the war. Returning to his
farm, he became a delegate to the convention that
adopted the Federal Constitution in 1788, State
senator in 1791-92, and in 1806 was chosen Lieu-
tenant-Governor of Massachusetts, but declined the
office. July 2, 1793, he was appointed judge of the
Court of Common Pleas for the new county of Nor-
folk, and the same day was appointed first Judge of
Probate for the county. He died Jan. 24, 1814,
aged seventy-seven years.
Epwarp Hurcntnson Roppins was born in
Milton, Feb. 19, 1758, and was graduated at Har-
vard College in 1775. He studied law with Oakes
Angier, of Bridgewater, and commenced practice in
his native town. He was chosen a Representative
from Milton in 1781, and Speaker of the House of
Representatives in 1795, which office he held for
nine successive years. In 1802 he was chosen Lien-
tenant-Governor, and held the office until 1807. In
1793 he was appointed Special Justice of the Court
of Common Pleas for Norfolk County, and in 1799
was appointed Chief Justice of the same court. In
1808 and 1809 he was a member of the Executive
Council. He also held many other positions of trust
and responsibility. On the decease of Gen. Heath, in
1814, he was appointed Judge of Probate for the
county of Norfolk, which office he held until his
death, which occurred Dec. 29, 1829."
SHERMAN LELAND was born in Grafton, March
29, 1793, and remained on his father’s farm until he
was more than twenty years of age. During the two
or three years following he attended school most of |
the time, and in October, 1805, commenced the |
study of the law, employing the winter months of
that and the three succeeding years in teaching.
was admitted to the bar at Worcester in December,
1809, and commenced practice at Eastport, Me.,
January, 1810. Oct. 11, 1811, he was appointed
prosecuting attorney for the county of Washington.
He |
He represented Eastport in the Massachusetts Legis- |
1 Judge Robbins was a man of fine personal presence, of
genial manners, and great kindness of heart. He was emphat-
ically the friend of the widow and orphan, and his death was
regarded as a great public loss. He lived and died on the fine
estate on Brush Hill, now the residence of his son, Hon. James
Murray Robbins.
lature of 1812, and in December of that year was
appointed first lieutenant, and served under that ap-
pointment in the army of the United States upon the
eastern frontier until April, 1813, when he received
the appointment of captain in the Thirty-fourth Regi-
ment of Infantry in the United States army, and
served until June 5, 1814, when he resigned his
commission and resumed the practice of his profes-
sion. In July he removed to Roxbury, Mass., and
in the year 1815 opened an office in Boston, and
commenced practice in both the counties of Suffolk
and Norfolk. He was a Representative from Rox-
bury in the Massachusetts Legislature for the years
1818, °19,’20,and’21. He was also a delegate from
Roxbury in the Constitutional Convention of 1820.
He was a member of the Senate of Massachusetts
from the county of Norfolk for the years 1823 and
1824, and, during the temporary absence of the presi-
dent, was elected president pro tem. He was again
a member of the House of Representatives in the
year 1825, and was chairman of the committee on
the judiciary. In 1824 he was a candidate for Rep-
resentative in Congress for the Norfolk District, but,
after several trials, his competitor, Hon. John Bailey,
was elected by a small majority. He was again elected
a member of the Senate from Norfolk County for the
years 1828 and 1829, and was president of the Senate
for the year 1828, and chairman of the Committee on
the Judiciary for 1829. On the 26th of January,
1850, he was appointed Judge of Probate for the
county of Norfolk, in place of Judge Robbins, de-
ceased, and immediately entered upon the discharge
of the duties of the office, which he continued to per-
form until his death, which occurred Nov. 19, 1853,
at the age of seventy years.
WiLLiAM SHERMAN LELAND was born in Rox-
bury, Oct. 12, 1824. After leaving the public
schools in his native town, he entered the law-office
of his father, Hon. Sherman Leland, then Judge of
On the death of
his father, in November, 1853, he was appointed to
Probate of the county of Norfolk.
fill the vacancy, which position he continued to oc-
cupy until 1858, when, under the administration of
Governor Banks, the law concerning Courts of Pro-
bate and Insolvency was changed, and he failed to re-
ceive the appointment as judge of the new court.
He resumed the general practice of law, and soon ac-
quired a large and lucrative practice. He was for
many years one of the directors of the People’s Bank
of Roxbury, and was at one time its active president.
He was one of the projectors of the Elliot Five Cent
Savings-Bank, and was chosen its president, which
office he continued to hold until his death, which
THE BENCH AND BAR.
15
took place July 26, 1869, at the age of forty-four
years.
GrorGE WHITE was born in Quincy. He was
fitted for college under the instruction of William M. |
Cornell, LL.D., and at the Phillips Academy, in
Exeter, N. H. He was graduated at Yale College
in 1848, and began his professional studies in the
Dane Law-School at Cambridge, and received the
degree of LL.B. from Harvard College in 1850.
He completed his studies with Hon. Robert Rantoul,
Jr., and upon his admission to the Suffolk bar, in
1851, he became a partner with Mr. Rantoul, having
an office in Boston. He was a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention from Quincy in 1853. He was
appointed Judge of Probate and Insolvency in 1858,
and he has held the office since that time. He now
resides in Wellesley, having an office in Boston. (See
notice of Judge White in history of Wellesley.)
the bar in Suffolk in 1781. He was graduated at
Harvard College in 1774, and studied law with Wil-
liam Tudor in Boston. He had an office in Boston
the time of the incorporation of the county. He
built an office and began practice, although he was a |
His health, how- |
member of Congress until 1797.
ever, failed in 1795, and while he continued to
practise in the courts to some extent, he gradually
withdrew towards the close of his life.
evidently found the trial of ordinary cases very
irksome, and his time and attention were taken up
by his farm and politics. His fame asa lawyer was
completely overshadowed by his eminence as a states-
man and political writer. An account of his life and
character will be found in the history of Dedham in
this volume.
Horatio TOWNSEND was born in Medfield, March
Mr. Ames |
and Ames Street, about 1795.
| in 1818.
for a short time, but he removed to Dedham about
| it is now removed.
The Bar.—FisHer AmeEs.—He was admitted to |
29, 1763, and was graduated at Harvard College in |
1783 ; studied law with Theophilus Parsons at New-
buryport, and began practice in Medfield.
he was appointed special justice of the Court of
Common Pleas, and about the same time was appointed
clerk of the courts, which office he held until 1811,
when he was removed by Governor Gerry. He was
reappointed the following year, and continued in office
until his death, which occurred at Dedham, July 9,
1826, at the age of sixty-three years.
SAMUEL HAVEN.—Admitted to the Suffolk bar
in 1799)
ter, of Boston. He was the first Register of Probate
of this county. In 1802 he was commissioned a
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1804
was appointed Chief Justice, and continued in that
office until the court was abolished, in 1811. He
was in the office of Register of Deeds until 1833, a
period of forty years, and almost wholly retired from
the practice of law. He then removed to Roxbury,
where he continued to reside until his death, Sept. 4,
1847, at the age of seventy-six years.
The mother of Judge Haven was the sister of
Samuel Dexter, Sr., and daughter of Rev. Samuel
Dexter, minister of Dedham. He built the fine
house near the court-house, on the corner of Court
His office stood
upon his grounds, and was the first office occupied
by Waldo Colburn, who began practice in 1850, but
It was in this office probably
the first meeting of the bar was held. He was in-
terested in theological questions, and wrote an elabo-
rate pamphlet upon the case of the Dedham Church
He was the father of Samuel F. Haven,
of Worcester.
THOMAS GREENLEAF.—He was a member of the
bar before the incorporation of the county. He was
born in Boston, May 15, 1767, and was graduated at
Harvard College in 1784. He removed to Quincy
early in the present century. He was a represen-
tative to the General Court from 1808 to 1820. He
was a member of the Executive Council from 1820
to 1822.
of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of
Norfolk. He died Jan. 5, 1854, aged eighty six
years and seven months.
ASAPH CHURCHILL, of Milton, was a member of
the bar at the formation of the county. He was born
in Middleborough, May 5, 1765, and was graduated
at Harvard College in 1789, having a disputation
In 1806 he was appointed a special justice
_with Nahum Mitchell, of Bridgewater, as his part for
commencement. He studied law with John Davis,
| Esq., of Plymouth, and was admitted to practice in
before the incorporation of the county of Norfolk. |
He was the son of Rev. Jason Haven, the minister
of Dedham, and was born April 5, 1771. He was
graduated at Harvard College in 1789, and studied |
law with Fisher Ames and his cousin, Samuel Dex-
Boston in 1795.
ably less than twelve, at that time practising law in
He was one of few attorneys, prob-
Boston. Having continued his office in Boston for
several years, he removed to Milton, where he pur-
chased an estate on Milton Hill of Edward H. Rob-
bins. He had a large practice in Norfolk County.
He died in Milton, June 30, 1841, at the age of
seventy-six years. He was a descendant of John
Churchill, who came to this country in 1640.
JouN SHIRLEY WILLIAMS.—Attorney of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1803. He was born in Roxbury, May
lige = bec 2
| 83,1772, and was graduated at Harvard College in
16
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1797.
In 1811 he was appointed Clerk of the Courts by Gov-
ernor Gerry, but was removed the next year by Gov-
ernor Strong. He was also County Attorney. He
died at Ware, Mass., while on a journey for his health,
in May, 1843, aged seventy-one years.
Henry Maurice Lisir.—Attorney of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1802. He was an Englishman who
practised law in Milton. He was a man of ability,
but little is known concerning him. ‘There is a tra-
dition that he went to the West Indies.
James Ricuarpson.—Attorney of the Supreme |
He was born in Medfield, Oct. |
Judicial Court, 1803.
2, 1771, and was graduated at Harvard College in
1797. He studied law in the office of Fisher Ames in
Dedham, and was afterwards his partner in business
until the death of Mr. Ames. He was a learned lawyer,
and had a taste for literature. He was a senator from
the county in the session of 1815-14, and a member
of the Constitutional Convention of 1820. He was
one of the Presidential electors in 1832. He was
president of the Bar Association of the county for
many years. He was at one time engaged in manu-
facturing business, and towards the close of his life |
withdrew from active practice. He continued to be
president of the Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany until his death, which occurred in May, 1858.
Jainus WARE.—Counsellor of Supreme Judicial
Court, March, 1808.
Jan.
sity in 1797.
22, 1772, and was graduated at Brown Univer-
He practised law in Wrentham. He
was Representative to the General Court from 1809 to |
1816, and also 1818-23; member of the Executive
Council, 1825-26; in 1811 Justice of Circuit Court |
of Common Pleas; and in 1819 Chief Justice of the
Court of Sessions. He was appointed Clerk of the
Courts Sept. 1, 1826, and held the office until his
death, which occurred at Dedham, Jan. 18, 1836, at
the age of sixty-four years.
Tuomas B. ApAMs.—Counsellor of Supreme Ju-
dicial Court, March, 1808. He was the third son of
President John Adams, and was born in Quincy, then
Braintree, Sept. 15, 1772; was graduated at Harvard
College in 1790; was admitted to the bar in the State
of Pennsylvania, and returned to the commonwealth
after the incorporation of the county.
justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas in 1811,
Representative to General Court from Quincy in 1805,
and in 1811 was a member of the Executive Council.
He died March 12, 1832,
Mr. Adams took an interest in the
at the age of fifty-nine years
and six months.
bar meetings for a time, and his name frequently
appears in these proceedings.
He was born in Wrentham, |
|
He practised law at Roxbury and at Dedham. |
}
|
|
i
| County, and also with Judge Crauch.
| Ware, in 1826, was made Chief Justice.
GiprEoN L. THAYER.—Counsellor of Supreme Ju-
dicial Court, 1808. He was the son of Hon. Ebenezer
Thayer, and was born in Braintree, Sept. 24, 1777.
He was graduated at Harvard College in 1798, and
studied law with Benjamin Whitman, of Plymouth
He practised
in that part of Braintree which is now Quincy, and
also in the easterly part of the town near Weymouth
Landing. He had a high standing in his profession.
He died July 17, 1829, at the age of fifty-two years.
WittiAM DunBar.—Counsellor of Supreme Ju-
dicial-Court, 1809. He was born in Stoughton, now
Canton, Aug. 15, 1780, and never received a collegiate
education. He practised law in Canton for a time,
and then went West or South, and was gone many
years. He returned to Canton a few years before his
death, which took place May 6, 1848, and did some
office work.
DanieL ApAMS.—Counsellor of Supreme Judicial
Court, 1809. He was born in Watertown, March 26,
1779 ; was graduated at Harvard College in 1799, and
commenced the practice of law at Medfield. He was
_a Representative to the General Court from 1812 to
1820, excepting one year, and again in 1841. He was
appointed Judge of the Court of Sessions of Norfolk
County in 1822, and upon the retirement of Judge
He died
Sept. 2, 1852, at the age of seventy-three years.
JABEZ CHICKERING.—Counsellor of Supreme Ju-
dicial Court, 1809. He was the son of the Rev. Jabez
Chickering, of Dedham (South Parish), where he was
He began practice in Dedham
He subsequently
born Aug. 28, 1782.
and continued it for many years.
engaged in manufactures, and was cashier of the Ded-
ham Bank. He removed in 1823 to Monroe, Mich.,
where he died Oct. 20, 1826.
JosEPH HaArrinarton.—Counsellor of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1809. He had an office in Roxbury,
where he practised many years.
Davip ALLEN Srimmons.—Attorney of Circuit
Court of Common Pleas, September, 1812. He was
born in Boston, Nov. 7, 1785, and was educated at
Chesterfield Academy in New Hampshire, whither he
removed in his childhood. He returned to Boston
in 1806, and studied law with Thomas Williams, of
He was chief |
| Keith and Harvey Jewell.
Roxbury. He had an office in Boston, and was part-
ner with George Gay, who was admitted at the same
time, for many years, and afterwards with James M.
He always lived at Rox-
bury, and had a good practice in Norfolk County. He
was a man of remarkable energy, and conducted his
cases with zeal and ability. He died in Roxbury,
Nov. 20, 1859, at the age of seventy-two years. He
THE BENCH AND BAR.
17
had received the honorary degree of Bachelor of Laws
from Dartmouth College.
JosraH J. Fiske.—Counsellor of the Supreme
Judicial Court, 1815. (See history of Wrentham.)
JouHn Kina.—Counsellor of Supreme Judicial
Court, 1811. He had an office in Randolph, where
he practised many years.
SamueL P. Lovup.—Counsellor of Supreme Ju-
dicial Court, 1811. He was born in Weymouth,
March, 1783 ; was graduated at Brown University in
1805; studied law in the office of John Quincy
Adams, and began the practice of law in Dorchester.
He was a representative from Dorchester and senator
from Norfolk County for many years; was a member
of the Executive Council in 1841 and 1842, and
represented the town in the Constitutional Conven-
tion of 1853. He was for six years a justice of the
Court of Sessions for the county, and from 1828 to
1853, a period of twenty-five years of continuous
service, he was chairman of the county commission-
ers. He died at Dorchester, July 11, 1875, at the
age of ninety-two years and four months.
CHRISTOPHER WEBB.—Counsellor of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1813. He was graduated at Brown
University in 1803 and resided in Weymouth, and
was a representative to the General Court from that
town for many years, and was also a senator from |
the county from 1827 to 1834. He was county
attorney for the county, and in 1826 was commis-
sioner of highways. He died in Baltimore in Febru-
ary, 1848, aged sixty-seven years.
Erastus WortHINGToON,—Counsellor of Supreme |
Judicial Court, 1813. He was born in Belchertown,
Mass., Oct. 8, 1779, and was graduated at Williams |
College in 1804. After his graduation he was em-
ployed for a time in teaching, and then began the
study of law, which he completed in the office of |
ad- |
mitted in Suffolk, but came to Dedham in 1809. |
John Heard, Esq., of Boston. He was first
Here he continued to practise until about the year
_being the youngest member of his class.
EBENEZER F. THAyER.—Counsellor of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1813. He was a brother of Gideon
L. Thayer, and was born in Braintree, June 12, 1784.
He studied law with H. M. Lisle, of Milton, with
James Sullivan and Gideon L. Thayer. In company
with Samuel K. Williams, he practised in Boston
some six or eight years, and afterwards in Brain-
tree. He died Feb. 15, 1824, at about forty years
of age.
THOMAS GREENLEAF, JrR.—Counsellor of the
Supreme Judicial Court, 1814. He was a son of
Thomas Greenleaf, of Quincy ; was graduated at Har-
vard College in 1806, and died in 1817.
Cyrus ALDEN.—Counsellor of the Supreme Ju-
dicial Court, 1815. He was born at Bridgewater,
Mass., and was graduated at Brown University in
1807, and studied law at Litchfield, Conn., and with
William Baylies, at West Bridgewater. He was ad-
mitted to the bar first at Plymouth. He began the
practice of the law at Wrentham, where he remained
for six years and then removed to Fall River, from
which town he was Representative to the General
Court in 1837. In 1819 he published a work en-
titled, ““An Abridgement of Law, with Practical
Forms.” He was a worthy man and had a good rep-
utation in his profession. He died in 1855.
SamuEL J. GARDNER.—Counsellor of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1814. He was born in Brookline,
July 9,1788. He entered Harvard College in 1803,
He left
_ college a few days before the close of his senior year,
1825, when, having been active in the formation of |
the Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance Company, he
became its first secretary, and held this office until |
1840, when he resigned it on account of ill health.
He was Representative from Dedham to the General
Court in 1814 and 1815. He wrote and published
“An Essay on the Kstablishment of a Chancery
Jurisdiction in Massachusetts,” which is believed |
upon competent authority to have been the first ar- |
gument published in favor of an equity jurisdiction
in the commonwealth. In 1827 he wrote and pub-
lished a “ History of Dedham from its Settlement in
1635 to May, 1827.” He died June 27, 1842.
9
Gardner
was invited to return and take the valedictory part at
commencement, but he declined. Some years after,
being engaged with his class in a rebellion.
he received an honorary degree from the college. He
studied law with Judge Fay, of Cambridge, and at-
tended lectures at Philadelphia. He began practice
in Roxbury in 1810. His office was on Boston Neck,
and was a well-known landmark for twenty years.
He acquired considerable property in his practice,
and retired from active practice after a time. He was
active in public affairs, being secretary and treasurer
of the Roxbury Grammar School, and manager of
the Roxbury Benevolent Society. He was a Repre-
sentative to the General Court, president of the Nor-
folk County Temperance Society, and Deputy Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Massa-
chusetts.
He subsequently lost much of his property, and in
1838 he removed to Newark, N. J., where he en-
gaged in literary pursuits and in the education of his
In 1844 he removed to New York. He
was for eleven years editor of the Newark Daily Ad-
children.
18
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
vertiser. He was an accomplished scholar and able
writer, and under his editorial administration his paper
held a high position among the leading journals of the
country. In the discussions preceding the war of the
Rebellion he was a vigorous supporter of the party of
the Union.
seventy-two in 1861. He died in the White Moun-
tains, July 14, 1864, at the age of seventy-six years.
After his death a selection of his writings, written for
the columns of his newspaper, appeared under the |
name of “ Autumn Leaves,” and in these the wit and
humor which made his conversation delightful found
expression.
ABNER LorinG.—Attorney of the Supreme Judi-
cial Court, 1813. He was born in Hingham, July
21, 1786, and was graduated at Harvard College in
1807. He studied law with Ebenezer Gay. He
began practice at Dorchester, and was well read in his
profession, devoted to business, and of unexception-
able character. He died, deeply lamented, July 18,
1814, at the age of twenty-eight years.
Tuomas Totman.—Counsellor of the Supreme
Judicial Court, 1820. He was born in Stoughton,
Feb. 20, 1791, and was graduated at Brown Univer-
sity in 1811. He practised law in Canton until 1837,
and then removed to Boston and had an office there.
He was a Representative to the General Court from
Canton in 1828 and 1836. He was afterwards a
member of the Executive Council. He died in
Boston in 1869.
Joun B. Derpy.—Counsellor-at-Law of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1821. He practised law in Dedham
for some years, and afterwards removed to Beston,
where he died. He was the father of Lieut. Derby,
well known as a humorous writer under the nom de
plume of “ John Phoenix.”
Lewis Wuitine Fisuer.—Attorney of the Cir-
cuit Court of Common Pleas, September term, 1819.
He retired from this post at the age of |
|
He was born in Franklin, Dec. 29, 1792, was grad- |
uated at Brown University in 1816, and studied law
with Josiah J. Fiske, at Wrentham. He afterwards
opened an office at Wrentham, where he lived until
his death, April 20, 1827.
Joun W. AmeEs.—Attorney of Supreme Judicial
Court, 1820. He was the eldest son of Fisher Ames,
and was born Oct. 22, 1793. He was graduated at
Harvard College in 1813, and studied law with
Theron Metcalf. He had an office in Boston for a
short time, but soon removed to Dedham. He was
Representative to the General Court from Dedham in
was much interested in the building of the court-house
in 1827.
ABEL CusHi1na.—Counsellor of Supreme Judicial
Court, 1818. He was graduated at Brown Univer-
sity in 1810, studied with Ebenezer Gay, of Hing-
ham, and practised law in this county for a number
of years, having an office in Dorchester. He was
afterwards appointed a justice of the Justices’ Court
in Boston, which office he held until his resignation,
shortly before his death, in 1866. He was a Repre-
sentative to the General Court from Dorchester for
three years, and also a Senator from Norfolk County.
MeLerian Evererr.—Counsellor of the Supreme
Judicial Court, 1820. He was born in Wrentham,
June 24,1777. He was graduated at Brown Uni-
versity in 1802. He studied law with Hon. Laban
Wheaton, of Norton, and began practice in Foxbor-
ough, where he resided until about the year 1832,
when he removed to Wrentham. He was a Repre-
sentative to the General Court from Foxborough in
1831, and was a Senator from the county in 1841 and
1842. He was a safe and prudent counsellor. He
died in Wrentham in 1858. The Hon. Horace
Everett, of Vermont, was his brother.
Ezra Weston Sampson.—He was probably ad-
mitted to the bar in the county of Plymouth. He
was born in Duxbury, Dec. 1, 1797, and was gradu-
ated at Harvard College in 1816. He had an office
in Braintree, where he practised law about twelve
years. Upon the decease of Judge Ware, he was ap-
pointed in 1836 Clerk of the Courts for the county,
and held the office until January, 1867. During the
last year of his life he was unable to perform the
duties of his office by reason of illness. He died in
Dedham, Jan. 15, 1867, at the age of sixty-nine
years.
WARREN LOvERING.—Counsellor of the Supreme
Judicial Court, October term, 1825. He was grad-
uated at Brown University in 1817. He had an
office in Medway for many years, and at one time had
an extensive practice. He was a Representative to
the General Court from Medway in 1827 and 1828.
1822, and was president of the Dedham Bank from |
June 16, 1829, to his death, Oct. 31, 1833.
never married, but always lived with his mother.
He was
He |
He held several important offices, and was a promi-
nent member of the Whig party. The last years of
his life were spent in poverty and obscurity. He died
in 1876.
JONATHAN PARKER BisHoP was born in Kil-
lingly, Conn., April 10, 1792.
Jonathan Parker Bishop, a well-known physician,
and Hannah (Torrey) Bishop. He commenced the
practice of law in Medfield about the year 1818,
having been admitted to the bar in another county,
and was prominently identified with the affairs of the
He was the son of
THE BENCH AND BAR.
19
town during his life. He represented the town in
the Legislature in 1848 and 1851, and was actively
interested in the election of Charles Sumner to the |
United States Senate, which first took place in the
latter year. He was largely instrumental in the build- |
ing of the Charles River Railroad, which was opened
through the town in 1861. He died July 10, 1865.
AARON PreEscortr.—Attorney of Supreme Judi-
cial Court, 1820. He was graduated at Harvard |
College in 1814. He practised law for many years |
in the county, and had an office in Randolph. He
died in 1851.
JoNATHAN H. Coss.—Counsellor of Supreme
Judicial Court, 1824. He was born in Sharon,
July 8, 1799, and was graduated at Harvard College
in 1817. He began the study of law in the office |
of William Dunbar, of Canton, where he remained |
until Oct. 9, 1818, when he went to Charleston,
S. C., and opened a classical school. In 1819 he
returned to Massachusetts, and completed his legal
studies in the office of Jabez Chickering, of Dedham.
He was editor of the Village Register, in Dedham,
and had an office in Boston. In 1831 he was active
in the formation of the Dedham Institution for Say-
ings, of which he was the first treasurer. In 1831
the Legislature requested the Governor to procure
the compilation of a manual on the mulberry-tree
and the manufacture of silk, which was prepared by
Mr. Cobb, of which several editions were published,
and afterwards republished by order of Congress.
In 1837 he established a manufactory of sewing-silk
in Dedham, of which he was superintendent and
principal proprietor, but which was burned in 1845.
In 1833 he was appointed register of probate for |
Norfolk County, which office he held until 1879.
He was for thirty consecutive years the town clerk
of Dedham, declining re-election in 1875. He was |
deacon of the First Church for more than forty
years, and for the same period an active magistrate of
the county. He died March 12, 1882.
GrorcE ©. WiLtpE.—Attorney of the Supreme
Judicial Court, October term, 1826. He was the
son of the Hon. Samuel S. Wilde, a justice of the
Supreme Judicial Court. His professional life was
a brief one, but he practised law in Wrentham until
about the year 1835, when he was appointed Clerk of
the Supreme Judicial Court in the county of Suffolk,
an office which he held for about forty years.
IrA CLEVELAND.—Attorney of the Court of
Common Pleas, Dec. 5, 1827.
Horace Mann.—Attorney of Court of Common
Pleas, 1826; Supreme Judicial Court, 1827. He |
was the son of Thomas and Mary Mann, and was |
| caustic pen.
born in Franklin, May 4, 1796. He was graduated
at Brown University in 1819. He entered the office
of Josiah J. Fiske, at Wrentham, but soon after
became a tutor at Brown University for two years.
He then studied a year in the law-school at
Litchfield, Conn., and completed his studies with
James Richardson, at Dedham. He opened an
office in Dedham, being the same lately occupied
by Jabez Chickering, on the corner of Court and
Church Streets. He was a Representative to the
General Court from Dedham for four years, 1827-
31. In 1833 he removed to Boston, and entered
into a partnership with Edward G. Loring. He was
a member of the Senate from Suffolk four years, and
in 1837 was president of that body. He was chair-
man of the committee for the revision of the statutes
of 1836, and prepared the marginal notes and cita-
tions of cases, as editor with Theron Metcalf. He
was appointed secretary of the Board of Education
upon its organization, June 29, 1837. Of the great
distinction and influence to which he attained in this
office it is unnecessary to speak in this notice, or of
his career as a member of Congress from 1848-52,
which though brief was memorable. He died while
president of Antioch College, Ohio, Aug. 2, 1859.
The brief period of practice in his profession at
Dedham is naturally overlooked by reason of his
having become so widely known as an educator and
philanthropist, yet he was remembered by his con-
temporaries who knew him as a lawyer as a man of
brilliant parts, and was a successful advocate. He
was fond of controversy, and wielded an extremely
He had many admirers in Norfolk
County, and years after his removal from Dedham,
when he was an independent candidate for Congress,
the popularity and influence gained while at the bar,
aided materially in his election.
JoHN JONES CLARKE.—Counsellor of the Supreme
Judicial Court, Nov. 5, 1830. He was born Feb.
24, 1803; was the son of Rev. Pitt Clarke (H. C.
1790), of Norton, Mass., and Rebecca (Jones)
Clarke, of Hopkinton. He was at school at the Nor-
ton Academy, and was fitted for college partly at the
Framingham and Andover Academies and partly by
his father, who was, for his time, a distinguished
scholar and teacher.
He entered Harvard College in 1819, with a class
in which, at the end of the course of four years, a
famous rebellion occurred, on account of which a
large majority of the class were refused their degrees,
and it was not until 1841 that Mr. Clarke received
from the college the degrees of A.B. and A.M.
Upon leaving college, Mr. Clarke pursued the
20
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
study of law in the office of Hon. Laban Wheaton,
of Norton, for a year; he then’ entered the office of
James Richardson, Esq., at Dedham, where he re-
mained two years; he was then, in 1826, admitted to
the bar of the Court of Common Pleas, and after-
wards, in 1830, to the bar of the Supreme Court.
In 1826, Mr. Clarke commenced the practice of |
law in Roxbury, where he has ever since resided,
having an office on Washington Street, nearly oppo-
site Eustis. Here his business gradually increased,
and in 1830 he married Miss Rebecca Cordis Has-
well, a daughter of Capt. Robert Haswell, formerly
in the navy, and afterwards in the mercantile service,
and step-daughter of John Lemist, Esq., a prominent
|
citizen of Roxbury, a union which has been emi- |
nently happy, the fiftieth anniversary of which was
celebrated by a large circle of their friends in 1880.
Mr. Clarke early became one of the leaders of the
bar of Norfolk County, and he was frequently re-
tained in important cases in Plymouth and Bristol
Counties.
On the acceptance in 1848 of a seat on the bench
by Hon. George T. Bigelow, Mr. Clarke formed a
partnership with his brother, Mr. Manlius S. Clarke,
who had to that time been Judge Bigelow’s partner.
The principal office of the firm was in Boston, but
Mr. Clarke retained his office in Roxbury for some
years after this, and continued to attend to business
in Norfolk County, in addition to attending to a por-
tion of the large business of the firm of J. J. & M.
S. Clarke in Suffolk County and elsewhere.
This partnership was ended by the death of Mr. |
M. S. Clarke in 1853, and for a few months Mr.
Elias Merwin was associated with Mr. Clarke, and
aided in winding up the unfinished business of the
old firm. In April, 1854, he took as a partner Mr.
Lemuel Shaw, Jr., who had been a student in his
office. This partnership continued until 1863, when
in consequence of the increasing personal responsi-
bilities of both partners it was dissolved, and from
throp Bank of Roxbury, was one of the founders
and the first president of the Roxbury Gas Company,
and in the early history of the Metropolitan Railroad
_ was one of its directors, and in every relation in life
has always commanded the respect and confidence of
his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Clarke was in early life a zealous member of
the Whig party, but since the dissolution of that
party he has not taken an active part in politics,
though always doing his duty as a good citizen in
voting at every election. He has always taken a
great interest in the suppression of intemperance, and
has for many years been a total abstainer from all
intoxicating agents.
Mr. Clarke continues to occupy an office at 27
State Street, Boston, where he has been in practice
since 1848, but of late years his time has been de-
voted principally to the care of estates of which he is
trustee.
Joun Mark GourGas.—Attorney of the Supreme
Judicial Court, November term, 1830. He was grad-
uated at Harvard College in 1824. He practised law
in this county during his life, having an office in
Quincy. He died in 1862, and was never married.
He was a careful and accurate lawyer.
NATHANIEL FostER SAFFORD was born in Salem
in 1815, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in
1835. He studied law with Asahel Huntington, of
Salem, where he was admitted to the bar. He began
practice in Dorchester in 1839, where he acted as
_wagistrate, and also as a master in chancery in the
period of jurisdiction under the insolvent laws. He
was Representative to the General Court from Dor-
chester in 1850 and 1851. In 1853 he was nomi-
nated by the Whig party to succeed Samuel P. Loude,
who had declined further service as county commis-
sioner, but there having been no choice by the people
_ after two trials, he was appointed by Governor Clifford
| to fill the vacancy.
the same cause Mr. Clark gradually withdrew from |
active practice.
Mr. Clarke early joined the First Church in Rox-
bury, and has been an active and useful member of
that church and congregation.
He was a member of the House of Representatives |
for Roxbury in 1836 and 1837, and of the Senate |
for Norfolk County in 1853, and when Roxbury was
incorporated in 1846 he was chosen its first mayor,
and rendered efficient service in organizing the new
city government, but declined to hold the office for
more than one year.
Mr. Clarke was at one time president of the Win-
He was elected chairman of the
board, a position which he continued to fill by succes-
sive re-elections until Jan. 1, 1868. He was again
elected county commissioner in 1872, and from Jan.
1, 1873, to January, 1879, he was chairman of the
board. He now resides in Milton, but has an office
in Boston.
WitirAm 8S. Moron practised law at Quincy for
many years, but he was not admitted in this county.
He was graduated at Harvard College in 1831, and
died at Quincy in 1871.
some years.
NaaMAN L. Wuite.—He was graduated at Har-
vard College in 1835.
tree for many years, where he now resides.
He was a trial justice for
He has had an office in Brain-
He was
THE BENCH AND BAR.
21
admitted to the bar elsewhere, and is not now in
active practice.
Fisoer A. KINGsBuRY was a native of Norfolk
County, and practised many years at Weymouth. He
died many years ago. He acted as magistrate in Wey-
mouth. He was admitted as counsellor of the Supreme
Judicial Court in 1831.
ASAPH CHURCHILL, JR.—Attorney and counsellor,
September term, Court of Common Pleas, 1834. He
was born in Milton, April 20, 1814. He was grad-
uated at Harvard College in 1831; studied law with
his father at Milton, and in the Harvard Law-School.
He was admitted to the bar before he was twenty-one
years of age, and had an office at the Lower Mills, in
Dorchester, and Milton until 1857, when he took an
office in Boston, where he has since continued to prac-
tise, having had for his partner, from 1857 to 1870,
Edward L. Pierce, and since that time his son, Joseph
R. Churchill. He was a Senator from Norfolk County
in 1857 ; wasa director and president of the Dorchester
and Milton Bank, afterwards the Blue Hill Bank, for |
more than twenty-five years. He was also president
of the Dorchester Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
He has resided in Dorchester, and has had a large
practice, to which at this date (1883) he is fully |
devoted.
ABNER L. CusHinG.—He was born in Dorchester,
and was the son of Abel Cushing. He was graduated
at Harvard College in 1838. He edited the Boston
Republic a few years, and studied law with his father.
He began practice in Boston, and subsequently re-
moved to Randolph, where he had an extensive prac-
tice in this county for many years. In 1863 he
removed to New York, where he is now engaged in
the practice of law.
SAMUEL WARNER.—Attorney and counsellor, Court |
of Common Pleas, September term, 1841. He was
born in Providence, R. I., and was fitted for college |
at Day’s Academy, in Wrentham.
ated at Brown University in 1838. He began prac-
tice in Wrentham, where he has continued to reside
and practise law ever since. He was Representative
to the General Court from Wrentham in 1843, 1848,
and 1882. He was Senator from the county in 1851,
and a member of the Constitutional Convention in
1853. He was land agent of the commonwealth
from 1851 to 1854, and has been a trial justice since
1858.
Eviis WortHINGTON.—Attorney and counsellor,
September term, Court of Common Pleas, 1842.
He was born in Dedham, Feb. 11, 1816, and was
the son of Erastus Worthington.
He was gradu-
|
He was fitted for |
college at Day’s Academy, in Wrentham, and entered |
Brown University, but did not complete his college
course. He studied law in the Dane Law-School at
Cambridge, and in the office of Ezra Wilkinson at
Dedham. He had an office in Dedham for a short
time after his admission to the bar. He afterwards
removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., and thence to Mil-
waukee, Wis., where he continued to practise law.
He was afterwards the general agent of the Aitna
Insurance Company of Hartford at Springfield, IIl.,
and was subsequently the vice-president of the Put-
nam Insurance Company of Hartford. He died in
Palmyra, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1871.
Joun K1na.— Attorney and counsellor, April term,
Court of Common Pleas, 1843. He is the son of
John King, of Randolph, and was graduated at Har-
_vard College in 1839, and studied law with Ezra
Wilkinson. He had an office in Dedham for a time,
but he afterwards removed to the West, and now
resides in Lowa.
Hon. Wiii1AmM Gaston.—The subject of this
sketch traces his ancestry to a family of France who
were zealous adherents of the Huguenot cause. The
direct ancestor of his branch of the family, driven
from his native land, sought refuge in Scotland, from
which place, between the years 1662 and 1668, his
sons, being in great peril because of their firm ad-
herence to the Protestant faith, fled to the north of
Ireland for safety.
The forefather of Governor Gaston, with a younger
brother, arrived in this country about 1730. He
located in Connecticut, where his family remained
for more than a century. Not only has Governor
Gaston honored the family name and connected his
name inseparably with the history of the old com-
monwealth, but North Carolina as well claims among
her distinguished citizens one of the same name and
family, William Gaston, an eminent jurist and states-
man, judge of the Supreme Court of the State.
Governor William Gaston, son of Alexander and
Keziah Arnold Gaston, was born in Killingley, Conn.,
Oct. 3, 1820. His father was a well-known mer-
| chant of Connecticut, and a man of sterling integrity
and strong force of character. The family removed
from Killingley to Boston in 1838. Mr. Gaston was
prepared for college at Brooklyn and Plainfield Acad-
emies, and at the early age of fifteen entered Brown
University, where he maintained a high rank in his
class and was graduated with honor in 1840. Hav-
ing decided upon the legal profession as a life-study,
he entered the office of Judge Hilliard, of Roxbury,
where he remained for a time, and continued his legal
studies with C. P. and B. R. Curtis, of Boston, with
whom he remained until his admission to the bar in
22
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1844. In 1846 he opened a law-office in Roxbury,
and very soon took a leading position at the bar.
continued his practice here with marked success until
1865, when, in company with Hawley Jewell and
Walbridge A. Field, he formed a copartnership in
Boston, under the firm-name of Jewell, Gaston &
Field, which continued until Mr. Gaston’s elevation
to the gubernatorial chair of Massachusetts in 1874.
Governor Gaston is a Democrat in politics, and,
although not an active politician, he has had many
positions of trust and responsibility virtually thrust
upon him, and his career in many respects has been
In 1853 and 1854
he was elected to the House of Representatives as a
Whig, and in 1856 was re-elected by a fusion of
Whigs and Democrats against the Know-Nothing
candidate. He was elected to the Senate in 1868,
although his district was strongly Republican. He
was also for a long time city solicitor of Roxbury,
and mayor of Roxbury, 1861-62.
his party’s candidate for Congress, but was defeated.
In 1870, after the annexation of Roxbury to Boston,
he was elected mayor of the city, and re-elected in
1871. In this year a spirited contest ensued for the
mayoralty, Mr. Gaston being the Democratic candidate
and Hon. Henry L. Pierce the nominee of the Re-
publicans. At first it was announced that Mr. Gas-
ton was elected, but upon a recount of votes Mr.
Pierce was declared mayor by a plurality of seventy-
nine votes.
as remarkable as it was brilliant.
Mr. Gaston’s popularity and strength
was significantly shown in this contest, for only one
month previously Gen. Grant had carried the city
by five thousand five hundred majority.
In the fall of 1874 Mr. Gaston recceived the nom-
ination for Governor, and entered the canvass in op-
position to Hon. Thomas Talbot, at that time acting
Governor of the commonwealth, and one of the
strongest men in the Republican party. The result
astonished and electrified the country. Mr. Gaston
was elected by seven thousand plurality. He entered |
upon his high office with a determination to discharge
its duties solely for the benefit of the commonwealth
He
brought to the gubernatorial chair not only a superior
as a whole, and nobly was this duty performed.
legal mind, but that executive ability which a success-
Not a bitter
partisan, he was guided by a conservative policy
ful administration of the office demands.
which was commended alike by both parties.
declined the nomination for Governor in 1876, al-
though a large majority of the convention was in his
favor, and he also declined in the same year the con-
gressional nomination from the Fourth District.
In 1875 he received the degree of LL.D. from
He |
In 1870 he was |
He |
Harvard, and also from his Alma Mater, Brown Uni-
versity. In 1852 he united in marriage with Louisa
A., daughter of Laban 8. Beecher, of Roxbury.
Scholarly, with social attainments of a high charac-
| ter, and a legal mind that has placed him among the
leaders of the Suffolk bar, he is justly esteemed as
one of Boston’s most honored citizens.
SAMUEL BrapLEy Noyes, eldest son of Samuel
and Hlizabeth (Morrill) Noyes, was born in Dedham,
April 9, 1817. On his father’s side he is of the
Noyes family of Choulderton, Wiltshire, England, and
his ancestor, Nicholas Noyes, with his brother, James,
a clergyman, came to New England in 1634, to New-
bury in 1635, five years after Winthrop’s settlement
of Boston. On his mother’s side his grandfather,
Eliakim Morrill, was a highly respectable citizen of
Dedham, and his great-grandfather, the Rev. Isaac
Morrill (H. U. 1737), was a solemn Puritan divine,
who died (1793) in office as pastor at Wilmington.
It will thus be perceived that Mr. Noyes is of a very
old New England stock, and of that Puritan clerical
strain which Dr. Holmes so felicitously calls “the
Brahmin caste” in society. Mr. Noyes himself has
always been interested in church and parochial affairs,
and has enjoyed a wide acquaintance with the clerg
of his faith. He attended the public schools, and for
one year a private school in Dedham under the tuition
of Hon. Francis W. Bird (B. U. 1832). He entered
Phillips Academy, Andover, in 1836, and remained
there till the summer of 1840, when he left to join
his class at Cambridge (H. U. 1844). Of his student
life at Phillips Academy Mr. Noyes has always re-
tained a most tender regard; and in 1875 the Phil-
omathean Society in the academy, in which Mr. Noyes
played a prominent part during his student days at
Andover, held its semi-centennial anniversary and he
was chosen the orator of the day, his address being
subsequently printed, together with the other literary
exercises of the day, in an illustrated pamphlet of
permanent interest and value. On leaving college he
studied law with the Hon. Isaac Davis, of Worcester
(B. U. 1822), afterwards with Hon. Ezra Wilkinson,
of Dedham (B. U. 1824), and Hon. Ellis Ames, of
Canton (B. U. 1830). He was admitted to the
Norfolk County bar, April, 1847, and began practice
in his adopted town of Canton, where he has resided
ever since, with the exception of two years which he
spent in Florida. He married, in January, 1850,
Miss Georgiana, daughter of James and Abigail
(Gookin) Beaumont. Her father came to New
England from Derby, England, in 1800, and built
the first mill erected for the manufacture of cotton
by machinery in Massachusetts in 1802. Her mother
o ay ph
THE BENCH AND BAR. 23
was the daughter of Edmund Gookin, a lineal de-
-scendant from Daniel Gookin, who in 1650 was
magistrate of all the Indians in Massachusetts, and
who accompanied the Apostle John Eliot in his visits
to the various tribes, and whose history of the Indians
is published in the collections of the Massachusetts |
Historical Society. They have four children and two |
grandchildren.
His public offices have been justice of the peace
(1849), trial justice (1850), commissioner of insol-
vency (1853), special county commissioner for Nor-
folk County (1856), trial justice again (1857). From
1849 to 1871 he was a member of the school com- |
mittee of Canton, superintendent of public schools,
1857-58, 1861-64, 1867-71, and he has always been
an interested worker in the cause of popular education
even beyond the borders of his own town.
In 1864 he was appointed by Hon. William Pitt
Fessenden, Secretary of the United States Treasury
Department, a special agent of the department, and
acting collector of customs at Fernandina, Florida. In
this post, on the frontiers of a rebellion not then sub-
dued, he had a rare chance to study the undercurrents
of the great war among the Southern people, and his
private journal would no doubt show quaint and sug-
gestive incidents of the popular temper and conduct
in Florida and Southern Georgia at that exciting time.
After two years’ service here he returned North, leay-
ing behind him many warm friends, whose memory
he cherishes as among the most valued treasures of
his busy life. On his return to Massachusetts, in
May, 1867, he was appointed by Hon. Salmon P.
Chase, chief justice of the Supreme Court of the
United States, a register in bankruptcy for the Second |
_ often a picturesqueness and vivacity which are charm-
which he still holds, although the acts of Congress of |
Congressional District in Massachusetts, an office
1878 so far modified its duties that Mr. Noyes has
had leisure to return to some extent to the practice of |
Asa lawyer Mr. |
Noyes has naturally been interested in politics,—State |
his favorite profession of the law.
and national,—giving much time and attention to
questions of public policy and administration, and
since its organization has been a consistent and useful
member of the Republican party.
In politics results are generally reached through
carefully-arranged and judiciously-executed details,
projected and planned away from public observation —
and in a wise adjustment of means to ends, in the.
absence of which political movements are like the
moves ina game of chance. As an adviser as to what
to do and how to do it, and a worker in the execution
of well-laid plans, he has lent a ready and serviceable
hand to party movements and party successes.
Mr. Noyes has always maintained an extensive
acquaintance with political leaders, hence his influ-
ence has been much sought and not withheld when
it could be used in the furtherance of justice or the
promotion of the right, etc., in helping to shape
party action and legislation, so to secure these desir-
able ends.
In private life Mr. Noyes is known to be a man of
taste and culture, a reliable friend, and never more
so than when friendship is needed, a genial com-
panion and an accomplished entertainer in private
hospitalities. The classics of his school and college
life have been to him life-long companions and friends.
He has from his youth devoted himself to music with
an absorbing enthusiasm. While in college he was
leader of the college choir and of the Harvard Glee
Club.
It is quite safe to assume, that had he given him-
self to the study and practice of the fine art of
music as the leading object of his life, the natural
qualities of his voice, so finely attuned, combined
with a power of passionate musical expression, born
of genius, would have given him distinguished rank
among the great tenors of the age. As an ama-
teur he has been always heard with favor at the
musical festivals, parish churches, and society meet-
ings in the county, and whenever he consents to take
the “baton” and assume the conductor’s role, as he
does sometimes in the old “Stoughton Musical So-
ciety,” he discovers the ability to impress large bodies
of performers with his own enthusiasm, and to lead
them to fine musical results.
He has also been a very industrious writer for the
public press, and his historical and local essays have
ing. He is fond of ancient lore, and of gath-
ering and reading out-of-the-way literature of the
personal and archaic kind, from which he gathers
rare sayings and incidents to adorn his contributions
to the press. His special taste is towards the old
English writers of the age of Addison and of John-
son, while his knowledge of Shakespeare, and of the
famous actors who have represented him for the last
forty years on the American stage, is extensive. He
is a member of the New England Historic and
Genealogical Society, of the New England Agricul-
tural Society, of the Massachusetts Press Associa-
tion, of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, and
of the Stoughton Musical Society, of which latter he
is a member of the committee of arrangements for
the centennial celebration of its anniversary in 1886.
Socially, Mr. Noyes is a hale and hearty friend,
with nothing negative in his make-up, but abounding
24
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
in positive points of a warm and strong personality.
Of Puritan stock, he has not a shade of Puritan
austerity, but rather the reverse, and his good fellow-
ship is a Boston proverb. He is Saxon rather than
Norman in temperament, and his friends find in him
a certain mellowness, as of an older civilization than
our own, which makes him well met with the agree-
able and those who make merry.
In the affairs of a busy and exacting proton he
has retained and developed his taste for literature and
history, and while a New Englander by birth and
education, his temperament has always led him to
that wider society of mankind, where
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
NevemiAu C. Berry.—Attorney and counsellor,
Dec. 24, 1846. He had
an office for some years at Randolph, and practised
Court of Common Pleas,
in this county, but he many years since removed to
Roxbury, and took an office in Boston, where he
continues to practise in his profession.
Evwan Fox Haxri.—Attorney and counsellor,
Court of Common Pleas, September term, 1847.
He began practice as a partner with Jonathan P.
of Medfield. He afterwards was a partner
with Fisher A. Kingsbury at Weymouth, where he
He
Bishop,
continued to practise until his death in 1867.
acted as a magistrate in Weymouth.
James Humpnrey was born in Weymouth, Jan.
20,1819. He was educated at the Phillips Acad-
emy in Andover, where he was graduated with the
first honors of his class in 1839. He was a teacher
until 1852, when he entered the office of D. W.
Gooch, in Boston, and was admitted to the Suffolk
bar in 1855.
Weymouth for twenty years, and during a large part
of the time was chairman of the board. He was Rep-
resentative to the General Court in 1852 and 1869,
and was a Senator from the Norfolk and Plymouth
District in 1872. He was elected a county commis-
sioner in 1874, and held the office until November,
1882, being chairman of that board during a great
In November, 1882,
he was appointed justice of the District Court of
He held the office of selectman in
portion of his term of service.
East Norfolk, which office he now holds.
at Weymouth.
Epwarp Avery was born in Marblehead, March |
12, 1828. He was educated in the schools of his
native town, and afterwards in the classical school of
Mr. Brooks, in Boston.
of F.
School
He studied law in the office
W. Choate in Boston, and at the Dane Law-
in Cambridge. He was admitted to the bar
He resides |
| has thus been identified with the Norfolk bar.
1 April, 1849, and began practice in Barre, in the |
_ county of Worcester, where he remained until the
winter of 1850-51, He then removed to Boston,
and has since had an office there. On the Ist of
October, 1858, he became associated in business with
George M. Hobbs, a copartnership which still con-
tinues. Mr. Avery has for many years been a lead-
ing practitioner in all the courts of Suffolk and other
counties, and the firm has up to the present time al-
ways had an extensive practice. Mr. Avery has
given especial attention to cases arising under the
insolvent laws of Massachusetts and under the United
States Bankrupt Law, and in this branch of the law
_he has been eminently successful, although he has
_ always attended to general practice.
_he has had an office in Boston, has always been a resi-
Mr. Avery, since
dent in Norfolk County. For some time he resided
at Quincy, but for many years past he has lived at
Braintree.
trial of many important causes in this county, and
In
1866 he was a Representative to the General Court
from Braintree, and in 1867 was re-elected to the
House, and also to the Senate from the Norfolk and
Plymouth District.
Epwarp Litire Prerce.—Admitted at the Feb-
ruary term of the Supreme Judicial Court, 1853.
He was born March 29, 1829, and is a son of Col.
Jesse Pierce, of Stoughton. He was graduated at
Brown University in 1850. During his college course
he distinguished himself in several prize essays and
in articles which appeared in the Democratic Review.
He entered the Law-School at Cambridge, and re-
ceived the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1852. He
was the author of the successful prize essay offered to
his class upon the “ Consideration of a Contract,”
which was printed. He afterwards wrote an essay
upon “Secret Suffrage,’ which attracted attention in
England, and was there reprinted. He was after-
wards in the law-office of Salmon P. Chase, at Cincin-
In 1857 he published the first edition of his
“ American Railroad Law.” He took an
active part in politics in 1857 as a member of the
He has been employed as counsel in the
nati.
work on
| Republican party, advocating the most liberal treat-
ment of foreigners against the proscriptive policy
which then was popular in Massachusetts.
He continued to practise in his profession, having an
office in Boston, as a partner of Asaph Churchill.
At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, he enlisted
as a private in the Third Massachusetts Regiment.
He afterwards, in 1862, by appointment of Secretary
Chase, had the charge of the freedmen and plantations
of the Sea Islands, and his official reports of this trust
were widely read. He was on duty at Morris Island
AY
AK
THE BENCH AND BAR. 25
in August, 1863, when he was appointed collector of
internal revenue for the Third District of Massachu-
setts, which office he held for three years.
He was appointed by Governor Bullock, in 1866,
to the office of district attorney of the Southeastern
District, to which office he was elected by the people
in 1866, and again in 1868. In October, 1869, he
was appointed secretary of the Board of State Chari-
ties, and held that office until 1874, when he re-
signed it.
In 1875 and 1876 he was Representative from
Milton in the General Court, and in the latter session
was chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.
He is the author of the “ Act to Limit Municipal
Indebtedness.” He was appointed by President Hayes
in December, 1878, assistant treasurer of the United
States at Boston, but he declined the appointment.
Mr. Pierce has been one of the lecturers at the
Boston Law-School since its foundation. In 1881
he published a new edition of his work on “ American
Railroad Law,” much enlarged and enriched by co-
pious notes and citations. In 1874 he prepared an
elaborate “Index of the Special Railroad Laws of
Massachusetts.”
Mr. Pierce was one of the literary executors of
Charles Sumner, and was the author of the memoir
of Mr. Sumner, published in 1877, an elaborate and
excellent biography. He has also been the author of |
many articles contributed to the reviews and news- |
papers, of official reports, and public addresses upon a
variety of social and political topics, all of which are
marked by such ability, breadth, and exhaustiveness
of treatment of their respective subjects as to entitle
them to hold a permanent place in the current dis-
cussions of vital questions.
result of which was given in his report for 1873 as |
secretary of the Board of State Charities.
Mr. Pierce received the degree of Doctor of Laws
from Brown University in 1882.
Milton, and has an office in Boston.
AsA FRENCH was born on the 21st of October,
1829, in Braintree, where his ancestors have lived
since the town’s earliest settlement.
He resides at |
1856 he was elected register of insolvency, which
office of David A. Simmons and Harvey Jewell, in
Boston.
Mr. French was first admitted to practice in the
Supreme Court of New York, at Albany, in 18553,
and afterwards at Boston. He has always had an
office in Boston; but has made Braintree his home,
and has been identified with the Norfolk County
bar.
He represented Braintree in the lower branch of
the State Legislature in 1866. In 1870 he was ap-
pointed by Governor Claflin district attorney for the
Southeastern District, to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Hon. Edward L. Pierce, and held this
office by successive re-elections until October, 1882,
when he resigned.
In 1882 he was tendered the appointment of justice
of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, but declined
it. He has been one of the commissioners on inland
fisheries for the State of Massachusetts since 1873.
He is president of the board of trustees of the
Thayer Academy and of the Thayer Public Library,
both in Braintree, and both founded and endowed by
the late Gen. Sylvanus Thayer.
In 1883 he was placed by President Arthur upon
the annual Board of Visitors to the West Point Mili-
tary Academy.
Mr. French was appointed judge of the Court of
Commissioners of Alabama Claims in Washington,
under the act re-establishing that court, approved
June 5, 1882.
Erastus WortTHINGTON.—Attorney and coun-
_sellor, February term, Supreme Judicial Court, 1854.
Mr. Pierce has made |
several journeys to Europe, one in 1873, to inspect |
European prisons, reformatories, and asylums, the |
| to 1867.
He received his early education in the public schools, |
| that office in January, 1867, and has since been elected
was prepared for college at the Leicester Academy,
Worcester County, Mass., and was graduated at Yale
College, in the class of 1851. Upon leaving college,
he began the study of law at the Albany Law-School,
and afterwards entered the Harvard Law-School, where |
he received the degree of LL.B. in 1853. He sub-
He is the son of Erastus Worthington, of Dedham,
where he was born Nov. 25, 1828. He was gradu-
ated at Brown University in 1850. After residing
nearly a year in Wisconsin, he entered the Dane Law-
School, at Cambridge, where he received the degree
of LL.B. in 1853. He completed his professional
studies in the office of Ezra Wilkinson, at Dedham.
He began practice in Boston, and was for some time
a partner with David A. Simmons, of Roxbury. In
office he held until July, 1858, when he resumed
practice in Dedham. He was trial justice from 1857
In 1866 he was elected clerk of the courts
for Norfolk County, and entered upon the duties of
for three terms of five years each. He continues to
hold the office, and resides in Dedham.
CHarLes Enpicorr.—Attorney and counsellor,
April term, Court of Common Pleas, 1857. He was
born in Canton, Oct. 28, 1822. He was for several
sequently pursued the study of his profession in the | years town clerk, selectman, and held many town
26
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
offices. He was a deputy sheriff of the county from
1846 to 1853, and commissioner of insolvency from
1855 to 1857. Upon his admission to the bar he
began practice in Canton, where he continues to re-
side. He was a Representative to the General Court
in 1851, 1857, and 1858, and a Senator from Norfolk
County in 1866 and 1867, and a member of the Ex-
ecutive Council in 1868 and 1869. He was county
commissioner from 1859 to 1865. He was State
Auditor from 1870 to 1875, and Treasurer and
Receiver-General for the Commonwealth from 1876
to 1881, when he became ineligible for re-election by
reason of the constitutional limitation in the term of
that office. He now holds the office of tax com-
missioner. He resides in Canton.
JosEPH McKEAN CHURCHILL is the son of
Asaph Churchill, and was born in Milton, April
29, 1821. He was graduated at Harvard College
in 1840, and pursued his professional studies in the
Dane Law-School, Cambridge, where he received the
degree of LL.B. in 1845. He began and continued
the practice of law in Boston for many years. He
was Representative to the General Court from Milton
in 1858, and a member of the Executive Council in
1859 and 1860. He was also a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention of 1853, and for twelve years
was an overseer of Harvard College. He was a cap-
tain in the Forty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts In-
fantry in the war of the Rebellion. He was a
county commissioner from Jan. 1, 1868, until April,
1871, and chairman of the board during two of those
years. He was then appointed a justice of the Mu-
nicipal Court of Boston, which office he continues to
hold. He resides in Milton.
JAMES H. TIRRELL was born in Weymouth, March
28, 1833.
mouth, and studied law with Fisher A. Kingsbury
and Elijah F. Hall, in Weymouth. He was admitted |
to the bar in Suffolk, July 16,1856. He now resides
and has an office at Quincy.
Joun L. ExpripeGe was born in Provincetown,
Mass., Dec. 25, 1842. He was fitted for college at
the Boston Latin School, and was graduated at Har-
vard College.
Dane Law-School, and received the degree of LL.B.
in 1866. He also studied in the office of Joseph
Nickerson, in Boston.
in Suffolk in November, 1867. He resides at Quincy,
but has an office in Boston.
Kvererr ©. Bumpus was born in Plympton, Nov.
28, 1844. His parents subsequently removed to
Braintree, and he left the Braintree High School in
He was educated in the schools of Wey- |
|
He pursued his legal studies at the
He was admitted to the bar |
United States during the civil war. He served with
some intervals until the war ended, both as private
and officer. He pursued his studies while in the
army, and at the close of the war he entered the office
of Edward Avery, and was admitted to the bar in
Suffolk, May 10, 1867. He was a trial justice at
Weymouth from 1868 to 1872, when he was appointed
Justice of the District Court of East Norfolk, which
office he resigned Oct. 1, 1882. He was then nomi-
nated and elected the district attorney for the South-
eastern District, to succeed Asa French. He was
re-elected in 1883 for the term of three years, and
now holds that office. His residence is in Quincy,
but he has an office in Boston.
Freperick D. Eniy.—Attorney and counsellor,
Superior Court, Oct. 8, 1862. He was born in
Wrentham, Sept. 24, 1838, was fitted for “college at
Day’s Academy, in Wrentham, and was graduated at
Brown University in 1859. He studied law in the
ofice of Waldo Colburn, in Dedham. He has been
a trial justice from 1867 to the present time. He
was Representative to the General Court from Ded-
ham in 1873, and Senator in 1878 and 1879. He
resides in Dedham, but has an office in Boston.
Joun D. Cops.—Attorney and counsellor, Superior
Court, April 23, 1867. He was born in Dedham,
April 28, 1840, and was graduated at Harvard Col-
lege in 1861. He studied law in the Dane Law-
School, and received the degree of LL.B. in 1866.
He also was in the office of Waldo Colburn, at Ded-
ham. He entered the military service of the United
States Aug. 16, 1862, and served until the end of the
war as sergeant, and was promoted to be lieutenant
and acting adjutant of the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts
Infantry. He was Representative to the General Court
from Dedham in 1876 and 1877. He was appointed
assistant register of probate Jan. 1, 1879, which office
he has since held. He resides in Dedham.
Epmunp Davis.—Attorney and counsellor, Supe-
rior Court, Oct. 1, 1867. He was born in Canton,
| Dec. 12, 1839, and was graduated at Dartmouth
| College in 1861.
He entered the military service of
the United States Aug. 16, 1862, and was severely
wounded at the battle of Antietam, by reason of which
he was discharged from service Sept. 16, 1862. He
studied law in the office of Waldo Colburn, at Ded-
ham. He began practice in Franklin, and was a trial
justice for some time. He then removed to Hyde
Park, where he now resides and has an office.
Tuomas E. Grover was born in Mansfield, Feb.
9, 1844. He studied law principally in the office of
Ellis Ames, in Canton, and was admitted to the bar
April, 1861, to go into the military service of the | Sept. 7, 1867. Mr. Grover has held the office of trial
ae
THE BENCH AND BAR. 27
justice for many years. He resides in Canton, and has
offices both in Canton and Boston.
JAMES E. Correr was born in Ireland in 1848.
He came to this country in 1856, and resided in
Marlborough until his admission to the bar. He was
educated in the public schools, and at the State Normal
School at Bridgewater. He studied law with William
B. Gale, of Marlborough, and was admitted to the bar
in Middlesex, Jan. 2, 1874. He removed to Hyde
Park, where he now resides. He has an office in
Hyde Park and in Boston.
GEORGE WINsLOow WiGGIN.—Attorney and coun-
sellor, Superior Court, Oct. 17, 1871. He was born
in Sandwich, N. H., March 10, 1841. He was edu-
cated in the course for four years at Phillips’ Acad-
emy, Exeter, N. H. He was afterwards a teacher in
the Friends’ Boarding-School at Providence, R. L.,
and principal of the Wrentham High School for four
years. He studied law in the office of Samuel War-
ner, of Wrentham. He began practice in Franklin
in 1872, where he has since resided and practised law.
He has been a trial justice since 1872, and was elected
a county commissioner in 1878, and was re-elected in
1881. He has been chairman of the board during
the past year. He has also an office in Boston.
JAMES HeEwIns was born in Medfield, April 27,
1846. He was educated in the Medfield and Wal-
pole High Schools, and entered Amherst College.
He studied law with Robert R. Bishop and at the
Dane Law-School, in Cambridge. He was admitted
to the bar in Suffolk, Feb. 26, 1868. He has been
a trial justice, and is Representative to the General
Court in 1884. He resides in Medfield, but has an
office in Boston.
Oscar A. MARDEN was born in Palermo, Me.,
Aug. 20, 1853. He was educated at the Westbrook
Seminary, in Deering, Me. He studied law in the
Boston University Law-School, where he was grad-
uated in 1876. He also studied in the office of S. K.
Hamilton, in Boston. He was admitted to the bar in
Suffolk, Oct. 8, 1876. He has been a trial justice
for several years, and resides in Stoughton, but has an
office in Boston.
The following gentlemen were admitted to the bar
in Norfolk County, and are now practicing attorneys in |
the county:
Asa Wellington, Quincy, admitted April, 1852.
Charles J. Randall, Wrentham, admitted Jan. 3,
1859.
Henry B. Terry, Hyde Park, admitted April 4,1871. |
Don Gleason Hill, Dedham, admitted Oct. 18,1871. |
Charles Amory Williams, Brookline, admitted Oct. |
1, 1873.
Zenas 8. Arnold, Boston, admitted Jan. 20, 1874.
Charles A. Mackintosh, Dedham, admitted Oct. 4,
1875.
Frank Rockwood Hall, Brookline, admitted Jan. 8,
1878.
William G. A. Pattee, Quincy, admitted May 14,
1879.
John Everett, Canton, admitted May 14, 1879.
Nathan Hyde Pratt, Weymouth, admitted Jan. 1,
1880.
James J. Malone, Quincy, admitted May 18, 1881.
Charles Francis Jenney, Hyde Park, admitted Oct.
4, 1882.
Albert Everett Avery, Braintree, admitted Jan.
23, 1883.
The following gentlemen were admitted to the bar
elsewhere, but are now practicing attorneys in the
county :
Charles H. Drew, Brookline. Office in Boston.
Moses Williams, Brookline. Office in Boston.
Bradford Kingman, Brookline. Office in Boston.
Thomas L. Wakefield, Dedham. Office in Boston.
Alonzo B. Wentworth, Dedham. Office in Boston.
John R. Bullard, Dedham. Office in Boston.
Horace E. Ware, Milton. Office in Boston.
Henry F. Buswell, Canton. Office in Boston.
Jonathan Wales, Randolph. Office in Boston.
John V. Beal, Randolph. Office in Boston.
Charles H. Deans, West Medway.
Emery Grover, Needham. Office in Boston.
E. Granville Pratt, Quincy. Office in Boston.
George Fred. Williams, Dedham. Office in Boston.
Orin T. Gray, Hyde Park. Office in Boston.
W. H. H. Andrews, Hyde Park. Office in Boston.
Artemas W. Gates, Dedham. Office in Boston.
Robert W. Carpenter, Foxborough.
Fred. H. Williams, Foxborough.
Edward Bicknell, Weymouth. Office in Boston.
Fred. J. Stimson, Dedham. Office in Boston.
Charles E, Perkins, Brookline. Office in Boston.
John C. Lane, Norwood. Office in Boston.
Sheriffs.\—Hon. Ebenezer Thayer, of Braintree,
the first sheriff of Norfolk County, was the son of
Hon. Ebenezer Thayer, also of Braintree, and was
born Aug. 21, 1746. His father was for many years
a prominent citizen of the town, having served in the
office of Representative eighteen years, and was chosen
| Representative to the General Court seventeen years
1 The following sketches of the sheriffs and county treasurers
of the county are mainly taken from the ‘‘ Norfolk County
Manual,” by Henry O. Hildreth, Esq., by the permission of the
author.
28
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
successively, and in 1776 was a member of the Hx-
ecutive Council. His mother was Susanna, daughter
of Rev. Samuel Niles, of Braintree. Mr. Thayer
served the town many years as selectman, town clerk,
and treasurer; was Representative to the General
Court in 1796, 1800, and 1801, a member of the
Senate in 1795, ’96, *97, 98, ’99, and a member of
the Executive Council in 1793 and 1794. He was
also a brigadier-general in the militia. On the or-
ganization of the county, in 1793, he was appointed
Sheriff, but owing to ill health, resigned early in the
following year. He died May 30, 1809, aged sixty-
three years.
Atherton Thayer, half-brother to the preceding,
was born in Braintree, Feb. 9, 1766. His mother
was Rebecca Miller, of Milton, who was the second
wife of Hon. Ebenezer Thayer, Sr. On the resigna-
tion of the office of sheriff by his brother, in 1794,
he was appointed to fill the vacancy, and continued in
the office until his death, July 4, 1798, aged thirty-
two years.
Benjamin Clarke Cutler, of Roxbury, was born in
Boston, Sept. 15, 1756, and was for many years a
merchant, removing afterwards to Jamaica Plain.
He was appointed sheriff July 31, 1798, and held
the office until his death. He died very suddenly at
his residence on Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, April,
1810, aged fifty-four years.
Elijah Crane was born in Milton, Aug. 29, 1754,
and was the son of Thomas Crane, for many years a
prominent citizen of that part of Stoughton, now
Canton. He early removed to Canton, where his
. . . |
regular business was that of a farmer, in which he
met with marked success, although much of his time
was devoted to public life. He was a man of large
and erect stature, well-developed form, and graceful |
carriage, and was noted for his splendid horseman-
ship. He early took a deep interest in military mat-
ters, rising by successive appointments to the rank
of brigadier-general of the Second Brigade, First Di-
vision, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, to which he
was promoted Aug. 1, 1803, and promoted and com-
missioned major-general of the First Division June
16, 1809, which position he continued to hold until
his discharge, June 8, 1827, a period of service in
the highest military office of the State without a
parallel in Massachusetts. He also attained high
rank as a Mason, being successively Junior Grand
Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in
Grand Master in 1832.
Cutler, in 1810, he was appointed sheriff, and con-
tinued in office until 1811, when he was removed for
| clusive.
' some time he carried on the same business.
political reasons by Governor Gerry. The following
year he was reappointed, and continued in office by
successive reappointments until his death, the longest
term of service as sheriff ever held in the county.
He died Feb. 21, 1834, aged eighty years.
William Brewer, of Roxbury, was for many years
a prominent citizen of the town, having been chair-
man of the Board of Selectmen for several years, and
was Representative to the General Court from 1801
to 1811, inclusive, and again from 1814 to 1817, in-
In 1811 he was appointed sheriff of Nor-
folk County by Governor Gerry, which position he
held for one year. He died Aug. 2, 1817, aged
fifty-nine years.
John Baker (2d) was born in Dorchester, Feb. 27,
1780. He learned the trade of a wheelwright in
Roxbury, and soon removed to Dedham, where for
He was
a coroner, and for several years a deputy sheriff of the
county. On the death of Gen. Crane, in 1834, Mr.
Baker was appointed sheriff, and held the office until
his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1843, at the age of
sixty-three years.
Jerauld Newland Ezra Mann was born in Med-
field, June 26, 1796. He learned the trade of a
carriage-painter, serving his time with the Messrs.
Bird, of Walpole. In 1823 he went to Easton,
where he remained but a short time, removing the
year following to Taunton, where he remained five
years, at the end of which time he went to Wrent-
ham, and thence to Dedham, where he took the
place of his brother-in-law, Maj. T. P. Whitney,
as deputy sheriff and jailer. On the death of
Sheriff Baker, Mr. Mann was, Feb. 8, 1843, ap-
pointed sheriff for the term of five years, at the ex-
piration of which he declined a reappointment, but
continued to act as deputy sheriff and jailer until
July, 1855, when failing health compelled his resig-
nation. He soon after removed to Vernon, Conn.,
the residence of his youngest daughter, where he died
April 15, 1857, aged sixty years and ten months.
Thomas Adams was born in Quincy, April 20,
1804.
his father as a butcher, and afterwards was proprietor
In early life he was engaged in business with
of different stage-lines, and an extensive dealer in
horses. He then went to Roxbury, where he con-
tinued to reside until his death. He was deputy
sheriff under Sheriff Mann, and in 1848 succeeded
that officer as sheriff of the county. He was re-
1820 and 1821, Senior Grand Warden in 1822, and |
On the death of Sheriff |
| office until Jan. 1, 1857.
|
|
moved from office for political reasons in 1852, but
was reappointed the following year, and continued in
After Roxbury became a
He
city he was for two or three years city marshal.
NORFOLK DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY. 29
died suddenly of apoplexy Jan. 2, 1869, aged sixty-
five years.
John W. Thomas was born in Weymouth, April
1, 1815. Learned the trade of a shoemaker, and
was a Representative to the General Court in 1852,
a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1853,
and a lieutenant-colonel in the militia. May 13, 1852,
he was commissioned sheriff of Norfolk County by
year for political reasons. In 1856 he was elected
sheriff by the Republican and American parties, and
assumed the position Jan. 1, 1857.
removed to Dedham, where he continues to reside.
He was the first sheriff elected by the people in the
county, and at each successive election was chosen by
a large majority of the popular vote. He held the
office until January, 1878, when he declined a re-
election.
Rufus C. Wood was born in Palmer, May 30,
1818. His parents removed to Dudley, where he
learned the trade of a machinist, and lived until he
was twenty years of age. He previously had at-
tended the public schools and the Nichols Academy
in Dudley. He removed to Canton in November,
1836, and worked at his trade for eleven years in the
Kinsley Iron and Machine Company’s works. He was
appointed a deputy sheriff by Sheriff Adams in 1853,
and he held that office until his election as sheriff,
in 1877. During President Lincoln’s administration
he was appointed postmaster at Canton, which office
He soon after
he held for sixteen years, and resigned at the time
of his election as sheriff. In 1877 he was elected
sheriff of the county, has been twice re-elected, the
last time, in 1883, by the nomination and vote of
both political parties. Since his election as sheriff he
has resided in Dedham, and is master of the House
of Correction in connection with his office.
County Treasurers.—Isaac Bullard, the first
treasurer of the county, was born in Dedham, July
10, 1744, and was a lineal descendant from William
Bullard, one of the first settlers of the town. He
was for many years in public life, having been town
clerk for three years, selectman five years, and Rep-
resentative to the General Court from 1794 to 1801,
and again in 1806 and 1807. He was chosen deacon
of the First Church, May 28, 1780, which office he
continued to hold until his death.
tion of the county, in 1793, he was chosen county
On the organiza-
treasurer, to which position he was annually elected
until his decease, which occurred June 18, 1808, at
the age of sixty-four years.
John Bullard, son of the preceding, was born in
Dedham, Jan. 9, 1773. He was also much in public
life, having been twenty years a selectman and one
year town clerk. On the death of his father, in
1808, he was chosen county treasurer, which position
afterwards went into business as a manufacturer;
he occupied by successive elections until his death,
Feb. 25, 1852, a period of forty-four years. He was
seventy-nine years of age. (See history of Dedham.)
George Ellis was born in Medfield, Sept. 2, 1793,
_and early removed to Dedham, where for several
Governor Boutwell, but was removed the following
years he carried on business as a trader. He was
captain of one of the Dedham militia companies, for
several years a deputy sheriff of the county, and for
fourteen years one of the selectmen of the town. He
was secretary and treasurer of the Dedham Institution
for Savings from May, 1845, to June, 1855, when,
owing to ill health, he resigned. On the death of
John Bullard, in 1852, he was appointed by the
county commissioners county treasurer, and the two
following years was elected by the people, failing of a
re-election in 1855. He died June 24, 1855, aged
sixty-two years and ten months.
Chauncey C. Churchill. (See history of Dedham.)
CHAPTER. BE
NORFOLK DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY.
BY A. E. SPROUL.
INCLUDED in the Massachusetts Medical Society
are several subordinate organizations, ‘“ wherein the
communication of cases and experiments may be
made, and the diffusion of knowledge in medicine
and surgery may be encouraged and promoted.”
One of these is the Norfolk District Medical Society.
It is subject to the regulations of the general society
in all matters wherein the latter is concerned. It
was organized in 1850, and consists of Fellows of
the Massachusetts Medical Society residing in those
portions of Boston formerly known as Roxbury, Dor-
chester, and West Roxbury, and in the towns within
the present boundaries of Norfolk County. The
‘« district” corresponds to the old county lines, which
were changed by the annexation of Roxbury and
Dorchester to Boston. The officers are as follows:
President, Dr. J. H. Streeter, Roxbury; Vice-Presi-
dent, Dr. A. R. Holmes, Canton; Secretary and
Librarian, Dr. G. D. Townshend, Roxbury; Treas-
urer, Dr. E. G. Morse, Roxbury.
Following is a
30
list of present members, brought down to Feb. 1,
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1884:
1835.1—Alexander, Andrew, Dorchester.
1866.—Allen, George Otis, West Roxbury.
1866.—Amory, Robert, Brookline.
1873.—Bemis, Charles Albert, West Medway.
1882.—Blanchard, Benjamin Seaver, Brookline.
1840.—Blanchard, Henry, Dorchester.
1871.—Blodgett, Frank Marcellus, Roxbury.
1871.—Bolles, William Palmer, Dorchester.
1868.—Bowditch, Henry Pickering, West Roxbury.
1871.—Bragdon, George Abbott, Dorchester.
1878.—Broughton, Henry White, Jamaica Plain.
1879.—Brown, Roscoe Ellsworth, East Weymouth.
1873.—Call, Norman, Roxbury.
1865.—Campbell, William Henry, Roxbury.
1878.—Channing, Walter, Brookline.
1868.—Chase, John Winslow, Dedham.
1882.—Cheever, Clarence Alonzo, Mattapan.
1874.—Clement, George Wilmot, Roxbury.
1837.—Cotting, Benjamin Eddy, Roxbury.
1849.—Cushing, Benjamin, Dorchester.
1874.—Cushman, Thaddeus Thompson, Randolph.
1878.—Daniels, Edwin Alfred, Medway.
1862.—Dearing, Thomas Haven, Braintree.
1847.—Dickerman, Lemuel, Foxborough.
1880.—Donovan, Samuel Magner, Quincy.
1883.—Drake, William Abram, North Weymouth.
1879.—Dunbar, Eugene Fillmore, Roxbury.
1867.—Edson, Ptolemy O’Meara, Roxbury.
1868.—Edwards, Charles Lawrence, Hyde Park.
1870.—Emery, William Henry, Roxbury.
1881.—Ernst, Harold Clarence, Jamaica Plain.
1865.—Everett, Willard Shepard, Hyde Park.
1874.—Farr, Edwin Lawson, Roxbury.
1848.—Faulkner, George, Jamaica Plain.
1866.—Fay, George Wyman, East Weymouth.
1858.—Fifield, William Cranch Bond, Dorchester.
1875.—Finn, James Anthony, Roxbury.
1847.—Flint, John Sydenham, Roxbury.
1847.—Fogg, David Sylvester, Norwood.
1880.—Fogg, Irving Sylvester, Norwood.
1856.—Forsaith, Francis Flint, Weymouth.
1848.—Francis, Tappan Eustis, Brookline.
1880.—Fraser, John Chisholm, East Weymouth.
1877.—French, Justus Crosby, Dedham.
1882.—Galligan, Eugene Thomas, Roxbury.
1882.—Garceau, Alexander Emmanuel, Hyde Park.
1863.—Garceau, Trefflé, Roxbury.
1875.—Gerry, Edwin Peabody, Jamaica Plain.
1854.—Gifford, Silas Swift, East Stoughton.
1869.—Gilbert, Daniel Dudley, Dorchester.
1854.—Gilbert, John Henry, Quincy.
1871.—Gordon, John Alexander, Quincy.
1869.—Goss, Francis Webster, Roxbury.
1878.—Gould, Lawrence Mervin, Hyde Park.
1882.—Granger, Frank Clark, Randolph.
1863.—Greene, James Sumner, Dorchester.
1871.—Hall, Josiah Little, Brookline.
1847.—Harlow, James Frederick, Quincy Point.
1867.—Hayes, Charles Cogswell, Hyde Park.
1869.—Hazelton, Isaac Hills, Grantville.
1 Date of admission.
1853.—Hitchcock, Joseph Green Stevens, Foxborough.
1862.—Holbrook, Silas Pinckney, West Medway.
1854.—Holmes, Alexander Reed, Canton.
1880.—Jaques, Henry Perey, Milton.
1833.—Jarvis, Edward, Dorchester.
1877.—Kenneally, John Henry, Roxbury.
1877.—Kilby, Henry Sherman, Wrentham.
1848.—King, George, Franklin.
1875.—Kingsbury, Albert Dexter, Needham.
1869.—Mansfield, Henry Tucker, Needham.
1883.—Martin, Francis Coffin, Roxbury.
1846.—Martin, Henry Austin, Roxbury.
1874.—Martin, Stephen Crosby, Roxbury.
1849.—Maynard, John Parker, Dedham.
1872.—MeNulty, Frederick Joseph, Roxbury.
1875.—Mecuen, George Edward, Roxbury.
1872.—Moran, John Brennan, Roxbury.
1870.—Morse, Edward Gilead, Roxbury.
1843.—Morse, Horatio Gilead, Roxbury.
1880.—Mullen, Francis Henry, Dorchester.
1870.—Nichols, Arthur Howard, Roxbury.
1871.—Otis, Robert Mendum, Roslindale.
1878.—Page, Frank Wilfred, Jamaica Plain.
1870.—Perry, Joseph Franklin, Dorchester.
1882.—Pierce, Matthew Vassar, Milton.
1867.—Pratt, Gustavus Percival, Cohasset.
1881.—Prior, Charles Edwin, Holbrook.
1867.—Quincy, Henry Parker, Dedham.
1877.—Read, George Mumford, Dorchester.
1856.—Richardson, John Henry, Medfield.
1858.—Robinson, Albert Brown, Roxbury.
1873.—Rogers, Orville Forrest, Dorchester.
1873.—Sabine, George Krans, Brookline.
1854.—Seaverns, Joel, Roxbury.
1881.—Sherman, Warren Hobart, Quincy.
1852.—Shurtleff, Augustine, Brookline.
1863.—Skinner, Edward Manning, Jamaica Plain.
1871.—Smithwick, John, Sharon.
1855,—Stedman, Charles Ellery, Dorchester.
1864.—Stedman, Joseph, Jamaica Plain.
1861.—Stone, Silas Emlyn, Walpole.
1847.—Streeter, Joseph Herman, Roxbury.
1882.—Thurlow, John Howard, Roxbury.
1872.—Tinlkkham, Granville Wilson, Weymouth.
1862.—Tower, Charles Carroll, South Weymouth.
1877.—Towle, Henry Charles, Dorchester.
1877.—Townshend, George Drew, Roxbury.
1868.—Trull, Washington Benson, Brookline.
1876.—Van Slyck, David Bernard, Brookline.
1872.—Vogel, Frederick William, Roxbury.
1854.—Waldock, James, Roxbury.
1838.—Wales, Bradford Leonard, Randolph.
1880.—Welch, John Frederick, Quincy.
1874.—Wescott, William Henry, Dorchester.
1880.—West, Edward Graeff, Roxbury.
1882.—White, Herbert Warren, Roxbury.
1878.—Wells, Frank, Brookline.
1872.—Williams, Edward Tufts, Roxbury.
1831.—Wing, Benjamin Franklin, Jamaica Plain.
1874.—Wing, Clifton Ellis, Jamaica Plain.
1876.—Wingate, Uranus Owen Brackett, Wellesley.
1867.—Winkler, Joseph Alexander, Jamaica Plain.
1880.—Withington, Charles Francis, Roxbury.
1882.—Wood, Henry Austin, Roxbury.
1875.—Yale, Joseph Cummings, Franklin.
1874.—Young, Charles Sayward, Stoughton.
DEDHAM.
dl
CHAPTER, 111.
DEDHAM.
BY ERASTUS WORTHINGTON.!
The Settlement—The Town Covenant—Names of the Signers—
Organization of Town Government—Character of Settlers—
Formation of the Church—The Rey. John Allin—Division
of Lands—Burial-Ground—Training-Ground—Description of
the Village in 1664.
On the third day of September, 1635, at the Gen-
eral Court held at Newtowne, afterwards Cambridge,
it was thus ordered :
“There shall be a plantation settled about two
miles above the falls of Charles River, on the north-
east side thereof, to have ground lying to it on both
sides the river, both upland and meadow, to be laid
out hereafter as the court shall appoint.”’
The falls of Charles River here referred to, are the
falls at Newton, and although the distance above the
falls is understated in the record, yet the place desig-
nated can be none other than that now occupied by |
the village of Dedham. This order was the fiat which
proclaimed the existence of the settlement of Dedham,
and the record therefore properly stands at the begin-
ning of its written history. It marks with certainty
the time when the settlement had been definitely de-
termined upon.
record clearly implies, the lands described, to some
extent, must have been explored, and settlers were
ready to undertake the new plantation. The settle-
ment at Watertown, begun in 1630, had already be-
come alarmed at the rapid increase of its inhabitants.
The tide of emigration had then set strongly to the
shores of Massachusetts Bay, and a new settlement
had to be provided. In the preceding spring the
General Court had given leave to the inhabitants of
Watertown to remove themselves to any place they
1 Tn writing the following history of Dedham, I have taken
the materials largely from my father’s “‘ History of Dedham,”
published in 1827; from the Centennial address of Samuel F.
Haven, in 1836; from the historical discourses of the Rev. Dr.
Lamson, and the other historical discourses by the pastors of
other churches. The care and accuracy with which these were
prepared render them authentic sources of history, and they
have left little for the gleaner in the history of the first two
centuries. I have also availed myself of the researches of others
Before this time, however, as the |
upon certain special subjects; but with these exceptions, I have |
sought original sources for historical facts.
I only regret that |
in the limited time given for the preparation of this history, |
there has been no opportunity for giving citations of authorities,
or for that careful revision of the text which every historical |
work should receive.—E. W.
DepuHaw, Feb. 1, 1884.
should make choice of, provided they should continue
under the government. The student of the early
records of the colonial towns, and especially those of
Watertown, will be surprised and interested to find
how soon after the arrival of Winthrop, the insuffi-
ciency of land became an urgent and impelling reason
for the advance of civilization into the interior. It
is easy to imagine how eagerly the pioneers, in the
search for an eligible location, ascended the river above
the lands already granted to the Newtowne proprietors,
lying above Watertown, to the broad meadows and
wide plateau of the future town of Dedham. To the
eye of the early settler, it must be remembered,
meadows had an especial value, since they would fur-
nish both water .and forage for his cattle before the
uplands could be cleared.
The removal from Watertown was gradually ef-
fected, and it is probable that the year 1635-36 was
mainly spent in preparation for occupying the new
settlement. The fact, however, that in the register
| of births and deaths in Dedham are recorded the
births of two children in June and July of 1635,
would seem sufficient to prove that the plantation
was actually begun in that year. It is said that there
were twelve of these pioneers who first planted their
rude houses upon the plains of Dedham. Although
the names of all these cannot now be ascertained, yet
among those who were here as early as 1635 were
doubtless Edward Alleyne, Philemon Dalton, Samuel
Morse, John Dwight, Lambert Genere, Richard
Evered, and Ralph Shepherd. Capt. Thomas Cake-
bread was the military man of the company, but he
never came as a settler. Mr. Robert Feake was a
prominent man at Watertown, and although his name
was first subscribed to the covenant, and he had an
Possibly
Abraham Shaw was one of the number, as his house
and goods at Watertown were burned about—this
time.
On the eighth day of September, 1636, upon the
petition of nineteen settlers for a confirmation of the
grant of the previous year, and to distinguish the
town by the name of Contentment, the General Court
ordered ‘‘ that the plantation to be settled above the
falls of Charles River shall have three years immu-
nity from public charges, and the name of the plan-
tation to be Dedham; to enjoy all that land on the
southerly and easterly side of Charles River not for-
merly granted to any town or particular persons, and ~
allotment of land, he never removed here.
| also to have five miles square on the other side of the
river.”
This is to be considered as the act incorporating
‘the town, as it conferred the name by which it has
32
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
always been known. No definite reason can be as-
signed for the change made in the name selected by
the petitioners; but it has been suggested that John
Dwight, John Rogers, and John Page were emigrants
from Dedham, in Suffolk, England, which may satis-
factorily account for it.
The territory included in this grant to the Dedham
proprietors was magnificent in its extent and some-
what indefinite in its boundaries. On the southerly
and easterly side of the river, it included the present
town of Dedham, with the portions that have been
annexed to West Roxbury and Hyde Park, the
towns of Norwood, Dover, a portion of Natick, Med-
field, Walpole, Norfolk, Franklin, Wrentham, and
the greater portion of Bellingham. On the northerly
and westerly side of the river the grant of five miles
square included Dedham Island, then a neck of land, |
| liams at Providence.
Needham, Wellesley, the greater portion of Natick,
three thousand four hundred acres in the town of
Sherborn, and the town of Medway. Besides, three
hundred acres had been purchased near the Roxbury
line, by the proprietors, of Philemon Dalton, John
Dwight, and Lambert Genere, who had bought of
Samuel Dudley.
The easterly boundary of the territory then was not
Neponset River, owing to grants to Israel Stoughton
and others which intervened, but a century after,
Neponset River became the boundary-line between
Stoughton and Dedham. It required many commit-
tees and much negotiation subsequently to define the
boundaries between Dedham and Roxbury and Dor-
chester.
This grant of the General Court in confirmation
and enlargement of the grant of a plantation made
in 1635 was made to the nineteen persons who were
They were the sole owners of the land
The names
petitioners.
until they should admit new associates.
of these petitioners and proprietors were
Lambert Genere,
Nicholas Phillips,
Ralph Shepherd,
Edward Alleyne,
Abraham Shaw,
Samuel Morse,
John Gaye,
Thomas Bartlett,
Francis Austen,
Philemon Dalton,
Ezekiel Holliman,
John Kingsbury,
John Dwight,
John Coolidge,
John Rogers,
Joseph Shaw,
Richard Evered, William Bearestow.
John Howard,
While it is true that the nineteen men
names are signed to the petition should be regarded
as the nominal founders of the town, yet only a few
of them were long identified with the plantation or
had any permanent influence upon its future growth.
_had not yet removed from Watertown.
whose |
| ard.
Edward Alleyne, who had come from Watertown the
preceding year, was doubtless the principal man of
the company. ‘That he was a man of education, the
records of the first two years, made by him, are ample
evidence, and the covenant drawn by him shows that
he was a man of excellent capacity. He afterwards
obtained a grant of three hundred acres of land for a
settlement at Bogastow (Hast Medway), but he died
suddenly while attending the General Court in 1642,
Abraham
Shaw, having obtained leave to erect a corn-mill on
Charles River, died in 1638, without beginning his
enterprise, and Joseph Shaw, his son, removed to
Weymouth. Ezekiel Holliman remained only a short
time, and then removed to Salem, and became an
adherent of Roger Williams. He subsequently went
to Rhode Island, and, it is said, baptized Roger Wil-
without having begun his new plantation.
Philemon Dalton removed to
Ipswich, Ralph Shepherd and Nicholas Phillips to
Weymouth, William Bearestow to Scituate after a
few years, and Francis Austen to Hampton. John
Coolidge, Thomas Bartlett, and John Rogers prob-
ably never removed from Watertown. Of those who
remained here as permanent settlers were Lambert
Genere, John Gay, John Kingsbury, and John How-
Richard Evered was the progenitor of the
Dedham family bearing the name of Everett. John
Dwight was for sixteen. years a selectman, and died
here in 1661. It was from him that Dwight’s Brook
took its name, and his house, which stood near the
brook, on High Street, near the easterly abutment of
the railroad bridge, was not removed until the con-
struction of the railroad in 1849.
The settlement was now in the period of its “non-
Its
affairs were guided and directed at first by those who
But in the
winter of 1636-37 there were some who had begun
Of the
motives and character of the settlers we have clear
age,” as it was aptly termed in the petition.
One ry p
to live permanently in their new habitations.
and indubitable assurance in the covenant which was
Its sim-
plicity and brevity are admirable, while the spirit
which pervades it shows that their earnest desire and
drawn up before the act of incorporation.
prominent motive were for a loving and comfortable
society.
“THE COVENANT.
“ce If.
and reverence of Almighty God, mutually and severally promise
We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do, in the fear
amongst ourselves and each to other to profess and practise
one truth according to that most perfect rule the foundation
whereof is everlasting love.
“2. That we shall by all means labor to keep off from us all
such as are contrary-minded, and receive only such unto us as
ee —
\
DEDHAM.
be such as may be probably of one heart with us, as that we
either know or may well and truly be informed to walk in
peaceable conversation, with all meekness of spirit, for the edi-
fication of each other, in the knowledge and faith of the Lord
Jesus, and the mutual encouragement unto all temporal com-
forts in all things, seeking the good of each other out of all
which may be derived true peace.
* 3. That if at any time difference shall arise between par-
ties of our said town, that then such party and parties shall
presently refer all such difference unto some two or three others
of our said society, to be fully accorded and determined without
any further delay, if it possibly may be.
“4, That every man that now or at any time hereafter shall
have lots in our said town shall pay his share in all such rates
of money and charges as shall be imposed upon him rateably
in proportion with other men, as also become freely subject
unto all such orders and constitutions as shall be necessarily had
or made, now or at any time hereafter, from this day forward,
as well for loving and comfortable society in our said town, as
also for the prosperous and thriving condition of our said fel-
lowship, especially respecting the fear of God, in which we
desire to begin and continue whatsoever we shall by his loving
favor take in hand.
“5. And for the better manifestation of our true resolution
herein, every man so received to subscribe hereunto his name,
thereby obliging both himself and his successors after him for
ever, as we have done.
“ Names subscribed to the covenant as followeth.”
There is no date to this covenant to show when it
was drawn up, but it must have been before the act
of incorporation, for the petitioners state that they
One hundred and
twenty-five names are subscribed to this covenant,
but it will be found upon examination that the list
contains the names of some who were mere children
were at present under covenant.
who came years after the beginning of the settlement.
| John Kingsbury, Watertown.
when they came with their parents, and also of others |
In the fifth clause of the instrument the intention is |
clearly expressed that it should be signed by every
man received into the society, both himself and his
successors after him for ever.
In order that these names may be conveniently |
referred to, and that what is known concerning them
may be given in a condensed form, the list has been
prepared, with such additions as are furnished from
authentic sources :
Robert Feake, Watertown. Freeman May 18, 1631; he never
removed to Dedham, although he had an allotment of land.
Edward Alicyne, Watertown. Freeman March 13, 1638;
representative four years, 1639-42; died suddenly while at-
tending General Court, Sept. 8, 1642.
Samuel Morse, Watertown. Came in the “ Increase” from
London in 1635; freeman Oct. 8, 1640; died June 20, 1654.
Philemon Dalton, Watertown.
“Tnerease”’ in 1635; removed to Dedham in 1657, and from
thence to Hampton or Ipswich in 1640; freeman March 3, 1636;
died June 4, 1662.
John Dwight, Watertown. Removed in 1635 to Dedham;
freeman March 13, 1638; died Jan. 24, 1661.
Lambert Genere, Watertown. Removed to Dedham in 1636;
freeman May, 1645; died June 30, 1674.
3
A linen-weaver; came in the
33
Richard Evered, Watertown. Removed to Dedham in 1636;
freeman May 6, 1646; died July 3, 1682.
Ralph Shepherd, Watertown. Came in the “ Abigail’ in
1635, and removed to Dedham the same year, and afterwards to
Weymouth, where he died.
John Huggin, Watertown. He never lived in Dedham, but
was afterwards at Hampton.
Mr. Ralph Wheelock, Watertown. Educated at Clare Hall,
Cambridge University, England, where he took his degree in
1626 and 1631; he came to Dedham in 1638; freeman March
13, 1638; died Jan. 11, 1684, at Medfield.
Thomas Cakebread, Watertown. He never removed to Ded-
ham, but had an allotment of land; freeman May 14, 1634;
died at Sudbury Jan. 4, 1643.
Henry Phillips. Freeman March 13, 1638; member of ar-
tillery company, 1640; ensign of militia company, 1648; he
removed to Boston; he was a butcher by trade.
| Mr. Timothy Dalton. He was an elder brother of Philemon
Dalton; freeman Sept. 7, 1637; educated at St. John’s College,
Cambridge, England, where he took his degree in 1613; he had
been in office in England, and was called to be teacher in the
church at Hampton.
. Mr. Thomas Carter came in the “ Planter” in 1635 to Water-
town. Educated at St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he
took his degree, 1629-33; he was called to the church at Wo-
burn.
Abraham Shaw, Watertown. His house and goods were
burned at Watertown in 1636, and he removed to Dedham;
freeman March 9, 1637, and died in 1638.
Freeman May 25, 1636;
never removed to Dedham, but had an allotment of Jand.
Nicholas Phillips, Watertown. Freeman May 13, 1640; he
was a brother of Henry Phillips; removed to Weymouth late
in life, and died September, 1672.
John Gaye, Watertown. Freeman May 6, 1635; removed to
Dedham; died March 4, 1688.
John Coolidge, Watertown. he
Freeman March 3, 1636, and
removed the same year to Dedham; he was a representative in
1647; he died in 1659.
John Rogers, Watertown, 1636. He probably never removed
to Dedham, but had an allotment of Jand.
He was here but a short time, but removed
to Hampton according to Savage; the note in Haven’s Centen-
nial address respecting him is doubtless an error, as will be seen
by the reference to Winthrop’s History there cited.
Ezekiel Holliman. Had an allotment of land in Dedham, but
remained only a year or two; he removed to Salem, and thence
to Providence, R. I.
John Batchelor, Watertown.
Francis Austin.
Freeman May 16,1635; he re-
| moved to Hampton.
Nathaniel Coaleborne.
1691.
, John Roper.
Freeman June 2, 1641; died May 14,
Freeman June 2, 1641; he had an allotment
of land in Dedham; he had one son in Capt. Lothrop’s com-
pany killed by Indians at Bloody Brook, Sept. 18, 1675, and
another who was in Capt. Turner’s company in King Phillip’s
war, and whose wife was killed by Indians.
Martin Phillips. He was in Medfield in 1664.
Henry Smyth. Freeman May 13, 1640; he came from New
Buckenham, Norfolk, in England; he had an allotment of land,
and lived in that part of Dedham which became Medfield.
John Frayrye. Freeman March 13, 1638; he was one of the
founders of the Dedham Church, and lived in that part of Ded-
| ham which became Medfield.
Thomas Hastings, Watertown.
to Dedham.
He probably never removed
34
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Francis Chickering. Freeman in 1640; came in 1637 from
the north part of Suffolk, England; member of artillery com-
pany in 1643; ensign and representative in 1644 and 1653,
Thomas Alcock. Freeman 1635; came in the fleet with Win-
throp; he lived in Dedham till 1646, and afterwards removed
to Boston.
William Bullard. Freeman May
died in Dedham in 1687.
He was a tanner and lived in Dorchester.
Edward Kempe. Freeman March 13, 1638; he probably re-
moved to Wenham, and afterwards to Chelmsford.
John Hunting. Freeman March 13, 1638; one of the founders
of the Dedham Church, and the first ruling elder; he died
April 12, 1689.
Timothy Dwight. Freeman June 2, 1641; he was a brother
of John Dwight; representative for Medfield, 1652, where he
died in 1677.
Henry Dengayne, Watertown. He was a physician, and never
3, 1640; he lived and
Jonas Humphrey.
came to Dedham.
Henry Brock. He came in 1642, and died in 1652.
James Herring. Freeman in 1654; he came in 1642.
Nathan Aldis. Freeman in 1640; joined the Dedham Church
in 1640; one of the first deacons; he died March 15, 1676.
Edward Richards. Freeman June 16, 1641; he married a
sister of John Hunting.
Michael Powell. Freeman June 2, 1641; he came in 1639 ;
representative in 1641; he kept an ordinary in Dedham; re-
moved to Boston in 1646, and was one of the original members
of the Second Church there in 1650, and was called to act as
teacher, but was not approved by the court.
John Elderkin. He came from Lynn in 1641; he removed
to Reading in 1646, and thence to New London, Conn., and died
June 23, 1687.
Michael Bacon. He came from Ireland in 1640; his de-
scendants removed from Dedham.
Robert Onion. Freeman in 1646; came in the “ Blessing”’ to
Roxbury at the age of twenty-six, and removed to Dedham.
Samuel Mills. He came in 1642, and lived and died in Ded-
ham.
Edward Colver. We came in 1640.
Joseph Shaw. Freeman May 22,1639; he wasa son of Abra-
ham Shaw, and removed to Weymouth soon after his father’s
decease, in 1658.
William Bearstowe.
he was one of the petitioners for incorporation of the town, and
afterwards removed to Scituate.
John Howard. Freeman May 14, 1634; he died in 1660.
Thomas Bartlett, Watertown. He never removed to Ded-
ham.
Ferdinando Adams. Freeman May 138, 1640; he had an
allotment of land, and was called a shoemaker; in August,
1651, he had leave to go to England, and afterwards went to
St. Catherine’s and sold his allotment to John Frayrye, Oct. 10,
1652.
Daniel Morse, Watertown.
son of Samuel Morse; he removed to Dedham, and afterwards
to Medfield; he died in Sherborn in 1688.
Joseph Morse, Watertown. Freeman May 6, 1635; son of
Samuel Morse; removed to Dedham; he died June 20, 1654.
John Ellice. Freeman 1641; he lived in Medfield, where he
died April 2, 1697. i
Jonathan Fayerbanke.
with six children, before 1641; his name does not appear in the
he died Dec. 5, 1668.
Freeman May 6, 1635; he was a
list of freemen ;
John Eaton, Watertown.
to Dedham; died Nov. 17, 1638.
He came in the “ Truelove” in 1635; |
He came from Yorkshire, England, |
Freeman May 25, 1636; removed |
|
|
|
|
Michael Metcalfe. Freeman May 13, 1640; he was born in
1586, at Tatterford, in Norfolk, England, and was a dornock
weaver at Norwich; he arrived, with his wife and nine chil-
dren and a servant, about midsummer in 1437; he was admitted
as a townsman July 14, 1637; joined the church in 1639, and
was selectman in 1641; his name stands first on the committee
chosen to “ contrive the fabrick of a meeting-house;” he died
Dee. 27, 1664.
John Morse, Freeman May 13,1640; he was probably a son
of Samuel Morse.
Mr. John Allin. Came over in 1637; freeman March 13,
| 1638 ; ordained as pastor or teacher of the church April 24, 1639,
and continued in that office until his death, Aug. 26, 1671.
Anthony Fisher. Freeman May 3, 1645; born at Syleham,
near Hye, in Suffolk, Engiand, on the border of Norfolk; he
came to Dedham in 1637; in his will he is called late of Dor-
chester; he died Feb. 13, 1670.
Thomas Wight. We came from the Isle of Wight to Dedham
in 1637; he was of the Medfield incorporation in 1652, and
| died March 17, 1674.
Eleazer Lusher. Freeman March 13, 1638; he came to Ded-
ham in 1637, and was one of the founders of the church; also
one of the founders of the artillery company ; representative
in 1640 and for many years after; assistant in 1662 and to the
time of his death; captain in 1644, and major of the regiment
afterwards; he was town clerk twenty-three years and select-
man twenty-nine years; he died Nov. 13, 1673.
Robert Hinsdale. Freeman March 138, 1638; one of the
founders of the church Nov. 8, 1638; member of the artillery
company in 1645; removed to Medfield, where he aided in
founding the church; and thence to Hadley, where he resided
for several years, and afterwards to Deerfield, “‘and there was
gathering his harvest in the corn-fields when he was killed, with
his three sons, when Capt. Lothrop, with the flower of Essex,
fell at Bloody Brook.” (Savage’s Genealogical Dict.)
John Luson. Freeman March 13, 1638; he came to Dedham
in 1637, and was one of the founders of the Dedham Church;
he died in May, 1661.
John Fisher. It is impossible to identify him; his place in
the order of names indicates that he came with John Luson
and Thomas Fisher, and may have been a brother of the latter.
Thomas Fisher. Freeman March 4, 1634, and came to Ded-
ham in 1637; he was in Cambridge in 1634.
Joseph Kingsbury. Freeman 1641.
George Bearstowe, He came from London in the “ Truelove”’
in 1635; had an allotment of land in 1636, but probably did
not come until 1642; member of the artillery company; he
afterwards removed to Scituate; he was a brother of William
Bearstowe; the family name is properly written Barstow.
John Bullard. Freeman May 13, 1640; came in 1638, and
was either the eldest son or a brother of William Bullard,
Thomas Leader. He came to Dedham in 1640; removed to
Boston in 1647, where he died Oct. 28, 1663.
Joseph Moyes. Nothing is known of him except that he re-
moved to Salisbury, where his wife died in 1655.
Freeman May 13, 1640, and afterwards
removed to Hampton.
James Allin. Freeman in 1647; came to Dedham in 1639;
he was a cousin of Rev. John Allin, and received a legacy in
his will; he was received into the Medfield Church, Oct. 2,
1646, and died Sept. 27, 1676.
Richard Barber. Freeman May 13, 1640; died June 18,
1644; he gave his small estate, by his will, to the poor.
Jeffrey Mingeye.
Thomas Jordan, We was probably of Dorchester, and never
lived here; his daughter Hannah was probably married to
Isaac Bullard.
DEDHAM.
Joshua Fisher. Freeman May 2,1649; he lived in that part | according to tradition, burned at the stake; two of his sons,
of Dedham which became Medfield; representative in 1653,
and six years more, and died in 1674; he was a deacon of the
church.
Christopher Smith. He married Mary, daughter of Jona-
than Fayerbanke, but there is no evidence that he ever lived
in Dedham.
John Thurston. Freeman May 10, 1643; he came from
Wrentham, in Suffolk, England, a carpenter, in the “ Mary |
Ann,” of Yarmouth, in 1637; his estate was partly in Medfield,
set off in 1651.
Joseph Clarke. He came probably from Dorchester to Ded-
ham, and removed to Medfield.
Thomas Eames. He was in Dedham in 1642; he afterwards
lived in Cambridge, Sudbury, and Sherborn; on Feb. 1, 1676,
he suffered by the Indians, who burned his buildings, killed |
his wife and some of his children, and carried away others
captive.
Peter Woodward. Freeman May 18, 1642; he was repre-
sentative in 1665, 1669, 1670; he died May 9, 1685.
Thwaits Strickland. He came to Dedham in 1648; he re-
moved to the Narragansett Country.
John Guild. Freeman May 10, 1643; admitted to the church
July 17, 1640; he died Oct. 4, 1682; he had lands in Wrentham |
and Medfield; he was the progenitor of the numerous family |
of the name in Dedham.
Samuel Bulleyne. Freeman June 2, 1641; he was deacon of
the church, and died Jan. 16, 1692.
Robert Gowen. Freeman 1644.
Hugh Stacey. Came in the “Fortune” to Plymouth in
1621; he afterwards removed to Dedham, where his wife and |
daughters were admitted to the church in 1640; he removed
soon after to Lynn or Salem, or may have returned to Eng-
land.
George Barber.
company in 1646; freeman May 16,1647; he removed to Med-
field; was representative in 1668-69, and the chief militia
officer.
James Jordan. He was the father of Thomas Jordan; he
died in April or May, 1655, and in his will speaks of his age
and infirmity.
Nathaniel Whiting. Freeman May 18, 1642; he came to
Dedham in 1641; he married Hannah, eldest daughter of John
Dwight; he is said to have lived in that part of Dedham
which became Medfield.
Benjamin Smith. Freeman June 2, 1641.
Richard Ellice. He married a daughter of Lambert Genere,
but his name does not appear upon the list of freemen.
Austen Kilham. 2, 1641;
Salem; removed to Wenham, and afterwards to Chelmsford.
Robert Ware.
member of the artillery company in 1644; he married Marga-
He came in 1643; member of the artillery
Freeman June he came from
| Joseph and John, settled in Medfield.
He was the second son of Jonathan
Fayerbanke, and removed to Medfield, and afterwards to Sher-
born; he was noton the list of freemen; he died Jan. 10, 1683,
Timothy Dwight. He was the son of John Dwight, and came
to Dedham with his father in 1635, when about five years of
age; freeman in 1655; representative in 1678 and 1691, and
perhaps later; town clerk ten years; selectman twenty-four
years; he died Jan. 31, 1718.
Andrew Dewing. Freeman in 1646; member of artillery
company in 1644.
Joseph Ellice.
Ralph Freeman.
John Rice.
Daniel Pond. Freeman in 1690; he died in February, 1698;
his sons, Ephraim and John, settled in Wrentham.
John Houghton. He probably came in the “ Abigail” from
London when quite young ; he removed to Lancaster about 1652.
Jonathan Fayerbanke, Jr.
George Fayerbanke.
Freeman in 1663.
He was the youngest son of Jon-
athan Fayerbanke, and came with his father when a child;
freeman in 1690.
James Vales (properly Fales). Freeman in 1673; he lived
in that part of Dedham which became Medfield.
Thomae Metcalf. Freeman in 1653; youngest son of Michael
Metcalf; deacon of the church; representative in 1691; died
Nov. 16, 1702.
Thomas Fuller, Freeman in 1672; he came in 1643; en-
sign; representative in 1672, 1679, and 1686; died Sept. 28,
1690.
Thomas Payne. Freeman June 2, 1641; died Aug. 3, 1686.
Robert Crossman. He probably was of Taunton; his son
Nathaniel was killed by the Indians at Wrentham, March 8,
1676.
William Avery. Freeman in 1677; a physician and apothe-
cary ; member of the artillery company in 1654; lieutenant of
town’s company in 1673; representative for Springfield in 1669 ;
died at Boston, March 18, 1687, aged about sixty-five years; he
made a donation of sixty pounds to the town for a Latin school
in 1680.
John Aldis. He was a son of Nathan Aldis; deacon of the
church, and died Dec. 21, 1700.
John Mason. He was a son of Robert Mason, who removed
from Roxbury to Dedham, where he died Oct. 15, 1667; he
| married a daughter of John Eaton, May 5, 1651.
Isaac Bullard. He was a son of William Bullard, and came
with his father when a child; he died in 1676.
Cornelius Fisher. Freeman May 2, 1649; he was a son of
Anthony Fisher; he lived in that part of Dedham which be-
came Wrentham; representative under the new charter in
Freeman May 26, 1647; he came in 1643; |
ret, daughter of John Hunting; his daughter married Rev. |
Samuel Mann, of Wrentham, and his son, Robert Ware, was
one of the settlers of Wrentham.
Thomas Bayes. He is not on the list of freemen, and re-
moved to Boston.
John Fayerbanke. He was probably the eldest son of Jona-
than Fairbanks, who died Noy. 13, 1684.
Henry Glover. He died in Medfield, July 21, 1653.
Thomas Herring. Came to Dedham in 1642.
John Plympton. Freeman probably May 10, 1643; he came
from Roxbury to Dedham in 1642; he removed to Deerfield and
was sergeant; his son Jonathan was killed by the Indians, Sept.
18, 1675, at Bloody Brook, and two years after he was taken
captive himself by the Indians and carried towards Canada, and,
1692, and died Jan. 2, 1699.
John Partridge. He was of Medfield.
James Draper. Freeman in 1690; he came to Dedham in
1683, having formerly lived in Lancaster and Roxbury; he
died July 13, 1697, aged seventy-three years.
Freeman in 1690.
He was of Wrentham, where he was deacon
James Thorpe.
Samuel Fisher.
| of the church; representative in 1689, and died Jan. 5, 1703.
Benjamin Bullard. He lived in that part of Dedham which
became Medfield, and afterwards at Sherborn.
Ellice Wood. He married the widow of John Smith, of
Dedham, who was the schoolmistress for many years; he re-
moved to Dorchester, where he died Oct. 19, 1706, aged seventy-
three years.
Thomas Fisher.
Fisher, who removed to Dedham from Cambridge.
Freeman in 1678; he was a son of Thomas
nl
36
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The covenant may be considered as the constitution
embodying the general principles and purposes of the
company. But in the work of organizing their gov-
ernment they also displayed that remarkable capacity
which characterized the Puritan colonists, and in se-
curing the titles to their lands and providing for the
common weal, they adopted laws and regulations
similar to those under which they and their ancestors
had lived for centuries.
The inhabitants having acquired the right to make
laws, exercised it for three years in their aggregate
capacity. But as the affairs of the plantation required
monthly town-meetings, these diverted them from
their necessary business, and in 1639 they delegated
all their power to seven men to be chosen annually.
The powers of these seven men were coextensive in
every respect with those of the town in legal town-
meeting assembled, excepting that they were subse-
quently prohibited from making free grants, from ad-
mitting townsmen, and from making dividends of
lands.
and inserted them in the town records, and they are
The seven men kept records of their doings
recorded promiscuously among the doings of all the
proprietors. ‘They met monthly for many years, and
passed many necessary by-laws, for the establishment
of highways and fences; for the keeping of cattle
and swine and horses; for keeping a proper register
of land-titles, and of births and marriages; for the
support of schools and religion ; for additional bounties |
for killing wolves and wild-cats, and for the extinguish-
ment of Indian claims.
The proprietors were extremely anxious lest any
unfit persons should gain admittance to their society,
and by an ordinance it was declared that every man
should give information of what he knew concerning |
any man coming into the town, before he should “ be
admitted into the society of such as seek peace and
ensue it.’ No person in covenant should bring his
servant with him, and thereby entitle the servant to a |
lot of land, without bringing testimony of a good
character before he should be permitted to reside here.
Nor could any proprietor sell his lots without leave of
the company. ‘The purpose of these ordinances was
to protect the plantation from such as should be “ con-
trary-minded,” in the language of the covenant. It is
to be remembered that a leading idea of the colonists |
was to build up a homogeneous society, where all |
should be of the same religious belief, and from its
fellowship all others were to be excluded.
In the allotment of lands, each married man had a
home-lot of twelve acres, with four acres of swamp-
land, and each unmarried man eight acres, with three
acres of swamp-land. The village was laid out in
_ lots of similar size, and all having a margin of meadow.
| So accurately were these lots defined, that not many
years since a plan showing the lots first granted in
Dedham village was made from the description in the
proprietors’ book of grants, and some of the lines
verified by an actual survey. Excepting the home-
lots, all the lands cultivated were inclosed in common
fields. In 1642 the proprietors agreed that two hun-
dred acres south of High Street should be made a
common tillage field, and that each proprietor’s share
therein should be marked out by the seven men
chosen for the purpose. This common plough-field
was surrounded by a fence made at the common
The wood-reeves decided the number of
rods of fence to be made by each owner. ‘This field
was to be cleared every year by October 12th, in order
that the cattle might be turned into it. After the
timber was cleared from the home-lots, then the in-
habitants were to obtain leave of the wood-reeves to
cut wood and timber from the common lands. After-
wards woodlands were assigned to the proprietors
Besides these
lands there were herd-walks or common feeding lands
These were burned over annually for
many years. By an ordinance of 1637 absence from
town-meeting was punishable by a fine, one shilling
for the first half-hour, and three shillings for the
whole meeting. In 1639 it was required that every
householder should provide a ladder for his house
A long ordinance
charge.
according to their services and merit.
for the cattle.
under a penalty of five shillings.
for the establishment of highways was passed in 1637.
Officers called wood-reeves were chosen annually for
burning over the herd-walks, to give orders for cutting
wood and timber on the common Jands, to cause the
ordinance respecting ladders to be observed, to collect
the penalties for trespasses on the common lands, and
to view fences, and cause them to be repaired. One
of the earliest of the ordinances declared that there
should not any waters become appropriated to any par-
ticular man, but should rest for the common benefit of
Another ordi-
nance provides for the discovery of mines in the
the whole town for matter of’ fishing.
town, reports having been made of a copper-mine at
Wrentham, and a bright and shining metal near a
brook in Natick.
Such was the manner in which the settlers organ-
Worthington, in his
ized their town government.
History (1827), makes the following just reflections
concerning the circumstances under which they acted :
‘“‘ Here in the woods at Dedham a number of strangers
met, who had come from various places in England,
and had probably acquired some slight knowledge of
the intentions of each other when they first set out
DEDHAM.
37
from Watertown to come here. ‘There were then no
general laws in the colony to regulate their various
interests or their common enterprises. It was after
the coming of the first inhabitants to this place that
the General Court delegated powers to the selectmen to
execute according to their best discretion what was
afterwards regulated by general statutes. They had
the common intent of dwelling in the town, and they
formed a civil society out of its first simple elements.
They actually did what theorists have conjectured
might be done in such a case, but of which they could
The
It was
never exhibit a well-authenticated instance.
colonial government was given by a charter.
the offspring of royalty. The Dedham Society origi-
nated in a compact, and its laws derived their force
from the consent of the people. It was the begin-
ning of the American system of government.”
To some of the men who laid these foundations |
allusion has been made. Edward Alleyne died in
1642, and but few of the original nineteen petition-
In 1637 the company
ers even then remained.
received important accessions by the admission of |
several men of superior character and intelligence. |
Among these were Mr. John Allin, invited, it is said,
to become the teacher in the church, Eleazer Lusher,
Michael
Fairbanks, all of whom remained and identified them-
selves with the town.
of the church hereafter. But probably Eleazer
Lusher maintains the most eminent position among
the real founders of the town.
man all his lifetime, and directed the most important |
affairs of the town. He was town clerk for twenty-
three years and selectman for twenty-nine years. The
full and perfect records he kept, the excellent style of |
| These agreed to go out, each in turn, while his char-
"acter and qualifications for church membership were
his writings, the peace and success of the plantation
under his guidance show that he was the leader in
the organization of the town. He was a deputy to
the General Court for many years, and an assistant
from 1662 to the time of his death, which occurred
Nov. 13; 1672.
colony as well as the town.
d
He was also prominent in the
Johnson, in the ‘* Won-
der-Working Providence,” styles him the ‘“ nimble-
footed captain, a man of the right stamp, and full for
the country.”
Metcalf, Anthony Fisher, and Jonathan |
Of Mr. Allin more will be |
said in connection with the account of the gathering
He was the leading |
|
In the church records, at the time of |
his death, he is spoken of as Maj. Eleazer Lusher, “a |
man sound in the faith, of great holiness and heavenly-
mindedness, who was of the first foundation of this
church, and had been of great use, as in the common-
wealth so in the church.”
The following couplet was repeated frequently by
the generation which immediately succeeded him :
|
|
“When Lusher was in office, all things went well,
But how they go since it shames us to tell.”
There were others who came the succeeding year
and afterwards who deserve honorable mention, such
as Ralph Wheelock, a man of excellent education,
who went to Medfield ; Robert Hinsdale, also of Med-
field, and afterwards of Hadley; Michael Metcalf,
always prominent in the church and town; William
Bullard and John Bullard, Thomas Fuller, Edward
Richards, and John Guild, names which are still
well known in the town which they founded.
The company in 1638 consisted of about thirty
families. They at first met for religious worship
under one of the large trees which probably stood on
the east side of Dwight’s Brook, near the house of
John Dwight. As early as the Ist of February,
| 1638, a committee was chosen “to contrive the frame
of a meeting-house, to be in length thirty-six feet
and twenty feet in breadth, and between the upper
and nether sill in the sides to be twelve feet.” The
pits, or pews, were five feet deep and four and one-
half feet wide. The elders’ seat and the deacons’
seat were before the pulpit; the communion table
| stood before these seats, and was so placed that the
communicants could approach in all directions. This
house was not finished until 1646. It was subse-
quently enlarged, and finaily pulled down in 1672.
The formation of a church was attended with
some delays and difficulties. At first, the settlers
who were members of the Watertown Church re-
quested a dismission, with Mr. Thomas Carter as a
teacher. The
people then requested Mr. Allin, with such as he
might see fit to associate with him, to undertake the
formation of a church. He first applied to Mr.
Ralph Wheelock, and they jointly added eight more.
This request was not complied with.
scanned by the rest, they agreeing to submit to the
judgment of the company, to be taken or left as might
seem fit. The result was that Mr. John Allin, Ralph
Wheelock, John Luson, John Frarye, Eleazer Lusher,
and Robert Hinsdale were accepted. Edward Al-
leyne, at first objected to, was afterwards received.
John Hunting was admitted towards the end of the
summer, making in all eight ready to enter church
communion. They endeavored to secure for teacher
a Mr. John Phillips, a minister of reputation, then
recently from England, and he came, only to spend a
year.
The eighth day of the ninth month (November),
1638, was the day appointed for entering into church
covenant, and, according to the usage of that time,
38
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
letters were sent to the magistrates and other churches,
giving them notice of their intention and requesting
The Govy-
should be
their countenance and encouragement.
ernor informed them that no church
gathered without the advice of other churches and |
the consent of the magistrates, and afterwards ex-
plained that there was no intent to abridge their
liberties, but if any people of unsound judgment or
erroneous way should privately set up a church, the
commonwealth would not so approve them as to |
communicate the freedom and privileges which they |
did unto others, or protect them in their government
if they saw their way dangerous to the public peace.
In the letters sent to the churches their presence
and spiritual help was requested, and they were
represented on the day appointed. It was agreed
that the day appointed should be spent in solemn
prayer and fasting. Mr. Wheelock should begin
with prayer, and Mr. Allin should follow, first in
prayer, and then, “by the way of exercising his |
_ words of ordination: ‘‘ We, in the name of the Lord
gift,’ should speak to the assembly, and conclude
with prayer. Then each of the eight persons made
a public profession of faith and grace.
and messengers of the other churches and the whole
people were then called upon to state any impedi-
ment to the further proceeding, if any were known
to them. Mr. Mather, teacher of the church in
Dorchester, replied, in the name of the rest, that
they had “nothing to declare from the Lord which
should move them to desist,’ and gave them some
loving exhortation. The covenant was then publicly
read, to which all assented; the right hand of fellow-
ship was extended to each of them by the elders, in |
This
was the manner of forming the church in Dedham.
token of loving acceptation into communion.
The covenant then entered into related to living in
holy fellowship, according to the rule of love in all
holy watchfulness of each other, to mutual helpful-
ness, and for the spiritual and temporal comfort and
good of one another in the Lord.
The church thus gathered was without officers. |
Mr. Allin was requested to supply the place of teacher |
for a time, with the assistance of Mr, Wheelock, to
see that its affairs were orderly conducted. During
the following winter ten additional members were
admitted, and the next spring they proceeded to fill
the more important offices. Mr. Allin was chosen
into the teaching office, and there was some further
discussion and consultation with the churches as to
whether he should be appointed as pastor or teacher ;
but Mr. Allin, while professing that he was indifferent
as to which office was selected, thought he was better
qualified for that of pastor, and with the assent of the
The elders |
|
|
ordination and to whom the right belonged.
rest took the title of pastor.
named for the office of ruling elder: Ralph Wheelock,
John Hunting, Mr. Thomas Carter, and John Kings-
bury, of Watertown.
Four persons were
John Hunting was chosen, and
Mr. Wheelock was much disappointed, as he had been
thought of before Mr. Hunting.
Everything was ready for the ordination, but still
there was considerable agitation as to the nature of
The
conclusion to which they arrived was that the ordi-
nation was simply a declaration of the election, and
that the same body which could elect, could also of
The 24th day of April, 1639, was the
The elders of the
neighboring churches were present, but took no part
right ordain.
time appointed for the ordination.
in the services excepting in giving the right hand of
fellowship at the conclusion. Elder Hunting was
first ordained by John Allin, Ralph Wheelock, and
Edward Alleyne, they being deputed for the purpose.
They laid their hands on his head, repeating these
Jesus Christ, ordain thee, John Hunting, into the
office of ruling elder in this church of Christ.” Then
Elder Hunting, with the other two, laid their hands
upon the head of Mr. Allin, accompanied with prayer,
and in the name of Christ and his church ordained
him “to the office of pastor in the church,” “the
whole proceeding on the part of the elder being
marked with gravity, comely order, and with effect-
ual and apt prayer and exhortation to the church.”
Mr. Whiting, of Lynn, then gave the right hand of
On the
Sunday following the ordination, notice was given to
church members to bring their children for baptism,
and to prepare themselves for communion on the
Sunday after.
No deacons were chosen until 1650.
fellowship, and the assembly was dismissed.
There were
some different apprehensions in the church as to the
nature of the office. Finally, June 23, 1650, Henry
Chickering and Nathan Aldis were regularly chosen
to the office, and were ordained the following Sunday.
A year after Mr. Allin’s ordination the number of
church members was fifty-three.
The Dedham Church was the fourteenth church of
Christ under the government of Massachusetts Bay.
Johnson says, ‘ They called to the office of pastor
the reverend, humble, and heavenly-minded Mr, John
Allin, a man of very courteous behavior, full of sweet
Christian love towards all, and with much meekness
of spirit contending earnestly for the faith and peace
of Christ’s churches.” Cotton Mather, in his life of
Allin, says, “ He was none of those low-built, thatched
cottages that are apt to catch fire, but, like a light-
DEDHAM.
39
built castle or palace, free from the combustions of
passion.”
The Rev. John Allin probably came from Wren-
tham, county of Suffolk, England, and was born in
1596. He was graduated at Cambridge University,
and was a preacher in England, though it is uncertain
whether he was ever “in orders in the Church of
England.”
influence in both the civil and religious affairs of the
town was very great from the beginning. For this
work he was admirably fitted by temperament and _
| fund of the annual income of twenty pounds for the
education. When some dispute arose in the colony
respecting its relations to the English government,
and the question was referred to the ruling elders for
advice, Mr. Allin was chosen to deliver their opinion.
A discourse delivered by him before the Synod at
Cambridge in 1648, which framed the well-known
platform, received a warm eulogium from Governor
Winthrop. Healso, with Mr. Shepherd, of Cambridge,
was the author of a ‘‘ Defence of the Nine Questions
or Positions,” being a reply to some charges by Eng-
lish divines that their brethren on this side had em-
braced opinions at variance with those professed
before embarkation.
averse to controversy. His brethren and townsmen |
The church continued
He received lib-
eral grants of land from the Dedham proprietors and
were much attached to him.
in great harmony during his life.
two hundred acres from the General Court at Bogas-
tow in 1643. He took an interest in the labors of |
John Eliot among the Indians. He was a man of
learning, had a vigorous mind, and in the discharge |
of his pastoral duties was faithful and assiduous.
Cotton Mather writes his epitaph thus:
“Vir sincerus, amans pacis, patiens que laborum
Perspicuus, simplex doctrine, purus amator.”
Mr. Allin married, for his second wife, the widow
of Governor Thomas Dudley, Nov. 8, 1653. He
died Aug. 26, 1671. After his death: his people
published two of the last sermons he preached, |
“writing their preface with tears,’ according to
Mather.
his grave, with an inscription cut thereon with the
date of his death. Elder Hunting died April 12,
1689, and the office of ruling elder was never again
filled.
He came to Dedham in 1637, and his |
But he was from disposition |
They also built a tomb or monument over |
|
|
During Mr. Allin’s ministry of thirty-two years |
the records do not show any rates for his support. |
He depended upon voluntary contributions and the
grants of land from the proprietors.
All his succes- |
sors had salaries voted them by the town, although —
the salary was paid by the people.
When the proprietors divided their common lands,
| in 1656, eight shares were devoted to the support of
the teaching church-officer. The shares drew divi-
dends wherever they were made, of the common lands,
and remained unsold until after the Revolution. Since
that time some of these lands have been sold, and the
proceeds are the funds now belonging to the first
church in Dedham.
In 1644 the inhabitants declared their intention to
devote some portion of their lands to the support of
schools, and granted lands to trustees for raising a
salary of a schoolmaster. The town raised this sum
before the lands became productive. In 1680, Dr.
William Avery, formerly of the Dedham Church,
gave sixty pounds for a Latin school to be ordered
by the selectmen and elders. This fund was for
many years in the hands of trustees, but was finally
lost by being wrongfully appropriated, or discredited
by the operations of bills of credit. In 1695 three
hundred acres of good land in Dedham were granted
as a school-farm to support schools. This farm was
sold by order of the town to defray its ordinary ex-
penses. Thirty years after, the town instructed a
committee to recover this farm, and voted a larger
sum to carry on the law-suit than the compensation
received for it. This was the work of the second
and third generations. The first school-house was
built in 1648, and the master’s salary twenty pounds
at first, and afterwards twenty-five pounds.
In 1638, land was “set out for the use of a public
burial-place for the town forever” from the lands of
Nicholas Phillips and Joseph Kingsbury, who were
compensated by the allowance of other land. Prob-
ably it had been used for burials before. This reser-
vation, although its contents are not given, refers to
the ancient burial-place in Dedham village, with its
present boundaries, except the additions made in 1860.
A way to it leading from High Street was established
in 1664.
In 1638 an acre of ground, upon which the meet-
ing-houses have always stood, was obtained of Joseph
Kingsbury for the purpose of erecting a meeting-
house upon it. In 1641, John Phillips sold to the
church three acres, being another part of the same
lot sold to him by Kingsbury, having the burial-
ground on the south. In the same year Joseph
Kingsbury granted to the church three acres lying
between the parcel last named and the meeting-house
acre. In this way the church acquired its title to
lands in Dedham village.
The “training-ground,” a portion of which has
since been known as the * Great Common,” was ap-
40
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
propriated by the proprietors in 1644 for the use of
the military company. This grant was confirmed in
1648, with the provision annexed, that the trained
company should not appropriate it to any other use
than the public exercise of the company, without the |
consent of the selectmen, nor should the selectmen |
have power to dispose of any parcel thereof without
the consent of the trained company.
acre was granted to Amos Fisher in fee, and other
persons have been permitted to improve portions of
the ground. An almshouse was built in the westerly
portion in 1773, and in 1836 this building and land
belonging to it was sold by order of the town. In
the alienation of both parcels it is stated that the
consent of the parties interested was first obtained.
A highway laid out through it in 1826 completed all _
that remained to be done, to destroy its symmetry and |
its usefulness for any purpose.
In 1677 one |
A law of the colony forbade the settlers to build |
their houses above half a mile from the meeting-
house, and this law was enforced for more than fifty |
years.. As late as 1682 complaints were made that
this law had been disregarded.
It has been seen that in choosing a place for the |
plantation the settlers were careful to provide for |
In the summer the cows and oxen fed
on the common lands The herds in-
creased rapidly, and in 1659 there were four hundred
and seventy-two cattle feeding on the common lands.
The horses were turned into the woods, and, though
fettered, broke into the corn-fields.
their cattle.
near home.
Sheep were not
introduced until a later period, when they were kept
in one flock, and guarded by a shepherd from the
wolves. Swine, with yokes upon their necks, were
allowed to run in the woods. There was a scarcity
of English grass for many years, and in 1649 the wet
season prevented the making of hay upon the mead-
ows, and the inhabitants went to Wollonomopoag to
cut grass. Wheat was raised until about 1700 on
the newly-cleared lands, and flax was cultivated to
some extent.
The village of Dedham in 1664 is thus described | the next hundred years.
in Worthington’s History (1827), and it probably |
gives a substantially correct idea of the first collec-
tion of houses built upon the plain near the meeting-
house :
“Tn 1664 ninety-five small houses, placed near each other, |
were situated within a short distance of the place where the |
court-house now stands, the greater part of them east of that
place and around Dwight’s Brook. <A row of houses stood on
the north side of High Street, as that road was then called,
which extends from the bridge over Dwight’s Brook westerly
by the court-house. The total value of these houses was six
hundred and ninety-one pounds. Four only of the houses
| There was no saw-wmill in the settlement for many years.
were valued at twenty pounds each. The greater number were
valued at from three to ten pounds. Most of these houses were
built soon after the first settlement commenced. There were
then very few carpenters, joiners, or masons in the colony.
The
only boards which could be procured at first were those which
were sawed by hand. The saw-pits now seen, denote that
boards were sawed in the woods. The necessary materials—
bricks, glass, and nails—were scarcely to be obtained. These
houses, therefore, must have been constructed principally by
farmers and not by mechanics, and were very rude and inconven-
ient. hey were probably log houses. Their roofs were covered
with thatch. By an ordinance of the town a ladder was ordered
to extend from the ground to the chimney as a substitute for a
more perfect fire-engine. Around these houses nothing could
be seen but stumps, clumsy fences of poles, and an uneven
and unsubdued soil, such as all the first settlements in New
England presented. The native forest trees were not suitable
shades for a door-yard. A shady tree was not then such an-
agreeable object as it now is, because it could form no agreeable
contrast with cleared grounds. Where the meeting-house of
the first parish now stands there stood for more than thirty
years a low building, thirty-six feet long and twenty feet wide
and twelve feet high, with a thatched roof and a large ladder
resting on it. This was the first meeting-house. Near by was
the school-house, standing on an area eighteen feet by fourteen
feet, and rising to three stories. The third story, however, was
a watch-house of small dimensions. The watch-house was be-
The spectator elevated on the
little box, called the watch-house, might view this plain on
which a part of the present village stands, then a common
side the ample stone chimney.
plough-field, containing about two hundred acres of cleared
Around
him at a further distance were the herd-walks, as the common
land, partially subdued, yet full of stumps and roots.
feeding lands were called in the language of that time. ...
The herd-walks were at first no better cultivated than by cut-
ting down trees and carrying away the wood and timber, and
afterwards, when it was practicable in the spring, by burning
them over under the direction of town officers called wood-
reeves. . . . The meadows were not yet cleared to any extent.
Beyond the herd-walks was a continuous wilderness, which was
becoming more disagreeable to the inhabitants, for the cattle,
goats, and swine seem to haveallured the wolves to their neigh-
borhood. The dense swamp about Wigwam Pond was not yet
cleared.”
After King Philip’s war the inhabitants began to
abandon their first habitations, and built houses in
all parts of the town. In sixty or seventy years the
humble village of the first settlers was swept away,
and their places were occupied by a few farmers for
Some removed to Boston
In 1642 the number
of persons taxed was sixty-one, and in 1666 the
by reason of King Philip’s war.
number was ninety-five, and in 1675 the number
continued the same.
DEDHAM.
41
CHAPLET Eh Iv.
DEDHAM—( Continued).
Mother Brook, or East Brook—Dedham Island—Long Ditch—
Indian Village at Natick—Pacomtuck, or Deerfield—Bogas-
tow, or Medfield—Wollonomopoag, or Wrentham—Decease |
of Leading Men among the First Settlers.
On the twenty fifth day of the first month, March,
1639, it was ordered “that a ditch should be dug
at common charge through upper Charles River
meadow unto East Brook, that it may both be a par-
tition fence in the same, and also may form a suitable
creek unto a water-mill, that it shall be found fitting
to set a mill upon, in the opinion of a workman to be
employed for that purpose.” This is the origin of
Mother Brook, or Mill Creek, which starts out of
Charles River about a quarter of a mile north of High
Street, and runs in a direct course through the meadows
7
|
and frequent complaints were made by Nathaniel
Whiting to the town, and a committee chosen to
regulate the water at the upper dam. Finally, in
1699, it was thought advisable to remove Morse’s
dam and let the water run in its old channel. Asa
compensation for this measure, forty acres were
and around the highlands, through the easterly vil-_
lage of the town to Neponset River. It is estimated
that about one-third of the water of Charles River
flows through this channel, and upon it are five mill-
dams of great value, and at the present day are two _
extensive woolen-mills and one cotton-mill, beside the
old saw-mill. East Brook took its rise about one
|
hundred rods east of Washington Street, where it |
crosses the stream. From Charles River to this point
the channel is obviously artificial, and was constructed
under the order of the town in 1639. The plan was
then conceived and carried out, of uniting the waters of |
Charles with the waters of East Brook, and afterwards
with those of Neponset River. The execution of a
public work like this in the very infancy of the settle-
ment is striking evidence of the energy and capacity |
of the settlers.
They then had only small hand grist-
mills, which had been imported by Governor Win- |
throp, and their chief design in cutting this canal was to —
make a dam, where they might have a grist-mill oper-
ated by water-power. The town at the same meeting
granted liberty to any one to build a water-mill on that
stream who would undertake it.
the first to accept this proposal, and grants of land
John Elderkin was |
were made to him accordingly. In 1642 he sold one- |
half of his rights to Nathaniel Whiting and the other |
half to Mr. Allin, Nathaniel Aldis, and John Dwight, |
and in 1649, Nathaniel Whiting became the sole
owner. In 1652 he sold the mill and his town rights |
for two hundred and fiftv pounds, but in 1653 he re-
purchased the same.
In 1664 a new corn-mill was erected by Daniel
Pond and Ezra Morse, but Nathaniel Whiting remon-
strated and brought a suit, which he lost. Further
granted to Ezra Morse, near Neponset River, at the
| old saw-mill, or at Everett’s Plain, where he may find
it most to his satisfaction. In 1700 the Whiting
mill was burned, and the town loaned twenty pounds
for one year as aid towards the erection of another mill.
In 1658-59, Eleazer Lusher and Joshua Fisher
agreed to build a saw-mill on the Neponset River,
near the Cedar Swamp.
In 1682, Jonathan Fairbanks and James Draper
asked leave to build a fulling-mill below the corn-
mills on East Brook, but Nathaniel Whiting was
associated with James Draper by order of the town.
The descendants of Nathaniel Whiting held these
mill privileges on Mother Brook down to the present
century.
The turning of the waters of Charles River by
means of the artificial channel, and uniting them with
head-waters of Mother Brook, in 1640, has proved to
be most beneficial and permanent in its consequences
through all the subsequent history of the town. Until
the beginning of the present century it furnished saw-
mills and grist-mills, then of the highest importance,
with power, and from 1807 down to the present time
there have been erected upon it cotton- and woolen-
mills, which have been prosperous, and have con-
tributed to the substantial growth of the town.
At the beginning of the settlement of the town,
what is called Dedham Island was a neck of land
around which Charles River flowed, with a slight fall
in its course, a distance of nearly five miles in an
irregular horseshoe bend, leaving a distance of only
two-thirds of a mile across the meadows at its_heel.
This neck is estimated to contain about twelve hun-
dred acres, and upon it was a herd-walk and possibly
some houses of the early settlers. Across “ Broad
Meadows,” at the heel of the horseshoe bend, the
upper and lower channels of the river are distinctly
visible at high water. The damage to the meadows
arising from the waters remaining upon them, was felt
to be serious by the first generation, as it has been by
The
enterprising and public-spirited settlers conceived the
every succeeding generation of riparian owners.
plan of cutting a “creek or ditch” through the
‘Broad Meadows,” thus uniting the two channels of
the river. The purpose was to permit the flow of the
waters through this artificial channel instead of accu-
mulating upon the meadows along the river below.
42
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In 1652 liberty was granted to cut a creek or ditch
through the “ Broad Meadows” from river to river.
Lieut. Fisher and Thomas Fuller were deputed to
survey the length of the water-course through the |
“Broad Meadows,” and the manner of the ground
through which the same was to be cut, and the
height of the water in the lower river.
”?
This was the origin of “ Long Ditch,” the con-
struction of which converted the neck into an island.
It is not long since it was possible to pass through
this channel in a small boat, but the lower portion
has become much obstructed by the growth of bushes
and the closing of the channel. Its history, however,
is a monument of the energy and foresight of the
The great
causeway on the bank of the river, which crosses the
first generation of the Dedham settlers.
channel of ‘Long Ditch” where it leaves the river, |
was built in 1701.
In 1646, John Ehot, the minister at Roxbury,
began the work of converting the Indians to Chris-
tianity and civilization. His first instructions were
given at Nonantum, a part of the present city of
Newton. He met with success in
|
the conversion
of some Indians, among others, of Waban, a wise
and grave man of the Massachusetts tribe. Mr. Eliot
maintained that the Indians could not become Chris- |
tians unless they were first civilized. He therefore
proposed that the Indians should be collected into one |
village, and designated a place on Charles River, ten
miles west of the village of Dedham.
southerly part of the town of Natick, a name which sig-
This was in the
nifies ‘‘a place of hills.” To this proposition, when pro-
posed to the General Court, Dedham readily assented.
Mr. Allin was interested in Eliot’s work, and aided
him in his new enterprise. The General Court
stables and smaller officers. In 1670 the Indian
Church at Natick had two teachers and from forty to
fifty communicants. They observed the Sabbath,
some of them could read and write and rehearse the
catechism.
ful.
The experiment was in a degree success-
In the beginning of the eighteenth century the
_ tribe was in a civilized state, they had civil officers
of their own, and a military company organized in
the manner of the colonists. There were some, like
Waban and Deacon Ephraim, who led sober, Christian
lives, but their numbers gradually diminished until
they were extinct in 1826.
When the General Court granted the two thousand
acres, to be taken from the territory of Dedham for
the Indian town at Natick, it granted to the Dedham
proprietors, as compensation, eight thousand acres of
unlocated Jands which they might select. In 1663
| messengers were sent out to explore near Lancaster.
The messengers reported the land to be good, but
hard to cultivate, and there was not enough meadow
land. John Fairbanks informed the selectmen of
some good land twelve miles from Hadley, and John
Fairbanks and Lieut. Daniel Fisher were sent out
On their return they
reported the land to be exceedingly good and that it
to discover and examine it.
should be taken possession of under the grant. This
was Pacomtuck, the present town of Deerfield.
When the report was received, the Dedham proprie-
tors appointed six persons to repair to Pacomtuck,
and cause the eight thousand acres to be located.
Capt. John Pynchon, of Springfield, was employed
by the town to purchase the lands of the Indians,
_and procured three deeds from them, which are now
granted two thousand acres at Natick in 1651 for
| Daniel Fisher, and other English of Dedham, tbeir
the new Indian town. It has been asserted that the
town really had about six thousand acres, and the
boundaries were never satisfactorily settled with the
Indiaus.
soon built a little town which had three long streets,
The Naticks, as they were afterwards called,
two on the north, and one on the south of Charles
River.
consisted of poles set in the ground, and were covered
with peeled bark.
Kach family had a house-lot. The houses
A few, built in the manner of
English houses, were less perfect and comfortable.
There was one large house which answered the double
purpose of a school-room and meeting-house. In the
second story the Indians deposited their skins.
were supplied with spades, hoes, axes, and other
farming implements. A form of government was
adopted, and an English magistrate was appointed to
hold a court, and, in fact, appointed the Indian con-
They |
carefully preserved at Deerfield. The grantee in these
deeds is Capt. John Pynchon, of Springfield, for the
use and behoof of Maj. Eleazer Lusher, Ensign
Dedham gave £94 10s.
for these deeds, which sum was raised by an assess-
associates and successors.
ment on the common rights in the Dedham proprie-
tary.
In 1670 the proprietors of Pacomtuck met at
Dedham, twenty-six being present,—Capt. John
Pynchon, Samuel Hinsdale, John Stebbins, John
Hurlburt, and Samson Frary not being inhabitants of
Dedham, but Samuel Hinsdale was a son of Robert
Hinsdale, of Dedham. The remaining proprietors
were inhabitants of Dedham. It was then voted to
have a correct plan made, the place for the mecting-
house to be designated, the church-officers’ lot and
lots of proprietors to be assigned.
In 1672,
slain at Bloody Brook, made a petition to the Dedham
Samuel Hinsdale, who was afterwards
DEDHAM.
43
proprietors to authorize five persons to admit inhabit-
ants, and to hire an orthodox minister at Deerfield,
and to act for themselves in other matters, by reason
of their remoteness from other settlements. This
petition was granted, and seems to end the relations
of the Dedham proprietors with Pacomtuck. Doubt-
less their shares were purchased by the Pacomtuck
proprietors who inhabited there.
incorporated as Deerfield, May 24, 1682.
As the territory granted to the Dedham proprietors
in 1636 was so extensive, there was a great induce-
ment to begin new settlements within its limits. The
desire or necessity for more land, seems to have been
a controlling reason fur extending the settlements. |
The fear of attacks from the Indians had at first
checked the advance of the line of settlements.
From the beginning, the settlers had looked with |
The town was |
|
|
longing eyes upon the wide meadows at Bogastow, |
now the easterly part of Medway. Edward Alleyne,
in 1640, had a grant of three hundred acres there,
where he should choose, with fifty acres of meadow.
The attention of the settlers was also turned south-
ward to their uplands and meadows at Wollonomopoag.
The large and beautiful ponds there, are not mentioned
in the records as among its attractions, but in 1649
they had gone there to cut grass from the meadows,
and in 1647 notice was given by John Dwight and
Francis Chickering of their hopes of a mine there.
In 1660 a committee was deputed to view the up-
land and meadow near about the ponds by ‘“ George
Indian’s wigwam.”’ In 1661, at a general town-mect-
ing, it was voted that a plantation should be set up at
Wollonomopoag, and that six hundred acres should be
laid down for the encouragement of the plantation.
The bounds of the plantation were afterwards fixed
in the same year; the south bounds to be the Dor-
chester line, and the north bounds to be the Medficld
bounds in part and Charles River in part. In 1662
a committee made a report upon extinguishing the
Indian title. Philip, sachem of Mount Hope, claimed
lands at Wollonomopoag. In 1662 Dedham had paid
| £24 10s. for his title to lands within its plantation,
After the death of Mr. Alleyne, in 1642, this grant |
was located under the direction of Maj. Lusher.
In |
January, 1650, with the sanction and co-operation of
the Dedham proprietors, at a general meeting there
was granted, for the accommodation of the village, a
tract extending east and west three miles, and north
and south four miles. A company was immediately
formed, and regulations similar to their own, adopted |
for the government of the new town, and rules were
adopted for the equitable division of the lands.
January, 1651, Dedham formally transferred all right
and power of town government to the new settlement,
which was incorporated May 23, 1651, as Medfield.
The grant to Edward Alleyne was conveyed to the
town of Medfield by his nephew in 1652. A num-
In |
and again in 1669 the further sum of £17 Os. Sd.
were paid him for a further release of his title. ‘The
payment of these sums seems to have been an obstacle
In 1663 the
company drew lots in the Wollonomopoag plantation,
and a settlement was actually began. An examination
of the names of these settlers shows that they were
nearly all the sons or sons-in-law of the Dedham set-
tlers, so that the new plantation was actually the child
of Dedham, and the Dedham proprietors continued
to aid and direct it in a paternal way for several years.
In 1669, Mr. Allin, the Dedham pastor, Elder Hunting,
and Major Lusher approved a call to the Rev. Samuel
to removing to the new plantation.
' Mann to be the minister for the infant settlement.
ber of the Dedham settlers removed to Medfield, and |
prominent among them was Mr. Ralph Wheelock,
said to have been a non-conformist preacher in Eng-
land, educated at Clare Hall, Cambridge, and who
came to Dedham in 1638. Whether his disappoint-
ment at not being the choice of the Dedham Church
as ruling elder, had inclined him to remove is not
Major Lusher kept their records. *At length, in 1672,
the inhabitants were of sufficient numbers and capac-
ity, in the opinion of the General Court, to carry_on
the work of the church and commonwealth, and upon
their petition, Oct. 17, 1673, they were made a tuwn
by the name of Wrentham. In the following Decem-
_ ber the books and records were transferred from Ded-
stated upon authority, but he was in the habit of |
preaching occasionally at Medfield. He was a repre-
sentative from Medfield, and died Jan, 11, 1684, at
the age of eighty-three.
founder and first president of Dartmouth College.
The fact that so large a number of the Dedham set-
tlers had early received grants of land in Medfield,
makes the existence of that town nearly coeval with
Dedham. It was an offshoot of the Dedham settle-
ment, rather than a child of the parent town.
He was the ancestor of the
ham to Wrentham. Fifty years later a considerable
portion of the south precinct of Dorchester was also
set off to Wrentham.
The settlement at Dedham was gradually increasing
in its population. In 1657 there were one hundred
and sixty-six families. Mr. Allin sixty
pounds as his annual maintenance, and had a
received
good
stock of cattle, and a good accommodation in corn-
land and meadow. Johnson describes Dedham about
this time as ‘“‘an inland town about ten miles from
| Boston, well watered with many pleasant streams.
44
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
abounding with garden fruits fitly to supply the mar-
kets of the most populous town, whose coin and com-
modities allures the inhabitants of the town to make
many a long walk; they consist of about a hundred
families, being generally given to husbandry, and
through the blessing of God are much increased,
ready to swarm and settle on the building of another
town more to the inland.”
to barns and orchards. The inventory of Mr. Allin’s
estate included chairs upholstered with leather, Tur-
key-work cushions, feather-beds and pillows, ‘‘a gilt
bowl with covering,” “‘a wine-cup with a foot,” and
{
a warming-pan, so that some of these homes in the
wilderness had both comforts and luxuries. Mr.
Allin was a well-to-do farmer, having extensive out-
lands and a comfortable homestead, with parlor, kitchen,
and buttery on the first floor, and chambers over each.
Deacon Chickering the largest landholder; Ensign
Daniel Fisher, for three years speaker of the House
of Deputies, and afterwards an assistant ambassador
to King Philip, “learned in the law,’” the father of
him who afterwards collared a royal governor ; Tim-
othy Dwight, who came over with his father, John
Dwight, when a mere child, the town recorder, select-
man, deputy to the General Court, “of an excellent
spirit, peaceable, generous, charitable ;’ Elder Hunt-
ing, son-in law to Mr. Allin; Michael Metcalf, the
schoolmaster ; Dr. William Avery, the donor of money
for a Latin school ; and Lieut. Joshua Fisher, who kept
the ordinary and had an annual bill for “dieting the
selectinen ;” these were the contemporaries of the gra-
cious Allin and Maj. Lusher through the first thirty-
five years of the settlement. How wisely and well
these men wrought has already been seen.
But the time had arrived when the leaders of
the first generation’ were to rest from their labors.
Michael Metcalf died in 1664; Anthony Fisher, in
1669; Mr. Allin, in 1671; Major Lusher and Joshua
Fisher, in 1672; Daniel Fisher, in 1683. Another
generation was about to enter into their labors and
the rule of peaceful life was about to be broken.
CHAPTER “Vv.
DEDHAM—( Continued).
Indian Deeds—Philip’s War—Rey. William Adams—New
Meeting- House—Timothy Dwight—William Avery—Daniel
Fisher, the second—His Part in Resisting Sir Edmund
Andros,
At the time of the coming of the settlers, there
were no Indians to be seen within miles of the set-
The deeds of lands refer |
tlement. Chicatabot, sachem of the Neponsets, after-
wards claimed the territory west of Neponset River,
bounded northerly on Charles River and southerly
on the land of Philip, sachem of the Pokanokets.
Philip claimed lands at Wollonomopoag, and was °
in the habit of repeating his claims after he had
once released them. Magus, another sachem, claimed
the territory including Natick, Needham, and Ded-
ham Island. It was the policy of the Massachu-
setts colony, under the advice of the Council for
New Kngland, to purchase the title of any savages
who might pretend to rights of inheritance to the
lands granted, that they might avoid the least scruple
of intrusion. The Dedham settlers were careful to
observe this precept. It has been seen that deeds
from Philip of the lands at Wollonomopoag and from
the sachem of the Pacomtucks at Deerfield were
procured by the Dedham settlers. Besides these
deeds, in 1685 there was obtained from Josias, the
grandson of Chicatabot, a confirmatory title to the
tract of land known as the town of Dedham. In
1680, John Magus and his wife, Natick Indians, in
consideration of five pounds in money, released the
Indian title to Natick, Needham, and Dedham Island.
In 1685, William Nahaton, Peter Natoogus, and
Benjamin Nahaton, Punkapog Indians, released their
title.
In 1681 the town voted that all deeds and other
writings relating to town-rights, should be deposited
in a box kept by Deacon Aldis for the purpose, and
it appears there were seven Indian deeds among
them. Whether this box was really provided or
not, a bundle of Indian deeds was found in 1836,
including all the deeds excepting that from Philip,
A curious letter
from Philip to the selectmen of Dedham, which was
whose autograph cannot be found.
copied into the Wrentham records, relates to his land
Three of the deeds are still kept in the
town clerk’s office at Dedham, and the three deeds
from the Pacomtucks have been sent to Deerfield.
claims.
For all these conveyances an adequate consideration
in money was paid, and if there was any attempt at
overreaching in the bargains, it was by Philip of
| Mount Hope, to whose unscrupulous demands the
, the Indians.
| Dedham settlers yielded for the sake of peace.
In 1673 the selectmen received orders from the
General Court to prepare the town for defense against
For several years Philip had excited
alarm in the Plymouth colony by his bad faith and
secret combinations with other tribes, and it was now
rendered certain that a serious outbreak was about to
occur. The soldiers were called out for frequent
trainings. A barrel of gunpowder and other ammu-
DEDHAM.
45
nition were procured. The gun, which was a small
field-piece called a drake, given to the town by the
General Court in 1650, was mounted on wheels.
The meeting-house was made the depository for sup- |
plies. The people maintained a garrison and set a
watch. The inhabitants had been encouraged to en-
list into the troop of horse commanded by Capt. Pren-
tice by an abatement of taxes. The fear excited was
great in the settlement, and many fled to Boston. |
The Wrentham settlers packed their goods, and with
their wives and children came to Dedham, leaving
their deserted houses behind them.
well situated for defense. It was built in a compact
manner, that it might be prepared for defense against
the Indians.
north, were safeguards against approach from that
direction, while on the other sides of the village the |
plain was cleared to a considerable extent, and was |
overlooked by the watch in the belfry of the new
meeting-house. The Indians in the town were
ordered to depart, and to go either to Natick, Ne- |
ponset, or Wamisit. A war tax was levied upon
the inhabitants, which exceeded one shilling for
every pound of valuation.
Dedham escaped the horrors of an Indian attack |
by reason of these preparations, but Dedham men
were found in the bloodiest battles of the war. The
troop of horse under Capt. Prentice was a part of the
force which made the first attack upon Philip on
June 28, 1675, immediately after the massacre at
Swanzey, and lost one killed and one wounded.
Robert Hinsdale, one of the founders of the Dedham
The town was |
Little River and Charles River on the |
gone to the Narragansett country in pursuit of him,
but he escaped them.
This achievement contributed much to bring the
war to a successful conclusion, as Pomham was re-
garded as an enemy second only in power and influ-
ence to Philip himself. The death of Philip soon
after brought hostilities in this vicinity to an end,
and the settlement could again feel some sense of
security.
There were other changes going on in the town
besides those resulting from the dread realities of
an Indian war. It has been seen that many of the
leading men of the first generation had gone to their
final rest. Ina little more than six months after Mr.
Allin’s death, Mr. William Adams had been called to
be his successor, and was ordained Dee. 3,1673. He
was the son of William Adams, of Ipswich, born May
27, 1650, and was graduated at Harvard College
in 1671. He married, for his second wife, Alice
Bradford, daughter of Maj. William Bradford, of
Plymouth. He relinquished for one year eight pounds
_of his salary on account of the expenses incurred
|
during Philip’s war.
Soon after his settlement as minister, the new meet-
ing-house was raised. The old meeting-house, with
its thatched roof, was out of repair and insufficient
Church in 1638, but who had removed to Hadley, |
with his three sons, were killed at Bloody Brook in
Capt. Lothrop’s company. John Wilson, John
Genere, and Elisha Woodward were slain at Deer-
field.
In December, 1675, the combined forces of the
colonies, consisting of six companies under Gen.
Winslow, were collected at Dedham and marched
Fort. In February, 1676, Medfield was burned and
twenty of the settlers killed, and the deserted houses
at Wrentham were nearly all consumed soon after.
Indians were detected lurking in the neighboring
woods of the Dedham settlement, but they found the
watch set and the garrison prepared. On the 25th
of July, 1676, a party of Dedham and Medfield men, |
numbering thirty-six Englishmen and ninety praying
Indians, won a signal success in slaying Pomham, a
Narragansett sachem, and capturing fifty of his fol-
lowers. An expedition under Capt. Church had
for the congregation. In 1672, before Mr. Adams
was called, the people had voted to erect a new meet-
ing-house. It was finished in 1673. It had “‘ three
’ one at the north, another at the east,
and another at the south corners. The fore seat in
the front gallery was parted in the middle, and the
rest open at both ends. The south gallery was for
men, and the north gallery for women and boys. The
seats in the lower part of the house were parted
in the middle by an aisle, so that the men were
ranged on one side and the women on the other. It
had a bell, which had become quite necessary, since
the people were moving farther from the meeting-
See) ai
pair of stairs,
_house than formerly. The practice of beating the
against the Narragansetts in Rhode Island, and was |
the force engaged in the great battle of the Narraganset |
| over.”
drum to summon the congregation had been aban-
doned for many years. They had much difficulty in
caring for the orderly behavior of the boys, to whom
were assigned seats where they might “‘ be watched
Ten years after, it was proposed to construct
new galleries, and in 1696 galleries were erected
?
‘‘over the other galleries,’ that over the woman’s
gallery being for “young women and maids to sit
= 2?
in.
Mr. Adams died Aug. 17, 1685.
mons were printed, one being an election sermon.
Two of his ser-
In
a book used for the parish records there is a com-
mentary written by him covering sixty-three pages.
46
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
During kis ministry there was harmony among his
people, and they showed attachment to their pastor.
The parish now included all of the original territory
granted to Dedham proprietors excepting Medfield
and Wrentham. In 1682 a vote was passed that no
one of the inhabitants should remove a greater dis-
tance than two miles from the meeting-house withont —
special license, as any person so removing would ex-
pose himself to danger, and to want of town govern- |
ment. The people, therefore, were not widely scat-
tered, although the small house-lots of the village
were gradually being abandoned. The generation
which had now succeeded to the management of the
secular and religious affairs of the town were much
inferior to the first, in point of education and manners.
The wilderness had been a rough school in which to
rear their families, in spite of the care which the
fathers had taken to provide for their education.
The town was indicted in 1674, and again in 1691,
for not supporting a school. The Indian war had
doubtless a depressing influence in this respect.
The leading men at this period appear to have
been Timothy Dwight, Daniel Fisher (the second of
that name), and William Avery. Timothy Dwight
was the son of John Dwight, and was a small child
when he came with his father. He had been town
clerk ten years and selectman twenty-four years before
this time, but he was still in active life, and survived
until Jan. 31, 1718. He was the husband of six
wives and the father of nineteen children. He was
the progenitor of a line of. descendants that have
made the name of Dwight known and _ honored
William Avery
was the son of Dr. William Avery, and was a deacon
through the succeeding generations.
of the church and selectman for twenty-two years.
His name was honorably perpetuated for many years
in Dedham. Capt. Daniel Fisher succeeded to the title
and name of his father but not to his official distine-
tion, but he inherited his spirit. His father had been
prominent in the struggle between the Massachusetts
colony and Randolph, the special messenger of the
crown, in his attempts against the colonial charter.
Among those against whom he exhibited articles of |
high misdemeanor was Daniel Fisher, and in 1682
Randolph wrote to England that “‘ His Majesty’s quo
warranto against the charter, sending for Thomas |
Danforth, Samuel Norvell, Daniel Fisher, and Elisha
Cooke, will make the whole faction tremble.” Such was |
the character and position of the first Daniel Fisher, |
who died in 1683. In 1686 the charter was vacated,
|
and soon after, Sir Edmund Andros was appointed —
the royal Governor of all the English possessions in
America north of Pennsylvania, by King James II.
| jail.
| what would follow.”
His activity in oppressive legislation had rendered
him especially obnoxious to the people of Boston,
where he resided. In April, 1689, the news of the
landing of the Prince of Orange in England was
brought to Boston. On the morning of the 18th
of April, it being Thursday, when the weekly lecture
of the First Church invited a concourse from the
neighboring towns, a rumor spread that there were
armed men collecting and a rising in the different
‘At nine of the clock the drums
beat through the town and an ensign was set up on
parts of Boston.
the beacon.” The captain of the “ Rose” frigate was
taken and handed over to a guard, and Randolph
_ and other high officials were apprehended and put in
From the eastern gallery of the town-house in
King Street, a declaration of the gentlemen mer-
chants and inhabitants of Boston and the country
adjacent was read to the assembled people, reciting
the oppressive acts of Andros, and concluding that
they seize upon the persons of the grand authors of
their miseries to secure them for justice, and advising
the people to join them for the defense of the land.
Andros was in the fort on Fort Hill.
was sent to him to surrender and deliver up the
A summons
government and fortification, promising him secu-
rity from violence, but assuring him an attempt
would be made to take the fort by storm if opposition
should be made.
ernor “‘came forth from the fort and went disarmed
guard to
day, the
the coun-
After some negotiation the Goy-
to the town-house, and from thence ‘under
Mr. Usher’s house.” On the succeeding
news having spread to the adjoining towns,
try people, according to Hutchinson, “ came into town
in such a rage and heat as made.all tremble to think
Nothing would satisfy them but
that the Governor must be bound in chains or cords
and put in a more secure place, and Andros was con-
ducted under guard from Usher’s house back to the
fort. Tradition says that the man who led the im-
prisoned Governor by the collar of his coat was Capt.
Daniel Fisher, the second of the name, of Dedham.
As Haven in his centennial address most felicitously
says, it was “a second Daniel come to judgment.”
He was inspired with a keen sense of the personal
obloquy his father had endured from royal emissaries
as well as a thorough sympathy with the cause of the
people. He served as selectman for nine years. He
was the Daniel Fisher who went to Deerfield with
John Fairbanks in 1663. He was also the great-
grandfather of Fisher Ames.
DEDHAM. 47
CHAPTER VI.
DEDHAM—( Continued.)
Province Charter—Changes and Contentions—Incorporation of |
Needham—Rey. Joseph Belcher—The Second Parish and
Church—Rev. Thomas Baleh—The Third Parish and Church
—Rev. Josiah Dwight—Reyv. Andrew Tyler—Incorporation
of Walpole—Services of Church of England begun—Rey. |
William Clark—Samuel Colburn—Devise of Estate to Epis-
copal Church—Rev. Samuel Dexter—The Fourth Parish and
Church—Rey. Benjamin Caryl—Services of Dedham Men in
French Wars—New Meeting-House—Dr. Nathaniel Ames—
The Pillar of Liberty—Events Prior to the American Revyo-
lution.
In 1692 the charter, under which the colony had
existed for fifty-five years, was dissolved by a legal
judgment, and a new charter of the province of Mas-
In civil matters, there were some changes worthy of
In 1694 the inhabitants of the town and
the proprietors first acted as separate bodies. In
1695 the proprietors laid out the thirty-four hundred
acres of their Sherborn lands which were included in
the grant of 1636, and assigned them to those who
could then show their rights therein. This was to aid
in the formation of the new town which was incorpo-
rated in 1694. In 1698 the bounty for killing a full-
grown wolf was increased from twenty to thirty
mention.
shillings, and a number of these bounties was soon
after received. A considerable portion of the town
still remained a wilderness. In raising thirty pounds
to repair the meeting-house, it was voted to pay one-
_ lings.
sachusetts Bay, with a Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, |
and secretary, appointed by the crown, took its place. |
This is commonly considered as marking the begin-
ning of a new period in the history of Massachusetts.
In the Dedham settlement it was a time of depres-
sion. The town had been without a pastor for about
eight years, since the death of Mr. Adams.
sions had arisen among the people during the vacancy,
and they had extended calls to four different persons
to become their minister. In the correspondence
and town, the discouraging state of affairs at Ded-
ham was not concealed, and it bad the effect of
causing a declination of each invitation. At length,
in 1692, Mr. Joseph Belcher, of Milton, accepted
the call. The town offered him sixty pounds to pro-
vide him with a dwelling, and a salary of one hun-
dred pounds, and afterwards wood to the value of ten
pounds was added, or that amount in money. He
was ordained Nov. 29, 1693. Soon after, the meet-
Divi- |
half in wheat at five shillings, rye at four shillings,
corn at two shillings, and a day’s work at two shil-
In 1701 it was voted that the law forbidding
any person not an inhabitant to purchase land in the
town is in force, and that measures be taken to get it
approved by the General Court. The contentions
and divisions existing in the town are well exempli-
fied by the town-meeting in March, 1703. It as-
sembled on the sixth, and was held all day, but did no
business but adjourn to the thirteenth day. The ad-
_journed meeting could do no business, but adjourned
|
to the seventeenth day, when town- officers were chosen.
_ A new meeting was called on the twenty-seventh day,
which occurred during these efforts of the church |
when another board of town-officers was chosen, and on
the seventeenth of April a third board of town-officers
was chosen by order of the Court of Sessions. In 1700,
Sir Prentiss began to keep school at twenty pounds
for the year and keeping his horse with hay and
In 1715 the town granted fifteen pounds for
the school, which was the sum granted for several
years, both before and after that year. In 1718 the
grass.
town imposed a penalty of twenty shillings for every
ing-house was enlarged by the addition of new gal- |
leries. Prior to this time, the ministerial rate had
been paid by the voluntary contributions made each
Sabbath. Mr. Belcher proposed that for one quarter,
his salary should be paid, and he would rely upon
contributions for the remaining three-quarters of the
year.
The result was not satisfactory, and a few |
years after, the ministerial rates were collected in the
same manner as the country rates. ‘Those who de-
sired to worship elsewhere had liberty to pay the
rates to the minister where they worshiped. These,
doubtless, were those who lived at a remote distance
from the meeting-house and were desirous of forming
new parishes. About the year 1702 pews were first
introduced, and a year or two previous, the meeting-
house was again enlarged.
| poration of new towns.
month an unlicensed stranger should remain in the
town. The province taxes until 1720 were called
the country taxes in the assessment, as the name of
province was odious to the people. In 1722 the
settlement was visited with the smallpox, and the
inhabitants held public worship in a private house
for fear of the contagion.
The gradual extension of new settlements within
the territory of the proprietors is shown by the incor-
In 1711 forty persons, re-
siding in that part of the town now called Needham,
petitioned the General Court to be set off as a sepa-
rate township. Dedham at first opposed the separa-
tion, but afterwards gave its consent on condition
that the petitioners should have less territory than
they demanded. The town of Needham was incor-
| porated Nov. 5, 1711, with all the territory asked for
48
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
in the petition. Bellingham was incorporated Nov.
27,1719. In 1691 the selectmen had reported that
the lands near Mendon and Wrentham, which con-
stituted the town of Bellingham, were not worth lay-
ing out for a dividend, so that there was probably no
opposition to the incorporation. It was named in
honor of Governor Richard Bellingham. The town
of Walpole was incorporated Dec. 10, 1724, and was
carved out of the southerly part of Dedham.
was named for Sir Robert Walpole, then the prime
minister of England.
Mr. Belcher died at Roxbury, April 27, 1723. |
Five of the principal inhabitants were directed to
hire a coach to bring his body to Dedham, and forty
pounds were afterwards allowed Madam Belcher for |
expenses upon the occasion of the funeral. He was
born in Milton, May 14,1668. He was graduated at |
Harvard College in 1690. His house stood upon the
site occupied by the meeting-house of the Allin
Evangelical Society. His portrait, which now hangs
in the vestry of the First Parish, was presented by Mrs. |
Elizabeth Gay, Jan. 1, 1839. Dr. Cotton Mather
preached a discourse after his death, in which he
speaks of him as “an excellent preacher to walk with
God, and an excellent pattern of what he preached.”
The inhabitants residing in the southerly and west-
erly portions of the town, on account of their remote-
ness from the meeting-house, had for several years
made known their desire for a new parish. In 1722
they had presented their petition to be set off into a |
town or precinct. But the town did not then give its
consent to the prayer of the petition.
ever, the town voted that if the inhabitants of the
southerly part of the town will unite with some
It |
In 1728, how- |
families in the westerly part of Stoughton in a petition |
to be made a parish, it will give its consent. Ac-
cordingly the South Parish of Dedham was incorpo- |
rated by the General Court, Oct. 18,1730. The terri-
tory thus incorporated included also what was after-
wards the West Parish.
sections was not of long continuance.
But this union of the two
A division
arose at once between them upon the location of the
meeting-house. Indeed, the frames of two meeting-
houses were raised about the same time, and neither
was satisfactory to all parties.
question, the precinct voted to petition the General
Court for a committee to come and view their situa-
tion, and to set off to the old precinct as many as they
shall judge to be most for the peace and harmony of |
both precincts, and the committee did set off to the
old precinct those families living in what afterwards
became the West Parish. They also recommended to
the South Parish that it remove its meeting-house
farther south, which was done. In 1769 another
meeting-house was erected in this parish.
The church connected with the Second, or South
Parish of Dedham was gathered June 23, 1736, con-
sisting of fifteen members. They called the Rev.
Thomas Balch to be their pastor, and on June 30th
he was ordained. Mr. Balch was a native of Charles-
town, and was born Oct. 17, 1711, and was graduated
at Harvard College in 1733. He continued to be the
pastor of this church until his death, which occurred
Jan. 8, 1774, at the age of sixty-two years. His
ministry continued thirty-seven years and nearly six
months, and he died in the full confidence and affec-
tion of his people. He was an excellent preacher,
and was a man of high character and attainments.
A number of his sermons were printed.
The people in the westerly section, after being re-
united with the old parish in 1733, were still dissatis-
fied with their parochial relations, and on the 4th of
| June, 1735, they organized a new church indepen-
dently of the First Church. On that day the Rev.
Josiah Dwight, a son of Capt. Timothy Dwight, of
Dedham, was installed as pastor. That this procecd-
ing was viewed with disapproval by the First Church,
_is evident from the fact that, though invited, it was
not represented at Mr. Dwight’s installation. The
number of church members was thirteen. At the
time of Mr. Dwight’s installation the meeting-house
begun in 1731 was unfinished; it was not plastered,
and had no pews except those built by individuals for
themselves. It was afterwards completed, and the
house stood for seventy-eight years before the present
one was built. The parish was finally incorporated
as the Third Parish, Jan. 10,1736. But the trials of
this people were by no means ended. Mr. Dwight
and his people did not get on without differences and
dissensions, and he requested a dismission, which was
eranted May 20, 1743. The terms of the dismis-
sion were that he should receive fifty pounds, and
that a ‘“‘ number of respectable individuals should on
his removal accompany him as far as Thompson.”
He was born in Dedham, Feb. 7, 1670, and was grad-
uated at Harvard College in 1687, and was the min-
ister of Woodstock, Conn., before he came to Dedham.
Unable to settle the |
After his dismission from the Third Parish he returned
to Woodstock, where he spent the remainder of his life.
The name by which this parish is designated in
the act of incorporation, and which it has since re-
tained, is that of “the Clapboard trees.” This was
an ancient name for this locality, and probably there
were trees here at the beginning of the settlement,
which were considered to be adapted to furnish a
covering for the dwelling-houses.
DEDHAM. 49
In November, 1743, the Rev. Andrew Tyler, of
Boston, was ordained as Mr. Dwight’s successor. He
was of good repute as a preacher, and a man of per-
sonal attractions, During the first twenty years of
his ministry he had the respect and confidence of his _
people. From 1764 to 1772 very serious disputes
arose between him and the parish, and repeated but ©
fruitless attempts were made to restore peace by
parish meetings, church meetings, and ecclesiastical
councils, and finally by referees, until Dec. 17, 1772,
when he was dismissed.
sided in Boston until his death, in 1775. The church
had no other pastor for nearly eight years after Mr.
Tyler’s dismission, during which its troubles and dis- |
sensions appear to have continued, which the trials
He left the ministry and re- |
and expenses of the Revolutionary war did not serve |
| 18th of June, 1769, he began his services as mis-
In 1731 the Rev. Dr. Timothy Cutler, rector of |
to mitigate.
Christ Church, Boston, ‘ at the desire of some church-
men and dissenters willing to be informed,”’ first began
the service of the Church of England and to preach
in Dedham. He was a graduate of Harvard College,
a native of Charlestown, had been pastor of a Congre-
gational Church at Stratford, Conn., and subseqnently
president or rector of Yale College. He had con-
formed to the Church of England, and was at this
time a missionary of the “Society for the Propaga-
tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts,’ a society formed
in London in 1701. The place where these services
were held by Dr. Cutler, was in a house owned by
Joseph Smith, in the westerly part of Dedham.
The |
house was standing until within a few years on Sum- |
mer Street. Here Dr. Cutler preached at intervals,
and between November, 1732, and May, 1733,
monthly, to congregations of forty or fifty persons,
and administered the sacrament to eight or nine
He continued his services until Christmas,
In 1734
In the same year six per-
persons.
1733, after which they were not regular.
he baptized five children.
sons had their ministerial taxes abated on the ground
that they carried on the worship of God in the way
of the established Church of England, as the law at
this time permitted them. After this time, Dr. Cut-
ler visited Dedham occasionally, preaching to a con-
siderable congregation and administering the sacra-
ments. Dr. Cutler died in 1765, and after his death,
Dr. Ebenezer Miller, of Braintree, succeeded to the
In 1733-34 efforts were
made towards the building of a church, but it was
charge of the services here.
not until 1758 that the work was actually begun, |
and it was opened, Dr. Miller officiating, the Sunday
after Easter, 1761. The location of this church was
near the corner of Court and Church Streets, but be-
q
fore 1771 nothing was done more than outside work.
A contribution from some gentlemen in Newport, R. L.,
Up to the time of the
Revolution it had not advanced very far towards
completion, as it had no pews, and was neither lathed
nor plastered. After Dr. Miller’s death the Rev.
Edward Winslow, his successor at Braintree, con-
aided in finishing the house.
tinued to have charge of the services.
On the 16th of August, 1767, the Rev. Wil-
liam Clark began to read the service at Dedham.
He was the son of Rey. Peter Clark, of Danvers,
a graduate of Harvard College in 1759, and was
educated to be—like his father—a Congregational
clergyman, but had conformed to the Church of
England.
Dec. 18, 1768, by the Bishop of London.
He went to London and was ordained
On the
sionary, officiating on alternate Sundays at Dedham
and Stoughton. He married, Sept. 15, 1770,
Miss Mary Richards, of Dedham. After 1772 he
took leave of his people at Stoughton, and removed
to Dedham.
ceding the first conflict of the Revolution interfered
The troublous times immediately pre-
with the attendance upon his services and the ad-
ministration of the sacraments. But he continued to
-—=—
hold service until after Easter, 1777, and the law
was passed forbidding prayers for the king’s majesty,
when he closed his church. Mr. Clark was very
discreet in his conduct and speech during this trying
At the public town-meeting held May 29,
L777, a vote was passed that he, with three of his
period.
church, were looked upon as inimical to the United
States. On the 21st of the following May he writes:
‘‘T was surrounded by a mob when I got home, but
escaped on my parole.” On the 5th of June follow-
ing he was taken prisoner and carried to Boston,
when he gave bail, and the others were taken to jail.
His arrest was not approved by the committee of the
town at first, but they were urged to make the
prosecution. The charge made against him, was
based upon his writing a letter to a gentleman of a
neighboring county, recommending one of his con-
gregation who was in distress to his kindly assistance
in helping him to support himself. He was adjudged
guilty by the tribunal in Boston, and sentenced to
banishment and confiscation of his estate, and sent on
board a guard-ship in Boston harbor, where he re-
mained about ten weeks, when he returned to Ded-
ham. On the 10th day of June, 1778, having
through the intervention of Dr. Nathaniel Ames,
who sympathized with him in his distress, procured
a passport, which was brought to him by Fisher
Ames, he took leave of his friends in Dedham and
50
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
sailed from Boston to Newport, thence to New York,
and thence to England.
| Church in Dedham.
His wife accompanied him |
|
to Newport, but returned to Dedham, where she
died in child-bed in the succeeding December. He
remained in EKvgland during the war, when he re-
turned to Nova Scotia, where he again married,
and resided a few years. He finally lived at Quincy,
Mass., where he died, in 1815, at the age of seventy-
five years.
In 1756, Samuel Colburn, the only son of Benja-
min Colburn by his second wife (Mary Hunting), a
young man twenty-four years of age, whose father
had died in 1747, leaving him a large landed estate,
enlisted as a volunteer in the force raised during the
French war by Governor Shirley, destined to reduce
the fortifications of the enemy at Crown Point and |
vicinity.
from Dedham.
Into this force about twenty men enlisted |
It has been asserted and believed |
that Colburn was drafted or impressed into the ser- |
vice, but against his name on the original roll at the
State-House is plainly written the word volunteer.
His friend and neighbor, Samuel Richards, also en-
listed, and there is really no ground to believe |
that he was compelled to join the army. He enlisted
on the 18th of March, 1756, marched with his com-
pany, and on the 28th day of October he died of |
disease at the Great Meadows, between Saratoga and
Stillwater. His friend, Samuel Richards, died on
the 13th day of August.
Before his departure, Samuel Colburn made his >
will, dated May 7, 1756, by which he devised his
estate to trustees, subject to the life-estate of his
mother, for her maintenance and comfortable sub-
Owing to mismanagement of
the estate by those intrusted with it, some of it was
alienated and lost, and the devise of the church acre
After the Revolution, and the de-
cease of Mrs. Colburn in 1792, what remained was
appropriated for the support of preaching “in the
Episeopal way.” How and by what inducements
Samuel Colburn was led to make this liberal devise
to the church of England, then so obnoxious. to the
Puritan establishment, has been a matter of con-
wholly ignored.
jecture and of vague tradition. That Samuel Colburn
was well acquainted with the service of the Episcopal
Church and the Book of Common Prayer, there is
He had lived in the family, or was
the neighbor, of Samuel Richards, who was a zealous
churchman, and as clergyman of the Church of Eng-
land had held services in Dedham during twenty-five
years, and ever since the time of his birth, he must
some evidence.
have known something of the church which he made
the object of his bounty. Besides, it is said that he
disapproved of the conduct of some of his relatives
and neighbors in religious matters.
Retracing the events of the eighteenth century,
the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Belcher
was filled in a little more than three months by the
Rev. Samuel Dexter. He was born in Malden, was
graduated at Harvard College in 1720, and was or-
dained May 6, 1724. The first meeting of the parish
as a separate precinct, consequent upon the incorpo-
ration of the Second Parish, was Jan. 4, 1730-31.
The meeting-house required frequent repairs, and
owing to a depreciation of the currency there were
frequent adjustments made in the minister’s salary ;
sistence, first, for the payment of £26 14s. 4d. towards |
the building of an Hpiscopal Church in Dedham,
whenever the same should be undertaken ; and when |
_ turbance by the boys,—such were the more important
such church should be undertaken to be erected, one
acre of his land on the south side of the way opposite
his dwelling-house, next to Samuel Richard’s house,
should be set apart for that purpose in the most con-
venient place, and this notwithstanding the devise to
his mother.
In case the church should be built at |
the time of his mother’s decease, the said estate |
should be to the use of said church; and in ease it
should not then be built, then the income should be
applied to hire and pay for preaching and carrying on
public worship in the Episcopal way in Dedham until
said church should be built, and then the whole to be
By this will, at the de-
cease of his mother, in addition to the church acre,
to the said church forever.
, journal.
pews first began to be erected; two new bells were
provided in two years; the deacons’ wives had sepa-
rate seats assigned them ; and the ever-recurring dis-
events in the history of the parish during Mr. Dex-
ters ministry. On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23,
1738, being at the conclusion of the first century
since the church was gathered, he preached a dis-
course, of which two editions have been printed, and
is the first sermon containing historical references
which has been printed. He also left a diary or
In the earlier portion of his ministry there
_were dissensions in the parish, and these gave the
about one hundred and thirty-four acres of land, in- |
cluding the Colburn homestead, which was in Ded- |
ham village, was given for the use of the Episcopal
i]
sensitive pastor much distress. After the incorpora-
tion of the West Parish, affairs moved more smoothly.
He died, after a short illness, Jan. 29, 1755, in the
fifty-fifth year of his age and the thirtieth of his
ministry. ‘ He died as he had lived, enjoying the
general respect and confidence of his people.”
In 1748 a fourth parish was incorporated called
DEDHAM.
Springfield, now the town of Dover. The Rev. Ben- |
jamin Caryl was ordained as pastor of the church
Nov. 10, 1762, and he died Nov. 13, 1811. The
parish was incorporated as a district by the General
Court, July 7, 1784, when the name of Dover was
given to it.
This was the period in the history of Massachu-
setts when her people were involved in the wars and
military expeditions of the mother-country. In an
expedition against the Spanish West India settle-
ments the province furnished five hundred men, and
six men from the South Parish of Dedham were
among those who perished. In the famous expedi-
tion against Louisburg, 1745, there were a number
of men probably from the South Parish, and among
them the Rev. Mr. Balch, who served as one of the
chaplains, and was absent from his people sixteen
months. In the last French war more than fifty
Dedham men served at Ticonderoga, Fort Edward,
Fort William Henry, Lake George, and in Canada,
at the Bay of Fundy and Louisburg. Among the
names of those who served in this war will be found
those of the oldest families, and it is said that at this
period one-third of all the effective men of the prov-
ince were in some way engaged in the war. Mr.
Haven quotes from Dr. Nathaniel Ames’ Almanac of |
1756 the following lines :
“Behold our camp! from fear from vice refined,
Not of the filth but flower of human kind!
Mothers their sons, wives lend their husbands there !
Brethren ye have our hearts, our purse, our prayer.”
These wars were the schools in which Massachu-
setts men were trained in the duties of the soldier,
and which fitted them for the great conflict with the
mother-country in the war of the Revolution twenty
years later.
On the 5th day of February, 1756, about seven
months after the decease of Mr. Dexter, Mr. Jason
Haven, of Framingham, was ordained as his successor.
One hundred and thirty-three pounds, six shillings,
and eightpence had been voted him “as an encour-
agement to settle here,’ with an annual salary of
sixty-six pounds, thirteen shillings, and eightpence,
and twenty cords of wood, during the time of his
ministry here.
currency, the salary of Mr. Haven was increased in
1770, and again in 1779.
The old meeting-house built in 1673 had now
stood for more than eighty years, and in March, 1761,
it was voted by the parish, with unanimity, to build
anew one. The structure was to be sixty feet long
and forty-six feet wide, with a steeple and two porches.
A committee was appointed to apply to the church
Owing to the depreciation of the
d1
“ for liberty to get materials or timber’ from its lands.
Mr. Haven furnished the plan of pews and seats on
the floor of the house. On the 7th of June,
1762, the inhabitants assembled to take down the old
house. The new house was finished Sept. 21, 1763.
The timber was of solid oak and the floor had oak
underneath. It had fifty pews on the floor. The
person paying the highest parish rate had the first
choice, and so on to the end of the list. The deacons’
seat immediately under the pulpit, and above it, entered
from the pulpit-stairs half-way up, the elders’ seat,
were both retained in the new as in the old house.
But the velvet cushion given by the young women
for the pulpit, the curtain for the window, the clock
given by Samuel Dexter, and the Bible afterwards
presented by Mrs. Barnard, formerly the widow of
Rev. Mr. Dexter, on condition that the reading of a
portion of it should have a place in the public services
on the Lord’s Day,—all these things show some ad-
vancement in the ideas of the people respecting pub-
lic worship. The old New England version of the
Psalms was exchanged for Tate and Brady, and a
chorister was appointed, with power to nominate a
number who should assist in singing. Before this,
one of the deacons had read the Psalm line by line
as it was sung. No instrument of music was intro-
duced until 1790, when the bass viol was admitted to
strengthen the bass.
The church and parish were now entering upon a
The
serious questions which were beginning to arise be-
period of respite from disputes and dissensions.
tween England and the province perhaps served to
withdraw the minds of the people. Perhaps the in-
fluence of a man like Samuel Dexter, who had re-
moved to Dedham, may have been exerted for peace.
Samuel Dexter was the son of the Rey. Mr. Dexter,
and was born in Dedham, and became a merchant in
Boston. In 1763 he came to Dedham, and built-a
fine residence for that day, which now stands in ex-
cellent preservation. He was a man of wealth, of
public spirit, and no man since the days of Lusher
had done so much to promote the interests of the
town and church by his services, his advice, and his
donations. He was many times a deputy to the
General Court; he sat five years in the Provincial
Congress, and was negatived several times as a coun-
cilor by the royal governor. At the beginning of
the Revolution he was a member of the Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council of State, which assisted and supported
the military operations in the vicinity of Boston.
He differed from the majority of his associates as to
the policy of bringing undisciplined troops so near the
British army in Boston, and in consequence retired
52
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
from public service, and never entered it again. In
1784 he sold his estate to Dr. John Sprague and re-
moved to Mendon, where he died June 10, 1810, in
the eighty-fifth year of his age. He bequeathed five
thousand dollars to Harvard College to found a pro-
fessorship for promoting the study of Biblical Criti-
cism.
the eminent lawyer, and afterwards Secretary of War
and of the Treasury in the administration of John
Adams.
In 1732, Dr. Nathaniel Ames removed from Bridge-
water to Dedham. He was a man of an acute mind,
a ready wit, and of amiable temper. He is best
known as the author of the Ames Almanacs, which
were published for forty years, although it has been
said some of the first of these must have been published
by his father.
was much employed in town and parish affairs.
He became a prominent citizen, and
He
married, for his second wife, Deborah, the daughter
of Jeremiah Fisher, and granddaughter of Daniel
Fisher, the second of that name. By this union he
had several children, among whom were Fisher Ames |
and Nathaniel Ames, who both lived and died in
Dedham.
and contain predictions of wars and direful events,
founded upon the conjunctions of planets, with some
He lived in a house which was a
tavern for many years, and which stood on the loca-
The Ames almanacs are rare and curious
quaint verses.
tion of Ames Street, near High Street, opposite the |
2 iS Pally | slavery, and confirmed our most loyal affection to King George
court-house in Dedham. It was known prior to the
Revolution as Woodward’s tavern, but at some time
previous it had been kept by Dr. Ames. He died in
1764. His widow survived until 1817, and died in
the ninety-fifth year of her age. The house was
taken down after her death.
The passave of the Stamp Act in 1765 was the
beginning of the series of measures by which Kng-
land asserted the right to tax the colonies, and which |
were the proximate causes of the American Revolu-
tion. The attempt to enforce it in Boston excited the
people to violence, and a mob destroyed the records
of the Vice-Admiralty Court, and the houses of the |
With this spirit of resist- |
In |
Crown officers of customs.
ance the men of Dedham had full sympathy.
October, 1765, Samuel Dexter, their representative to
the General Court, was instructed not to encourage the
execution of that act, and the duty of resisting it was
enjoined upon him, for the reasons so fully assigned at
that time in public documents and writings. In October,
He was the father of the Hon. Samuel Dexter, |
|
_ people testified their gratitude and delight.
ber, however, the town voted that it would be a
dangerous precedent to grant it as a matter of right,
but that ““we may show our dutiful regard to our
most gracious sovereign, and our gratitude to those
worthy persons who caused the repeal of the Stamp
Act, we give instructions to vote for the indemnity,
as it is now asked for on the ground of generosity.”
The news of the repeal of the Stamp Act reached
Boston in May, 1766. It was received with the
most enthusiastic expressions of joy; a day was set
apart for the purpose, and by the ringing of bells, the
display of banners, the release of prisoners for debt by
subscription, a brillant illumination with loyal inserip-
tions, and figures of Pitt, Camden, and Barré, the
In this
public rejoicing the people of Dedham most heartily
joined, and they have left a lasting memorial of their
joy to succeeding generations.
In the northwest corner of the court-house yard
there stands a square granite pillar, about five feet in
height, which bears the followipg inscriptions, reveal-
ing its history to him who can decipher the letters,
now blurred by time:
“The Pillar of Liberty erected by the Sons of Liberty
in this vicinity.
“Laus Deo Regii et Immunitat m autoribusq maxime
Patronus Pitt qui Rempub. rursum evulsit faucibus Orci.
“The Pillar of Liberty to the honor of William Pitt, Esq.,
and others, Patriots, who saved America from impending
III. by procuring a repeal of the Stamp Act, 18th March,
1766.
“rected here July 22, 1766, by Dr. Nathaniel Ames (2d),
Col. Ebenezer Battle, Major Abijah Draper, and other patriots
friendly to the rights of the Colonies at that day.
“ Replaced by the citizens, July 4, 1828.”
This monumental stone once formed the pedestal
of the “ Pillar of Liberty.” It was surmounted by
a wooden column about twelve feet high, on the top
of which was placed a wooden bust of William Pitt.
From memoranda now preserved, it appears that the
stone was prepared in May, and on the 22d of July
the Pillar of Liberty was erected in the presence of
‘““a vast concourse of people.” Whether the bust
which had been “ bespoken” on July 2d was never
furnished, or whether it proved unsatisfactory is un-
certain, but in the succeeding February, Dr. Ames,
| with Rev. Mr. Haven and Mr. Battle, went to bos-
1766, the General Court having proposed to the town |
whether it will bestow an indemnity on the late sufferers
; 3 ‘ a
by the riots in Boston, the town voted that it could
not consent even toa partial indemnity. In Novem-
ton and bespoke “ Pitt’s bust of Mr. Skillin.” The
Mr. Skillin referred to was a ship-carver, and those
who remember the figure-heads of vessels fifty years
ago, can form a good idea of the artistic merits of
this bust of William Pitt. The pillar was originally
placed on the corner of the common, in front of the
DEDHAM. 53
It stood
intact until about the beginning of the present cen-
tury, when the column and bust fell, and, after lying
meeting-house, directly opposite the tavern.
about the stone pedestal for a time, disappeared. |
After the building of the new court-house, in 1827, |
the pedestal was removed across the street to near |
its present location. Such, briefly, is the history of
one of the oldest memorials now preserved in Ded-
ham, and it is worthy of better care of the present
and coming generations than it has received from the
past.
Another monument of this period, when the minds
of the people were turned to preparations for war, is
the old powder-house, on the rock which bears its |
name, on Ames Street, near the river. As early as
1762 the town voted “to have the powder-house
builded on a great rock in Aaron Fuller’s land, near
Charles River.” The committee chosen did not per-
form their duty, and in May, 1765, two more persons |
were joined to the committee, and instructed to have |
the house built forthwith. It was finished in 1766,
and was used for many years for the storage of am-
munition, probably as long as there were trained com-
panies in the parish.
owned muskets ard cartridge-boxes which have been
handed down for many years.
The town sent delegates to a convention held in
Faneuil Hall in September, 1768. This convention
of the towns of the province was called to protest
against the encroachments of the crown.
Immedi- |
But the time for resolutions and con-
ventions was wellnigh spent. Samuel Dexter and
Abner Ellis were chosen delegates to the Provincial
Congress in January, 1775, and in March, the town
voted to raise a detached company of minute-men,
consisting of sixty, to be drilled in the military art,
three half-days in each week, and be ready to act on
the shortest notice in case of an alarm. They were
Their pay was fixed, and
were passed,
enlisted for nine months.
the money was borrowed to pay them.
We are now brought by the course of events to the
very beginning of the Revolution.
since the town was summoned to take an active part
It was a century
in Philip’s war, the first real conflict of arms since
During the last
half of the century then passed, in the French wars,
the beginning of the settlement.
and in many expeditions and campaigns, Dedham
men had been called upon to participate, and in 1775
there were not a few survivors of these veteran sol-
diers.
Boston they were prepared, not only in spirit and
resolution, but by military experience gained in real
For the great conflict about to begin around
campaigns.
The town has very recently |
CHAPTER, Vik
DEDHAM—( Continued).
ately upon the adjournment of this convention, the
squadron conveying the troops from Halifax, sent for
by Governor Bernard, arrived and the selectmen |
refused them quarters.
In March, 1770, all duties imposed by the act of |
1767, except the tax on tea, were abolished. In the
same year Dedham declared by vote, ‘‘ That, as the
duty on tea furnishes so large a sum towards the
maintenance of innumerable multitudes, from the
odious commissioner of customs down to the dirty
informer by him employed, we will use no foreign tea,
Loy dey
nor permit our families.’ In January, 1775 and
1774, the town passed similar resolutions, and a com-
mittee of correspondence was chosen. In Septem-
ber, 1774, the town met for the purpose of adopting |
measures to prevent the late acts of Parliament from
being carried into effect, and chose delegates to the
convention which subsequently passed the Suffolk
resolves. A convention had been held in Stoughton
in the preceding August, and was adjourned to meet
at Woodward’s tavern, in Dedham, on the 6th of
September. It was then adjourned to Vose’s tavern,
in Milton, on the 9th of September, when the resolves |
Dedham Village in 1775—Leading Men—Lexington Alarm—
| Minute-Men and Militia Companies March—Siege of Bos-
ton—Town Votes upon Question of Independence—Bounties
for Soldiers—Parishes Raise Money by Taxation—Articles
of Confederation Approved—Delegates to State Convention
for forming Constitution—Expenses of Revolutionary War—
Pecuniary Distress—Amendments to State Constitution Pro-
| posed—Col. Daniel Whiting.
In 1775 Dedham contained about seventeen hun-
dred inhabitants, who lived in four parishes, what is
now Dover being the fourth. They were nearly all
farmers, for there was then no compact village near
the meeting-house of the First Parish. During the
century then passed the inhabitants had removed to
the other parishes, and the village had been aban-
doned except by the farmers. Near the meeting-
house stood the residence of Samuel Dexter, and di-
rectly opposite the parsonage, while a little farther east,
' stood Woodward’s tavern. There were a few mechan-
ies, but no shop-keepers and no lawyers. There was
a physician (Dr. Nathaniel Ames), and one school-
master, and he was employed only for a short time in
one place. The farmers carried the products of their
5+
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
farms to Boston for a market, though the roads were
bad and circuitous. Among the articles they carried
were peeled oak bark, hoop-poles, oak and pine tim-
ber for building, oak staves, ship timber, charcoal,
and wood for fuel to some extent.
produce from the gardens were carried in panniers.
The generations of the preceding century had endured
great hardships, and probably derived but a bare sub-
sistence from their labor.
as soldiers in the French wars, but the taxation of
their polls and estates to meet the expenses of these
wars had been a drain upon their resources. More-
over, by the emission of bills of credit, the currency |
Vegetables and |
They had not only served |
had so depreciated, that by the end of the wars eleven |
or twelve hundred pounds were not equal to more |
than a hundred pounds sterling.
All these expenses |
had been met without obtaining any compensation —
from the mother-country.
living were also deficient in education, as, in the
pressure for money, the funds given for schools
by Metcalf, Avery, Kingsbury, and Damon had been
The generations then |
| galloping for his musket and accoutrements.
applied to other purposes, and the school lands in |
Needham had been sold to pay ordinary expenses.
But they retained the strong love of civil and relig-
ious liberty of their ancestors, though somewhat nar- |
rowed and intensified by political events and their
The places of Lusher and Fisher
own circumstances.
of the first century were filled now by worthy succes-—
sors. First and foremost among them should be
named Samuel Dexter, who was usually the mode-
rator of the town-meetings and framer of the resolu-
tions then passed. He was a man of vigorous spirit,
and gave liberally of his means to the patriotic cause. |
There was Dr. Nathaniel Ames the younger, the town
physician, an ardent patriot, then in the thirty-fourth
year of his age, his brother Fisher being then but
seventeen. There were also Abner Ellis (Third Par-
ish), a deputy to the General Court; Richard Wood- |
ward, of Woodward’s tavern; William Avery, repre-
sentative of an honored name in Dedham annals;
|
Capt. Joseph Guild and Capt. George Gould, men
who held posts of trust and responsibility; and Capt. |
Aaron Fuller and Sergt. Isaac Bullard, names of' fre-
quent recurrence in the town records, and who were
afterwards deacons of the Dedham Church.
The men of 1775 were now ready for further sac-
rifices and suffering in the maintenance of their liber-
ties.
their brethren in the province in their resistance to
British aggression, and they were prepared to redeem |
that pledge. There were five companies of militia in
the town, corresponding to the number of the parishes,
except there were two in the First Parish. Besides
They had pledged themselves to stand with |
|
these were the minute-men and an association of
veterans of the French wars.
Such were the names and characters of some of
those who stood ready on Dedham soil to join their
countrymen in the conflict about to open, and such
was the preparation that had been made when, on the
morning of the 19th of April, 1775, there came the
messenger to bring to them the “ Lexington alarm.”
We are told he came through Needham and Dover,
and probably the more direct routes were obstructed
by the British. It was received a little after nine
o’clock in the morning, so that the news had no
doubt gone through the southern towns of Middlesex
The minute-men were
ready to march as they had enlisted, “upon any
emergency.’ There are traditions still kept of the
plough being left in the furrow and of the team stopped
in the highway and its driver mounting his horse and
They
did not wait for more than a platoon to gather before
they started. Capt. Joseph Guild, of the minute-
men, with his own hand silenced some croaker who
said the alarm was false. As the day wore on, the
militia companies mustered under their respective
captains. The first company of the First Parish, with
sixty-seven officers and men, were led by Capt. Aaron
Fuller. A second company of seventeen men, under
Capt. George Gould, with Richard Woodward as
lieutenant, went probably from Dedham Island and
before reaching Dedham.
that portion of West Roxbury formerly included in
Dedham. Then the company of the Third Parish,
under Capt. William Ellis, consisting of thirty-one
men. Next in distance came the company of the
South Parish, under Capt. William Bullard, with
sixty men. The company from the Fourth Parish
(Dover), under Capt. Ebenezer Battle, with sixty-
seven officers and men, perhaps marched by another
route. Nor were these all. The veterans of the
French wars, whose blood was stirred by the long-
expected summons, gathered themselves upon the
common before the meeting-house, and after a prayer
offered by Rev. Mr. Gordon, of Roxbury, followed
their sons to the post of danger, led by Hezekiah
Fuller and Nathaniel Sumner.
We are told that the town that day ‘‘ was almost
literally without a male inhabitant below the age of
seventy and above that of sixteen.” There were not
less than three hundred men under arms, including
the minute-men and the militia and excluding the
veterans. It is not known where the Dedham sol-
diers met the British on the retreat towards Boston,
but of those who actually participated in the conflict
one (Klias Haven) was killed and one (Israel Everett)
DEDHAM.
55
wounded. The former was from the Fourth Parish, |
and was the son of Deacon Joseph Haven, and was |
thirty-three years old at the time of his death. He |
left a son and a daughter. He is supposed to have
been killed in Cambridge. There were two named
Israel Everett inthe Dedham companies. The father
was a sergeant in Capt. Gould’s company, and served |
The son, called Israel Everett, Jr., served
in Capt. Aaron Fuller’s company, and is no doubt the
one who was wounded, as the roll shows that he served
but one day. He was probably the same Israel
three days.
Everett who is named in the Everett genealogy as
the son of Israel, born Oct. 13, 1744.
The rolls of all these companies, containing the
names, time of service, and number of miles traveled,
signed and attested by their respective captains, are
carefully arranged and preserved at the State-House, |
with the names of the thousands who on that day
marched at the Lexington alarm.
It would seem from these rolls that the companies |
from the First Parish marched out about fourteen |
miles, and the companies from the other parishes |
marched about twice that distance. These facts |
would indicate that they did not go beyond Cam-
bridge. The minute company was kept in service
about a fortnight, and the rest from three to ten
days.
During the month of April, companies of soldiers
from the southerly parts of the province and from
Rhode Island were constantly passing through Ded-
ham in large numbers.
Some of the provincial
cannon were removed to Dedham on the 28th of the
month. All was tumult and confusion. In May,
the town voted to raise one hundred and twenty |
men in the parishes, to be ready to march on an
alarm, and to be raised by the several militia officers
of the town., The minute-men were to assemble for
two months, three half-days in the week, to learn |
their duty. The privates in the two companies were |
to be paid at the rate of four shillings a day while in |
actual service.
Committees were appointed to pro-
cure guns and ammunition, to establish a night-watch,
and to cause the great gun of King Philip’s war “ to
be swung.” Samuel Dexter announced that he
would give his time, trouble, and expense in serving
the town at the Congress, and Ebenezer Brackett
was chosen to guard the cannon.
The Dedham soldiers were part of the provincial |
army then concentrating around Boston, with head-
quarters at Cambridge. They probably did not par-
ticipate in the action on Bunker’s Hill. During the |
succeeding winter they formed a portion of the force |
held there and at Braintree.
_and papers from the registry of deeds were also
| removed to Dedham.
| The
engaged in the siege of Boston on Dorchester
Heights. After the evacuation of Boston by the
British, in March, 1776, they marched to Ticon-
deroga, to Canada, and other points, and some moved
with the army to New York. On the 4th of April,
1776, Gen. Washington spent the night in Dedham
on his way to New York. ‘There is a tradition that
he was entertained at the residence of Mr. Dexter.
At the November session of the General Court in
1775, an act was passed reciting that, whereas Boston
is now made a garrison by the ministerial army, and
become a common receptacle for the enemies of
America, it provides that Dedham should be the
shire-town of Suffolk, and that the courts should be
The books of record
On the 27th of May, 1776,
in the warrant for the town-meeting in March, there
having been an article “to know the minds of the
_town about coming into a state of independency,”
after several adjournments, the town unanimously
voted that if the honorable Congress shall declare the
colonies independent of Great Britain, the inhabitants
will solemnly engage to support it in that measure
In July of the same
year, the towns in the province having been required
with their lives and fortunes.
to procure their proportion of soldiers in two levies,
Dedham voted a bounty of seven pounds in addition
to the other wages of the soldiers in enlisting. Sevy-
A committee was
Com-
mittees of safety and correspondence were chosen
enty men received this bounty.
chosen to provide for families in distress,
for the year and the subsequent years of the war.
aggregate amount of service by the soldiers of
the town during this year must have been equal to
Upon
the records of the First Parish there is recorded a
report, made by Capt. Joseph Guild, showing the
number of soldiers from the First Parish during 1775—
fifty-five men employed twelve months each.
76, and the amounts of the bounties paid to them.
By this report it appeared, that fifty-five soldiers
from the First Parish only had served during 1776,
whose aggregate services were equal to twenty men
employed twelve months each. In February, 1777,
the town voted a bounty of twenty-four pounds to each
man who would enlist for three years or during the
war. Forty-nine soldiers received. this bounty.
Afterwards each parish assumed the payment of
the bounties to soldiers belonging to it, and raised
the money by taxation. In 1778 the First Parish
imposed a tax upon its inhabitants of four thousand
four hundred and eighty pounds. The Second Parish
in 1777 raised their quota of men for the Continental
service without using any bounty-money of the town.
56
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In 1778 the First Parish alone had thirty-three men
employed one month near Boston, seventeen men in —
other places, and thirty men in the army. The
selectmen, militia officers, and special committees
were authorized and requested to procure soldiers
and borrow money. In January, 1778, the town
approved the articles of confederation of the colonies.
In May a form of State constitution proposed by the
Provincial
province. The next year the town instructed its
Congress was approved by the town,
though it was rejected by a large majority in the |
representative to vote for a convention for the pur-—
pose of proposing a form of State government to the
people. In July the Rev. Jason Haven and Dr.
John Sprague were chosen delegates to the conven-
tion for forming a new constitution.
In 1779, eight thousand pounds were assessed
In
1780, the committee appointed the last year to hire
towards defraying the expense of hiring soldiers.
soldiers reported that they had performed that ser- |
vice, and had paid them twelve thousand pounds; the
number employed was sixty-six, and the amount of
service equivalent to twenty-two men twelve months |
each.
a demand was made for a supply of beef for the army.
To meet this demand, the sum of one hundred thou- |
During this and subsequent years of the war |
sand pounds was assessed upon the inhabitants, and |
The com-
mittee authorized to hire soldiers this year reported
eight thousand pounds more for horses.
that they were unable to procure any; but a small |
number were afterwards hired, and twenty-six men —
drafted from the companies to complete the required |
number.
taxes on account of the fluctuations of the paper |
currency, then much depreciated. This is the ex-
planation of the apparently large sums raised by tax-
ation. The credit of the town was bad and money
Great difficulties arose in collecting the |
They were all farmers, and had but
little money. That the war had exhausted their
means of payment appears quite manifest, for, not-
withstanding their strong attachment to the cause to
ary distress.
which they had pledged their lives and fortunes, they
at last complained to the General Court.
In the common cause the people acted and suffered
with great unanimity. The strong current of popular
feeling ran in one direction, and the public doings of
the town were harmonious. They had the leadership
and advice of able and competent men, and neither the
records nor tradition disclose any opposition to the
support which the town gave to the patriotic cause in
the American Revolution
The treatment of the Rev. William Clark and the
other inoffensive members of the Church of England
has already been described. That he was forced to
leave his home and his country without being guilty
of any real offense, would seem to be established by
the fact that a committee of the town had once ex-
amined the charge against him and dismissed it, ex-
pressing themselves as satisfied, and that they disap-
proved of the action of his accusers. The interest
taken in him by Dr. Nathaniel Ames after his trial
at Boston would also confirm this view. His expul-
sion must be set down as one of those acts done where
the public mind is wrought up by excitement upon
a great occasion, of which every civil war fur-
nishes a parallel, and, while unjustifiable, must be
pardoned to the spirit of liberty. It is said there was
a prominent citizen of the town who was a loyalist,
and, although a military man, he took no part in the
war, but he remained undisturbed.
The Revolution imposed upon the people the neces-
sity of forming a State government, and upon the sub-
mission of the constitution to the people, the town
_ unanimously voted to adopt the preamble and most
scarce, and a deduction of two shillings on the pouud |
was made to persons who made prompt payment of |
their taxes. Worthington, in his history, estimates
the annual expenditures of the town during the war |
at about eight thousand dollars, federal currency.
The nominal amount of the expenditures very imper-
fectly denotes the weight of the burden.
two thousand pounds in lawful money, or its equiva-
lent in Continental currency, was granted to defray |
the expenses of hiring soldiers.
committee to remonstrate to the General Court that
it has been called upon to raise more than its propor-
tion of men.
It is obvious from the recorded votes of the town
during the war that the burden of taxation was very
great, and that the inhabitants suffered much pecuni-
In 1781 |
The town chose a |
|
of the articles, but some were objected to, and a com-
mittee of fifteen was chosen to report amendments.
These amendments were that all religious denomina-
tions should be equally protected ; that judges should
_ hold their offices for seven years instead of during
good behavior ; that clergymen should be ineligible to
the office of representative, and that the salary of the
Governor and judges should not be increased for the
first five years after their appointment. These amend-
ments were adopted by the town, and are quite sig-
nificant of the political views and temper of the
people.
In the appendix to Mr. Haven’s centennial address
(1836), there are given the names of one hundred
and six men who served in the war of independence.
The first name in the list is that of Col. Daniel Whit-
DEDHAM.
D7
ing, who was probably the most prominent officer from | June 7, 1780, by the Rev. Thomas Thacher, who was
Dedham. He was born in that part of Dedham
which is now Dover, Feb. 5, 1732-33. He served
{
|
in the French wars, and at the Lexington alarm he>
marched as lieutenant of one of the companies, and —
He
afterwards served in the Continental army at Ticon-
deroga. At the attack on Cherry Valley, N. Y.,
led by Walter Butler, a savage Tory, with Joseph
Brant, the Mohawk chief, the fort was defended by
Col. Ichabod Alden’s regiment, of which he was
Col. Alden was killed and Maj. Whiting
was also captain during the siege of Boston.
major.
succeeded to the command. He served during the _
whole of the war, and died at Natick in February,
1808, and was buried at Dover.
CHAP HAR. VOLE:
DEDHAM—( Continued).
Second Parish—Rey. Jabez Chickering—Third Parish—Reyv.
Thomas Thacher—Fourth Parish Incorporated as a District
under the name of Dover—Shay’s Rebellion—Incorporation
of Norfolk County—Episcopal Church—Rey. William Mon-
tague—Old Church Removed and Rebuilt—Fisher Ames;
Sketch of His Life—Edward Dowse—Reyv. Jason Hayven—
Chureh Covenant of 1793—-Division in the Third Parish—
New Meeting-House—About Sixty Members Withdraw to the
born in Boston Oct. 24, 1756, and was a son of Oxen-
bridge Thacher, Esq. He was graduated at Harvard
College in 1775. He was a man of excellent abilitics,
and about twenty of his discourses were published.
He was a member of the American Academy of Arts
and Sciences, and was a delegate from Dedham to the
convention for adopting the Constitution of the United
States in 1787, with Fisher Ames as the other dele-
gate. It was during his ministry in 1808 that a divi-
sion occurred in this parish respecting the location of
a new meeting-house, and a portion of the parish
withdrew and afterwards were members of a Baptist
Society in the same territorial parish. Mr. Thacher
_ was opposed to the Calvinistic theology, and by his
Baptist Society in Medfield—Second Parish and Chureh— |
Rey. William Coggswell.
ALTHOUGH for eight years the town had been dis-
turbed in its internal affairs by the burdens of the
war, still they did not suffer the vacancies in the office
of pastor to go unfilled. In the Second Parish Mr.
Balch died in 1774, and on the third day of July,
1776, the Rev. Jabez Chickering was ordained as his
successor. He was born in the Fourth, or Springfield
Parish of Dedham, now Dover, Nov. 4, 1753, and
He
was graduated at Harvard College in 1774.
will he gave his farm of twenty acres, and personal
estate amounting to three hundred and sixty-five dol-
lars, upon the condition that the parish should dis-
solve its connection with any pastor who should adopt
He died Oct.
19, 1812, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, and the
the Calvinistic or Hopkinsian creed.
thirty-third of his ministry. He never married, and
in his manners was somewhat eccentric, but was much
respected for his character and abilities.
In 1784 the Fourth Parish was incorporated as a dis-
Its first minister, the
Dover
trict, with the name of Dover.
Rev. Benjamin Caryl, survived until 1811.
was incorporated as a town, March 31, 1836.
During the Revolutionary period, the town was
_ accustomed to give minute instructions to its repre-
studied theology in his native town under the direc- |
tion of the Rev. Benjamin Caryl. He married
Miss Hannah Balch, a daughter of his predecessor,
April 22, 1777. During the early portion of his
ministry the public mind was occupied with the Rev-
olutionary struggle, and the number of additions made
to the church during his long ministry is said to have
> |
been small. His parish was harmonious, however,
and he continued its pastor for thirty-five years and
He died March 12, 1812, in his fifty-
He was a man of excellent repute in
eight months.
ninth year.
the churches, but he left no printed discourses.
In the Third Parish, the vacancy occasioned by the
dismission of Rev. Andrew Tyler in 1772 was filled '
In 1786, they in-
structed Nathaniel Kingsbury, its representative, to
sentatives in the General Court.
attempt the reduction of taxes by reducing the sala-
ries of public officers, by lopping off unnecessary de-
partments of government, by abolishing the Courts
of Quarter Sessions, by regulating the practice of
lawyers or totally abolishing them; also to use his
utmost efforts to procure a division of the county,to
oppose the emission of a paper currency, to encour-
age manufactures, and to prevent the introductiou of
foreign luxuries. It is obvious, from the language of
these instructions, that there was a considerable num-
ber of sympathizers with the promoters of the insur-
But
in September of that year the town promised to use
rection known as Shay’s Rebellion in 1786.
strenuous exertions in support of the government,
and in October a committee appointed to report a list
of grievances made their report, protesting against
treasonable and riotous proceedings, and proposing, as
remedies for existing evils, private economy, industry,
and frugality.
The General Court, by an act passed March 26,
1793, which took effect on June 20th, incorporated
58
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
the county of Norfolk, including all the towns of Suf- pounds sterling per annum for preaching every other
folk, except Boston and Chelsea. Hingham and Hull
were excepted by an act passed subsequently. Dedham
was made the shire-town.
of the people for many years, and at several periods
since 1726 it had been the subject of votes and reso-
lutions in the towns. The local position of Dedham
probably determined its selection as the shire-town,
although several other towns were proposed, among
them Medfield, and it was also proposed that several
towns of Middlesex County should be united with
this county. A wooden court-house and jail were
finished in 1795. The court-house stood on the west
side of Court Street, fronting the meeting-house
common, while the jail stood near the corner of High-
land and Court Streets. Until the erection of a
court-house the courts were held in the meeting-
house.
In 1792, the Rev. William Montague, who was |
born at South Hadley, Mass., Sept. 23, 1757, and
was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1784, came
to Dedham. He had been admitted to orders as
deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church of the
United States by Bishop Seabury in 1787. He was
Sunday, and at the end of that time he was to have
_one hundred pounds sterling per annum. He was to
This had been the desire |
no doubt attracted to Dedham by the condition of |
the Colburn estate, which had now fallen to the Epis- |
copal Church upon the decease of Mrs. Colburn. He
took an especial interest in the recovery of glebe-
lands which had been given for the Episcopal Church
in New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as in Mas-
He
sachusetts, during the time he was in Dedham.
found here scarcely more than a handful of the old |
churchmen remaining.
had passed since Mr. Clark’s departure, in 1778, the
services of the Episcopal Church had been suspended,
except on a few occasions, when Dr. Parker, of
‘Boston, officiated. The old half-finished church,
then called Christ Church, was standing, but its
windows were broken and it was much dilapidated.
It was made a depository of miltary stores during the
war, but it had been afterwards cleared for public
worship at the request of Dr. Parker.
who had resisted the urgent request of Mr. Clark, to
The trustee
set apart the church-acre according to the provisions
of the will of Samuel Colburn, had also suffered great
and unnecessary waste to be committed upon the rest
of the estate. Probably he was embarrassed, if not
overawed, by the intense hostility which then existed
towards the Episcopal Church. Twelve persons as-
sembled and agreed with Mr. Montague that he
should become rector, and wardens and vestrymen
The income of the estate was vested
in him for fifteen years, and he was to receive fifty
were chosen.
During the period which |
have liberty to reside in Boston, Cambridge, Brain-
tree, or Dedham. At the same time, Mr. Montague
was authorized to settle the affairs of the church
relative to the lands, leases were to be executed, and
the prices, shape, and dimensions of the lots were to
be fixed by him. In February, 1794, he procured
an act to be passed by the General Court by which
the rector, wardens, and vestrymen were authorized
to lease the lands and to do all necessary corporate
acts. Mr. Montague was his own surveyor and con-
veyancer, and the divisions of the lots and the lines
of the streets bounding and intersecting them are the
work of his hand. A considerable portion of the land
was alienated. As the church lands occupied a cen-
tral situation in Dedham village, there was a demand
for lots, and Mr. Montague was frequently brought in
contact with the people in a manner which led to dis-
trust and misunderstandings. He continued to offici-
_ate in the church at irregular intervals until 1811,
| = .
| when he ceased, although he claimed to be rector at
a subsequent time. Moreover, his accounts in the
management and leasing of the lands, being unsettled
and involved, became the subject of disputes with the
members of his parish, and afterwards of litigation.
Finally, in 1818 about thirty persons, including all
the members of the parish, obtained a new act of in-
corporation giving the church control of the estate,
and in July of that year Mr. Montague was suspended
from the ministry, upon his resignation, by Bishop
Griswold. He died in Dedham, July 22, 1833.
The old church was repaired, pews built, and an
In 1797 it was voted to re-
move the church to vacant land on what is now
Church Street, on Franklin Square. The church
was moved to this new location, but while raising it
organ put up in 1795.
_ to the proposed height, the timbers supporting it gave
way, the whole structure fell, and was broken in frag-
ments. The rebuilding of the church was begun,
This
work was carried on during several years, and it was
not finished until 1806.
basement, originally intended for an academy by Mr.
only a portion of the old church being used.
It was constructed with a
Montague, but which afterwards was used for storage.
The entrance to the church was by means of a double
flight of steps rising parallel with the front on Church
Street.
reading-desk in front of the chancel-rail, and a gal-
It
was painted in fresco, with Grecian columns and cor-
It had a recessed chancel, with pulpit and
lery at the opposite end, in which was an organ.
nices. It was surmounted with a belfry, and in
DEDHAM. 59
1818 a bell was placed in it by subscription. In | was familiar with Shakspeare and Milton. He studied
1803, Madam Esther Sprague gave five hundred dol- |
lars to the church, and Madam Elizabeth Sumner |
gave two hundred and fifty dollars for a library or
plate. In 1813 there were thirteen communicants
and twenty families belonging to the parish.
After the reorganization of the parish, which
during the time Mr. Montague continued to be the
rector, was known as Christ Church, the church was _
repaired and opened for divine service on the last |
Sunday of October, 1818.
were continued without interruption, sometimes by
the neighboring clergy, and from Haster, 1819, until
the beginning of 1821, the Rev. Cheever Felch, a
chaplain in the navy, officiated.
November, 1821, the Rev. Isaac Boyle, having been
elected rector, was formally instituted into that office
by Bishop Griswold.
In the spring or summer of 1793, Fisher Ames,
after an absence of a few years, returned to Dedham,
and from this time he made his permanent residence
there. He was born in Dedham, April 9, 1758, and
was the youngest child of Dr. Nathaniel Ames. His
mother was Deborah Fisher, the daughter of Jeremiah
Fisher, from whom he took his first name. His father
died when he was but six years old, and his early train-
ing was left to his mother, a woman of excellent capa-
city and strength of character. He early began the
study of Latin, and was instructed partly in the town
school when the teacher happened to be capable of |
teaching him, and partly by the Rev. Mr. Haven, min-
ister of the Dedham Church. In 1770, soon after he
was twelve years old, he entered Harvard College,
where he was graduated in 1774. He was too young
during his college course to master the sciences then
taught, but he was remarkably attentive to his studies,
and his mind was quick and accurate. He excelled in
the classics and the literary exercises. His declama-
tions were remarkable for their energy and propriety,
and he sometimes spoke an original theme and wrote
some verses. He had a poetic imagination, which he
showed in his prose writings afterwards, but he never
confessed to being a poet. After his graduation in
1774, on account of his youth and the troubles inci-
dent to the outbreak of the Revolution, as well as the
limited resources of his mother, he did not begin his
professional studies for some years. During this pe-
riod he was engaged for a time in teaching school,
and he did military service in some expedition to
places in Massachusetts or to the Rhode Island fron-
tier. He continued his studies, revising his course
in the Latin classics, and reading history, both ancient
and modern. He was especially fond of poetry, and
From that time, services |
On the 22d day of |
law with William Tudor in Boston, where he was
admitted to the bar in 1781. He probably began
practice in Dedham, although at that time there
could have been but little litigation. But he em-
ployed his pen in writing a series of political essays
for the Independent Chronicle, under the names of
Lucius Junius Brutus and Camillus, upon the
questions which agitated the people of Massachusetts
during Shay’s Rebellion. The vigor of thought and
style of these essays attracted attention, and they may
be regarded as the beginning of his public career, since
they first introduced him to prominent public men.
He was chosen a delegate to the convention for rati-
fying the Federal Constitution, held in 1788, of
He made his
first speech in this convention upon biennial elec-
He was elected also to the Legislature of
He produced such an impression upon the
which he was an ardent supporter.
tions.
1788.
public mind by his speeches and essays, that he was
chosen the representative to the first Congress from
the Suffolk District, which office he held during the
whole of Washington’s administration, a period of
His congressional career was brilliant
and successful. Probably in the galaxy of statesmen
and orators, for which this period of American history
was so remarkable, there was no man who produced
eight years.
a greater impression as an orator and political writer
than Fisher Ames. He was a Federalist of the
school of Hamilton, Jay, and Pickering, and his
later essays are worthy of being ranked with the
papers of the “ Federalist.” As a political writer his
fame has been as enduring as it was brilliant. The
few speeches which have been published were prob-
ably imperfectly reported, and while characterized by
an elevated tone of thought and vigorous expression,
yet much of the profound impression which they
produced must have been due to the circumstances
under which they were delivered.
On the 15th day of July, 1792, he married Frances,
the third daughter of the Hon. John Worthing-
ton, of Springfield, of whom President Dwight, of
Yale College, said, “ He was a lawyer of the first emi-
nence and a man who would have done honor to any
After his marriage, Mr. Ames
?
town and any country.’
kept house in Boston until the succeeding spring. In
1791 he had opened a law-office on King, now State
Street. The formation of the new county of Norfolk
doubtless determined his removal to Dedham. In
November, 1795, he finished his substantial mansion,
built upon his patrimonial estate, near the old house
where his mother continued to reside. His law-oflice
in Dedham was on the corner of the meeting-house
60
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
common, near the “ Pillar of Liberty.” About the
time he removed to his new residence his health sud-
denly failed in a dangerous and alarming manner, and
for the remainder of his life he never fully recovered
it. In a letter dated Dec. 9, 1795, referring to a
party of his neighbors to partake of a supper in his |
new house, he speaks of lying down “ to prepare
and talking, and husbanding
himself for sitting up 2,
his words till the supper was done.”
ter he speaks of weighing one hundred and forty-four
|
In another let- |
pounds, which was thirty less than his utmost in health. |
In August of the same year he writes, “ Court week
is over and [ am alive and beginning to take long |
breath. Not half the jury actions were tried. My
share of them kept me in a throng of people at my |
own house, and on the way to and from court, and |
there the heat, the crowd, and the effect of speaking,
almost did me over.”
From the close of his congressional career in 1797, |
Mr. Ames spent the most of his time upon his estate
in Dedham. He practiced his profession in Suffolk and |
Norfolk, and had his health permitted he would have
devoted himself to the law. But he took great satis-
faction in the care of his farm. He makes frequent
allusions in his letters written at this time to his large
stock of cattle; to the productiveness of his cows ;
to his breed of sheep; to his sixty swine; to his de- |
sire to get the best of garden seeds; to his belief that |
his farm is approaching the period when it will be
profitable, and adding that “if he did not think it
would be, it would not be an amusement; it would be
a mere piece of ostentation on any other prospect, an
expensive folly, a toilsome disappointment.”
Mr. Ames was deeply interested in the growth and
development of his native town. Writing to Thomas
Dwight in 1795, he says, ‘“‘ Dedham will never become
more than a village, but it is growing up to be a smart
of Judge
of a mill
one;” and after describing the new house
Haven then building, and the establishing
for printing calico and muslin, he resumes, “ This, if
true, will look very like bragging. But is there not
a cold, hard spot in that heart which is indifferent to
the natale solum ? Philosophers affect to despise such
attachments, and few who do not feel them will give
them quarter. The growth of the place I live in
concerns my profit and pleasure, and it seems to me
there is reason, if not philosophy, for my taking an |
interest in the event.” He had a desire to cultivate
social relations with his neighbors.
having invited thirty to his house to a supper, he
continues, “ Although it is a reproach that so much
company has been so unsocial, [ do not despair with
proper help of regenerating Dedham in this respect.”
After alluding to |
He was active in attempting to improve the ex-
ternal appearance of the village. In 1800 he writes,
“T went home yesterday to attend town-meeting.
After a long and rather wrangling contest, sometimes
outvoted, at last prevailing, we carried it to apply
nine hundred dollars by way of contract to our roads,”
and concludes, ‘I am sick of town-meeting. I took
no refreshment, but stayed many hours in the meet-
ing-house, and am two-thirds dead in consequence.”
Soon after he writes again, ““ We have done as well
with our road through our village as we did ill in the
meeting-house. The whole, from Mr. Joe Lewis’ up
to Parson Wight’s, is an elegant road, equal to a
turnpike, all ploughed, and raked and rounded off, so
that all admired, and many will, I hope, imitate it.
It was done by subscription.” He was interested in
schools; in a scheme for bringing water in logs to
the western part of our plain; in the building of the
Boston and Providence Turnpike, of which corpora-
tion he was the first president; in the making of a
public square in the centre of the village; in the
draining of the meadows on Charles River; in the
straightening and widening of the roads; in the es-
tablishment of an academy, a library, and the build-
ing of a new meeting-house and a town-house for
holding meetings and the safe-keeping of the records,
He planted the elms on High Street, of which but
few remain, the only memorials of the taste and public
With his declining health and
strength, he was unable to overcome with his per-
spirit of Fisher Ames.
suasions and arguments the determined opposition of
the sturdy farmers from the other parishes to the orna-
mentation and improvement of the village, which has
not disappeared in the lapse of three-quarters of a
century. Had the suggestions of Mr. Ames been
adopted in his time, Dedham village would have been
the “ loveliest village of the plain.”
The only public office which Mr. Ames held after-
wards was that of councilor, when Increase Sumner
was Governor. He received the degree of Doctor of
In
1804 he was chosen president of Harvard College,
In 1800, by request of
the Legislature, he delivered an eulogy upon Wash-
Laws from the College of New Jersey in 1796.
but he declined the office.
ington, which has been much admired.
The most attractive side of Mr. Ames’ character is
revealed through his familiar letters. Those which
have been published are written with a remarkably
They
give us an idea of his personality and of his conver-
We
desire to know more of his social and domestic char-
facile pen, and are full of brightness and wit.
sational powers, for which he was distinguished.
acter, and it is to be regretted that no memoir of
DEDHAM.
61
personal recollections was written by one of his con-
temporaries.
character and services, than a biography.
Fisher Ames died on the morning of July 4, 1808,
being little more than fifty years of age. He hada
public funeral in Boston, at which his friend Samuel
Dexter pronounced the eulogy. He was buried in
the old burial-ground in Dedham village. Mrs.
Ames resided in Dedham until after the decease of
The essay by President Kirkland, pub- |
lished with his works, is rather an estimate of his |
her eldest son, John Worthington Ames, in 1833, |
after which she resided with her son, Seth Ames, at
Lowell until her death, Aug. 8, 1837.
house was sold in 1837, and nothing but the frame
The mansion-
now remains in the main portion of the residence of
Mr. F. J. Stimson, opposite the court-house.
Fisher Ames was the youngest child in a family
His eldest brother was Dr. Na-
thaniel Ames, who was born Oct. 9, 1741, and was
of five children.
graduated at Harvard College in 1761. He married
Melitiah Shuttleworth, March 13, 1775, and died
July 21, 1822, leaving no children. He was a
practicing physician, and he also was the first clerk
of the Court of Sessions and Court of Common
Pleas in the county. He built and occupied the
house now owned by Dr. J. P. Maynard, and his
land joined that of his brother Fisher. Dr. Ames
was pronounced in his political views, and he
Between the
brothers there was no agreement in_ politics,
was
a thoroughgoing Republican. two
and
this led to heated controversies between them, but
it should be added that this did not destroy their
fraternal affection and confidence. Another brother
was Dr. Seth Ames, born Feb. 14, 1743; was
graduated at Harvard College in 1764; was a sur- |
geon in the Revolutionary army, and died Jan. 1, |
1778. William Ames, another brother, died young,
and Deborah, a sister, was married to Rey. Samuel
Shuttleworth, of Windsor, Vt., who was afterwards
a member of the bar.
Fisher Ames had six children. John Worthing-
ton was the eldest, born Oct. 22, 1793; was gradu-
‘ated at Harvard College in 1813,; was a member of
the bar; representative to the General Court and
president of the Dedham Bank, and died Oct. 31,
1833. Nathaniel, the second son, entered Harvard,
but left during his college course and went to sea.
He was the author of ‘“ Mariner’s Sketches,” a book
which attracted some attention. Jeremiah Fisher
Ames, the third son, was graduated at Harvard Col-
lege in 1822, was educated as a physician, and pur-
sued his studies abroad, but he died at the age of
twenty-seven. Hannah Ames, a daughter, died
young and unmarried. William Ames was bred to
business, but retired early. He lived in Dedham
until his death, in 1880, though he was accustomed
to make annual visits to Springfield and other places.
All these children died unmarried. Seth Ames, who
was born April 19, 1805, and was graduated at Har-
vard College in 1825, and who was chief justice of
the Superior Court and a justice of the Supreme Ju-
dicial Court, died in 1881, leaving several children,
none of whom reside in Dedham. The youngest son,
Richard, removed to the West when a young man,
and died, leaving a family in Bloomington, IIl.
There is no living representative of the Ames family in
Dedham. The most conspicuous and illustrious name
in its history has disappeared from among its citizens.
In 1798, Mr. Edward Dowse, a retired merchant
from Boston, purchased the lands on either side of
High Street, and soon after built his mansion-house
upon the north side of the street. He married the
daughter of William Phillips, of Boston, a wealthy
merchant, and her sister, Mrs. Shaw, the widow of
Maj. Samuel Shaw, lived with them. Mr. Dowse
- was a hospitable and liberal-spirited gentleman, and
was the donor of the clock in the spire of the meet-
ing-house, which still strikes the hours for the village.
He was a Republican, and was elected to Congress in
1819 from the Norfolk District, but resigned his seat
at the close of the first session. In this house Presi-
dent Monroe was entertained during his visit to Bos-
Mr. Dowse died in 1828, in his seventy-third
year. Mrs. Shaw died in 1833, and Mrs. Dowse in
1839, and then the estate passed into the possession of
ton.
their nephew, Hon. Josiah Quincy, and was the resi-
dence for many years of the late Edmund Quincy.
On the 17th of May, 1803, the Rev. Jason Haven,
the minister of the First Church, died, in the seventy-
_ first year of his age, and the forty-eighth of his ministry,
which was longer than that of either of his predecessors.
It also included a period of many important events.
It began when Massachusetts was a province under a
royal Governor. Mr. Haven, during the Revolution,
was a strong supporter of the patriotic cause, and did
much to sustain the people in their sacrifices during
this trying period. He was chosen a member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1779. In 1793, the
church covenant and the mode of admitting church
members were changed. The covenant then adopted
was very brief, and does not contain articles of belief,
like that of 1767. Its only requirement was a belief
in the Christian religion. The effects of the Revo-
lution upon the opinions of men in religious matters
were now beginning to be seen in that spirit of indif-
ference to the dogmas of the Puritan theology which
62
was to culminate twenty-five years later in open revolt. —
But to Mr. Haven, supported by his deacons and the |
church, is due especial honor for having so managed
the church property that the income remained for a_
_long time untouched, and the capital accumulated,
the parish expenses meantime being met by taxation, |
and at a time of pecuniary distress.
Probably no pastor of the Dedham Church, with
the possible exception of Mr. Allin, had ever exer-
cised so strong an influence upon his people as Mr.
He
had talents and gifts which qualified him for the
Haven. He was a faithful pastor and preacher.
varied duties of his sacred office. His sermons were
perspicuous and direct. He had all the gravity and
dignity which belonged to the ministerial character,
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
easy to understand what has been affirmed by con-
temporaneous history to be the causes of the division
of opinions and belief in the Dedham Church.
There had been, as we have seen, a relaxation of the
articles of belief contained in the former church cov-
enants in that of 1793, and a reaction had been
going on since the close of the Revolution throughout
The
this country against the dogmas of Calvinism.
_ voleano which had long been slumbering was ready to
and Dr. Prentiss, in his funeral sermon, says of him |
that, ‘‘from a personal intimacy of more than thirty |
years, I can, with pleasing confidence, add that in his |
temper and life there appeared an habituai correspond-
ence with his professional character.”
Mr. Haven preached the Artillery Election sermon
in 1761, the General Election sermon in 1769, the
Dudleian lecture in 1789, and the Convention sermon
in 1791.
tion and occasional sermons.
These were printed, and also eleven ordina-
an excellent historical sermon, it being forty years
after his settlement in the ministry. He also preached
a half-century sermon, “relating to changes in the
inhabitants,”
Discourses’’ (1838), but no copy probably exists.
As in the last years of Mr. Haven’s life his health
and strength declined, the church extended a call to
as stated in Dr. Lamson’'s ‘“ Historical
Mr. Joshua Bates to become an associate pastor, and
he was ordained March 16, 1803, only a few weeks
before Mr. Haven’s death.
burst into an active eruption. Mr. Bates was a Cal-
vinist, and while his abilities, his piety, and his un-
exceptionable life served to repress any active oppo-
sition during his ministry, yet when he asked a
dismission, the majority voted for it willingly, in the
belief that a successor might be ordained whose
views would be more compatible with their own.
The division which occurred in the Third Parish
in 1808, growing out of the location of the new
meeting-house, resulted in the union of the seceding
members with the Baptist Society in Medfield.
They numbered about sixty. While the new doc-
_ trines which they heard at Medfield doubtless proved
In 1796 he preached |
Mr. Bates was a native
of Cohasset, and was born March 20, 1776, and was |
graduated at Harvard College in 1800. He was
licensed to preach by the Andover Association in
1802. Dr. Bates continued to be the pastor until
Feb. 20, 1818, when he resigned to accept an elec-
tion as president of Middlebury College, in Vermont.
Upon the Sunday preceding the dissolution of the
pastoral relation, Mr. Bates preached a sermon re-
viewing the ministry of his predecessors, and in
which he alludes to ‘a gradual but evident declen-_
sion in the zeal and spirituality of the church” which
took place towards the close of Mr. Haven’s life.
Mr. Haven also had left an address to be read to his
people after his death, which contains warnings and
exhortations. Mr. Bates, in his sermon, states, how-
ever, there had been a gradual improvement for
several years in the state of religion in the parish.
From these expressions in Mr. Bates’ sermon it is
_ seen for many miles.
offensive to some, yet the law then compelled them
to belong to some religious society for the purpose
After the new
meeting-house of the parish had been completed, the
of taxation, and so they remained.
old one was advertised to be sold at public auction.
It was purchased by Mr. Aaron Baker, who offered
it to the seceders, and it was taken down and its
timbers were removed and erected upon the site now
occupied by the Baptist meeting-house in West Ded-
ham. The meet-
ing-house was finally completed, and dedicated to the
service of Almighty God on Thanksgiving-day, Nov.
28,1810. From that time until 1823 the Rev. Mr.
Gammell preached alternately here and at Medfield.
The number who took letters from the church in
Medfield for this church was twenty-five, and Nov. 1,
1824, “The First Baptist Church in Dedham” was
duly formed, and the Rev. Samuel Adlam ordained
as its first pastor. In the same year a parsonage was
built by Miss Molly Fisher, and during her life she
kept it in repair, and at her decease, in 1837, she gave
it to the church by her will.
On the Ist day of March, 1809, the new meeting-
house of the Third Parish was dedicated to Almighty
God.
This was in the spring of 1810.
It occupies an elevated situation, and can be
The land upon which it stands
Its bell was a gift from
The pulpit was
was given for the purpose.
Hon. Joshua Fisher, of Beverly.
furnished by the ladies of the parish, and subscriptions
were made, so that in 1836 the fund amounted to
upwards of five thousand dollars. Previous to 1817
ewe
DEDHAM. 63
heated bricks and foot-stoves were the only heating-
apparatus in the meeting-house. The Rev. Mr.
Thacher preached a sermon, on leaving the ancient
meeting-house, from the text, “ Our fathers worshiped
inthis mountain.” At the dedication of the new meet-
ing-house the Rev. Mr. Bates, of the First Parish,
and the Rev. Mr. Chickering, of the Second Parish, |
took part in the exercises.
In the Second Parish, more than three years |
elapsed before the settlement of a successor to Mr. |
Chickering. On the 26th of April, 1815, Mr. Wil- |
liam Cogswell was ordained as the minister of the
parish. He was a native of New Hampshire, and
was a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1811. Mr.
Cogswell continued to be the pastor of this church ©
until 1829, when he resigned to become secretary of |
the American Education Society. During the min- |
istry of each of the first three pastors of the Second
Church and Parish, peace and harmony had prevailed |
within it, while discords and divisions prevailed in the |
The ministry of the first
two pastors covered a period of more than seventy-two |
years, and to this circumstance, as well as to the per-
other parishes of the town.
sonal character and influence of the incumbents, is to
be ascribed the exemption of this parish from church
quarrels. Mr. Cogswell preached a sermon, June 23,
1816, containing a brief history of the South Church
and Parish, which was printed. In 1828 the meet- |
ing-house erected in 1769 was taken down, and the
present one was erected the same year, and dedicated
Oct. 9, 1828.
CHAE TER. EX.
DEDHAM—( Continued).
Dedham in the Beginning of the Present Century—Manufac-
turing Corporations—Mill Privileges on Mother Brook—War
of 1812—Legaey for Schools in Will of Samuel Dexter—The |
First Church—Resignation of Rey. Joshua Bates—Parish
Elect Rey. Alvan Lamson — Majority of Church Refuse
to Concur—Ecclesiastical Council—Protest by a Majority
of the Church—Ordination of Mr. Lamson—Suit at Law to
Recover Church Property—Decision of Supreme Court—New
Meeting-House Society Formed—Reyv. Ebenezer Burgess—
Improvements in Old Meeting-House—Third Parish——Rev.
John White—Second Parish, Rev. Harrison G. Park, Rey.
Calvin Durfee and his Successors—Description of Dedham
Village in 1818—Dedham Bank—New Jail and Court-House
—Town-House—Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance Company
—Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company—Dedham In-
stitution for Savings—-Gen. Lafayette’s Visit—Gen. Jack-
son’s Visit.
In the beginning of the present century, Dedham
remained a farming town, with a population nearly
wealth seeking a pleasant country residence.
the same as it had been for fifty years previous. The
occupations of the people had not changed materially
since the period preceding the Revolution. A greater
interest in the public schools was manifested, and a
new brick school-house, near the meeting-house, was
finished in 1800. In 1804, the sum of twelve hun-
dred dollars was granted by the town for the support
of schools. At this period, however, the schools were
Fisher
Ames, in one of his letters, expresses the opinion that
the law should require the district school to be kept
a certain number of months.
kept only a few weeks during the winter.
In 1799, the money
eranted for the support of schools was divided accord-
ing to the number of scholars in each district between
the ages of five and sixteen. There were signs of
present and future growth in population, and in the
external appearance of the village. Besides the erec-
tion of the fine houses on High Street and elsewhere,
the lands of the First Church and of the Episcopal
Church were leased in village lots, and a number of
smaller houses were built. The fact that Dedham had
been made the shire-town of the new county, gave it
some additional importance, and attracted hither
lawyers seeking practice, and some retired men of
The
completion of the Norfolk and Bristol turnpike in
1804 was an important event, since it afforded a
direct and well-graded road between Dedham and
Boston, and afterwards led to the establishment of
the stage-lines between Boston and Providence, which
brought in the business of coach-making, and gave
the appearance of bustle and life to the quiet village,
_ when the stages stopped for change of horses. In
| 1801, a fire-engine was purchased by subscription and
_ presented to the town, and a company of twelve men
appointed to take charge of it at the upper vil-
lage. In 1802 a second fire-engine was provided in
the same way, with a company of eighteen men at
Dedham village.
company, known as the Union Light Infantry, and a
There was a uniformed military
troop of cavalry, besides the three militia companies
in the town. The town on the 22d of February,
1800, voted to commemorate the birthday of George
Washington, and a eulogy was pronounced by Rey.
Thomas Thacher. The laying out of new roads, the
establishment of the first newspaper, the Columbian
Minerva, in 1796, and a proposition by Calvin Whit-
ing the same year, to construct an aqueduct in the
village, were further indications of growth and im-
| provement.
But a more important and significant mark of
the enterprise of the citizens at this period, was the
establishment of manufacturing corporations. The
64
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
great increase in the production of cotton in the
Southern States, and the invention of the cotton-gin
in the latter part of the eighteenth century, had at-
tracted the attention of enterprising men in Rhode
And
it was perceived by some citizens of Dedham that the
Island and Massachusetts to its manufacture.
excellent water-power furnished by the canal dug in
1640, known as Mother Brook, might be utilized for a
cotton-factory. From the earliest settlement of the town
the descendants of Nathaniel Whiting had continued
to maintain grist-mills and saw-mills at the second
and third privileges. At the upper dam, about which
there was a controversy in the first century, had been
built a leather-mill by Joseph Lewis. The first cotton-
factory was built at this dam. In 1807, Samuel
Lowder, Jonathan Avery, Reuben Guild, Calvin
the business were ever declared. At the close of the
war of 1812 came a fall in prices, and the Norfolk
Cotton-Manufactory was left with manufactured goods
on hand, to the amount of upwards of twenty thou-
sand dollars, which were worth less than it cost to
manufacture them, besides uncollected debts to the
Of course from
this time the property rapidly declined in value, but
for a time the stockholders were divided as to the
expediency of closing the business and selling the
property.
twenty-five thousand dollars, the land, privileges,
amount of forty thousand dollars.
Finally, after having refused to take
_ buildings, and machinery were sold at public auction
Guild, Pliny Bingham, William Howe, and others, |
were incorporated as the Norfolk Cotton Manufactory, |
for the manufacture of cotton goods.
corporators were citizens of Dedham.
stock was divided into fifty shares. A large wooden
factory was built, and a tub-wheel with common
water-frames placed in if. The machinery was
rude and imperfect. The cotton was picked in the
neighboring houses by hand, and after it was spun,
it was sent abroad to be woven.
Its capital |
Nearly all the |
But soon the store- |
rooms were crowded with cotton yarns and cotton |
cloths. Many of the manufactured goods were sold
by retail at the mill. In order to have a better assort-
ment of goods, the company obtained leave to manu-
facture wool, and made satinets. During the war of
1812 manufactured goods commanded a high price,
and the affairs of the company appeared very prosper-
ous.
able business, were festive occasions.
The annual meetings, with the reports of profit-
The stock-
holders were regarded as public benefactors, as well
as fortunate in business. he inhabitants felt a
in 1819 to Benjamin Bussey for twelve thousand five
hundred dollars. ‘The stockholders lost about one-
third of their investment, besides interest.
But the failure of this experiment did not deter
others from engaging in similar enterprises. In 1821
the Dedham Worsted Company was incorporated, with
William Phillips and Jabez Chickering as the princi-
pal corporators. This company purchased the second
privilege, with the saw-mill and grist-mill owned by
Hezekiah Whiting and his ancestors. This purchase
was made in 1823, but owing to the failure of Mr.
Chickering the mill and property were sold in 1824
to Benjamin Bussey.
The first and second privileges were now owned by
| Benjamin Bussey, a man of capital, energy, and ¢a-
degree of pride in having a cotton-factory in the town, |
and when their friends from the interior visited them,
they were invited to see its curious and wonderful |
machinery. After a time the tub-wheel gave way to
the common water-wheel, and the cotton-picker was
introduced.
But this career of apparent prosperity was not of
long duration. The business was not conducted by
an agent, but by a president, three directors, a clerk,
and treasurer.
The three directors were required to |
remain at the factory, and no one was permitted to |
transact important business without the concurrence
of his colleagues. The manufactured goods accumu-
lated during the war, although high prices could
have been realized. They were held in the hope of
still better prices. No dividends from the profits of
pacity. He soon after erected woolen-mills at both
the privileges, with machine-shops, dye-houses, and
dwellings, and began the manufacture of woolen
cloths, which he successfully conducted until 1843,
when he sold the property to J. Wiley Edmands.
The manufacture of woolen goods has ever since
been carried on at these privileges, first by Edmands
& Colby, incorporated in 1853 under the name of the
Maverick Woolens Company, with Thomas Barrows,
of Dedham, as agent, and afterwards by the Mer-
chants Woolen Company, incorporated in 1863.
During all this period the business has been profita-
ble to the owners. Mr. Barrows was an experienced
and prudent manager, and the sale to the Merchants
Woolen Company was made at an advantageous
price. This company has much enlarged the capac-
ity of the mills and machinery, and the privilege
has long since ceased to furnish the necessary power
for running the machinery, which is supplied by
steam. The water of Charles River is found to be
unequaled for the purposes of cleansing wool.
The fourth privilege was first used by Nathaniel
Whiting and James Draper in the first century of
the settlement of the town. But this right had re-
verted to the town, for in 1789 the town again trans-
“7s
DEDHAM. 65
ferred it to Joseph Whiting and others. Upon
this privilege, a building had been erected for block-
ing copper cents, but it was used for this purpose
only a short time. It was afterwards fitted up by
Herman Mann for the manufacture of paper. In
1804, George Bird purchased the property, and car-
ried on the manufacture of paper with success. At
about the same time, another mill was erected for the
manufacture of wire, of which Ruggles Whiting, of |
These mills were near to-
gether, and were operated by the same wheel.
mill of Mr. Bird was burned in 1809, and was rebuilt
with a new raceway and foundation.
paper-mill.
Boston, was the agent.
This was a
In 1814 the manufacture of wire was
discontinued, and the factory was used for making
nails. In 1819, George Bird became the owner of
the whole privilege, land, and buildings.
In 1823, Frederick A. Taft, a skillful and experi-
enced manufacturer of cotton goods, formed a copart-
nership with George Bird, and the factory was fur-
nished with machinery from the Norfolk Cotton-
Factory. In 1823, a new corporation was created
under the name of the Norfolk Manufacturing Com-
pany, in which John Lemist, of Roxbury, and
Frederick A. Taft were prominent corporators. Mr.
Bird leased the land, privilege, and buildings to the
corporation for ten years. In 1830 the corporation
bought the whole of the mill property. In 1832, F.
A. Taft sold his interest in the company to his brother,
Ezra W. Taft, and in a few years after, Mr. Lemist
disposed of his interest to James Read. The principal
owners were Mr. Read and Mr. E. W. Taft, who was
the agent of the corporation. In 1835 a new stone
| population.
The
as Readville, now in Hyde Park, on which a cotton-
factory was built.
Although, as has been seen, the first manufacturing
corporations were unsuccessful in business, still they
gave a new impetus to the improvement of the town.
They brought hither men of enterprise and capital,
who became valuable citizens, and also employed
many skilled operatives of character and intelligence.
The most striking results occurred in the increase of
In 1800 the population of the town
was 1973. In 1820 it was 2485, and in 1830 it
had increased to 3057. In the first quarter of the
present century the village had changed from being
a collection of scattered farm-houses to a compact
and growing village.
In the war of 1812, Dedham took decided ground
in support of the government and the policy of the
war. When the Hartford Convention was proposed
by the General Court, one of its representatives de-
nounced it as a revolutionary proceeding. Upon a
communication from the town of Boston requesting
its co-operation in measures to oppose the war, the
mill was erected by the corporation and supplied with |
new machinery. Mr. Taft continued to be the agent
affairs of the corporation prospered. In 1863 the cor-
porators decided to close up the business, and the mill
and privilege were sold to Thomas Barrows. Mr. Bar-
rows enlarged the mill, and supplied it with machinery
for the manufacture of woolen goods, which business
he continued until 1872, when he sold the property to
the Merchants Woolen Company, which conveyed
the same to Royal O. Storrs and Frederick R. Storrs
in 1875. The business was continued by R. O. Storrs
& Co. until their failure in 1882, when the property
was purchased again by the Merchants Woolen
Company. By purchase of Thomas Barrows, this
company also became the owner of the third privilege,
town, in July, 1812, rejected the proposed combina-
tion. The town voted that every drafted man should
receive from its treasury, a sum sufficient to make his
wages fifteen dollars a month while in actual service.
Soldiers for the army were here recruited and drilled.
In August, five hundred delegates from the towns of
the county assembled in convention at Dedham, and
expressed their approbation of the war. The Dedham
Light Infantry, Capt. Abner Guild, did service at
South Boston during the war for several months.
During this war, large quantities of beef and pork
were packed in West Dedham by Willard Gay, and
_while the coast was blockaded, James Pettee, Samuel
for about thirty years, and under his management the |
with the old saw-milfand grist-mill, so that it now owns |
the first four privileges on Mother Brook.
the Dedham Manufacturing Company was incorpo-
rated, and erected a fifth dam at the village known
ma
3)
In 1814 |
French, and Colburn Ellis drove horse- or ox-teams
to New York and Philadelphia. The trip to New
York occupied three weeks and to Philadelphia six
weeks.
The Hon. Samuel Dexter, who died in 1810, had
left in his will, a legacy of one hundred and seventy
dollars as an addition to the school funds, and in
making this bequest, he suggested that certain sums
formerly appropriated for the same purpose, which
were expended in hiring soldiers, should be replaced
by the town. The town accepted the bequest, and
directed the treasurer to loan the money on security.
But this fund has disappeared with the other school
funds of the town.
In the year 1818, occurred the division of the
church connected with the First Parish, perhaps the
most memorable event in the history of the town.
It was the result of no parish quarrel over some
66
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
question of temporary importance, like the location
of a meeting-house, but was the natural conclusion
of theological differences which had been gradually
developing for a quarter of a century. Nor were the
questions involved only of local interest and import-
ance; but upon the legal determination of them by
the Supreme Judicial Court, the title to the property,
church records, and all the material part of the |
churches in half the towns of eastern Massachusetts
was decided to be vested in the town or parish, and
not in the churches. It is not difficult, therefore, to
understand why this event produced such a profound
impression not only in the Dedham parish, but in all
the neighboring towns.
The occasion of the controversy was the election of
a successor to the Rev. Dr. Bates, who had resigned
in February, 1818. On the 31st day of August,
Mr. Alvan Lamson was elected as “‘a public Protest-
ant teacher of piety, religion, and morality” at a
meeting of the parish by a vote of eighty-one
to forty-four.
to concur by a vote of seventeen to fifteen. The
parish, having received Mr. Lamson’s acceptance of
its election, caused a council, composed of the pastors
and delegates of thirteen churches, to be convened on
the 28th day of October following for the purpose of
ordaining Mr. Lamson. When the council assembled,
the Hon. Samuel Haven, a son of the former pastor, |
| principles of Congregational polity, and to the parish
appeared and read an elaborate and learned protest on
behalf of a majority of the church against the ordi- |
The propositions |
nation of Mr. Lamson as its pastor.
waintained in this protest were, that according to
Congregational usage, the first step in electing a pas-
tor must be taken by the church; that while the
parish, under the constitution of the commonwealth,
might choose a religious teacher and contract to sup-
port him, still he would not be a settled minister of
the gospel or pastor of the church; that the parish,
being merely a civil body, could not call together an
ecclesiastical council, but this could only be done by
the church; that the ecclesiastical body, the Christian —
church existing in this place, had chosen no pastor, of
course desired no ordination, and had not invited her |
sister churches to convene for any purpose whatever,
and concluded with a solemn protest against the council
taking any further measures in relation to the ordina-
tion of Mr. Alvan Lamson. These positions were care-
fully argued at considerable length, and in a manner
becoming the gravity of the occasion, by Judge Haven.
The protest was printed in the pamphlet afterwards
In this election the church refused |
1818, with some Considerations on Congregational
Church Polity.” It was claimed on the part of the
parish, that it did not request to have Mr. Lamson
ordained over the church, but that a majority of the
church actually concurred with the parish, including
members of other churches who resided and com-
muned in Dedham, and that the opposition was
altogether of a doctrinal nature, which was disclaimed
by the committee of the church.
The council continued their deliberations during
the first day, and decided to ordain Mr. Lamson over
the First Parish in Dedham. In the result of the
council, drawn up and read by Dr. Channing before
the ordination exercises, it is stated that ‘the council
regard the well-known usage according to which the
first step in electing a pastor is taken by the church
But they believe
that this usage, founded on different circumstances
as in the main wise and beneficial.
of this Christian community and on different laws of
the commonwealth from those which now exist, is
not to be considered as universally necessary.” They
held that the spirit and end of the usage was to be
regarded rather than the letter, and that an adherence
to it would increase division or postpone indefinitely
the settlement of a Christian minister; that, while a
concurrence of the church and parish was very de-
sirable, each body had the right to elect a pastor for
itself, it being secured to the church by the essential
by the constitution and laws of the commonwealth.
They expressed the satisfaction “ with which they
_ witnessed the singular self-command manifested by
both parties in the public discussions before them,
a circumstance too honorable to be passed over in
silence.” The “ Result’? closed with many earnest
exhortations to a spirit of conciliation.
It is a somewhat remarkable circumstance, that in
the protest of the church, or in the “statement” pub-
lished by Judge Haven, or in the “ Result of the
Council,” there is scarcely an allusion to any diver-
sity of religious opinions in the parish. Beyond the
fact that the parish committee claimed that this was
the reason of the opposition to Mr. Lamson, and that
the church committee disclaimed it, and a single allu-
sion in a few words in the “ Result,” there is abso-
lutely nothing in the printed proceedings which dis-
closes that the controversy had any religious aspect.
The issues were made upon questions of Congregational
usage and the legal powers of parishes, and not upon
| ° are . '. °
articles of religious belief. As it often happens in
published and written by him, entitled a “ Statement |
of the Proceedings in the First Church and Parish
in Dedham Respecting the Settlement of a Minister,
public discussions, the real points of difference were
kept in reserve. But there can be no doubt that the
parish and the church were then divided into two re-
DEDHAM.
ligious parties, known afterwards under the distinctive |
names of Unitarian and Orthodox. Mr. Lamson was
a graduate of the Divinity School in Harvard College, |
and was a Unitarian. The Rev. Dr. Henry Ware,
who preached the ordination sermon, had been elected,
in 1805, Hollis Professor of Divinity as a Unitarian,
and Dr. Channing, who was one of the council, had
his celebrated controversy with Dr. Worcester in 1815,
which resulted in the separation of the Unitarian from |
the Orthodox Congregationalists. All the members |
of the ordaining council represented churches which
were either at that time or afterwards became Unita-
rian. That those who opposed Mr. Lamson’s ordina-
tion were Orthodox Congregationalists, was proved by
their subsequent action. Probably there were some
who acted without regard to differences of faith.
Mr. Lamson was ordained Oct. 29, 1818.
majority of the church, including the two remaining
deacons (one having died soon after Mr. Lamson’s
ordination), and a minority of the parish, being dis-
satisfied, caused another council to be convened at |
Dedham, on Nov. 18, 1818, composed of pastors and
delegates of sixteen neighboring churches belonging
to the same association which did not attend, at the
invitation of the parish, the ordaining council. This
council was called for its advice to those who re-
quested it. It was in session two days, and reviewed
the proceedings in Mr. Lamson’s ordination. The -
result of their deliberations was, that “in the settle
ment of a minister in the First Church and Parish,
the council discover in the measures pursued, the
want of such a spirit of condescension as seems
best adapted to produce and preserve unity and peace.
It appears that the parish, in opposition to the wishes
of the church, have proceeded to settle a public |
teacher of religion and morality, not in accordance
with the accustomed and pacific proceedings of Con- |
gregational Churches in New England, nor, in the
judgment of this council, was this one of those cases _
of necessity which, in the opinion of some, would
justify such a procedure.”
definite advice.
The church, or that portion which remained united
with the parish, elected Mr. Lamson as its pastor
Nov. 14, 1818, by a majority of the voting mem-
bership of the church. But at this time the dis-
satisfied members had withdrawn.
Fales did not attend services after Mr. Lamson’s |
ordination. Deacon Joseph Swan died November |
13th, and Deacon Jonathan Richards resigned March
15,1819. Deacon Fales was removed or dismissed,
and Eliphalet Baker and Luther Richards were |
chosen. That portion of the church which had |
But the council gave no
Deacon Samuel
in Dedham.
The |
of a Christian ministry.”
67
seceded, claimed to constitute the First Church, and
as the lands and funds of the church, under the laws
of the commonwealth, were vested in the deacons, a
suit was begun by Deacon Eliphalet Baker and Dea-
con Luther Richards against Deacon Samuel Fales
for the recovery of the property of the First Church
After a trial by the jury, the case was
carried upon questions of law to the full bench of the
Supreme Court, and was argued by Solicitor-General
Davis for the plaintiffs and Daniel Webster for the
defendant.
The two questions involved in this decision are,
whether the plaintiffs were in fact deacons of the
First Church in Dedham, having been appointed by
those members of the church who remained and
acted with the parish, and the legal character of the
grants to the church in Dedham. But, in consider-
ing these questions, both resolved themselves into
one point. The legal estate of these grants to the
church in Dedham being vested in the deacons by
the statute of 1754, as trustees, the court holds “ that
the trusts intended, must have been the providing for
the public worship of God in Dedham, and the in-
habitants at large of that town, as parishioners or
members of the religious society, were the proper
cestuis que trust, because the effect of the grants was
to relieve them from an expense they would other-
wise have been obliged to bear or forego the benefits
The court say, further,
“in whatever light ecclesiastical councils or persons
may consider the question, it appears to us clear
from the constitution and laws of the land, and from
| judicial decisions, that the body which is to be con-
sidered the First Church in Dedham must be the
church of the First Parish in that town, as to all
questions of property which depend upon that re-
lation.”
The court held that, while the proceedings of the
parish and the council were not conformable to the
general usage of the country, yet, under the third
article of the Declaration of Rights, parishes have
the exclusive right of electing public teachers, and
that a teacher of ‘piety, religion, and morality” is a
minister of the gospel within the meaning of the
Declaration of Rights; that the non-concurrence of
the church in the choice of a minister, in no dezree
impairs the constitutional right of the parish; that
Mr. Lamson became the lawful minister of the First
Parish in Dedham and of the church subsisting
therein; that the church had the right to choose
deacons, finding that the former deacons had abdi-
cated their office ; that the members of the church
who withdrew from the parish ceased to be the First
68
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Church in Dedham, and that all the rights and |
duties of that body relative to property intrusted to
it devolved upon those members who remained with |
and adhered to the parish.
It is to be observed that the decision of the court |
turned chiefly upon the third article of the Bill of |
| meeting-house of 1763.
Rights passed in 1780, which gave to parishes the
right to elect a public teacher. As a civil tribunal, it |
paid no regard to the rules or decisions of ecclesias-
The ques-
tical councils or the usage of churches.
tions decided, related to the title of the church prop- |
erty, and as achurch could not exist independently of
a parish, the members who remained with the parish
incorporated in connection with the church, under the
In
1826 a new vestry was built by Mr. Burgess at his
name of the “New Meeting-House Society.”
own expense.
The First Church and Parish, after the separation,
were also moved to the improvement of the old
In 1805, the parish had
determined to enlarge it, but afterwards rescinded
the vote. In 1807, it was voted to erect a new
meeting-house, and a building committee chosen,
but this vote was also rescinded. But in 1819, the
old house was enlarged by an addition in front, the
slant of the roof being changed, the north and south
were the church in the eye of the law, and the mem- |
bers who seceded were not.
Of the effects of this great controversy and its final
decision upon the inhabitants of the First Parish in
Dedham, it is to be said that it implanted a root of |
| merly of Dedham.
bitterness among those who participated in it on
either side, and among their immediate descendants.
The church connected with the First Parish has
always rested its claim to be the First Church in
Dedham upon the decision of the court. The church
formed by the seceders in 1818 has also claimed to
be the First Church in Dedham in accordance with |
Congregational usage, and because they were a ma-
jority of its members at that time. The church con-
nected with the First Parish, still retains the church
covenant of 1793, while the church now known as the
First Congregational Church adopted articles of faith
and a new form of covenant in 1821.
The members of the church who withdrew after
the ordination of Mr. Lamson numbered eighty-nine,
twenty-four men and sixty-five women, and including
the three deacons. During the year 1819, these
church members, with those of the parish who came
away with them, held services on the Sabbath in the
house which was formerly that of the Rev. Mr.
Haven. This was directly opposite the parish
meeting-house, and on the site of the present meet-
ing-house of the new society. This was dedicated
Dec. 30, 1819.
The erection of this spacious and |
well-proportioned house in a little more than a year |
from the time of the separation, at an expense of
nearly ten thousand dollars, by forty-three contribu- |
of
striking evidence of their zeal and spirit of self-
tors, none
sacrifice. While they were without a pastor, they
maintained prayer-mectings, which had been hitherto
The widow of Deacon Swan
On
unknown in the parish.
gave two silver flagons and a baptismal font.
the 14th day of March, 1821, the Rev. Ebenezer |
' to sanction the dissolution of Mr. Cogswell’s pastoral
Burgess was ordained as pastor. A new society was
whom had large means, furnishes |
porches removed, and the house entirely remodeled
within. ‘The outside clock was given at this time by
the Hon. Edward Dowse and Mrs. Hannah Shaw, a
sister of Mrs. Dowse. The inside clock was the gift
of John and Samuel Doggett, Jr., of Boston, for-
In 1821, an organ was purchased,
and soon after Dr. Watts’ version of the Psalms was
exchanged for the New York Collection of Hymns.
| In 1828 a vestry was provided for the use of the
Sunday-school and for libraries. A Sabbath-school
had been founded in 1816, and was held in the old
brick school-house, which stood near the meeting-
house.
In the Third Parish, the vacancy existing by the death
of the Rev. Mr. Thacher was not filled until April
20, 1814, when the Rev. John White was ordained.
| He was born in Concord, Dee. 2, 1787, and was
graduated at Harvard College in 1805. His ministry
continued until his death, Feb. 1, 1852, and during
this whole period of nearly thirty-eight years, this
parish enjoyed uninterrupted harmony. Mr. White
was a sincere man and a faithful pastor, and entirely
devoted to his work. He was ‘ mild, gentle, courte-
ous, and conciliatory.” During his ministry, a Sun-
day-school was organized, and the children were
catechised by the pastor. Mr. White and his esti-
mable wife are held in most grateful memory by the
people of this parish. Mr. White was ordained
before the separation of the Unitarians from the
Orthodox Congregationalists, but he, with his parish,
was always ranked with the Unitarians. Mr. White
delivered a centennial discourse relating to the history
of this parish, Jan. 17, 1836, which was printed.
The Second Parish, on the other hand, adhered to
the confession of faith and covenant of its founders,
On the
and has always been known as Orthodox.
16th of December, 1829, Mr. Harrison G. Park, a
graduate of Brown University, was ordained as pastor
by the same ecclesiastical council that was convened
DEDHAM.
69
relation. Mr. Park remained as pastor until Sept.
23, 1835, when he was dismissed at his own request.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Calvin Durfee, a grad-
uate of Williams College, who was ordained March
2, 1836. On June 26, 1836, he preached a centen-—
nial discourse relating to the history of this parish,
which was printed.
until 1852, when he was succeeded by the Rev.
Moses M. Colburn. Mr. Colburn resigned Feb. 3,
1866, and Oct. 1, 1866, the Rev. Joseph P. Bixby
became the acting pastor. Mr. Bixby remained pastor
of the South Church and Parish at the date of the
incorporation of the town of Norwood, in 1872.
The following interesting description of the appear-
ance of Dedham village in 1818 is found in a sermon
delivered by Rev. Dr. Lamson in 1858, being the
It
Sunday after the fortieth year of his ordination.
Mr. Durfee remained the pastor _
will serve to make the changes which occurred during |
those forty years more striking and apparent :
g,
habits and occupations of the people the last forty years have
produced a marked change. Until a comparatively recent
period the population of the place was almost exclusively agri-
cultural, and there were remains clearly discernible of primi- |
tive tastes and habits. The old settlers, as they were called,
were still largely represented. Where yon manufacturing
village, bearing every mark of prosperity and thrift, now
greets the eye, there stood at the time of my coming here only
a small cluster of dwellings—eleven, I believe, in all—dotting |
the roadsides, and a school-house of the scantiest dimensions,
old and of the rudest structure, sufficed to hold the children.
In the central village the houses could be readily counted, and
there were large fields and vacant spaces.
court-house and several adjacent buildings now stand, there |
was, inclosed in part by a stone wall of an ordinary kind, old
and irregular, an open lot which served for a corn-field or for
mowing in summer, and in winter furnished excellent coasting-
ground for the children.
know, in those days.
There were no railways, as you
Stage-coaches, several in number,—from
four to six and eight, and sometimes more,—and usually keep- |
ing together, passed through the place, conveying passengers
to and from the steamboats at Providence, in the dry weather
of summer, raising a dust which penetrated the neighboring
houses and covered the gardens, lying thick on every leaf and
flower. Between Dedham and Boston, for the accommodation
of the inhabitants of this place and of Roxbury, there was five
days in the week—Wednesdays and Sundays being the ex-
cepted days—a slow, lumbering stage-coach, ordinarily drawn
Where our classical |
by two horses, and on certain days, as Monday and Saturday, |
by three, going in the morning and returning in the afternoon,
and occupying two hours each way on the road, the time con-
sumed in taking up and leaving the passengers at the ends of
the line often making an extra half-hour. Of this no one
complained, and the public seemed to think itself amply ac-
commodated. The inhabitants assembled for worship on Sun-
day, occupied the large square pews—the body-seats, as they
were then called—and the free seats in the galleries. The
interval and afternoon service was
short, and most of those who lived out of the village stayed
either in and about the meeting-house or at the neighboring
inn.
between the morning
The house had then neither furnace nor stove, but foot-
_ for the main portion of the present structure.
stoves were used, which were replenished with coals at the
parsonage or at some other friendly house within convenient
distance. The afternoon service was then and for several
years, as it is now, generally, in the more rural parishes better
attended than the morning, and the minister reserved what he
considered his best sermon for the afternoon.”
But a new era of changes and improvements had
It was about to
shake off its rural aspect and to take on a more im-
already begun in Dedham village.
posing appearance.
In 1814, the Dedham Bank was established with a
Its first
president was Willard Gay, who lived and carried on
the business of packing beef and pork at West Ded-
He resigned his office May 20, 1829, and
was succeeded by John Worthington Ames, the eldest
son of Fisher Ames. Upon the decease of Mr. Ames,
in 1833, Dr. Jeremy Stimson was elected, his election
having been made Feb. 14,1834. Dr. Stimson held
the office of president, until the bank was reorganized
capital of one hundred thousand dollars.
ham.
-as a national bank, Feb. 7, 1865, when he declined
“Tn prevailing ideas and modes of thinking, and in the |
a re-election, and Lewis H. Kingsbury was elected.
Mr. Kingsbury resigned May 20,1873, and Ezra W.
Taft was elected, who has since held the office.
The cashiers of the bank have been Jabez Chicker-
ing, from March 25, 1814, to Dee. 19, 1823; Eben-
ezer Fisher, Jr., from Dec. 19, 1823, to Jan. 1,
1847; Lewis H. Kingsbury, from Jan. 1, 1847, to
Feb. 7, 1865; John H. B. Thayer, from Feb. 7,
1865, to his death in April, 1873; and Lewis H.
Kingsbury, from May 20, 1873, to the present time.
The capital of the bank at the present time is three
hundred thousand dollars.
In 1817, the county had erected a new stone jail
on the site of the present one, with a house for the
keeper. These buildings were built of hammered
stone, at an expense of about fifteen thousand dollars,
The jail was thirty-three feet square and eighteen feet
high. Its walls were massive, leaving but —little
space in the interior for cells and staircases. The jail
stood until 1851, when it was removed to make room
The
| old wooden jail, built in 1795, was used as a house
of correction until 1833, when a new brick building
was erected on the site of the present jail. Some of
the cells of this house of correction are retained in
the present jail, but the building was taken down
in 1851. The stone house for the keeper stood
/ until 1880.
On the 4th day of July, 1825, the corner-stone of
the new court-house was laid. It was built of hewn
white granite, brought from Dover, about eight miles.
It was then a Grecian building, ninety-eight by forty
feet, with porticos at either end, having four Doric
70
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
columns, three feet and ten inches in diameter at the
base, and twenty-one feet high. The architect was
Solomon Willard, of Boston, and Damon & Bates, |
Its cost was about thirty thousand
dollars, and its architecture was always much ad-
mired.
1827, during the term of the Supreme Judicial Court.
Chief Justice Parker made an address, and the bar
gave a dinner to the judges and attorney-general.
master builders.
The enlargement on High Street, which completely
changed the appearance of the building, and the
dome surmounting it, were finished in 1861.
Prior to 1829, the town-meetings were held alter-
nately in the meeting-houses of the different parishes.
In that year, the town built a plain one-story building,
costing about two thousand two hundred dollars, for
It was a rude building, and had no
rooms for offices, or place for the preservation of
a town-house.
It was completed and dedicated Feb. 20, |
records, but it served for town-meetings and elections
until 1868. In 1832, the town-farm of sixty-three
acres, situated in the West Parish, was purchased
for a poor-house.
In April, 1825, the Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance
Company was organized. Its first president was John
Endicott, and its first secretary was Erastus Wor- |
thington, and it was mainly through his efforts that
In 1833, Mr. Endicott
was succeeded by James Richardson, and on June 30,
1840, Mr. Worthington having resigned by reason of
the company was established.
ill health, he was succeeded by Ira Cleveland as sec-
retary. ‘The subsequent presidents have been Abra-
ham I. Howe, from April 7, 1857, to April 1, 1862;
Luther Metcalf, from April 1, 1862, to April 5, 1863;
time. The secretaries, after the resignation of Mr.
Cleveland, April 5, 1863, were George D. Gordon,
from April, 1863, to April, 1873; Preston R. Mans-
field, from April, 1873, to February, 1880; and Eli-
Mr. Cleve-
land has also been treasurer of the company since
1850.
always been considered a reliable and conservative
jah Howe, from that time to the present.
This company has been successful, and has
company.
which its office and the Dedham National Bank are
located.
The Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company was
incorporated in 1837 for insuring buildings and _per-
sonal property. ‘This was an offshoot of the Norfolk
company, and its officers have generally been the same
as of that company.
In 1831, the Dedham Institution for Savings was
incorporated. The first president was Rev. Ebenezer
Burgess, D.D., who held that office from May 4, 1831,
to Dec. 7, 1870.
, He was succeeded by Thomas Bar-
rows, who was president until May 12, 1877, when
he was succeeded by Waldo Colburn. Its treasurers
have been Jonathan H. Cobb, from May 4, 1831, to
Nov. 10, 1834; Enos Foord, from Nov. 10, 1834, to
May 9,,1845,; George Ellis, from May 9, 1845, to
July 2, 1855; and Calvin Guild, from that date until
the present time. The amount of deposits received
from May 1, 1831, to May 1, 1843, was two hundred
and twenty-six thousand nine hundred and fifty-four
dollars, and the amount from May 1, 1867, to May 1,
1881, was one million eight hundred and thirty-four
thousand seven hundred and ninety-four dollars.
All these things indicate the growth of the town
in wealth and enterprise, and that Dedham was be-
coming a centre of business activity, as well as as-
suming the proper dignity becoming the shire-town
of the county. It had become a resort of people
from Boston to spend the summer, and in the winter
for lawyers and others attending the courts; and
there were balls and sleighing parties. There were
_ two good taverns, where guests were hospitably enter-
tained, one near the court-house, kept by Martin
Marsh, and afterwards by Francis Alden and Moses
Gragg. The other was built by Timothy Gay on the
site occupied for many years by the Phoenix House.
In 1830, the population of the town was upwards of
It had then a stone court-house and
In the town there
were four Congregational meeting-houses ; one Epis-
copal Church and a Baptist meeting-house in West
three thousand.
a stone jail and keeper’s house.
| Dedham; eleven small school-houses, two woolen-
_ mills, two cotton-mills, four saw-mills, five manufac-
and Ira Cleveland, from April 5, 1863, to the present |
It is the owner of the brick building in |
tories for making chaises and carriages, one machine-
shop, one manufactory for making ploughs, five
taverns, eleven retail stores, two apothecaries, one
printing-press for printing books and a newspaper,
and a bank and an insurance company. Many new
streets had been laid out and constructed between
1820 and 1830.
On the 23d day of August, 1824, Gen. Lafayette
passed through Dedham on his way from Providence
to Boston. He arrived at half-past ten o’clock in the
evening, and remained about an hour at Alden’s
Hotel.
number of people, who had gathered during the day
He was enthusiastically received by a large
in anticipation of his arrival, and by a salute of artil-
lery, by the ringing of the bells, and the illumination
Hundreds of ladies and
gentlemen shook hands with the general, and at half-
of the houses in the village.
past eleven o'clock he was escorted by a cavalcade of
a hundred horsemen to the residence of Governor
| Eustis, in Roxbury, where he spent the night.
‘DEDHAM.
(fs
In 1833, Gen. Andrew Jackson, then the President
of the United States, made a visit to Boston, and
passed through Dedham on his way from Providence.
He made the journey in a carriage, and was accom-
panied by Martin Van Buren, then Vice-President,
and members of his cabinet. He was received in
Dedham by a large concourse of people, who were
ranged in lines on each side of Court Street as the
carriages containing the party passed. It was on the
occasion of this visit that President Jackson received
the degree of Doctor of Laws from Harvard College.
CHAP TER. XxX.
DEDHAM—( Continued).
Universalist Society, South Dedham—Episcopal Church—Rev. |
Isaac Boyle—Reyv. Samuel B. Babecock—New Church—Ded- |
ham Branch Railroad—Manufactures—Population in 1835—
Newspapers—Centennial Celebration, 1836—Dr. Lamson’s
Historical Discourses, 1838—Dr. Burgess’ Discourse in “‘ Ded-
ham Pulpit’”—Reyv. John White’s Historical Discourse, 1836—
Rey. Mr. Durfee’s Historical Discourse, 1836—Destructive |
Fires—Improvements in Schools and School- Houses—Norfolk
County Railroad—First Baptist Church, West Dedham—
Baptist Church, East Dedham—Baptist Church, South Ded-
ham—Methodist Episcopal Church, East Dedham—First
Parish—Resignation of Dr. Lamson, and of Dr. Burgess—
Third Parish—Successors of Rev. John White—Successors of
Dr. Lamson in First Parish—Improvements in Meeting-
House—Suecessors to Rev. Dr. Burgess—Burning of St.
Paul’s Church—New Stone Church —Chapel—Roman Cath-
olic Church—St. Mary’s School and Asylum—Annexations
to West Roxbury and Walpole—Dedham Gas-Light Company
—Dedham Historical Society.
In the year 1827 there began a movement which
led to the formation of the Universalist Society in
the South Parish. It will be remembered that the
church of the Second Parish adhered to the ancient
covenant and confession of faith, and probably those
who dissented had been seeking another place of wor-
ship. The Rev. Thomas Whittemore, a preacher of
the Universalist denomination, held services Feb. 6,
1827, for the first time. In the following September,
fifty-two persons entered into covenant or agreement
for forming a religious society to be denominated the
In May, 1828, a legal
meeting was held to take the first steps towards the
First Universalist Society.
building of a church edifice. The work was speedily
begun, and on the 14th day of January, 1830, the
church was dedicated. While the church was being
built, the Rev. J. C. Waldo supplied the society for
about eight months. The Rev. Alfred V. Bassett
was the first pastor, being inducted into office June
17, 1830. He died Dec. 26, 1831, having in his
brief ministry secured the affection of his people.
His successors were the Rev. T. B. Thayer and Rev.
R. 8. Pope, and from the years 1836 to 1840 the
society was without a pastor. In 1840, the Rev.
Edwin Thompson became the pastor, and closed his
ministry here in 1844. He was prominent in the total
abstinence movement begun about this time, known
by the name of the Washingtonian movement, to
which he subsequently gave his whole time and ener-
gies. After Mr. Thompson, the succession of pastors
were the Rev. C. H. Webster, from 1846 to 1853;
the Rev. Ebenezer Fisher, from 1853 to 1858; the
Rev. A. R. Abbott, from 1858 to 1860 ; and the Rev.
M. R. Leonard, from May, 1861, to 1865, when he
was succeeded by Rev. George Hill.
The Episcopal Church in Dedham village, during
the rectorship of the Rev. Mr. Boyle, had received
some accessions to the number of families, and also to
the number of communicants connected with it. The
troubles arising from the divisions in the First Church
had caused many persons to have a nominal con-
nection with the Episcopal Church for the purpose
of parochial taxation, since the law then compelled
every property-holder to pay a tax for the support of
_ public worship, though he might select his place of
worship. There were some, however, who were in-
terested in the services of the church, among whom
may be named Samuel Lowder, Edward Whiting,
Theron Metcalf, and Erastus Worthington. The
growth of the parish, however, was quite gradual.
In 1822 a Sunday-school was first established. The
number of families reported as connected with the
parish from 1822 to 1828 was about fifty, and the
number of communicants increased from twenty-five
in 1822, to forty-one in 1828. In 1831, an organ was
procured by subscription, Mr. Edward Whiting being
a large contributor. From the beginning of the rec-
torship of Mr. Boyle, the name of the church was
changed from Christ Church to St. Paul’s Church.
Mr. Boyle was a man of high character and scholarly
attainments, but he was afflicted with deafness, which
_ impaired his efficiency in the public services of the
church. He resigned April 21, 1832. The parish,
in accepting his resignation, entered upon its records
a minute of its estimation of his “ Christian integrity
and pastoral fidelity.”” He was graduated at Harvard
College in 1813, and received the degree of Doctor
of Divinity from both Trinity and Columbia Colleges
in 1838. He was ordained as deacon by Bishop
Griswold April 29, 1820, and he died Dee. 2, 1850.
The parish then invited Mr. Samuel Brazer Babcock,
a graduate of Harvard College in 1830, a lay reader,
72
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
but who was pursuing his theological studies, to off-
ciate in the parish, which invitation he accepted Au- |
gust 18, 1832.
in 1852, and as priest in 1833.
years of Mr. Babcock’s ministry, the parish received
During the first ten
the accession of two gentlemen who subsequently
became identified with the parish, and have been its |
constant and liberal benefactors down to the present |
time, and both are still living. The project of erect-
ing a new church had been entertained for some time,
but could not be carried out for lack of means. Kd-
ward Whiting had left a bequest of one thousand
dollars for the purpose.
The site of
the old church on “ Franklin Square” was objection-
parish proceeded to erect a new church.
able, both to the parish and to the people who resided |
upon the square. <A subscription was made up by
several owners of estates bounding upon the square,
and paid to the parish, and a conveyance was made to
the subscribers of the whole “ church common,” with
the provision that no building should ever be erected
upon it. A new site on the corner of Court Street
and Village Avenue was purchased. The old church
was taken down in December, 1845, and on Jan. 15,
1846, the new church was consecrated. It was con-
structed of wood, of medizval Gothic architecture,
with a tower after the Magdalen tower, in Oxford, Eng-
land, and was an architectural ornament to the village.
It had a good organ and fine bell, both the gifts of |
parishioners, and other liberal gifts were made by
others.
sand dollars. On Nov. 30, 1845, it being the last
Sunday on which services were held in the old church, |
Mr. Babcock preached a historical discourse reviewing
the history of the parish, which was printed.
The building of the Boston and Providence Rail-
Mr. Babcock was ordained as deacon |
At length, in 1845, the |
It cost, including furniture, about seven thou- |
road was an event which excited much interest in the |
people of Dedham. The first surveys located the road
through Dedham village, southerly of the present
The
decision to change this location occasioned great dis-
The people doubtless regarded the
railroad as a substitute for the turnpike, and they
station, and following the line of the turnpike.
appointment.
desired to retain the same relative position to the
former, which they had hitherto sustained to the
latter. The losses: which the owners of the stage
company had sustained in the burning of the Dedham
Hotel and stable, with sixty horses, Oct. 30, 1832,
and the burning of the Phoenix stable, with fifty-three
horses, Jan. 7, 1834, had prepared the minds of the
people to regard favorably the new enterprise of the
railroad.
Raymond Lee, afterwards the superintendent, with
other engineers and contractors, resided in Dedham.
Application was made to the directors of the Boston
and Providence Railroad Company for building a
branch from Low Plain, now Readville, to Ded-
ham. This application was granted upon condi-
tion that the citizens of Dedham would give the
land. A subscription was immediately collected in
Dedham amounting to about two thousand dollars,
besides some contributions of lands, and deeds were
made to the Providence Railroad corporation. An
act authorizing the construction of the railroad was
This was done in 1834,
and the road was completed in December of that
passed by the Legislature.
year, and was opened Dec. 28, 1834, when the presi-
dent and directors of the Boston and Providence
Railroad Company were invited to a collation at the
Phoenix Hotel, then kept by James Bride. The cars,
built in the manner of English railway-carriages, with
two compartments each like a stage-coach, were drawn
by horses to Boston until the completion of the main
line, when a connection was made at Readville with
It
was some years before trains were drawn from Ded-
trains from Providence drawn by locomotives.
The first season-
ticket passengers to Boston from Dedham, were Alvan
Fisher and Francis Guild.
the building of the railroad upon the local business
ham to Boston by steam-power.
The ultimate effects of
prosperity of Dedham were quite different from what
was then anticipated. The manufactories for building
stage-coaches, for which extensive buildings had been
erected near the Phoenix Hotel, in the course of time
were suspended, and no other business ever took their
places. Indeed, for a time the old stage-coaches ran
from Dedham to Boston, as passengers preferred to be
called for at their houses. ‘To meet the convenience
of this class of passengers, the railroad corporation
provided a carriage for several years to take up pas-
sengers in Dedham. As late as 1841, a long omnibus;
drawn by four horses, was driven from Dedham to
Boston by Reuben Farrington, Jr.
There was at this period considerable business
activity in Dedham. A silk-manufactory had been
established by Jonathan H. Cobb, for many years the
In 1837 there.
register of probate for the county.
_ were manufactured 7135 pairs of boots and 18,722
| pairs of shoes, valued at $32,485.
There were also
silk goods manufactured to the value of ten thousand
dollars, straw bonnets of the value of twenty thousand
dollars, chairs and furniture of the value of twenty-
/one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, and
marble paper and enameled cards of the value of
Gen. McNeill, the engineer, and William |
eighteen thousand dollars.
In the Second, or South Parish there was also an
DEDHAM. a
3
activity in manufacturing enterprises. The tanneries
established by George Winslow, Lyman Smith, and
Joseph Day had begun the successful business which
has ever since been continued by their enterprising
sons. Willard Everett made furniture, a business
afterwards much enlarged, and continued for many
years by his sons. Subsequently, Curtis G. Morse
and Addison Boyden prosecuted the same business.
The enterprise of these men and others laid the
foundation of the growth and prosperity of this |
beautiful village, which is the present village of
Norwood.
In the Third, or West Parish the activity in manu-
facturing enterprises was less apparent.
an iron foundry, and some years after a sugar-mill at
the dam of Rock Meadow Brook. But this parish
having the best farming lands in the town has
always remained an agricultural community.
Boston by milk wagons. Probably this parish has
experienced fewer changes than any other portion of
the town during the last century.
The population of the town in 1835 was three
thousand five hundred and thirty-two. In 1840, it
was three thousand two hundred and ninety, the de-
crease being due to the depression of business in the
Although
the building of the railroad had an untoward effect
mills following the financial crisis of 1837.
upon the local business of Dedham village, it induced
many excellent and valuable citizens, whose places of |
business were in Boston, to make their residence
here.
those seeking a country residence.
Since the beginning of the century, there had been
during most of the time a weekly newspaper in Ded-
ham. The Columbian Minerva was published by
Herman Mann from 1797 to 1804. The Norfolk
Repository was published by the same proprietor
from 1805 to 1814, though with some irregularity.
In 1813, the Dedham Gazette was established by
Jabez Chickering, with Theron Metcalf as editor, and
1819. In 1820 the Village
Register was started by Asa Gowen, and continued
by Jonathan H. Cobb and Barnum Field. In 1822,
it passed into the hands of H. and W. H. Mann, who
continued it until 1829, when it was discontinued.
In 1829, the Norfolk County Republican was pub-
In 1830 the Dedham Patriot
was established, and passed through various changes
was continued until
lished for one year.
in name and location.
ward L. Keyes, a prominent politician and gifted
man, who purchased it in 1844, and published it in
Roxbury, and afterwards in Dedham, under the name
There was |
It has |
produced large quantities of milk, which is sent to |
Dedham was then regarded with favor by
It was finally edited by Ed- |
|
|
|
of the Dedham Gazette. It was afterwards owned
and edited by Henry O. Hildreth, who subsequently
removed it to Hyde Park. In 1831 the Jndependent
Politician and Working Men's Advocate was begun.
In 1832 it became the Norfolk Advertiser and Inde-
pendent Politician, and afterwards the Norfolk Ad-
vertiser. It was afterwards published under the name
of the Norfolk Democrat by Elbidge G. Robinson
until his decease in 1854, when it was merged in the
Dedham Gazette.
On the 21st day of September, 1836, the town
observed the second centennial anniversary of its
The bells were rung at sunrise and
At half-past ten
O ° 5
o'clock a procession was formed, moving, under the
incorporation.
a salute of one hundred guns fired.
escort of the Dedham Light Infantry, commanded by
Capt. William Pedrick, with the Boston Brass Band,
through the principal streets to the meeting-house of
the First Parish. At the Norfolk Hotel, the proces-
sion was joined by His Excellency, Edward Everett,
the Governor of the commonwealth, and his suite,
and by the reverend clergy and other invited guests.
On the green in front of the meeting-house, was an
ornamental arch erected for the occasion, covered
with evergreens and flowers. Upon one side of it
was inscribed, “Incorporated 1636,” and on the
other, “1836.”
house, eight engine-companies had placed their engines
Between this arch and the meeting-
and apparatus in two lines, leaving a space between
them for the passing of the procession. On the inner
sides of these lines about five hundred children of
the public schools were arranged by their instructors.
Under the arch and between these lines of children,
the procession passed into the meeting-house. The
A hymn,
written for the occasion by Rev. John Pierpont,
sung to the tune of “ Old Hundred,” and a prayer by
the Rev. Alvan Lamson, were followed by an—ad-
The se-
lection of the orator was in every way a fortunate
services of the day were full of interest.
dress from Samuel F. Haven, of Worcester.
one. <A native of Dedham, having for his maternal
grandfather Mr. Dexter, and his paternal grand-
father Mr. Haven, both ministers of the Dedham
His ad-
dress, which was printed with an appendix con-
Church, he was also a learned antiquary.
taining valuable notes, is perhaps the most concise and
interesting account of the early history of the town
At the dinner about
six hundred persons were seated, and James Rich-
ardson presided. Governor Everett, a direct de-
scendant of Richard Everard, one of the first settlers
which has ever been written.
of Dedham, made a very felicitous and elegant speech.
' Other speeches were made by Judge John Davis,
74
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Josiah Quincy, Henry A. 8. Dearborn, William Jack-
son, Franklin Dexter, Alexander H. Everett, and
Robert C. Winthrop. The ladies furnished a colla-
tion in the court-house, using the court-room as a
drawing-room, and the library for the tables. There
was also vocal music, and an address from the Goy- |
At the time of this cele- |
ernor in the court-room.
bration there were nine men who had served in the
Continental army, or had done military duty’in dis- |
Be-
sides these, there were thirteen others who had done
tant campaigns in the Revolution, still living.
military duty during the Revolutionary war in the |
State. The whole services of the day were worthy
of the event they commemorated.
The two hundredth anniversary of the gathering of
the First Church occurred Noy. 18, 1838, allowing |
for the difference between the old and new style.
The Rev. Dr. Lamson prepared and delivered three
historical discourses on the occasion, on Thanksgiving-
day, and the succeeding Sunday. ‘These discourses |
contained a very accurate and complete history of |
the church down to the time of Dr. Lamson’s set-
tlement, and were printed with many pages of val-
uable notes.
They contained full notices of the
lives of Allin, Adams, Belcher, Dexter, and Haven, |
and of their respective terms of service. Dr. Lamson
was an excellent historical scholar and critic, and
the discourses are admirable for their true historical
method and perspicuity of style.
The Rev. Dr. Burgess also delivered in “the new
a carpet-factory was burned in 1827,
meeting-house of the First Church” a centennial |
discourse Nov. 8, 1838.
historical, it contained a full account of the pastors
of the Dedham Church.
volume of sermons of all the different pastors from
Although not exclusively
It was printed in a
1638 to 1800, which was prepared with great care
and fidelity by Dr. Burgess in 1840. <A printed
discourse by Mr. Allin, the first pastor, was found,
after a patient search, and inserted in the volume.
The title of this collection of sermons was the “ Ded-
ham Pulpit,” and the preservation of these sermons,
which had become extremely scarce, was an appro-
priate memorial of the second centennial of the
church.
On the 17th of January, 1836, the Rev. John
White delivered an interesting and valuable his-
torical discourse upon the first centennial anniversary
of the church in the Third Parish. This, with the
destroyed.
centennial discourse upon the history of the South |
Church in the Second Parish by the Rev. Mr.
Durfee, delivered June 26, 1836, completed the ob-
servance of the centennial anniversaries of all the
Congregational Churches of the town. It is not a
little remarkable that the First Church closed the
second century of its existence only about two years
after the Second and Third Churches closed their
first century. Posterity cannot be too grateful to
these faithful pastors for their efforts to preserve
these memorials of the past.
Some destructive fires occurred between 1830 and
1850 which are worthy of record. On the 30th day
of October, 1832, the Dedham Hotel and _ stable,
owned by Timothy Gay, were consumed by fire, and
one man and sixty horses perished in the flames, in-
volving a loss of twenty-eight thousand dollars. On
the 7th day of January, 1834, the stable attached
to the Phoenix Hotel, which was rebuilt on the same
site, was burned and fifty-three horses perished, with
Both these fires were
the work of an incendiary, and one John Wade was
a loss of ten thousand dollars.
convicted of the former offense, and sentenced to death,
but his sentence was commuted to imprisonment in the
State prison for life. The motive was the destruction
of the property of the Citizens’ Coach Company. Jan.
27, 1837, the railroad station, with cars and_loco-
motive, were burned, with an estimated loss of ten
March 12, 1845, the silk-factory
was burned, with a loss of forty thousand dollars.
March 28, 1845, the factory near Cart Bridge, used
for calico printing, was burned, with a loss of fifteen
On the site of the latter building
July 17, 1846,
a paper-mill, known as Taft’s Mill, belonging to the
thousand dollars.
thousand dollars.
Norfolk Manufacturing Company, was destroyed,
In
January, 1849, another railroad station was burned,
being the third mill burned on the same spot.
and Jan. 17, 1850, the Phoenix stable was again
These visitations of the same spots by
fire are somewhat remarkable.
In 1840, the condition of the public schools still
continued to be unsatisfactory. The school-houses
were small and inconvenient. Kven in Dedham vil-
lage there had been up to a recent period a one-story
About the
year 1848, there began to be a new interest in the
school-house with two school-rooms.
improvement of the schools. The school committee
recommended the abolition of the school districts, and
the establishment of a high school in Dedham village.
This latter proposition met with a decided opposition
from the people of the other parishes, but at length
it was carried by great effort, and the high school
It was opened Sept. 15, 1851, and
Charles J. Capen was the first master. It was kept
in the Masonic Building, on Church Street, and had
Mr. Capen re-
signed in 1852, and was succeeded by Carlos Slafter,
was established.
forty-two scholars at its opening.
DEDHAM.
75
who has remained the master ever since. The school-
house was dedicated Dec. 10, 1855, and cost about
five thousand five hundred dollars.
In the South Parish a new school-house was built
in 1851, and in 1856 it was much enlarged aad im-
proved, making the expense of the whole structure |
about ten thousand dollars,
In Dedham village, May 23, 1859, a new and
spacious school-house erected by the Centre School
District was dedicated. It was named the Ames
School, in honor of Fisher Ames.
New school-houses had
few years at West Dedham and at East Dedham.
The latter school-house was enlarged and improved in
1860, by adding four rooms at a cost of about six
thousand dollars. In 1860, there were remaining but
two or three of the small school-houses of the former
time. The town also had begun to make more liberal
appropriations for the support of the schools. In
1840 the appropriation was three thousand dollars ;
in 1850, five thousand dollars; and in 1856, nine
thousand seven hundred and ten dollars. The reports
of the school committee during this period indicate
progress in the condition of the schools themselves,
and the establishment of the high school did much
In
1867 the school committee gave names to the schools
By the abolition of the school districts
The
names of men who had by their benefactions or ser-
to raise the efficiency of the grammar schools.
of the town.
their former designations had become obsolete.
vices done something worthy to be recognized, such as
also been built within a_
The effect of
these changes in the ownership of the Norfolk County
Railroad has been to leave Dedham without any direct
railway connection with the westerly and southerly
a mile and a half south of the village.
portions of the county, and to the obvious detriment
of the shire-town.
In addition to the formation of the Universalist
Society in the South Parish in 1827 (of which an
account has already been given), there were other
religious societies formed during the first half of the
present cefitury in other parts of the town. Mention
has already been made of the organization of the
“First Baptist Church” in West Dedham in 1824,
of which the Rev. Samuel Adlam was the first pastor.
The succession of pastors after him were Rev. Jona-
| than Aldrich, Jan. 3, 1828, to Feb. 27, 1830; Rev.
Thomas Driver, May, 1830, to the autumn of 1838;
Rev. T. G. Freeman, from the spring of 1839, to
April, 1841; the Rev. Joseph B. Damon, from Oct.
13, 1841, to October, 1843; the Rev. J. W. Park-
hurst, from October, 1843, to Nov. 24, 1850; the
| Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin, from Nov. 24, 1850, to
Dexter, Avery, Ames, Everett, Colburn, and Fisher,
were thus perpetuated.
In 1859 a committee reported in favor of building
a new town-house, but no action was taken on the
subject.
Sept. 6, 1858; the Rev. Benjamin W. Gardner, from
Nov. 11, 1858, to Nov. 1, 1867; the Rev. I. J.
Burgess, from Nov. 1, 1867, to Sept. 9, 1871; the
Rev. Samuel J. Frost, from Sept. 15, 1872, to April
26, 1874; the Rev. S. C. Chandler, from Sept. 6,
1874, to Jan. 20, 1878; the Rev. T. M. Merriman,
from April 6, 1879, to May 6, 1883; the Rev. E.
S. Ufford, from June 28, 1883, to the present time
(1884).
A Baptist Church was formed in Kast Dedham,
Sept. 13, 1843, consisting of twenty-one members, of
_whom sixteen were members of the Baptist Church
In 1849, the railroad from Dedham to Blackstone, |
then known as the Norfolk County Railroad, was |
opened. About the same time, and for the purpose
of connecting with this road, the Boston and Provi-
dence Railroad corporation built its new branch |
through West Roxbury to Dedham.
much discussion respecting the building of the rail-
road to Blackstone for several years, and another rival
route had been surveyed, running through the west-
There had been |
erly part of the county, known as the “ Air-Line.’’
The majority of the people of Dedham favored the |
Norfolk County route, and so instructed their rep-
resentative, and the “ Air-Line” was constructed
through Dover and Needham. Not many years after-
wards the Norfolk County Railroad passed into the
' church, but he remained less than a year.
at West Dedham.
which was removed to High Street, opposite Harrison
Grove, in 1846. In 1848, the Rev. William C. Pat-
terson became the first pastor of the church, andthe
chapel soon proved too small for the congregation.
The new church, built on the corner of Milton and
Myrtle Streets, which is the present house of wor-
ship, was built at a cost of less than five thousand
dollars, and was dedicated Nov. 18, 1852. The
Rev. Mr. Patterson continued to be the pastor of the
church until 1863, when, at the request of the church,
the relation of pastor and people was dissolved. In
1866, the Rev. Charles Skinner was called to this
In 1869
the Rev. A. Edson was recognized as pastor, and re-
A small chapel was soon erected,
| mained one year. In 1871, the Rev. K. H. Campbell
hands of other corporations, and a new road con- |
structed through Dorchester connected with it about
installed as pastor, and he remained until 1878.
was pastor for only a short time.
In November, 1875, the Rev. Charles H. Cole was
In
76
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
February, 1879, the Rev. D. C. Bixby was called.
The society was then in debt, and the house of wor-
ship out of repair. By a great effort on the part of
pastor and people, some repairs were made and a debt
of nearly two thousand dollars canceled. Mr. Bixby
closed his pastorate in November, 1880. He was
succeeded by Rev. J. H. Wells, May 1, 1881, who is
the present incumbent. During the year after his
becoming the pastor the house of worship was re-
paired at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars.
In 1882, Mr. Jonathan Mann, of Milton, presented
the society with a fine bell weighing two thousand
one hundred and sixty pounds. In 1883, the pastor
procured pledges for the sum of two thousand two
hundred dollars for the erection of a parsonage, and
Mr. Mann purchased and presented a lot of land
for the purpose, and at the close of the year 1883
the parsonage was completed. The present number
of church members is eighty, and the church and
society are in a better condition than ever before.
On the 3d day of November, 1858, a Baptist so-
ciety was formed at South Dedham by members of
the First Baptist Church in West Dedham who
lived in South Dedham.
dedicated April 25, 1862.
Rev. Joseph B. Breed, and his successors were the
Rey. J. J. Tucker, from Sept. 1, 1862, to his death,
June 13, 1864; Rev. C. Osborn, from April 5,
1864, to Aug. 25, 1865; the Rev. George C. Fair-
banks, from Sept. 6, 1866, to March 9, 1869; Rev.
Edwin Bromley, from June 6, 1869, to April 6,
The house of worship was
1876; Rev. J. H. Gilbert, from Aug. 3, 1876, to |
; Rey. W. A. Worthington, from May 4, 1879,
to Sept. 12, 1880, and soon after he was succeeded
by the Rev. B. W. Barrows, the present pastor.
The church edifice of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Hast Dedham was dedicated Oct. 12,
1843. As early as 1817, the Rev. Enoch Mudge,
with his colleague, Rev. Timothy Merritt, both Meth-
In
1825 a “class” was formed of twenty members and
attached
meetings from time to time afterwards were held
in Dedham, Lower Plains, and Mill Village. In
1842, Mr. J. E. Pond, of Walpole, a local preacher,
was engaged to supply every Sabbath, and this year
odist preachers, had held meetings in Dedham.
to the church in Dorchester.
The first pastor was the |
dollars. Reopening services were held in the church
on the evening of Oct. 22, 1880.
Methodist |
the Rev. C. K. True baptized nine persons. Ser- |
vices were then held in Trescott’s Hall. In 1858
the church edifice was enlarged, and again, during
the pastorate of Rev. Z. A. Mudge; in 1880, it was
moved, raised, and new vestries put in
thoroughly comfortable and commodious house was
secured, at an expense of three thousand seven hundred
The pastors of this church have been Rev. Henry
P. Hall, 1844; Rev. J. L. Hanaford, 1845; Rev.
William R Stone and Leonard P. Frost, 1846; Rev.
Leonard P. Frost (supplied), 1847; Rev. Daniel
Richards, 1848-49; Rev. John G. Cary, 1850 ; Rev.
Kinsman Atkinson, 1851-52; Rev. Howard C.
Durham, 1853-54; Rev. John M. Merrill, 1855-
56; Rev. Augustus Bailey, 1857; Rev. William
Pentecost, 1858-59; Rev. Mosely Dwight, 1860-61 ;
Rev. Ichabod Marcy, 1862-63; Rev. William P.
Blackmar, 1864-66; Rev. J. W. P. Jordan, 1867;
Rev. A. B. Smart (local preacher), 1868-69; Rev.
F. T. George, 1870; Rev. James A. De Forest,
1871-72; Rev. Z. A. Mudge, 1873-75; Rev. Wil-
liam Cottle (local preacher), 1876; Rev. Charles H.
Vinton, 1877 ; Rev. John Thompson (local preacher),
1878; Rev. Z. A. Mudge, 1879-81; Rev. E. W.
Virgin, 1882-84.
On the 29th of October, 1860, it being just forty-
two years from the day of his ordination as pastor of
the church of the First Parish, the Rev. Alvan
Lamson, D.D., resigned his office. Two years pre-
vious he had preached a sermon reviewing the forty
years of his ministry, and which may be regarded as
his farewell discourse. His text on that occasion was
from Deut. viii. 4, ‘‘ These forty years,” and it is not
often that a minister is permitted to take the retro-
spect of so long a ministry himself. Dr. Lamson’s
election and ordination as pastor was the occasion of
a bitter and prolonged controversy, which resulted in
a division of the church and parish, and a resort to
litigation. But happily, after the strife which im-
mediately followed his ordination had ended, the
internal relations of his society became peaceful and
harmonious, and so remained during the rest of the
forty-two years; and this was due in a great measure
to the character and influence of Dr. Lamson. While
from the beginning he was a Unitarian of the school
of Channing, and his works and contributions to the
reviews were mainly in exposition and support of
Unitarian doctrines and some were published as
denominational tracts, yet in his pulpit and in his
intercourse with his people he avoided controversy
upon doctrinal topics. He labored for peace, and he
truly says, in his farewell discourse, “a polemic pulpit
tp |
was always my aversion. Dr. Lamson, in his work
| entitled “The Church of the First Three Centuries,”
)
, and a|
1 As an evidence of his desire to conciliate, in 1846 the Rev.
Dr. Bates, his predecessor, and a Calyinist, preached in his
pulpit by his invitation.
ee ee
DEDHAM. cy
embodied his writings upon the views held upon the
Trinity by early Christian writers. Besides, he
preached many occasional sermons and wrote some
tracts, all of which were published in pamphlet
form. He was a scholar of extensive research, espe-
cially in ecclesiastical history, and his writings are
models of pure English, without affectation or redun-
daney. As a preacher, he was plain and straight-
forward, and relied upon his theme to interest his |
hearers. Asaman, he was retiring in his manners, but
to those who enjoyed his acquaintance he was genial and
cordial. In the community where he lived and labored
he was known as an active and intelligent promoter of
all its interests, and he exerted a strong influence in
raising the condition of the public schools at a time
when his efforts were needed. He was a careful and
patient student of the local history of Dedbam, espe-
cially as connected with that of the Dedham Church.
His sermons published in 1838 and in 1858 contain |
the results of much research, and form a complete
and exhaustive history of the church and parish.
He was the first president of the Dedham Historical
Society, and attended its meetings so long as his
health permitted. He died July 18, 1864, of paral-
ysis, at the age of seventy-one years.
In 1861 the Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, D.D., retired
from the active labors of his pastoral office, after a
The fact that both Dr.
Lamson and Dr. Burgess should remain as pastors
ministry of forty years.
during the same number of years, and for so long a
period, is somewhat remarkable. Dr. Burgess was
born in Wareham, April 1, 1790, and was graduated
at Brown University in 1809. He was a tutor for a
time in that college, and afterwards a professor in the
University of Vermont. In 1817 he visited the
Colony of Liberia under the auspices of the American
Colonization Society. He pursued his theological
studies at Andover and Princeton. He also studied
with Dr. Griffin, at Newark, N. J., and with Dr.
Emmons, at Franklin. He adhered to the ancient
faith of the early churches of the colony, and the
modifications of creeds which occurred during his
time, even in his own denomination, did not affect his
own belief. He was a Puritan in doctrine and in
practice.
upon old customs and practices in religious worship,
such as the introduction of the organ in sacred
music. He was a minister of the old school, impos-
ing in his presence and precise but courteous in his |
manners. He was inflexible in adhering to his con-
victions of duty, and to the prerogatives of a pas-
tor. He was faithful and devoted to his pastoral
duties, and during all his ‘ministry was liberal in his |
He viewed with distrust the innovations |
|
charities, and gave largely from the ample means at
his command, not only to his own church and society,
but to Christian missions, in which he took a great
interest. His sermons were concise in expression,
and his manner as a preacher was dignified and im-
pressive. Dr. Burgess wrote little for the press. In
1840, he edited a volume of sermons of the pastors of
the First Church, entitled “Dedham Pulpit;”’ he
wrote for Sprague’s “Annals” a “ Reminiscence of
Samuel J. Mills’ in 1849, and the “ Burgess Geneal-
ogy,” published in 1865. He died Dee. 5, 1870, at
his estate, “ Broad Oak,” where he had built a man-
sion many years before, and continued to reside after
his withdrawal from the ministry, in 1861. He was
the president of the Dedham Institution for Savings
from the date of its organization until his death.
In the church and society of the Third Parish in
West Dedham the Rev. Calvin S. Locke was ordained
as the successor of the Rev. John White (who died
Feb. 1, 1852), on the 6th day of December, 1854.
Mr. Locke remained the pastor until June, 1864.
After a vacancy of two years, the Rev. Henry Westcott
was with the society one year, and Rey. Elisha Gifford
received a call Aug. 12, 1867, and resigned March
11,1872. The Rev. Edward Crowninshield began
his ministry Jan. 1, 1873, and closed his pastoral
The Rev. George W.
Cooke has been the pastor since December, 1880.
connection May 351, 1879.
In the summer and autumn of 1855, repairs costing
upwards of twelve hundred dollars were made in the
church edifice. The floor was raised, a lower and
more elegant pulpit was substituted for the old one,
the walls and ceiling frescoed, and the pews exchanged
The Ladies’ Benevolent Society
carpeted, cushioned, and furnished the church. The
new horse-sheds were built in 1869. The Rev. Mr.
Locke, on the 7th of December, 1879, preached an
occasional sermon, which was printed, and from-which
these facts are taken.
lightning and seriously damaged in April, 1883.
for concentric seats.
The church was struck by
In the church connected with the First Parish,
upon the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Lamsen in 1860,
_after the lapse of a few months the Rev. Benjamin
H. Bailey was ordained as pastor March 14, 1861,
and he remained until Oct. 13, 1867, when he re-
signed. He was succeeded by Rev. George M. Fol-
som, installed March 31, 1869, and resigned July 1,
1875. The Rev. Seth Curtis Beach was installed as
his successor Dec. 29, 1875, and is the present in-
cumbent. In 1856 the parish erected a vestry, which
was much enlarged and improved in 1879, at a
cost of about three thousand three hundred dollars.
The old meeting-house of 1763, which was remod-
78
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
eled and improved in 1819, was again remodeled in
1857 in the interior, by removing the pews and sub-
stituting the concentric seats for the pews, and the
erection of a new and lower pulpit, placed in a recess |
at one end of the church. At the same time a large
and excellent organ was placed in the gallery, built
by the Messrs. Hook.
forty-three dollars and eighty-one cents.
The “ New Meeting-House,” as it was called in the |
act of incorporation, and which title was retained until |
1864, was much improved and refitted with a pulpit
of rosewood in 1846. In 1857 a large and superior-
toned organ was placed in a recess behind the pulpit.
In 1866, the whole interior was remodeled and made
more convenient. In 1864, the society was reorgan-
ized under the name of the “ Allin Evangelical Soci-
ety,” and the church in 1876 adopted the name of the |
’
“ First Congregational Church in Dedham.’
The Rey. Jonathan Edwards was installed as pas-
tor of the church Jan. 1, 1863.
at his own request, on account of continued ill health,
April 13, 1874. The Rev. Charles M. Southgate |
was installed as his successor Dec. 16, 1875, and he
still continues to be pastor of the church. The con-
1875.
was three hundred and eleven.
The membership of this church Jan. 1, 1884,
In 1876 the chapel
He was dismissed |
structed was eighteen thousand three hundred and
thirty-six dollars and fifty-one cents.
In 1859 the tower and spire were finished, at an
additional cost of twelve thousand one hundred and
In 1875
the brick chapel was erected, at a cost, including the
furniture, of about seven thousand dollars, and paid
for from a legacy given to the parish for the purpose
by George E. Hatton, M.D., in his last will. The
interior decorations, made by Mr. Arthur Noble in
1882 and 1883, were also given by Mr. Cleveland, at
an expense of three thousand five hundred dollars.
The organ was also remodeled and enlarged in 1882,
at the expense of Mr. J. W. Clark, the original donor.
In 1881, Mr. Cleveland placed the chime of ten bells
in the tower of the church, made by Meneely & Co.,
of Troy, N. Y., and costing five thousand three hun-
dred and forty dollars.
The services of the Roman Catholic Church began
_ about the year 1846, and were at first held in private
connected with the church edifice was much enlarged |
and improved, at a cost of four thousand five hundred
dollars.
On the 7th day of December, 1856, St. Paul’s
(Episcopal) Church, erected in 1846, was wholly
consumed by fire, with its organ and all its contents.
The loss was a severe one to the parish, and to
the village, since it was a tasteful and attractive
Both the Unitarian and Orthodox Con-
gregational Churches immediately tendered the use of
church.
_O' Beirne.
_and is known as St. Catherine’s Church.
their houses of worship to the parish of St. Paul’s |
Church, which offers were declined with thanks, and |
the use of the court-room in the court-house was ob-
tained for the purpose of holding their services.
mediate measures were taken to rebuild the church of
stone, and of somewhat larger proportions. The
wealthier parishioners made large subscriptions. The
ims}
stone was given by the heirs of John Bullard, from
their quarry about a mile and a half from the village.
The architect was Arthur Gilman, of Boston, and I.
& H. M. Harmon were the contractors.
was finished and the tower carried up two stories.
The organ was given by Mr. Joseph W. Clark, and
the stained-glass windows, made by Doremus, of
New York, were the gift of Mr. Ira Cleveland. The
stone font was the gift of Mrs. K. F. Babcock, the
wife of the rector. The cost of the church thus con-
| Street, was built and completed in 1857.
fession of faith now in use was adopted in March, |
houses. Afterwards services were held in Temperance
Hall until 1857. St. Mary’s Church, on Washington
The Rev.
P. O’Beirne, of Roxbury, was the priest who had
charge of the parish from 1846 to 1866. The old
meeting-house of the Universalist Society in South
Dedham was sold in April, 1863, to the Rey. P.
It has since been enlarged and improved,
The Rey.
J. P. Brennan had charge of the parish from 1866 to
1877.
portion of this time, and the Rev. D. J. O’Donavan
The Rev. D. J.
O’Donavan was the priest in charge from January,
1877, to August, 1878.
In June, 1866, Martin Bates, the owner of the
hotel last known as the Norfolk House, and which
had been kept as a hotel for many years, conveyed
The Rev. J. D. Tierney was curate during a
was curate during the remainder.
that estate to Ann Alexis Shorb and others, Sisters
of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in trust for
The
Sisters of Charity had a school in this building from
1867 to 1879, since which time it has been sus-
pended.
the use of St. Mary’s School and Asylum.
The land and house for parsonage, and the adjoin-
ing land for a church site, were purchased by the
The church |
Rev. J. P. Brennan in June, 1867. The Rey.
Robert J. Johnson took charge of the parish in
August, 1878, with the Rev. J. J. McNulty as
In 1878 a church was built at East Ded-
The
Rey. Mr. Johnson now has charge over the two
churches in Dedham and St. Catherine’s, in Norwood.
curate.
ham, and is known as St. Raphael’s Church.
DEDHAM.
79
The corner-stone of the new church now being
erected on High Street was laid Oct. 17,1880. It
is one hundred and fifty feet in length, and sixty-six
feet in width. It is being built of Dedham granite,
and when completed will be the largest and most im-
It is estimated that the
number of Roman Catholics in Dedham is about two
posing church of the town.
thousand. The number of scholars in the Sunday-
school of St. Mary’s Church is about four hundred.
In 1852, a part of Dedham was set off to West
Roxbury. Previous to this time the territory of
Dedham had extended some distance north of Charles
River, but by the legislative act of 1852 the centre
of the channel of Charles River became the boundary-
line between West Roxbury and Dedham, from Cow |
Island Pond to a point about one hundred and fifty |
rods easterly of Blue Rock Bridge. The same line
is now the boundary-line between Dedham and
Boston.
In the same year, a small portion of the territory
of Dedham was annexed to Walpole. A considerable
portion of the village of East Walpole stands upon
the portion of Dedham then annexed to Walpole.
In 1853 the Dedham Gas-Light Company was in-
corporated, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars.
This company has its works at East Dedham. In
1871 the name was changed to the Dedham and
Hyde Park Gas Company, for the purpose of extend-
ing its pipes to Hyde Park. This company continues
to supply gas for lighting the streets and houses in
Dedham village and East Dedham, and to some ex-
tent in the neighboring town of Hyde Park.
In 1862 the Dedham Historical Society was in-
corporated ‘for the purpose of collecting and_pre-
serving such books, newspapers, records, pamphlets,
and traditions as may tend to illustrate and perpetuate
the history of New England, and especially the his-
tory of the town of Dedham.” ‘This society has a
valuable collection, especially of books and pamphlets
relating to the history of Dedham. It also has one
of the hand corn-mills imported by Governor Win- |
throp, a sermon by the Rey. John Allin printed in|
1672, together with many other objects of interest.
The society has needed for many years a suitable
room or building where its collection could be ar-
ranged and made accessible. or a number of years
it has been stored in a small room in the court-house,
but this is quite insufficient for the purpose. With
a suitable building, and a fund sufficient for the care
and preservation of its collection, this society would
be able to attract to itself and its purposes a much
greater interest than it has succeeded in doing here-
tofore.
|
| themselves in perfecting their drill.
The officers of the society for 1883-84 are Henry
O. Hildreth, president; Alfred Heuries, vice-presi-
dent ; Rev. Carlos Slafter, corresponding secretary ;
Waldo Colburn, Erastus Worthington, Henry W.
Richards, curators; A. Ward Lamson, George F.
Fisher, auditors; Don Gleason Hill, historiographer ;
George F. Fisher, chronicler.
CHAP THR xt:
DEDHAM—( Continued).
The Civil War, 1861-65—Companies of Dedham Men—Their
Services in the War—Commodore G. J. Van Brunt—Expenses
of the War for Bounties and Aid to Soldiers’ Families—Me-
morial Hall—Names of those who Fell Inscribed on the
Tablets.
Av the beginning of the civil war in 1861, there
None had ex-
There were a few men residing in
was no militia company in Dedham.
isted since 1842.
Dedham who belonged to the regiments of volunteer
militia, and they at once joined their companies and
went to Washington for three months’ service. But
the inhabitants of Dedham, while they differed as to
the political causes of the war, were united in their
efforts to sustain the President in his call for seventy-
five thousand volunteers. The young men immedi-
ately took steps to form a company, in anticipation
that their services would soon be required. The
ladies with great promptness forwarded to the Gov-
ernor, on the 23d of April, sixty flannel shirts for
the soldiers about to depart. The town, at a meeting
legally called on the 6th of May, by formal resolution
pledged itself “ to stand by the volunteers and protect
their families during the war,” and appropriated ten
thousand dollars for this general purpose. The first
| company was formed early in May, and while waiting
to be assigned to some regiment the men employed
The town sup-
plied them with uniforms, and allowed them com-
In August, this
company was mustered into the service of the United
States as Company F, Eighteenth Regiment, Massa-
chusetts Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was com-
manded by Col. James Barnes, a graduate of West
Point, an officer possessing high qualifications, as was
pensation during a certain period.
subsequently proved. All the commissioned officers
and fifty-six men of this company belonged in Dedham,
Its officers were Henry Onion, captain, with Charles
W. Carroll as first lieutenant, and Fisher A. Baker as
second lieutenant, the two latter having recently
graduated from Dartmouth College. Nine Dedham
80
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
men also enlisted in Company H of the same regi- |
ment. On the 26th of August, they left for the seat
of war. They parted from their friends expecting a
short campaign and a speedy return, so little was the |
nature of the conflict understood at its beginning.
The regiment was assigned to Martindale’s brigade,
and, after being engaged in drill and working on the
fortifications of Washington, on the 26th of Septem-
ber it took up its position at Hall’s Hill, Va.
company spent the winter in camp. The ladies sent
them a supply of garments, and the citizens generally
Here the
sent them a feast for New-Year’s day. Some of their |
townsmen visited them in camp, and a few obtained
furloughs to visit their homes. Three deaths oc-
curred during the winter, Sergt. Damrell and privates |
Guild and Stevens, whose remains were brought home
for burial.
On the 28th of October, 1861, Capt. Onion resigned
his commission, and Lieut. Carroll was commissioned |
as captain, Second Lieut. Baker as first lieutenant, and
Edward M. Onion as second lieutenant.
pany with its regiment served during the Peninsular
campaign, but during all the battles before Richmond,
the Kighteenth was detached from its brigade and did |
not participate in the engagements.
The com- |
Private Jordan, |
of Company H, who had left his company, was killed |
while in the ranks of the Ninth Regiment.
battle at Gaines’ Mills Adjt. Thomas Sherwin, of the
Twenty-second Massachusetts Infantry, was wounded,
In the |
Cox, Sumner A. Ellis, Patrick Mears, and Isaac N.
Parker were wounded, and soon after discharged by
reason of their wounds.
The first rumors of this disastrous battle reached
Dedham on Sunday, Aug. 31, 1862. On the day
previous, a telegraphic dispatch had been published
that the enemy were retreating to the mountains.
Special messengers had been sent to many of the
towns near Boston, and the services in the churches
of the village were interrupted with the announce-
ment that a great battle had been fought, and a call
made for lint, bandages, and stimulants. The re-
ligious services were at once suspended, and men,
Six-
teen large packages of necessary articles, including a
women, and children went to work with a will.
large amount of clothing, bandages, lint, jellies, cor-
dials, were sent on that Sunday afternoon, and more
was afterwards dispatched.
After the close of the Peninsular campaign the
President had called for three hundred thousand men
for three years, and the quota assigned to Massachu-
Of this number the quota
of Dedham was sixty-nine. In the autumn and winter
setts was fifteen thousand.
previous, a number of Dedham men had also enlisted
in the Twentieth, ‘'wenty-second, and Twenty-fourth
Massachusetts Infantry, and were then at the seat of
war. The realities of war had been fully brought home
tothe people, and the quota of Dedham was to be raised
and was promoted major for gallant conduct, his com-—
mission dating June 28th, the day succeeding the
battle.
In the series of battles prior to the second battle
of Bull Run, the Highteenth bore a prominent part,
being attached to Porter’s corps. In the battle of
Bull Run it suffered severely. Of the Dedham com-—
pany, seven were either killed or died afterwards of |
wounds then received, and five others were wounded
more or less severely. Among them was Carroll, the |
brave young captain, who fell mortally wounded, and
was left on the field within the enemy’s lines, where
he died three days after. He was decently buried on
the field, but his remains were subsequeutly brought
Corp. Edward Holmes, privates Robert R.
Covey, George O. Kingsbury, and Henry D. Smith
were killed on the field. Edmund L.
Thomas and George N. Worthen lingered, mortally
home.
Privates
in view of them. ‘The recruiting was carried on under
the direction of the selectmen thenceforward during
On the 21st of July the town voted to pay
a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer,
with aid to families, and appropriated six thousand
nine hundred dollars for the bounties. A large and
impressive meeting was held July 10th, before the
the war.
legal town-meeting. A roll was opened and a call
made for volunteers. The first man to sign the roll
was the father of the boy who had been killed at
Gaines’ Mills. Another was a young man who had
_ been recently graduated at Harvard College, and was
ys ge,
wounded, but a few days in the hospitals, and |
died soon after, the former near Washington and the
latter at Philadelphia. It is stated that of forty men
of the company who were engaged, fourteen only came
out unharmed. Of Company F, Corp. William
Simpson and privates Elias W. Adams, Edward G.
A third
announced his purpose in earnest words, to which
just beginning his professional studies.
subsequently a severe wound received in battle, nearly
a year’s confinement in four rebel prisons, and ad-
hering to his regiment to the last day of its service,
bore ample testimony.
With such a spirit animating them, others were en-
rolled, and soon the number was complete. Uniting
with men from Needham and Weston, they consti-
tuted Company I, Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry,
Col. Edward A. Wild. The captain was Sidney
Willard, of Weston, but its first lieutenant was John
Lathrop, and the second lieutenant was William Hill,
DEDHAM.
81
both of Dedham. Without any opportunities for
drill or organization, the regiment left Boston Aug.
22, 1862, for the seat of war. On their arrival in
Washington they were immediately assigned to the
defenses of the city, throwing up earthworks and
doing picket-duty. They were near their townsmen |
who were in the EKighteenth Regiment, who had pre- |
ceded them one year in the service, and they heard
the guns around Centreville on the day of the dis-
astrous battle of Bull Run.
Both companies were now in the Army of the Po-
tomac, the first having the discipline of veterans but |
with thinned ranks, while the second, as yet imperfect _
in the duties of the soldier, was fresh and vigorous. |
The Kighteenth still remained with Porter’s corps, and
the Thirty-fifth was in the Ninth Corps, under Burn-
side. ‘The army was then in motion towards Mary-
land, to meet Lee in his first invasion of what may |
be termed the neutral ground of the Rebellion. The
necessities of those days were inexorable, and called |
for long and rapid marches.
Burnside’s corps started |
first, and on the 14th September—only three weeks ©
after they had left their homes—our men of the |
Thirty-fifth met the enemy at South Mountain.
The Thirty-fifth on that day dislodged rebel sharp-
shooters from au extensive tract of forest, and received
a sharp attack from the enemy. Here private George |
F. Whiting was mortally wounded, and died on the |
7th of October. Sergt. Henry W. Tisdale and private |
Clinton Bagley were wounded, the former severely.
With no knowledge of battalion movements, and
having had but a brief period for drill, this new
regiment encountered the disciplined brigades of the |
enemy, and stood the test firmly.
But South Mountain was a prelude only to the |
|
|
memorable battle of Antietam, three days after. |
Porter’s corps, which left Washington on the 12th, |
now joined the main army, and on the 17th supported |
batteries in the battle. The Thirty-fifth was engaged |
in the movements of Burnside’s corps, which had a |
highly important part in the battle. They charged |
the enemy, drove him over the bridge, and held the
crest of the second hill beyond, until ordered to retire.
They behaved with such steadiness and gallantry as
to receive the highest encomiums of their commander. ©
Thus within a month from their departure from
home this regiment had been twice on hard-fought |
fields, and in the thickest of the battles. But they |
had told fearfully upon the regiment. Of those pres- |
ent, two-thirds of the officers and nearly one-third of |
the men had been disabled. At Antietam, Corp. |
Edward E. Hatton (a true man and a brave sol- |
dier), and privates Charles H. Sulkoski and Joseph |
6
| the whole term of its service.
thence to Baltimore.
P. White, of South Dedham, were killed. Corp.
Edmund Davis was very severely wounded, and
six others were wounded more or less severely, of
whom private Nathan C. Treadwell died about a
month after. Besides these, there were two of the
company killed and several wounded who belonged
elsewhere. Such was the share of Company I in
the glory and sacrifices of Antietam.
Company F of the Eighteenth surtained no loss at
Antietam, but at Shepardstown, on the 20th, they
were engaged with their regiment, which lost three
killed and eleven wounded. The Maryland campaign
ended with the retirement of Lee into Virginia, and
whither also returned the Army of the Potomac, but
with unequal steps.
Svon after the call under which Dedham had fur-
nished sixty-nine men for the Thirty-fifth Regiment,
there came yet another call from the President, with
an order for a draft, to which Dedham was required
to respond with one hundred and twenty-two men
for nine months’ service. In anticipation of the
draft, the town offered a bounty of two hundred dol-
The short
term of service was a great inducement to some who
were unable to enlist for three years, and soon the
requisite number was made up, almost exclusively
from Dedham. ‘These chiefly constituted Company
D, Forty-third Regiment Massachusetts Infantry.
its captain was Thomas G. Whytal, of West Rox-
bary, the first lieutenant, Edward A. Sumner, and
the second lieutenant, James Schouler, both of Ded-
ham. On the 24th of October, 1862, it was ordered
to North Carolina, where it remained during nearly
lars, with aid to families, to volunteers.
The regiment was
under fire at Kinston and Whitehall in December.
The Dedham company, with two others, was detached
for picket-duty for a time, and afterwards marched
with the regiment on Trenton; was ordered to the
relief of Little Washington, and encountered the
enemy at Blount’s Creek. It was then occupied in
picket-duty and those other nameless duties which
constitute so large a part of a soldier’s life in camp.
On the 27th of June it was ordered to report to Gen.
Dix, and proceeded to White House, on the Pamun-
key, in Virginia, thence to Fortress Monroe, and
On the 7th of July, the term
of service having expired, it was left to the option of
the men to go to the front (this being immediately
after the battle of Gettysburg), or to return home,
and two hundred of the regiment remained, among
whom were thirteen of the Dedham company. These
returned home July 21st, and all were mustered out
July 30, 1863.
82
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Such briefly is the record of the company of nine
months’ men. But one of its number had died, and |
his was an accidental death at Readville. It will not |
do, however, to infer from this that their service was
light or unimportant. They were in a department
where no considerable active operations were carried —
But whenever |
on during their term of service.
called upon, as they often were, for special duty, ©
their record shows it was well performed; and there
is no doubt but they would have acquitted themselves |
with honor in any exigency of the service.
Nothing decisive had occurred with the Army of
the Potomac after the battle of Antietam until the —
13th of December, 1862, when occurred that saddest |
of all the battles of the war, the assault upon Fred-
The army was now under Burnside, and
ericksburg.
his name is inseparably associated with that ill-_
starred movement. In this assault, both of the com-
panies bore a very prominent part. The Highteenth |
was the leading regiment of its corps, and on the
13th, having remained until one o’clock on the oppo-
site side of the river, then crossed and engaged in the
battle, which lasted until dark. The regiment
charged the enemy and nearly penetrated his forti-
fied position and stronghold on Mary’s Heights,
when it was compelled to return. It rallied again, |
however, and was in advance of the corps throughout |
the battle. The record adds: “It is believed that the |
dead of this regiment lay nearer the enemy’s works
than those of any other engaged upon that part of the -
field.” Two Dedham men in this regiment were
killed, privates Jonathan H. Keyes and Daniel
Leahey, and several were wounded.
lost in this engagement two officers and eleven men
rem het =)
killed, and nine officers and one hundred and twelve
men wounded.
The position of the Thirty-fifth was scarcely less
exposed, being in the advance of its corps, and they
They held
received a deadly fire at short range.
The regiment |
their ground until, their ammunition being exhausted, |
their brigade was relieved.
but one to leave Fredericksburg. The gallant Maj.
Willard, who commanded the regiment in the assault,
was mortally wounded while leading his men sword
He was the first captain of Company I,
although not a resident of Dedham. Lieut. William
Hill, of Company I, but who on that day was in
command of Company K, and private George C.
Bunker were killed on the heights and buried on the |
field.
wounded more or less severely.
the regiment was about sixty. The survivors of both |
in hand.
Four Dedham soldiers of this company were |
The whole loss of |
companies may recall with satisfaction and soldierly
It was the last regiment |
pride the deeds performed on that bloody and unsuc-
cessful day at Fredericksburg.
The army now ceased active operations until the
spring of 1863, when Gen. Hooker assumed command,
and it entered upon the Chancellorsville campaign. On
the 2d and 3d of May the Highteenth was engaged,
and lost one officer and thirteen men killed, but none
of these were from Dedham. In the Second Massa-
chusetts Infantry, private Michael Henihan, a Ded-
ham soldier, was killed, his being the only name in
that heroic regiment of a Dedham man who was killed
during the war.
The Thirty-fifth had now been detached from the
Army of the Potomac and sent to another and dis-
tant department. In March, 1863, it had proceeded
with the reorganized Ninth Corps ( Burnside’s) to the
Southwest, where its services were much needed.
Thence
it was transported down the Mississippi to the vi-
cinity of Vicksburg, where the men threw up earth-
They were now with the Army
of the Tennessee, under the command of Gen. Grant.
Under Sherman, after the surrender of Vicksburg,
they marched into the interior of Mississippi in pur-
suit of the force of Gen. Johnston. After days of
toilsome and painful marches, with frequent. skir-
April and May it passed in Kentucky.
works and defenses.
mishing and a brief siege, they captured Jackson,
the capital of the State. Here the Thirty-fifth had
the honor of being the first regiment to plant its
colors within the city, pulling down the rebel ensign
from the State-House and of throwing to the breeze
the stars and stripes. In this campaign, private
David Phalen died in camp of disease. In August,
the regiment almost exactly retraced its steps, and on
the Ist of October was in Kentucky.
The Army of the Potomac, in the mean time, had
again moved into Maryland and Pennsylvania to repel
Lee’s second invasion. In the great victory of Get-
tysburg the Highteenth was engaged, and lost one
man killed and thirteen wounded, but the name of
But Ded-
ham was not without its representative in the sacrifices
of that victorious field. On the 3d of July, Sergt.
Edward Hutchins, of the First Company Andrews’
Sharpshooters, received his death-wound, and lin-
no Dedham soldier appears among them.
gered but two hours. He was a faithful and fearless
soldier, and one well qualified for his peculiar service.
The Highteenth was in the battle at Rappahannock
Station, Nov. 7th, and at Mine Creek on the 29th
and 30th of the same month. These concluded its '
campaigns in 1863.
The Thirty-fifth, in October, marched across the
mountains through Cumberland Gap to Knoxville,
DEDHAM.
83
Tenn. It was engaged at Loudon Bridge and Camp-
bell’s Station, and afterwards fell back to Knoxville,
then besieged by the enemy under Gen. Longstreet.
It was during this campaign, that private Charles
|
|
Henry Ellis, the regimental clerk, was taken prisoner, |
was confined in Belle Isle prison, and, it is supposed,
died in Richmond the succeeding year.
winter, the regiment suffered much for want of food
During this |
and clothing. In March its Western campaign ended, |
and it was transported again to Annapolis, Md., where
the Ninth Corps was again reorganized.
We are now brought to the last and greatest act |
of the drama,—Grant’s overland campaign,—which |
on the one hand is characterized as ‘‘a campaign un-
surpassed by any on record in the elements which
make war grand, terrible, and bloody,” but on the
other, it should also be said, a campaign invested
with a glory that will never fade, since it brought
a victory and peace. At home the summer and
autumn of 1864 were the darkest period of the war.
| battle.
the Eighteenth was engaged in skirmishing and in
assaults upon intrenchments. No fatal casualties
occurred among our Dedham men, but Col. Hayes
was severely wounded, and several were killed and
wounded in the regiment.
The Thirty-fifth, with the Ninth Corps, crossed
the Rapidan two days later, and passing over the
battle-grounds at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville,
arrived in the Wilderness during the second day’s
In the movement towards Spottsylvania the
Fifth Corps were charged with the duty of seizing
Spottsylvania Court-House. Both the Fifth and
Ninth Corps were in line of battle on the north of
Spottsylvania. Here occurred one of the most fierce
and deadly struggles of the war. In the engagement
_ of the 18th of May the Thirty-fifth participated. The
result of the battles leaving the Union lines intact,
_each other at the North Anna River.
Men had learned to feel the dread perils of battle |
to the cause of the country, as well as to the lives of
our soldiers.
All available able-bodied men had been |
sent to the field. The draft, like a heavy cloud, |
brooded over the community. A Presidential cam-
paign had intervened to divide men in their counsels, |
if it did not destroy their harmony of action. The
country seemed to rest under a shadow which nothing
could dispel. It was, however, the darkness which
precedes the dawn, though the day was as yet afar
off.
Again the two Dedham companies were in Vir-
ginia; the Eighteenth Regiment being in Ayre’s
brigade, Fifth Corps (Warren's), numbering about
three hundred men. The Thirty-fifth remained in
the Ninth Corps, with about two hundred and fifty
men ready for duty. The corps was still under
Burnside, whose command was independent of Gen.
Meade, then commanding the Army of the Potomac.
All acted under the orders of Gen. Grant.
On the 3d of May, 1864, at midnight, the march
began, the Fifth Corps having the right of the
column. On the 5th of May, while reconnoitring for |
the enemy, the Highteenth was the first regiment to
encounter Kwell’s corps, then moving in pursuit.
The first infantry man killed in the campaign be-
longed to the Highteenth, and it received the brunt |
of the first assault of the enemy in the battles of the |
Wilderness.
lasting three days, where neither cavalry nor artillery
During all those marvelous battles
| quent skirmishes with the enemy.
could be used, where “not only were the lines of |
battle entirely hidden from the sight of the com-
mander, but no officer could see ten files from him,” ©
another turning movement was determined upon. On
the 20th of May the hostile armies again confronted
The Kight-
eenth, crossing at Jericho Ford, was then detached
from its brigade to occupy an eminence where it was
exposed to a heavy fire from Hill’s corps, during
which assault Lieut.-Col. White was wounded. The
Thirty-fifth crossed on the 24th, when it began a
brilliant skirmish, followed by the whole brigade.
The enemy were driven into their works, but a sud-
den storm and a fresh force of the enemy compelled
the regiment to retire.
On the 23d of May, at the battle on the North
Anna River, Sergt. John Finn, Jr., Twenty-second
Massachusetts Infantry,—a Dedham soldier who had
well earned promotion,—received a wound on his
arm which rendered amputation necessary, and he
died from its effects on the 5th of June.
Another flank movement of the Union army turned
it towards the Chickahominy, ‘“‘a wet ditch on the
outer fortifications of Richmond,” and a place of sad
memories for soldiers of the campaign of 1862.
But before the passage of the Chickahominy, another
fearful battle awaited them at Cold Harbor. War-
ren’s corps, a few days previous, had encountered
the enemy on the Shady Church road, where a
branch of the Tolopotomy crossed it, and had fre-
While near
Bethesda Church, and holding a line nearly four
miles in extent, the enemy fell upon it with great
vigor and inflicted a considerable loss. In the assault
at Cold Harbor, the Fifth Corps did not actively par-
ticipate. The Ninth Corps was partially engaged,
and the Thirty-fifth was employed in throwing up
But in that bloody battle Dedham had
The
earthworks.
a representative in the list of the killed.
84
Twentieth Massachusetts Infantry was with the Sec-
ond Corps (Hancock’s) holding the left of the assault-
ing column. On the 3d of June, private Albert C.
Bean, of Company I, was wounded, and died five days
after. On the 7th of June, the Highteenth reached
the Chickahominy, and, after some days’ skirmishing, |
? ? teaP) |
crossed on the 15th of June. ‘They passed the
James on the 16th of June, and marched directly
to the fortifications in front of Petersburg. Here
they were engaged in throwing up earthworks in the
On the 5th of July, private
presence of the enemy.
Cyrus D. Tewksbury, who had served from the be- |
ginning, was killed,—the last man of the Eighteenth
to fall in battle. It is a somewhat curious fact, and
perhaps worthy of mention, that the first of the Ded- |
ham men who fell in battle in 1862 and the last just |
named, were cousins, both belonging to the same
company and regiment, and died on fields not many
miles distant from each other.
The Kighteenth had now reached nearly the end
of its term of service of three years, and on the 20th
of July it was ordered to Washington in anticipation |
of discharge. Twelve of our Dedham men had re-
enlisted, and these, together with those whose term |
was not ended, remained with the Highteenth Bat-
talion and did good service. When the officers were
mustered out, this battalion was merged in the
Thirty-second Regiment. Among these men was
private Henry C. Everett, who died in Washington
Jan. 19, 1865.
On the 3d of September, 1864, the old Eighteenth
was mustered out of service, and its honorable record
closed.
Of the fifty-eight who enlisted from Dedham, eleven
had fallen on the field, six had died from disease and
wounds received in battle, eight had been discharged
by reason of wounds, and thirteen by reason of dis-
Of the whole com-
pany, twenty-three men had either died or fallen in
battle.
The regiment bore an honorable part in nearly all
ability resulting from wounds.
the great general battles of the Army of the Potomag, |
except those of the Peninsula before Richmond, and |
- 9th of April occurred the surrender of Lee at Appomat-
tox Court-House, and at last peace had come, crowned
its tattered battle-flag bears no stain, save from the
blood of its defenders. While often called to share in
It had participated in some fifteen battles. |
1
|
|
|
|
the defeat of the Army of the Potomac, yet in the |
_ review at Washington, May 23d, reached Massachu-
darkest hours of the war it kept its high discipline,
unswerving fidelity, and patriotic faith; and although
it did not see the days of final victory, it aided in
accomplishing those unparalleled movements, and
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
| which they accomplished.
were welcomed with fitting ceremonies, in which all
joined with grateful hearts, though sensible that the
formalities of a public occasion but inadequately ex-
pressed their debt of gratitude.
The men of the Thirty-fifth were now destined to
bear a part in the siege of Petersburg and the closing
At first they were employed “ in throw-
ing up earthworks and batteries, laying down abattis,”’
and in the construction of works necessary for a be-
At the memorable explosion of the
“Mine,” July 30th, it was their duty to advance,
after the explosion, and turn the works of the enemy,
Private Michael Colbert
was killed in the advance of the regiment over the
works, and the regiment lost one officer and nine men
killed, and three officers and twenty-eight men
The dead were buried under a flag of
Being now in the immediate presence of the
campaign.
sieging army.
wounded.
truce.
enemy, they were frequently engaged, and suffered
considerable losses, especially while in position on the
Weldon Railroad. At Poplar Spring Church, Septem-
ber 30th, the regiment was repulsed by an attack on the
right and rear, with a loss of nine killed and one
hundred and fifty prisoners. In the same action John
W. Fiske, formerly a sergeant in Company I, but re_
cently promoted to be first lieutenant in the Fifty-
eighth Massachusetts Infantry, which was also en-
gaged, was killed, and buried on the field. He was
an efficient officer, and much beloved.
Nothing decisive occurred to the regiment during
the winter of 1864-65. In March, 1865, it was re-
moved to a part of Fort Sedgwick, about four hun-
dred yards from the enemy’s works,—a post of great
danger, being subject to an almost continuous fire,—
where it remained one month. On the 2d of April
it assaulted Fort Mahone, the rebel work opposite,
and held a portion of it. During the same night,
Petersburg was evacuated by the enemy, and on the
next morning the men had the proud satisfaction of
marching through the streets of Petersburg with
colors flying, band playing, and of receiving, with
shouts of victory and welcome, the President of the
United States as he rode along their lines. On the
with honor and victory. The regiment passed in
setts on the 13th of June, and was mustered out of
| service on the 27th.
fighting those continuous battles, which made com-
plete victory possible at the last.
home of the few brave men left of the company, they
Upon the return |
The Thirty-fifth saw nearly three years of active
and arduous service, beginning almost with the day
of its arrival in the field. On its colors are in-
scribed, by an order of Gen. Meade, the names of
DEDHAM.
85
thirteen battles, to which was afterwards added a
fourteenth. The record shows that its campaigns
were not limited to a State or a department, but that
in Kentucky, East Tennessee, and Mississippi, as well
as in Maryland and Virginia, it was actively em-
ployed.
among the most exposed to the enemy, and sometimes |
in the most deadly conflicts. Indeed, it became a
proverb among the soldiers that the commanding
officer of the Thirty-fifth was sure to be struck down
in every engagement. Of the sixty-eight who en-
listed from Dedham, six were killed in battle, and |
one more died soon after of his wounds, five died in
the service from disease, eight were discharged on
account of their wounds, and eleven for disability.
At the expiration of their service it was desired to
give the men a public welcome, but with a soldierly
modesty they declined the invitation, saying they
preferred to pass without ceremony from the life of |
the soldier to that of the citizen. They went when
days were dark, and men were few; they returned
when the anthems of victory were resounding through
the land, and they would have received shouts of wel-
come and of gratitude.
their trials, they were true to themselves, and chose
the conscious rewards of duty done, rather than the’.
loud plaudits of their fellow-citizens.
The roll of the dead is not yet complete. In other |
regiments than those to which reference has been
made—both of Massachusetts and of other States—
are to be found the names of men born and reared in
Dedham. The Twenty-fourth, Twenty-eighth, Thirty-
ninth, and Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry each
had one man from Dedham among those killed in |
battle. From two regiments of Massachusetts cav-
alry three names appear. ‘Three died as prisoners of
war, without a friend to minister to their last neces- |
sities, or even to raise for them a humble headstone.
In many of its battles its position was
Yet in their triumphs, as in|
gles of those memorable years. The record of her
brave sons who marched to the battle-fields of the
war is one of which she has always been proud, and
has been ready to perpetuate.
Besides those who served in the army during the
war of the Rebellion, there were a number who had
various positions in the navy. Prominent among
these was Commodore Gershom J. Van Brunt, for
| many years a resident of Dedham. He was a native
of New Jersey, and entered the service from that
State in 1818. In the spring of 1861, he was as-
signed to the command of the steam frigate ‘“ Minne-
sota,’ was employed in the severe and trying blockade
service at Hampton Roads, and also took an important
He
| was subsequently intrusted with the supervision and
_ equipment of the expedition to New Orleans under
Gen. Banks, and at the time of his death was acting,
part in the reduction of the Hatteras forts.
under the orders of the War Department, as inspector
of transports for the New England district. He
received his commission as commodore in July,
1862. He died at his residence in Dedham, Dec.
17, 1863. Those who
days of the Rebellion, or who knew of his service
saw him in the early
afterwards, will not soon forget his fervent zeal, lofty
patriotism, and unswerving faith in the ultimate
triumph of the flag of his country.
The town was liberal in its appropriations of money
| for bounties and aid to soldiers’ families during the
war. The raising of each quota of men required
large sums of money and for a considerable period
the constant efforts of the selectmen, who were
officially charged with the business of obtaining vol-
unteers. A statement of moneys expended during
' the war, made in 1868, is probably nearly accurate.
It is taken from the appendix to the pamphlet con-
taining the exercises at the dedication of Memorial
Hall, Sept. 29, 1868:
In that hecatomb at Fort Wagner—where the negro —
so nobly vindicated his right to the name and fame of |
Vir- |
ginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia hold the ashes of |
the soldier—Dedham had one representative.
Dedham men, and at the battle of Cane River, in
Louisiana, while leading his men to the charge, Capt.
Julius M. Lathrop fell, closing a long and honorable |
service, in which rank was nobly earned, with a tri-
umphant and peaceful death.
In this general survey of the services rendered by
Dedham soldiers in the field during the civil war, no
biographies of the heroic dead have been attempted. —
But among them were true and noble men, whose
memories are, gratefully cherished in Dedham.
The
old town had its full share in the sacrifices and strug- —
Amount Expended by the Town of Dedham for Soldiers’ Boun-
ties and Aid of Soldiers’ Families during the War of the
Rebellion.
Whole number of men raised and mustered into the military
and naval service, six hundred and seventy-two.
| Company F, Eighteenth Regiment Massachusetts
Infantry—59 men.
For outfit, uniforms, ete., under vote
Of May 6) 1861 ioc. ccccceccccssescscasses $1591.66
For drill, under votes of May 6 and
Maryn 21, US6L eo cc .cccisceccesco-nsseo0sse 2573.15
| For further pay for drill under vote
| Of UMOrA MSG Oeeeteteeceteesnsenectras 4650.00
| — $8,814.81
| Company I, Thirty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts
Infantry—69 men.
For bounties under vote of July 21, 1862 ($100), 6,900.00
86
Company D, Forty-third Regiment Massachusetts
Infantry, and other nine months’ men—126
men.
For bounties under votes of Aug. 25,
and Sept. 15, 1862 ($200) ...........
For expenses of enlistment
$25,200.00
520.00
$25,720.00
Men enlisted in other regiments and in navy, in-
cluding substitutes provided by individuals—
418 men.
For bounties under votes of April 4
and July 25, 1864.......0ccssesessossse $20,950.00
For expense of recruiting, estimated
AUnewecaras(snscecasaecislee reseeaucrnat setlocetls 600.00
27,456.00
Estimated amount expended in aid of soldiers’
families, exclusive of State aid........... ass 16,200.00
Amount of State aid (nominally reimbursed to |
EHOMtOWH) feccenciccase Seececcleeteccessccevesivecorsecaeract 51,000.00
$136,090.81
During the year 1864, thirty-four enrolled men procured
substitutes in the military and naval service, at an expense to |
themselves of not less than $20,000.
Not long after the close of the war the erection of
a soldiers’ monument was proposed, and was consid-
ered in town-meeting. But at a town-meeting held
May 7, 1866, it was voted to erect a building to be
ealled “‘ Memorial Hall,” the walls to be of Dedham |
granite. Its purposes were to provide a suitable place
for the transaction of all the public business of the
town, and also a suitable memorial of the soldiers of
Dedham who had died in the service of their country.
The land was purchased by subscription, and presented —
to the town for the purpose. The building was begun
in the course of the year, and was finished in the |
The cost of the building, me- |
summer of 1868.
morials, furniture of the hall, and the grading of the
lot, including expense of the committee and architect, |
was less than forty-seven thousand dollars. The size
of the building, the general arrangement of the rooms, |
and the manner of locating the building and the lot,
were determined by the committee. The architect was |
Mr. Henry Van Brunt, and the memorials were de-
signed by him, but the committee are responsible for
the inscriptions. In some particulars the committee
did not adopt the designs of the architect, and in
others, though they adopted his designs, they did not
adopt the designs considered most appropriate by him
The stone- and brick-work was done by D. G. Corliss
& Co., of Quiney.
The following is a brief description of the building :
The design, which was by Messrs. Ware & Van
Brunt, architects, of Boston, recalls the provincial
town-halls of England in outline and general char-
acter, and is carried out in the peculiar, warm, yellow
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
granite of the neighborhood, relieved by bands of
blue Quincy granite. Its main exterior dimensions
are one hundred and four by sixty-four feet on the
ground, with an elevation of thirty-four feet to the
cornice, and eighty-five feet to the summit of the
tower, which surmounts the middle division of the
front on Washington Street. On this front, in the
most conspicuous place over the main entrance, is
inserted a large tablet of Quincy granite, decorated
with oak leaves and a crown of laurel, and bearing this
inscription :
“To Commemorate
The Patriotism and Fidelity
Of Her Sons
Who Fell
In Defence of The Union,
In The War
Of The Rebellion,
Dedham
Erects This Hall.
A.D.
MDCCCLXVII.”
In the main vestibule, from which stairs to the
right and left conduct to the hall above, in a broad
niche facing the entrance, are five marble tablets in a
Gothic framework of black walnut. The central tab-
let, which is enriched by a carved canopy supported
by columns, bears this inscription :
<The
Town of Dedham
Has Caused
To Be Inscribed Upon
These Tablets,
be names of ber Sons,
Who Fell
Representing Her,
an Defence of the Union,
In The War Of
The Rebellion—1861-1865,
And In Whose Honor
She Has Erected
This Hall.”
~~
UH
The tablets on either side contain the names of
forty-six soldiers, with the rank, date, and place of
death in each case, arranged in order of regiments.
The following is the list of names on these tablets :
Michael Heniban, Co. F, 2d Regt.; killed at Chancellorsville
May 3, 1863, aged twenty-five.
Charles W. Carroll, capt. Co. F, 18th Regt.; wounded at 2d
battle of Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862; died Sept. 2, 1862, aged
twenty-six.
Robert R. Covey, Co. F, 18th Regt.; killed at 2d battle of Bull
Run Aug. 30, 1862, aged thirty-six.
Edward G. Cox, Co. F, 18th Regt.; wounded at 2d battle of
Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862; died Oct. 22, 1864, aged twenty-
five.
Henry C. Everett, Co. F, 18th Regt.; died Jan. 19, 1865, aged
twenty-two.
DEDHAM.
87
Edward Holmes, corp. Co. F, 18th Regt.; killed at 2d battle
of Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862, aged twenty-six.
Jonathan H. Keyes, Co. F, 18th Regt.; killed at Fredericks-
burg Dec. 13, 1862, aged twenty.
George 0. Kingsbury, Co. F, 18th Regt.; killed at 2d battle of
Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862, aged nineteen.
Daniel Leahy, Co. F, 18th Regt.; killed at Fredericksburg
Dec. 13, 1862, aged twenty-eight.
Leonard W. Minot, Co. F, 18th Regt.; died April 23, 1862,
aged twenty.
Henry D. Smith, Co. F, 18th Regt.; killed at 2d battle of Bull |
| John W. Fiske, Ist lieut. Co. B, 58th Regt.; killed at Poplar
Run Aug. 30, 1862, aged thirty.
Nelson R. Stevens, Co. F, 18th Regt.; died March 1, 1862,
aged nineteen.
Edmund L. Thomas, Co. F, 18th Regt.; wounded at 2d battle
of Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862; died Sept. 16, 1862, aged
nineteen.
George N. Worthen, Co. F, 18th Regt.; wounded at 2d battle
of Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862; died Sept. 4, 1862, aged
twenty-four.
Horace S. Damrell, sergt. Co. H, 18th Regt.; died March 7,
1862, aged nineteen.
Julius M. Lathrop, capt. Co. I, 38th Regt.; wounded at Cane
River April 23, 1864; died April 26, 1864, aged twenty-
three.
Charles L. Carter, Co. E, 39th Regt.; died a prisoner of war
Feb. 8, 1865, aged twenty-three.
James J. Hawkins, Co. D, 43d Regt.; died Nov. 4, 1862, aged
twenty-five.
John H. Bancroft, Co. A, 54th Regt.; killed at Fort Wagner
July 18, 1863, aged twenty-four.
Anson F. Barton, Co. G, 56th Regt.; died Oct. 7, 1864, aged
eighteen.
Spring Church Sept. 30, 1864, aged twenty-three.
| William H. Tillinghast, Co. E, 1st Cav.; killed at Deep Bottom
Aug. 14, 1864, aged forty.
| Joseph T. Stevens, corp. Co. I, Ist Cav.; died March 31, 1862,
Oscar S. Guild, Co. H, 18th Regt.; died Feb. 22, 1862, aged |
seventeen.
Joseph M. Jordan, Co. H, 18th Regt.; killed at Gaines’ Mills
June 27, 1862, aged eighteen.
Cyrus D. Tewksbury, Co. H, 18th Regt.; killed at Petersburg |
July 5, 1864, aged twenty-four.
Albert C. Bean, Co. I, 20th Regt.; wounded at Cold Harbor
June 3, 1864; died June 8, 1864, aged thirty.
John Finn, Jr., sergt. Co. B, 22d Regt.; wounded at North
Anna River May 23, 1864; died June 5, 1864, aged
twenty-three.
William Heath, Co. I, 22d Regt.; accidentally shot at Hall’s
Hill Dec. 7, 1862, aged twenty-five.
David Fletcher, Co. I, 28d Regt.; killed at Whitehall, N.C., |
Dec. 16, 1863, aged forty-two.
Charles W. Phipps, Co. A, 24th Regt.; killed at Deep Bottom
Aug. 16, 1864, aged twenty-seven.
Edward Sheehan, Co. B, 28th Regt.; died Nov. 17, 1863, aged
forty-three.
John H. Birch, Co. I, 35th Regt.; died Aug. 15, 1863, aged
thirty-two.
George C. Bunker, Co. I, 35th Regt.; killed at Fredericksburg
Dec. 138, 1862, aged twenty-one.
Michael Colbert, Co. I, 35th Regt.; killed at Petersburg July
30, 1864, aged thirty. .
1863, aged twenty-eight.
Charles H. Ellis, corp. Co. I, 35th Regt.; died a prisoner of
war Feb. 27, 1864, aged thirty.
Edward E. Hatton, corp. Co. I, 35th Regt.; killed at Antietam
Sept. 17, 1862, aged twenty-two.
William Hill, 1st lieut. Co. I, 35th Regt.; killed at Fredericks-
burg Dee. 13, 1862, aged thirty.
David Phalen, Co. I, 35th Regt.; died July 30, 1863, aged
forty-eight.
Sept. 17, 1862, aged twenty.
Nathan C. Treadwell, Co. I, 35th Regt.; wounded before Rich-
mond Sept. 28, 1862; died Oct. 26, 1862, aged nineteen.
Joseph P,. White, Co. I, 35th Regt.; killed at Antietam Sept.
17, 1862, aged twenty-five.
George F. Whiting, Co. I, 35th Regt.; wounded at South
Mountain Sept. 14, 1862; died Oct. 5, 1862, aged twenty-
seveDe
|
|
|
aged twenty-nine.
Albert 0. Hammond, Co. M, 2d Cav.; died Sept. 12, 1864, aged
twenty-eight.
John E. Richardson, 4th Cay.; died a prisoner of war in 1864,
aged nineteen.
Edward Hutchins, sergt. Andrew Sharpshooters; killed at
Gettysburg July 3, 1863, aged thirty-six.
The first floor is occupied by two rooms for the
town officers, a room for the school committee, and a
small hall, besides two rooms rented for stores. The
main hall on the second floor is fifty-six by ninety feet,
with a balcony at the entrance and an ample stage
opposite, from which there is ready retirement to
four committee-rooms, all of which are accessible
from Church Street by a private entrance and stair-
ease. The hall is capable of accommodating one
thousand people. The building throughout is finished
with chestnut. In 1881, steam heating apparatus
was provided, the hall received a new floor and other
repairs, and its walls and ceilings were elaborately
decorated in colors, at a cost of $4667.53.
A fine copy of Stuart’s large portrait of Washing-
ton in Faneuil Hail, executed by Alvan Fisher, an
artist who resided many years in Dedham, and who
died in 1863, was placed in the hall by his widow.
|The copy of Stuart’s portrait of Fisher Ames was
John G. Dymond, corp. Co. I, 35th Regt.; died March 29, presented by Judge Seth Ames, and the portrait
of Lincoln was procured by subscription. The clock
was the gift of Mr. John Bullard, of New York, a
native of Dedham.
On the 29th day of September, 1868, the hall was
dedicated. The occasion was one of great interest.
The principal address was delivered by Erastus Wor-
_thington, and contained a historical account of the
Charles H. Sulkoski, Co. I, 35th Regt.; killed at Antietam | services of the Dedham soldiers during the war.
Addison Boyden was the president of the day. The
report of the building committee was briefly made by
Waldo Colburn, and the keys delivered to Ezra W.
Taft, chairman of the selectmen, who responded with
appropriate remarks. Original hymns, written by
Mrs. William J. Adams and William Everett, were
88
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
sung, and a patriotic poem delivered by Horace H.
Currier. The address and poem, with the other ex-
ercises of the day, were published by the town. Ap-
pended to these is a roll of officers and men from the
town of Dedham who served in the army or navy of
the United States during the war.
CHAP THR Scr
DEDHAM—( Continued).
Readville Annexed to Hyde Park—Dedham Public Library—
Incorporation of Norwood—Death of Rev. Dr. Babcock—
Steam Fire-Engine—Dedham Water Company—Temporary
Asylum for Discharged Female Prisoners—Oakdale—Church
of the Good Shepherd—Islington—Congregational Chureh—
New Colburn School-House—Brookdale Cemetery—Town
Seal—Conclusion.
Own the 22d day of April, 1868, the town of Hyde
Park was incorporated, including within its limits
that portion of the territory of Dedham known as
Readville.
turing village, but its proximity to the village of Hyde
Park, which had grown up quite rapidly, had served to
increase its population. During the war, the plains on
both sides of the Boston and Providence Railroad and
between Sprague Street and the New York and New
England Railroad had been used as a place of ren-
dezvous for the regiments about to depart for the
seat of war.
For many years this had been a manufac-
From the summer of 1861 to the close
of the war, these plains were almost continuously oc-
cupied by the camps of the newly-raised regiments,
and presented a warlike scene.
Park was made from the territory of Dorchester,
Dedham, and Milton. The number of acres taken
from Dedham was eight hundred and eighty-six.
The taxable valuation of Readville May 1, 1867,
was four hundred and seventy-five thousand, eight
It was estimated
that Dedham lost by the annexation of Readville to
Hyde Park, about one-tenth of its population, one-
hundred and forty-four dollars.
eleventh of its valuation, and one-twentieth of its
territory. The town appointed a committee to ap-
pear before the legislative committee and oppose the
. annexation of the whole of the territory asked for in |
the petition, but the Legislature gave substantially
all the territory the petitioners desired.
In 1871, a corporation was established by the
Legislature, under the name of the Dedham Public
Library. It is a private corporation, and the num-
But the
purposes for which it was created were to form and
ber of its members is limited to thirty.
The town of Hyde |
maintain a public library and reading-room in Ded-
ham, and the act of incorporation provides that so
long as said corporation shall allow the inhabitants
of Dedham free access to its library and reading-room,
under reasonable regulations, the town may annually
appropriate and pay to said corporation a sum not
exceeding one dollar on each of its rateable polls. It
is therefore a private corporation for the purpose of
maintaining a free public library. The corporation
was organized in November, 1871. About three
thousand volumes were transferred to it by the Ded-
ham Library Association, which had existed for some
years previously. A fair was held by the ladies, on
Feb. 22, 1871, which was very successful, and raised
for the funds of the corporation, upwards of four
Soon after, Mr. Charles Bullard
left by his will the sum of three thousand dollars,
the income to be expended in the purchase of books.
In 1876, Dr. Danforth P. Wight left by his will the
sum of one thousand dollars for the same purpose,
and in 1877, the corporation received one thousand
thousand dollars.
| dollars under the provisions of the will of Dr. George
K. Hatton. In 1882, the funds were largely increased
by a legacy of ten thousand dollars given by the
will of Mr. John Bullard, of New York, a native of
Dedham. The income of this fund is to be used in
the purchase of books, unless the corporation shall
become possessed of another like sum to be used in
the erection of a library building, in which event the
corporation may use the legacy of Mr. Bullard for
that purpose. The want of a suitable library build-
ing has long been felt by the friends of the library
corporation, and in the course of time this want will
doubtless be supplied.
the amount of nineteen thousand four hundred dol-
The corporation has funds to
lars, the income of which is appropriated to the pur-
chase of books and the cost of binding. The town
has annually appropriated a sum which is used to
meet the current expenses of the library. In 1882,
the town appropriation was eleven hundred dollars.
Books are delivered to the people at East Dedham and
West Dedham, by agents of the library corporation.
The library has increased to some extent by donations
of books, but principally by purchase from the funds
Since the organization of the
corporation, Alfred Hewins has been its president.
of the corporation.
The town of Norwood was incorporated Feb. 23,
1872.
was taken for the new town, but it was mainly con-
A small portion of the territory of Walpole
stituted from that portion of Dedham known as the
South Parish, or South Dedham. In 1872 the valu-
ation of Norwood was one million six hundred and
eighteen thousand five hundred and fifty-six dollars,
DEDHAM.
89
and the number of acres of land, six thousand two |
Probably the town of |
Dedham lost one-fifth of its valuation, and about one- |
hundred and seventy-five.
fourth of its population, by the incorporation of Nor-
wood into a separate town. In the scale of valuation
and population it was a serious loss to Dedham, and |
tended to reduce the relative standing and importance
of the town in the county.
intelligent and enterprising citizens. But the course
of events had tended to this result for many years.
The village of South Dedham was situated four miles
from Dedham village, and the railroad communication
between them had ceased over the Norfolk County
Railroad. There was but little business connection |
or community of interests between the villages. Ex-
cepting on election-days and at town-meetings, the
people of South Dedham scarcely saw their fellow-
citizens of the old parish. the
idea of a new town was entertained, and perhaps
As early as 1722,
never wholly abandoned afterwards.
sion of the movement in 1872, was a warm con-
troversy which arose respecting the establishment of
a high school in South Dedham. The people of
It also took away many |
a new one built and destroyed, and a third church of
larger proportions and of more durable materials had
been erected. Nearly all the members of his parish,
who were here in 1832, had passed away. The parish
had passed through a period of changes, in which it
had become stronger and more united. Dr. Babcock
_had attached personal friends, who were liberal bene-
But the ocea- |
that village alleged their remoteness from the high —
school at Dedham village, as a reason for its estab-
lishment. The people of the other villages opposed
the proposition mainly on the ground that there were
not a sufficient number of scholars in South Dedham,
of the proper age and qualifications, to render another
high school necessary or expedient.
had been carried in two town-meetings, but at a third
The proposition
and very large town-meeting, the proposition was de-
feated by a small majority. This was in the summer
of 1871, and the petition for the new town was pre-
sented to the next Legislature.
The town of Ded- |
ham voted not to oppose the petition, further than |
it proposed to take more territory than had been in-
_ means of extinguishing fires, naturally led to the con-
cluded in the South Parish. The separation was
made in an amicable spirit, and the two towns have
always been united in the same district for electing a |
representative to the General Court.
On the 25th day of October, 1873, the Rev. |
Samuel Brazer Babcock, D.D., the rector of St. Paul’s |
Church, died in Boston, having been stricken with |
apoplexy some days previous, while absent from home.
He had been rector of the parish for over forty years,
and it is significant of the stability of affairs in Ded-
ham village, that both the pastors of the Congrega-
tional Churches and the Episcopal rector, should |
have remained over their respective parishes for so
long a period.
was graduated at Harvard College in 1830. During
his rectorship, the old church had been taken down,
Dr. Babcock was born in 1808. He |
factors of the parish, which during his rectorship
He was a man of
genial manners, a devoted pastor, and an earnest
preacher. His health, for some years previous to his
death, had declined, but he officiated in the church
shortly before his death. He received the degree of
Doctor of Divinity from Columbia College, New
York, and from Griswold College, Iowa, in 1870.
He was buried in the churchyard, and a marble
monument was erected to his memory by two of his
friends and parishioners. His successors have been
the Rev. Daniel Goodwin, from November, 1874, to
September, 1879 ; and the Rev. Arthur M. Backus,
from January, 1880, to the present time.
In 1873, the attention of the people of the town
was called to the necessity of providing new apparatus
for the extinguishment of fires. The hand-engines
in Dedham village and at the upper village were more
than twenty years old, and were found to be quite
inadequate for the service required at a fire of any
was harmonious and prosperous.
magnitude. Upon the recommendation of a com-
mittee appointed to consider the condition of the fire
department, the town voted to purchase a steam fire-
engine, of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company,
with a hose carriage, at a cost of five thousand dol-
lars. The town also expended at the same time
about two thousand five hundred dollars in the pur-
chase of new hose. A new engine-house containing
a lock-up was erected the same year.
The discussion and investigation relative to the
sideration of the greater question of procuring a full
supply of water for domestic purposes, as well as for
the extinguishment of fires. This subject had been
talked about for some years, but no definite plan or
source of supply could be decided upon. In 1876,
however, a number of citizens obtained an act of
incorporation as the Dedham Water Company, which
gave the right to the corporation, to take water from
Charles River, or from any pond or brook in the town.
If water should be taken from Charles River, the
amount of water was limited to a million and a half
gallons daily. This corporation was organized Jan.
31, 1877, and the capital stock was afterwards fixed
at seventy-five thousand dollars. There was, how-
ever, but little public interest in the subject, but the
90
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In
organization of the corporation was maintained.
the autumn of 1880, a sum was subscribed to obtain |
the services of an engineer, to examine and report as
to the best source of supply and cost of constructing |
The engineer, Mr. Perey M. Blake, |
about Jan. 1, 1881, made a report, which was printed, |
the works.
Mr. Blake
recommended the plan of taking ground-water from
with a contoured plan of the village.
the meadows on the southerly side of Charles River, -
near Bridge Street, and to pump it through the vil-
lage to a stand-pipe to be located on Walnut Street.
About the same time several large subscriptions for
stock were obtained, and with a definite plan in
view, and with effort on the part of some of the cor-
porators, the whole amount of the capital stock was
obtained. In January, 1881, the work of construc-
tion was formally authorized by the directors of the
corporation.
direction of Percy M. Blake, engineer. The pump-
ing-engines were constructed by the Knowles Steam
Pump Works, of Warren, Mass. The water is taken
from a collecting-well, twenty-six feet in diameter and
eighteen feet deep, located between the engine-house
and Charles River.
of two independent engines, one a compound con-
densing engine, capable of raising seven hundred and
fifty thousand gallons one hundred and eighty feet
high in twenty-four hours; the other a duplex high-
pressure engine, capable of raising one million four
hundred thousand gallons two hundred and _ thirty
feet high in twenty-four hours. The iron reservoir
on Walnut Street, is one hundred and three feet in
height and twenty feet in diameter.
iron of four grades of thickness, the first twenty-
five feet from the base, being five-eighths of an
inch thick ; the second twenty-five feet, half an inch ;
the third twenty-five feet, three-eighths of an inch ;
and the remainder, five-sixteenths of an inch. The
reservoir was built by Kendall & Roberts, of Cam-
bridgeport, Mass. The service-pipes are cement-
lined pipes, and were furnished and laid by George
Goodhue, of Concord, N. H.’ The total cost of the
works, as reported by the directors, January, 1882,
was about ninety-two thousand dollars. The
crease in the expenditure over the estimated cost
was owing to the enlargement of the reservoir or
stand-pipe, and the laying of nearly ten miles of
pipe instead of seven, as provided in the original
contract.
in-
To meet this additional cost, the capital
stock of the corporation was increased to one hun-
dred thousand dollars. During the year 1883,
the service-pipes were extended in Hast Dedham.
The corporation provides about one hundred hy-
The works were constructed under the —
The pumping machinery consists |
It is built of |
| .
church, which was consecrated Nov. 2, 1876.
drants for fire service in Dedham village and Hast
Dedham, for which, with a supply for public build-
ings, the town in 1883 contracted to pay annually for
three years the sum of five thousand dollars. The
quality of the water furnished by this company is of
remarkable purity, and the supply is ample. The
introduction of water into Dedham by this corpora-
tion is the greatest work of a public nature ever
accomplished in Dedham, whether we consider its
cost, the effort required to carry it through to
completion, or the benefits it confers upon the
people of the town. The first president of the
company was Royal O. Storrs, but since his resigna-
tion in 1882, Winslow Warren has been the president.
About the year 1863, a private charitable insti-
tution was established in Dedham, under the name
of the Temporary Asylum for Discharged Female
Prisoners. It owed its origin to the personal efforts
of Miss Hannah B. Chickering, of Dedham, a lady
of high character and ability, who devoted many
years of her life to the welfare of prisoners in penal
and reformatory institutions, and who was for a time
a member of the Prison Commission of the common-
wealth. During the last ten years, the buildings,
which are located on what was formerly the farm of
Capt. Eliphalet Pond, about a mile south of the
court-house on Washington Street, have been much
enlarged and improved. The institution is supported
by the donations of a large number of its friends in
Boston and vicinity, and by an annual appropriation
from the Commonwealth.
The village of Oakdale, in Kast Dedham, was begun
about the year 1870. The land was divided into
building lots, and sold by Charles C. Sanderson to
Mr. San-
derson also erected a building containing a public
The school-house was built in 1878,
at a cost of about five thousand dollars. A mission
parties who erected the dwelling-houses.
hall and a store.
_ Sunday-school was begun here June 8, 1873, through
the interest and efforts of members of the family of
Horatio Chickering, who belonged to the Episcopal
Church.
public services of the Episcopal Church were begun
Soon after, on the 29th of the same month,
in Sanderson Hall, and for three years they were
In 1874 Mr. Chickering
purchased a lot of land for the purpose of building
He died in the spring of 1875, but he
made provision in his will for the erection of the
The
conducted by lay-readers.
a church.
architecture of this church is attractive and appro-
priate, and in it have been placed memorial windows
in memory of Mr. Chickering and his sisters, Mrs.
D. F. Adams and Miss H. B. Chickering. The Rev.
DEDHAM. 91
William F’. Cheney became the minister in charge in
August, 1876. The parish was organized May 1,
1877, under the name of the “ Church of the Good
Shepherd,” and the Rev. Mr. Cheney was chosen
rector, which office he continues to hold. The parish
was admitted into union with the convention of the |
Episcopal Church, in the diocese of Massachusetts,
in May, 1878. Besides the liberal gifts of the church |
and land by Mr. Chickering, the parish has received,
or is entitled to receive, other bequests from his
widow, the late Mrs. Lucy Lee Chickering, and from
his sisters.
Between the years 1870 and 1875, a small number
of houses was built upon lands owned and divided
, into lots by Alonzo B. Wentworth, about a mile and
a half south of the court-house on Washington Street,
and along the line of the New York and New Eng-
land Railroad.
It has a post-office and railway
|
|
|
station, and these are known by the name of Islington. ©
In 1882, a Congregational Church was gathered
here, having for its pastor the Rev. C. B. Smith, of
Medford. In the same year a small but tasteful
church was erected for this society at the junction of |
East and Washington Streets.
In 1875, a new school-house for the Colburn
School at West Dedham, with a hall on the third
floor, was built by the town at a cost of about twelve
thousand five hundred dollars. This is one of the
dollars appropriated for the purpose. The land was
purchased and proceedings taken to perfect the title to
a portion, the reversion of which belonged to Harvard
College under Statute 1877, Chapter 99. A topo-
graphical plan was made by Mr. Ernest W. Bowditch,
landscape gardener, of the whole tract. The name
The
care and control of the cemetery was given to three
given by the town was “ Brookdale Cemetery.”
commissioners appointed annually by the selectmen.
A receiving-tomb was built, a portion of the land
graded, and lots laid out. In 1880 the town set apart
a portion of the cemetery for the exclusive use of such
Roman Catholic residents of Dedham as may purchase
lots therein. The expense of improving this beauti-
ful cemetery has thus far been met by the sale of lots,
and, notwithstanding the differences of opinion which
existed respecting its purchase, the people of the town
quite generally have a feeling of pride and satisfaction
in the possession of a rural cemetery so attractive and
accessible.
It was not until April, 1878, that the town adopted
a common seal. It was then voted “that the town
hereby adopts and establishes a common seal, with
the following device, to wit: In the centre of the
foreground a shield, upon which is inscribed the rep-
resentation of an ancient oak; on the right of the
_ background, the representation of a factory building ;
best school-houses of the town, and is an example of |
the great advancement made in school architecture —
_of the border, Tor Town oF DEDHAM, and in the
during the last twenty-five years.
The necessity for a new cemetery had been appar- |
ent for many years, and in 1876 the town appointed
a committee to consider and report what action should
be taken concerning the purchase of a suitable tract.
of land for that purpose.
mittee made a report recommending the purchase of
a tract containing about forty-three and one-half
The majority of that com- |
acres, bounded by Mother Brook, Kast and Harvard |
and seal were made by Henry Mitchell, of Boston.
Streets. At the April meeting, 1877, this report
was presented and recommitted, with instructions to
obtain the prices of the lands.
meeting, held April 16th, the committee reported,
At an adjourned |
recommending the purchase of a portion of the lands. |
The town voted to adopt the recommendation by one |
At another
adjourned meeting, it was voted not to purchase said
lands, and another committee was appointed.
committee made a printed report at a meeting held
Oct. 20, 1877, but not recommending any particular
majority, and then reconsidered the vote.
That |
on the left, the implements of agriculture ; above, the
sword and scales of justice; and beneath, in a scroll,
the motto, CONTENTMENT ; in the upper semicircle
lower semicircle, PLANTATION BEGUN 1635, INcorR-
PORATED 1636; and that said common seal, when
executed, remain in the custody of the town clerk.”
This design originated with a member of the Ded-
ham Historical Society, who first submitted it to a
committee of that society appointed for the purpose,
and it having received the approval of the society, it
was presented to the town for adoption. The design
The oak upon the shield was intended to represent
the Avery oak, a well-known landmark, and one of
the original forest-trees of the town. The mill and
the implements of agriculture signify that Dedham is
both a manufacturing and an agricultural town. The
scales and sword, signify that Dedham is the seat of
| justice, where the laws are administered and executed.
The motto—ConTENTMENT—is the name first given
to the settlement. The legend in the border gives the
| date when the General Court first ordered the planta-
lot. It was then voted to purchase thirty-nine acres, |
more or less, of the lands recommended by the former
committee, and a sum not exceeding twelve thousand
tion, and also the date of the grant giving the settle-
ment the name of Dedham, which properly may be
termed its incorporation.
92
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Here this history of Dedham reaches its natural |
conclusion. In the retrospect of nearly two hundred |
and fifty years, we have endeavored to trace the |
transitions which have taken place from one period
to another.
the unnoted and gradual change which is constantly
The most impressive fact of history is
in operation. Probably there are few communities |
which have experienced less changes than the people
of Dedham since the time of its settlement. They |
have been remarkable for the stability of their char-
acter. For nearly two centuries they were mainly ©
sturdy farmers, well informed in public affairs, jealous
of encroachment upon their political rights, ready to
maintain their opinions, and unfriendly to innova-
tions. While, during the last half-century, these
characteristics have been gradually modified by
changes of occupations and a wider intercourse with |
men, still it cannot be said that the spirit which |
animated the fathers has not in some degree descended
to the children. Many of the old families have
Not
many new ones have permanently occupied their
places since the beginning of the present century.
The greatest change in the inhabitants has doubtless |
been effected by the establishment of the woolen-mills |
at Hast Dedham, where the operatives live only |
But |
numerically these constitute a considerable proportion |
|
|
entirely disappeared and are now disappearing.
for a time and then make room for others.
of the inhabitants. ‘The local business of Dedham, |
except in the woolen-mills, has substantially passed |
away. The sessions of the courts, and the transaction |
of other public business at the shire-town of the |
county, still bring people to Dedham from elsewhere.
But these come by one railway train only to leave
by the next departing train. The hotels, once the
centres of social life and gayety, have disappeared.
Dedham village is mainly a place of residence for
those whose business is in Boston. These constitute
the main body of its most valued citizens, and upon
them and upon the interest which they may take in |
its local affairs, must chiefly depend its future char- |
acter and prosperity.
Dedham has become simply a
suburban town in the immediate vicinity of the great
city of Boston. It should be the effort of its people |
to make it a desirable place of residence for all who |
may come there to live, by actively maintaining its |
churches, its schools, its public library, and other |
public institutions, its moral and social character, its |
local town government, and every undertaking made
to elevate or alleviate the condition of its people.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN BULLARD.
This branch of the Bullard family traces its an-
cestry in this country to William Bullard, who was
probably the oldest Puritan of the name who settled
in New England. He was born in 1594 and arrived
_ here in 1635, and is spoken of as ‘‘a man of charac-
ter and consideration,’ and a “distinguished Puri-
” He probably first settled in Watertown, and
subsequently became one of the planters of Dedham.
He was the fifty-third signer of her social compact,
and is found among the first to whom her lands were |
assigned, and on whom taxes were imposed. The
line of descent is as follows: William (1), Isaac (2),
William (3), Isaac (4), Isaac (5), John (6), William
(7). Isaac (2) was entered on the records of Ded-
ham in 1651, and in 1652 and 1653 was taxed
above the average of her citizens. He married Ann
Wight in 1655, and resided in Dedham. William
(3) lived upon the present Bullard homestead in
Dedham, and in 1697 married Elizabeth Avery. He
was spoken of as ‘‘ an insatiate lover of real estate,”
He owned
tan.
and carefully preserved ancient papers.
lands in Dedham, Walpole, Sutton, Upton, Sherborn
Dividends (Douglass), Natick, and Charlestown, and
was one of the great land-owners of the colony.
Isaac (4) was a coroner, and received in 1731
from his father, William, a deed of the homestead in
Dedham. He married Mary Dean in 1731-32.
Isaac (5) was born July 10, 1744, married Patience
Baker in 1766, and died June 18, 1808. He in-
_herited the ancient homestead, and erected in 1787
a house (near the site of the original one) which
gave place in 1856 to the present stone-house.
He was a man of intelligence and sterling worth,
much employed in the transaction of public business,
being often placed on important committees with his
friend and neighbor, Fisher Ames. He long served
the ancient church of Dedham as deacon, and was
for many years returned a representative to the Gen-
eral Court, and annually elected treasurer of Norfolk
County from its organization in 1793 until his death
in 1808.
John (6), whose portrait accompanies this memoir,
was born in Dedham, Jan. 9, 1773, married Lucy
Richards in 1802, and died Feb. 25, 1852. He in-
herited the Bullard mansion in Dedham, and suc-
_ ceeded his father in the regard and confidence of the
citizens of Norfolk County, manifested in his election
to the office of county treasurer on the death of his
\
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\
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DEDHAM.
93
father ; and so acceptable were his services, and so
highly was he esteemed as a man, that amidst all the
violence of religious and political feeling, and the
changes of office, he was, by the annual voice of the
county, continued in this responsible position from |
1808 to 1852, a period of forty-four years; father
and son having held the office fifty-nine years, from
the incorporation of the county to 1852.
universally esteemed, and his death was a public loss.
His children were Maria, born May 4, 1803, married |
H. F. Spear, M. D., resided in Dedham and Brook- |
lyn, N. Y., and died in 1863; John, born Jan. 2,
«1807, married Jane E. McKillup, resided in Brook-
lyn, N. Y., and died Jan. 13, 1881 ; Lewis, born Aug.
13, 1810, an iron and steel merchant in Boston, died :
April 18, 1881; and William, born April 20, 1816, |
married, in 1841, Mary R. Henderson, died Sept. 28,
1879.
He was |
facturing Company, on Milton Street, to which he
made large additions and improved machinery, and
began again the manufacture of woolens on his own
account. His success varied with the times. In
1872, owing to his advanced age and the depression
of the woolen business, he was induced to sell his mill
to Mr. Harding, and retired from business with his
fortune materially reduced.
Mr. Barrows married, early in life, Mrs. Elizabeth
Bosworth, of Halifax, Mass., by whom he had four
children, two sons and two daughters. The latter
only are living,—EHlizabeth, wife of Col. Stone, of
Dedham, and Sarah, wife of C. H. Miller, of Jamaica
Plain.
Mr. Barrows was one of the many instances of a
poor lad acquiring wealth and high social positio
through a long course of honorable toil.
John and William carried on together a successful |
business in hides and leather in New York City ;
William returned to Dedham in 1856, and thereafter |
took an active interest in its banking institutions and |
in the improvement of the town. To his efforts, with
those of others, it is indebted for the ‘“ Memorial
Hall” and the upper or “ cart” bridge.
William only of this generation had children, who
are Wm. M., born Jan. 13, 1842; John R., born
March 3, 1846; Lewis H., born Dec. 21, 1848, and
Mary, born Feb. 18, 1855.
THOMAS BARROWS.
Mr. Barrows was born in Middleboro’, Plymouth
Co., in the year 1795. In his youth he lived at
home, assisting his father in the cultivation of his
farm until 1812, when he entered a cotton-mill as an
operative, where he continued for two years. From
there he went to Wrentham, in this county, where
REV. SAMUEL BRAZER BABCOCK, D.D.
Samuel Brazer Babcock was the son of Mr. Samuel
Howe Babcock, and was born in Boston, Sept. 17,
A.D. 1807. His early education was commenced at
the academy in Milton, but afterwards completed in
the English High School in Boston. He was a mem-
_ ber of the first class of 1821, and officiated as chap-
| . . 5 =
lain at the semi-centennial celebration.
He pursued
_ his classical studies at Claremont, N. H., under the
| Rev. James B. Howe, the father of the present Bishop
of South Carolina.
|
he engaged in the same capacity for a time, from >
whence he was called back to his native town to take
the superintendence of the mill in which he first
commenced his labors.
until his removal to Dedham, in 1825, to act as
agent of Benjamin Bussey and George H. Kuhn, in
the manufacture of broadcloths. In 1842 the
mills passed into the hands of Mr. Edmunds. In
1847, Gardner Colby became a partner with EKd-
munds, Mr. Barrows continuing his position as agent
up to 1864, when he retired, and the mills were sold
to the Merchants’ Woolen Company. Soon after Mr.
Here he remained five years, —
and then took charge of a mill in Halifax, Mass., |
He entered Harvard University in 1826, and grad-
uated in 1830. He pursued his theological studies
at first under the Rey. Alonzo Potter, then the rector
of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Boston, and after-
ward completed the same in the Episcopal Theologi-
cal Seminary at Cambridge, Mass. In 1832 he was
ordained a deacon by Bishop Griswold. During that
year he first came to reside in Dedham. On the 9th
day of October of the same year he was married to
Miss Emmeline Foxcroft, the daughter of Mr. Fran-
cis Augustus Foxcroft, of Boston. She was a woman
of refined taste and excellent judgment, and proved to
be a true and valuable helper to him through his long
and arduous ministry, not only in domestic and social
life, but also in the discharge of his parish duties.
By her kindness of heart and gentleness of manner,
and her many charitable ministrations to the desti-
tute and afflicted, she well deserved the epitaph in-
scribed upon the monument under the shadow of tho
church she so much loved,—‘ When the ear heard
| her then it blessed her, and when the eye saw her it
Barrows purchased the mill of the Norfolk Manu- | gave witness to her, because she delivered the poor
94
that cried, the fatherless, and those who had none to |
help them.” |
In 1833 he was advanced to the priesthood, and
appears in the Convention as minister of St. Paul’s |
Church, Dedham, but does not report himself as |
rector until the Convention of 1834. In principle he |
was a stanch churchman, but he was truly catholie in |
spirit.
liness of manner made him eminently successful in
In his pul-
pit ministrations he did not present the gospel truths |
His habitual cheerfulness of spirit and kind-
his visitations to the sick and sorrowful.
in forms of gloom. He taught no hopeless reproba-_
tion of the sinner.
of his guilt, he also pointed out a sure way of escape
through the redemption of Jesus Christ.
in the holy Scriptures as the word of God, and accept- |
If he showed him the enormity
Believing |
ing the creed of the church as its sure warranty, he |
With the whole |
sincerity of his nature he himself rested, and he |
indulged in no vain speculations.
taught his people to rest, in the grand simplicity of |
the truth as it is in Jesus.
In 1833, when he first took full charge of the |
parish, all its affairs were in a most unpromising
condition. ‘The old church building itself hardly
presented decent accommodations for the proper
celebration of divine service. The parishioners were |
few in number, and had not been accustomed to de- |
vote much of their worldly wealth towards the support
of the church; in fact, everything, both temporal
and spiritual, had fallen into a most lamentable
condition, and to all human appearance everything |
looked dark and discouraging. But he, by his |
cheerful disposition and his patient and untiring |
energy, gradually taught his people to hope for
better things. Under his wise management his |
parish increased in stability and influence year by |
year. This growth continued to increase till in 1845 |
he induced his old parishioners, and many new ones |
who had become members during his ministry, to—
make liberal subscriptions for the erection of a new |
church, and with the valuable aid which he obtained |
from churchmen outside of his own parish he suc-
ceeded in raising sufficient funds to build a new and
beautiful church, costing over seven thousand dollars.
By the contributions of friends and the timely aid of
the faithful women of his parish the church was duly
It was consecrated Jan. 15, 1846. He |
now seemed to have reached the result for which he |
furnished.
had prayed and labored for so many years, and his
heart was satisfied.
For upwards of ten years afterward the temporal |
and spiritual interests of his parish were in a pros-
perous condition, and he lived and labored joyously
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
among his beloved people. But this prosperity was
not permitted to continue. He was soon to meet a
new and severe trial of his faith.
On acold Sunday morning in December, 1856, the
beautiful church he so much loved suddenly disap-
peared in flames.
But the faithful servant of God did not yield to
discouragement. On that same Sunday morning,
while the flames were consuming the church, he
celebrated, in another place temporarily prepared for
the purpose, the holy communion, to strengthen the
souls and encourage the hearts of his sorrowful
parishioners.
When the time for action arrived he was ready,
heart and hand, to aid in raising means for rebuilding
the sanctuary. He was always full of hope, and he
By his
own faith and zeal, and the energy and liberality of
never doubted the success of the enterprise.
his parishioners, the sorrow for the loss of the former
church was soon changed to joy.
In its place there arose a new fire-proof stone
This church,
when the tower was finished and the spire erected in
1869, cost over thirty thousand dollars.
consecrated June 17, A.p. 1858.
After this time, during the remainder of his min-
istry, his life seemed to be almost entirely free from
trouble and anxiety.
church of much larger dimensions.
It was duly
Sometimes the indications of failing health admon-
ished him of the necessity of temporary relief from
his pastoral labors, but the interests of his church
continued to flourish, and he enjoyed the strong and
undivided affection of his people. He had calls to
other fields of labor, but he chose rather to remain
in the parish he so much loved, and among the people
with whom he had so long dwelt.
attachment to this, his only parish, that he was never
So great was his
willing to spend his vacation where he could not
readily answer any call for his pastoral services.
Thus he continued to grow in the love and rever-
ence of his own people, and the high estimation of
all who knew him.
His influence was by no means confined to the
He did much for the
He
was for a long time an active and influential member
limits ,of his own parish.
educational interests of the town of Dedham.
of the school committee, and was chairman of the
board when the high school was established.
He was the most active and influential agent in
establishing the parishes at Wrentham and Hyde
Park, and devoted much time and labor towards the
accomplishment of the work.
He was four years secretary of the Diocesan Board
=~
a
DEDHAM.
95
of Missions; nineteen years he was treasurer of the
ing Committee from 1868 to 1873, the time of his
death. He was specially interested in the Society for
the Relief of Aged and Indigent Clergymen of the
Diocese, and spared no efforts to enforce upon church-
men the claims of this excellent charity.
He was for many years a member of the General
Board of Missions from Massachusetts, and twice a
delegate to the General Convention.
In 1870 he received the degree of Doctor of
Divinity from Columbia College, New York, and the
same year the same degree from Griswold College,
Towa.
Three years afterward, on a pleasant autumnal
Monday morning, he went into the city, apparently
in his usual health, to attend a meeting of the clergy, ©
and, while drafting a resolution, he was suddenly
seized by an attack of apoplexy, from the effects of
which he died in Boston, Oct. 25, a.p. 1873.
His remains were brought to Dedham, and in the
succeeding week, in the presence of his family rela-
tives and his many friends, were quietly laid to rest
where he had always desired to be—under the shadow
of his own church, and near the grave of the sainted —
Griswold.
Thus ended the comparatively long and useful life
of one who was distinguished, not as a sensational or
popular preacher, but as an earnest, devoted Christian
minister, who was found faithful even unto death,
and who now inherits the unfading crown of an
endless life.
REV. EBENEZER BURGESS, D.D.
BY REV. A. C. THOMPSON.
Thomas Burgess and Dorothy, his wife, of Pilgrim —
memory, who arrived at Salem, Mass., about the year |
1630, afterwards removed within the limits of Ply-
of the church formed at Sandwich in 1638. Thomas
Burgess was a prominent man in that place, becoming
a large landholder, filling various offices, being in his
| the ninth of eleven children, and was born in Ware-
Diocesan Convention, and was president of the Stand-—
ham, April 1,1790. The homestead which descended
from Ebenezer of the third generation still belongs
to the family, as is also the case with the patriarchal
estate of the Pilgrim Thomas, in Sandwich. The
| parents of Dr. Burgess, no less than remoter ancestors,
possessed to a marked degree the better traits and
habits of early New England, as regards piety, indus-
try, thrift, and public spirit. At the home in Ware-
ham influences were peculiarly suited to the cultiva-
tion of reverence, truthfulness, self-restraint, energy,
and methodical ways. Domestic worship, morning
and evening, was a truly hallowed season, and the
Sabbath, strictly kept, was a day of elevated religious
enjoyment. At eighteen years of age (April 24,
1808) Dr. Burgess publicly expressed the hope that
he had been savingly renewed, made profession of
faith in Christ, and entered into fellowship with the
church of his fathers.
His fifteenth year found him master of a grammar
school in his native town; and entering Brown Uni-
versity a year in advance, he graduated (1809) with
honor. Though among the younger members, he
was inferior to none of them in propriety of conduct,
diligence in study, or extent of attainments,’ and was
by all regarded as among the very first in the class
for scholarship. Immediately upon graduation he
was chosen principal of the University Grammar
School. From the year 1811 to 1815 he was a tutor
in the college. After spending some time in theolog-
ical study with Dr. Emmons, at Franklin, he entered
the Middle Class of the Andover Theological Semi-
nary, and graduated in 1815. His only surviving
classmate, the Rev. Herman Halsey, now (1884)
ninety-one years of age, writes with his own hand:
‘‘In scholarship he was accounted the leading mem-
ber of his class; his character as a Christian was of
the higher type; as a man, modest and dignified, as
| a companion, amiable, unpretending, courteous, gen-
mouth Colony, and were among the original members |
later years called Goodman Burgess, and dying in |
1685, at the age of eighty-two. His descendants
are scattered throughout the country from Maine to
California. In some branches of the family the name
has been gradually changed into Burghess, Burges,
Burgis, Borgis, Burge, and Bure.
The Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, who belonged to the
sixth generation from the forenamed Thomas, was the
son of Prince Burgess and Martha Crowell.
He was |
s, g
erous.”’
Having completed his studies at Andover, he became
Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in
the University of Vermont.
reorganization of the University. It had been closed,
That was the period of
_and the buildings had been occupied by our genera]
number at the present time several thousands, and |
government during the war of 1812-15 with Great
Britain.
diverted to itself the current of students; political
A rival institution had, in the mean time,
_ intrigues hindered resuscitation ; and after two years
of waiting for prosperity which did not return till
some time later, Dr. Burgess was the more ready to
1 MS. letter of the late Rev. Jacob Ide, D.D., a classmate.
96
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
yield to solicitations that he would enter upon a special |
service in behalf of the American Colonization Society. |
Samuel J. Mills, who had become an agent of that
society, was requested to enlist some one as an asso-
ciate in visiting Sierra Leone and other parts of the
West African coast, with a view to selecting a site for
a colony of free blacks from the United States. —
“ Will you go, Brother Burgess?” wrote Mills in |
1817. We go.
to make free men of slaves. We go to lay the foun-
“ Oan we engage in a nobler effort ?
dation of a free and independent empire on the coast |
of poor degraded Africa. Your knowledge of the |
Spanish language may enable you to perform most |
important services. The information you have already
obtained on the subject under consideration qualifies —
you to be eminently useful on the mission.” While
at Andover he had been deeply interested in behalf of |
the colored race, and a series of articles from his pen
had appeared in the newspapers of Boston, and other |
articles elsewhere.
He accepted the proposal. The
two men received their commissions, and sailed from |
Philadelphia, Nov. 17, 1817. The voyage was mem-
orable for a very signal deliverance. During a terrific
storm the captain ordered the masts to be cut away. |
The ship drifted helplessly toward a ledge of rocks
which extended both ways as far as the eye could
reach, and on which the sea was dashing furiously. |
““ We are gone for this world !” exclaimed the captain.
Dr. Burgess went on deck, where the crew, in con-
sternation and expecting death momentarily, gathered |
round him, and he commended them to the mercy of |
Almighty God.
at the same time engaged in earnest prayer. The ship |
Fellow-passengers in the cabin were
on coming within a few rods of the rocks was caught
by a strong current, carried into deeper water, and
borne along nearly parallel with the reef. She rounded
the western extremity, just grazing on a shoal of sand,
and was safe. All exclaimed, “It is the work of
God!”
Arriving in London, the two commissioners pre- |
sented their letters to Zachary Macaulay (father of |
the late Lord Macaulay), previously Governor of |
Sierra Leone, and to the Rev. Messrs. Pratt and |
Bickersteth, secretaries of the Church Missionary |
Society. William Wilberforce also received them
cordially, and introduced them to Lords Bathurst and |
Gambier, preparatory to their introduction to His |
Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, who was |
president of the African Institution.
The required information having been obtained, |
and other preparations made, they embarked for
Africa Feb. 2, 1818.
brought them to their destination, where letters from |
A voyage of seven weeks |
Lord Bathurst, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to
the Governor and other officers at Sierra Leone, secured
for them civilities and assistance. The two agents
having made needed exploration of the coast for more
than two hundred miles, and held intercourse with
native chiefs, embarked May 22d on their homeward
voyage. Within less than a month Mills died of
a pulmonary disease, and was buried in the ocean.
Returning by way of England, Dr. Burgess arrived
home Oct. 22,1818. The report of the exploration
served materially to concentrate the thought and en-
courage the anticipations of those who were friendly
to African colonization. He was requested to super-
intend the establishment of that colony which became
the Republic of Liberia; but his health was impaired ;
the effects of an African malarial fever were still upon
him, and he had other duties in view. His interest,
however, in the cause of colonization remained with-
out abatement, and in 1827 the managers “ Resolved,
That the thanks of this society be presented to the
Rev. Mr. Burgess for his continued exertions in the
When in 1839 the constitu-
tion was so altered as to admit directors for life, on
the payment of one thousand dollars, he became one.
cause of this society.”
In 1843 he was chosen a vice-president of the Massa-
chusetts Colonization Society, and the year following
its president, in place of Hon. William B. Banister,
deceased; but he declined on the ground that the
office should be filled only by a layman. A town in
Liberia was named Millsburgh, in token of combined
respect for the two explorers.
Some months in the winter and spring of 1819-20,
Dr. Burgess spent in study with the Rev. Dr. Edward
- Dorr Griffin, at Newark, N. J., but on the last Sabbath
of July in the last-named year he commenced supply-
ing the pulpit of the First Church in Dedham. This
church, the fourteenth in the order of seniority among
churches organized in New England, was instituted
Nov. 8, 1638.
pastors, five of whom died in office, and one, then
There had been a succession of six
living, the Rev. Joshua Bates, D.D., had, early in
1818, become the president of Middlebury College.
In the autumn of that year the parish, having called
a minister in opposition to the voice of a majority of
the church, the latter, by a decision of the Supreme
Court, lost its records and other property. A new
house of worship, however, was ready for dedication
at the close of 1819, and Dr. Burgess was installed
| pastor March 14, 1821.
During the forty years of his active ministry in
Dedham he commanded, with great uniformity, the
respect of his fellow-citizens, and the unwavering
confidence and deferential affection of his parishioners.
DEDHAM.
97
In the pulpit he was always noticeably reverent, and
there, as well as elsewhere, his devotional exercises
were characterized by appropriateness, variety, and
freshness.
arrangement, a practical aim, and well-considered, in-
structive material.
His sermons never failed to have a lucid
Mere speculation and imaginative
flights were quite foreign to his ideas of what is best
suited to the wants of a congregation, needing, as
every congregation does, to be built up in a firm and
intelligent apprehension of the great truths and duties
of the evangelical system. Theologically he differed
but little from Jonathan Edwards. Among the Scrip-
ture doctrines uniformly inculcated, and always im-
plied in his discourses, were the native depravity of |
the human heart, the consequent need of regenerating |
grace, the duty of immediate repentance and faith in
the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is God
manifest in the flesh. The days of the Assembly’s
Catechism were not then numbered, and in that the
young were faithfully taught. Neighborhood prayer-
meetings were not unfrequently held; and for years a
week-day service, with preaching, was maintained at
Mill village. Distance, darkness, inclemency of
weather never detained him from any official ap-
pointment. Indeed, his habits of punctuality, prompt- |
ness, and general fidelity were of a marked order.
In pastoral labor the poor, the sick, and afflicted |
always received tender and faithful ministrations, and, |
where there was special need, were often thought-
The
young of the congregation, whether in the Sunday-
school or not, had a large place in his heart ; and in
fully remembered in the way of temporal aid.
the form of little books or otherwise, they often |
received proofs of his affectionate thoughtfulness.
Dr. Burgess took great pains to improve the service
of song in the house of the Lord by his encourage-
ment of singing-schools year after year.
Secular education in the public schools enlisted his
interest.
duce into New England the infant school with some-
what of the kindergarten element. The first tem-
perance gathering in Dedham was upon his invita-
tion, which resulted in a town temperance society
duly organized. He was also the first in the place to
suggest an institution for savings, became the first
president of the same (May, 1831), and continued
He was the first, so far as is known, to intro- |
in office till his death. Perhaps no savings-bank in |
the State has been more wisely and faithfully admin-
istered. In the year 1826, Dr. Burgess built at his
own expense a spacious vestry to the new meeting-
house.’ During his active ministry there was scarcely |
1 Worthington’s ‘ History of Dedham,” p. 125.
7
a Congregational Church formed, or a house of wor-
ship built in the vicinity, to which he did not con-
tribute personal and pecuniary assistance. In sup-
| plying the families of Norfolk County with the Bible
He held office in various
local benevolent societies, and an active membership
he took a prominent part.
in several that were national. It would not be easy
to reckon up the number of boxes containing useful
and valuable articles that went from his house for the
aid and comfort of home missionaries at the West.
When the fortieth year of his pastorate and the
seventieth of his life were completed (1861), Dr.
Burgess resigned official responsibilities and salary.
At the outset of his ministry the average Sabbath
congregation was about one hundred. In the church
of eighty resident members there was, at that time,
Growth, however, steady,
healthful, and substantial, took place.
not one young man.
Five or more
seasons of marked religious interest occurred. One
of these was in the year after his ordination, when
fifty-two members were added to the church ; another
in 1827, the fruits of which were seventy-three such
additions; yet another in 1832, when sixty-seven
heads of families made public confession of faith
in Christ. No professional evangelist was employed
| by him; the occasional services of earnest and judi-
cious ministers were welcomed. Upon his demission
of pastoral duties the membership of the church
| numbered two hundred and fifty-three, all but six of
whom had been received in the course of his min-
istry. During the same period nearly an equal num-
ber (two hundred and thirty-two) had left to consti-
tute or to strengthen other churches, the Spring
Street Church in West Roxbury being a colony from
that in Dedham.
six hundred and twenty-four, of whom one hundred
The whole number admitted was
and forty were removed by death, while the obituary
list of the society amounted to between five and-six
hundred. Two hundred and seventy-five marriages
were solemnized, and three hundred and ninety-five
children baptized.
When Dr. Burgess became a pastor annual minis-
As time
advanced it became his practice to take a journey, at
considerable intervals, with his family, visiting the
Middle or Western States, or Canada. One voyage
with an invalid brother-in-law, Mr. Edward Phillips,
was undertaken in the summer of 1826, and in 1846
—47, accompanied by his family, he made a tour in
Europe, which embraced, besides the countries usually
visited by Americans, two or three which were then
less frequently resorted to, Russia and Sweden, a trip
down the Danube to Constantinople, a visit to Greece,
terial vacations had not come in vogue.
98
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. Sketches, to a limited | now seems to be fast becoming a lost art, was gener-
extent, of the trip, which involyed an absence of
fifteen months, appeared in the form of letters to the
Puritan Recorder.
As a general thing Dr. Burgess refrained from
frequent contributions to the periodical press, and
such contributions, when made, were almost invaria-
bly anonymous. For similar reasons, partly from
native modesty and self-distrust, partly from a fixed
purpose to allow nothing to interfere with professional
duties, he refrained from authorship. He had schol-
arly tastes, was more or less acquainted with the
French, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic; was familiar
with the Hebrew, as well as the Greek and Latin;
he had clearly defined opinions regarding the topics
of the day ; he used the pen daily and with much
ease; and yet he shunned the enticement and the
publicity of ordinary book-making. With rare ex-
ceptions he declined, when requested, to give sermons
into the printer’s hands. Only a few were published,
as
“A Sermon preached before the Auxiliary Educa-
tion Society of Norfolk County,” 1825.
‘Wareham Sixty Years Since:” a discourse deliv-
ered at Wareham, May 19, 1861.
‘Our Fathers Honorable and Useful to Posterity :”
a Centennial Discourse delivered in Dedham, Nov. 8,
1838. This was the closing sermon in the volume
entitled “The Dedham Pulpit,” pp. 517, which Dr.
Burgess edited in 1840.
A sketch of the Rev. Samuel John Mills, Jr.,
from his pen is found in Sprague’s “ Annals of the
American Pulpit” (1849), vol. ii. pp. 569-72.
In 1865 appeared the ‘“ Burgess Genealogy,” a
volume of 212 pages.
Asa minister of the gospel, ‘This one thine I do,” |
CD ) oD )
was his motto; hence he declined the presidency of
Middlebury College, which was offered him not long
Other offers of eligible positions
It was a settled purpose with
after his ordination.
were also declined.
him not to allow his name to stand in any connection
implying responsibility without endeavoring faithfully |
This led him to |
to meet the demands of the place.
resign as trustee of the Andover Theological Seminary,
when his tour of 1846-47 would occasion an absence
from at least two meetings of that body.
Whatever a man’s public character may be, the |
home test is, after all, the chief test. In his domestic
life and relations Dr. Burgess was peculiarly happy. |
May 22, 1823, he married Abigail Bromfield, a daugh-
ter of Lieutenant-Governor William Phillips, who
became a helpmeet, with warm sympathy in all his
Hospitality, which
religious interests and labors.
_ hearty welcome.
ously exercised at their house. Not only parishioners,
but numberless other persons found a uniform and
For more than twoscore years it
was a ministers’ home, a frequent place for their rest
and Home and foreign missionaries
found an asylum there. Distinguished visitors from
a distance were often guests.
A more affectionate father, wisely indulgent, yet
tenderly vigilant and firm, it would be hard to find.
The early conversion of his children and their relig-
ious culture were evidently his chief aim. The tes-
timony of many who were well acquainted—having
been inmates of the family for months, and some of
them even for years—is that as head of the house-
hold Dr. Burgess was most exemplary, prudent, sym-
pathizing, noticeably thoughtful of the comfort and
welfare of all, domestics included. One who spent
three years in the family, a person of high culture,
keen discernment, and connected with a different
denomination, has said, deliberately, ‘‘ He was the best
refreshment.
man I ever knew.”
In stature Dr. Burgess was above the average
height, erect, and finely proportioned. The first im-
pression made upon a stranger would be that of dig-
nity and gravity. One acquaintance used to pronounce
him “ the last of the Puritans.” For the Puritans and
Pilgrims he entertained a profound filial respect. His
native county had a large place in his heart. On vis-
iting Plymouth, holding his first-born child in a large
willow basket, he set the little fellow on Pilgrim Rock,
and, raising his hands towards heaven, engaged in
silent prayer.
Dr. Burgess’ manners were in some measure old-
time manners, with a touch of primitive New England
stateliness. But it required no long acquaintance to
discover a genuine benignity, a pervasive kindliness.
No harsh judgments would escape from him ; no loss
of temper would ever be witnessed ; no social or pro-
fessional indiscretions would be detected. The clerical
office was sure to be respected in the man. Hgotism
had no place ; for ostentation he cherished a deep dis-
like. Regularity, personal neatness, and temperance
in meats and drinks were characteristics. His three
thousand manuscript sermons are models of unblem-
ished orderliness ; not a blot and scarcely an erasure
could be found on them.
In all later years Dr. Burgess enjoyed excellent
health, which was due in part, no doubt, to well-regu-
lated exercise in superintending and cultivating his
farm on the banks of Charles River. To human ap-
pearance there was every reason to suppose that in
longevity he might even surpass his ancestors. In
34A-C ATATWL ee OM
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.
DEDHAM. 99
March, 1870, however, at eighty years of age, he met
with an injury which undermined his strength, and
which induced or aggravated a fatal complaint. Only
a few times could he appear at worship on the Lord’s
Day. Suffering became extreme, but it was borne with
Christian heroism till December 7th, when, joyfully
trusting in Him who is the resurrection and the life,
he entered into rest. Underneath his name on a
monument in the cemetery are these words,—
““ Whose faith follow.”
ALVAN LAMSON.
Alvan Lamson was born at Weston, Mass., Nov.
18,1792. The genealogy of the family does not
seem to be very well known. John Lamson, the
great-grandfather of Alvan, is believed to have gone
from Reading to Weston, and is supposed to have
been the son of Joseph Lamson, of Charlestown, or
Joseph Lamson, of Cambridge,—the name Joseph
Lamson appearing in both places. Joseph Lamson,
of Cambridge, was the son of Barnabas Lamson (or
Lamsonn, as he wrote his name), of Cambridge.
John Lamson, of Weston, the grandfather of Alvan,
was born in 1724, married Elizabeth Weston, of
Lincoln, and died in 1785.
John Lamson, the father of Alvan, was born in
Weston, in 1760. He married Hannah Ayers, of
Needham, Oct. 17, 1790, and died Sept. 3, 1833.
He was a farmer, owning the land he cultivated.
Alvan Lamson worked on his father’s farm till he |
left home for the academy at Andover. He early
showed a love of reading and study, being marked at
the district school as exemplary in conduct and rank-
ing high among his schoolmates.
he looked forward to studying for the ministry. |
After attending the district school and being for some
time under the instruction of Dr. Kendall, the clergy-
man at Weston, he went to Phillips Academy, And
over, where he completed his preparatory studies, and
in 1810 entered Harvard College.
His class—the class of 1814—contained several
who stood high in after-life, among others, James
Walker, who became professor and president of the
college; Pliny Merrick, who was judge of the Su-
preme Court of Massachusetts; and William H.
Prescott, the historian.
his classmates in the beginning, and maintained it to
the end. In college, as at the academy, he depended
largely on his own exertions for his support.
For two years after graduating he was a tutor in
He took a high rank among
When still young |
Bowdoin College. He then entered the Divinity
School at Cambridge, appearing in the catalogue as
a member of the first class which graduated from the
school (in 1817).
In 1818 he was invited to become the pastor of
the First Church and Parish in Dedham, and, after
some hesitation, accepted the invitation.
It was a time of change in religious societies.
Differences of opinion and belief had become de-
cided and sometimes irreconcilable, many old parishes
were divided and new ones formed. There was dis-
agreement in the Dedham Church and Parish as in
others. A considerable majority—two-thirds, or
more—of the parish sympathized with what was
called the Liberal, or Unitarian belief, the larger
number of the most active members of the church
being more favorable to what has been known as the
Orthodox faith. The invitation to Dr. Lamson was
given by the parish without the concurrence or
approval of the church, though a majority of the
members of the church finally acquiesced in the
action of the parish. Hence arose a controversy
which was prolonged and bitter. The parish, and,
in its turn, the church, summoned a council, and the
conflict led to legal proceedings, the final decision of
the Supreme Court’ being that the parish and the
portion of the church which remained with it still
continued to be the First Church and Parish, re-
taining all their rights and property. The members
of the church and parish who were not satisfied with
the consequences of this decision withdrew and
_ formed a new association, the church thus consti-
tuted being now known as the “Orthodox,” or ‘ Allin
Congregational Church.”
After his settlement Dr. Lamson devoted himself
to his parish and to literary pursuits. His life was
earnest and laborious, but, like most lives given to
study and the quiet performance of duty, it affords
little on which the writer of a brief memoir may
enlarge or which will arrest the attention of a casual
He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from his college in 1837, and acquired a high repu-
He at-
tended carefully to his pastoral duties, performing
them with his best strength and ability.
He fully appreciated the importance of good
schools, and gave much time and labor to the care
and improvement of the public schools of the town,
being an active member of the school committee for
a number of years, and diligently attending to some
of its most troublesome and important duties.
reader.
tation as a preacher, writer, and scholar.
1 Baker vs. Fales, Mass. Rep., vol. xvi. p. 488.
100
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
His health was never robust, and at times was
quite feeble, and his work often brought weariness,
nervousness, and discouragement,—uncomfortable
days, and nights with little sleep. About middle |
life he was attacked by a serious illness, which, be-
sides its effect on his general health, produced a_
paralysis of certain muscles, and which perplexed and
baffled his physician. He suffered from this for
several years, but was finally relieved by vigorous
treatment at the hot sulphur springs of Virginia.
During his absence there the cause of his illness was
almost accidentally discovered. It arose from the
use of water impregnated with lead. This water was
brought from a spring on “ Federal Hill,’”’ through
logs, to two reservoirs in the village, and thence dis-
tributed by lead pipes. It was supposed to have
caused several cases of severe illness and some deaths.
This visit to Virginia in pursuit of health, and a
trip to Europe of a few months in 1853, were prob-
ably his most extended absences from home after his |
settlement. Living thus in Dedham, which during
the earlier part of his residence was a somewhat
secluded village, he came to feel a strong attachment
to the place and his people, and a deep interest in all
that concerned them, and these feelings continued to
the end of his life.
Dr. Lamson had a strong literary taste.
a high estimation of the Greek and Latin classical
writers and the standard English and American
authors, and was well versed in general literature.
He was a ready though not a hasty writer. His
simple—had force and
style—always pure and
beauty, and his writings won the warm praise of his
contemporaries, who were most capable of judging of
them.
the examining committee in Rhetoric, during the
professorship of Edward T. Channing, in Harvard
College.
He wrote many articles in the Christian Examiner,
of which, with Rey. E.S. Gannett, he was editor from
January, 1844, to May, 1849. He published a
volume of sermons in 1857, and a number of occa-
sional sermons and addresses, including “ A History
He had |
He was for a number of years a member of |
culture, pomology, and arboriculture.
of the First Three Centuries.” He spent much time
on this work after its first publication, and a revised
_and enlarged edition of it was issued in 1865, after
his decease, under the supervision of Professor Ezra
Abbot. He was familiar with the history and doc-
trines of New England Congregationalism, and was
summoned as a witness in a case in the New Hamp-
‘shire Court,’ which depended on the meaning of the
term ‘ Congregational.” He was also selected to
write the article on Unitarianism, in Rupp’s “ History
of all the Religious Denominations in the United
| States.”
Dr. Lamson was very fond of country life, thought
much of his garden, and took great interest in agri-
He was a
member of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, and de-
livered the annual address before it in 1857.
His personal character was of much simplicity. He
was conscientious,—sometimes more than conscien-
tious,—scrupulously honest and honorable in his
dealings, always anxious to avoid violating the rights
of others, and often ready to sacrifice his own. But
he was not wanting in judgment and sagacity. He
was exact in the performance of all which he regarded
as duty, desiring to leave nothing undone which
properly belonged to him to do, but was generally in-
dulgent in his judgment of others. He was no
ascetic, and was never inclined to condemn a reason-
able indulgence in the amusements of life. In his
hours of leisure he enjoyed social intercourse, though
a natural reserve and sensitiveness, and his studious
habits, prevented him from seeking it as constantly as
many do, and gave him the appearance of caring less
| for it than he really did.
His connection with his parish continued till Oct.
29, 1860,—forty-two years from the time of his
settlement,—when his resignation, offered a little
while before, took effect. After his retirement he
still retained a lively interest in the affairs of the
_ parish, taking part in the instruction of the Sunday-
of the First Church and Parish in Dedham, in three |
Discourses,” delivered Nov. 29 and Dee. 2,
1838. |
He was fond of historical and antiquarian researches, |
was a member of the Massachusetts Historical So-
ciety, and one of the original members of the Dedham
Historical Society.
He was especially interested in the history of the
early church, and in the works of the early Christian |
writers,—the Fathers, as they are often called.
1860 he published a volume entitled “The Church
In |
|
|
school, and holding himself ready to aid his successor
and his people whenever his assistance was desired.
He married, in 1825, Frances Fidelia Ward,
daughter of Artemus Ward, who was a long time
chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He
died July 18, 1864, of paralysis, of which he had
1 Attorney-General vs. Dublin, New Hampshire Rep., vol.
xxxviii. p. 459. Dr. Lamson testified fully for the defendant in
this case, but the court, in their decision, held that such evi-
dence was not admissible, and that the meaning of the word
Congregational should be determined by the court as a question
of law, reference being made to historical works and other
works of authority.
GQ/¥2 ay
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DEDHAM.
101
had a slight attack the preceding year,—an attack so
slight that its true character was hardly recognized
at the time.
The following is a list of the publications of Dr.
Lamson :
Sermons, 12mo, pp. 424. 1857.
The Church of the First Three Centuries; or,
Notices of the Lives and Opinions of some of the
Karly Fathers, with special reference to the Doctrine
of the Trinity: illustrating its late origin and gradual
formation. S8vo, pp. 352. 1860.
Second edition of the same, revised and enlarged ;
edited by Ezra Abbot. 8vo, pp. 410. 1865.
An edition of this work, with additional notes by
Henry lIerson, was published by the British and
Foreign Unitarian Association. London. 1875.
Pamphlets.—Sermon on the Adaptation of Chris-
tianity. 1825.
Remarks on the Genius and Writings of Soame
Jenyns, and on the Internal Evidences of Christianity.
1826.
Sermon preached at the Ordination of Rev. Charles
C. Sewall, at Danvers. 1827.
Discourse at the Dedication of Bethlehem Chapel,
Augusta, Me. 1827.
Discourse on the Validity of Congregational Ordi-
nation (Dudleian Lecture), 1834.
Sermon on the Sin against the Holy Ghost. 1835.
A History of the First Church and Parish in
Dedham, in three Discourses, delivered Nov. 29 and
Dec. 2, 1838. Published in 1839.
A Discourse delivered on the day of the National |
Fast, on occasion of the death of President Harrison.
1841.
Congregationalism. A Discourse delivered before
the Massachusetts Convention of Congregational
Ministers. 1846.
The Memory of John Robinson. A Discourse de-
livered at Dedham, Sunday, Dec. 21, 1851.
Impressions of Men and Things Abroad. <A Ser-
mon preached at Dedham, Sept. 11, 1853, after
an absence of some months in Europe.
Agricultural Life in some of its Intellectual |
Aspects. An Address delivered before the Norfolk
Agricultural Society, Sept. 30, 1857.
A Sermon preached Oct. 31, 1858, the Sunday
after the Fortieth Anniversary of his Ordination.
A Discourse preached Oct. 28, 1860, on Resign-
ing the Pastoral Charge of the First Church and
Parish in Dedham, after a Ministry of Forty-two
Years.
Funeral Sermons.—On Ebenezer Fisher, Jr. 1847.
On Mrs. Mary Dean. 1851.
{
On Rev. John White. 1852.
On John Endicott. 1857.
On Hon. James Richardson. 1858.
Tracts (Unitarian).—On the Doctrine of Two
Natures in Jesus Christ. First Series, No. 20. (Re-
printed in England. )
On the Foundation of our Confidence in the
Saviour. First Series, No. 89. (Reprint of Sermon
at Ordination of C. C. Sewall.)
On Earnestness in Religion. First Series, No. 188.
What is Unitarianism? First Series, No. 202.
(Reprint, after revision, of the article on ‘“ Unitarian
Congregationalists,’ in Rupp’s “ History of all the
Religious Denominations in the United States.”’)
IRA CLEVELAND.
Ira Cleveland was born in the town of Hopkinton,
Middlesex Co., Mass., Feb. 1, 1802. When four
years old he moved with his father, Ira Cleveland, to
a farm in Milford, Worcester County, and was occu-
| pied in attending school and in assisting his father
in agricultural pursuits until he entered college. He
prepared at a private academy in Mendon, entered
Brown University in September, 1821, and graduated
in 1825 valedictorian of his class. Soon after leaving
his Alma Mater he began to study law at Marlboro’,
Mass., and in 1828 came to Dedham and entered
the office of the Hon. Horace Mann, where he was
| engaged in attending law lectures and preparing for
admission to the bar. During the December term of
the Court of Common Pleas, in 1829, he was duly
admitted as an attorney-at-law, and in the usual
course a counsellor in that and the Supreme Judicial
Court. The ten years which followed were given ex-
clusively to his law practice, which by his industry
and wisdom increased until he received a goodly share
of the business of the county, and held a satisfactory
position as an advocate. He always had a high re-
gard for the justice and equity of the several legal
tribunals and the integrity of their officers, but at the
same time he was never disposed to favor litigation,
and in most eases advised his clients to adjust their
disputes by private agreement, rather than have re-
course to an expensive and extended process by law.
Mr. Cleveland, in 1840, was connected with the
| Dedham and Norfolk County Mutual Insurance Com-
panies, and became so much engaged with the prosecu-
tion of this business that he gradually withdrew from
the bar. He was also appointed public administrator,
which office he held forty-two years. At the present
writing, although in his eighty-second year, he is ac-
102
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
tively engaged with the above-named corporations, as
president of one and treasurer of both.
In the spring of 1837, Mr. Cleveland married Miss
Frances M. Whitney, daughter of Major T. P.
Whitney, of Wrentham. His wedded life was brief:
He buried his wife and infant daughter in the year
following. In his intense bereavement he found a
deeply sympathizing friend in the Rev. Dr. Babcock,
rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was
affectionately taken into his family and provided with
a home, where he remained until it was broken by |
death, a period of forty-three years. He now resides
in the family of the present rector, the Rev. Arthur
M. Backus.
Mr. Cleveland, soon after coming to Dedham, in- |
terested himself and others in beautifying the streets
and squares of the village.
were planted in various quarters, and the village
Many ornamental trees
cemetery changed from a dilapidated condition to one
of order and attractiveness.
St. Paul's Church.
church in 1838. The same year he was elected |
warden and a delegate to the Diocesan Convention of
Massachusetts, and has acted constantly in these >
His gifts to the |
He was |
capacities until the present time.
parish have been generous and frequent.
well preserved. His life has been unostentatious, yet
Intensity of
purpose and persevering devotion are his prevailing
These, with his benevolence and
generosity, will make him ever to be venerated, and
his name one which his friends and associates will
ever delight to honor.
not devoid of strength and earnestness.
characteristics.
JOSEPH W. CLARK.
Elder John White, the ancestor of Joseph W.
Clark on his mother’s side, was one of the first set-
tlers of Cambridge, of Hartford, and of Hadley, Mass.
He was a passenger in the ship ‘“ Lyon,” which sailed
from England June 22, 1632. She brought one
hundred and twenty-three passengers, thirty-three
adult males, including John White. The General
Court had assigned the town of Cambridge—then
called Newtowne—for their settlement, together with
His more excellent labors have been in behalf of |
He became a member of the |
actively engaged in forwarding the execution of the |
va cow-yard. Gore Hall, the beautiful library building
church building which was constructed in 1845,
costing seven thousand dollars.
was burned, his efficient help enabled the parish to
build the present beautiful stone edifice, at an expense
of over thirty thousand dollars. The sum donated
by him to assist in these two cases was greater than
thirteen thousand dollars. He was largely instru-
mental in erecting the costly monument to the memory
After this church |
|
of the late Bishop Griswold which stands on the |
north side of the church; and, together with Joseph
W. Clarke, Esq., placed the beautiful testimonial in
marble, which stands near it, to the memory of his
cherished friend and rector, Rev. Samuel B. Babcock.
In 1881 he added to his constantly increasing bene- |
factions the gift of a chime of ten bells, the largest
weighing three thousand and fifty pounds, at a cost
of over five thousand dollars.
In 1882 the gratitude
of the parish was called for again through the offer |
to decorate the interior of the church at an expense
of more than three thousand dollars. The acceptance
of this gift enabled him to fulfill his heart’s desire, |
and to make glorious that object upon which his affec-
tion was set, viz., the House of God.
Mr. Cleveland, although weighted with the burdens |
of over fourscore years, is wonderfully active and
the company of Rev. Thomas Hooker, who had ar-
rived a short time before and made a temporary settle-
ment at Braintree. Here John White found his first
home in this Western world. His home-lot, with his
dwelling-house, was on a street called Cow-Yard Row.
This home-lot with about thirty acres farming land
was early allotted to him, and in August, 1633, the
town granted him three-fourths of an acre more for
of Harvard University, probably now graces this cow-
yard.
The location and quantity of his ailotments indicate
that in his contributions to the common stock he was
in a middle place, neither among the wealthier nor
poorer class.
In February, 1635, the town made its first election
of a board of seven men “to do the business of the —
They were then called Townsmen or
selectmen. John White was one of the number
Soon after the Rev. Mr. Hooker and his
people began to feel straitened in their accommo-
dations, and determined to look out for a new home.
They selected the valley of the Connecticut, and
having obtained the reluctant consent of the govern-
ment of Massachusetts, in June, 1636, the main body
of the company effected their removal.
Trumbull, the historian, says in his graphic narra-
tive, “About a hundred men, women, and children
traveled more than one hundred miles through a
tedious and tractless wilderness to Hartford. They
had no guide but their compass over mountains and
whole town.”
chosen.
rivers, through swamps and thickets, with no covering
but the heavens; they drove one hundred and sixty
|
.
DEDHAM. 103
head of cattle and subsisted on the milk of the cows.
Mrs. Hooker was borne on a litter through the wil-
derness.” In the records of Hartford, John White
appears as one of the original one hundred proprietors.
His home-lot was on what is now Governor Street ;
only eighteen of the original had a larger share than
his. Here he was chosen one of the board of |
‘‘ Orderers,” as the selectmen were called. Little is
known of his private life except that he was a frugal
and industrious farmer, careful in securing for his |
children a good education.
Dissensions soon arose in the church between the
minister and Elder Goodwin, and it was determined
by the elder and his following to found a new colony.
On the 18th of April, 1659, sixty persons signed an
agreement to remove to Hadley. John White’s name
being fifth on the list, indicates that he was one of |
the leaders in this important step.
of Hadley says, “This plantation by the engagers |
did on the 9th of November, chuse by vote six per-
sons (John White being one of them) to order all
publick occasions that conscerns the good of the plan-
The margin of the
record calls this the first choice of “‘ Townsmen.”
Thus were laid the foundations of Hadley,—the
frontier settlement of that day,—looking out towards
the northwest, north, northeast, and east on the
tation for the yeare ensuing.”
3 é |
boundless forest and its savage Indian occupants.
John White’s share in the common enterprise was |
one hundred and fifty pounds, the highest share
being represented by two hundred pounds.
once took an active part in the affairs of the town,
and was sent a number of times as deputy or rep- |
resentative to the General Court at Boston. As evi-
dence of his good report among the brethren, he was one
of the “ messengers” from Hadley when the church |
at Northampton was gathered, in the year 1661.
After 1670 his name does not appear in the records,
he having returned to Hartford. A new church was
formed there, and he was chosen elder in it. The
home of twenty-three years of the vigor of his life |
retained a strong hold on his affections, and it needed
only the attraction of a church formed after his idea
of a perfect Scripture model to win him back to his
early home.
and in the winter of 1683-84 he rested from his
labors.
His good sense and sound judgment are attested |
by the nature of the services his fellow-citizens sought _
from him.
which he lived received his aid in management of its
prudential affairs.
The capacity to discharge the duties of a townsman -
The town record |
He at |
His life was prolonged to a good old age, |
Each of the three important towns in
: i
as well as those of representative to the colonial
Legislature was in that day an indispensable pre-
requisite to the appointment. The office of ruling
elder in the church, which he held during the last
ten or twelve years of his life, was one of great in-
fluence and importance; it was designed to relieve
the pastor of a considerable part of the responsibility
attending the government and discipline of the
church. It required a grave and discreet man, one
who had earned a good report of those without and
within the church. Such a one in all respects fur-
nished for his work was our John White.
To be the descendant of one whose qualifications
' caused him to be galled to these various duties in the
church and in the State, and who has discharged
them well, is a matter of just pride.
His descendants should abundantly honor the an-
cestor in whose footsteps they may so safely walk.
Joseph W. Clark was born in Easthampton, Mass.,
Sept. 16, 1810. He was the seventh generation
in descent from ‘the Most Worshipful William
Clarke, Esq.” (as the record has it), who died in
| Northampton, July 19, 1690, aged eighty-one. He
was born in England in 1609, and sailed from
Plymouth with his family in 1630, in the ship “ Mary
and John,” for Boston, a few weeks before that dis-
tinguished company of fifteen hundred, headed by
John Winthrop, afterwards Governor, in a fleet of
_ thirteen vessels, from the Isle of Wight for Salem.
| He settled first with the Dorchester colony, where he
remained till 1659, when he was induced to join the
Northampton colony, which was made up in good
part by his companions on the voyage from England,
particularly his lifelong friend, Elder John Strong.
These two worthies were perhaps equally con-
spicuous in stamping their unbending Puritan princi-
| ples upon this frontier colony. Two years later, viz.,
in 1661, at the organization of a train-band or militia
company of sixty men, the number being incomplete,
'and not large enough to entitle them to a captain,
William Clarke was chosen the highest officer, viz.,
“]ieutenant,’’—at that time considered a most impor-
tant position, securing to him ever after the dis-
tinguishing title of Lieut. Clarke.
He held other important positions,—as representa-
tive to the General Court at Boston, and for more than
He was one of
twenty years one of the selectmen.
the judges of the County Court, held alternately at
Northampton and Springfield. He was mentioned,
moreover, as one of the seven pillars on which, with
the first minister, the church there was originally
constituted.
The descendants of this godly man number many
104
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
thousands, some of whom, even of the ninth genera-
tion, are active to-day in the affairs of church and
state in most of the States of the Union.
He settled on a twelve-acre lot on what is now
Elm Street, there being no street till long afterwards.
The President Seelye place is part of this lot, and
through the long period of over two hundred and
twenty years some part of these twelve acres has con-
tinued in possession of Lieut. William’s descendants. |
In point of longevity and rapid increase, this is prob- |
ably the most remarkable family ever reared in the
town.
The record shows that the sixth child of Lieut.
William had eleven children; one died in early life,
three lived to be above seventy, three above eighty,
and four above ninety. Of these, six were sons, and
each lived with the wife of his youth more than fifty
years. Governor Caleb Strong says they were all
living within his memory, all were respectable, and
in good circumstances.
One of the sons, Lieut. |
Ebenezer, who lived near the President Seelye place, |
attained the age of ninety-nine. At his death, in
1781, there had sprung from the original pair, as _
stated by President Dwight, of Yale College, eleven
hundred and forty-five persons, of whom nine hundred
and sixty were then living. When it is remembered
that all this relates simply to one of Lieut. William’s
sons, viz., Deacon John and his posterity, some faint
idea may be formed as to the multitude of his de-
scendants, which it is estimated would number not
less than thirty thousand. His tomb and monument
may be seen in the old cemetery at Northampton.
Asahel Clarke, the fifth in descent from Lieut.
William, was born Feb. 17, 1737, was a lieutenant
of St. Mark’s Church, New York City.
in the Revolutionary army, and died in Hasthampton, |
He married
They had twelve
on his eighty-fifth birthday, in 1822.
Submit Clapp, who died in 1818.
children. The sixth son, Bohan, was born in 1772,
and died at Cambridge in 1846.
ley. She died in Romeo, Mich., October, 1868.
They had four sons and two daughters.
He married, in |
1802, Polly White (J. W. Clark's mother), of Had- |
| Edward Sturgis Grew.
live in Boston.
When Joseph was eight years old his father re- |
_ of the Dedham and Hyde Park Gas Company some
moved to Northampton, having bought the mill
property on Mill River with the homestead on South |
Street.
mon-school education till 1825, when he went to |
Here he had only the advantages of a com- |
Providence to live with his brother, Enoch White, |
who had established a banking-house there as a |
branch of the eminent firm of S. & M. Allen & |
Co., of Philadelphia and New York, who had also |
similar branches in many of the Southern and West-
ern cities. In 1829, before he was twenty years old,
he was admitted as partner with his brother in the
new firm of EK. W. Clark & Bro. A few years later
the concern established itself in Boston, and in 1836
E. W. Clark removed to Philadelphia and founded
the house of E. W. Clark & Co., which is continued
to-day by the children of the two succeeding gen-
erations, and enjoys deservedly a high position there.
Joseph W. remained in Boston, under the style of
J. W. Clark & Co. From these two parent houses
in Philadelphia and Boston sprang HE. W. Clark,
Dodge & Co., of New York; E. W. Clark & Bros.,
of St. Louis; Clark’s Exchange Bank, of Springfield,
Ill.; and KE. W. Clark, Brothers & Farnum, of New
Orleans.
In 1834 he married Eleanor Arnold Jackson,
daughter of Nathan W. Jackson, of Providence, R. I.
The first seven years of married life they lived in
Boston, and three children were born there, viz.: Ran-
dolph Marshall, Agnes White, and Eleanor Jackson.
In 1840 he bought a beautiful residence on Blue Hill,
in Milton, where three children were born,—Mary
Frances, Annie Crawford, and Susan Goodman. Five
years later he removed to Dedham, and since that time
—thirty-nine years ago—he has lived there. Here
Carrie Ward, the youngest child, was born. She died
in Boston in 1872. Randolph Marshall married, in
1863, Mary Vinton, daughter of Rev. A. H. Vinton,
He died
Sept. 11, 1872, in Dedham, leaving two daughters,
who, with their mother, live in Boston. Agnes White
married, in 1859, Charles Van Brunt, of Dedham, son
of Commodore Van Brunt, of the United States navy.
Mary Frances married, in 1863, Dr. Courtland Hop-
pin, of Providence, R. I. He died in 1876, leaving
Annie Crawford married, in 1867,
They have four children and
three children.
He is partner in the commission
house of Lawrence & Co., successors to the eminent
firm of the last generation of A. & A. Lawrence &
Co. Susan Goodman married, in 1867, Gustav Stell-
wag, a German merchant, who lives in New York.
In Dedham Mr. Clark took an active interest in
all local improvements. He was the chief promoter
thirty years ago, and has for many years been presi-
dent of the corporation. More recently the people
are indebted to Mr. Clark, with two or three enter-
prising citizens, for perhaps the greatest boon that
has ever been conferred upon the town, the water-
works, giving an ample supply of pure spring water
for all domestic and fire purposes. But for his pecu-
niary aid and influence it is not probable that this
~ would have been accomplished perhaps for many
DEDHAM.
105
years. From his earliest residence in town he has
been intimately identified with St. Paul’s Episcopal
Parish, under the rectorship of his early and constant
friend, Rev. Samuel B. Babcock, D.D. He was for
many years junior warden, with his friend Ira Cleve-
land as senior. He was a liberal contributor in all
the departments of church and parish work. He
was frequently chosen delegate to the diocesan con-
vention.
Soon after the treaty with the Indians, by which
the upper peninsula of Michigan was ceded to the
United States when the vast wealth of the mineral
deposits began to be known and appreciated, he be-
came greatly interested in these lands, and has since |
that time been identified with the wonderful devel-
opment of that region which has added so vastly to
the national wealth, and has become one of the lead-
ing sources of copper supply for the world, while this
wilderness of ice and snow has been converted into a
vigorous and thrifty commonwealth, with schools and
churches, and the accompaniments of civilization as
found in the Eastern States. He was one of the
original proprietors of the land which made up the
Calumet and Hecla mines when they were entered at |
one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre under the land |
department of the United States government. This
is probably the richest copper-mining property ever
developed in the annals of mining. The present valua-
tion is about twenty-five million dollars, while an equal
_agift of ten thousand dollars as a memorial to his
son, who was for many years greatly interested in
its beneficent work. This fund is known as the
“Randolph Marshall Clark Memorial Fund.” He
is one of the board of trustees of donations to the
Protestant Episcopal Church, and has been for forty-
five years. He has traveled quite extensively at home
and abroad, has made ten voyages across the Atlantic,
made an extended tour through Norway and Sweden
and Continental Europe. From Stockholm he crossed
the Baltic through Finland to Petersburg and Mos-
cow to Novgorod, at the head of navigation on the
Volga; then down that river and the Don by the Sea
of Azof and the Straits of Kertch into the Black Sea,
visiting Sevastopol, Balaklava, and the intensely in-
teresting fields of the great strife of France and Eng-
land against Russia in 1854-55, returning, via Odessa
and Galatz, up the Danube through Hungary and
Austria. He also visited Cuba soon after the bloody
termination of the Lopez expedition, having for its
object the invasion and revolution of that island.
The sudden death of Randolph Marshall was a
severe shock to his father, and made him nearly for-
But he
soon resumed the management of his affairs, which
since his protracted absence in Europe he had almost
wholly placed in his son’s hands by unlimited power of
get his interests in matters of daily life.
attorney. His early education was under the eye of
amount has been divided in money to the shareholders, |
ageregating little less than fifty million dollars.
is president of the St. Mary’s Canal Mineral Land
Company. This was the largest land company in the
United States up to the time when the enormous sub-
sidies for railroad building began to work. This grant
was for seven hundred and fifty thousand acres from
the United States government to the State of Michigan
for the purpose of building a canal round the Falls
He |
of St. Mary’s at the outlet of Lake Superior, and its |
completion opened to the world the vast commerce
of that inland ocean.
Now, since the Northern Pa- |
cific Railroad is extended to Puget Sound and the |
Pacific Ocean, the mind can hardly grasp the magni-
tude of the interests involved. He is president of the
Osceola Consolidated Mines, a legitimate and conser- |
vative company, which has been successfully worked
some ten years, and in the past seven years has paid
regular dividends aggregating about one million dollars
to the shareholders. For more than forty years he
has been one of the managers and treasurer of the
‘“¢ Episcopal Clerical Fund,” a chartered society for
the relief of aged and indigent clergymen, and a
liberal contributor to its funds. In 1881 he made
his pastor, Dr. Babcock, of Dedham; then he went
to Churchill's military school, at Sing Sing, N. Y.,
where he prepared for Harvard University. He
graduated with honor in the class of 1855. Then
he spent some years in travel and study, and entered
into mercantile life as treasurer of a factory in which
his father was largely interested. The church of his
choice in which he was reared carried the affections
and convictions of his manhood. He was a devout
churchman.
On breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in the
Massachusetts First Cavalry as lieutenant, and went to
South Carolina, where he served in the region about
Hilton Head and Beaufort. He saw some hard
service there. Then ordered North, he served on the
lower Potomac, and the campaign culminated for him
in the hard-fought battle at Antietam. He was pro-
moted to captain in the Massachusetts Second Cavalry
Regiment, but was soon after cnvalided by the surgeon
of his regiment without his consent, or even his
knowledge, and returned to his home with broken
health. Disease contracted here probably cost him
his life.
He was thoroughly educated,—accomplished in
French and German. He traveled much, crossed
106
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the Atlantic twelve times, spent a winter in Dresden, |
made a journey through Norway and Sweden, visited
Russia twice, and had exceptional facilities for ob- |
His |
servation which he did not fail to improve.
occasional letters to the press, over the signature of
“ Dolphus,” were extensively copied through the
country. “ Moscow and Central
Russia” was received with marked favor.
His lecture on
The exceptional relations of companionship and
trust which always existed with his father were re- |
markably tender and touching.
The following tribute to his worth is most appro-
priate and expressive :
“Minirary OrpER Loyant Leaion, UNITED STATES.
“ HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF
“ MASSACHUSETTS.
“ Boston, October 3, 1873.
“At astated meeting of this Commandery, held at the Parker
House, School Street, on Wednesday evening, October 1, 1873,
the following report of a committee to draft resolutions relative
to the decease of Companion Captain Randolph M, Clark,
late First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers Cavalry, was |
adopted :
* REPORT.
“Companion Captain Randolph Marshall Clark, died at his |
_ mained in this connection thirty years.
“An earnest, upright man, strong in his convictions and |
boyhood’s home, at Dedham, Massachusetts, September 11, 1873.
conscientious in his expression of them,—he united with a cul-
tivated mind sound judgment and thoroughness,—independence
of thought and fearlessness of action,—kindliness of heart and
tenderness of sympathy,—governed always by principles of
right and justice,—a trusted friend,—a good soldier,—a valued
citizen,—a true man,
“ Resolved, That by his death is stricken from the list of
living companionship and added to the increasing roll of our
fallen comrades,—who rest in peace,—another name, which
shall be guarded in memory with tenderness.
“ Resolved, That we deeply deplore the death of our com-
panion in the midst of his usefulness, and realize the loss we
are called to mourn,
“ Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to that
home circle in which he was so loved.
EZRA W.
Ezra W. Taft, son of Frederick and Abigail Wood
Taft, was born in Uxbridge, Mass., Aug. 26, 1800.
TAFT.
| Early in life he commenced that business activity
“ Resolved, That the recorder be instructed to transmit a |
copy of these resolutions to the afflicted family of our deceased
companion, and that this declaration of our remembrance be
entered upon the records of this Commandery.
“ARNOLD A. RAND,
“Col. UsiS. VOls:,
“ Greorce N. Macy,
“ Brevet Maj.-Gen. U.S. Vols.,
“Francis A. Osporn,
wp
|
t Committee.
|
srevet Brig.-Gen. U.S. Vols., J
[Extract from the Minutes. ]
“CHARLES DEVENS, Jr.,
“Bvt. Major-Gen. U. S. Vols., Commander.
“Jas. B. Beii, Recorder.”
_ three years as overseer.
out through the country to be woven.
which has since been characteristic of the man. He
came to Dedham in 1815 and went to work with
Frederick A. Taft, who started the Dedham Manu-
facturing Company. He remained here most of the
time until 1820. In that year, then only twenty
years of age, he went to the neighboring town of
Walpole, where he hired a little mill and made forty
thousand yards of negro-cloth for the Southern trade.
_In 1823 he went to Dover, N. H., and assisted in
starting the Cocheco Mill, now one of the largest
cotton-mills in New England, where he remained
In 1826 he returned to
Dedham and took the agency of the Dedham Manu-
facturing Company, which position he retained six
years. In 1832, Mr. Taft severed his connection
with this company and assumed the agency of the
Norfolk Manufacturing Company at Hast Dedham,
where he built the stone mill now standing, and re-
At the time
Mr. Taft first identified himself with the manufactur-
ing business all yarn was spun at the mills and sent
From this
crude beginning he has lived to witness the develop-
| ment of the business until a modern woolen-mill is
one of the wonders of the nineteenth century.
In 1864, Mr. Taft retired from manufacturing,
_and since that time has devoted himself almost con-
| tinuously to the business of the town.
For more
than thirty years he was a member of the school
committee, and for thirty-one years a director of the
Dedham Bank, and since 1875 has been its presi-
dent. He has been connected with the Dedham In-
stitution for Savings since its organization, and is one
of the investment committee at the present time.
He has also been a member of the old Norfolk In-
_surance Company since its organization, and is a
director in the Dedham Mutual Insurance Company.
He was for fourteen successive years one of the se-
'lectmen of the town, during twelve of which he was
chairman of the board. He also represented Dedham
four years in the Legislature, besides filling many
other positions of honor and trust. No citizen of
_the town of Dedham has been so continuously con-
nected with bank and town business as Mr. Taft,
who lives to enjoy the fruition of a successful busi-
| ness. career.
Mr. Taft’s grandfather, Samuel Taft, lived to be
over eighty years of age, and had twenty-two chil-
—.
>
DEDHAM.
107
dren. He was a noted hotel-keeper in Uxbridge
during the Revolution, and had the honor of enter-
taining Gen. Washington and staff on their journey
north. A pleasing incident is related in this con-
nection. Washington was so much pleased with Mr.
Taft’s two daughters that he sent them each a hand-
some dress as evidence of his gratitude for their kind- |
which the town has much reason to be proud.
ness and attention to him during his sojourn.
Frederick Taft, father of the subject of this notice, |
was a very active public man in Worcester County.
He was surveyor for all the southern portions of the
county, and for twenty years was deputy sheriff. “He
lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven, and his
wife, Abigail Wood, reached the age of ninety years.
Mr. Taft is a member of the Orthodox Church,
and a Republican in politics. He has ever labored
zealously to advance the interests of the town, whether |
material, religious, or educational, all finding in him
an earnest advocate, ever ready to take the laboring
oar in all good works.
Sept. 8, 1830, Mr. Taft united in marriage with
Lendamine Draper, eldest daughter of Calvin Guild,
of Dedham, and their family consists of six children,
all of whom were present at Mr. and Mrs. Taft’s
golden wedding, which was celebrated Sept. 8, 1880.
CARLOS SLAFTER.
Well may the name and worth of Carlos Slafter
have honorable mention in the history of Dedham,
for to him, perhaps more than to all others, is the
town indebted for the prosperity of the high school
and for the measure of usefulness to which it has
attained. This school was founded in 1851, and in
1852 Mr. Slafter became its principal, and has re-
mained in that capacity to the present time, a period
of over thirty years. He watched with untiring zeal
over its struggling infancy, and, as its hold on the |
community grew firmer and its usefulness broader,
his watchful interest kept even pace with its benefi-
cent development.
instituted measures for its progressive advantage.
At an early day he arranged a course of study for |
three years, and soon after for four years; and, with
various modifications demanded by the advance in»
educational ideas, the four years’ course has been
continued. The sons and daughters of his earliest
pupils have been graduated, some for college and
some for normal schools, and many for business pur-
suits. Mr. Slafter has been a careful observer of the
progress and improvements in teaching, and has aimed
to keep abreast of the times. He has found great
He has constantly suggested and |
| cester Co, Mass., May 12, 1813.
sources of enjoyment in his calling, and yet has not
been so absorbed in it as to lose interest in the affairs
of the community in which he lives.
The Dedham Library Association was formed at
his suggestion, and to his energy and untiring de-
votion is largely due the foundation of the public
library, an institution of great public benefit, and of
From early manhood, almost boyhood, Mr. Slafter
has been an educational instructor. He is son of
Sylvester and Mary Slafter, and was born in Thet-
ford, Vt., July 21, 1825. The district school fur-
nished his early means of education, and after a full
term of study at Thetford Academy, at the age of
sixteen years and a few months, he began to teach
in the town of Fairlee, Vt.
taught winter schools in the town of Lyme, N. H.
Dividing his time between work on the farm and
study at the academy, he entered Dartmouth College
in the summer of 1845. By teaching winters he
obtained the chief means of completing his college
studies, and was graduated in 1849. At the close
of his college course he decided to devote himself to
the teacher's calling, although fully aware that it did
For several years he
not offer pecuniary rewards to satisfy the most
ambitious minds.
The two years after graduation he spent in Ded-
ham, chiefly in teaching, but for several months he
read law in the office of Ira Cleveland, Esq. In
1851 he became principal of the high school in
Framingham, Mass., but at the close of the year he
was recalled to Dedham, where the years of his active
life have been spent.
In May, 1865, Mr. Slafter was ordained a deacon
in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was chap-
lain several years for the Dedham jail and house of
correction, but, finding clerical duties combined
with teaching too burdensome, for several years he
has wholly relinquished the former.
In 1858 he married Rebecca, daughter of William
and Rebecca (Dagget) Ballard, and their family con-
sists of a son and daughter,—Theodore Shorey and
Annie Rebecea,—the former an artist, educated in
the Royal Academy of Munich, and is now in Bos-
ton, and the latter, having spent three years in the
Massachusetts Normal Art School, is now a teacher
of art in the Westfield Normal School, at Westfield,
Mass.
ELIPHALET STONE.
Eliphalet Stone was born in Hubbardston, Wor-
At the age of
six years he was left fatherless, and his family being
108
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
in very moderate circumstances he was adopted by a
relative. Though he was ambitious to acquire an
education, his early advantages were extremely
limited, being such as farmers’ boys received forty —
years ago in the district school.
active business of life at an early age, and in 1833
settled in Dedham, since which time he has been
largely engaged in the baking and grocery business,
real estate and building, and for many years was the
leading auctioneer in that part of the county, and
what is a little unusual with so many “irons in the
fire,’ he succeeded in all. He has been especially
active in building residences in the east village, and
has labored earnestly to advance the interests of this
part of the town, and has lived to see it develop from
an insignificant portion of the town to its present
prosperous condition.
Mr. Stone from early youth has manifested a lively
interest in agriculture and horticultural pursuits, and |
| July 21, 1784, and died July 8, 1833.
has written many valuable papers on fruit culture.
Col. Stone, as he is familiarly called, has been
honored by his fellow-citizens with many positions of |
trust and responsibility, and for four years repre-
sented the town of Dedham in the legislature, viz.,
He entered into the |
ing land in Taunton in 1637, and married Marjorie
Turner, of Taunton, in 1638. The line of descent is
1861, 62, °63,’69. This was during the dark days of |
the Rebellion, and it is but simply justice to Col.
Stone to add, that during the war no person was
more interested in the welfare of our soldiers than
he, and that he even sacrificed his business interests |
to visit the soldiers upon the field, and made arrange- |
ments for their comfort, and also interested himself |
Be-
in making suitable provision for their families.
nevolence is one of his leading characteristics, and |
| Susan Dresser, of Dedham, a native of Lunenburg,
no one was ever turned empty-handed from his door.
Although now past the scriptural age of three- |
. . |
score and ten, he apparently retains all the vigor and |
elasticity of youth, and is a specimen of the good-
natured, whole-souled, careless man, whose greatness
hangs lightly upon him. He has a prodigious amount
of power, which he carries, apparently, with the ut-
most indifference and unconcern to himself. He is a
fine specimen of the gentleman of the old school.
With much dignity and courtesy in his manners, he
is strictly honorable, frank in his address, a keen
EBENEZER PAUL.
The subject of this sketch traces his ancestry in
this country to Richard Paul, one of the first settlers
of Taunton, Mass., who is first mentioned as purchas-
as follows: Richard, Samuel, Samuel, Samuel, Eb-
enezer, Samuel, Ebenezer. Samuel, the great-grand-
father of Ebenezer, came to Dedham in 1719, and
settled in a portion of the town which is now known
as Hyde Park, bordering on the Neponset River,
where five generations of the name subsequently lived
from 1719 to 1867,—one hundred and forty-eight
years. (A portion of this farm was occupied by the
government during the war of the Rebellion, and was
known as the “ Readville Camp-Grounds.”) His son,
Ebenezer Paul, was born June 16, 1738, and died
Aug. 20, 1803. Samuel, son of Kbenezer, was born
Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch, was born in
that part of Dedham now known as Hyde Park, Nov.
26, 1819.
lowed agricultural pursuits through life.
He was reared as a farmer, and has fol-
He has
given his time and attention to his favorite calling,
and is ranked among the progressive agriculturists
of the town. He is a worthy citizen and a man of
sterling integrity. In 1867, after its occupancy by the
government, he sold the Paul farm and purchased the
Deacon Samuel Fales estate in Dedham, where he
Politically, he is a Republican, and a
member of the Orthodox Cougregational Church.
April 15, 1847, Mr. Paul united in marriage with
now resides.
Mass. They have had six children, five of whom
are living, viz.: Henry M., born June 25, 1851;
| Edward C., born Oct. 10, 1853; Isaac F., born Nov.
| 26, 1856; Ebenezer T., born Dec. 6, 1858; Susan
observer of men, emphatic in the expression of his |
views, and is justly held in high esteem by the people |
to Japan to open the chair of astronomy at the Im-
of Dedham.
He is a Republican in polities.
Oct. 10, 1839, he united in marriage with Eliza- |
beth, daughter of the late Thomas Barrows, a notice
of whom may be seen on a previous page of this
work.
/ in the fall of 1883.
F., born May 24, 1861, died Oct. 12, 1862; Martha
D,, born Nov. 1, 1865.
Henry M. graduated from Dartmouth College in
1873, and from Thayer School of Civil Engineering
in 1875. He then went to Washington as assistant
professor of astronomy in the United States Naval
Observatory. He married Augusta A. Gray, of
Washington, Aug. 27,1878. In 1880 he was called
perial University of Tokio, which position he held
till his return to his former position in Washington
He has one son, Carroll Paul,
born in Tokio, Japan, May 6, 1882. Edward C.
resides in Dedham, and is assistant cashier of the
Dedham Institution for Savings. He married Jo-
DEDHAM.
sephine M. Prince, of Dedham, Oct. 12, 1881.
Isaac F. graduated from Dartmouth College in 1878,
was admitted to the bar in 1882, and is now a prac-
ticing lawyer in the city of Boston, where he resides. |
He married Ida L. Batcheller, of Fitzwilliam, N. H.,
March 22, 1883. Ebenezer T. resides on the home-
stead. He married Marietta Taylor, of Wakefield, |
Mass., Nov. 7, 1882. Martha D. is at home with
her parents, not having yet completed her education.
CHAUNCEY C. CHURCHILL.
Chauncey C. Churchill, son of William L. and
Eliza Lamphear Churchill, was born in West Fairlee,
Vt., Sept. 26,1815. Like many of the leading men
of to-day at the bar, among the clergy, and in busi-
ness circles, he was reared on a farm, received the
advantages of the common and high schools, and
subsequently engaged in teaching.
mean time working on a farm during the fall and
summer seasons.
In 1839 he went to Salisbury, Mass., as an em-
ployé in the Salisbury Mills, where he remained until
1842. He then came to Dedham, and entered the
employ of what is now the Merchants’ Woolen Com-
pany’s Mills, remaining thirteen years, until 1855.
His business capacity, integrity, and usefulness |
as a citizen had won for him the confidence and
esteem of the people of Norfolk County, and in 1855
he was elected to the responsible and honorable
office of county treasurer, and has been successively
re-elected to the present time, a period of nearly
thirty years.
In 1864 he was appointed deputy collector of in-
ternal revenue, and served five years. He was also
a member of the Dedham school committee for nine
years, commencing in 1871. Although not a com-
municant of any ecclesiastical body, he is an active |
member of the Allin Evangelical Society, in Ded-
ham, and has been its collector and treasurer for |
a number of years.
June 7, 1842, he united in marriage with Peme-
lia Sabin, daughter of Deacon Benajah Sabin, of |
Salisbury, Mass., and their family consists of two
children, a son, Chauncey 8., and a daughter, Isa-
dore Maria, wife of Charles H. Leeland, of Dedham. |
Mr. Churchill’s long and honorable public service
has won him hosts of friends, and he is justly re- |
garded as one of Dedham’s most esteemed and
honored citizens; all movements looking to the
welfare of his adopted town have found in him an
earnest advocate.
During four)
winters he engaged in this laudable vocation, in the ©
109
GEORGE A. SOUTHGATE, M.D.
Dr. George A. Southgate dates his ancestry in this
country to Richard Southgate, who came from Eng-
land in 1714, the line of descent being as follows:
Richard, Richard, Isaac, Samuel, Samuel, George A.
In 1718-19 the latter, with his family, consisting
of wife and five children, accompanied by his brother
|
|
|
|
John, joined a company who moved from Boston and
vicinity to Strawberrry Hill, in Worcester County,
and organized the town now known as Leicester.
The elder Richard Southgate was the first treasurer
of the town and a large landholder, receiving from
| the original grant seven hundred and forty acres of
‘land. He was a civil engineer, and did much in
making and laying out lots in the town. The lon-
Richard died in
Leicester, aged eighty-four, and his son Richard also
died in Leicester, aged eighty-four.
Isaac, son of the second Richard, also lived and died
in Leicester at the age of eighty-one; and Samuel,
son of Isaac, lived and died in Leicester, in 1859,
aged eighty-one; and Samuel, father of the subject of
this sketch, died in Dedham in 1877, aged seventy
years.
Dr. Southgate’s mother was Charlotte Warren Ful-
ler, daughter of Charlotte Warren. His maternal
ereat-grandmother was Hlizabeth Wheeler, and his
creat-great-grandmother Mary Belcher Bass Hen-
| gevity of the family is remarkable.
shaw, whose father was Joseph Bass, who miarried
Ruth Alden, daughter of John Alden and Priscilla
Mullen. His mother and grandmother are both
living in Leicester, aged seventy-three and ninety-
three years respectively.
Dr. Southgate was born in Leicester, Sept. 27,
1833, and educated at Leicester Academy, where he
fitted for college, and continued under a private tutor
for two years. After spending two years in New
York he entered the office of Jonathan EK. Linnell,
M.D., of Worcester, and when sufficiently advanced
entered the medical department of Dartmouth Col-
lege, Hanover, N. H., under Dixi Crosby. He
took his degree in Philadelphia in 1859, and in the
| same year commenced practice in Millbury, where he
remained until July, 1863, when he removed to Ded-
ham, where he has since remained in the active prac-
tice of his profession. He was married June 13,
1860, to Miss Mary Bigelow Willson, of West Rox-
_ bury, daughter of Rev. Luther Willson, of Petersham,
and sister of Rev. E. B. Willson, now of Salem, for-
_merly of West Roxbury. They have five children,
_—Robert Willson, Delia Wells, May Fuller, Walter
| Bradford, and Helen Louise. Politically, he is a
' Republican, and in religion, liberal.
110
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
JEREMIAH W. GAY.
Jeremiah W. Gay was born in Dedham, Aug. 30, |
1804. His father, Capt. William Gay, was born
in Dedham, June 25, 1752. Nov. 25, 1790, he
married Elizabeth Whiting, of Dedham, the daugh-
ter of Joshua Whiting, by whom he had four children,
—William King, who was born April 20, 1792, and
died Jan. 6, 1860; Sophia, who was born Sept. 21,
1793, and died, unmarried, at the age of seventy-eight
years; Lucy, who was born Sept. 22, 1797, and died,
unmarried, at the age of eighty-five years; and Jer-
emiah W., who was married to Hannah K. Dean, |
daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Farrington) Dean, |
by whom he had two children, Joseph A., who died |
at the age of twenty-seven, and Lusher, who died at |
the age of three years. William King Gay married
Susan Gould, by whom he had three children. Capt.
William Gay died at the age of seventy-six years, and
Elizabeth Whiting, his wife, died at the age of ninety-
one years. The grandfather of Jeremiah W. Gay was
Deacon Ichabod Gay, who married Elizabeth King,
who died at the age of forty-two years.
wards married Lucy Richards, who also died at the
age of seventy-three years. Deacon Ichabod Gay was
a farmer, as were nearly all the ancestors of Jeremiah.
He died, greatly respected, Dec. 14, 1814, at the age
of ninety-one years. The great-grandfather of Jere-
miah W. Gay was Lusher Gay, who was born Sept.
26, 1685. The great-great-grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch was Nathaniel Gay, who was born |
in 1642. Of Jeremiah W. Gay it may well be said
that he has shown respect to the scriptural injunction,
“yemove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers |
My
have set up,” for the old homestead has remained in
the possession of the family from the time of the first
settlement of Dedham down through six generations |
to the present time.
buried in the First Parish cemetery and in the cem-
etery in West Dedham.
The educational advantages enjoyed by Mr. Gay
were those of the common school.
mer all his life, and the presence of a comfortable home
with modern appointments, fine barns and outbuild-
ings, and broad, well-tilled acres clearly indicate a |
Mr. Gay inherits the |
large measure of success.
manly bearing and positive character of Deacon Icha-
bod Gay, his grandfather, who was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war.
members of the Unitarian Church, and were highly
respected.
Whig party, and has been identified with the Repub- |
lican party from its organization. He has been an
He after- |
The ancestors of Mr. Gay were |
He has been a far- |
The parents of Mr. Gay were |
Mr. Gay was in politics a member of the |
|
_ extensive reader on agricultural matters, is well ad-
vised of the current news of the day, and is a man
whose opinion on general matters is rendered of value
by reason of the sturdy good sense with which he is
endowed. Mr. Gay has lived in Dedham all his life,
_and has always been respected as a good citizen and
~
_ neighbor.
EDWIN WHITING.
Edwin Whiting, only son of Abner and Loacada
Whiting, was born in Dedham, Jan. 27, 1806.
His father was born in Dedham and married Loacada
Whiting, by whom he had four children, three daugh-
ters and one son. In 1786 he built the house in
which his children were born, and which has been
continuously occupied by members of the family up
to the present time. There have been but two deaths
in the old homestead, that of himself and that of his
wife.
Edwin is of the seventh generation from Nathaniel
| Whiting, who settled in Roxbury, Norfolk Co., at
a very early date.
The ancestors of Edwin became farmers and mil-
_lers, and carried on an extensive business after the
settlement of Dedham, prior to which one had settled
on the banks of the Charles River and another on the
Neponset River, where they gained a livelihood by
trapping and hunting. Edwin's father was a farmer,
and Edwin was reared on the farm, being the fourth
child, his three sisters passing away at advanced ages.
Edwin’s father died at the age of seventy-seven, and
his mother at the age of eighty-six.
Mr. Whiting received the sort of education ordi-
_narily obtained in the district school, attending only
the winter term, and working on the farm with his
father during the summer. Thus he continued to
live until the death of his father, when at the age of
| thirty-two years he took possession of the farm, making
_ just and equitable settlement with his sisters for their
| portion of their father’s estate. He subsequently
_inherited considerable property from his uncle, Ed-
ward Whiting, who died without issue. Mr. Whit-
ing’s paternal grandfather was Joseph, and his ma-
ternal grandfather was Joshua. Mr. Whiting married
Rebecca Dean, who was the daughter of Joseph and
| Hannah (Farrington) Dean, of Dedham, by whom
there was born to them a daughter and son. Mrs.
Whiting died Feb. 12, 1882, and the daughter,
Frances R., directs the household affairs for her
The son, George E., carries on the farm
| Mr. Whiting has been a farmer all his life,
and at one time owned a large tract of land about
father.
affairs.
Lee
BRAINTREE.
111
the old homestead, but now his real estate possessions
comprise some one hundred and forty acres only, he
having invested to some extent in modern securities. —
Mr. Whiting was a Whig in politics, but at the
present time takes but little interest in political
affairs, being content to lead a quiet life at his home.
He is independent in his religious convictions and a
good citizen.
WILLIAM AMES.
Amos Ames, of Groton, Mass., was born Jan. 18,
1734; was a farmer and large land-owner. He mar-
ried Abigail Bulkley, born Oct. 28, 1733, daughter
of Col. John Bulkley, who was a prominent citizen
of Groton, where he died in 1772, aged sixty-nine
years. Amos Ames died Aug. 4, 1817; Abigail,
his wife, died Aug. 20,1809. The Bulkley family |
traces its ancestry to Lord Viscount Bulkley, whose
seat was at Bron Hill, in the Isle of Anglesey.
Rev. Peter Bulkley settled in Cencord, Mass., in
1636. His father was Rev. Edward Bulkley, D.D.
Rev. Edward Bulkley, son of Rev. Peter and Jane
Bulkley, was born at Odell, England, June 17, 1614;
he emigrated to this country in 1634. He was
licensed to preach the gospel, and was ordained at
Marshfield in 1642.
Hon. Peter Bulkley, oldest son of Rev. Edward
Bulkley, was born Noy. 3, 1641; graduated in 1660.
He settled in Concord. He held many important
offices, and acquitted himself with honor. He mar-
ried Rebecca Wheeler; died at the age of forty-four.
Joseph Bulkley, son of Hon. Peter and Rebecca
Wheeler Bulkley, born Sept. 7, 1670. He made >
his will, which is found on the records of Middlesex, |
Mass. He lived in Littleton, Mass.
John Bulkley, son of Joseph Bulkley, born about
1703. He held a colonel’s commission, and died in
Groton, in 1772, aged sixty-nine. John, his son,
born in 1748, graduated at Harvard in 1769; was
a lawyer, and died Dec. 16, 1774.
Amos and Abigail Ames had seven sons and three
daughters.
Three of the sons were in the Revolu-
tionary army, the youngest being only sixteen years |
of age at the time of entering the service. All were
taken prisoners, being confined on the prison-ship at |
Halifax ; they afterwards made their escape and again
entered the army.
Bulkley Ames, son of Amos Ames, farmer, was
born in Groton, July 20, 1772; held many offices of
trust, being selectman of the town for seventeen |
years in succession; married Lydia Prescott, born |
Jan. 8, 1780, daughter of Ebenezer Prescott, of
Westford, Mass., whose ancestors settled in Lan-
caster about 1647. He was a large land proprietor,
and owner:‘of the iron-works at Forge Village, in
Westford; cousin of Col. William Prescott, of Bun-
ker Hill fame. He died Jan. 22, 1811.
Bulkley and Lydia Ames had three sons and one
daughter. William Ames, son of Bulkley Ames,
was born in Groton, Aug. 6, 1807. He was for a
number of years partner of Jabez Coney, and largely
interested in the millwright and machinery business ;
was superintendent in the building of several fac-
tories and public buildings; married Susan Lewis,
daughter of Capt. Samuel Lewis, of Dedham, who
lived on the place upon which his ancestors settled
in the early settlement of the town. She was born
April 26, 1814, died Feb. 13, 1880. He had two
sons and two daughters. Politically he is a Repub-
lican.
OHA PYRE, Xie
BRAINTREE.
BY SAMUEL A. BATES.
THE town of Braintree was incorporated May 13,
1640 (O. S.). It included within its limits the
present towns of Braintree, Quincy, Randolph, and
Holbrook. Previous to its incorporation Quincy was
called Mount Wollaston, and Braintree, Monoticut.
It took its name from the river which flows through
it, and which is spelled in so many different ways in
the ancient records that it is uncertain which is the
correct one. It is now written Monatiquot. Hol-
| brook and a part of Randolph (perhaps the whole)
In one
Tradition
says that Randolph was once called Scadding, but I
have never seen the name on the records. Quincy
was set off as a separate town in 1792, and Randolph
in 1793. Holbrook at that time was a part of Ran-
dolph. In 1856 a small portion of Braintree was
annexed to Quincy.
were called Cochato, sometimes Cocheco.
instance Cochato was called Beersheba.
It was that portion known in
ancient times as Knight’s Neck, but in later days as
Newcomb’s Landing.
Religious Societies.—The first church in Brain-
tree was organized Sept. 16, 1639, it being the Lord’s
day. The meeting-house was situated in the north
part of the town, in the centre of the street now called
When
the way from Boston to Plymouth was laid out, in
Hancock, near the junction of Canal Street.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1648, it was to be four rods wide, commencing at
Smelt Brook, on the borders of Weymouth and |
Braintree, running over what is now Commercial |
Street in Braintree, and Franklin, School, and Han-
cock Streets in Quincy, till it comes to the meeting- |
house, when it shall be two rods on one end of the |
house and two rods on the other end, thus leaving it
in the centre of the street. At that time there were
but a few inhabitants in the south part of the town.
But the settlement continued to increase, and grad- |
ually to extend towards its southern limits. At what |
time the first house was erected in the limits of |
Monoticut, the ancient name of the present town of |
Braintree, is unknown. We know that in February,
1639-40, only five months after the embodiment of
the church, we find a grant of land to John French
and John Collins, of Monoticut. Soon after 1643
the iron-works were built on Monoticut River, which
must have caused much increase of population in
that part of the town. As early as 1658, and prob- |
ably earlier, the town had been settled as far south as
Randolph line, on the old road to Taunton, for at |
that time John Moore resided on what is still known
as Moore’s farm, a plot of six hundred acres of land, |
bounded on the north and east by Monoticut River, |
and partly on the west by Great Pond. This portion
of the river in latter years has been called Moore’s
Farm River, in memory of the first settler upon its
borders. As the settlement enlarged, the inhabitants |
felt that they needed a more convenient place of
assembling themselves together, as some of them were
obliged to travel many miles to attend upon public |
worship. About 1690 the inhabitants began to
move in the matter of forming a new precinct in the
south part of the town, but it was opposed by those |
living in the north part. A bitter feud existed be- |
tween the different sections of the town concerning |
this matter, of which but little is known at the
present time; but a person then residing at the north |
end, named John Marshall, has left a diary which |
contains some sharp allusions to members of the |
church, who, he says, acted in a disorderly manner, |
and withdrew from the Lord’s table. That he made |
charges which he could not maintain is evident from
what afterwards transpired. The for a
new society was continued until 1706, when a meet-
movement
ing-house was built near the corner of Washington
and Elm Streets, in the present town of Braintree.
That this was done legally no one claimed, but its
founders did claim that might deprived them of their |
just rights, the opposers of the new movement being
composed of the most influential citizens of the town, ©
|
at the head of whom stood the Hon. Hdmund
Quincy, one of the leaders of the government of the
colony. But the advocates of the new precinct were
sustained by the advice and support of the leaders of
the church in the vicinity, and on May 6, 1706, the
meeting-house was raised in which they might wor-
ship, and which was soon after completed. Sept. 10,
1707, Rev. Hugh Adams was ordained its pastor, and
the church was recognized on the same day. He was
the son of John and Avis Adams, born in Boston,
May 7, 1676, graduated at Harvard College in 1697,
at the age of twenty-one years. In his diary he
states that at his installation at Durham, N. H., “the
Rev. Jonathan Cushing read publicly the testimonial
of my ordination at Braintree, signed by the Rev.
Increase Mather and his son Cotton Mather (of the
Old North Church, in Boston), and Rev. Mr. James
Keith, the hoary-headed pastor of the church in
Bridgewater, who laid their hands on my head in that
ordination.’ This testimonial was also signed by the
Rev. Nehemiah Walker, pastor of the church in Rox-
bury. We see in this account the names and in-
fluence of those men who, without the consent of the
authorities of the colony, dared to organize the new
church Had those men of whom
Marshall spoke acted in an unchristianlike and dis-.
in Braintree.
orderly manner, as charged by him, we do not believe
that such men as the Mathers, Keith, and Walker,
leaders in the church at that time, would have en-
couraged them in their great undertaking, and lent
their aid and presence to embody their new church,
and, in addition, ordain a pastor to break for them the
bread of life. But they had other opposition still to
encounter, and they petitioned the legal authorities to
be set off from the old society, and establish a new
precinct, to be called the South Precinct, in Braintree.
By the action of the authorities in answer to their
petition, they were compelled to pay their proportion
of the expense of supporting the old society, which
was raised by legal rates, and also to pay for the sup-
port of their own pastor, the money necessary being
raised by subscription. This double burden was a
heavy tax upon the new precinct, as it was composed
Rev. Mr. Adams re-
mained as their pastor until Aug. 22, 1710, when
the connection was dissolved, and he removed to
Chatham, Mass., and afterwards to Oyster River
of men with moderate means.
parish, now Durham, N. H. During the pastorate of
Mr. Adams the South Precinct was set off, and regu-
larly established as the South Precinct of Braintree.
This was not accomplished without opposition.
A town-meeting was called to meet Nov. 3, 1708,
to consult and consider about, and, if possible, to fix
upon a suitable and reasonable line of division, dis-
:
4
,
J
BRAINTREE. 113
tinction, or limitation of the said South End assem-
bly and society and of the North End congregation,
that said line be lovingly agreed upon and settled, if -
it may be. There were those that did immediately
declare against the dividing of the town, and that |
they did refuse to join with said inhabitants in that
affair, and requested that it might be entered with their
names in the town-book. These then entered their
names: Lieut. John Cleverly, Ensign William Veasey,
Solomon Veasey, Moses Penniman, James Penniman,
Samuel Penniman, John Newcomb, Jr., James Brack-
ett, Nathan Brackett, and John Sanders. The same
day it was voted that Col. Edmund Quincy, Esq., and
Seret. Nehemiah Hayden be a committee to petition
the General Court in the name of the town to set off |
the south part of the town as a separate precinct.
This was granted, and the legal existence of this so-
ciety commenced on Noy. 5, 1708, and has contin-
ued to this day. The names of those who were
especially active in securing the organization of the
new precinct were Samuel White, Caleb Hobart,
Nehemiah Hayden, Joseph Allen, Samuel Bass, |
Samuel Payne, Ebenezer Thayer, Samuel Niles, Jr.,
and Samuel French.
The Rev. Samuel Niles, second pastor of the so-—
ciety, was ordained May 23, 1711. Rev. Peter |
Thacher (his father-in-law), of Milton, Rev. Joseph
Belcher, of Dedham, Rev. John Danforth, of Dor-
chester, and Rev. Mr. Thacher, of Weymouth, as-
sisted in the services, the sermon being preached by
the pastor-elect, as was the usual custom in those
days. Rev. Mr. Niles was the son of Nathaniel and
Sarah (Sands) Niles, of Block Island, and grandson
of John Niles, one of the first settlers of Braintree.
He was born May 1, 1673; baptized March 14,
1697, by Rev. Peter Thacher, at Milton, owning
his father’s covenant; joined the church at Mil-
ton, January, 1699; entered Harvard College when
twenty-two years of age, from whence he graduated
in 1699; was licensed to preach soon after; acted as
pastor of the church in his native place for two years,
and until his ordination, in 1711, was actively engaged
in farming and ship building, by which occupations
he earned his living. He had three wives and a
large family of children. He was an able preacher,
and one of the strong supporters of the Calvinistic
creed. He naturally became a leader in the op- |
position to the introduction of Unitarian principles |
into the Congregational Church of New England.
He died May 1, 1762. He was pastor of this
church for nearly fifty-one years, and was engaged
in active service from the time of his settlement, and _
preached till the last Sabbath previous to his death. |
8
His funeral sermon was preached by Rey. Mr. Smith,
of. Weymouth, from the text, “And Samuel died.”
He kept a diary during the whole term of his pas-
_torate, which is now in possession of the Hon. Asa
French, of Braintree, and which is very valuable to
the genealogist. The third pastor was the Rev. Ezra
Weld, ordained Nov. 17, 1762. He was born in
Pomfret, Conn., June 13, 1736, graduated at Yale
College in 1759, and died Jan. 16, 1816, aged nearly
eighty years. He retired from active duties Aug.
17, 1807, the society paying him two hundred and
eighty-six dollars and sixty-six cents per annum dur-
ing the remainder of his life.
The Rev. Sylvester Sage was installed as the fourth
pastor Noy. 4, 1807. In consequence of the health
of his family he was compelled to ask for his dis-
charge, which was granted, and he was dismissed by
council May 4,1809. Rev. William Allen was given
an invitation to become pastor of this church May
24, 1810, but he declined the call. Oct. 26, 1810,
the town voted to invite Mr. Richard Salter Storrs
to settle with them in the work of the gospel minis-
try, which vote was unanimous. Nov. 5, 1810, it
was voted to pay Mr. Storrs the sum of eight hundred
and twenty dollars per annum as long as he is the
minister, and that John Hobart shall carry the pro-
ceedings to him for his consideration, and get his an-
swer as soon as may be, for which service he shall
receive the sum of six dollars. It was also voted that
Dr. Daniel Fogg and Lieut. Nathaniel Thayer shall
be a committee to assist the clerk in fixing and writing
a letter to Mr. Storrs. July 3, 1811, Mr. Storrs was
ordained the fifth pastor of the church. He was born
in Longmeadow, Feb. 6, 1787, and was the son of
Rev. Richard S. and Sally (Williston) Storrs, and
graduated at Williams College in 1807. Previous to
his ordination he spent six months in the missionary
service in Georgia. After a long pastorate of-more
than sixty-two years, he passed from earth Aug. 11,
1873, aged eighty-six years, six months, and five
days, leaving behind him an unblemished reputation
as a Christian, a scholar, a citizen, a neighbor, and a
friend. In whatever path he trod, he left his footsteps
so deeply imprinted that time will never erase them.
An earnest advocate of the education of the young
and tender mind, he spent much time in watching
over the interests of our schools, for many years be-
ing placed at the head of the committee of superin-
tendence by the free suffrages of his fellow-citizens.
As a citizen he took an active part in the welfare of his
State and nation, and was selected, Oct. 20, 1820, as
the delegate of the town to meet delegates of other
towns in convention at Boston, for the purpose of re-
114
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
vising the Constitution of government of this com-
monwealth. As a clergyman he stood at the head of
his profession, attracting large audiences when it was
known that he was to take part in the services, his
impassioned oratory almost magnetizing his hearers. |
He was an orator, created rather than manufactured.
His deep, sonorous voice, commanding presence, and
lightning-like eloquence conveyed to the hearts of his
hearers the conviction that his words not only flowed
from the mind, but also from the heart. He married
three times, and had by his second wife one son, the |
Rey. Dr. Richard Salter Storrs, of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
who is well known throughout the country. About
1831 the church voted that their pastor, Rev. Dr. |
| Dependence French, a committee appointed by the
Storrs, should be at liberty for a term not exceeding
five years, that he might accept the position of asso-
ciate secretary and general agent of the American
Home Missionary Society for the New England States.
It therefore became necessary that a colleague should
be procured to perform the duties of the pastorate
during his absence. Mr. Edwards A. Park was se-
lected for that purpose, and was ordained to the work
of the ministry Dec. 21, 18531.
mained as colleague pastor until Jan. 17, 1834, when
a council dissolved the connection in consequence of
his acceptance of a professorship in Amherst College.
The senior pastor did not resume his duties until
1836, and the pulpit was supplied by transient cler-
gymen, among whom may be named Rev. Paul Jewett
and Rev. William R. Jewett, who preached most of
the time. During the last few years of his life he
was obliged to have assistance, and Rev. E. P. Tenney
and William 8. Hubbell were procured for that pur-
pose, and [ think the last gentleman was regularly in-
stalled colleague pastor. The Rev. Thomas A. Emer- |
son, the sixth pastor, was installed May 7, 1874. He
was born in Wakefield, Dec. 27, 1840, and was the
son of Thomas and Emily (Swain) Emerson. He
graduated from Yale College in 1863, and also from
Andover Theological Seminary in 1869. He married, |
of his life, which I trust he will pardon me for
Oct. 27, 1875, Fannie Huntington Brewster, daughter
of Rey. Dr. Robert and Ellen M. (Griffin) Crawford,
Rev. Dr. Park re- |
{
and granddaughter of Rev. Dr. Griffin, president of
with fifteen added years upon the retired list, was
Williams College.
During the existence of this church, a period of
hundred and
worshiped in four different meeting-houses, the first
About 1758, the house
having become dilapidated, they resolved on having
one seventy-seven years, they have
having been built in 1706.
a new
meeting was held within its walls on Thursday, June
28, 1759, that being the day appointed for a public
fast. It was in this house that the citizens of the
and more convenient house, and the first |
old town of Braintree were accustomed to assemble
for the transaction of their civil business, and it
was here that those true men, led by John Adams,
Ksq., then a young lawyer, but afterwards President
of the United States, were heard lifting up their
voices in behalf of American independence. This
_ house was torn down in 1830, to give place to a new
house, which was dedicated to the worship of God
Dec. 29, 1830, with appropriate services. June 3,
1857, the present house of worship was dedicated
by solemn services.
Opposite the church is the spot selected to bury
their dead. It was purchased of Josiah Hobart by
Deacon Joseph Allen, Deacon Samuel Bass, and
precinct for that purpose. The deed bears date
March 10, 1718, and states the price paid for one-
half acre of land to be ten pounds. Within its
limits are buried the earthly remains of those three
veterans in the ministry, Rev. Samuel Niles, Rev.
Ezra Weld, and Rev. Dr. Richard S. Storrs.
About 1810 the citizens of the east part of the
town joined with the inhabitants of that part of
Weymouth called the Landing, and formed the second
society in Braintree, taking the name of the Union
Religious Society of Weymouth and Braintree. It
| purchased the meeting-house of the Hollis Street
Church, in Boston, and removed it to Braintree, and
they still occupy it. Their first pastor was the Rev.
Daniel Clark, installed Dec. 31, 1811, who was dis-
missed Oct.-1, 1813, he not giving good satisfaction.
Their second pastor was the Rev. Jonas Perkins, who
was ordained June 14, 1815. He was born in North
Bridgwater, Oct. 15, 1790, graduated at Brown Uni-
versity in 1813, and died June 26, 1874. He was the
son of Josiah and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins. He was
the minister of my boyhood, and I knew him well. I
can find no language to express my appreciation of his
worth as a citizen, pastor, neighbor, and friend better
than that used by Hon. Joseph W. Porter in a sketch
copying: ‘The pastorate of Rev. Mr. Perkins,
covering, as it did, forty-six years of active service,
in great good to the
church and society, increasing largely their material
as well as spiritual strength, adding to the member-
ship of the church, principally during three powerful
revivals, three hundred and twenty-two members.
Consecrating his whole powers to the work of the
gospel ministry, uniting in himself ripe scholarship,
excellent judgment, with firmness of purpose, and
the strictest integrity, his was a character of the
long and successful, resulting
BRAINTREE.
115
most admirable proportions. A wise and faithful
pastor, he was eminently a peace-maker, and when,
at the full age of seventy years, in accordance with
long-expressed plans, he resigned his office and re-
tired from its duties, he carried with him the affec-
tion and respect, not only of his own church and
society, but that of the whole community where he
lived.” Being a contemporary of Dr. Storrs, he
served with him upon the school committee to the |
_ the society. Rev. Aaron Haynes then took charge of
15, 1860, the church was left without a pastor. But |
satisfaction of the town. Upon his resignation, Oct.
on Jan. 17, 1861, Rev. Lysander Dickerman was
installed pastor over the society. He held that posi- |
tion until July, 1867, when he resigned the pas-
torate. He was succeeded by Rev. A. A. Ells-
worth, who supplied the pulpit for about three and
one-half years, when the Rev. Lucien H. Frary ac-
cepted a call from the church and society, and was
installed pastor April 13, 1875, and still remains.
He endeavors to follow in the footsteps of his
venerable predecessor, who so long lived with this
people, and I trust that the mantle of Jonas has
fallen upon him. He is highly esteemed by all
who know him.
The South Congregational Church was the third es-
tablished in the town. It built a house of worship in
in that year, obtained a foothold in the society, and
held meetings there frequently, sometimes every day
in the week. There was great excitement in the town.
It succeeded in making many proselytes, some of them
being the leading members of this young church,
It was a blow from which they never fully recovered,
although time ought to have convinced the followers
of Miller of their error. The ministrations of the
Rev. Mr. Waitt also tended to injure the welfare of
the society, but failed to heal the difficulties with
which they were surrounded. He only remained one
year. Rev. George Daland then took charge, and re-
mained with them about nine years, the longest
pastorate they enjoyed during their existence. During
the ministry of Rev. Mr. Daland, an offshoot from
this society, comprised of some disaffected members,
held meetings in Monatiquot Hall, but a few rods
| from the old house, but they had but a brief existence.
Rev. Ruel B. Moody, Rev. Thomas C. Russell, and
Rey. George B. Williams officiated as pastors during
| the few following years. The society became so weak
that it was unable to support the preaching of the
_ Gospel, when they sold their house to the Methodists,
South Braintree, and ordained for its first pastor the
Rev. Lyman Matthews, Aug. 4, 1830. He continued
in that position about fourteen years, and resigned
Oct. 4, 1844, at which time he removed to Vermont.
This is the longest pastorate in the society, and the pul-
pit has been occupied by many clergymen during the
Matthews resigned. Some of them were installed,
while others were hired from year to year. Among
those who have ministered unto them for any con-
siderable time [ remember Rev. Francis V. Tenney,
and some of them joined that church.
The Second Baptist Church in Braintree was or-
ganized about 1869. It was composed of members
of the First Baptist Church, who withdrew to form
a church in the north part of the town. They
bought the old school-house which stood near the
‘corner of Washington and West Streets, and re-
_ modeled it as a chapel, removing it to Washington,
period of forty years which has passed since Rey. Mr. |
them the bread of life.
Rev. William B. Hammond, Rev. Dennis Powers, —
Rey. Lucius R. Eastman, Jr., Rev. L. Wheaton Allen, |
Rey. Albion H. Johnson, and Rev. Edwin Smith.
Rev. HE. O. Dyer is supplying the pulpit at present. |
A few years since their meeting-house was burned,
and another was erected on the same site.
The First Baptist Society was organized about 1842,
and built their meeting-house the same year.
| meetings in the hall of Samuel V. Arnold.
Their |
first pastor was, I think, the Rev. John Blain, al- who ministered unto them, as far as I can learn, was
though he was never settled over the society, being |
what was called an Evangelist.
Rev. George N. Waitt commenced his labors with
them Sept. 10, 1843, and resigned his place in March,
1846. Previous to the coming of Mr. Waitt—that is, ©
during the winter of 1842 and 1843—the sect called
Millerites, who predicted the destruction of the earth
and afterwards to Elm Street, nearly opposite the
church of the First Congregational Society. Rev.
George B. Williams, the former pastor of the First
Baptist Church, went with them, and broke unto
But the society failed for
want of support, and the chapel was sold, and_after-
wards used as a factory for the manufacture of boots.
It existed about seven years.
About the year 1831 a number of the citizens of
the town united together for the purpose of sustain-
ing preaching by Methodist clergymen, and held their
These
meetings were held at intervals, and the only person
the Rev. Jefferson Hamilton, who removed afterwards
to the South. It endeavored to obtain the town hall
in which to hold their meetings, but the town refused
to open its doors for their accommodation. Whether
they ever enjoyed a legal existence is very much
doubted, although spoken of in the records of the town
as the Methodist Episcopal Society of Braintree. It
116
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
existed but a short time, and gradually died out. But
a society of this denomination met Feb. 22, 1874,
and formed themselves into a legal organization.
the time of its organization the pulpit was supplied by
Rey. Louis E. Charpiot. He was succeeded by Rev.
At |
William Livesey, who died during his term of service, |
and Rev. Joseph Hammond finished the term. In
1876, Rev. Edward M. Taylor, from Pennsylvania,
was appointed to the station, and remained three
years.
Rev. Marcus F. Colburn was the next pastor, but
his health failing, he was relieved by Rev. William I.
Ward. During the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Col-
burn, a branch Sabbath-school was established in the
east part of the town, and a preaching service held
there each Sunday evening. In 1881, Rev. George
KE. Brightman was appointed its pastor, and still re-
mains, but his term of service will expire in April
next, the full term of three years being then com-
pleted. At their organization they purchased the
meeting-house formerly occupied by the First Baptist
Society, which was completely destroyed by fire in
the latter part of the year 1883. Since that time
they have held their meetings in the town hall.
They will undoubtedly rebuild the coming summer,
about three thousand dollars having been subscribed
for that purpose.
About fifty years ago the doctrines of Universalism
were preached to its hearers by different clergymen
of that denomination, chiefly through the instru-
mentality of Samuel V. Arnold, the meetings being
held in his hall. A society was formed soon after-
wards, but it never gained a foothold, and went out
of existence on the death of Mr. Arnold. The Uni- |
tarians also held meetings at the town hall for some
years, but have been discontinued, although they had
all the money they needed, but failed for want of
hearers. Rev. Edward C. Towne, Rev. Fiske Bar-
rett, and others ministered unto them during the time
of their existence.
In 1877 the Catholics organized a society, which is |
a branch of the Quincy diocese.
‘all other institutions were at that time.
For some time they
held their meetings in a hall, but a few years since |
ored his name by naming streets, school-houses, etc.,
built a church on Central Avenue, where they con-
tinue to hold their services. The attendance on the
Sabbath is quite large. These are all the religious
organizations of which we have any knowledge, al- |
though the Spiritualists have held meetings in the
east part of the town.
Schools.—As soon as a church was established by
the early settlers of New England they began to take
measures to educate their children.
schools were partly supported by assessments upon
| ing.
Although the |
each scholar, they were made payable in wood. This
enabled the parent to pay those assessments easily, as
all of them owned land which was well covered with
wood. If a new settler came into town they could
_ purchase land for from three to six shillings per acre.
The schools of the town were supported by labor, as
Gold and
silver were rarities at that time, and the trade was
almost wholly carried on by barter. The first men-
tion in the town records of schools is the following
paper, which I copy in full :
“MR. FFLINTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE SALE
OF THE SCHOOLE HOUSH.
“This day Mr. flint made acknowledgement of the sale of
the house and lote which was lately John Paflins, and since his
death sold unto the said Henry flint by William Penn, by vir-
tue of an execution, sued out by him in the presence of all the
townsmen, the said Henry filint doth acknowledge himself fully
satisfied, By Doctor John Morly for the sd house, only the sd Mr.
Doctor doth promise that if he should be called forth off the
towne to sirrender backe again the sd house to Mr. flint at
the same rate of seayen pounds which he payd, being allowed at
the discretion of indifferent men for such charges as he has
binne att, in witness hereof the sd Henry flint and Mr. Doctor
have hereunto set their hands the day and year above written
in the presence of
“SAMUEL Bass.
“ RICHARD BRACKETT.
“Moses PAINE.
“THoMAS BLANCHER.
“ MARTIN SANDERS.
“ MarrHew Barnes.
“WILLIAM ALLIS.”
“ HENRY FFLINT.
“ JoHn Morty.
On the upper corner of the record is the year 1648,
_ the day or month being torn off. Henry Flint, teacher
of the First Church in Braintree, was probably the
schoolmaster, and was succeeded by Dr. John Morly,
who afterwards taught school in Boston or Charles-
town. Previous to the execution of this paper, how-
ever, is an account of land recovered from Mr. Cod-
dington, who had removed to Rhode Island. ‘Tradition
says that William Coddington gave the town of Brain-
tree certain lands, the income of which should be ex-
pended for the support of schools in said town. Upon
the division of the town this fund was divided, each
town being allowed their portion. Quincy has hon-
by the name of Coddington. The record is headed
“The Schoole Lands, 1640.” In the margin are
these words, “‘ The deed of the Land recovered of Mr.
Coddinton.”” The record is incomplete, owing to the
| worn state of the paper, much of it being illegible, but
enough is left to understand something of its mean-
It was covenanted between the town of Brain-
tree and Richard Right that the said Richard Right
shall put the town of Braintree in full possession of
BRAINTREE.
117
land formerly called Mr. Coddington’s Neck, to the
said town to be held forever (then giving its bounds)
in consideration of all the said lands the said town of
Braintree hath given to the said Richard Right ninety-
eight pounds, — shillings, and eight pence, being
ground allowed by the courts to the town of Braintree
out of the goods of — Coddington. Richard Right
was the legally appointed attorney for William Cod-
dington in Massachusetts. That the town of Brain-
tree sued Coddington is undeniable, that the courts |
allowed the town this land is substantiated, and that
the town paid for this land is equally true. Did
Coddington then give this land for the benefit of the
schools? I answer, decidedly, Vo; and until some
evidence is produced to substantiate that claim, I shall
adhere to that opinion.
In the year 1716 the first school was established |
year 1643 a company called the “ Company Under-
in the present limits of Braintree. It was called a
“yeading- and writing-school.” Oct. 1, 1716, the
selectmen have agreed with Joseph Parmiter to keep
the school at Monotoquod for six shillings per week
and his diet. What his diet cost we know not, as
Mr. Peter Hobart received about six pounds for diet |
and a pair of shoes, together with a part of his school |
wages. He was engaged the next year at eleven
shillings per week.
To endeavor to trace the formation of all the schools
would require much space.
town a high school kept in the town house in apart-
There are now in the
ments especially built for it, two school-houses
where four schools are kept, one house with three
schools, one with two schools, and five with one
school. Besides this, in 1877 a beautiful building
was built on Washington Street, near the town hall,
from the bequest of Gen. Sylvanus Thayer, who en-
dowed the institution with about two hundred and
for the education of the children of those who were
' members of said society. The society built a build-
ing near the church, and established a school called
the Hollis Institute, which was in successful operation
until 1858, when the high school was opened, and it
ceased to exist. It could hardly be called a free
school, as a small tuition was charged each scholar
per quarter, as the income of the fund was not large
enough to pay for its support. Rev. William M.
Thayer and Benjamin Kendall were among the prin-
cipal teachers. Upon its discontinuance the fund was
taken for the purpose of building a new meeting-house,
and the institute building was changed into a dwell-
ing-house.
Manufactures.—The first establishment for man-
ufacturing purposes in the town was on Monatiquot
River, in the easterly part of the town. About the
takers of the Iron-Works” was formed for the pur-
pose of establishing iron-works in Massachusetts.
The citizens of the town of Boston, then, as now,
ever ready to extend aid to foster the manufacturing
interests of the nation, granted Jan. 19, 1643,
unto John Winthrop, Jr., and associates, three thou-
sand acres of land for the encouragement of an iron-
work to be set up about Monatiquot River, the
said land to be laid out next adjoining and most con-
venient for their said iron-works. The title to this
' land was not completed until Nov. 25, 1647, when
eighty thousand dollars, to which was added by the |
town the sum of twenty thousand dollars. This
school, free to all the citizens of the old town of
Braintree, prepares its pupils for admission to college,
and is under the supervision of Rey. Jotham B. |
Sewall, formerly professor in Bowdoin College, as-
sisted by an able corps of teachers. Besides the do-
nations to the town which I have named, Nathaniel
Thayer left to the town the larger part of his estate,
and is now a part of the school fund of the town,
which yields an annual income of from three hundred
to four hundred dollars, and which is used for the sup-
port of schools.
May 4, 1842, John Ruggles Hollis, a native of
a deed was given of two thousand eight hundred and
sixty acres of land, bounded as follows, viz.: South
and west by Boston Common, on the north by divers
lots belonging to Boston, on the east by Weymouth
lands and Weymouth Pond. Also one hundred and
forty acres bounded on the south by Mr. Henry
Webb’s farm, Monatiquot River on the west, and on
the north and east with certain lots of Boston. Pat-
tee, in his history of old Braintree and Quincy,
locates this land on the borders of the towns of
Quincy and Milton, the land lying in both towns.
That this is incorrect is evident to every careful exam-
iner of our records. Although it is difficult after the
lapse of so many years to give it a precise location,
yet the records of Suffolk County give light enough to
designate nearly its location, The plot of two thou-
sand eight hundred and sixty acres was situated in the
easterly part of the present town of Braintree. The
line of the town of Weymouth was its easterly bound,
' and it extended southward as far as what is now Hol-
this town, died, and left a will bequeathing to the |
South Congregational Society a sum of money, the |
brook line. Where the easterly line was, is evident from
this fact, that when the way was laid out from Braintree
to Cochato, or Holbrook, it butted on the land given
income of which was to support a high grade of school | by the town of Boston for the encouragement of the
118
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
iron-works. It is therefore, clearly to be seen that
the tract of land was situated in that part of old
Braintree commencing at Holbrook line and running
northerly nearly along the line of what is now Wash-
ington Street at Cranberry Brook to Union Street, |
| into the town new settlers, who built dwelling-houses
thence running easterly to Weymouth line, the
north line being at not a great distance from Union
and Commercial Streets.
session of the descendants of Samuel White.
of the old deeds and later conveyances refer to the
fact of its having been part of the land given for the
encouragement of the iron-works. But it may be
said that the one hundred and forty acres was located
near Milton, and upon that the iron-works were located.
Let us briefly consider this point.
bounded? On the north and east by certain lots of
Boston, says the grant. On the north was the South
Commons, and on the east what was called Little Com- |
mons. Its western boundary was Monatiquot River.
Its southern boundary was Mr. Henry Webb’s farm.
A portion of Webb’s farm was sold to Samuel Allen
This land was afterwards |
sold to John Holbrook and Samuel White, of Wey-
mouth, and a portion of this land is now in the pos- |
Many |
How was it |
in 1648, and remained in the family until within a_
few years, and is situated near the station on the
South Shore Railroad, at Kast Braintree. These
boundaries place the location of the one hundred and
forty acres of land as being near the junction of
Commercial and Adams Streets.
the possession of the creditors of the company, and
was afterwards sold by them. A portion of it was
bought by Elder Nathaniel Wales, who built a house
upon it in 1692, and is occupied by his descendants
at the present time. In the appraisement of the com-
This land came into |
pany’s property when it failed are lots of land named |
after different individuals, probably after those who
had previously owned it. We find among the names
those of Thayer, French, Penn, Ruggles, and New-
comb, who all owned land in the vicinity of what we
The Suffolk records
contain many allusions to these lands, but they are
claim as being the true location.
too voluminous to copy for this work.
ro
The company |
}
was not successful in business, and failed in 1653. |
Why it was so we know not at this late day, but pre-
sume that the persons who conducted its affairs were |
inefficient and unacquainted with the business, as one |
of the employés of the company, James Leonard,
soon after its failure went to Taunton and formed a |
company to carry on the same business there, which
was successfully continued for many years. The
difficulty appears to be that Leader, Gifford, and
others whom the company selected as agents or over-
their yearly salary, and that the proprietors knew but
little or nothing of the business. The location of the
dam was about forty rods above the bridge on Shaw
Street,in Hast Braintree. Although unsuccessful, it
produced some good results to the town, as it brought
and reclaimed wild lands. Soon after 1680, John
Hubbard, of Boston, rebuilt the dam, and erected a
saw-mill, iron-works, and forge on or near the same
spot.
These works were occupied some years, but there
was a continual contention between the owner, Thomas
Vinton, who bought them of the Hubbard family,
and the town concerning the passage of the fish up
the Monaticut River. Alewives and other fish ran
in large quantities up the river to the ponds to lay
their spawn if they were not hindered by obstructions
in the river. The people were jealous of their rights,
and claimed that they were deprived of a portion of —
their living by these obstructions, as it was their cus-
tom to preserve in the proper season all the alewives
they could consume in their families during the suc-
To deprive them of their fish was to
deprive them of their living, and they would not
submit to this loss.
that a number of men went one night and destroyed
the dam.
town purchased the dam and privilege, and this settled
the difficulties. For many years nothing was done
with this privilege until Caleb Hunt and others ob-
They
built a new dam about forty rods below the ancient
one, where a saw-mill was established, and afterwards
ceeding year.
So great was the disaffection
Thereupon law-suits arose, until finally the
tained the right from the town to build a mill.
a grist-mill, which for many years was owned by
Abraham Hobart, and is now occupied by the firm
of Ambler & Hobart, extensive grain dealers.
About the year 1790, Col. William Allen erected
a grist-mill on the river on the south side of Commer-
cial Street, near the stone bridge. It was occupied
by himself and partners for some years, and after-
wards purchased by Jonas Welch, who commenced
the manufacture of chocolate. The chocolate made
proved to be the best in the market, and brought the
highest price. Welch’s chocolate became celebrated
throughout the country. Upon the death of Mr.
Welch the business passed into the hands of Alexan-
der Bowditch, who continued the business for some
years. About 1853 another building was erected for
the manufacture of carpeting upon the same privilege,
but did not prove a success. It was also used for a
short time as a manufactory for boot- and shoe-lasts.
About twenty years ago it was burned to the ground
seers, had no personal interest in the business except ' together with the old grist- and chocolate-mill. Al-
BRAINTREE.
though several companies have endeavored to purchase
the privilege, they were unable so to do, and the site is
still bare and desolate, with hardly a vestige remaining
to mark the spot.
Not far from 1680 a young man by the name of
John Bowditch, supposed to come from Salem, came to
119
Not far from 1760 Hobart Clark came to town,
and built a fulling-mill upon or near Adams Street.
the town, and, marrying the daughter of John French, |
settled here, built a dam, and set up a fulling-mill near
Commercial Street, on one of the best sites for a mill
privilege on Monatiquot River.
mained in the hands of the Bowditch family until about
1796, when it was sold to other parties. During the
time it was in their hands a grist-mill was built, but
when isunknown. When the mill was sold by the heirs
of John Bowditch, a grist-mill is mentioned, but no
fulling-mill. The business of fulling cloth, as separate
from the weaving thereof, had departed. It is remem-
bered by the oldest citizens that one Abigail Bowditch,
a maiden lady, took sole charge of the grinding of corn,
and would with ease take a two-bushel bag of meal
upon her shoulder, carry it up the stairs to the
street, and place it in the wagon, without assistance.
This privilege re- |
This privilege was used only a few years, and I can
find no evidence that it was occupied by any other
person except Adam Hobart, Jr., who had a lathe
there a short time, but what he did I find no account
of. This dam finally became rotten, and is now only
known as having caused a vexatious law-suit, which
will be mentioned in another place.
Another dam was erected on Adams Street about
_the year 1835 by the Hon. Benjamin V. French, a
For about twenty years it was occupied by Jonathan |
Thayer, Amasa Penniman, Walter Rogers, Benjamin
Smith, and other parties in the manufacture of various
kinds of goods.
of business carried on there would fill many pages of
manuscript, and then would be incomplete from lack
of evidence, the information being mostly derived
To attempt to describe the varieties
from tradition. About 1823 a company was formed,
purchased the privilege, and commenced enlarging and
John Edson acted as their
Cotton-gins were manufactured quite exten-
improving the property.
agent.
sively, and a mill was built for the making of cotton
cloths, which stood until last year, when it being old
and dilapidated, was torn down. This company sold
it to the Boston Flax Company, who did a large and
successful business in the manufacture of twine, linen
goods, etc., employing about six hundred men, women,
and children. It gave an impetus to the growth of
that village hitherto unsurpassed in the history of
Braintree. During the thirty years of its existence
houses were built for the use of the employés, stores
were opened, and business was brisk, not only in the
immediate locality, but throughout the town.
About 1880 they removed their machinery to Lud-
low, Mass., and sold the establishment to the Jenkins
Manufacturing Company. Since that time it has been
occupied by its owners in the manufacture of shoe-
lacings, by the Columbia Rubber Company in that of
rubber cloth, and F. B. Allen in that of fans. The
village has not yet recovered from the effects of the
removal of the Boston Flax Company.
native of the town, who had acquired a fortune while
a merchant in Boston. He was a man of active
business habits, and did much for the improvement
of his native town. He purchased a large farm and
carried on the business extensively. He cleared un-
cultivated pastures and meadow lands, built heavy
stone walls, planted all kinds of fruit and ornamental
trees, and so improved the condition of his farm that
it was the attraction of the town for many years,
visitors coming from all parts of the country to view
and enjoy its beauties.
of the leading agriculturists and horticulturists in
the State.
greatest benefactor of the town, it would be the Hon.
Benjamin V. French. The dam he built on Mo-
natiquot River was not used for some years after its
erection. The owners of the Bowditch privilege
bought the Hobart Clark privilege, and built a
temporary dam that flowed the water back so far
that the French privilege was useless. In order to
obtain his rights, Mr. French was obliged to institute
a suit at law, which, after being carried to the high-
est courts in the State, was finally decided in his
He was well known as one
If I were to name any one man as the
favor. He immediately proceeded to erect a grist-
mill, which went into successful operation. He
carried on the grain business for about twenty years,
when the torch of the incendiary applied to the
building destroyed in one hour all the labor of years.
This loss, together with his large expenditures on
his farm, crippled his resources, and compelled him
to surrender his valuable property into the hands of
his creditors. The privilege passed into the hands
of Benjamin Lyman Morrison, who now improves it as
a woolen yarn manufactory, and who has done a re-
munerative business.
At what time the old Thayer mill, as it was for-
merly called, was built we know not, neither by whom
the enterprise was started. On the laying out of
Middle Street as a public way in 1690 it was men-
This dam was the
It
tioned as passing over the dam.
boundary line of Middle Street on its west side.
' was first used for a saw-mill, afterwards for a grist-
120
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
mill. About the year 1816, Robert Sugden, a native
of England, leasing the premises, commenced the
manufacture of woolen goods, and carried it on a
number of years.
tive of New Hampshire, leased the privilege, and began
the manufacture of woolen goods, especially woolen
His business proved successful, and he after-
He continued to im-
yarns.
wards purchased the property.
prove this property from time to time, until a short |
time previous to his death, by the erection of new
buildings and other improvements, until he was the
owner of one of the best factories on the river. His
prosperity was mainly due to his skill, and also espe- |
cially to his faithfulness in putting upon the market
the best goods that were manufactured.
that if their customers wanted the best stockings they |
must have Morrison’s yarn to knit. No better praise
need be given to his memory.
der of his long life, a period of more than fifty years’
residence, always taking an active interest in town |
and State affairs, honored by his townsmen in many of |
the most important positions it could confer upon him.
He will be well remembered, especially by his poorer |
and more afHlicted neighbors, who were the recipients
of his freely-given bounties for their relief and com-
fort.
name of Morrison Brothers.
It was still owned by the Thayer |
family. About the year 1851, Alva Morrison, a na- |
In the |
country around, the old stocking-knitters would say |
Hon. Alva Morrison |
remained in the town of his adoption for the remain- |
The business is now conducted by his three |
sons, Alva S., R. Elmer, and Ibrahim, under the firm- |
|
|
)
In the year 1822, Oliver Ames and Elijah Howard |
purchased of Asa French, Esq., an unoccupied privi-
lege at the foot of Pearl Street for the purpose of |
working in iron, and during the three following years |
built shops, dwellings, and other buildings necessary
for the carrying on of the shovel and nail and tack |
business. The shovel business has been a part of the
extensive works of the Ameses, who have a national |
reputation. The nail and tack business was carried
on by Elijah Howard, of North Easton, and his son, |
Jason G. Howard, and their copartner, Apollos Ran- |
dall, a native of Easton, who made this town his res- |
idence, after entering into business, as long as he
lived.
at present.
The tack and nail business is not carried on
partner, has retired from business, and resides in
Easton.
In the year 1868, James T. Stevens and George
D. Willis built a small factory on the corner of
Tremont and Taylor Streets, and commenced the
manufacture of nails and tacks.
used. or various reasons they removed their fac-
Steam-power was _
Jason G. Howard, the only surviving |
tory to Weymouth about 1871. In 1872 they
bought a piece of land adjoining the shovel-works,
and erected buildings thereon, using the waste water of
the pond of the shovel-factory and also steam-power.
Mr. Stevens having a thorough knowledge of his
trade, being a practical mechanic, and Mr. Willis
proving an excellent salesman, have built up a good
business with a reputation for good work.
Just off Hancock Street are two privileges now oc-
cupied by the Hollingsworth & Whitney Manufactur-
ing Company, which it will be necessary to take up sep-
arately. One is called the upper mill, the other the
lower mill. The first we know of the lower mill it
was used for sawing lumber until about 1810, when it
was enlarged, and a grist-mill added. It was owned
by Abraham Thayer, a native of the town. The
At what time this
privilege was first occupied is not known, but as long
ago as 1764 it was sold by Daniel Hayden to Azariah
Mr.
Faxon owned it about thirty years, when he sold it
to Jonathan Thayer. It was used for the manu-
facture of various articles of merchandise by different
individuals until about 1820, when it was purchased
by the Blake & Revere Copper Foundry Company,
who manufactured bells and did other copper work
for several years. About the year 1832, John M.
and Lyman Hollingsworth, two brothers who came
from Milton, purchased both the upper and lower
upper mill is of an older date.
Faxon, and described as a saw- and grist-mill.
privileges, and commenced the manufacture of paper.
It was at this mill that they discovered how to make
manilla paper from the old rope, which could be
bought at a small price, and transformed into paper:
which was very strong and almost impervious to
water. This discovery was made in 1842. When
they removed from the town their brother, Ellis A.,
took charge of the business, under the firm-name
of Hollingsworth & Whitney, and so well have they
succeeded that they make at this establishment alone
about five tons of paper per day, and which finds a
About 1882, upon the death of both
the partners, a stock company was formed, although
ready sale.
the stock is nearly, if not all, owned by their heirs.
The Hollingsworth brothers all made a good fortune
in their business. This company has built on the
old site the most convenient mill in the State.
Just in the rear of the Braintree Cemetery, situated
on Pond Street, is an old dam.
to it | have found in the records it is called Samuel
In the only reference
Niles’ dam, and probably was used as a site for a saw-
This was in 1731, and the mill was then prob-
ably not in existence, as it is spoken of as formerly
It must be of very ancient
mill.
known by that name.
BRAINTREE.
121
date, most likely before 1675. No tradition exists,
as. far as I can learn, of what the dam was used for.
There is a privilege situated near the corner of
Pond and Granite Streets which was in 1730 in pos-
session of Col. William Hunt, who occupied it for a
The ore was taken from the bottom of Great
Tron ore has
forge.
Pond by dredging, so tradition says.
|
_ goods in return.
many wharves, from whence the products of the coun-
try were conveyed to the markets, and receiving
Prominent among these places may
be mentioned a wharf called William Penn’s upper
landing place as early as 1645, and probably earlier.
It was situated near the foot of Mill Lane. The only
wharf now used in that vicinity is occupied by Joel
been found in considerable quantities, and at one time
was exported from the town. The cinders made at
this forge can be seen at this time. It was afterwards
purchased by David Holbrook, and remained in the
family for four generations, used for a saw- and grist-
mill. Since the death of Moses Holbrook it was pur-
chased by George White, and afterwards used as a
saw-mill by him until his death, which was caused by
an accident while at work in the mill. After his
death it was compelled to yield to the torch of the
incendiary.
Another saw- and grist-mill was situated near Wash-
ington Street, on Cranberry Brook, and is known as
Ludden’s mill. But little is known of its history,
~ but the ruins of the dam are plainly to be seen. Still
another saw-mill was situated on the same brook, far-
ther up the stream, and near Liberty Street. It was
the property of William Wild, a native of the town,
who removed to that vicinity about 1750.
but the dam remains.
Nothing
These privileges were all situated on the Monati-
quot River or its tributaries.
near the great Blue Hill, in Canton, and is called
Blue Hill River until it reaches Great Pond, in Brain-
tree, when it takes the name of Moore’s Farm River.
Near the place where it receives the waters of Little
Said river takes its rise
Pond it joins the Cochato River, which rises near the
borders of Holbrook and Stoughton, and near the
junction it receives the waters of Cranberry Pond, and
flows into Boston Harbor. In the year 1818 the
owners of the privileges on Monatiquot River obtained
of the General Court authority to use the waters of
Houghton’s Pond, in Milton, and Great, Little, and
Cranberry Ponds, in Braintree, that they might have
those waters to use during the droughts of summer.
They have enlarged and deepened the natural outlets
of Great and Little Pond for that purpose. Monati-
quot River, after it arrives at the line between Brain- |
tree and Weymouth, is sometimes called Weymouth
Fore River, but the name on the ancient records is |
service of the government during the Rebellion, and
that of Monoticut.
was formerly much ship-building carried on by Sam-
uel Arnold, Nathaniel R. Thomas, and others. But
the business has not been carried on for some years.
The river is navigable as far as Shaw Street bridge,
and on its borders in ancient times were situated
Near the Weymouth line there
F. Sheppard, a native of New Jersey, for the trans-
action of a coal and wood business. Besides the
water received from the ponds, the river is fed by a
large number of springs, with which the town abounds.
The most noted of these springs is situated at the
foot of a gravel plain, from whence flows a steady
stream of pure water which never freezes, but con-
tinues to flow with a never-failing supply, although
the earth is parched by the heat of summer ; nor does
it increase during the heavy rains of spring and au-
tumn. The people come for miles around, and carry
away barrels every day through the summer for fam-
It has been analyzed by competent chemists,
The water
ily use.
and found to contain medical qualities.
of Monatiquot River is also used by the tannery of
Col. Albion C. Drinkwater, which is situated on the
corner of Adams and Elm Streets. He pronounces
it the best water in the State of Massachusetts for
tanning purposes. About the year 1800 the manu-
facture of shoes was commenced in the town by Sam-
uel Hayden, who disposed of his goods in Boston.
This, with the addition of boots, soon became an ex-
tensive business, and from that time to the present
they have been manufactured in this town, not as
large now as at a former period. The number of the
manufacturers are so many that I cannot devote the
space for their names. Suffice it to say that almost
every dwelling had a shop built near it, where the
workmen took their work from the manufacturers and
made the boots for market.
gone to decay or have been removed for other pur-
poses, so that now one can scarcely be found, the
workmen laboring in factories. The Braintree thick
boot bore the highest price in the market, and
sustained its good name for many years. On the
borders of Little Pond, Warren Mansfield commenced
a wheelwright business, which gradually enlarged
These have gradually
until he was compelled to erect a stone factory with
steam-power to fill his numerous orders. He became
a large manufacturer of cars, wagons for the military
also large wagons, which he shipped to Cuba and South
America.
During the last few years a factory has been built
for the manufacture of Cardigan jackets, and is run
by steam-power. The business is carried on by
122
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Joseph Winter and wife, natives of England. They
are doing a good business, making the best goods in
the market.
Joseph I. Bates has also lately started a new
business for this town, manufacturing what he calls
‘Bates’ Consumption Pills,” for which he finds a
ready sale.
Old Colony Bulletin.—On June 5, 1875, appeared |
the first number of the Old Colony Bulletin, which
was published in South Braintree by Mr. C. Franklin
David.
existence some six months, when its publisher re-
moved to Abington. Its first editor was Mr. A. E.
Sproul, who is now on the reportorial staff of the
Boston Herald, and well adorns the profession, prov-
It was issued fortnightly, and remained in
ing himself an able and ready writer.
Oecd PURER Sel Vs
BRAINTREE—( Continued).
MILITARY HISTORY.
DurinG the year 1807, when it was feared that
the country would become involved in a foreign war,
it was voted by the town that the men who turned
out for the service of the country should fare as well
as the Third Regiment should fare. At a meeting of
the town, held May 12, 1808, it was voted to give
the men who enlisted in the United States service
three dollars each. Under this vote the town paid
three dollars each to twenty-two men, as appears by
the order-book. The persons paid were Thomas
Hollis, Jr., William Thayer (3d), John Hollis (2d), |
Moses French, Joshua Sampson, Jr., George New-
comb, Ebenezer Hayward, Alexander Holbrook,
brook, Isaac Allen, James French, Abia Holbrook,
|
1
{
_ foe, with respect to the defense.
| from the performance of their duty.
Asaph Faxon, Jr., Samuel Holbrook, James Hol- |
Levi Thayer, Jr., Jonathan Thayer, Jr., Samuel |
Robinson, Jonathan Hill, Thomas Wild, Warren
Loud, John Cushing, and Charles Bass.
In the war of 1812 the town of Braintree, like
most of the towns in the State, was opposed to the
war with Great Britain, and the state of feeling can |
be seen by the vote for Governor at the election held
Noy. 12, 1812, a high state of political feeling exist-
1 The history of the Revolutionary war is being written for |
this volume by the Hon. Charles F. Adams, Jr., of Quincy. I
shall therefore leave it to his able pen.
|
ing at the time. For the Federal candidate there
were thrown eighty-six votes, for the Republican only
fifty. At a town-meeting called May 28, 1812, it
was voted to make each man’s pay, with the United
States pay, fourteen dollars per month, as long as
they are out in the service. It was also voted that
if the drafted men are called out for military duty
more than by order of the government, the town
agree to pay them one dollar for each day. Sept.
16, 1814, a town-meeting was held to see if the town
will take into consideration the alarming situation
which threatens our shores by invasion by the hostile
Voted to add four
persons to the selectmen, which shall be denominated
a Committee of Safety. The selectmen at that time
_ consisted of Caleb French, Dr. Jonathan Wild, and
Major Amos Stetson. The persons added were
Messrs. Jonas Welch, Capt. Thomas Hollis, Lieut.
William Reed, and Minott Thayer. Voted that the
town raise the sum of three hundred dollars to pay
| the troops, and that we pay the same that Randolph,
Milton, and Quincy pay. The only persons I have
heard of in the United States service were John,
_ Isaac, and Ebenezer Holbrook and James French.
The latter died in the service at Plattsburg, N. Y.,
in 1814.
Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, in 1861,
one of the first towns to respond to the call for troops
It already had a company of in-
fantry, who had joined themselves together for the
was Braintree.
purpose of perfecting themselves in military drill, and
They
little dreamed that they would be called at a few
to enjoy the pleasures of the training-field.
hours’ notice to leave their comfortable homes and
loved and loving friends to mingle in the dangers of
But so it proved. On the 15th day of April
of that year they received orders late in the afternoon
war.
to report in Boston on the following day, to go—
But they did not shrink
Many of them
had families dependent upon their daily labor for the
they knew not whither.
necessaries of life, and knew not how they could sus-
tain those families in comfort while they were absent
in their country’s service. But they marched with
full ranks, in full trust that God would provide means
and would open the hearts of their townsmen, so that
these loved ones would be cared for in their absence.
On the morning of April 16th the Braintree Light
Infantry, Company C, Fourth Regiment Massachu-
setts Volunteer Militia, were formed at their armory
prepared for duty. They marched for Boston to join
their regiment, and in a few days sailed for Fortress
Monroe, where they remained the term of their en-
BRAINTREE.
123
listment, and returned to their homes July 22d, the
same year. Immediately after their departure the
selectmen of the town issued their warrant for a town-
meeting to be held on April 26th, to provide for the
families of the soldiers. The warrant was dated April
19th, only three days after their departure, and was
signed by David H. Bates, N. H. Hunt, and Phillips
Curtis. At that meeting it was voted that a sum not
exceeding $1500 be appropriated for the support of
the families of those who have left the town and |
their homes in obedience to the call of the President
of the United States. David H. Bates, N. H. Hunt,
Phillips Curtis, J. H. D. Blake, Jason G. Howard,
Caleb Hollis, and Elisha Thayer were appointed a
committee to expend and distribute the above appro-
priation. Under this vote the committee expended
$1437.44.
Another call was made for troops, and the State
passed a law authorizing towns to aid the families of
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Three Years’ Regiments.
Warren M. Babbitt, asst. surg. 55th Mass. Inf. and surg. 103d
U.S. colored troops, from Aug. 11, 1863, to April 30, 1866.
Cephas C. Bumpus, capt. 32d Inf. and 3d Heavy Art.
George A. Thayer, capt. 2d Inf.
Norman F. Steele, capt. 32d Inf.
Edgar L. Bumpus, brevet capt. 33d Inf.
Everett C. Bumpus, Ist lieut. 3d Heavy Art.
Edward H. Mellus, 1st lieut. 3d Heavy Art.
Richard M. Sanborn, Ist lieut. 3d Cav. (complimentary).
Theodore C. Howe, Ist lieut. 3d Cav. (complimentary).
James B. Leonard, 2d lieut. 32d Inf.
Ebenezer C. Thayer, Jr., 2d lieut. 2d Louisiana Inf.
Marcus M. Pool, 2d lieut. Ist Heavy Art.
Volunteer Militia.
Cephas C. Bumpus, capt. Co. C, 4th Inf., for 3 months.
| James T. Stevens, capt. Co. I, 42d Inf., for 100 days; Ist
soldiers, and on August 19th of the same year the town |
voted to borrow $1000, to be expended according to |
law. The sum expended under this vote was refunded
by the State. July 14, 1862, the town voted to
offer a bounty of one hundred dollars to each indi-
vidual volunteer resident of Braintree who shall, un- ,
der the direction of the selectmen, within thirty days
from date, volunteer for the war. The selectmen,
under this vote, expended the sum of $8637.30.
This sum also includes the money paid agreeable toa
vote passed Aug. 18, 1862, whereby the selectmen
shall enlist previous to the first day of September
under the late call of the President for nine months
$125, to the number of the quota assigned to the town,
and $7500 was appropriated for that object.
the year 1864 the town paid the sum of $8360.77 for
bounties and expenses of recruiting the quota of the
town. June 1, 1864, it was voted to authorize the
selectmen to pay from the treasury the sum of $125
for each person volunteering in the quota of Braintree
previous to the first day of March, 1865, under any
call from the President of the United States.
During the year 1865 the town paid for bounties
and expenses the sum of $9495, making a total of
$27,930.51 which had been paid by the town in its
corporate capacity for the prosecution of the war.
This is in addition to the sum refunded by the State,
and also to many private contributions for the same
purpose.
The following is a register of the officers and pri-
vates, as far as has been ascertained, who served in the
army. There may be errors, but if so, they are diffi-
cult to correct from lack of records:
During |
| John T. Ayers, corp.
| John C. Sanborn, corp.
were authorized to pay each volunteer resident who |
lieut. Co. C, 4th Inf., for 3 months.
| Isaac P. Fuller, 2d lieut. Co. C, 4th Inf., for 3 months.
John C. Sanborn, 2d lieut. Co. B, 43d Inf., for 9 months.
Charles A. Arnold, 2d lieut. Co. I, 42d Inf., for 100 days.
ENLISTED MEN,
Fourth Regiment, Company C, Mass. Vol. Militia (Braintree
Light Infantry).
Mustered into service April 22, 1861; discharged July 22, 1861.
William M. Richards, sergt.
Joseph L. Frasier, sergt.
Andrew G. King,
Edgar L. Bumpus, sergt.
Samuel M. Hollis, corp.
Reuben F. Hollis, corp.
John Finegan.
Roland E. Foster.
William B. Foster.
Nathan T. Freeman.
Henry W. Gammons.
Charles Gifford.
Joseph E. Holbrook.
George F. Howard.
Thomas Huston.
L. Frank Jones.
James B. Leonard.
William Leggett.
Thomas J. Morton.
Edward H. Mellus.
Francis McConity.
sergt.
Charles A. Arnold.
Marcus P. Arnold.
James T. Bestick.
John E. Boyle.
Everett C. Bumpus.
John R. Carmichael.
John Coughlan.
Chandler Cox.
Nelson Cox.
Marcus F. Cram.
Thomas J. Crowell.
William Cunningham.
William A. Daggett.
Solon David.
| Henry W. Dean.
James Donahoe.
Peter Donahoe.
Lawrence A. Dyer.
William H. McGann.
Albert S. Mason.
Marcus A. Perkins.
Henry H. Shedd.
Norman F. Steele.
Thomas B. Stoddard.
Elihu M. Thayer.
Joseph P. Thayer.
Loring W. Thayer.
Andrew Toomey.
Henry W. Wright.
Alpheus Field.
There were ten others from other towns who ac-
companied them, making the whole number of rank
and file sixty-six men.
Besides these, Charles H. Crickmay went with
Company H, Fourth Regiment, and Jeremiah Dal-
ton, Jr., with Company G, Fifth Regiment, both of
Braintree.
124
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The following were mustered in Oct. 11, 1862,
and discharged July 30, 1863, and served in Com-
pany B, Forty-third (nine months’) Regiment Massa-
chusetts Volunteers :
Edward H. Mellus, sergt. William G. Hill.
Charles W. Bean, corp.
Charles A. Arnold, corp.
Thomas B.Stoddard, corp.
Albert O. Hollis.
George A. Howe.
Charles B. Leonard.
Jonathan R. Clark, corp.
Hiram E. Abbott.
John R. Carmichael.
Silas B. Crane.
Robert M. Cummings.
William B. Denton.
Edward A. Fisher.
Hosea B. Hayden.
Hosea B. Hayden (2d).
George A. Mower.
William W. Mower.
Shubael M. Norton.
John F. Pool.
Jacob C. Snow.
Cranmore N. Wallace.
Francis A. Wallace.
Morrill Williams.
Forty-fourth Regiment,! Company H.
Everet C. Bumpus, Sept. 12, 1862, to June 18, 1863.
Company I.
Joseph H. J. Thayer, Sept. 12, 1862, to June 18, 1863.
Forty-fifth Regiment,! Company A.
John W. Fowle, Oct. 13, 1862, to July 7, 1863.
Forty-seventh Regiment,! Company K,.
James Willis, Oct. 31, 1862, to Sept. 1, 1863.
John Wilson, Oct. 31, 1862, to Sept. 1, 1863.
Forty-eighth Regiment,! Company I.
John Freel, Oct. 18, 1862, to Sept. 3, 1863.
Company K.
James Dooley, Nov. 1, 1862, to Sept. 3, 1863.
The following were mustered in July 14 to Nov.
11, 1864, and served in Company I, Forty-second
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, being enlisted as
one hundred days’ men:
Cranmore N. Wallace, sergt. | Waldo Holbrook.
Walter Holbrook.
Davis W. Howard.
“Moses Hunt.
Moses N. Hunt.
Newell A. Langley.
John McDermott.
Ruel B. Moody.
George W. Nickerson.
Henry Pratt.
Samuel Rennie.
Charles R. Smith.
Thomas O. Sullivan.
Francis P. Thayer.
Lucian M. Thayer.
Fred. H. Wales.
George D. Willis.
James M. Willis.
John R. Carmichael, sergt.
Isaac P. Fuller, sergt.
Robert Gillespie, sergt.
William L. Pratt, corp.
Francis A. Wallace, corp.
Marcus A. Perkins, corp.
George W. Abbott.
J. Fred. Allen.
Fred. C. Armstrong.
B. Herbert Bartlett.
Henry W. Dean.
Otis B. Dean.
Edwin F. French.
William L. Gage.
Caleb H. Hayden.
Charles T. Hayden.
Lorenzo Hayden.
Edward Fisher was corporal in Company A, Forty-second
Regiment, from July 14 to Nov. 11, 1864.
Nelson Beals belonged to Twentieth Unattached Company
from Aug. 11 to Noy. 18, 1864.
1 Nine months’ regiment.
|
|
|
|
|
Persons who enlisted for three years in the service
of the United States :
Second Battery Light Artillery.
William E. Foye, Sept. 3, 1864, to June 11, 1865.
Seventh Battery Light Artillery.
John Brennon, Jan. 1, 1864, to Nov. 10, 1865.
Twelfth Battery Light Artillery.
Silas B. Crane, March 26, 1864, to. June 22, 1864.
First Heavy Artillery, Company C.
Paul Nadell, July 5, 1861; transferred to navy, April 13, 1864.
Marcus M. Pool, July 5, 1861, to May 15, 1865.
James E. Hobart, July 5, 1861, to August 16, 1865.
First Heavy Artillery, Company E.
James T. Bestick, sergt., Aug. 6, 1862, to March 26, 1865.
Calvin Briggs, Aug. 6, 1862 ; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Edward 8. Dean, Aug. 6, 1862, to July 8, 1864.
Henry W. Gammons, Aug. 6, 1862, to July 8, 1864.
Company I.
John F. Salmon, July 5, 1861, to July 8, 1864.
Company M.
Linus C. Bird, March 3, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Denis Foley, March 6, 1862, to Aug. 16, 1865.
Elisha P. Goodnow, March 3, 1862, to May 19, 1864.
William Higgins, March 17, 1862, to Feb. 15, 1865.
Michael McDonald, March 6, 1862, to March 6, 1865.
Second Heavy Artillery, Company C.
John E. Boyle, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 26, 1865.
Nehemiah T. Dyer, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 26, 1865.
George P. Hollis, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 26, 1865.
Albert T. Pool, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
Andrew C. Toomey, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
Company F.
Fred. W. Ingraham, sergt., Sept. 5, 1864, to June 26, 1865.
George Atwell, Sept. 5, 1864, to Jan. 17, 1865.
Hiram §. Thayer, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 26, 1865.
Company G.
| John Navan, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
Company H.
Samuel Meeker, Aug. 9, 1864, to Sept. 3, 1865.
Company L.
| Edward Freel, sergt., Dec. 22, 1863, to Sept. 3, 1865.
Orrin H. Belcher, corp., Dec. 22, 1863, to Sept. 3, 1865.
Horatio W. Cole, corp., Dec. 22, 1863, to Sept. 3, 1865.
Henry B. Dyer, Dec. 22, 1863, to June 22, 1865.
Jacob A. Dyer, Dec. 22, 1863, to Sept. 3, 1865.
Henry Joy, Dec. 22, 1863, to May 26, 1865.
Third Heavy Artillery, Company D.
Lewis Hobart, March 30, 1864.
Company E.
John Cronin, corp., Aug. 27, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Patrick Regan, Aug. 27, 1863.
Company F.
Edward H. Mellus, sergt., Sept. 16, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Shubael M. Norton, Sept. 16, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Caleb S. Benson, Aug. 24, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
' William B. Denton, Sept. 24, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
BRAINTREE.
Lawrence A. Dyer, Sept. 16, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Pearl 8. Grindall, Sept. 16, 1863, to Nov. 1, 1864.
Elias Holbrook, Aug. 24, 1864, to June 20, 1865.
Charles H. Howe, Aug. 23, 1864, to June 20, 1865.
Hosea Jackson, Aug. 23, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Hervey N. Jillson, Aug. 24, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
John G. Minchin, Aug. 23, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Martin V. B. Minchin, Aug. 23, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Henry 0. Pratt, Sept. 16, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Andrew J. Rubert, Aug. 24, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Samuel W. Savill, Aug. 24, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Company G.
Eli W. Chase, Oct. 20, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Robert M. Cummings, Oct. 20, 1863, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Third Heavy Artillery, Company K,.
Robert Rennie, corp., May 12, 1864, to Sept. 18, 1865.
Company L.
Charles F. Arnold, corp., Aug. 29, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Amos W. Hobart, artificer, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Cyrus G. Bowker, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Alfred H. Butler, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Elbridge Joy, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Joseph P. Thayer, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Fourth Heavy Artillery, Company C.
Orace W. Allen, sergt., Aug. 9, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Nahum Sampson, sergt., Aug. 15, 1864, to May 5, 1865.
William C. Stoddard, corp., Aug. 9, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Cyrus Cummings, wagoner, Aug. 13, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
John G. N. Henderson, Aug. 10, 1864, to June 17, 1865,
Lathrop C. Keith, Aug. 9, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
William C. Knight, Aug. 11, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
John Laing, Aug. 12, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Angus McGilvray, Aug. 10, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Michael Nugent, Aug. 10, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Company F.
John Flynn, Aug. 15, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Company G.
Robert T. Bestick, Aug. 26, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
George C. H. Deets, Aug. 26, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Samuel V. Holbrook, Aug. 26, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
James Toole, Aug. 26, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
Company K.
William M. Strachan, sergt., Aug. 18, 1864, to June 17, 1865.
First Battery Heavy Artillery, Company A.
Benjamin J. Loring, sergt., Feb. 26, 1862, to Feb. 27, 1865.
George S. Huff, sergt., Feb. 26, 1862, to Feb. 27, 1865.
Charles E. Pratt, corp., Feb. 21, 1862, to Feb. 27, 1865.
Henry Bayley, July 1, 1864, to June 22, 1865.
Frank Osborn, Feb. 24, 1862, to July 20, 1862.
Elihu M. Thayer, Feb. 19, 1862, to Oct. 20, 1865.
Company B.
Calvin T. Dyer, Sept. 10, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
John Q. Ela, Dec. 3, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
Edward A. Hale, Oct. 29, 1862, to June 29, 1865.
George B. Jones, Oct. 29, 1862, to June 29, 1865.
Charles H. Loring, Oct. 10, 1862.
Michael B. McCormick, Jan. 13, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
George H. Randall, Aug. 7, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
| William A. Daggett, bugler, Sept. 16, 1861, to Sept. 21, 1864.
Wilbert F. Robbins, Dec. 4, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
William H. Saunders, Oct. 25, 1862, to June 29, 1865.
Jacob C. Snow, Aug. 18, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
Benjamin F. Spear, Aug. 7, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
Company C.
Francis White, q.m.-sergt., Aug. 22, 1863, to Oct. 20, 1865.
Warren C. Mansfield, Aug. 3, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
William H. McQuinn, Aug. 18, 1862, to June 29, 1865.
Samuel E. Whitmarsh, April 22, 1863, to Oct. 20, 1865.
Company D.
Charles Blake, June 6, 1863.
First Cavalry, Company H.
Peter A. Drollett, Oct. 12, 1861, to Oct. 8, 1864.
Alvin Jackson, Oct. 12, 1861, to Jan. 15, 1865.
Company K.
| James B. Frazier, Noy. 26, 1861, to Jan. 4, 1865.
Henry A. Hobart, sergt., Nov. 26, 1861.
| George F. Penniman, Sept. 25, 1861, to Sept. 25, 1864.
! William A. Bishop, bugler, Aug.
Second Cavalry, Company F.
Henry W. Gammons, Jan. 2, 1865, to July 20, 1865.
| George F. Thayer, April 3, 1863, to April 1, 1865.
Company H,
Owen Fox, Oct. 9, 1863, to July 6, 1864.
Third Cavalry, Company B.
Edwin L. Curtis, sergt., Dec. 11, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Company D.
Richard M. Sanborn, sergt., Jan. 30, 1864, to Sept. 28, 1865.
125
Theodore C. Howe, q.m.-sergt., Dec. 7, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Hosea B. Hayden, corp., Dec. 31, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
William G. Hill, corp., Dec. 5, 1863, to July 29, 1865.
Joseph W. Huff, corp., March 11, 1864, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Charles B. Leonard, corp., Dec. 21, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Jonathan R. Clark, blacksmith, Dec. 31, 1863, to Sept. 28
1865.
George V. Chick, Dec. 5, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Stephen W. Dawson, Jan. 29, 1864, to his death.
John Halpin, Dec. 28, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Isaac R. Harmon, Feb. 15, 1864, to Sept. 28, 1865.
| Philip McQuinty, Jan. 5, 1864, to July 29, 1865.
George A. Mower, Feb. 9, 1864, to Sept. 28, 1865.
James Spear, Dec. 10, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1865.
Charles S. Thayer, Feb. 15, 1864, to Aug. 19, 1865.
Company E.
| James Riley, Sept. 20, 1862.
Company G.
Patrick Dunlay, Nov. 1, 1862, to May 20, 1865.
Company I,
Royal Belcher, Aug. 5, 1862, to May 20, 1865.
James Smith, Aug. 5, 1862, to May 20, 1865.
Company K.
John T. Ayres, sergt., Aug. 6, 1862, to Oct. 19, 1864.
Timothy Curran, corp., Aug. 6, 1862; transferred to Vet. Res.
Corps.
John G. Ingraham, corp., Aug. 6, 1862, to March 1, 1863.
Res. Corps.
6, 1862, to May 30, 1865.
| Jonathan S. Paine, corp., Aug. 6, 1862; transferred to Vet.
126 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Edward E. Patten, saddler, Aug. 6, 1862, to Nov. 15, 1864. Company C.
John 1 Albee, Feb. 29, 1864, to June 22, 1864. John P. Murphy, June 11h. 1861, to June 21% 1864.
Edward Bannon, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865.
John Barry, Aug. 6, 1862, to Sept. 28, 1865. Company G.
Lewis D. Bates, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. Cornelius Furfy, June 11, 1861, to July 1, 1862.
Leonard Belcher, Aug. 6, 1862, to March 1, 1863. Richard Furfy, June 11, 1861, to June 21, 1864.
Elisha S. Bowditch, Dec. 7, 1863, to Sept. 19, 1864.
James E. Burpee, Aug. 6, 1862; transferred to Vet. Res. Corps.
Patrick Cahill, Dec. 12, 1863, to July 5, 1865. John Foley, Aug. 21, 1863, to June 10, 1864.
Stephen Connor, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 2], 1865.
Chandler Cox, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865.
Marcus F. Cram, Aug. 6, 1862, to Jan. 26, 1864. Anthony Columbus, Aug. 21, 1863, to June 10, 1864.
William L. Cram, Aug. 6, 1862.
John Craddock, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865.
Company H.
Company K.
Eleventh Infantry, Company B.
Birdsey Curtis, Aug. 6, 1862. John P. Maloney, sergt., June 13, 1861.
Charles C. Davis, Aug. 6, 1862, to Jan. 23, 1863. William M. Tirrell, sergt., June 13, 1861, to June 24, 1864.
Joseph Desotelle, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. James Wilkie, corp., June 13, 1861.
John Flood, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865.
Eleventh Cavalry, Company D.
Charles E. Fogg, Aug. 6, 1862, to Aug. 9, 1865.
William H. French, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. OwentGreclish j June) 13) o Ot tee ee
Thomas C. Gardner, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. Company E.
Ege oatmey ue. 0, 1862, Francis Marmont, Aug. 14, 1863, to July 14, 1865.
Oliver S. Harrington, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865.
Almon E. Ingalls, Dec. 21, 1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. Company K.
George A. Joy, Aug. 6, 1862, to April 27, 1863. James Barrett, June 13, 1861.
James Kennedy, Jan. 1, 1864; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. | Thomas H. Neal, June 13, 1861, to Oct. 22, 1862.
William S. Leach, Aug. g; 1862, to Aug. 7, 1863. Samuel W. Saville, June 13, 1861, to June 24, 1864.
Frederic Marr, Aug. 6, 1862. Thomas Wilson, Aug. 12, 1863, to July 14, 1865.
William P. Martin, Feb. 22, 1864; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Frank McConerty, Aug. 6, 1862; absent. Twelfth Cavalry, Company C.
Michael MeMurphy, Aug. 6, 1862. Francis W. Kahle, July 22, 1863, to March 6, 1864.
William W. Mower, Dee. 21, 1863. Michael Preston, July 5, 1861, to Dec. 31, 1862.
Albert 8. Nason, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1860. Ephraim F. Thayer, June 26, 1861, to Feb, 28, 1863.
Daniel W. Niles, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. John Q. Whitmarsh, June 26, 1861, to Sept. 18, 1862.
Samuel H. Paine, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865.
Charles E. Pratt, Aug. 6, 1862, to Nov. 15, 1863. Company E.
Isaac Raymond, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. Christopher P. Tower, June 26, 1861, to March 9, 1863.
Oliver Simmons, Aug. 6, 1862, to Feb. 18, 1863.
Quincy Sprague, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. Company F.
George H. Stevens, Dec. 21, 1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. | Joseph P. Davis, June 26, 1861, to July 8, 1864.
Ansel P. Thayer, Aug. 6, 1862, to Sept. 19, 1864. |
Ephraim F. Thayer, Dec. 31, 1863, to Aug. 8, 1865. Coon
Major Tirrell, Aug. 6, 1862, to May 21, 1865. Charles A. Pope, sergt., June 26, 1861, to Nov. 30, 1863.
Americus V. Tirrell, Aug. 6, 1862, to Jan. 18, 1864. Warren Stetson, July 17, 1863, to June 29, 180%
John F. Wild, Dec. 26, 1863, to April 8, 1864. John Q. A. Thayer, June 26, 1861, to July 8, 1864.
r OEE ce Ts1)%, z" 863: rans ; . iE rps. *
Thomas §S. Williams, Dec. 5, 1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Thirteenth Cavalry, Company G.
Company M. Hiram §. Thayer, July 16, 1861, to Aug. 1, 1864.
Garrett G. Barry, sergt., Dec. 13, 1861, to April 8, 1864. Sixteenth Cavalry, Company I.
iaumhaCvaln), Company D. William Cunningham, Aug. 30, 1861, to July 15, 1863.
Alvin Jackson, Jan. 9, 1864, to Jan. 15, 1865. Company K.
: James Bradley, July 2, 1861, to July 27, 1864.
Company F. :
William L. Cram, Jan. 27, 1864, to Nov. 14, 1865. Seventeenth Cavalry, Company E.
~ Albert T. Pool, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
Pifth Cavalry. John F. Pool, Sept. 5, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
Jhmes M. Cutting, vet. surg., Sept. 16, 1864, to Oct. 31, 1865.
Company G.
Second Infantry, Company G@. John Navan, Aug. 29, 1864, to June 30, 1865.
William Foley, May 25, 1861, to July 26, 1863.
Dennis Moriarty, May 25, 1861, to April 1, 1862. Lighteenth Cavalry, Company E.
William Welsh, May 25, 1861, to Jan. 31, 1863. Asa W. Holbrook, Aug. 24, 1861, to Oct. 26, 1864.
Ninth Infantry, Company B. | Company K.
John Healey, June 11, 1861. Thomas Smith, Jr., corp., Aug. 24, 1861, to Jan. 26, 1863.
t
BRAINTREE. 127
Nineteenth Cavalry, Company B.
Duncan Crawford, Aug. 3, 1863, to Jan. 14, 1864.
Company E.
Daniel Carrigan, Sept. 2, 1861, to June 30, 1865.
James Carrigan, July 26, 1861; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Company K.
Samuel D. Chase, corp., Oct. 31, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
Marcus P. Arnold, Oct. 29, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
N. Augustus White, Aug. 19, 1861; no record of discharge.
Twentieth Cavalry, Company F.
Duncan Crawford, Jan. 14, 1864; trans. to navy.
Company G.
John Goodman, Sept. 4, 1861, to Sept. 3, 1864.
Company I.
Charles Holbrook, Dec. 9, 1861, to Oct. 15, 1862.
Company K.
Thomas J. Crowell, corp., Aug. 21, 1861, to Dee. 13, 1862.
Twenty-second Cavalry, Company E.
Jeremiah Dalton, 2d corp., Oct. 1, 1861, to June 27, 1862.
Company F.
Charles L. Holbrook, July 28, 1863, to Oct. 26, 1864.
Edward Huff, July 17, 1863, to Oct. 26, 1864.
Company I.
Charles H. Crickmay, corp., Sept. 6, 1861, to June 30, 1862.
Alexander R. Fogg, Sept. 6, 1861, to June 27, 1862.
Twenty-third Cavalry, Company H.
George B. Jones, Sept. 28, 1861, to Sept. 8, 1862.
Twenty-fourth Cavalry, Company B.
George White, Sept. 18, 1861, to Dec. 18, 1863.
Company C.
Daniel Austin Thayer, July 29, 1862, to Jan. 4, 1864.
Company G.
Loring N. Hayden, Nov. 15, 1861, to Jan. 20, 1866.
Edward M. French, Noy. 13, 1861, to Aug. 4, 1863.
W. Martin Harmon, Nov. 13, 1861, to April 30, 1863.
Abraham W. Hobart, July 26, 1862.
Seth Taunt, Dec. 5, 1861, to July 15, 1865.
George N. Thayer, Sept. 16, 1861, to Jan. 20, 1866.
Company H.
James L. Curtis, July 29, 1862, to Jan. 20, 1866.
Twenty-seventh Cavalry, Company D.
Maxon G. Healy, July 23, 1862, to Sept. 27, 1864.
Twenty-eighth Cavalry, Company B.
John Connors, Aug. 10, 1863, to July 6, 1864.
Amos A. Loring, Jan. 5, 1864, to his death.
Company C.
Henry Barton, Dec. 13, 1861, to Dee. 19, 1864.
Company D.
John Connor, sergt., Jan. 2, 1864, to Aug. 19, 1864.
Adams H. Cogswell, Jan. 2, i862.
Charles Gray, Aug. 10, 1863, to Sept. 15, 1864.
William Reevers, Aug. 12, 1863, to June 20, 1865.
Company F.
Thomas Smith, Jan. 8, 1862, to Sept. 30, 1862.
Company G.
Charles Miller, Aug. 12, 1863.
Francis Winn, Dec. 19, 1861.
Company I.
Frederic Smith, Aug. 11, 1863.
Unassigned.
| Peter Higgins, Aug. 14, 1863.
Twenty-ninth Cavalry, Company A.
John W. Sweeney, May 21, 1861, to Aug. 28, 1862.
Company B.
Tra D. Bryant, May 14, 1861.
James Freel, May 14, 1861.
George S. Whiting, no record; now draws a pension.
Company D.
John Conley, Aug. 20, 1864, to July 29, 1865.
James Flynn, Aug. 19, 1864.
Thirtieth Cavalry, Company F.
Samuel F. Harrington, Nov. 18, 1861, to July 5, 1866.
Thirty-first Cavalry, Company K.
Ebenezer C. Thayer, Jr., corp., Jan. 29, 1862, to Sept. 30, 1864.
John W. Dargan, Jan. 23, 1862, to Nov. 27, 1864.
William Kayhoo, Jan. 17, 1862, to Feb. 14, 1864.
John Rennie, Feb. 6, 1862, to Noy. 1, 1862.
Thirty-second Cavalry, Company E.
Loring W. Thayer, sergt., Dec. 2, 1861, to Sept. 30, 1864.
Norman F. Steele, sergt., Dec. 2, 1861; 2d lieut.
James B. Leonard, corp., Dec. 2, 1861; 2d lieut.
Leonard F. Huff, Dec. 2, 1861, to Aug. 23, 1862.
Henry T. Wade, Dec. 2, 1861, to July 2, 1863.
Company F.
Asa W. Holbrook, Jan. 21, 1864, to June 29, 1865.
Company H.
John Foley, Aug. 21, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
Company I.
William Daley, musician, Aug. 11, 1862, to June 29, 1865.
Anthony Columbus, Aug. 22, 1863, to his death.
Company L.
Charles L. Holbrook, July 28, 1863,to June 29, 1865.
Edward Huff, July 17, 1863, to June 29, 1865.
Thirty-third Cavalry, Company E,
| Edgar L. Bumpus, sergt., Aug. 5, 1862, to May 15, 1864.
Company K.
Martin Branley, Aug. 8, 1862, to Nov. 24, 1862.
T. Horace Cain, Aug. 8, 1862, to July 7, 1865.
William Mulligan, Aug. 8, 1862, to June 11, 1865.
John W. W. Rowell, Aug. 8, 1862, to Dec. 28, 1863.
James N. Tower, Aug. 8, 1862, to June 11, 1865.
Nathaniel A. White, Aug. 8, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Thirty-jijth Cavalry, Company E.
William D. Lyons, Aug. 19, 1862, to April 20, 1863.
128
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Company H.
John Davis, Aug. 19, 1862, to Aug. 23, 1863.
Thirty-sicth Cavalry, Company K.
Albert G. Wilder, corp., Aug. 11, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Daniel W. Dean, Aug. 8, 1862, to his death.
Seth Dean, Aug. 8, 1862, to Jan. 27, 1863.
Thirty-eighth Cavalry, Company I.
Edward Freel, Aug. 21, 1862, to Feb. 14, 1863.
John V. Hunt, Aug. 21, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
James W. Thayer, Aug. 21, 1862; trans to Vet. Res. Corps.
Stephen Thayer, Aug. 21, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
Company K.
Hiram P. Abbott, corp., Aug. 20, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
Henry H. Shedd, Aug. 20, 1862, to Oct. 24, 1862.
George H. Bryant, Aug. 20, 1862, to March 24, 1863.
Warren R. Dalton, Aug. 20, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
Charles David, Aug. 20, 1862, to Feb. 13, 1863.
Edward David, Aug. 20, 1862, to June 14, 1863.
Solon David, Aug. 20, 1862, to June 30, 1865.
Thirty-ninth Cavalry, Company G.
James Bannon, Sept. 2, 1862, to April 12, 1865.
Warren Stetson, July 17, 1863, to May 18, 1865.
Company H.
John Preston, Sept. 2, 1862, to Jan. 29, 1863.
Fortieth Cavalry, Company F.
Michael McMurphy, Sept. 3, 1862, to March 24, 1863.
Company H.
Daniel F. Leonard, Sept. 1, 1862 ; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Fifty-sixth Cavalry, Company E.
Michael P. Foley, Jan. 12, 1864, to July 12, 1865.
Fifty-eighth Cavalry, Company E.
Joseph Jenkins, March 1, 1864, to July 14, 1865.
Fivst Company Sharpshooters.
Josiah H. Hunt, Oct. 31, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
N. Warren Penniman, Oct. 13, 1862, to July 25, 1864.
Veteran Reserve Corps.
William Butler, Sept. 3, 1864.
Patrick Callahan, May 16, 1864.
Barney Feeney, May 16, 1864.
Peter Hutchneck, May 17, 1864.
Edward Kellogg, May 17, 1864.
Jethro Lynch, May 16, 1864.
Jesse B. Nourse, May 11, 1864.
United States Regulars.
Albert F. Wood, April 11, 1861, to April 11, 1864.
Musicians,
Abijah Allen, Dec. 22, 1863, to May 31, 1865.
Hiram A. French, Dec. 22, 1863, to May 31,1865. *
Eugene D. Daniels, Dec. 22, 1863, to May 31, 1865.
Luther Hayden, Oct. 26, 1864, to June 13, 1865.
Francis W. Holbrook, Jan. 4, 1864, to May 31, 1865.
Jacob S. Lord, Oct. 26, 1864, to June 18, 1865.
Jonathan Thayer, Jr., Oct. 26, 1864, to June 13, 1865.
Seventieth Infantry ( Colored).
John Bell, Jan. 31, 1865.
| Thomas J. Martin.
| John T. Ayres.
| William 8. Adams.
| William C. Bright.
| Daniel H. Ellis.
John Freel.
Seventieth New York Infantry.
Levi Bunker, June 20, 1861, to June 16, 1863.
Edward S. Bunker, July 13, 1861, to Sept. 11, 1862.
Alfred E. Parker, July 15, 1861, to May 5, 1862.
Twenty-fifth New York Infantry.
Thomas Smith, May 13, 1861, to June, 1862.
Third Maryland Infantry.
John Finegan, February, 1862, to March 12, 1863.
Alonzo A. Tower, February, 1862.
Twelfth Vermont Infantry.
Benjamin F. Arnold, Oct. 4, 1862, to Dec. 29, 1864.
Nelson Arnold, Oct. 18, 1862, to June 19, 1864.
The following enlisted in unknown organizations,
Viz. :
Lewis U. Hubbard.
John W. Langley.
Bernard McGovern.
George HE. Nelson.
John O’Neil.
John Smith.
Charles E, Smith.
William Taylor.
Edward Tilden.
William Townsend.
Peter Whitmarsh.
William O. Wright.
Symmes G. Buker.
James Dooley.
Michael Doran.
Edward Doyle.
James Flynn.
Patrick Glancy.
James T. Godfrey.
John Hanlon.
Albert Howard, Jr.
The following enlisted in the navy, viz. :
Michael Tenney.
Duncan Crawford.
Royal J. Freeman.
George Howe.
George A. Raymond.
William H. Spear.
Charles Smith.
Paul Nadell.
William H. Matthews.
Besides these there were thirty-four who were
strangers, some of whom were assigned by the State
as the quota of the town.
Names of those who fell on the field or from
wounds received in battle:
Elisha Paine Goodnow.
George Frederic Thayer.
Owen Fox.
Alexander R. Fogg.
Jeremiah Dalton (2d).
Lawrence McLaughlin.
Loring Winthrop Thayer.
Henry T. Wade.
Edgar Lewis Bumpus.
Edward David,
Ebenezer Coddington Thayer,
Jr.
Thomas Smith.
Alfred Emmons Parker.
Nelson Arnold.
Edward Everett Patten.
Ansel Penniman Thayer.
John Francis Wild.
Garrett George Barry.
Alvin Jackson.
Cornelius Furfy.
Thomas John Crowell.
Charles Henry Crickmay.
Those who died in prison or from the effects of
_ prison life were :
| John Ferdinand Albee.
James Bannon.
Benjamin Franklin Arnold.
William Higgins.
Charles Gray.
From disease :
Elisha Strong Bowditch.
William Sanford Leach.
Silas Binney Crane.
BRAINTREE. 129
Francis W. Kahle.
Daniel Austin Thayer.
William Martin Harmon.
Amos Atkins Loring.
Leonard F. Huff.
Anthony Columbus.
T. Horace Cain.
Daniel W. Dean.
Seth Dean.
Henry Winslow Dean.
John Finegan.
Levi Bunker.
Edward 8. Bunker.
Paul Nadell.
Stephen W. Dawson.
Dennis Moriarty.
John Connors.
The women of the town deserve honorable men-
tion. They contributed to the needs of the soldiers ,
such articles as bedding, clothing, lint, bandages, and
delicacies of diet as far as was within their means.
An illustration of the spirit of some of the women in |
raising funds for these purposes of mercy is worth |
preserving. One summer, when money was hard to
get, a townsman jocosely offered, without thinking
his proposal would be accepted, to give the ladies a
load of hay, lying in the wet meadows, if they would
carry it away. They promptly accepted the gift, and
several of the younger women went into the fields,
loaded the hay, had it properly weighed, and duly
deposited in the barn of a purchaser, and converted
the proceeds into stockings, drawers, and shirts for
the men at the front.
For the most of the above statistics I am indebted
to the labored researches of the Rev. George A.
. Thayer, a native of Braintree, an officer in the army,
and who now resides at Cincinnati, Ohio.
As an outgrowth of the war, soon after its close
the soldiers of the United States army formed an |
organization which they called ‘‘ The Grand Army of |
the Republic.” A branch was formed June 4, 1869,
and named Gen. Sylvanus Thayer Post, No. 87, De-
partment of Massachusetts. It was organized by |
Gen. James L. Bates, assisted by Capt. Charles W. |
Hastings. The charter members were Capt. James
T. Stevens, George D. Willis, Francis W. Holbrook, |
Joseph EK. Holbrook, Robert P. Bestick, Lucian M.
Thayer, Marcus A. Perkins, John R. Carmichael,
William A. Dagget, and Edward 8. Dean. They now |
number sixty-three comrades.
They have strewed
with flowers the graves of their departed comrades on
Memorial Day each year since their organization. |
Nine of their comrades they have borne to the silent.
tomb and performed over their graves the usual ser- |
vice. They have expended for the relief of their |
members the sum of one thousand three hundred and
two dollars and thirty-five cents. They held their
meetings for some time in Holbrook Block, until its
destruction by fire in June, 1882, when they lost
nearly all their property. But though small in num- |
bers, they, by the aid of their townsmen, have fur-
nished a fine hall in Rosenfeld’s block, which they |
9 .
occupy at present. It has been beautifully decorated,
mainly through the labor and taste of Comrade Thomas
B. Stoddard, who deserves this notice. The Past
| Commanders are James T. Stevens, James T. Bestick,
| George D. Willis, Abijah Allen, Henry A. Monk,
Edwin L. Curtis, William L. Gage, Thomas Fallon.
Marcus A. Perkins has served as Quartermaster
| nearly fifteen years.
Early in the year 1865 a meeting of the citizens of
the town was held in the town hall to devise measures
to secure the erection of a suitable memorial to the
soldiers from the town who died or were killed in
service. They decided to hold a fair, and were joined
by the ladies to further the object. From the fair
and a musical entertainment about fourteen hundred
dollars were realized. By the will of Mr. Harvey
White a legacy was given towards the accomplishment
of the same purpose. The town in its corporate capa-
city contributed the remainder of the necessary sum
for its completion. The town selected, in 1867, a
| committee, consisting of Messrs. F. A. Hobart, Asa
French, Horace Abercrombie, Levi W. Hobart, E. W.
Arnold, Jason G. Howard, Edward Avery, Alva
Morrison, and Edward Potter, to procure plans and
estimates for some memorial. June 27, 1873, the
town voted “that the soldiers’ monument committee
be instructed to erect upon some portion of the town-
land, near the town house, a statue cut in granite,
after a model submitted by Messrs. Batterson & Can-
field, of Hartford, Conn., with a pedestal designed by
H. & J. E. Billings, architects of Boston, at a cost
not exceeding five thousand dollars above the foun-
dation.”
Jason G. Howard and Edward Potter having re-
moved from the town, James T. Stevens and William
M. Richards were chosen to fill the vacancies. AI-
verdo Mason, Marcus A. Perkins, Charles W. Procter,
and Abijah Allen were also added to the committee.
Under the above vote the monument was erected.
The statue is a full-sized model of a soldier, stand-
ing with his musket in position at rest, and is cut
from Westerly granite. The inscriptions placed upon
the pedestal are, upon the front, ‘The town of
Braintree builds this monument in grateful remem-
brance of the brave men whose names it bears ;” also,
“1874.” Upon the reverse this simple inscription,
‘“ Dying they triumphed.” Upon the north and south
sides are the names of those of the quota of Brain-
tree who died or were killed in the service; also
“©1861” at the top and “1865” beneath, denoting the
duration of the war.
The funds placed at the disposal of the committee
were: citizens’ fund and interest, $2338.19; town
130
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
appropriations, $3628.07; Harvey White’s legacy,
$500.00: total, $6466.26. On the 17th of June,
1874, this monument was dedicated with appropriate
ceremonies. There let it stand till time shall be no
more, as a record that shall tell future generations of
the bravery and heroism of our citizen soldiers in
defense of the union of the States which was founded
by our fathers, maintained by our brothers, and which,
we trust, will be transmitted to the latest generation.
Miscellaneous.— Besides the bequests to the town |
before mentioned, Josiah French, a native of the town,
him to some of the most important offices, left, as de-
scribed in his will, the following property, viz.: “I
give and devise to the town of Braintree, in the
county of Norfolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
a certain piece of mowing and tillage land lying and
situate in said Braintree, containing five acres, more
or less, and bounded as follows: easterly on Washing-
ton Street, northerly on land of Capt. Ralph Arnold, |
southerly on town land, and westerly on land of Peter
Dyer. To have and to hold the same to the said town
of Braintree forever, to be used and occupied by the
said town as a common or common field for companies
and buildings for town or public business, but no pri-
vate dwelling-houses or buildings whatever to be
placed on said premises, but to be forever French’s
common, except the wood I give my wife.” This
will was dated March 19, 1845, and probated Feb. 11, |
1851.
possession of the property.
graphical centre of the town, and upon it, in 1858,
It is situated in the geo-
was built a large and commodious house, which is |
used for town hall, high-school room, and for various |
town purposes.
improvements upwards of twenty thousand dollars,
and is a credit to the town. ‘The remaining portion
of the land is used as a play-ground for the youth, |
that the plans for the building had been carefully pre-
there being on the west side a fine grove. Josiah
French, the donor, died Jan. 1, 1851, aged about
seventy-four years. Long may his memory be cher- |
g J
ished and his gift appreciated.
It has cost the town for building |
| disagreement of the citizens where the library building
should be located.
After a vexatious law-suit, the town obtained |
a vote of two hundred and nineteen for rescinding and
From the incorporation of the town to 1730 the |
town-meetings were held in the meeting-house of the
North Precinct; from 1730 till 1750, in the same
place and the meeting-house of the Middle Precinct
alternately ; from 1750 to 1830, in Middle Precinct
meeting-house. ‘he town hall erected on the corner
of Washington and Union Streets was first occupied
‘as a place for the meetings of the town on March 1]
1830.
to private parties, who removed it to Taylor Street,
and remodeled it into two dwelling-houses.
y]
It was occupied until 1858, when it was sold
Thayer Public Library.—At a special town-
meeting held May 16, 1870, the following communi-
cation from Gen. Sylvanus Thayer was received and
read by Asa French, Esq. :
“To THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE:
“ (fentlemen,—To establish a free public library in this town, I
propose to erect a fire-proof building, suitable for the purpose,
towards the cost of which the town shall contribute the sum of
ten thousand dollars, the amount needed to complete the build-
ing to be paid by me. And I will loan to the town the said sum
of ten thousand dollars, for such time as it shall require it, to
comply with this offer, at six per cent. interest. Upon the ac-
and one who had been honored by the town in electing | ceptance of this proposition by the town, I will give the further
sum of ten thousand dollars, as a permanent fund, the income
of which shall annually be devoted to the maintenance of said
library. Should the town take favorable action upon this mat-
ter, I shall be happy to confer with a committee with reference
to the immediate consummation of the project.
his
8. + THAYER.
“ Respectfully,
mark
“BRAINTREE, May 16, 1870.”
At the same meeting this proposition was almost
unanimously accepted, the town appropriating the sum
named, and a committee appointed to confer with
Gen. Thayer, with full authority to act for the town
in locating said library building and in carrying out
the plan covered by this proposition. Asa French,
Edward Avery, Francis A. Hobart, Alva Morrison,
and Charles H. Dow were chosen said committee.
Oct. 27, 1870, a meeting of the town was called to
see if the town would rescind the above vote, but after
a thorough discussion it was decided not to rescind, by
three hundred and twenty-eight opposed. At the
same meeting Warren Mansfield, Joseph A. Arnold,
and Jacob S. Dyer were added to the library com-
mittee. This action was taken in consequence of a
April 7, 1873, the committee reported to the town
pared under the personal supervision of the donor,
although the building had not been commenced at his
decease. The executors of his will recognized the
validity of the contract, and set apart the sum of
twenty thousand dollars to be applied for the erection
of said building. They also reported that a lot of
land had been purchased by subscription and pre-
sented to the town asa site for the building. This
land joined the land given the town by Josiah
French. They further reported that the contract for
the erection of the building had been executed, and
that it would be completed the coming season. Asa
French, Francis A. Hobart, and Henry A. Johnson
were appointed trustees on the part of Gen. Thayer’s
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BRAINTREE.
131
estate, and Nathaniel H. Hunt and N. F. T. Hayden
were chosen by the town.
The library was opened to the public Sept. 1, 1874,
and is kept open a portion of each day in the week,
except on the Sabbath. It contains at the present
time (1884) six thousand five hundred and thirty vol- |
umes, and has upon its books as borrowers the names
of two thousand five hundred and seventy-four persons.
Besides the gifts mentioned, it has been the recipient
of about five hundred dollars’ worth of books from E.
Anderson Hollingsworth, and also a large number of
valuable and beautiful reference books from Jonathan |
French, of Boston, whose father was a native of the
town. Miss Abbie M. Arnold is the librarian.
has held the situation since the opening, and gives
general satisfaction.
Puritan Lodge, No. 179, I. O. of O. F., was organ-
ized April 11, 1877, and numbers about seventy
members. They hold their meetings in Odd-Fellows’
Hall in the south village.
Braintree Lodge, No. 1494, Knights of Honor,
numbering about sixty, was organized Feb. 26, 1779,
and holds its meetings in Grand Army Hall.
In closing these sketches, permit me to acknowledge
my indebtedness to the Registers of Probate and
Deeds for Suffolk and Norfolk Counties, to John
Ward Dean, Esq., Librarian of the New England
Historic-Genealogical Society, and to the aged citizens
of the town, for information which has enabled me to
give so many facts in the history of our town.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CALEB STETSON.
Caleb Stetson was born in Braintree, Mass., Jan.
6, 1801.
Amos Stetson. He received the best education the
country at that time afforded, spending six months at
school and the remaining six playing or working on
the farm. He was offered a collegiate education by
his father, who had a prosperous business, but he de-
She |
1812 he was major of the State militia, and was or-
dered out for service, in 1813, for coast defense.
After two years’ application to the study of law Ca-
leb Stetson abandoned the profession and began to
His aptitude for busi-
ness soon became conspicuous in the management of
his father’s affairs, which he conducted with great
success for five years. At the age of twenty-two he
married Susannah, daughter of the late Deacon Hunt,
assist his father in his store.
of Weymouth, a most estimable lady, by whom he
had six children.
Mr. Stetson selected for his business the manufac-
His father furnished him
a capital of three hundred dollars, and he went to
ture of boots and shoes.
work, this being all the aid he received from any one.
_ Adding industry and good judgment to his small
fund, he conducted a prosperous business in Braintree
for years.
In 1826 he became initiated into the mysteries of
Freemasonry, becoming a member of Orphans’ Hope
Lodge in Weymouth. During the anti-Masonic ex-
citement which followed the reported death of Wil-
liam Morgan, of New York, Mr. Stetson found him-
self so unpleasantly situated in Braintree that he
removed to Boston, where, though anti-Masonry
prevailed to some extent, it was far less aggressive
than in the country towns. He eventually acquired
great wealth in the shoe business, and extended his
operations into other branches of industry. His ac-
tive labors have covered more than half a century of
time. He has passed through four or five severe
| financial revulsions in trade,—say, 1826-28, 1836-37,
| 1847-49, 1857-61,—and what is very remarkable,
he has had no occasion to ask any renewal or ex-
| tension of his liabilities for a single day during his
| whole life,—a prosperous business period of over
_ forty years. All correct cash bills have been instantly
| paid on presentation.
He was the eldest of the three sons of |
In 1842 Mr. Stetson—wa
elected a director in the Shoe and Leather Dealers’
Bank, in Boston, and in 1857 he was made president.
| This office he held ten years, with great distinction to
clined it, his spirit of enterprise being more active |
than his love of study.
private school, with a view to the study of law, for
which profession he had a growing taste, and which
In 1815 he was sent to a
he would have honored had he completed his studies. |
His father was three or four times elected to repre- |
sent the town of Braintree in the Legislature of Mas- |
sachusetts, and was one of the selectmen and asses-
sors of Braintree for many years.
In the war of |
himself and great profit to the bank.
Although Mr. Stetson was an observing and unde-
viating Democrat, of unquestionable courage and pa-
triotism, he was no politician in the low sense of that
word. In 1835 he and his
wife became members of Rev. Dr. Adams’ church,
After the death of his wife, in 1863, he
In
1852 he was elected a representative to the General
He was no office-seeker.
Boston.
became connected with the Episcopal Church.
Court from Braintree, and was made chairman of the
House Committee on Banks and Banking. The bill
establishing a Board of State Bank Commissioners
132
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was prepared by him.
by the Democratic State Convention as the candidate
for Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts. The same
year he was elected a presidential elector on the Demo-
eratic ticket. This honor he declined, and after that
date he accepted no nominations whatever for political
office.
His first appearance as a public writer was in 1835.
The late Hon. Amasa Walker published a series of
articles advocating extensions of the credit system to
six, eight, and ten months to Southern and Western
purchases. These were answered by Mr. Stetson with
much ability. The general crash of 1837 proved his
In 1836 he wrote several
The many fail-
wisdom and foresight.
articles in favor of the sub-treasury.
ures of banks turned his attention to the subject of
banking, and he opposed the further issue of currency
under the general system then established. He con-
sidered that the banks were unsafe under the general
laws of Massachusetts, as it tended to encourage their
increase without real capital. He advised the safety-
fund system, which was afterwards adopted in New
York and Massachusetts in 1854.
In 1854 he published a pamphlet, over the signa-
ture of “ Silex,” of about one hundred pages, giving
a history of mining and the probable effect which the
discovery of gold would have on the future value of
property. ‘To this was appended some twelve or fif-
teen letters, written and published in the Boston
Traveller in the winter of 1853.
On Mr. Stetson’s return from Europe, he visited
California. While at San Francisco he was so ill that
it was only with great difficulty that he could be
brought home, and for four years there was hardly a
hope of his recovery ; but by skillful medical attend- |
ance and good nursing he was restored almost to his
original vigor and health. ‘To escape the severity of
Northern winters he has spent them for several years
at the South, having purchased a plantation of five or
six hundred acres in Georgia.
In reply to an inquiry made by a friend how it had
been possible for him to accomplish so much in his
life, he replied, “‘The last forty years of my life, I
have risen out of my bed, when well, at four A.M., and
have done all my correspondence and written all arti-
In 1854 he was nominated |
cles for the press or otherwise from four to seven A.M. |
before eating or drinking anything. It is now five
A.M., the day of our forefathers’ landing, and I am
nearly seventy-eight years of age.”
For practical common sense and industry; for
sterling integrity and consistency of practice in har-
mony with the profession of principle; for his noble
and generous sympathies as a friend and citizen, and
as an example of legitimate success worthy to be fol-
lowed by young men, but few who live to the ripe age
of fourscore years have a more commendable record
than Caleb Stetson, of Braintree. His name will be
an enduring honor, both to his native town and coun-
try.
ELLIS A. HOLLINGSWORTH.
Ellis A. Hollingsworth, son of Mark and Waitstill
(Tileston) Hollingsworth, was born in Milton, Mass.,
March 6, 1819. His grandfather, Amor Hollings-
worth, was born on the old family homestead in
Chester County, Pa., held by a deed given from
William Penn, and rendered historic by being the
place whereon the memorable battle of Brandywine
was fought between the forces under Lord Howe and
Gen. Washington.
Quakers, who came to America with William Penn,
—probably from Chester County, England.
Amor afterwards moved to Delaware, where his
son Mark was born. Mark received a good com-
mon-school education, and, after having served his
time at paper-making, he immediately started for
Boston to see Bunker Hill and Long Wharf. This
trip decided his future career. Not returning, he
engaged with Hugh McLean, manufacturer of paper
at Milton Upper Mills, now called Mattapan, and
said to be one of the oldest establishments of the
kind in America, a company having obtained from
the General Court, about the year 1728, the exclu-
sive privilege of making paper for the term of ten
years, upon condition that they should make, after
the third year, five hundred reams per year for each
The family were originally
succeeding year of the remaining ten, one hundred
and fifty reams of which were to be writing-paper,
and a fine of twenty shillings was imposed upon every
ream made by any one else. After McLean’s death,
Mark Hollingsworth, in 1809, purchased these mills,
and, associating himself with Edmund Tileston, his
| brother-in-law, under the firm-title of Tileston & Hol-
lingsworth, established the business of paper-manu-
facturing, which has continued from that time until
the present in the same families and under the same
firm-name, the eldest son of each generation succeed-
ing, without an exception, to the business. Mark
Hollingsworth was a Quaker, and was characterized
by the attributes of his people, a quiet, positive, re-
flective man, and a hater of shams. He possessed
much mechanical ingenuity, and by his tact and in-
dustry acquired a competency which made him for his
own time wealthy. He died in March, 1855. Ellis
Anderson was the youngest son of a family of eight
a
BRAINTREE.
133
attaining maturity, viz.: Leander M., Amor, John
Mark, George, Lyman, Maria H. (Mrs. EH. K. Cor-
nell), Cornelia W. (Mrs. W. Babcock), and Ellis
Anderson.
When young, Ellis Anderson, owing to precarious
health, was placed with a progressive and scientific |
farmer of the State of New York, with whom he |
remained until he had obtained a thorough knowl- |
edge of agriculture, both theoretically and practically,
and for which he ever after manifested a fondness in |
the application of his knowledge to the care of a farm
of his own. He married Susan J., only daughter of
Rufus and Susanna Sumner, a cousin of the Hon.
Charles Sumner. Their children are Sumner and
Ellis. In 1849, under the stimulant of the gold
excitement, he went to California, and after a sojourn |
of a year or more he returned to Massachusetts, and |
in 1851 took possession of his father’s mills at South —
Braintree, Mark Hollingsworth having purchased the |
old Revere Copper Works at South Braintree, and
there established a paper manufactory.
One of the most fortunate discoveries of modern |
times was the invention at this mill in 1843 of ma- |
nilla paper, the production of which has become so
valuable in every branch of industry. Ellis Anderson
continued the manufacture of this paper, and after-
wards in association with Leonard Whitney, Jr., of
Watertown, under the firm-name of Hollingsworth
& Whitney, they commenced the making of their
paper into bags by machinery. The enormous in-
crease of business necessitated the construction and
purchase of new mills, which were accordingly erected
in Watertown, Mass., and in Gardiner, Me. The Po-
quonock mill at Hartford, Conn., was purchased, and —
partnerships were formed with large manufacturers
both in Baltimore and in Philadelphia. Mr. E. A.
Hollingsworth showed a wonderful adaptability to the
details of business, and possessing a clear compre-
hension of the mechanical processes, through his
care, economy, and ability the business not only as- |
sumed large proportions, but was put upon a solid |
financial basis. He was in many respects a most
remarkable man. He did nothing upon the impulse |
of the moment, but gave each subject the most care- |
ful thought and consideration.
Apparently of vigor-
ous health, he was yet for years a great sufferer, but
possessed of wonderful physical endurance he trans- |
acted business day after day when others would have |
withdrawn from the task. Calmly, patiently, and |
without complaint, he was a personal exemplification |
of the motto inscribed upon the Hollingsworth coat |
of arms, “ Disce ferenda pati” (Learn to suffer what
must be endured). Although thus heavily engrossed |
' he had numbered nearly five hundred varieties.
in his immense business, his mind took cognizance of
other more scientific and literary pursuits. A student
of the Journal of Speculative Philosophy, of which
he was among the first subscribers, he was accus-
tomed to remark that his acumen, insight, and success
was largely the result of his philosophical researches.
A lover of the beautiful in nature, he would point
out what would be obscure to a common observer.
He took an interest in collecting minerals and shells,
and a fanciful delight in gathering grasses, of which
In
reference to his last visit to his Gardiner mills, a
friend writes, “‘ We met him, on the north side of the
Cobbossee, gathering ferns and grasses; we little
thought then that this was the last time we were to
see him.” Mr. Hollingsworth was a Unitarian in his
religious views, although by no means bigoted or
He was ex-
tremely unconventional, and by his lack of ostentation
and display showed the spirit of his Quaker ancestry.
His kind heart and sound judgment gave him an
interest in all good and progressive works, of which
Although his
fellow-townsmen honored him with the presidency of
sectarian, and a Republican in politics.
he was also a generous contributor.
the Braintree Savings-Bank, he would not consent to
other offices of public trust.
he had comparatively small acquaintanceship with his
Of a retiring nature,
fellow-citizens; but it arose rather from ill health,
and from his quiet, unobtrusive manner, than from
any pride of position or lack of geniality. With
intimate friends he was ever social and communi-
cative. Original and keen-witted, he would give
expression to his thoughts with a clearness and purity
A quick
observer of the comic in life, and possessing a great
of language that gave him few equals.
| fund of quiet humor, he could tell a story so humor-
ously as to draw tears with laughter. Independent,
self-reliant, and tenacious of purpose, he was ever in
social and family relations companionable, loving,
and tender.
Sincerely beloved and deeply lamented by the
community at large, a wide circle of business friends,
and by those who knew him best, he passed this life
Jan. 6, 1882.
THE MORRISON FAMILY.
The Morrison Family originated in the island of
Lewis, on the west coast of Scotland, from Scandinavian
stock. There are many ways of spelling the name,
but from about 1800 Morrison has been generally ac-
cepted. It is Gaelic, from Moor’s son, signifying re-
nown, famous, a mighty one. Their heraldic crest is
134
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
three Moors’ heads, eae clearly to their. origin.
The chief of the clan Morrison was a ruler of Lewis for
many generations, and many instances of their prow-
ess, mechanical skill, and humor may be cited. ‘ The
record of this remarkable family is one of thrilling
interest, and an air
the descendants of the Brieve of Lewis.
walks of life, in peaceful scenes, in foreign climes, they
are as celebrated as were their ancestors in the feuds
and bloody dramas of the past.
covery, in politics, in the conflicts of arms, in business
In various
and mercantile life, their history is one of progress,
and their record one of honor.”
Joun Morrison, born Scotland,
in
of romance still lingers about |
In the fields of dis- |
county of |
Aberdeen, 1628, was one of the first settlers of Lon- |
donderry, N. H., previous to which he assisted in de-
fending Londonderry, Ireland, in its memorable siege of
1688-89. He and his family were among the number
driven beneath the walls, and subsequently admitted _
into the city, remaining there until its relief. He re- |
moved to America in 1720 with a young family.
His |
sons James and John, who had preceded him to the |
New World, deeded him on Christmas, 1723, a tract of |
land, now situate in Derry, N. H., where, on Jan. 19,
1736, being near his end, and “ very sick and weak in
body, but of perfect mind and memory,” he made his
last will and testament, and shortly thereafter died at
His
son James was one of the proprietors of the ancient
town of Londonderry, N. H., and one of those to whom
its charter was given, from which he is known as
“ Charter James Morrison.” He was one of the earliest
settlers of the town, and the land then “ laid out” in
He
was prominent in town affairs, and selectman in 1725.
By his wife, Mary Wallace, who died in Ireland, he had
two sons, Halbert and Samuel. He died about 1756.
the reputed age of one hundred and eight years.
1728 is now owned by his great-great-grandson.
Samuel, born in Ireland in 1704, came to London- |
derry with his father in 1719, a lad of fifteen, and
shared the hardships of the new settlement.
deeded a
Windham, still owned in the Morrison name and with
of the
He was
arm which was
unchanged boundaries. He was moderator
first town-meeting held in Windham in 1742, and |
He wasa
member of the first board of selectmen, acting in
presided at fifty-one consecutive meetings.
this
He was
the
Cap-
capacity at different times for seven years.
town clerk four years. He was a lieutenant in
French and Indian war, and was present at the
July 26, 1758. He
ture of Louisburg, married
afterwards set off into |
Martha, daughter of Samuel Allison, of Londonderry, |
born March.31, 1720. She was the first female child
of European parentage born in that town.
Their son |
Weare lived all his life in Windham, N. H. ; was born
Feb. 6, 1758, and was a farmer. He faa twelve
children, among them Ira and Alva.
From the “ History of the Morrison Family”
extract the following graphic sketch :
“Hon. Alva Morrison [John (1), James (2),
Lieut. Samuel (3), Robert (4) ] was born at Wind-
ham, N. H., May 13, 1806. His father died when
he was nearly two years old. From that time until
he was twenty years of age his life was passed quietly
at home with his mother. He received whatever
education the district school was able to give, and
From his earliest years he ex-
hibited that spirit of industry which led to his success
in after-life. In the spring of 1826, desiring to acquire
a knowledge of some business other than farming, he
worked at farming.
left his boyhood’s home and went to Stoughton,
Mass., where his brother Leonard was at work in a
woolen-factory. He worked at the same place, but
the proprietor soon becoming insolvent, he went to
Canton and obtained a situation in a woolen-factory
Here he remained only until the
factory at Stoughton started again under the control
in that town.
of a new owner, when he returned to his former situ-
ation. It was while in Stoughton that he married,
July 11, 1830, Mira, only daughter of Col. Consider
Southworth, of that town. (See his biography in
Stoughton history.) She was born Nov. 3,1810. He
remained in the same factory until May, 1831, when he
moved to Braintree, which was ever after his home.
Having acquired a thorough knowledge of the busi-
ness, he, in company with his brother Leonard, com-
menced the manufacture of woolen goods. They
soon sustained a high reputation, as the goods made
by them were the best in the market. They remained
in company five years, when they dissolved partner-
ship. Alva continued the business at Braintree, and
Leonard started anew at Salem, N. H. By close
attention to business and strict integrity they accumu-
lated wealth. He remained in business until 1871,
when he retired and was succeeded by his sons, who
still maintain the high reputation he established in
1831.
tive and senator, and was the recipient of other im-
He was several times chosen as representa-
portant trusts from his fellow-townsmen, who relied
implicitly upon his high integrity and intelligence.
In his
private as well as public life he was highly esteemed
He was a large-hearted, whole-souled man.
for great energy of character and strength of purpose.
The wealth which he accumulated he made generous
use of in public and private benevolence. He was
greatly interested in the honor and success of his
He was a man of much reading; he loved
country. ae
~
=
~
=
Wi
— =
BRAINTREE. 135
and appreciated the best books of English literature. | building. When R. Elmer became of age, in 1864, he
In the intervals of business he was given to study
books of science and theology, and upon these sub-
jects formed independent and progressive, though
thoroughly reverent opinions. Religion was with
him a practical thing for every-day use, and his sense
of duty toward his fellow-man and God was the
highest. He was very domestic in his tastes, and found
his greatest enjoyment in his home. In return for
his great love of his family, he found them ever ready
to bestow on him the warmest affection and sympa-
thy. He died May 28,1879.” The business estab-
lished by Alva and Leonard Morrison in 1831, and
continued for a few years, was making satinets. Mr.
Morrison abandoned this in 1837 and began to make
woolen yarns. He made good goods and established
a first-class reputation. During all financial reverses
Mr. Morrison paid every dollar of every obligation,
and never asked an extension.
of justice and the principles of universal right, he
was admitted partner, and Mr. Abercrombie retired,
and the firm became “A. Morrison & Sons.” In
1872, Ibrahim was admitted as partner, and the firm
became ‘“‘ A. 8. Morrison & Bros.” The brothers
have worked together harmoniously, used good mate-
rial, given good work, maintained the high reputation
| previously established, and Morrison’s yarns and un-
derwear are standard among dealers throughout New
England. The excessive demand for their goods
necessitated another large building in 1874, since
which time their business has doubled. During the
Rebellion “ Alva Morrison & Co.” for four years man-
"ufactured hosiery and underwear, and in 1879 this
Strong in his sense >
was among the first to join the anti-slavery move-—
ment. In those days that meant almost social ostra-
cism, and in these days we can little conceive the
courage required to maintain those principles. He
was a member of the secret society organized to aid |
escaped slaves, and his name was placed at the head
of the Free-Soil ticket for years. From 1856 he
supported the Republican party until Grant’s second |
administration, when, with Charles Sumner, Wendell |
Phillips, and others, he abandoned it.
unusual powers and usefulness, a citizen of command-
ing presence and acknowledged integrity, the whole
community felt a loss when Alva Morrison passed
away. His children were M. Lurett, AlvaS., Mary
C. (deceased), E. Adelaide, Robert Elmer, Augus-
tus M. (deceased), and Ibrahim.
Atva 8S. Morrison, son of Alvaand Mira (South-
worth) Morrison, was born Nov. 9, 1835, in Braintree.
Attended common and private schools, which attend-
A man of |
ance was supplemented by two years passed in Con-_
ference Seminary, at Northfield, N. H. He received |
a thoroughly practical business education in his
father’s mills, working in every department, and when
old enough was placed in charge of the financial in-
terests, and was admitted partner in April, 1856.
From that time Mr. Morrison has attended personally |
to the development of the business, and under his
careful management it has grown slowly and steadily.
Previous to 1856 the firm had been “ A. Morrison &
Co.,” Horace Abercrombie, his son-in-law, being a
partner. An increase of business demanded a larger
and more commodious building, and in 1856 the pres-
ent stone mill was erected a little to the east of the old |
the manufacture of
which department is
a very prominent one in their business. ‘“ A. S. Mor-
rison & Bros.” have ever kept abreast of the progress
of improvement, and availed themselves of each new
firm’s successors introduced
‘sents’ fashioned underwear,’
?
advance in machinery or otherwise to secure for their
manufactory the best possible result. Their special-
ties are yarns for manufacturing purposes, knitting
yarns, and the underwear spoken of. Their trade-
mark is the family coat-of-arms with the three
Moors’ heads. Alva S. has steadily and earnestly de-
voted himself to business, and has preferred this to
meddling with public affairs, but has served on school
committee seven years, and, believing in the princi-
ples of economy and equality enunciated by Thomas
Jefferson, he is active in support of Democracy, and
as a Democrat was elected to represent his district in
1883. He has been twice married, first, Nov. 9,
1857, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Ira and Elizabeth
W. Curtis, of Weymouth. She died Jan. 1, 1874.
Their surviving children are Anna G., Walter E.,
Fred. G., and Mira I. He married, second, Rebecca
H., daughter of Edward Holyoke, of Marlboro, June
13, 1875. By this marriage he has one daughter,
Alice Southworth. For the last quarter of a century
Mr. Morrison has been one of the representative and
successful manufacturers of Braintree, and his success
has been worthily won by his skill, attention, and ap-
plication in his chosen field of labor.
IrA Morrison, [John (1), James (2), Lieut.
Samuel (3), Robert (4), Ira (5) ] was born July 18,
1798, in Windham, N. H. He was first a hatter and
afterwards a farmer, and settled first in Hopkinton,
N. H., next in Ripley, Me., and in 1845 he moved to
Braintree, Mass., and subsequently bought a farm in
Salem, N. H., where he resided until a year or two
previous to his death, which occurred in Braintree,
March 10, 1870. He married Sophia Colby, and had
four children, among them Benjamin Lyman. Ira
136
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. }
i
was a quiet, unostentatious person. “ His life was
his best memorial. It was marked by uprightness,
strong love for his family and friends, warm hospi-
tality to those who visited his home, deep interest in
the cause of religion, humble hope in our Divine
Lord, and a death whose sorrows never checked his
faith, and whose happy submission left to all who
loved him the confidence that when he was absent
from the body he was present with the Lord.”
BenyjAMIN Lyman Morrison, son of Ira and
Sophia (Colby) Morrison, was born in Ripley, Me.,
March 28, 1828. He received the limited educational
advantages of a farmer’s boy at the common schools,
and when seventeen came to Braintree, and went to
work in the yarn-mill of his uncle Alva, and, with
the determination to make manufacturing his life- |
work, remained with him twelve years, thoroughly
mastering every branch and all details of the business.
During this period, by strict economy, he had laid up
a small capital, and after a fruitless tour through the
West, in search of a location in which to begin busi-
ness, he returned to Massachusetts, purchased a dis-
earded set of machinery of his uncle, and established
himself in an unpretending way as a manufacturer of
woolen yarn in Stoughton, Mass., in company with
Asahel Southworth. This partnership continued eight-
een months, when Mr. Morrison returned to Brain-
tree, and leased a mill at Hast Braintree. This was
about 1860. Remaining there four years, his industry
and close personal attention being well rewarded, he
was requested by Horace Abercrombie, who owned a |
flouring-mill not far away, to join him in partnership,
and make of his property a manufactory of yarn.
Mr. Morrison accepted this proposition. They formed
the firm of ‘‘ Abercrombie & Morrison.” Within a
year's time Mr. Morrison purchased the interest of
Mr. Abercrombie in the mill, and conducted business
in his own name until Jan. 1, 1881, when his son |
Lyman W. became a partner. The firm-name has
since been “ B. L. Morrison & Son.” Since 1878 the
machinery has been run by stedim- as well as water-
power. Mr. Morrison has been satisfied with a sure
and safe business. He has personally given his at-
tention to each department, manufactured a high grade
of goods, and has been prosperous. He married, Nov.
22, 1855, Lydia D., daughter of Nathaniel and Hliza-
beth (Hollis) Penniman, who belonged to an old
Braintree family. Their children are Lyman W. and
Helen M. In politics Mr. Morrison is Republican.
He was chosen a representative in 1872. He is a
member of Delta Lodge, F. and A. M., of Weymouth,
and is a liberal in religion. Mr. Morrison is a man
of strict integrity, genial nature, industrious habits,
|
|
|
|
and one whose honor is unquestioned, and whose word
is as good as his bond. He is a man of kind affee-
He has concientiously been faith-
ful to his trusts, devoted to his duties, and a sincere,
generous, and true friend.
tions and feelings.
‘
DAVID THAYER, A.M., M.D.
David Thayer, A.M., M.D., of Boston, is a native
of Braintree, Mass., where he was born July 19,
1813. His ancestors, who were among the first set-
tlers of the town of Braintree, were of Puritan stock,
and came from England previous to 1640, in the
‘“ Mayflower,” with the Pilgrims who landed at Plym-
outh in 1620. His father was Deacon Nathaniel
Emmons Thayer, and his mother Deliverance, daugh-
_ter of Deacon Elephaz Thayer, a soldier in the war
of the Revolution, who served under Washington at
West Point.
Dr. Thayer obtained the rudiments of his education
in the common school of his native town, but his
He
early showed a love of reading, and lost no opportunity
active mind sought a wider range of thought.
of increasing his knowledge in this way. After work-
ing all day on the farm, the late hours of the night
often found him absorbed in study. He was by no
means a book-worm. He loved out-door amusement,
and was always eager to join his comrades in their
active sports.
There is a French saying that the time best em-
ployed is that which one loses. Its truth was demon-
strated in the case of young Thayer, when, in common
with every one of his school-fellows, he seemed des-
Though the experi-
ment proved a failure, the time thus lost was well
tined to become a shoemaker.
employed, as all idea of his ever becoming an accom-
plished artist in this useful branch of industry was
happily abandoned, and he was allowed to seek the
highest education he so eagerly desired. He became
a student at Weymouth Academy, and in 1833 he
entered Phillips’ Academy at Andover to fit himself
for college. It was here that he gave his adherence
to the cause he served in later years with unswerving
faith and zeal. George Thompson, the noted English
Young
Thayer heard him, became convinced of the crime of
anti-slavery orator, lectured in Andover.
slavery, and joined with a number of his fellow-stu-
dents who wished to form an anti-slavery society.
This the faculty of Phillips’ Academy and of the
theological seminary forbade. To join the anti slavery
society already formed by the citizens, and to discuss
the slavery question in the Philomathean Society in
sf 7 tf betes oe
nt
\
BRAINTREE.
137
the Academy, was also forbidden. Then about forty
of the students revolted and asked for their creden- |
tials, and left the Academy in a body. Among them
was David Thayer, who was readily given an honor-
able discharge. He completed his preparations for
college at Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, N. H.,
and entered Union College in 1836.
During his college course he showed a preference
for modern languages, which he acquired with facility,
and for the natural sciences, and he took up the study |
of medicine under Prof. B. F. Joslin, M.D., LL.D.
At this time his inclination was for a life of travel
and exploration, and a knowledge of languages and |
of medicine would, he thought, be valuable aids. He
graduated in 1840, then started out on his travels,
going to the South and West. He remained in Ken-
tucky a year or two, teaching and continuing his
studies.
Braintree in 1842.
While at home he continued the study of medicine,
and after the death of his father he entered the med-
ical department of Harvard College, but without
any intention of ever becoming a practitioner of med-
icine.
It was in compliance with the earnest desire of his
The illness of his father recalled him to
to the new school of practice. He joined the American
Institute of Homeopathy in 1847, and twenty-three
years later he was elected its president.
In 1854, Dr. Thayer, in order to apply a crucial test
to the claims of homeopathy, selected several dis-
eases over which allopathic treatment has little or no
power to cure. These diseases were gall-stone disease,
rachitis (or the distortion of the spine, incurvation of
the long bones, deformed chests, etc.), calculi of the
kidney, and organic disease of the heart. The result
of these observations and tests was so satisfactory as
to convince every unprejudiced mind of the efficacy
of homceopathic medicines in these grave diseases.
In December, 1854, he made the discovery which
has brought him enviable fame,—the discovery of the
homeeopathie specific for gall-stone colic. A patient
who had suffered periodically for years from severe
attacks of gall-stone colic came under Dr. Thayer’s
observation. Allopathic treatment could not cure the
disease, and could only alleviate the suffering in part
by opiates and hypodermic injections. The doctor
carefully noted and studied the symptoms of the case ;
then he set to work to search the homceopathic materia
_ medica for drugs whose provings corresponded with
mother, after the death of his father in the same year, |
that he abandoned the idea of foreign travel, and de-
cided to enter the profession. He took his medical
degree in 1843 at the Berkshire Medical Institute,
Pittsfield, Mass.
Dr. Thayer began the practice of his profession
in Boston, and in 1844, with J. E. Murdock, the |
eminent elocutionist, he established the Boston Gym- |
nastic Institute, a school for physical education and |
and talked about, and were reported to medical socie-
the culture of the voice.
and was well patronized by the best people of Boston.
It was at this period that Dr. Thayer began his in-
He had read of the
new method of practice, and he now began to experi-
It soon became popular,
vestigations of homoeopathy.
ment with homeeopathic remedies. Therapeutics had
ever been his favorite field in medical science, and
tracing out the secret relations between diseases and
their remedies possesses for him a peculiar fascination. |
In 1845 he began to treat cases of diarrhoea with a
drug homeeopathically prepared. The result was a_
cure in all the thirty-five cases. The success of this
experiment incited him to further investigation.
And in the same year he opened a dispensary in
Boylston Hall, for the free medical treatment of the
poor in connection with Dr. C. F. Hoffendahl, a
homeeopathic physician of long experience. This
wider field of observation confirmed the results of |
former experiments, and Dr. Thayer became a convert
these symptoms. Several were selected which cor-
responded with the totality of the symptoms, but
these failed to give relief. Finally cinchona, which
has periodicity for one of its characteristics, was tried
in the third decimal attenuation, and proved success-
ful. Months, years passed, and the patient had no
return of the pain. The cure was radical. Dr. Thayer
continued to study the disease, and has treated near a
thousand eases of gall-stone colic with equal success.
His remarkable cures of gall-stone colic became known
ties. These reports were published, and physicians
all over the country availed themselves of his discov-
ery. Recently a noted French physician in Paris
wrote to Dr. Thayer a letter of congratulation ca
making one of the greatest discoveries in therapeu-
tics, and translated his paper on “ Gall-Stone Colic and
its Remedy” into the French language, and published
it in the Bulletin de la Société Medicale Homeo-
pathique de France.
Dr. Thayer early became an Abolitionist, and iden-
tified himself with Garrison and his party. His house
was an asylum for fugitive slaves for many years be-
fore the civil war, and his heart and hand were ever
prompt in aiding the distressed. John Brown visited
him, and received generous contributions of money in
aid of his project of freeing the slaves in Missouri.
The doctor was also an active worker for the cause of
Abolition in politics, and was associated with the
138
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
prominent men of the party. He was elected a mem-
ber of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
five times. While in the Legislature he was largely
influential in securing the charters of the Massachu-
setts Homoeopathic Medical Society, the Dispensary,
|
|
the College, and the Homeopathic Hospital, in|
Boston.
At a period of the civil war when there was great
health, and returned enriched with the results of many
original observations and reflections. While visiting
the hospitals of Europe his sympathies were aroused
by witnessing the cruelties inflicted on the poor people
who resort to these institutions for medical and sur-
gical aid; nor was he blind to the manifest tyranny
_ of the governments, as shown by the sad, bitter lot of
need of medical aid in our army, Dr. Thayer offered |
himself to Governor Andrew for any service where he
could be useful. The Governor forwarded the letter,
with a cordial recommendation of the writer, to Sur- |
geon-General Dale. In answer, Dr. Thayer received
this brief reply, “ When your services are needed you |
will be notified.” It is perhaps needless to add that
had this offer come from an allopathic practitioner of
like ability and standing it would have been accepted.
Dr. Thayer was one of the eight homeopathic phy-
sicians, also members of the Massachusetts Medical
their toiling peasantry, crushed by taxation, and the
degraded condition of women ; and the general aspect
of all the nations of Central Europe forced him to the
conclusion, so epigrammatically stated by his friend
Wendell Phillips, that under such sore and cruel op-
pression ‘‘ Dynamite and the dagger are the proper
Society (allopathic), who were summoned for trial |
before a committee of that society in 1873 for “ con-
duct unworthy and unbecoming an honorable physi-
cian and member of the society,” viz.: for practicing
homeeopathy. Though educated an allopathic physi-
cian, Dr. Thayer had practiced homeeopathy since
1847, and had been allowed to continue a member of |
this society while guilty of such alleged conduct for |
twenty-six years !
of these physicians.
The trial resulted in the expulsion
Dr. Thayer’s speech in his own
behalf and of one of his colleagues was a forcible, clear, |
and logical defense, and was also a powerful argument
substitutes for Faneuil Hall and the Daily Advertiser.”
Dr. Thayer has given special study to malarial fever
and kindred zymotic diseases. His paper on “‘ Miasm”
was published in full in the “ Publications of the
Massachusetts Homeeopathic Medical Society” in
1879. In the ‘ Transactions of the American Insti-
tute of Homoeopathy” for 1883 is published his
‘History of Malarial Fevers.” In the former of
_ these papers Dr. Thayer brought accumulated evidence
to show that there is some ground for the belief that
_miasm becomes infectious by attenuation,—by being
diffused through a great extent of atmospheric air,—
and that this law finds analogy in that principle re-
cognized in the homceopathic school of medicine, viz. :
_ that specific medicine is powerful to cure just in pro-
in favor of homceopathy. ‘The facts he stated could |
not be disputed, his conclusions could not be denied.
It was published in a pamphlet and widely read, gain-
ing for him many friends outside of Boston.
When the Boston University was established, Dr.
Thayer was very active in organizing the Homeopathic
College as its medical department. He received the
first nomination as candidate for dean of the college,
but declined the honor. He has occupied the chair
of professor of Practice and that of Institutes of
He
was for twenty-five years surgeon of the Ancient and
Honorable Artillery Company.
Medicine in Boston University for eight years.
In 1878, when the yellow fever was scourging New
Orleans, the death-rate enormous, and the infection at
its height, Dr. Thayer, learning that homceopathic
treatment was wanted there, wrote to the president of
The
fearlessness and generosity of this offer were charac-
the Relief Association offering his services.
teristic.
Five years later, when he had passed his seventieth
portion to its attenuation within limits not yet dis-
tinctly defined, and in that well-known fact, that the
_ toxic effect of certain drugs is also increased by being
attenuated and minutely subdivided. He also brings
evidence to show that some of the miasmata in their
crude and wnattenuated state are not only non-in-
| fectious, but seem sometimes to act as prophylactics
_ against the diseases which the miasmata in an at-
Dr.
tenuated state have the power to produce.
Dr. Thayer’s eminent success as a physician is due
The late
Carroll Dunham, whom all good homceopaths
in no small measure to his great industry.
reverenced, once wrote to a patient: ‘‘ It is impos-
sible for the physician to do his best in any case
unless the patient submit himself without reserve or
qualification to such inquest as the physician may
from time to time deem necessary, throwing himself
| as much as possible into the state of passive follow-
| your-leadism which a lawyer requires in a discreet
client. The physician must say, as the lawyer does,
select counsel in whom you ean place full confidence,
place all the facts before him without reserve, give
_ access to all sources of knowledge, then let him con-
duct the examination and the case according to his
birthday, he visited Europe for the benefit of his | untrammeled judgment.” It is just this power of
BRAINTREE.
139
winning confidence, inducing the patient ‘to place all
the facts before him without reserve,” that gives a
physician the surest means of forming a correct diag-
nosis, and Dr. Thayer possesses it in an enviable
degree. His nature is peculiarly sympathetic, and
acts as a magnet upon those who approach him in
professional as well as social relations, while his
downright honesty inspires absolute trust and reliance.
“There isn’t a bit of humbug about him; he tells
the truth without fear or favor,’ one patient was
heard to say to another as both sat in his waiting-
room.
fearlessness command the respect of all, even his
His uncompromising honesty and absolute
enemies,—for so positive a character is sure to have
enemies,—who have reason to know that he is “a |
good fighter.” An eminent divine, in commenting
upon the notorious trial and the expulsion of the |
homeeopathic physicians from the Massachusetts
Medical Society, spoke of the homceopath defiantly |
shaking his little bottle of pellets in the faces of his |
judges, referring to Dr. Thayer.
- . |
this, as upon all occasions when aroused to defense, |
shows the courage and self-reliance which are his
dominant traits. Convinced that he is right, he
would maintain his ground unshaken, and defy the
How
richly this granite strength of character is marbled
whole world were it arrayed against him.
with golden veins of tenderness and charity his many
friends, who know and love him well, can testify.
This tenderness was beautifully shown in his life-long
devotion to his mother, who lived to the age of
ninety-two years. It was in loyalty to her wishes
that he relinquished the cherished plans of his youth, |
and entered the profession whose honors and rewards
now crown his ability and untiring industry. For
years before her death, no matter what the pressure
of professional work or his own fatigue, through heat
of summer and winter storms, he left the city every
week to visit her retired home, and found in her
loved presence the charm that banished weariness and
pain. Such filial love is as rare as it is worthy of
emulation. His charity, both of spirit and of deed,
is one of his noblest, most endearing traits. Towards
human error and imperfection he is ever lenient, and
His attitude upon |
if his tongue cannot speak good, it speaks no evil. |
As he has risen by dint of his own unaided efforts,
he knows how to sympathize with those who are |
struggling, and the poor and the oppressed have
always found in him a true friend. When he finds
a fellow-creature in distress, his ever-ready sympathy
is excited, perhaps too easily, and he has often parted
with large sums of money to help persons who seemed
to need it more than himself. The oppressed always
| his adoption.
found in him a true friend, and the oppressor an un-
relenting enemy. The exacting duties of his profes-
sion and the constant demands of a large practice have
left him no leisure for the scholarly pursuits in which
he delights ; but even now, as in youth, after a hard
day’s work, the midnight hour often finds him enjoy-
ing the sounding lines of Homer or the eloquence of
Demosthenes. He is an independent thinker, having
His
tendencies are liberal and progressive to a degree that
He believes
his own views upon all subjects he investigates.
has sometimes exposed him to criticism.
| that no candid or scientific mind will turn aside from
the investigation of what may prove to be a hidden
truth, and may enlarge the resources which the phy-
Be-
lieving that “that life is most acceptable to the
Almighty which is most useful ito His creatures,” he
has honestly striven to serve his fellow-men, doing
good wherever he found opportunity, and verily such
shall have their reward.
sician brings to the aid of suffering humanity.
NAAMAN L. WHITE.
The White family of which we write is largely repre-
sented in colonial New England. They were extensive
land-owners and generally successful agriculturists. It
may be truly said of them, in summing up their general
characteristics, that they abstained from the allure-
ments of the vices of the day in which they lived.
They were remarkable for their temperance, integrity,
and perseverance, and with sincerity practiced the
virtues of the genuine type of New England charac-
ter, and in whatever condition of life they have been
placed their descendants have honored their position
and name. By searching old records we find Thomas
(1) White, probably brother or cousin of William
White (father of Peregrine), admitted freeman of
Massachusetts colony March 3, 1635, being an inhab-
itant of Weymouth, of which he was one of the firs
settlers, and whose earliest records bear his name.
He was a man of ability and determination, was for
many years selectman of Weymouth, representative
to the General Court in 1637, 1640, 1657, 1671, and
was commander of a military company, at that time
a post of distinguished honor and responsibility.
Thomas (2), son of the first Thomas, of Weymouth,
was born in Weymouth, and married Mary Pratt ;
settled in Braintree, and was admitted freeman in
1681. He was a man of education, distinction, and
worth, and held a high social position in the town of
His children were Thomas, Mary,
Samuel, Joseph, and Ebenezer (3). His death oc-
curred in April, 1706.
140
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Ebenezer (3), youngest son of Thomas (2) and >
Mary (Pratt) White, of Braintree, was born in 1683, _
married Lydia , and lived in Kast Braintree.
They had seven children,—Lydia, Elizabeth, Eben-
ezer, William (died in infancy), William, Anne, and |
Thomas (4).
Kbenezer was a farmer, quiet, unpre-
tending, devoting himself entirely to agriculture. |
Thomas (4), son of Ebenezer and Lydia ————
White, married Deborah Nash, Aug. 23, 1753. He
was a man of decided energy and pluck, was captain |
of a military company ordered to Dorchester Neck
(South Boston), March, 1776.
Blihu (5).
Elihu (5) married Sarah, daughter of Ellet and |
Sarah (Pratt) Loud. He was by birth and education
a farmer, but afterward engaged in commerce, made
foreign voyages, and acquired a competency. He was
a captain in the militia, deputy fish commissioner of
the State for many years. He had nine children, of
whom all attained maturity,—Sarah (deceased) ; El-
hott L. (deceased), remained at home, and filled im-
portant offices in the town; Elihu (deceased), was a
graduate of Brown University, and physician in Bos-
ton ; Harvey (deceased), who engaged in commercial
business; Harriet A. (deceased) ; Sarah, married An-
drew Glover, of Glover’s Corner, Dorchester ; Deborah
Prince; Catharine S. (deceased); and Naaman L.
(6), whose ancestral line is Thomas (1), Thomas (2),
Ebenezer (3), Thomas (4), Elihu (5), Naaman L.
(6).
Naaman L. White, son of Elihu and Sarah (Loud)
White, was born on the place where he now resides |
in Braintree, June 24,1814. He was fitted for college
at Amherst and Phillips’ Andover Academy. He
entered Harvard University in 1831, in a class which
His children were |
Thomas, Deborah, Alexander, Silence, Solomon, and |
has furnished its full proportion of men who have |
since distinguished themselves in the various walks |
of life.
It has been said that nowhere is the character and
Mr.
White was elected into and became an active mem-
ber of all three. Of the last-named society he was
the president, and at one of its anniversaries he was
—as a general rule, to not more than one.
chosen the orator.
During two years of the college course he was ap-
pointed by the faculty a class-monitor,—an office of
truth and responsibility, in which weekly reports to
the president were required, and for which a small
He also competed with the best
scholars of his class for many of the prizes offered by
the University for literary excellence, and at one time
he was awarded the first prize for the best-written
essay on a subject given out by the college, and also
salary was allowed.
the first Boylston prize for declamation ; so that his
prize-money and salary were sufficient not only to
pay all college bills for that term, but left a liberal
supply for pocket-money besides.
He was a fine belles-lettres scholar, and particu-
larly good in the ancient classics and in the modern
languages and literature. At the same time he was
so far proficient in mathematics and the severer
studies connected therewith as to receive at one of
the exhibitions of the junior year a mathematical
part,—an appointment which required of the recipient
of it to propose some original proposition or problem
in the higher mathematics, and to write out, in de-
tail, a full demonstration of it, which papers were
to be deposited in the college library. At the close
of the junior year he was elected a member of the
Phi Beta Kappa Society. It was also during this
year that the Harvardiana, a literary periodical, was
started by members of his class, and during the re-
mainder of the college course he was a frequent
contributor to its pages. He was graduated with
high honor in 1835. The subject of the com-
mencement part assigned him was the ‘“ Character
of Chief Justice Marshall,” a rather large subject for
so young a man, but which he sustained with such
credit as to receive the warm approbation of such
ability of a man more accurately weighed and gauged |
than in the close contact, the constant and intimate |
association, and the sharp competitions of college life. |
However this may be, the appreciation in which Mr. |
White was held by his associates is perhaps some-
what indicated by the number of literary societies
into which he was chosen during the college course.
There were at that time three leading literary so-
cieties in the college, conducted by the undergrad-
uates,—the Harvard Union, devoted principally to
public debate, the Institute of ’76, and the “ Hasty-
Pudding Club.”
every class to belong to some one of these societies,
It was usual for each member of
men as Judge Story and Charles Sumner, who were
of the audience.
After graduation he was engaged one year as prin-
cipal of the classical department of the Weld School,
in Roxbury, then one of the most popular and
flourishing boarding-schools in the vicinity of Bos-
ton. After leaving this school he commenced the
study of law in the office of Judge Sherman Leland,
and subsequently, successively, in the offices of John
©. Park and Rufus Choate. He was admitted to the
bar in 1839, and opened a law-office in his native town.
For thirty years he had a quite large and lucrative
He
practice, principally in the county of Norfolk.
BRAINTREE. _ 141
then gradually withdrew from active pursuit of his
profession, and devoted himself principally to the care
and arrangement of his own ample estate and of the
estates in trust of his friends who availed themselves
of his services.
As a lawyer, in his business relations with his |
clients, he gave them his honest opinion upon their |
cases, derived from study, observation, and experience,
whether that agreed with their own preconceived
opinions or not, or whether it apparently promoted |
his own immediate business interests or not; and it |
may be truly said that the amount and volume of |
litigation in the community where he dwelt was di-
minished, rather than increased, by his influence. |
He was in the habit of saying to his clients that _
“laws are highly needful for the welfare and preser- |
vation of society, but that individual law-suits should
not be commenced except under the pressure of
absolute necessity, as they were an expensive luxury, |
in which few persons could afford to indulge.” If he
saw any sign of undue excitement or heat of passion,
his counsel would be that a little delay would not
prejudice his client’s rights, and that a few nights’
sleep and a few days of reflection might be highly
beneficial. These suggestions and a little delay would
most generally bring about a change of views, and
avoid a long, troublesome, and, perhaps, comparatively
fruitless suit.
He was particularly averse to what lawyers some-
times call ‘fancy actions,” designed to vindicate |
by Jegal process the personal character and repu-
tation of the party. He told his clients that though |
there might be exceptional cases of outrageous libel
or slander where a resort to the law might be not |
only commendable, but necessary, and where a jury |
would give, and rightly give, exemplary damages,
yet in ordinary and the great majority of cases of this
kind the party would be far better off to pass the |
slander by in silence, and trust to living it down, rather |
than make a spectacle of himself by entering the
arena of litigation, where the worst and bitterest
passions were sure to be aroused, and where the
general public would take little interest, except as they
would be interested in a gladiatorial combat, without
regard to the moral or intellectual character of either |
of the combatants; that such a contest would be |
almost sure to degrade both parties to one common |
level. His theory and advice to his friends in matters |
of this kind was, that the common estimate of character |
entertained by the community where one dwells is in |
the end much more correct than we are apt to imagine ; |
and that, as a rule, it is better to rely upon this es- |
timate, more conducive to peace of mind and more
_ seek the man, and not the man the office.
consistent with true manly dignity, than to invoke
the aid and redress of the law; and that persistent
and malignant slander very seldom, in the long run,
hurts the object at which it is aimed, but is almost
sure to recoil with redoubled force upon the head of
the author of it.
Through life he has rather avoided than sought
public office. He has acted upon the principle that
no man has a right to pass through the world as a
“ deadhead,” enjoying the benefits and privileges of
society, but refusing to bear a fair share of its labors
and burdens. Yet he held that the office should
Soon after
he commenced the practice of law in Braintree, he
was twice elected to represent the town in the State
Legislature. He has also filled most of the more
important offices in the town,—selectman, assessor,
overseer of the poor, and surveyor of highways. He
was particularly interested in educational matters,
and in the welfare of the public schools, holding that
the educational department of the town, on account
of its present and prospective influence upon the
character of its citizens, is by far the most important
Uniformly he advocated
the most liberal appropriations for educational pur-
poses.
ber of the general school committee, and for the
department in the town.
For more than fifteen years he was a mem-
greater part of that time was chairman of the board.
At the present.time he is president of the Braintree
School-Fund Corporation, a corporation having in
charge the real estate, public funds, and securities
left to the town by will, and the income of which is
specially devoted to the support of its public schools.
For several years he has been president of the Wey-
mouth and Braintree Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, and also a director and vice-president of the
Weymouth Savings-Bank. He was a trial justice in
the county of Norfolk for several years, and held that
office till the change in the system of administering
justice in this commonwealth by the creation of Dis-
trict Courts.
inspector of the State militia, an office which gave
Early in life he was appointed brigade
him the military rank of major. But having no
great predilection for military life or glory, especially
in time of peace, he resigned the office after holding
it one year.
In early manhood he became a member of the
Congregational Church connected with the parish,
where he had been accustomed to worship. Like
most thoughtful persons, his mind had frequently
been turned to the serious consideration of the great
problems of life, death, and immortality,—of his per-
sonal relations to God as his Creator, preserver, and
142
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
final judge, and to Christ as his personal Saviour.
He joined that particular communion as more nearly
coinciding with his views upon these subjects than
any other religious organization.
There was nothing of narrowness or bigotry about |
Claiming the fullest freedom for himself, he
Regarding
him.
willingly conceded the same to all others.
religion as a personal matter between each man and |
his Maker, with which no other may authoritatively |
| .
effort to produce which had previously cost hundreds
interfere, there was little in him of what might be
called proselytism, or of that lingual activity and
volubility which finds expression in public exhorta-
tions and advice. He held that the best and most
efficient lay preaching consisted in an exemplary |
Christian walk and life.
LUTHER OSBORN CROCKER.
Luther Osborn Crocker was born in West Dedham,
Jan. 11,1829. He was the son of Luther Harlow
Crocker and Mary Osborn, and grandson of Daniel
Crooker (now Crocker), being a descendant of Zenas
Crooker, the first American ancestor. Daniel, the
grandfather, was probably born in Pembroke. Luther
1804. His advantages for obtaining an education
When very young, he was put to
Arriving at suitable age, he went
were very limited.
labor on the farm.
to Randolph, and learned the trade of wheelwright,
serving a regular apprenticeship. From there he
went to West Dedham, and worked at histrade. While
there he married Mary Osborn, a native of Hanson. |
He remained there until 1838, when he removed to.
Hingham. He engaged in various occupations. At
one time he worked at shoemaking. Then he in-
| . ?
_ entering the employ of the gas company.
vested what little capital he had accumulated in the |
foundry business, but lost it through the fault of |
those connected with him. Naturally endowed with
large inventive powers, and being very ingenious, he
originated many inventions.
While residing in Hingham he engaged in the manu-
facture of stoves from original patterns made by him-
self. After being engaged in this business for about
two years he received an advantageous offer from
New Albany, Ind., which he accepted.
was engaged in making patterns for hemp and spin-
ning machinery, “breakers,” ete. After about two
Here he |
| Hanson, Mass., in 1872.
years the main factory was removed to Louisville, |
Ky. hither he removed with his family, who
had remained until this time in Hingham.
was about 1842.
and Mr, Crocker started again in the manufacture of
A few years after the firm failed,
This |
ous contrivances for utility and amusement.
was asked to volunteer as soldiers.
| give his services.
_ joined the army, and performed military duty both in
manufactured the same stove he did at Hingham
(Andrews’ and Austins’ patent), having an oven at
each end, with the fire between them. Various kinds
of heaters were designed, originated, and manufac-
tured by him. During the years from 1842 to 1849
he engaged in the manufacture of gas- and water-pipe,
wagon-boxes, shaftings, pulleys, hemp-breaking and
shackling machines, invented by himself, which pro-
duced this result without injuring the hemp, the
of dollars, and that in vain. This was the crowning
work of his life, and was patented by him. A cool-
ing fan, to be placed in offices, dining-rooms, ete., run
by machinery, which was wound up as a clock is
wound, was also invented by him.
His brain teemed with positive and original crea-
tions, and he was the inventor of many other ingeni-
He
made the machinery for the manufacturing of the
hemp raised on the plantation of one Thompson.
His agreement with him was that he should furnish
machinery, keep it in order for one year, and receive
one-half of the profits. He invested several thousand
dollars in this enterprise, which, however, proved
Harlow Crocker, the father, was born in Pembroke in |
disastrous.
In 1849 he removed to Cincinnati, and was em-
ployed by the gas company in making draughts and
patterns for the necessary castings, pipe, ete., re-
maining in their employ until 1855. During that year
he removed to the Scioto Valley to take charge of a
saw-mill, grist-mill, and a mill for reducing iron ore to
pig metal, acting as overseer for a large and wealthy
In 1861 he returned to Cincinnati, again
With the
opening of the civil war the firm engaged in the
manufacture of shot and shell, Mr. Crocker remaining
with them until nearly the close of the war.
He was a member of a local military organization.
firm.
_ When the rebels threatened Cincinnati the company
Mr. Crocker was
the first, and, with one exception, the only man to
Like a true patriot, as he was, he
camp and under fire. He was at this time over sixty
years old, and from the exposure he contracted dis-
ease from which he never recovered. He died at
A man of marked and pos-
itive character, he left the world wealthier for his
having lived in it.
Luther O. Crocker was the oldest child of his par-
ents. He inherited the inventive genius of his father,
and early in life manifested it in numberless ways.
stoves, again making the patterns himself. He here | Not caring for books, he neglected what opportunities
i
'
}
}
}
BELLINGHAM.
143
were presented for obtaining an education.
attendance at school would not probably exceed six
months, so that experience and observation have been
his principal teachers. Inured to labor from early
childhood, he was employed at various occupations
until he-was seventeen years old, when he began to
run a stationary engine for one of his father’s hemp-
breaking and shackling machines. This business
suiting his taste, he was employed as engineer in
various places until 1865. During the war he was
employed at the Bridgewater Iron- Works to run the
engine and look after the machinery. Here was built
the iron for the iron-clad “ Monitor,’ made famous by
its encounter with and victory over the rebel ram
“ Merrimac.”
Whilst employed as engineer at the Boston Flax
Mills, in East Braintree, he invented the now so well
known ticket-punches for the use of railroad conduc-
tors. This punch was invented in 1865. The first
one made was placed in the hands of Conductor
Osborn, one of the oldest conductors on the Old
Colony Railroad, for trial. Finding it worked well,
after devising various improvements, he obtained a
patent April 30, 1867. During his spare moments
he made several punches, when his eyes were opened
to what might be done by devoting his whole time to
their manufacture, by unexpectedly receiving an order
As
his entire bank account at this time was only seventy-
for a large number of his punches from Chicago.
five dollars, and he had his family expenses to meet,
the outlook was not very promising. Inquiry was
made about this time by a person—he having seen
one of the punches in use—who the inventor was
and where he lived. Learning his name and address,
he called upon Mr. Crocker, and offered to take joint
interest in the patent and furnish capital for their
manufacture.
This
gentleman soon endeavored to manufacture by himself
patent was issued to them as joint owners.
|
| paper.
armorial bearings.
His years he was so thoroughly prostrated as to be unable
to read oreven to hear so much as the rustling of a news-
To-day the machinery for his manufactory is
run by an eight horse-power steam-engine, and he keeps
five men constantly employed in the manufacture of
these punches. Their reputation is“A1.” They are
in use on all the principal railroads in this country and
the civilized world, as well as in all places where and
for all purposes which canceling punches are used.
The punch used on the first through train of the
Union Pacific Railroad was manufactured by him.
He made two “Anchor” punches for the well-known
and popular author Charles Dickens; also one
for Duke Alexis, of Russia, which cut out all his
He was awarded a medal by the
Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics’ Association in
1869, and a silver medal by the National Exposition
of Railroad Appliances, at Chicago, in 1883, as being
the best punch manufactured. He manufactures over
one thousand different designs, all of which are orig-
inal with him.
He bought the site upon which his house and shop
now stand when it was a barren ledge of rocks, but
through his taste and skill it has been transformed into
one of the handsomest places in the town of Brain-
tree.
Mr. Crocker was married, Aug. 15, 1854, to Olive,
daughter of Capt. Cyrus Munroe, an officer in the
war of 1812. Her mother’s name was Deborah
Thomas. Their children are Oscar Munroe, mar-
ried Anna L. Noyes (he is employed as telegraph
operator in the office of the general manager of the
Old Colony Railroad Company at Boston) ; and Luther
O., who is connected with his father in manufactur-
Luther married Jennie Pratt.
ing.
They have one
_ son,—F red.
This proposition being accepted, the |
in another State, which caused Mr. Crocker to resort |
to legal measures to secure his rights. This he did by
invalidating the first patent, and procuring one in his
own name. This patent was dated Sept. 21, 1869.
Mr. Crocker soon began their manufacture himself,
but in avery short time his buildings, tools, and stock |
were destroyed by fire,—a total loss.
had lost all, nothing daunted, he at once commenced
to build up his business. Aided by his strong
Although he |
physique and indomitable pluck, he succeeded in |
building
working from sixteen to eighteen hours a day.
over-exertion and mental anxiety soon told the strain
up a permanent and lucrative business by |
His |
to which his system had been subjected, as for several |
Mr. Crocker is in politics Republican, an attendant
at the Congregational Church, and a member of Delta
Lodge, F. and A. M., Weymouth, Mass.
CLHEA: PA Hos, Vic
BELLINGHAM,
BY RUFUS G. FAIRBANKS, LL.B.
Previous to the 17th of November, A.D. 1719,
that tract of land now known as the town of
Bellingham existed merely as am unimportant por-
tion of the town of Dedham, which town then ex-
tended from Mendon line to the line of Providence,
144
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
R. L, by way of the Petucket River; thence to |
Attleborough and Wrentham, in our own State, and
then running its northern boundaries, which serve
no purpose in our present work.
That portion of ©
this area lying between Mendon and Wrentham first |
came to particular consideration on the 27th of
October, A.D. 1713, when the Dedham _proprie-
tors granted thirty-five acres of it to one Jacob
Bartlett, who was found already settled on the prem-
ises. At this early period so vast and extensive was
the territorial area that acquiring land by purchase
was almost altogether unknown. As a matter of
record, the first public gathering on the above-named
tract was a meeting of the settlers called by virtue of
a crown warrant, the return upon which was as fol-
lows :
“Tn pursuance of a warrant to me directed by John Chand-
ler, Esquire, one of her Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the |
County of Suffolk, These are to give Publick notice that a
meeting of the proprietors of that tract of land belonging to
Dedham lying between Wrentham, Mendon, and Providence |
is appointed to be held and kept at the house of Deacon
Thomas Sanford, in Mendon, on the eleventh day of March
next ensuing, at eight o’clock in the morning, then and there
to agree upon a division of land and what relates thereunto,
their attendance accordingly. Dated this twenty-fifth day of
February, A.p. 1714. JonaTHAN Wicut, Constable.”
On the following March the scattered populace
longing to Dedham, westward of Wrentham, and ye Inhabitance
of a Considerable Farm adjoyning thereto and ye Inhabitance
of a small Corner of Mendon ajacent Thereto (to ye number of
That Whereas ye above Sd
Inheritance are Scituated at a Remoat Distance from ye Respec-
tive Towns where they at present belong: (viz.) The Inhabit-
ance of the Town of Dedham, to ye number of three and 20
Families are about Twenty miles Distance from the Town where
they belong and Doe Deuty, & being very Remoate from ye
Publie worship of God, & The Inhabitance, to the number of
thirteen families of ye above Sd Farme being Six or Seven
miles Distance from ye place of Public worship: & ye Inhab-
itance of Mendon afore Sd being about four miles Distance;
and Considering our Remoateness & ye Inconvenianecys we La-
bour under by Reason of the same: and that ye uniting and
Incorporating of ye above Sd Tracts togeather & making of
four families) Humbly Shewette :
Them a Town may put us in a way in Some Convenient Time
to obtain ye Settlement of ye Gospel among us &e (the uniting
of ye Above Sd Tracts of Land, Together will make a Town of
aboute seven Miles Long & three miles & half wide) and Fur-
ther Considering what ye Inhabitance of ye above Sd Tract of
Dedham Land & the Farme are already Incorporated into a
Training Companie and that they have little or No Benefit of
Town Privelidges or having No benefit of ye Schools we do Re-
spectively Pay to. The whole Number of Families belonging
to ye above Sd tracts being forty & Lands enough already Laid
out to accommodate 20 or 30 more: The Inhabitance of Ded-
| ham Land being voated off by ye Town for that end.
assembled as above, having previously divided the |
land into three divisions, containing lots of from
twenty to sixty acres each, and, having chosen Capt.
John Ware, of Wrentham, moderator, and Thomas
Sanford clerk, they proceeded to draw slips of paper
from a box. On each slip of paper was a number
corresponding to a lot of land, and he who drew a
number became the owner in fee-simple of the tract,
the numbers running as high as one hundred and
twenty-one, thus showing one hundred and twenty-
one settlers located or about to locate. From the
year 1714 to 1719 the chief, and, indeed, the only,
public business consisted in the laying out of land to |
new-comers and the granting of additional territory
to those already settled. In the year 1719 the people
became exceedingly restless over the difficulty expe-
rienced in attending church at Dedham Centre and
the performing of town business there. Accordingly,
as the outgrowth of this agitation, a petition was
drawn up,—
“To his Exclency Samuel Shute, Esq., Capt. General and
Governor in Chieff in & over his Majesties Province of ye
ry
Massachusitts Bay, in New England, & to ye Honourable Coun-
a . . - 1 ' A
cil & House of Representatives in General Court conveined at
Boston.
|
“The Petition of The Inhabitance of a Tract of Land be- |
“Our Prayer Therefore is that your Honours would Gra-
- : . | ciously plese to consider our Diffeculty Circumstances and grant
of which all persons concerned are to take notice and give | yt 7 8
us our petition, which is That ye above Mentioned Tracts of
Land (as by one Platt hereto affixed & Described) may be in-
corporated togeather & made a Town & Invested with Town
Preveliges. That we may be Inabled in Conveniaut Time to
obtain ye Gospel & public worship of God settled, & our Incon-
veniances by Reason of our Remoateness be Removed: granting
us such Time of Dispence from Public Taxes as in wisdom you
shall think Conveniant, & in your so doing you will greatly
oblige us who am your Humble petitioners: and for your
Honours, as in Consciance we are Bound, Shall forever pray.
Dated yel7th Day of November 1719.
“ John Darling Daniel Corbet
Nicholas Cook William Hayward
Pelatiah Smith
Tho. Bureh
John Thompson
Ebenezer Thayer
Cornelius Darling
Samll. Hayward
John Marsh
Oliver Hayward
Samll. Rich
John Thompson Jr
Isaac Thayer
Ebenezer Thompson
Richard Blood
Joseph Holbrook
Zuriel Hall
‘Tn the House of Representatives
‘“ Nov. 26, 1719 Read &c.
“Ordered that the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted & That
a Township be Erected & Constituted according thereunto & the
Platt above: Provided They Procure and Settle a learned or-
thodox Minister within the Space of three years now coming.
“And That John Darling, John Thompson & John Marsh be
Impowered to Call a Town Meeting any time in March next to
James Smith
Nicolas Cook, Jr
Jonathan Hayward
Seth Cook
Samll. Thompson
Samll. Darling
Joseph Thompson
Nathaniel Weatherby
Samll. Smith
The Inheritance of Mendon
John Holbrook
John Corbet
Peter Holbrook
Eliphalet Holbrook.
BELLINGHAM.
choose Town Officers & manage ye other prudentiall affairs of
ye Town. The name of the Town to be called Bellingham.
“Sent up for Concurrence
“Joun Burrity, Speaker.
“Tn Council Noy. 27, 1719
“ Read and Conecurred
“ JosepH WILLARD, Sec.
“A true copy examined
«Pp, J. WILLARD, Sec.”
Why or how the name happened to be Bellingham
cannot be told, although it was undoubtedly borrowed
from Sir Richard Bellingham, an early colonial Gov-
ernor.
ration, Bellingham never had a corporate charter, but
came into existence solely on the proviso that a learned —
orthodox minister was settled in three years, and this
being complied with, she took her stand among the
sister towns of the colony. In accordance with the
allowing of the petition, the citizens came together at
the house of John Thompson, and organized a town- |
meeting. Thus it was on March 2, 1720, the first
town-meeting was held in Bellingham.
that meeting was the election of Pelatiah Smith
moderator ; Selectmen, John Darlin, Pelatiah Smith,
John Thompson, Nathaniel Jillson, and John Corbet ;
Town Clerk, Pelatiah Smith; Treasurer, John Hol-
brook; Tithingmen, John Marsh, Nicholas Cook ;
men for the due observance of swine, Samuel Darling,
Oliver Hayward; Constables, William Hayward and
Nicholas Cook. The matter of a house for public
worship being considered, John Darlin, Nicholas
Cook, Sr., John Corbet, John Holbrook were chosen
a committee to find a suitable place to locate the
building. John Corbet, Pelatiah Smith, Nathaniel
Jillson, and Nicholas Cook were chosen a committee
to build the house, so far as covering and inclosing
was concerned. At a meeting called in May, it being
The action of |
desirous to have funds, it was ‘‘ Voted that no inhabit-
ant shall take in any cattle from any outside town
without first paying twelve pence per head into the
town treasury, this vote to stand in full force for the
term of one year.” In the 14th of November meet-
ing at John Thompson’s house the town decided
“That the meeting-house should be sett whare thare
Is a stake Standing Near Weatherlys corner with a
heap of stones Laid about said Stake and a pine-tree
marked Said Stake Standing In an old Road that goes
from mendon to wrenthan, the Demension of the
meeting-house Voted to be: fourty foott long thirty
foott wide, Highteen foott Between Joynts. The
Stated price for the Laborers for a Narrow axx man
finding himself tow shillings and a sixpence pr Day,
Broad axx man three shillings pr day, finding them-
selves.” It was also decided at this same meeting
10
As will be noticed from the order of incorpo- |
145
that forty pounds be raised for the town expenses for
that year. The location of the building is fixed in
the vicinity now known as Crimpville, near the resi-
dence of Albert Burr. Ata meeting held Nov. 23,
1721, the vote was passed that the meeting-house
should be lathed and plastered with white lime, also
an “alley-way” should be left four feet wide through
the centre and an “alley-way” four feet wide between
the ends of the seats and the sides of the building.
In January, 1772, seventy-four pounds were received
from the Great and General Court as a part of the
fifty thousand pound bank. A very common practice
in our town at this early period was the allowing of
swine to go at large during the late fall and winter
months, sometimes extending the time even so late as
June. On one occasion in particular the town de-
clared any rams found at large between July and
November might be taken up by any one, and the
owner obliged to pay three shillings for each offense,
but nothing was to be paid unless the ram. was first
captured. In April, 1720, the inhabitants laid out
sixty-six acres of land about the meeting-house for a
training-field. Onasurvey the area measured seventy-
seven acres, the records saying eleven acres were for
bad land. In January, 1723, the town decided to
grant fifty acres of land to the first minister settling
in town, and shortly afterward Thomas Smith entered
upon his duties. In this same year a difficulty arose
with Wrentham on account of the dividing-line be-
tween the two towns, and considerable spirit was man-
ifested by the people before the line was amicably
adjusted, Bellingham going so far as to choose a com-
mittee to go before a court of law, and a tax was levied
on cows to defray the expense thereof. The town after-
ward sold one hundred and fifty acres of common
land, and realized one hundred and forty pounds,
which was expended in surveying and other incident-
als connected with establishing the final line. April
22, 1726, a town-meeting was called, in which it was
decided to have a new minister, Rev. Mr. Smith hav-
ing left and Rev. Mr. Sturgeon then acting as pastor.
In the following meeting it was fully decided to dis-
miss Mr. Sturgeon, and pay his board-bill of twenty-
six shillings and his bill for firewood at the same time.
In the following winter Rev. Jonathan Mills was
ordained. A familiar and common practice among
our early settlers was to warn people outside the town
lines. Numerous instances occur, and we give a form
as showing how the end was accomplished: “ Suf-
folk SS. To the constable of the town of Bellingham
Greeting.
forthwith to warn his wife and children out of
our town of Bellingham within fourteen days as the
In his Majesties name you are required
146
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
law directs and make return of this warrant with your | protest signed by nineteen citizens was sent to the
doings herein-unto the Selectmen.”
observed, an effectual road was opened to rid the town
The old
meeting-house location having become obnoxious, or
at least not desirable, on Feb. 1, 1754, a new build-
ing stood completed near the town centre, concerning
of those people liable to become paupers.
So, as will be |
|
H
which more will be said hereafter, and a town-meeting —
was straightway called about money matters.
searching records we find it no uncommon thing to
see the result of a negative vote recorded as “ passed |
In 1755, John Corbet asked the |
privilege of building a mill and dam’ on the Charles |
in the nagetive.”
River, but the town
In the same meeting the first call (we have observed )
refused to grant him the right.
for a member to the General Court was brought up,
and the town decided not to send anybody. The
Great and General Court being not only surprised but |
incensed at this answer to its decree, promptly fined
the town. A town-meeting was straightway called,
and a vote passed to draw up a petition asking the
General Court to abate the fine. In addition to this,
the town voted two pounds and ten shillings to carry
On
the same day the town decided to assess the soldiers
on the petition and to cover unforeseen charges.
who enlisted in his Majesty’s service, and not being
quite decided as to the effect of this vote,an addi-
tional vote was recorded that the town would stand
by the assessors in the assessment of said soldiers.
In the early part of the year 1757 a demand was
again made for a representative, and the town again |
At
voted “in the nagetive” at its May meeting.
about this time the first continuous town pauper came |
to the surface, and being considered an evil, but neces-
sary fixture, he was passed from hand to hand in
a manner not to be envied even by a convict of our late |
day.
At the meeting of 1759 the abatement of a tax |
was first requested, but the town decided not to abate.
In April, 1761, the town again voted not to send a
representative. In 1761 a town-meeting was con-
vened, and a committee chosen to find the centre of
the town.
At an adjourned meeting it was voted to |
Tn |
build a second meeting-house (Baptist), and to locate
the same on the knoll in the crotch of the roads at |
the town centre. In May, 1762, the General Court
again asked for a delegate, but the town passed over |
the warrant bya large vote. On March 6, 1764, the |
townsmen came together and elected officers for the
year. On the 15th of the same month, at an ad-
journed meeting, the town voted to annul the votes of
March 6th, and then proceeded to elect other and
different their stead.
officers in At this action, a
|
|
|
General Court and also entered on the record of the
The Legislature decided that the March 6th
meeting was legal and the after-vote void, much to
The town
neglected to choose town officers in full in 1765, anda
town.
the satisfaction of the cfficers first chosen.
command so to do was sent by the court at Boston.
The result of this action was a meeting in which Bel-
lingham was burdened that year with nine selectmen
and seven assessors. This action stood but one year;
the town choosing the usual number of selectmen and
three assessors at the next annual Assembly. At the
March meeting in 1773, the condition of the country
being in an unsettled state, and the town being greatly
inconvenienced by the excessive taxation, a committee
consisting of John Metcalf, John Corbett, Samuel
Scott, William Holbrook, and Benjamin Partridge
were chosen to look into the condition of affairs, and
report at the next meeting. The town being so neg-
ligent about sending a representative, a fine was again
imposed, and a petition of abatement was sent as pay-
Some expense accruing in the conveying of
the petition,and no immediate action being taken
ment.
on the part of the Legislature, the town voted Oct.
22, 1773, as follows: ‘ Put to vote to see if the town
will send to Court any more to get the fines of that
we are fined for not sending a Representative in years
passed. Passed in the negative.”
The industry of the town, as also that of nearly every
other town surrounding, was agriculture. The largest
farm ever known here went by the name of Rawson’s
farm, and its area amounted to nearly nineteen hun-
dred acres, and was located at the north end.
The public business up to the time of the Revolu-
tion appears to have been the settlement of town
lines and the consideration of church affairs.
Taxation becoming more and more burdensome,
the people asked the General Court in May, 1774, to
assess the town for a less sum, and the committee laid
before the court the poverty of the people; in addi-
tion to which they sought to be excused from sending a
representative and from being fined. On Sept. 2, 1774,
nineteen shillings were voted to the General Court to
assist in carrying on expenses; also to agree to the
covenant whereby the citizens declared the purchase
of no goods imported from Great Britain. The sum
of twenty-five dollars was voted for ammunition, and
delegates were chosen to the convention at Dedham,:
wherein prudential measures were adopted on current
affairs. On Sept. 30, 1774, the town chose Luke
Holbrook as its first delegate, he to attend “the
Provincial Congress to be held in Concord on the
second Tuesday of Oct. next.” December 19th, seven
BELLINGHAM.
147
pounds additional were set out to the purchase of pow-
der and bullets. Stephen Metcalf was elected the con-
gressional delegate for February. In the January
meeting the motion was put to see if the town would
pay those men ready to go at a minute’s warning in|
| centre of the district, that there may be an easy communica-
defense of the colonies, and “not a hand was raised
in the affirmative.’ On April 25, 1775, the town
‘‘ Voted six dollars bounty to its share of men (each)
of the thirteen thousand six hundred enlisted, if
Congress does not give it.” Dr. John Corbett was
then chosen to the Congress assembled at Watertown.
Stephen Metcalf was also empowered. At the meet-
ing of November 3d the first vote to establish a new
county was taken, and Bellingham voted ‘“ no” unani-
mously. At the next meeting, held shortly after, the
town resolved ‘“ that it is the opinion of the inhabit-
ants of this town that it is constitutional and necessary
for each county in this colony of Massachusetts Bay
to have county assemblies erected and established ©
in them, the members to be chosen one or more
in each town each year, with power to grant county
taxes and establish roads, and to perform all acts
proper for county assemblies. All that are chosen to
be paid for by those that chose them.” Bellingham
was heartily in accord with the popular feeling con-
cerning the stand taken by Great Britain, and so
deeply did she feel the injustice that on July 4,1776,
a town-meeting was convened, and the people declared
(almost at the same moment the declaration was
proclaimed in Philadelphia), “ that in case the Hon-
orable Continental Congress should think it necessary
for the safety of the United Colonies to declare them
independent of Great Britain, the inhabitants of this
town with their lives and fortunes will cheerfully
support them in the measure.’ The sum of two
hundred and forty pounds was voted to pay enlisting |
soldiers. Concerning the form of a new government
for the State, Bellingham responded to the General
Court as follows, “dated Sept. 17, 1776, concern- |
ing a form of government for this State, as voted in
town-meeting, called in conformity to said resolve, on
due notice for that end, held at Bellingham on the
20th of October, and by adjournment on the 2d of
December after :
“We are of opinion that the settling a form of government
for this State to originate in each town, and by that means we
may have ingenuity of all the State, and it may qualify men
for public station, which might be effected if the present Hon-
orable House of Representatives would divide this State into
| districts of about thirty miles diameter, or less if it appear most
convenient, so that none be more than fifteen miles from the
tion between each town and the centre of its district, that no
| town be divided, and that each town choose one man out of each
| thirty inhabitants to be a committee to meet as near the centre
of the district as may be; to meet about six weeks after the
House of Representatives have issued their order for the towns
to meet to draw a form of government, and the same committee,
to carry with them the form of government their town has drawn
at the district meeting and compare them together, and propose
to their towns what alteration their town in their opinion ought
to make, and said committee in each district adjourn to carry
to their several towns, and lay before them in town-meeting for
that end, the form of government said district has agreed to,
and the town agrees to or alters as they see meet; after which the
district committee meet according to adjournment and revise
| the form of government; after which each district committee
choose a man as a committee to meet all as one committee at
Watertown at twelve weeks after the order of the House of
Representatives for the town, first meeting to draw a form of
government, which committee of the whole State may be em-
powered to send precepts to the several towns in this State to
choose one man out of sixty to meet in convention at Water-
town, or such other town as each committee shall judge best.
Six weeks from the time of said district’s last sitting the said
one man out of sixty to meet in convention to draw from the
| forms of government drawn by each district committee one
form of government for the whole State; after which said
convention send to each town the form of government they
have drawn for the town’s confirmation or alteration, then ad-
journ, notifying each town to make return to them of their do-
ings at said convention, and at said adjournment said conven-
tion draw a general plan or form of government for this State,
so that they add nothing to nor diminish nothing from the
general sense of each town, and that each town be at the charge
of all they employ in the affair.
“Doctor JOHN CoRBETT,
“ Coroner JoHN METCALF,
“ELpER Noan ALDEN,
“DEACON SAMUEL DARLING,
‘Lieut. Seta HAL,
“ Committee.”
According to the desire of the General Conrt, a
vigilance committee was chosen on March 5, 1777,
consisting of Jonathan Draper, Daniel Penniman,
Asahel Holbrook, David Scott, and Ezekiel Bates.
In April, a certain party being sick, a town-meeting
_ was straightway convened, and it was voted that the
for this State is a matter of the greatest importance of a civil |
nature that we were ever concerned in, and ought to be pro-
ceeded in with the greatest caution and deliberation.
pears to us that the late General Assembly of this State, in
their proclamation dated Jan. 23, 1776, have well expressed
that ‘power always resides in the body of the people.’ We
understand that all males above twenty-one years of age, meet-
ing in each separate town and acting the same thing and all
their acts united together, make an act of the body of the people.
We apprehend it would be proper that the form of government
It ap- |
| man had the smallpox, and in consequence of this
vote a hospital was established in the woods. On the
records we find, “‘ Voted that the town forbid any
| person from having the smallpox in the house of
Daniel or Silas Penniman, except said Silas, now sick,
and if any person or persons be so presumptuous as to
have the smallpox in either of them two houses they
_ shall forfeit to the town ten pounds, to be recovered
i
by the treasurer.” Ezekiel Bates was chosen to look
148 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
into, receive evidence, and decide on Tory cases. The
form of government proposed on May 28, 1778, by
the General Court was voted on by the town, and
unanimously adopted by a vote of seventy-three per-_
sons. The names of those citizens of this town who
served in the Continental army are as follows:
Amos Ellis.
Nathan Holbrook.
Abijah Holbrook.
Seth Holbrook.
Nathaniel Thayer, Jr.
Dennis Darling.
Nathaniel Scott.
David Scott.
Lot Perry.
Joseph Perry.
Asahel Holbrook.
David Perry.
Henry Holbrook.
Joel Leg.
Joseph Frost.
Stephen Wyman.
Elisha Hayward.
Amariah Holbrook.
Abel Bullard.
Benjamin Twitchell.
John Rockwood.
William Chase, Jr.
Thaddeus Gibson,
John Phillips.
Moses Hill.
Ichabod Bozworth.
Amos Thompson.
Benjamin Clark.
Josh Phillips.
Caleb Phillips, Jr.
James Bailey.
Asa Holbrook.
John Cook.
Daniel Cook, Jr.
Samuel Adams.
Oliver Perry.
David Staples.
Nathan Freeman.
Cyrus Thompson.
Joseph Rockwood, Jr.
Aaron Hill.
Eben Darling.
David Belcher.
Elias Thayer.
John Coombs, Jr.
Moses Darling, Jr.
Levi Darling.
Samuel Pickering.
Simon Alvison.
John Chilson.
Robert Smith, Jr.
Elisha Alden.
Caleb Thompson.
David Cook, Jr.
Jabez Metealf,
Stephen Perry.
John Godman.
Joshua Darling.
Levi Daniels.
Peter Albee.
Daniel Trask.
Nathan p
Abner Wight.
Phineas Holbrook.
Sylvenus Scott, Jr.
Samuel Arnold.
David Jones.
Joseph Ward, Jr.
John Arnold.
Capt. Jesse Holbrook.
George Slocomb.
Silas Penniman.
Ezekiel Hayward.
Jonathan Scott.
Levi Rockwood.
Silas Adams.
John Chilson.
Ezekiel Thayer.
Samuel Wight, Jr.
John Upham.
John Hall.
Noah Alden, Jr.
Ichabod Draper.
Ichabod Seaver.
Joseph Partridge.
Richard Darling.
Joseph Dartridge.
Amos Adams.
Samuel Twist.
David Thompson.
Stephen Kastey.
Hennery Holbrook.
Elijah Holbrook.
framing a Constitution or form of government for the
Massachusetts Bay Colony, we, your constituents,
being legally assembled in town-meeting on this 16th
day of August, 1779, claim it as our inherent right
at all times to instruct those that represent us, but
more necessary on such an important object as that
of a form of government, which not only so nearly
concerns our interests, but our posterity. We do, in
the first place, instruct you, previous to your entering
upon the framing the form of government, you see
that each part of the State have properly delegated
their power for such a purpose, and that a bill of
_rights be framed wherein the natural rights of in-
dividuals be clearly ascertained,—that is, all such
rights as the supreme power of the State shall have
no authority to control,—to be a part of the Constitu-
tion ; that you use your influence that the legislative
_ power consist of a Senate and House of Representa-
tives, the representatives to be annually chosen
from the towns, as they were previous to the year
pealler diy
bribery, corruption, and unchaste influence.
That the Constitution be so framed that elec-
tions be free and frequent, most likely to prevent
That
the executive power be so lodged as to execute the
laws with dispatch. The Senate to have knowledge
of the House, but to revise and propose amend-
ments to it, and when not agreeing to act as one
body, the senators to be annually chosen by the peo-
ple. That the holding the Court of Probate, granting
of license, and registering deeds in but one town in
the county, as heretofore established, has been a
grievous burden to us. That you use your influence
that the Constitution be so framed that each incor-
| porated town may have power to hold and exercise
powers of a Court of Probate, and to grant licenses,
and to record their deeds within the several towns.
We further instruct you that, when you have drawn
a form of government or the outlines thereof, you
cause a fair copy thereof to be printed. That you
use your influence that the convention adjourn to
some future day, and the copies so printed be laid
before your several towns for their consideration and
In early days the delegates were not allowed their |
own judgment in publie affairs, but were instructed.
Rey. Noah Alden, pastor of the Baptist Church at
that time, was chosen a delegate, and the town in-
structed him as follows: “ Sir,—You being chosen by |
the inhabitants of this town to represent them in a
convention proposed to be held at Cambridge on the |
1st day of September next, for the sole purpose of |
amendment, to be returned to the convention at their
In this way we think the sense of the
State at large will be most likely to be collected.
That the judicial be so established that justice may
adjournment.
be impartially demonstrated without being obliged to
be at such an enormous expense to gentlemen of the
That right of trial by jury be
kept sacred and close, as has been the late usual
That the statutes of Old
England, or any part thereof, nor any foreign laws
be adopted in this Constitution. That a county as-
law to argue causes.
practice in this State.
0
BELLINGHAM. 149
sembly be established to grant county taxes in each
county, and to act in all other matters appertaining |
thereto.”
In October, 1780, a committee was chosen to favor |
a new county to be set off from Suffolk. At the
meeting of April 2, 1781, the town assisted in the
election of John Hancock, Governor, and his honor, |
Thomas Cushing, Lieutenant-Governor. Stephen
Metealf was again elected representative. The name
of no other man appears as representative from Belling-
ham for a long term of years. On the 6th of May, |
1782, he was again elected, and instructed by the town
as follows :
“ Sir,—Having chosen you to represent the town in the Gen- |
eral Court the ensuing year, we think meet to give you the
following instructions: Whereas, the Governor’s salary for a
year has been eleven hundred pounds, and Counselors seven
shillings for one day, and Senators 10 shillings a day, we think |
them sums exorbitant, and we instruct you to use your utmost
endeavors and influence to have those salaries lessoned and all
others in this Commonwealth to be set at a reasonable rate, and |
that all persons under pay from the Commonwealth that are
not absolutely necessary for the business thereof be dismissed,
and that there may be a law made that every representative be
paid out of his own town treasury such sums as he and his town
shall agree upon for his attendance while he is sitting, and that
the General Court be removed out of Boston and set in some
other town, and that the annual expense of this State be ascer-
tained that is used for its own support, and the annual income |
thereof, and how the money has been expended that has been
granted toward its support, and how much it is in debt when |
what is granted is all paid, that so the people, who have aright
to know, may know how the money is expended that they pay ;
and a separate account of the annual expense this Common-
wealth is at for and toward Continental charges, and how much
this State is in debt for Continental affairs, and that there be
printed, published, and sent to each town in the State every
year the state of its treasury and of what money has been and
from time to time is granted and how expended, that for this
Government and Continental affairs, separate, and whereas the
mode of trials in our common Jaw courts, the attorneys’ fees
that they demand is so extravagant that poorer sort of people
are necessitated to suffer every injury without being able to
obtain redress in common course of law of which a redress |
ought to be obtained.”
The same gentleman was chosen by the town at its
first affirmative action on a new county to represent
its will. In 1784 the town voted not to send any one
to the General Court. On the following year Stephen
Metcalf was again empowered to attend, but before ©
leaving the town instructed him to use his “ utmost |
endeavor that the Stamp Act made last session of the |
General Court be repealed, and that a law be passed
allowing no action in any other county than where
the defendant resides. Also that the Governor's salary —
and other servants of the State be made less, and all |
other needless expense reduced.”
interested in fishing to some extent, chose Joseph |
The town being |
| two votes each.
tion of the smallpox, and voted no.
Holbrook to join with the other towns on the Charles
River in a petition to the General Court, for “ ways
to be opened through dams on the river to allow the
free passage of fish.” In 1787 the town cast sixty-
seven votes for Governor, sixty-three of which were
for John Haucock; also in the same meeting Lieut.
Aaron Holbrook was chosen representative in place
of Judge Metcalf, who alone had represented the
town previously. Lieut. Holbrook was instructed to
influence the establishment of courts in a small circuit,
also that he do his best to establish credit, ‘that he
use his power to have what was called a dry-tax light,
and that the banefull ‘gugaws’ of Briton and all
West India goods that the Publick can best do with-
out be heavily dutied. We charge you to encourage
home manufactorys.’ In December, 1787, Rev.
Noah Alden was sent to the convention in Boston to
give expression to the town’s mind on the proposed
Constitution, and which expression had been previously
declared in that it was against the adoption. The
first action taken by the town in national govern-
ment affairs was at a meeting held Dec. 18, 1788, in
which, as national representative, Fisher Ames re-
ceived eight votes and William Heath six. Electors
| for choice of President, Jabez Fisher and Caleb Davis,
As representative to the General
Court, Lieut. Holbrook served two years, the town in
the year 1789 sending no one. In 1791, Lieut.
Holbrook was returned to the General Court, and
specially empowered to seek a division of Suffolk
County.
see if the town will provide a house for the inocula-
Secondly, voted
that the town disapprove of the smallpox coming
into town Contrary to Law.”
In 1784 (one hundred years ago) Bellingham had
as her citizens the following persons :
At the same meeting it was ‘ put to vote to
David Metcalf.
Stephen Metealt.
John Metealf.
John Metealf, Jr.
Jonathan Metealf, Jr.
John Coombs.
John Coombs, Jr.
Jonathan Hill.
Aaron Hill.
David Hill.
Robert Smith.
Abel Smith.
Ebenezer Fisher.
Amos Ellis.
Benjamin Partridge.
Joseph Partridge.
Job Partridge.
John Partridge.
John Corbit, M.D.
Benjamin Spears:
Nathan Holbrook.
Seth Holbrook.
Eben Holbrook.
Amzi Holbrook.
Aaron Holbrook.
Joseph Holbrook.
Joseph Holbrook, Jr.
Peter Holbrook.
Asahel Holbrook.
Asa Holbrook.
Jesse Holbrook.
Darias Holbrook.
Amariah Holbrook.
Joel Jencks.
Ezra Forestall.
Elisha Burr.
Benjamin Boss.
Nathaniel Butterworth.
150
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Johnson Streetor.
Joseph Thompson,
Josiah Wheelock.
Eben Wheelock.
Gideon Albee.
Nathan Albee.
Stephen Albee.
Abel Albee.
James Albee.
Asa Pond.
Eli Pond.
Lisa Pond.
John Clark.
Samuel Clark.
Isaac Bates.
Timothy Merriman.
Amariah Jones.
Samuel Cobb.
Joshua Bullard.
Obediah Adams.
Samuel Adams.
Amos Adams.
Silas Adams,
Jeptha Wedge.
Daniel Wedge.
David Hayward.
Hezekiah Hayward.
Thayer.
Jonathan Wright.
Jonathan Howe.
David Lawrence.
David Penniman.
Samuel Penniman.
Josiah Penniman.
A total of seventy-one, all of whom resided in the
thirty-one dwelling-houses then standing, with an
accompaniment of twenty-nine barns.
Jr., possessed two saw-mills, and John Corbit one,
the only mechanical industry in town. Acres of
meadow-grass, 151; pasture land, 330; woodland,
in barrels, 110. Number of horses, 35; oxen,
40; cows, 152; young stock, 52; sheep, 86; and |
swine, 38.
In 1793 and 1796 no representative was sent, and
in May of the same year a warrant was issued bear-
ing the words “ Norfolk County,” all previous |
having “Suffolk SS.” upon their face. The nine
towns in the new county, through some dissatisfac-
tion, considered the proposition of returning to Suf-
folk.
and chose a committee to oppose any such action.
In the next annual meeting Joseph Holbrook was
elected representative, and his pay placed at one
dollar per day, the town-fathers further declaring “ if
he receive more, he shall pay it to the town.”
Bellingham loudly remonstrated against. it,
this time the General Court ordered a survey of the
different towns in the State, and Judge Metcalf was
chosen to the work here, but we cannot give the
result of his effort, as it is not a matter of record.
In 1796 the town located guide-boards for public
convenience, and in the next meeting considered the
feasibility of uniting with other towns for the pur-
pose of establishing a post-road to Dedham, what
is now known as the old Boston and Hartford turn-
pike. Two years previous to this, however, the
matter was privately agitated, as the following letter
will show:
John Metealf, |
answer to our proposal, which I had the honor to present with
the articles of association of the first branch inclosed to you
| lately, requesting your speedy answer, which is not yet re-
ceived. Here a number of us have associated to run carriages
| statedly from Boston to Smith’s, in Bellingham, as soon as the
rest of the line is completed, but cannot proceed to the expense
of purchasing eight coach-horses with carriages until some
| confidential persons along the road shall assure of its being
And if you think best to have
no connection with us, we request to know it immediately, that
continued through to Hartford.
| others may be taken into the company, with full resolution to
| carry it into effect, and we hope yet we shall not have to regret
the disinclination of so able a partner.
“Tn haste, though with esteem, I am
“Your very humble servant,
‘FISHER AMES.”
| © To Senator Metcatr, BELLINGHAM.”
About |
“ PHILADELPHIA, April 1, 1794.
“STEPHEN Metcatr, Hsq.:
“ My Dear Sir,—On my motion the road to Hartford by
Dedham, Mendon, and Pomfret, is agreed to in the committee
of the whole House on the post-office bill. It will probably
| pass the House, and I will endeaver by proper explanations to
| procure for it a due consideration in the Senate.
land cultivated, 127; English mowing land, 170; |
Should it be
established by law that a mail shall be put on the middle road,
it will be important that the towns should exert themselves
aes | re th hey have d heretofore t rk the high
171; other land, 1974. Annual amount of cider, Sen Sy ta ee ee ace a ena
and render the middle road passable. I thought it might be
useful to give you early information on this subject. There is
again a hope of peace. Some among us have their passions
raised to the war pitch, and others would like a war against
their debts; but the prevailing desire is peace. It will be
necessary, however, to prepare for war, as it is thought that it
will prove the most effectual way to avoid it. Our happy
country seems to stand in need of little more than peace and
good order to secure its prosperity. I own I dread war, hy
which we can gain nothing and may lose everything as a
people. The arrangements which the present critical posture
of affairs demands will delay the session of Congress for some
time. It is however expected that we shall rise by the middle
of May at the latest. I am, dear sir, with esteem and regard,
“Yours truly,
“ FISHER AMES.”
This road was finally established and a post-mail
placed on the same through Mr. Ames’ infiuence with
the national government, the towns and States of
Massachusetts and Connecticut assisting in the con-
struction.
The town finding some difficulty in obtaining the
_ church for public meetings, chose a committee to pass
“ Depuam, March 27, 1794.
“Sir, —After your good wishes expressed toward establishing
a line of stages on the middle road between Boston and Hart- |
ford, we feel a little disappointed at not receiving so prompt an
upon the feasibility of constructing a new building,
and the finding of a suitable location therefor. This
committee—
“having met and taken the matter into consideration, agree-
able to appointment, beg leave to report: That we are
of opinion that the most central and convenient spot for
erecting said building is on the land now occupied by David
Jones, situated at the end of the road leading from Ezekiel
Bates’ dwelling-house to the road known as the Taunton road,
and is bounded partly on the west by the said Taunton road.
The said Jones proposes giving the town one acre of land for
the purpose of setting said house and other buildings upon,
providing said town will agree to erect such a building as will
BELLINGHAM.
151
best accommodate the religious society in said town for a house
of public worship.
“HZEKIEL BATES,
“ LABAN BAtTEs,
“Joun SCAMMELL,
}
|
f Committee.”
“Eras Wieut, J
“ BELLINGHAM, March 15, A.p. 1800.
“We, the undersigned, do hereby propose to the inhabitants
of said Bellingham that we will undertake the building of a
public house in said town for the purpose of better accommo-
dating said inhabitants to transact their public concerns in. We
propose said house to be forty-five by fifty feet on the ground,
twenty-five feet posts, and one porch of fourteen feet square,
which shall be built of good materials and be well wrought ;
providing said town will grant the sum of one thousand dollars,
five hundred to be assessed and paid into the treasury for the |
above purpose by the first day of April, 1801, and the other five
hundred to be paid by April 1, 1802, and also to grant us the
privilege of building pews in said house for the accommodation
of the religious society in said town, and giving us the benefit of
the sale of said pews to defray in part the expense of said build-
ing; and if the above proposals should be accepted by a vote of
said town, we do hereby jointly and severally agree and en-
gage to completely finish said house without any other expense
to said town, and we will give bonds to indemnify for the above
purpose.
“Tn testimony whereof we have hereto set our hands,
“LABAN BATES,
“ EviAB WIGHT,
“ JoHN SCAMMELL,
“ Joun CHILSON,
* Smmeon Honiproox, “JoserH FAIRBANKS,
“Speru HoLprook, “SamMuEL DARLING, JR.,
“ SrepHeN MercaLr, JR., “ ELisHaA Burr.”
In the September meeting the above was accepted
by the town, and the first sum of five hundred dol-
lars assessed. Joseph Fairbanks having set up a saw-
and grist-mill on the Charles River, near where the
Caryville Mills now stand, the selectmen laid out the
road now known as Pearl Street, the read running to
the Franklin line from the old turnpike.
to 1800 the town was not represented in the Legisla-
ture, but in the last-named year Laban Bates was
elected to that office, serving also in 1804. In 1802
the town declined to be represented. In December
of the same year the town accepted of the new meet-
ing-house (our present town hall), and Thomas Bald-
win, of Boston, was decided upon to preach the dedi-
cation sermon. A committee was chosen, and the
clergy in surrounding townsinvited. A subscription-
paper was then circulated for the support of services. |
From 1796 |
This not meeting with much favor, the town voted |
two hundred dollars in lieu thereof, and Rev. N. W.
Rathburn was called. At the next annual meeting
John Bates was chosen town clerk, in place of Kliab
Wight, who had served the town in that capacity for |
a long term of years. In 1804 the town exchanged
the old training-ground for a new one about the new
meeting-house.
The difficulty arising from the attendance upon
_ Jonathan
public duties at Bellingham Centre on account of the
great distance, and this, aided by the growth of West
Medway, so near by, culminated in 1807 in a petition
for a new town formed from parts of Bellingham,
Franklin, Medway, and Holliston. A viewing com-
mittee from the Legislature visited the premises and
reported adversely. In 1816 the matter was again
agitated, and a hearing granted by the standing com-
mittee of the House of Representatives. This com-
mittee decided favorably, providing a portion of that
part taken from Bellingham was relinquished ; but
_ the people declining to do this, the decision was again
adverse. In 1823 the matter was brought up again,
In May, 1824, the fol-
lowing petition was sent to the Senate and General
Court. ‘The undersigned, inhabitants of the West
Parish in Medway, humbly represent that your peti-
and several hearings granted.
tioners, comprising a small part of the towns of Med-
way, Bellingham, Holliston, and Franklin, were incor-
porated for parochial purposes about seventy-five years
past by an act of the Legislature, since which time re-
ligious worship has been regularly supported and parish
| privileges constantly exercised therein. That within
a few years past two commodious houses for public
worship, a parish house, and other buildings equally
adapted to town and parish purposes have been erected,
and that said parish as herein described contains about
two hundred and fifty ratable polls, twelve hundred
inhabitants, and nine hundred acres of land. They
further represent that the inconveniences and evils of
transacting town business in their several towns at the
distance of from four to seven miles from their homes,
while the distance to the centre of the parish does in
no instance exceed three miles, the remoteness of
your petitioners in Holliston from the shire-town of
their county (Worcester) as at present situated, and
the expense and inconvenience of performing military
duty in their several towns at the distances above men-
tioned, render an incorporation of your petitioners for
town purposes highly desirable and necessary. Your
petitioners therefore humbly pray that they may be
incorporated as a town, with all the privileges of other
towns within this commonwealth, according to the fol-
lowing boundaries, viz.: Beginning at the Milford line,
on the northerly side of Nahum Clark’s farm, and
running easterly, including said farm and across the
land of Henry Adams, to a stake and stones on the
northerly side of a town road; thence across said
road to the northeast corner of said Adams’ farm ;
thence to a white-oak tree standing on the east side
| of the road, about twenty rods north of Capt.
the
south side of the farm belonging to the estate of A.
Hardine’s barn; from thence to
152
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Morse, opposite his dwelling-house ; from thence to
continue a straight line on the southerly side of said |
Morse’s farm to the Pond road, so called ; thence run-
ning southerly on said road about twenty-five rods ;
thence easterly a straight line along the south side of
Capt. M. Rockwood’s home farm to the old grant
line (so called); thence southerly on said line and |
Candlewood Island (so called); road to the old county
road ; thence running southerly across said road and
Charles River to the end of a road near Amos Fisher’s
house, in Franklin; thence southwesterly on said road
to a town road leading from the factory village in
Medway to Franklin meeting-house ; thence to the;
corner of the road near the house of Joseph Bacon ;
thence, following said road by Luther Ellis’ house, to
served two years, with Maj. Scammel returned in
1831. In 1829, John Cook was chosen town clerk,
and the matter of a town farm was first discussed.
In 1830 the annual town expense reached one thou-
sand one hundred dollars. The committee authorized
purchased the farm of Seth Holbrook, paying therefor
three thousand five hundred dollars. The farm con-
tained one hundred and fifty-five acres, and also its
equipment of stock and tools. Rules for the disci-
_pline of inmates were adopted at the time the town’s
paupers were removed there. The expense the first
year was four hundred and twenty-four dollars and
eighty-four cents. The town’s powder-house stood at
_ this time on the land owned by Simeon Barney, and
the southeasterly corner of Leonard Lawrence’s land |
on the westerly side of said road; thence to the |
southeast corner of Stephen Allen’s meadow-land ;
thence westerly across Mine Brook to a white-oak tree
on the line between Bellingham and Franklin ; thence
westerly, on a division line of lands of Stephen Met-
calf and Jesse Coombs, to a town road in Bellingham ;
thence westerly across Charles River to a stake and |
stones beside the turnpike road west of Elijah Dew- |
ing’s barn; thence, crossing said road and running |
northwesterly, to atown road on the division-line of Na- |
than Allen and Benjamin R. Partridge, easterly from
said Allen’s house ; thence northerly on said division
line to Hollistontown line; thence running westerly —
on Holliston’s line to farm corner (so called) ; thence
northerly on the town line of Milford to the corner
first mentioned.
pray.”
And as in duty bound will ever
At this time (1825) Bellingham’s valuation was |
$15,627 ; number of polls, 215; inhabitants, 1034. |
The amount of valuation taken into the proposed
new town, $2157 ; number of polls, 28; inhabitants,
201.
and 187 polls, with 833 inhabitants.
acres of land in Bellingham, 11,466; the number
proposed to have been taken, 1133; leaving 10,333. |
The new town as a whole would, had it been set off, con-
tain a valuation of $14,793, with
inhabitants.
off (134), only 61 objected, and 173 asked the State
government to incorporate them, they representing a
valuation of $11,280.70; but, for some reason to the
writer unknown, the town was never established, and
This would have left a valuation of $13,570,
The number of
|
|
234 polls, and 1225 —
Out of all the persons to have been set |
the question from that day to this has not been agi-
tated, though it seems from present indications it may |
arise before long.
served as representative. No one served in 1828,
but in 1829 Col. Joseph Rockwood was elected, and |
In 1827, Maj. John C. Scammel |
which house was built in 1811. In 1836 the small-.
pox again made its appearance, and a hospital was
erected on the town farm, and the sum of one hundred
In
1837 the town petitioned for a post-office, and selected
Rev. Joseph T. Massey as postmaster. In the latter
part of the year 1837, Edward C. Craig was appointed
town clerk in place of John Cook (2d). Mr. Craig
was appointed to the office at the next meeting. In
1840 the third story in the meeting-house was fin-
and fifty dollars was expended in inoculation.
ished off for an armory, and at this time the roll
numbered one hundred and thirty-two of those per-
sons doing and subject to military duty. Edward C.
Craig declining to serve, Francis D. Bates was chosen
town clerk in 1842.
of tithingmen was abolished.
In this same year the choosing
In 1842 the town
eranted James Freeman the right to construct a shop
on the town’s land adjacent to the church, and in 1843
stoves were procured and placed in the town meeting-
house for heating purposes. The selectmen generally
occupied the position of Board of Health, but the first
regular board consisted of Nahum Cook, George W.
Blake, and James P. Thayer, elected May 1, 1843.
In 1845, James M. Freeman was chosen town clerk.
In 1846, Noah J. Arnold was chosen to favor the
construction of a railroad from Woonsocket, R. L., to
Boston. Mr. Freeman was retired in 1846 as town
clerk, and Amos Holbrook elected. In 1832 and
1834, Stephen Metcalf served as representative; in
1836, no one; and 1837, John Cook (2d); in 1838,
Asa Pickering; 1839 and 1840, no one; 1841,
Dwight Colburn; 1842, Edward C. Craig; 1843,
Jeremiah Crooks; 1844, James W. Freeman; and
in 1845 and 1846, no one. At the meeting in No-
vember, 1846, four votes were taken on a represen-
On
the next day four more ballots were taken, with the
tative, and no choice was made in either ballot.
same success. On the following day, after two more
ballots, it was voted to dismiss the warrant without
BELLINGHAM. 153
T
sending a representative. The first printed school
committee report was issued in 1847. In the same
year the town was unsuccessful in electing a repre-
sentative. In 1848 a movement was instituted on
the part of the town of Roxbury, seeking to have the |
county-seat removed thereto, but the idea never met
mously. Francis D. Bates was again chosen town
clerk. About this time a difficulty arose with the
Norfolk County Railroad, and the town forbade the~
company crossing or otherwise interfering with the
town roads. In 1849 a board of town auditors was
first chosen, which board consisted of Samuel Met-
calf, George Nelson, and Edward C. Craig. In 1851,
Martin Rockwood acted as representative. In the
same year leave was granted James P. Thayer, Alan-
son Bates, and others to build a boot-shop on the
town’s land at the centre.
In 1851 ten ballots were taken before Edwin Fair-
banks was elected representative.
crows becoming so numerous as to cause a great deal
Next year, the
of damage, a bounty of twenty-five cents was allowed
on old birds and one-half as much on young crows,
the bounty extending over a period of four months.
The orthodox church at this time having become a
thing of the past, and the building being occupied
solely by the town, it was decided expedient to finish
off the lower floor and rent it for boot-shop purposes.
Fenner Cook served at the State-House in 1853, and
Willard Thayer, after a long struggle, was finally
elected delegate to the convention on revising the |
State Constitution.
of land about the town house was sold, reserving one
In the same year all that tract
acre for the town hall and yard.
As crows previously became so far a nuisance as
to demand a bounty, so this year a bounty of twenty-
five cents was allowed on woodchucks. In Novem-
ber the town so far relented as to allow, for the first
time, the leasing of the town hall for “ public enter-
tainments of a moral nature.” In the same month,
after an uninterrupted and persistent effort to choose
a representative for the next year, the idea was
finally abandoned, and no choice was made. The
Charles River Railroad being agitated, and the town
recognizing the benefit naturally derived from direct
communication with Boston, resolved, in 1849,—
“That it is of vital importance to the present and future wel- |
fare of this town to have the Charles River Railroad extended
to the State line, near the village of Woonsocket, in the State
of Rhode Island, and the town in its co-operative capacity does
most earnestly pray that the said railroad may be chartered
agreeably to the report of the committee on railroads and canals
which is now before the honorable Senate on its final passage,
as the passage of the bill chartering said railroad would be the
means of building it, and thus opening a communication by
railroad to the inhabitants of Bellingham not only with Boston,
but with Woonsocket and Providence, in the State of Rhode
Island, and with the city of New York.”
This resolution passed unanimously, and the railroad
is now known as the Woonsocket Division of the New
the State capitol.
; : - | York and New England Railroad.
with much favor, our own town voting no unani- | 2 Hraalto
acted as town clerk,
served as representative.
short intervals of rest.
Pickering, collector.
(previously named), elected town treasurer.
Sanford W. Allen.
Addison H. Allen.
Elijah Arnold.
Louis Arnold.
Albert Arnold.
George Ames.
Samuel A. Adams.
Edmund J. Adams.
Dexter D. Bates.
Addison 8. Burr.
Seneca Burr.
Crawford Bowdich.
Albert F. Bates.
Alanson Bates.
William Bates.
Edward Butler.
Henry W. Blake.
Nathaniel Bozworth.
Boswell Bent.
Charles Barrows.
Andrew Boyce.
Frederick J. Bemis.
Charles E. Burr.
Adams J. Barber, Jr.
Smith Burlingame.
James Burlingame.
Joseph U. Burr.
Davis P. Chilson.
Elisha N. Crosby.
Hiram A. Cook.
Samuel W. Claflin.
Willard N. Chilson.
Henry Cook.
Elisha Chase.
tion was made for the town hall for a dance, and the
town considered the request, as it ‘‘ Voted that the
town let the town hall for all good and lawful dances.”
In 1856, Martin Rockwood was sent to the General
Court, and during the next year Ruel F. Thayer
In 1858, Horace Rockwood
In 1858 our present tax
collector came to light in the same official position
_which he has held for a long term of years, with
We refer to Hon. Daniel J.
In 1860 the renowned Dr.
George Nelson was placed on the school committee,
and the Baptist clergyman, Rev. Joseph T. Massey
In 1861
the citizens liable to military duty were a follows:
Anson E. Cook.
James O. Chilson.
Louis M. Chilson.
Whipple O. Chilson.
Hiram M. Cook.
Munroe F. Cook.
William E. Cook.
Nathan A. Cook.
John D. Chilson.
William E. Coombs.
Stephen F. Coombs.
John Carr.
Henry B. Cook.
William H. Carey.
Albert H. Colburn,
Julius Cross.
Joseph Cross.
Alvin H. Clark.
Sherman R. Chilson.
Moses Drake.
Thomas McDowell.
Joseph L. Daniels.
Perry H. Dawley.
Lyman C. Darling.
Alfred 0. Darling.
William A. Darling.
A. M. Darling.
Luke Darling.
Edward McDowell.
Alexander McDowell.
Ariel B. Drake.
William McDowell.
O. N. Evans.
John H. Eaton.
In the year 1856
the town abated the taxes on the stock of the above
road. In 1854 and 1855, Charles Cook (2d) served at
At the March meeting Eliab Hol-
brook was elected town clerk. About this time applica-
154
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
John Eddy.
Albert W. Follett.
Joseph Fairbanks.
Edwin Fairbanks.
William Fairbanks.
Calvin Fairbanks,
John E. Fisher.
Louis L. Fisher.
Charles Farrington.
Joseph Fisk.
Oliver Gardner.
Edward Gallagan.
John W. Gerstle.
Alonzo H. Gayer.
Joseph Gerstle.
Thomas H. Gay.
Thomas B. Getchell.
Joel Howard.
George Hixon.
Joseph H. Holbrook.
Charles P. Hancock.
Frank E. Hancock.
Jarius Hancock.
Michael Harpen.
John W. Higgins.
George H. Howard.
Thomas Hines.
Joseph Hope.
Charles N. Hixon.
Luther Hixon.
George Jennison.
James A. Joslin.
Horace Inman.
Dudley Keach.
William Keach.
Amos Keach.
Frederick Kingman.
Peter McKean.
David Lawrence.
Warren Lazelle.
George Matterson.
Joseph Moore.
John C. Metealf.
Francis Metealf.
Frederick B. T. Miller.
Solyman Miller.
James Malone.
George Nelson (2d).
Ellis T. Noreross.
Amos L. Osgood.
Asa Pickering (2d).
William Page.
Amos Partridge, Jr.
Charles Partridge.
Vernon §. Partridge.
Asa Partridge.
Calvin N. Rockwood.
Vernon B. Rockwood.
Henry U. Rockwood.
George B. Rockwood.
Louis H. Rockwood.
Henry Rhodes.
Thomas R. Richards.
William Sherburne.
Charles H. Shippee.
Edgar N. Scott.
Erastus D. Slocum.
William Sprague.
George N. Tillinghast.
Benjamin Tinkham.
Andrew J. Tingley.
Martin Tingley.
Charles W. Thayer.
Charles Tingley.
Henry Thayer.
Charles Williams.
Sylvanus White.
Elbridge Whitney.
Henry A. Whitney.
Willis Whitney.
Samuel Sturtevant.
Cornelius Sullivan.
Daniel Shea.
Lucian Sheppard.
Hazard P. Slocum.
Ruel F. Thayer.
James P. Thayer.
Charles T. Thayer.
Joseph Thompson, Jr.
Charles Thomas.
Benjamin M. Usher.
Alonzo N. Whitney.
Jonathan Wright.
Elijah D. Wilcox.
Benjamin W. Woodbury.
Henry Wilcox.
Henry Waterman,
In all one hundred and sixty-nine.
The commencement of the civil
war drew out
the first public action of the town in an appropria-
tion of two thousand dollars to fit out and drill
those men who had gone and were going in defense
of their country. In the same year Hon. Daniel J.
Pickering was sent as representative. In July, 1862,
the town offered a bounty of one hundred dollars for
each volunteer until seventeen were obtained, and to
all who enlisted in ten days after that date ten dol-
lars additional was paid. A call coming in August
of the same year for more men (nine months’), a |
bounty of two hundred dollars was offered, and those |
!
_ to pay the town’s enlisting soldiers.
_H. Townsend was sent as representative.
enlisting for three years received seven hundred dol-
lars. In September five thousand dollars were voted
In 1863, George
In 1865
one thousand dollars was expended in paying State
' aid to soldiers’ families.
In the same year Hollis
Metcalf and others asked the town to lay out and
_ widen the street now known as Pearl Street. The
town refusing the prayer of the petition, the county
commissioners granted the same, and charged the
expense to the town. In 1866, William Fairbanks
_ was elected to serve the district at the State-House.
| A total of thirty-three.
Of those persons from our town who served in the
war of the Rebellion, the following names appear in
the ‘“‘ Record of Massachusetts Volunteers,’ none ap-
pearing on the town books :
John V. Coombs.
Amos R. Bent.
Joseph Osgood.
Pardon L. Crosby.
Asa Pickering.
Frederick Bates.
Martin V. B. Cook.
John J. Gertsell.
Joseph Gertsell.
Samuel D. Gregory.
Handel Holbrook.
Joseph W. Holbrook.
Willis Whiting.
James W. Pickering.
Garrick F. Moore.
Howard Carleton.
George Swift.
Elisha H. Towne.
Charles E. Burr.
Patrick Gallagher.
John Terlin.
Peter McKeen.
George L. Metealf.
John C. Metealf.
Edward J. Adams.
Charles P. Hancock.
Jarius Lawrence.
Thomas McDowell.
Willard O. Freeman.
George A. Richardson.
Robert Poste.
James Davis.
Thomas D. Getchell.
In 1872, Seneca Burr was
_ chosen representative, and in 1875, Rev. Joseph T.
_ Massey, pastor of the Baptist Church, was sent. In
1879, Hiram Whiting was empowered, and in 1882,
| Nathan A. Cook.
In 1870, Rev. J. T. Massey was
elected town clerk, and served ten years, Roland
Hammond, M.D., being then chosen to the office on
_ account of Mr. Massey resigning his pastorate and
leaving the town, to spend the remainder of his life
near his boyhood home in Virginia, where he has
purchased the “ Thomas Jefferson” estate. In April,
1882, Dr. Hammond tendered his resignation, and
Arthur N. Whitney was appointed by the selectmen
to serve out the unexpired term, and in 1883, Henry
A. Whitney, the present incumbent, was elected.
Having considered in chronological order the most
important events in the town’s past career, it may be
advisable to look for a moment to its people, its facili-
ties, and its industries as they now exist. Our people,
collectively considered, travel very little, and the pos-
terity of the early families to a great extent still reside
within the town limits, and on the same homesteads
occupied by their fathers. Few mechanical indus-
BELLINGHAM.
155
tries have settled here; still, those that have, find This privilege consists of two granite mills having
warm support on the part of the citizens. Perhaps eight sets of machinery and a capacity of three
because farming alone constitutes the chief industry
of the town, this may serve as a reason why so _
many of our young men leave town on arriving at
that period when it becomes necessary for them to
strike out for themselves.
By the last census the town had as its inhabitants
612 males and 635 females, a total of 1247.
this number, 360 were ratable polls, 507 of whom
were born in town, 24 were naturalized, and the re-
mainder persons coming in from other towns. There
are 25 individuals following professional pursuits in
town and out, and 26 are engaged in trade, 178 in
farming, and 356 in manufacturing and mechanical
industries, making a total of 1069, who are continually
adding to the common stock. There are 11 foreign-
born and 5 native-born who can neither read nor
write. Of those citizens who have been and are
OF |
thousand yards per day. This mill is superintended
by Hiram Whiting, Esq. One mile below on the
river, and four miles from the centre, is the Caryville
Mills, having a capacity of three thousand yards of
satinet, as at North Bellingham. This privilege is
owned by Taft, McKean & Co. (Moses Taft, William
A. McKean, Addison E. Bullard), and was formerly
run by William Cary, from whom the locality was
named. Previous to the present company the con-
cern was run under the name of ©. H. Cutler & Co.,
the latter firm coming into existence on the death of
C. H. Cutler, five years ago. At Rakeville is an
establishment where farm tools are made, and which
_ business was established by Jerold O. Wilcox, and
specially prominent and beneficial to the town we |
may mention Stephen Metcalf, Stephen Metcalf, Jr., |
Noah Alden, Noah Arnold, Rev. Joseph T. Massey, |
Cornelius H. Cutler, William Fairbanks, Hiram W.
Whiting, EK. Baron Stowe, Ruel F. Thayer, and
Nathan A. Cook. The town is divided into localities,
as follows: At the south end of the town, ‘ Rake-
ville” and “Scott Hill’; west of and approximate
to the town centre, ‘‘ Crimpville” ; toward the north
part of the town, ‘‘ North Bellingham”; and at the
extreme north end, “ Caryville,” named from William
H. Cary, formerly a resident, but now of Medway.
Bellingham Centre has a post-office, with one mail
per day from Boston. North Bellingham has a post-
office, with two mails per day from Boston, and Cary-
ville also has a post-office, and besides having two
mails per day to and from Boston, has one to Milford |
and one to Medway. Bellingham is in the form of
a parallelogram, is nine miles long by two wide, and
is bounded by Medway and Franklin on the north
and east, the State of Rhode Island on the south, and
the towns of Mendon and Milford on the west. The
Charles River enters the town at South Milford, and
flows through the town centre, North Bellingham,
and Caryville.
property of Seneca Burr, who runs a saw- and grist-
mill; the other, known as “the old red mill,” is owned
At the centre are two dams, one the
by the Rays, of Franklin, and is now used to grind
At North Belling-
ham the Ray Woollen Company has an extensive
privilege for the manufacture of satinet cloth, and
which was formerly run by Noah Arnold as a cotton-
mill. Dr. Seth Arnold, of “Dr. Seth Arnold’s
Balsam,” formerly resided here with his relative.
rags, etc., for use at other mills.
is now carried on by his son, D. E. Wiicox. The
main line of the New York and New England Rail-
road runs through the southeast portion of the town,
and the station there is termed Rand’s Crossing.
The Woonsocket Division of the same road runs the
entire length of the town, with stations at the centre,
North Bellingham, and Caryville. The Milford,
Franklin and Providence Railroad, just completed,
runs across the town, and crosses the Woonsocket
Division of the New York and New England Rail-
road at Bellingham Centre, and also has a station in
town named South Milford, so, as will be observed,
there are four stations in the town besides the junc-
tion at the centre. The passenger service is so ad-
_justed that nearly every station in town can forward
its trafic to and from Boston five times daily, the
distance being about twenty-nine miles. In town
there are five stores, four factories, three grist-mills,
and seven saw-mills. Formerly there were four boot-
and shoe-factories, producing over 225 twelve-pair
cases per week, three of which establishments were
at the town centre and the largest at Caryville. To
the one at Caryville we now refer. This business
was established in 1848 by E. & W. Fairbanks. In
1864 the latter bought out the former, and made
within ten years two substantial additions thereto, so
that ninety hands found employment in making
boots for the Western trade.
consisted of 7000 cases, in the making of which
The annual production
were consumed 125,000 pounds of sole leather, 350,-
000 feet of upper leather, 160 bushels of pegs, and
7500 pounds of nails.
In the year 1874 the proprietor, William Fair-
banks, died, and, virtually, with his death the entire
business became lost to the town. Immediately upon
his decease the business was disposed of by his ex-
ecutor to Houghton, Coolidge & Co., of Boston,
156
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
who undertook its continuance, but discontent and | have been put on the market, but this also has gone
dissatisfaction arising, on the night of the 25th into disuse,
of July following the entire factory was burned,
with nothing saved, the whole entailing a pecuniary |
loss of nearly one hundred thousand dollars. Thus
was lost to the town one of its most prolific sources of |
income, which has never been regained.
the Ray Woolen Company constructed a granite mill,
In 1882 |
which has in some measure atoned for this loss, and |
as the census of 1875 appears the best source of’ in-
formation, we give the condition of the town for that
year, which is, in fact, substantially its present basis,
excepting the boot and shoe industry, which does not |
exist with us in any capacity. We find in the entire
town two hundred and fifty dwelling-houses occupied
With these we find three hundred |
and seven vacant.
and nineteen families, and for their use are one public
school and three Sunday-school libraries, containing
In addi-
tion to these, at the town clerk’s office are one
eleven hundred and seventy-five volumes.
hundred and thirty-four volumes of “ Massachu-
The amount of personal property in town is valued
at $109,160; real estate, $418,808; the total val-
uation, $527,968; number of farms, 157; acres _
in farms, 8000; acres unimproved, 3000; value of |
farms and buildings, $361,639: total value of farm
property, $430,156 ; woodland in acres, 1232; cul-
tivated land, 2331; number of horses, 185; cows,
300; total income from farm property, $94,017 ;
capital invested in boot and shoe business, $25,000 ;
product, $33,000 ; wages paid annually’to laborers on
boots and shoes, $175,000; stock used in manufac-
ture, $352,940 ; capital invested in factory for manu-
facturing farming tools, $2500; product, $18,000 ;
sum invested in satinet cloth making, $150,000, pro-
ducing a valuation of $330,000. In town are 11
manufacturing establishments, 5 engines, and 5 water-
wheels, with an aggregate of 405 horse-power and
machinery to the value of $50,000; also 29,778
domestic animals, valued at $23,000. The total
amount of capital invested in town is $180,000,
and this sum realizes annually $638,547. Quite a
number of years ago, previous to the building of the
Woonsocket Division Railroad, an iron-mine was dis-
covered in that tract of land “ Cedar
Swamp,” and this mine was worked for several years,
known as
locomotives. For the last twenty-five years, however,
On the road leading
from North Bellingham Station to what is called
nothing has been done with it.
“ Bellingham Four Corners” is a whetstone quarry,
from which in the past quantities of the material
At the centre of the town, in the triangle fronting
the Baptist Church (Rev. Daniel A. Wade, pastor),
is a soldiers’ monument measuring in height about
fifteen feet, placed there by the citizens of Bellingham
in commemoration of those who gave their lives in
support of the national Constitution.
At the present time there are but two churches in
town,—the Centre Baptist, to which previous refer-
ence has been made, and the North Bellingham Bap-
tist, a short sketch of which is as follows:
The North Bellingham Baptist Church’ is the
outgrowth of an interest established here in 1847 as
a society called the ‘“‘ North Bellingham Baptist So-
ciety,” which worshiped in a chape! built for the
purpose by Bates & Arnold, at that time prominent
cotton-manufacturers in this town, and formally ded-
icated to the worship of God in September or October
_of that year, Rev. Dr. Granger, of Providence, R. L.,
_ preaching the dedication sermon.
setts Reports,” war records, and public documents. |
The society had no settled pastor for many years,
but depended upon supplies from week to week,
though with a few brief exceptions they have had
uninterrupted preaching, the late Rev. Otis Converse,
of Worcester, supplying them for upwards of a year
They
have always maintained a Sabbath-school, which is
at a time on three or four different occasions.
still in existence.
On the 13th of October, 1867, a church was formed
consisting of ten persons, as follows: William Hunter,
of Goose River Church, Nova Scotia; Roswell Bent,
of East Dedham Church; Ann Bent, of First Baptist
Church, Lowell; Elizabeth Hunter, Mary Hunter,
Jane Hunter, Barbara Hunter, of Goose River
Church, Nova Scotia; Rebecca Bemis, Matilda 8S.
Murphy, of West Medway Church.
At the same meeting the following persons were
received as candidates for baptism, and it was fur-
thermore voted that they be considered as constituent
members, viz., John B. Philips, Stephen F. Coombs,
Hiram E. Hunter, Catherine Thomas, and Nancy 8.
Coombs.
Sabbath, October 20th, when the foregoing persons
Since
The first baptism occurred the following
were baptized, Rev. Samuel Hill officiating.
that time some seventy-five different persons have
united with the church, forty-five of whom have
the ore being carried to Taunton and worked up into |
been received on profession and the balance by letter.
Of this number the church has lost fifteen by dismis-
sion to other churches, five by death, and four by ex-
clusion, leaving its present membership fifty-one.
1 By 8. F. Coombs.
BELLINGHAM.
157
It has had five deacons, viz., William Hunter,
Justin E. Pond, George H. Greenwood, Charles O.
Drake, and Roswell Bent, which latter is the present
Stephen F. Coombs has been its clerk
since its organization, with the exception of ten
months, and was also superintendent of the Sabbath-
school eleven years. About the middle of March,
1882, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev.
Edwin D. Bowers, of Rockport, Mass., to become its
incumbent.
|
|
|
pastor, which action was concurred in by the society |
a few days afterward, he accepting, and entered upon
that relationship the Ist of April following, and so
5)
Worship is still held
in the chapel, which is large enough for all purposes,
having been improved and beautified at different times
continues at the present time.
as necessity demanded.
Educational,—Readily appreciating the advan-
always gone to a deal of trouble and expense in pro-
viding proper schools, and the result is most gratifying.
As a matter of fact, she entered upon this duty of
intellectual culture soon after her incorporation, in
the county, as in 1882 the towns of Dedham and
Randolph alone excelled her. Medway, our next-
door neighbor, ranks number sixteen. In the county,
the towns of Dover, Medfield, Norfolk, and Sharon
_ have a less number of pupils than our own town.
The superintendent’s (Rev. D. A. Wade) report
for 1883 shows a marked improvement over 1882,
and subsequent years will no doubt excel each other,
consecutively, in this work, so highly essential to com-
The annual meet-
ing of 1884 has entered upon the duty of reducing
mon advancement and well-being.
the number of school committees from nine to three,
_and no doubt in a very few years the number of
| .
schools will be reduced, and consequently those re-
| maining be made larger, and this under the advice of
the State Board of Education. In whatever else our
_town may have failed, she cannot be charged with
tages derived from a thorough education, our town has |
1719. On May 7, 1792, the town was divided into |
six districts, and in 1798 into seven, continuing later |
on into a division of nine.
She began by appro-
priating fifty dollars to sessions held only in the win- |
ter at private houses, and, of course, early observing
the inconvenience of this method, in 1795 six hundred
dollars was set off to the construction of a school-
house in each district, but this amount being decidedly
having been asleep to the mental and moral worth of
her children.
In addition to schools, our people are susceptible to
the moulding influences of the press. For daily news
we depend on Boston and also on the Woonsocket
evening /eeporter, an Associated Press sheet. For
weekly news of other towns, as well as our own locals,
we depend on the Milford Journal, Woonsocket
Patriot, Franklin Sentinel, and Dedham Transcript,
the last named having the court and county news,
_ These papers constitute a constant source of reliable
inadequate to the desired end, eleven hundred dollars |
more followed the same channel in two years there-
after. In 1793 fifty pounds was expended in school-
ing, and in 1796 the appropriation increased to three
hundred dollars. Since that time the amount has
the year 1882 the sum of two thousand one hundred
and sixty-nine dollars and twenty-five cents was ex-
pended in educational work. The sum appropriated
for each child between five and fifteen years of age
amounts to nine dollars and thirty-five cents. The
largest amount per pupil is expended by the town of
Milton, which is twenty-six dollars and eighty-eight
cents.
work reduced to decimals is .0039, and sixteen out of
centage of their valuation than does Bellingham,
the town of Milton standing at the foot of the list.
information, and meet with an increasing circulation
among our citizens. Bellingham has two titles, which
may or may not serve to cause a smile on the coun-
_ tenances of those who have been accustomed to hear
| them repeated for many years.
The first is “ Bel-
lingham Navy-Yard,’’ and the second “ Blue Jay
| Town.” As to the first named, we cannot give its ori-
been annually increased by small additions, until in |
gin, but, sure enough it is, whoever coined it never
| lived to see it die, and from present indications I pre-
sume we never shall. As to the latter title, we must
admit its force, for in truth the town is as full 6f }7ue
jays as the annual town-meeting is full of independent
ideas. As will be noticed by the reader of this arti-
| cle, our town offers very low taxes and excellent busi-
The percentage of valuation expended for this —
ness facilities to new-comers. Situated, figuratively
speaking, approximate to Boston and Providerce, an
_ excellent market is always open for the disposal of any
the twenty-four towns in the county spend a less per- ©
Our town has two hundred and thirty-two pupils, and |
the average attendance for 1882 was one hundred
and ninety-one, or, in per cent., .8233.
In 1883 |
the average attendance jumped from .8233 to .92, |
which, we believe, places the town number one in
production. Mailroad-stations for passenger and
freight traffic are located in each section of the town,
and the larger towns beyond give us a much better
railroad accommodation than is usually found in
Exeel-
lent water privileges exist, but, of course, in the
towns having ten times our own population.
present age of steam their value is much less than
formerly. First-class roads and enough of them, pure
158 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
well-water and plenty of it, no license, together with
other facilities and a desire on the part of the citizens
to aid and assist, render to business men a rare oppor- |
tunity for the establishment of mechanical industries, |
such as very few towns offer, and such as we believe
will produce successful competition. If this article |
shall serve as a fortunate inducement, the writer will
have been amply repaid for the time and labor spent |
in its compilation.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
AMOS HARRISON HOLBROOK.
Amos Harrison Hoibrook, son of Amos and Lucretia |
(Burr) Holbrook, was born Nov. 23, 1818, in the
house where he now resides in the town of Bellingham |
(and which was also the birthplace of his father).
Joseph Holbrook, the first settler on this place, came
from Braintree before 1700, and the Bellingham
branch has never changed its home. The line to
Amos H. is Joseph (1), Jesse (2), Amariah (3),
Amos (4), Amos H. (5). Joseph had sons,—Joseph, |
Jesse, Elijah,and David. The three lots he owned as
proprietary lots were divided into four shares, the
eldest’s being a double portion, following the English
manner of preference for the elder. Of these shares,
Amos H. now owns three, all but that of the elder, |
and thus the land has been in the possession of the |
Holbrook family since its original occupation by the
{
Indians.
Joseph was a deacon of the church, and was one of
the petitioners for the organization of the town of Bel-
lingham. He was a man of great energy and perse-
verance.
back to New Jersey to engage a professor for Provi-
When over sixty years old he rode horse- |
dence College on its establishment, and was on the
road six weeks. Jesse was captain of the Belling- |
ham company, and was ordered to Ticonderoga in
1755, and did good service. He helped his son
Amariah build the house now occupied by A. H. in
1780, and also in his old age was probably engaged
with the patriot, or Continental, army in Rhode Island |
during the Revolution.
affairs and public business, was selectman in 1780, al-
He was prominent in town
ways a farmer, and served his day and generation well.
He married a Thayer, and had two children,—Amariah
and Jesse (2). He lived to a good old age, and, with
his father and descendants, is buried in the cemetery |
at North Bellingham. Elijah lived on his portion, his
- ; f (
house being about one hundred rods east of the old |
| Washington.
| He was a Democrat in politics.
home, was also a farmer, was married before 1750,
had four sons, who were all soldiers in the Revolution.
After the war some of them settled in Virginia. Ama-
riah was born June 6, 1756. He went as a soldier
in the Revolutionary war. During his service he
returned home and married Molly Wright, of Wren-
tham, now Franklin, born March 28, 1759, died Aug.
24, 1845. They had nine children,—Tryphena, Na-
hum, Amos, Amariab, Joel, Abigail, Nathan, Asa,
Lyman,—all of whom lived to advanced age, except
Nathan, who died when about forty-five. Amariah (2)
_ died Sept. 7, 1797. He served during the war in Rhode
Island, Roxbury, Mass., and New Jersey, under Gen,
He was paid off at expiration of ser-
vice in New Jersey with Continental money, and was
| unable to purchase a dinner with all of it. Had it not
been for some silver he had in his possession pre-
viously, he would have fared badly before reaching
his home in Bellingham. He engaged in farming on
the homestead after the Revolution, held some town
offices, was a man of sterling integrity, and held
in great esteem by his fellow-citizens. Amos was
born April 27, 1783, lived at home until he was four-
teen years old, then went to West Medway to learn
the blacksmith’s trade, where he remained six years.
He worked as journeyman about two years, then es-
tablished himself at Bellingham Four Corners for a
few years. He married, Dec. 1, 1808, Lucretia,
daughter of Hlisha and Lucretia Burr, of Bellingham
(an old New England family). She was born Oct.
12, 1787, died May 10, 1860. Their children were
Whitman, born Jan. 29, 1811; Lucretia, born Aug.
20, 1815; Amos H.; Almira, died young; Olive
(Mrs. C. F. Cushman), born April 26, 1827. About
the time of his marriage he moved to the old home-
stead, buying out the interests of his father’s heirs,
and passed his life there. He worked at his trade
in connection with farming, and was many times
chosen selectman, was a captain of the militia, highly
esteemed for his sound sense and good judgment.
His death occured
May 16, 1867.
Amos H., the present occupant of the Holbrook
farm, has been twice married, first to Nancy, daugh-
ter of David and Sally Adams, of Bellingham, Dee. 15,
1853. By this marriage he had two children,—Ida
M. (deceased) and Nannie A. Mrs. Nancy Holbrook
died Nov. 19, 1862, and he married, June 9, 1864,
Mary J., daughter of Andrew and Margaret Burnham,
of Medway. They had one child, M. Florence. Mrs.
Mary J. Holbrook died when Florence was but four
years old, March 3, 1869. She had enjoyed vigorous
health, and on the day of her death she was cheerful
SY, ai
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‘
ea |
BELLINGHAM.
159
and happy, and visited friends half a mile distant ;
while on the way she complained of severe pain in
her head, and became unconscious ; in ten hours after
she breathed her last. She possessed talents of a high |
order, and had a good academic education. Kind, con-
siderate, and dignified in all her social relations, she
won the love and confidence of her associates.
was the light and joy of the domestic, circle,—a de-
voted wife and faithful, loving mother. Her loss was
deeply felt by all who had her acquaintance ; ‘* None
knew her but to love her.” She was a member of
She |
the Baptist Church, and distinguished for Christian —
work,
Mr. Holbrook had the advantage only of common
school education, supplemented by attendance at high
school in Bellingham and Franklin for a short time.
He has always resided on the old ancestral acres, has
held various official positions,—town clerk for ten years,
assessor, selectman for many years,—and in every po-
sition has ever been worthy of the universal respect
and esteem with which the people, among whom he
has always been resident, now hold him. He has never
given a promissory note but once in his life, and that
was to his brother in settlement of his father’s estate,
of whom they were the heirs. His politics have been
Free-Soil, Whig, and Republican.
special county commissioner two terms, from 1865 to
1872, has frequently been sent to State and county
conventions by his town.
He is one of Bellingham’s most substantial citizens,
and one of the truly prosperous farmers, having in
possession one hundred and eighty acres in Belling-
ham and Franklin.
NATHAN A. COOK.
this family have been connected with affairs of note in
town and with public office.
Ziba was a farmer all his life, born and reared in
Bellingham, and passed most of his days on Scott Hill.
He married Joanna, daughter of Seth and Amy
(Cook) Aldrich, and had six children,— Duty, Nahum,
Ziba, Eunice, Joanna, Amy,—who all attained ma-
turity. He was amember of the Christian Church.
He was born May 6, 1764, and died at Blackstone,
July 15, 1840, aged seventy-six. His son Nahum
was born in Bellingham March 28,1796, married Sibil,
daughter of Bazaliel and Jemima (Morse) Balcom,
_ of Douglas, Mass., and settled in Uxbridge as a farmer.
| A., Charles W., and Weston.
After a residence there of four years he returned to
Bellingham, purchased the place where, with his son
Nathan, he nowresides. At one time he owned real
estate insix towns. His children were Nathan A.
and Amy A. Amy married Alvah Aldrich, of Belling-
ham; had five children,—Albert A., George E., Hattie
She died Feb. 9, 1879.
Mrs. Sibil Cook died June 26, 1858.
wife were for many years members of the Reformed
Nahum and
| Methodist Church. He has held various town offices
He was chosen |
Nathan A. Cook was born in Uxbridge, Mass., |
Sept. 14, 1823. He comes of good Puritanie stock,
reaching back through the early settlement of New |
England to an English family of good repute.
Walter Cook, the first American ancestor, was a resi-
dent of Weymouth, Mass., in 1643. The line of
descent to Nahum runs thus: Walter (1), Walter (2),
Nicholas (1), Nicholas (2), Ezekiel, Ziba, Nahum, |
Nathan A., which shows Nathan to be in the eighth
We can tell but little of the two Walters,
but Nicholas (1) was one of the signers of the pe-
tition for the organization of Bellingham, which pre-
viously belonged to Dedham and Mendon. He was a
very prominent man in town affairs. His will was
made Oct. 10, 1778, and disposes of real estate at
“Candlewood Hill.”
generation.
From Nicholas to Nathan all |
during his life, and stands well in the regards of
those who know him. He is of positive character,
His ‘ yea is yea,
and his nay is nay,’’ and dissimulation is unknown to
strict, stern, and straightforward.
him; he came of good Democratic stock, and has al-
At one
election for member of Congress there was but one
The
printed ballots for some reason did not arrive, and
ways adhered tenaciously to their principles.
Democratic vote cast in town, and that was his.
Mr. Cook cut the printed ticket from his newspaper
and deposited it. Although eighty-seven years old,
he still attends town-meetings and elections.
Nathan A. Cook was reared a farmer, and received
his education at Franklin Academy and Holliston
Academy.
under the celebrated instructor ‘‘ Master Rice.’ On
This last school was a noted institution,
account of failing health, Mr. Cook was compelled to
return to country life. He taught winter terms of
school seventeen consecutive winters, and was called,
when member of school committee, several terms
when teachers had failed.
his father during his whole life, with the exception of
His home has been with
two years, and he has succeeded to the management
of the ancestral acres, of which, in the towns of
Bellingham and Blackstone, they have about one
hundred and twenty-five acres. He married, March
28, 1845, Sena A., daughter of Stephen and Miranda
(Cook) Cook. Their children were George E., who
died at twelve years of age; Nahum H., born Jan. 12,
1849 (he married Ellen R. Farrington, and is now a
160
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
merchant and deputy postmaster at Bellingham
Centre) ; Irwin F., born Jan. 31, 1855, was educated
at the academy at Woonsocket, R. I., and Business
College, Providence, in which school he became a
successful instructor. He afterwards taught in the
public schools of Attleborough, and won high en-
comiums as a teacher.
schools, and spared no exertions nor labor to bring them
' into perfect discipline. He was soon principal of the
graded school of North Attleborough, and filled that
position with marked success. His delicate physical
nature, howeyer, could not stand the labor which his |
indomitable will placed upon him, and he died of con-
22, 1880, keeping at work until within
sumption Sept. 22,
a very few days of his death.
paper in noting his funeral says, “Mr. Cook was
universally respected and beloved, and gained the love
He
was devoted heart and soul to his profession, having,
of his friends and pupils to an unusual degree.
as his highest aim, his greatest ambition, to be a good
teacher. Long it will be ere his memory is forgotten.”
Nathan A. Cook has been much in public business.
He has often been called upon to fill positions of
honor, responsibility, and trust. He was appointed
justice of the peace about thirty years ago, and has
held that commission ever since. He is in his second
term as trial justice. He has been selectman three
terms, town treasurer, assessor, overseer of the poor,
member of the school committee, superintendent of
schools, collector of taxes, and, with Samuel Warner,
of Wrentham, represents the Eighth District of
Norfolk County in the State Legislature. To this
office he was electedin 1882, receiving in his own
town all of the votes cast but five. He is Republican
in politics. He has done much probate business, settled |
many estates, is exact, methodical, and accurate, and
is justly popular.
Episcopal Church, an exhorter of that communion, and
is clerk of the Quarterly Conference of the East Black-
stone Society. He is a member, also, of Montgomery
Lodge, F. and A. M., Milford, Mass., joining it in
1862.
He sought the most difficult —
An Attleborough |
CHAPTER XVI
FRANKLIN.!
Early History as Precinct—First Cession of Dedham—Pur-
chase of Wrentham—The New Precinet—Church Organized—
First Minister—Meeting-House—Chureh Musie—Discords—
Precinct Ministers—Revs. Haven, Barnum, Emmons—Civil
History—Move for a Town—Town History—Incorporation—
Why named Franklin—Town Library—Topography—Maps
—TIndian Traditions—Revolutionary War—Sentiments in
Town-Meeting—Soldiers’ Second Meeting-House—Its Site,
Cost, Bell—Moved and Modernized—Interior Glimpse of
Home Life—Military Affairs—Trainings and Musters—The
Poor-—Burial- Grounds —Post-Offices — Temperance — Early
Industries.
More than two hundred and forty years ago, when
the forest-trees had withdrawn their shadows hardly
the distance of an Indian’s arrow-flight from Boston
Common, the Puritan immigrants began to feel an
impulse to ‘go West.”
Following rather than leading this impulse, the
Governor and his court, in session at Newtowne, Sept.
2, 1635, ordered ‘‘that there shall be a plantation
settled about two miles above the falls of Charles
River, on the northeast side thereof, to have ground
lying to it on both sides the river, both upland and
meadow, to be laid out hereafter as the court shall
direct.”
September 8th of the next year, 1636, this order
was followed by another, naming the new settlement
“ Deddham,” and this grant of territory was so large
as to include what now forms thirteen towns and
parts of four others.
Twenty-four years passed away, and the new settlers
so spread that in 1660 thirty-four of them bought of
the Wampanoags six hundred acres of land still farther
_ west for one hundred and sixty pounds. They adopted
He is a member of the Methodist |
the Indian name of Wollomonopoag. Among their
_ still familiar names were Anthony Fisher, Sargent
Ellis, Robert Ware, James Thorp, Isaae Bullard,
Samuel Fisher, Samuel Parker, John Farrington,
Ralph Freeman, and Sargent Stevens.
Oct. 16, 1673, a petition for the incorporation of
a
Wollomonopoag as a town was presented to the Gen-
eral Court, and with, to us, astonishing promptness,
was granted “the next day,’—so say the colonial
records. Thus Wrentham, the namesake of the
English home of some of the settlers, took her place
and name in history.
The settlement increased so steadily that in 1718
it was divided into four school districts, each with a
1 Compiled from ‘‘Blake’s History of Franklin” and other
sources, by Mrs. E. L. Morse. Copyright reserved.
FRANKLIN.
161
three months’ school. These afterwards became sub-
stantially the shoots of three substantial towns, the
chief of which was Franklin, the others Norfolk and
Bellingham. The next year (1719) the first precinct
was set off and called Bellingham.
After many petitions and refusals, Wrentham reluc-
tantly gave her consent, and, on the 23d of December,
1737, Governor Belcher with his signature cut off a
second precinct, which in forty years grew into the
town of Franklin.
The New Precinct.—The first warrant to organ-
ize the new precinct was issued by Jonathan Ware,
justice of the peace, and was addressed to Robert
Pond, Daniel Hawes, David Jones, Daniel Thurston, |
and John Adams, five of the freeholders.
petitioners were—
David Pond,
John Failes,
Samuel Morse,
Michael Wilson,
Ezra Pond,
Samuel Metealf,
Ebenr. Sheckelworth,
Ebenr. Partridge,
Thomas Man, Sr.,
John Smith,
Eleazer Metcalf,
Josiah Haws,
Joseph Whiting,
Eleazer Fisher,
Simon Slocum,
James New,
Uriah Wilson,
Edward Hall,
Nathaniel Fisher,
Samuel Partridge,
Daniel Maccane,
Baruch Pond,
Nathaniel Fairbanks,
Jonathan Wright,
Benjamin Rockwood,
John Richardson,
Job Partridge,
Thomas Rockwood,
Robert Blake,
John Fisher,
David Lawrence, Jr.,
Eleazer Ware,
Eleazer Metcalf, Jr.,
Ebenezer Lawrence,
Michael Metcalf,
Ebenezer Hunting,
Edward Gay,
Nathaniel Haws,
Ebenr. Clark,
David Darling,
Ichabod Pond,
Lineard Fisher,
David Lawrence.
In all, 48.
The other
when built and listen to a minister yet to be called.
Some twenty brethren, having secured letters from
the mother-church at Wrentham, kept the 16th of
February, 1738, ‘“‘as a day of solemn fasting and
prayer to implore the blessing of God and His direc-
tion in the settling of a church, and in order to the
| calling and settling of a gospel minister in said place.”
And on that day in a large assembly the covenant
was read and accepted, and Rev. Mr. Baxter, of Med-
field, moderator, pronounced them a duly-organized
church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without any lis-
tening to miscellaneous candidates, they united upon
| leave of the Court.
The first meeting was held on the 16th of Janu-
ary, 1737-38, at twelve o'clock. The needful officers
were chosen, and four days later, at a second meeting,
they went to work with a will. First, they voted |
eighty pounds for preaching, and appointed a com-
mittee to secure it; another committee was chosen
to provide materials for a meeting-house in place of
the small building heretofore provided, to be forty
feet long, thirty-one wide, and twenty-feet posts. They |
also sent a request to Wrentham for the fulfillment of
a promise made them ten years before, that money |
paid by them, amounting to one hundred and thirty |
pounds eleven shillings, towards its meeting-house
should be repaid to them. At first Wrentham re-
fused, but after four months’ delay the request was
granted.
First Church and Minister.—Meantime, a church |
must be organized to occupy the new meeting-house |
11
| called to this problem.
their first selected preacher. On Noy. 8, 1738, Rev.
Elias Haven was installed as the first pastor of the
new church. The audience assembled, not in the
meeting-house, as it was not yet built, but in a
valley near its future site. After sixteen years of
ministerial work, performed in physical weariness and
pain, Rev. Mr. Haven died of consumption, and God
gave him rest from his labors, Aug. 10, 1754, in his
fortieth year. The stones placed by a remembering
town over his grave in the old cemetery still stand,
and the inscription thereon may be legible for years
to come.
The Meeting-House.—The precinct having an
organized church, a settled minister and his salary
provided, and materials ready for a church building,
its next duty was to select a site whereon to build.
This, as in the first settlement of all New England
towns, must be at the centre of its territory; for in
those early days no house was permitted to be built
above half a mile from the meeting-house without
At a meeting of the settlers,
held the 7th of April, 1738, five men were sent into
a corner “‘to Debate and Consider and Perfix upon a
place for Building a Meeting-House on and bring it
to the Precinct in one hour.” Meanwhile, the rest
spent that hour in voting and unvoting until they
reached an apparent finality,—to set the house “at
the most convenientest place on that acre of Land
That was laid out By Thomas Man for the use of the
West Inhabitants in said Precinct.” But who shall
decide where this ‘most convenientest place” is?
Mr. Plimpton, “survair” of Medfield, is selected to
| bring his implements to bear on the solution, who
| reports for the west corner of Man’s lot ‘‘as near as
they conveniently can.” But next year, May 9,
1739, a new question arises, whether this be in the
exact centre of the precinct, and a new surveyor is
He and his two chainmen
| are put under oath to honestly “survey the ground
where the meeting-house shall shortly lie.”
he reports in writing as follows:
May 23d
162
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“ To the Inhabitants of Wrentham Westerly Precinct.
“ Gmnt!:—These may Inform you that I the Subscriber Have
Been and Measured to find the Center of st Precinct, Mess’.
{
{
Decon Barber and Benj. Rockwood being chainman, and ac- |
cording to what we find by Measuring on the Grou™4 from the |
Northerly End to the Southerly End and from the Westerly Side
tothe Easterly Side of the Same I find the Center of st Measur- |
ing to be South westerly from the Present Meeting-house a little
Beter than an Hundred Rods, where we Pitched a Stake and
Made an heap of Stones.
“ ELEAZER FisHer, Surveyor.”
The deed of one acre of land from Thomas Man
was accepted Sept. 11, 1759, and was put for safe-
keeping into the care of Simeon Slocum. In the
same month of September, another committee put
seats in the barn-like building according to the tim-
ber provided, and “one lock and key and bolts and
latches for the doors, and cants” for the gallery
stairs, and also a foundation for the pulpit and pul-
pit stairs, and rails round the galleries, and made five |
‘ pillows,’—a small number fora modern audience. |
The bills, presented March 3, 1740, show that the
committees had been reasonably expeditious. The
final cost of the meeting-house was £338 13s. 6d.,
as reported in October, 1741. The boys, too, were
promptly at work, for in July, 1740, Capt. Fairbanks
is directed to get the windows mended, and to prose-
cute the depredators. ;
Pari passu with the meeting-house arose the
‘“horse-houses,”’ whose long strings of successors
afterwards made the Franklin Common so famous.
They were all planted and grew on Thomas Man’s
acre. Among them were Richard Puffer’s ‘small
diner-house,” and Jsaac Heton and Dr. Jones had |
a ‘small noon-house.”
Of this oldest real meeting-house no picture or
description is in existence. Some of the sashes, two
feet square with five-inch panes of glass set diagonally
in lead, were visible in an old house not many years
ago, but of their present whereabouts, if they exist
at all, no man now knoweth.
The building stood on the slight hill north of the
present Catholic Church, in a surrounding girth of
dwarfish pitch-pines. It was guarded by platoons of
horse-sheds and some small dinner-houses, where the
forefathers of the hamlet shared their lunch and ex-
changed opinions, and the mothers nursed their in- |
fants and compared news during the hour's noon in-
termission of the Sabbath service.
This first house was used—subjected to occasional
internal modifications as the congregation increased
and the taste changed—until Oct. 12, 1789, forty-
eight years from its completion.
then chosen to sell the outgrown and aged building
within twenty days, or to pull it down at their dis-
A committee was |
| ing to tardy oxen winding among their stumps.
cretion. As there is no record of its sale, it was
probably taken down. Next to the house and its
minister comes
The Church Music of ‘‘ y° Olden Time.’—The
“Old Bay Psalm-Book” was used at first in all the
A chorister started the tunes
with a pitch-pipe, and the congregation, each in his
colonial churches.
own good time,—which might be faster or slower
than the leader’s,—followed on or hastened ahead..
All sang the same part, and with an energy begotten
of facing northeasters, felling forest-trees, and shout-
No
two sang alike, and the sounds were so grievous to
the ears of the people that their distress found voice
in a vote of the precinct, June 26, 1738, “To sing
no other tunes than are Pricked Down in our former
Psalm-Books which were Printed between Thirty and
forty years Agoe,and To Sing Them as They are
Prickt down in them as Near as they can.” The
older people remonstrated against this invasion of
their liberties, but the precinct refused, in September,
‘to ease those that were inclined to sing the old way.”
Six months later, March 8, 1738-39, the church
‘voted to sing by rule, according to note,” and chose
Joseph Whiting to set the tunes in the church.
Later in the same meeting some curious soul stirred
up the brethren by the query, ‘‘ What notice will the
church take of one of the brethren’s stricking into a
pitch of the tune unusually raised February 18th ?”
For answer, another vote was recorded :
“WHEREAS, our brother, David Pond, as several of our
brethren, viz., David Jones, Ebenezer Hunting, Benj. Rock-
wood, Jr., Aaron Haws, and Michael Metcalf, apprehend,
| struck into a pitch of the tune on February 18th, in the public
worship in the forenoon raised above what was set; after most
of the congregation, as is thought, kept the pitch for three
lines, and after our pastor had desired them that had raised
it to fall to the pitch that was set to be suitable, decent or to
that purpose; the question was put, whether the church ap-
prehends this our brother David Pond’s so doing to be disor-
derly; and it passed in the affirmative, and David Pond is
suspended until satisfaction is given.”
But David Pond froze over at this cold blast of
_ reproof and suspension, and his musical thermometer
went below zero, where it stayed for thirteen years.
At last, Jan. 12, 1751-52, he melted into confession
of error, and all discord was drowned in harmony.
Another vote of the church on this subject is sig-
nificant. May 18, 1739, it was voted “that the man
that tunes the Psalm in the congregation be limited
till further direction to some particular tunes, and the
tunes limited are Canterbury, London, Windsor, St.
David’s, Cambridge, Short One Hundredth, and One
Hundredth and Forty-eighth Psalm tunes; and Benj.
FRANKLIN.
163
Rockwood, Jr., to tune the psalm.” Ten years’
practice so wore upon these seven permitted tunes
that, April 5, 1749, the church removed the limita-
tion and the hymns thereafter flowed smoothly on in|
many separate streams like the voice of many waters. —
All went musically, as between the tunes, for a time; |
but on April 15, 1760, sprang up a war of rival |
hymn-books which lasted for five years, until the 4th
of July, 1765, when it was decided by the victory of |
Dr. Watts’ version of the psalms over the Old Bay |
Psalm-Book, and Tate and Brady’s version of psalms |
and hymns. Dr. Watts remained in possession of the
field for nearly ninety years, until the Puritan hymn- —
and tune-book, born in Mendon Association in 1858, |
raised him also onto the shelf of antiques.
The Precinct Ministers.—Rev. Elias Haven, the |
of pastoral labor in failing health, through which he
was tenderly helped by a loving people, died of con-
sumption in 1744, and was buried in the central
cemetery of the town, where a stone still stands to his
memory. Then came the trying experiences of hear- |
But they |
sat down patiently to scrutinize whomsoever came be-
fore them; and the sitting, if not the patience, lasted |
for six years.
|
|
first minister of the young church, after sixteen years
ing candidates and selecting his successor.
One after another preached in review |
before them. Aaron Putnam, Joseph Haven, Stephen |
Holmes, Thomas Brooks, a Mr. Norton, Joseph
Manning, to whom they said, “Stay with us,” but
he declined; Messrs. Parsons, Goodhue, Phillips,
Payson, who also declined their call; Jesse Root and |
Nathan Holt, who refused to stay; John Hals, Mr.
Gregory, and at last came Caleb Barnum, of Danbury, |
Conn. He, the fourteenth candidate, was urged to
stay by one hundred and two votes, and was offered |
seventy pounds salary per annum, and one hundred |
and thirty-three pounds settlement as an additional |
motive.
After several months of consideration, he
finally accepted, and was settled June 4, 1760, and
six years after the death of Mr. Haven.
Rev. Caleb Barnum was the son of Thomas and |
Deborah, born in Danbury, June 30, 1737; gradu-
ated at Princeton, 1757, and received an A.M. in
1768 from both Princeton and Harvard. His brief
pastorate of eight years was full of divers disturb-
ances, not the least of which was the hymn-book
conflict already mentioned. Some differed also from |
his opinions and beliefs as preached from the pulpit,
and some left to attend Separatists’ meetings, but the
majority vindicated the pastor. The differences
seemed to be more between the precinct and the
church than in the church itself; but the minister |
stood as a central figure between the two parties, and |
| among the New Hampshire hills.
was attacked by both. His resignation was caused
by these dissensions, and being made final, despite
their reluctance to grant it, he was dismissed March
6, 1768.
The next February he was installed over the First
Congregational Church in Taunton. In 1775 he
joined the army of the Revolution, and became chap-
lain of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment,
Col. John Greaton, then near Boston, Feb. 10, 1776.
On the return of his regiment from Montreal he was
taken sick at Ticonderoga, and discharged July 24,
dying at Pittsfield, Aug. 23, 1776, aged thirty-nine.
Once more the pulpit was empty, and again a pro-
cession of candidates appeared. One and another
was called upon to stop, but each declined, and they
all moved on. Then the people looked each upon his
neighbor, and asked, “ Why will no one stay with
us ?”
The meeting-house, now thirty years old, and too
small as well as growing old-fashioned (for there was
even then a fashion for meeting-houses), was pondered
upon as a possible obstacle. Therefore, in 1772, they
chose five men to “consult upon the conveniences
and inconveniences of enlarging and repairing their
meeting-house, and to draw a plan thereof and
report.”
Meanwhile, the committee of supply had in some
way heard of a young graduate of Yale College who
had preached in New York State, and was now
He was small in
stature, with a thin, small voice, and he hesitated
about appearing before a church containing two such
But he came, Oc-
tober, 1769, and essayed to fill the vacant pulpit. So
well did he supply their needs, and so thoroughly did
they test him, that on Nov. 30, 1772, the church, by
a vote of thirty-two out of thirty-four, invited him
vigorous and bellicose parties.
to become their pastor. Two weeks later the precinct
heartily seconded their invitation, and April 21,
1773, NATHANAEL Emmons was settled as the third
precinct minister. The service was held out of doors,
like that of both of his predecessors, in the valley
west of the present Catholic Church.
The memory of Dr. Emmons’ life and ministry is
still bright in the town where he lived and labored
for more than fifty years. His namesakes are found
in many a family, and many a town and State, while
anecdotes of him and his pithy apothegms are still
current, and still bright as new coins, and more valu-
able for use.
In one aspect Dr. Emmons has been and still is
misrepresented. He was not curt, dogmatic, and
repellent. He was not unsocial and austere to his
164 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
people, nor a bugbear to the young. He was affable, | It was removed some years ago, and it now does duty
genial, and witty, and enjoyed a good joke as keenly
as any. In the pulpit his clear-cut and logical sen-
tences sharpened the intellects of his hearers and
made them alert, discriminating, and clear-headed
thinkers, having settled opinions of their own.
his people’s intelligent convictions. They knew him
to be simply following truth, and they had to follow
his guidance because he justified to them every step
of his way.
Dr. Emmons’ active ministry continued about fifty-
four years, from April 21, 1773, to May 28, 1827. |
Twice during this time, in 1781 and again in 1784, he
became discouraged in his work and asked for a dis-
mission ; but his people unanimously refused to grant —
| Common.
it. Before the close of 1784 a powerful revival added
seventy to his church, quickened his weary spirit,
and ended his discouragements. During his fifty-four
years of work three hundred and eight were gathered
into the church. But his slender physique could not
forever second the strong spirit within, and in his |
eighty-third year he fainted in the pulpit while
preaching a sermon from Acts ii. 37 (see “ Emmons’ ©
Works,” vol. vi., p. 688). He then knew that his
earthly work was done, and a quiet waiting for the —
Master’s call to “come up higher” was all that re-
mained to him here. His letter of resignation to his
people is worthy of a place in this history for its
loving simplicity :
“FRANKLIN, May 28, 1827.
“To the members of the Church, and to the members of the
Religious Society in this place.
“ BRETHREN AND Frienps: I have sustained the pastoral |
relation to you for more than fifty years, which is a long min-
isterial life. The decays of nature, and increasing infirmities
of old age and my present feeble state of health, convince me
that it is my duty to retire from the field of labor which I am
no longer able to occupy to my own satisfaction nor to your
benefit. I therefore take the liberty to inform you that I can
no longer supply your pulpit and perform any ministerial labor
among you; and, at the same time, that I renounce all claims
upon you for any future ministerial support, relying entirely
on your wisdom and goodness to grant or not to grant any gra-
tuity to your aged servant during the residue of his life.
“NATHANAEL Emmons.”
After thirteen years of patient waiting, he died
Sept. 23, 1849, at nearly ninety-six.
funeral, Monday, September 28th, was attended by
It was the
Dr. Emmons’
ministers and people from far and wide.
last service held in the old church which his voice had
dedicated fifty-two years before. The next day the
carpenters began their alterations.
Dr. Emmons’ dwelling-house stood on the north
corner of the present Main and Emmons Streets. |
He |
ruled, therefore, only by always moving in the line of |
| a joint committee to consider the matter.
as a tenement-house, as historic buildings are wont
to do in our hurrying age. June 17, 1846, a granite
monument, paid by a public subscription, was erected
with public services near the centre of the Common,
across which the venerable pastor had traveled to
and from his church for more than half a century.
An address was given in the church by Rev. M.
Blake, and then the large company adjourned to the
Common, where the dedicatory address was made by
the then pastor, Rev. T. D. Southworth. These
addresses were printed.
A few years ago this monument was moved into
anew part of the cemetery, out of public sight and
contrary to the unalterable provision of the society
which procured, located, and erected it on the
The ecclesiastical history of the precinct, which
in those early years was practically identical with its
civil record, here practically ends.
Precinct Civic History.—In 1740-42
ments were made in the precinct to petition Wren-
tham for leave to become a town by themselves; but
move-
lack of maternal sympathy quieted them till March
4, 1754, when a petition was actually presented to
and refused by Wrentham. Discouraged by this
rebuff, and absorbed in the political events which
preceded the Revolution, the people postponed fur-
ther action, and continued to journey to Wrentham
But the question soon
War meetings became
to vote or stayed at home.
came up again in earnest.
| more frequent and important, and the ride of five to
eight miles to Wrentham so often was wearisome for
man and horse. The population of the precinct had
also increased, and was fully large enough to justify
a separation. Therefore, Dec. 29, 1777, another
petition was addressed to Wrentham “ for liberty to
be set off into a district township, according to grant
of court that they were at first incorporated into a
precinct, with a part of said town’s money and stocks.
Deacon Jabez Fisher, Esq., Jonathan Metcalf, Samuel
| Lethbridge, Asa Whiting, Dr. John Metcalf, Joseph
Hawes, and Capt. John Boyd, chief men of the
precinct, are put in charge of the matter.” In re-
sponse to this petition, Wrentham sent nine men as
February
21st they reported that ‘said inhabitants be set off
as a Separate township by themselves.” The process of
division was speedily begun. It involved many and
complicated matters of importance. The men already
raised as the whole town’s quota for the Continental
army were proportionately accredited to each section.
Firearms and military stores were also similarly
FRANKLIN.
165
divided. The salt allowed by the General Court
and all other properties were duly adjusted. Kven
of the five solitary paupers dependent upon the whole
town, two were assigned to the forthcoming town.
All preliminaries being thus arranged, another com-
mittee was elected to present their petition to the -
General Court. The charter of incorporation, granted
in answer to this petition, appears among the acts of
1778, and is dated in the House of Representatives,
February 27th, and in the Council, March 2d. It
is as follows:
“Srare of MAssacuusetts Bay.
“Tn the year of our Lord 1778.
“An Act incorporating the Westerly Part of the Town of |
Wrentham in the County of Suffolk into a Town by the name of
Franklin.
‘““Wuereas, the Inhabitants of the Westerly part of the
town of Wrentham in the County of Suffolk have Represented
to this Court the Difficulties they Labor under in their present |
situation, and apprehending themselves of sufficient Numbers
& Ability, request that they may be incorporated into a sepa-
rate Town.
“Beit Therefore Enacted By the Council & House of Rep-
resentatives in (reneral Court Assembled & by the Authority
of the same, That the Westerly part of said Town of Wrentham
separated by a line, as follows, viz., Beginning at Charles
River, where Medfield line comes to said river; thence running
south seventeen degrees and an half West until it comes to one |
rod East of y® Dwelling-House of William Man; thence a
strait line to the eastwardly corner of Asa Whiting’s barn;
thence a strait line to sixty rods due south of the old cellar
where the Dwelling-House of Ebenezer Healy formerly stood;
thence a Due West Cource by the Needle to Bellingham line,
said Bellingham line to be the West Bounds and Charles
River the Northerly Bounds, Be and hereby is incorporated
into a Distinct and separate Town by the name of FRANKLIN,
and invested with all the powers, Privileges, and immunities
that Towns in this State do or may enjoy. And be it further
enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the inhabitants of |
said Town of Franklin shall pay their proportion of all State,
County, and Town charges already granted to be raised in the
Town of Wrentham and also their proportion of the pay of the
Representatives for the present year; and the said Town of
Wrentham and Town of Franklin shall be severally held punc-
Contained and Expressed in a vote of the Town of Wrentham
passed at Publick Town-meeting the sixteenth Day of Feb-
ruary, 1778, according to y® plain and obvious meaning there-
of; and Be it also Enacted by y® authority aforesaid, That
Jabez Fisher, Esq., Be & he hereby is authorized & required
to issue his warrant to one of the principal inhabitants of said
Town of Franklin, authorizing & requiring him to Notifie and
warn the Freeholders & other inhabitants of said Town to
meet together at such time and place as shall be expressed in
said warrant, To choose such officers as Towns are authorized
by Law to Choose, and Transact other such Lawfull matters as |
shall be expressed in said warrant. And be it further enacted,
That the inhabitants living within y® Bounds aforesaid who in
the Late Tax in the Town of Wrentham were rated one-half
part so much for their Estates and Faculties as for one single
Poll shall be taken and Holden to be Qualified and be allowed
to Vote in their first Meeting for the Choice of officers and such
other meetings as may be Called in said Town of Franklin
untill a valuation of Estates shall be made by Assessors there.
“Tn tHE House or REPRESENTATIVES.
“Feb. 27, 1778.
“This Bill having been read three several times, passed to
be engrossed. Sent up for Concurrence.
“J. WARREN SYKE.
“In CoUNCIL.
“ March 2d, 1778.
“This Bill, having had two several Readings, passed a Con-
currence, to be engrossed.
“Jno. Avery, Dpy. Secy.”
In the original draft of the charter, as preserved in
the State archives, the name of the new town is
written as Exeter. Why its name was first written
Exeter is a conundrum, whose answer is inaudible
among the echoes of the past. Why it was changed
to Franklin is apparent. After the Declaration of
Independence in 1776, Benjamin Franklin with two
others was sent forthwith to France, to arrange for a
treaty of alliance with Louis XVI. The king dallied
with the ambassadors until the close of 1777, when
the capture of Burgoyne settled his doubts, and a
treaty of amity and commerce was formed with them
in January, 1778.
this country while the petition of the new town was
waiting decision. The charter was doubtless amended
in honor of that event, and Exeter was changed for
the honored name of FRANKLIN, the jist of the
twenty-nine towns in our States who have since fol-
lowed her example in calling themselves by the same
News of their success reached
name.
Dr. Franklin showed his appreciation of the com-
pliment by sending the town a valuable library of one
hundred and sixteen volumes, selected by Rev. Richard
Price, of London, a strong friend of Franklin’s and
of American liberty. Of these, mostly folio volumes,
the most secular and sensational was “The Life of
Baron Trench.” These one hundred and sixteen seed
volumes were subsequently increased by a social library
/to some five hundred, and have since multiplied- to
tually to stand by & perform to each other the Terms & proposals | : P
three thousand or more, constituting the present
Public Library, for which maintenance annual grants
of money are made by the town.
Topography.—Franklin, in the limits of its orig-
inal charter, included 17,6023 acres, or 27.6 square
miles; lying longer north and south than its width
east and west. It is twenty-seven and a quarter miles
southwesterly from Boston by the New York and
| New England Railroad.
The earliest map of the territory of Franklin was
made in 1735, by Samuel Brooks, surveyor, and is
kept in the town office of Wrentham.
only the four ponds, Uncas, Beaver, Popolatic, and
Long, two or three short streets, and the names of the
It contains
166
first settlers. The outline of the West Precinct is
dotted within it, and follows nearly the present boun-
daries of Franklin. A later map is in the archives of
the State-House at Boston, and is dated May 27, 1795.
It was from surveys made by Amos Hawes and Moses
Fisher in September, October, and November, 1794.
Nov. 2, 1795, the selectmen were directed to have
another map of the town drawn on parchment, but if
this was done the map cannot now be found. In
)
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ment on the site, but Franklin did not care to revive
such tragic memories, and the trees have now hidden
1832 a map of the town was surveyed by John G. |
Hales and lithographed, in compliance with an act |
passed by the State Legislature in 1830.
has been made since by the town.
No survey
Charles River forms its northern boundary and re-
ceives the overflow of the ponds that lie, like bits of
broken mirrors, among its hills. Chief of these ponds
are Beaver, Uncas, Popolatic, and Kingsbury’s, with
their outlets of Mine Brook, and Stop, or Mill River,
drawing their surplus waters through Charles River
into Massachusetts Bay and the sea. The geological
formation of the town is sienitic, though very few
ledges of rock appear on the surface. Traces of lime-
stone have been found, and a deposit of amethysts, |
now exhausted. Green meadows, deep, shady valleys, |
and sunny hills make the natural scenery of Franklin
beautiful. It is one of the highest towns in the county,
and from some of its elevated highways the blue hills
of Milton and the round head of Mount Wachusett,
in Princeton, are visible.
Its own hills and rocks have retained but few tra-
ditions of their aboriginal owners and their deeds.
Yet Indian Rock still records the story of the forty-
two of King Philip’s warriors, who stopped for a night
and laid themselves down to sleep around its base.
They had been on the war-path to Medfield, burning
I \
the houses of its settlers, and were on their way back |
to Narragansett. It.is said a man named Rocket, in
searching for a lost horse, found their trail, which he
He
hastened back to the settlement, and before daylight
followed till he saw them asleep at Indian Rock.
he was back again, with a dozen men in command of
Capt. Robert Ware, to watch and take care of the
sleeping murderers. When the Indians arose at day-
light a dozen bullets quickly found their mark.
Their punishment was so swift and fatal that only
one or two escaped to tell others of the steady and
sure aim of the white man. Hence came the name
of the ledge, which still rears its monumental head
above the trees some five hundred yards east of the
The Fourth of July, 1823, was celebrated
on this rock, and its stony breast is still marked with
Common.
the graven initials of the managers of that celebration.
even the path to Indian Rock.
Uncas Pond also holds the tradition that the wily
Mohegan sachem, in some of his campaigns with the
Pequots in this region, made the shores of this pond
one of his occasional haunts, and the early settlers at-
tached his name to the wood-sheltered sheet of water
as a memento of the fact. But the settlement was
too insignificant at the time of the Indian war to at-
tract any massacres or conflagrations as befell its neigh-
_ bors, Medfield and Wrentham, and it has to be content
without its legends of savage warfare.
The Revolution.—The young town took her stand
courageously beside her older sisters in the troublous
Instead of the horn of Ceres,
she must grasp for a while the sword of Mars. Many
of her men had been enrolled two years before among
the five companies of minute-men formed within the
Some of her inhabitants
were among those who, on the first alarm from Con-
cord, ‘‘marched from Wrentham on the nineteenth
of April (1775) in the Colonial service.” The ex-
igencies of the Revolution demanded many town-
meetings. Thirty-one were held in the five years
between January, 1773, and Feb. 16, 1778, this
being the last before the separation of Franklin from
Wrentham.
At one of these meetings, held at Wrentham June
times of the colonies.
whole town of Wrentham.
| 5, 1776, one day less than a month before the Dec-
laration of Independence, a paper of instructions to
their representatives to the General Court was, “after
being several times distinctly read and considered by
the town, unanimously voted in the affirmative with-
out even one dissentient.”” This paper is inserted as
a sample voice of the times, indicating the clear and
decided convictions of that day, and the hopelessness
of attempting to dragoon such study yeomanry into
duty :
“GENTLEMEN,—We, your constituents in full town-meeting,
Whereas,
Tyranny and oppression, a little more than one century and a
June 5, 1776, give you the following instructions:
half ago, obliged our forefathers to quit their peaceful habita-
tions and seek an asylum in this distant land, amid an howling
wilderness surrounded with savage enemies, destitute of almost
every convenience of life was their unhappy situation; but
such was their zeal for the common rights of mankind that
they (under the smile of Divine Providence) surmounted every
difficulty, and in a little time were in the exercise of civil gov-
But
after some years had passed and the Colonies had become of
ernment under a charter of the crown of Great Britain.
some importance, new troubles began to arise. The same spirit
which caused them to leave their native land still pursued
Letters
began to be wrote against the government and the first charter
them, joined by designing men among themselves.
r : . j
They then proposed erecting a commemorative Monu- | soon after destroyed. In this situation some years passed be-
FRANKLIN.
167
fore another charter could be obtained, and although many of
the gifts and privileges of the first charter were abridged by
the last, yet in that situation the government has been tolera-
bly quiet until about the year 1763, since which the same spirit
of oppression has risen up. Letters by divers ill-minded per-
sons have been wrote against the government (in consequence |
of which divers acts of the British Parliament made, mutilat- |
ing and destroying the charter, and wholly subversive of the |
constitution); fleets and armies have been sent to enforce them, |
and at length a civil war has commenced, and the sword is
drawn in our land, and the whole united colonies involved in
one common cause; the repeated and humble petitions of the
good people of these colonies have been wantonly rejected with
disdain ; the prince we once adored bas now commissioned the |
|
}
i
|
|
|
|
cision. Money as well as men were furnished often
and heartily, and the town bore with marked una-
nimity the heavy expenses of the Revolution as well
as the depreciation of the currency as their home
part of the price paid for liberty.
The depreciation of money was rapid and severe
In July, 1781, the ratio
of paper to silver was as one to forty; in September
in its results upon values.
_ of the same year, one to one hundred and fifty. In
instruments of his hostile oppression to lay waste our dwellings |
with fire and sword, to rob us of our property, and wantonly to |
stain the land with the blood of its innocent inhabitants; he |
has entered into treaties with the most cruel nations to hire an
army of foreign mercenaries to subjugate the colonies to his
eruel and arbitrary purposes. In short, all hope of an accom-
modation is entirely at an end, a reconciliation as dangerous
as it is absurd; a recollection of past injuries will naturally
keep alive and kindle the flames of jealousy. We, your con-
stituents, therefore think that to be subject or dependent on the
crown of Great Britain would not only be impracticable, but
unsafe to the State. The inhabitants of this town, therefore, in
full town-meeting, unanimously instruct and direct you (v.e.,
the representatives) to give your vote that, if the Honorable
American Congress (in whom we place the highest confidence
under God) should think it necessary for the safety of the
United Colonies to declare them independent of Great Britain,
that we, your constituents, with our lives and fortunes will most | - _ é
a ‘ as _should “avoid lending to Monopolizers, Jobbers,
cheerfully support them in the measure.”
Sept. 15, 1774, soon after the encampment of Gen.
Gage on Boston Common, Wrentham voted to buy
two cannon “of the size and bigness most proper and
beneficial for the town,” and ordered them to be made
Ammunition was also bought, and
men were armed and trained in military exercise.
The last vote of the whole town touching the war
previous to the incorporation of Franklin, Feb. 16,
fit for action.
1778, was the acceptance of a committee’s report,
that the full quota of the town, “being the full
seventh part of the male inhabitants of the town,”
had been secured.
The First Meeting of the town of Franklin was
called by Jabez Fisher, justice of the peace, and was
held Monday, March 23, 1778, at 9 o'clock, A.M.
The requisite town officers were chosen. They were
Asa Pond, town clerk; Asa Whiting, treasurer ;
Samuel Lethbridge, Deacon Jonathan Metcalf, Asa
Whiting, Hezekiah Fisher, Ensign Joseph Hawes,
selectmen ; and Ensign Hawes was representative to
the General Court. The Committee of Correspondence,
who looked after the affairs of the war, were Capt.
John Boyd, Deacon Daniel Thurston, Lieut. Ebenezer
Dean, Capt. Thomas Bacon.
they meditated for a month upon the new State Con-
stitution, preparatory to an intelligent and wise de-
After adjournment
| proper court.
the following February the town paid £400 for ten
shirts to Deacon Joseph Whiting, who, of course,
would not overcharge.
The patriotic little town looked sharply after its
It voted to report all Tories to the
It directed the soldiers’ families to be
“supplied with the necessaries of life at a stipulated
price at the town’s cost.” They voted not to deal
commercially with any who did not conform to the
scale of prices recommended by the Concord conven-
tion of 1779. They furnished their quota of beef
for the army—thirty-three thousand nine hundred
and eight pounds—in eighteen months, taking almost
the cattle on a thousand hills. They voted in 1779
—when the money credit of the government was
rapidly sinking—that all who had money to lend,
home enemies.
Harpies, Forestallers, and Tories, with as much
caution as they avoid a pestilence,” and rather to
lend to the Continental and State treasuries. There
was the irrepressible spirit of liberty here.
Franklin has not preserved any muster-rolls or
other data to make up a list of its soldiers in the
Revolutionary war. From the muster-rolls of Wren-
tham preserved in the archives of the State one can
select the residents of Franklin proper only by simi-
larity of name. But an examination of these rolls
shows that they do not include all who should be on
them, for the names of many men whose military
record is known from other sources are not-on the
lists. Of the five companies of Wrentham, under
the command of Capts. Oliver Pond, Benjamin
Hawes, Samuel Kollock, Elijah Pond, and Asa Fair-
banks, the last two of the companies were mostly of
Franklin names, as follows:
Capt. Asa Fairbanks’ Company.
private.
“ee
Asa Fairbanks, captain. Asa Metealf,
Joseph Woodward, lieutenant. Matthias Haws,
sé John Fairbank,
Joseph Streeter,
John Adams, ce
Nathan Wight, Ke
Philemon Metcalf, ‘“
Asa Whiting,
Joseph Haws,
James Gilmore, sergeant.
Joseph Hills, ss
David Wood, corporal.
Peter Adams, private.
John Clark, ce
168 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Abijah Allen, private.
Jonathan Hawes, ‘“
Jesse Ware, private.
Peltiah Fisher, o
Isaac Heaton, eS John Pearce, iw |
Peter Fisher, se Will Man, ce |
Elisha Harding, ‘“ Ebenezer Dean, “s
Levi Chaffee, ss Matthew Smith, “ |
William Sayles, 2 Asahel Perry, wv
James Smith, ots John Clark, Jr., s |
Joseph Harding, “ Joseph Hills, ‘ |
William Gilmore, “ Aaron Fisher, sf |
Ichabod Dean, ‘s Joseph Guild, ee
Capt. Elijah Pond’s Company.
Elijah Pond, captain.
Asa Pond, lieutenant.
Jonathan Bowditch, 2nd lieu-
tenant.
Robert Blake, sergeant.
Timothy Pond, ‘“
Duke Williams, corporal.
Benjamin Pond, _ private.
Timothy Rockwood, ‘
Elias Ware, r
Elisha Bullard, ss
Daniel Thurston,
Nathaniel Thayer,
Peter Darling,
Samuel Pond, s
Simeon Fisher, se
Elisha Partridge, &
Simeon Daniels,
Amos Bacon, drummer.
Nathan Daniels, clerk.
Elisha Rockwood, private. John Allen, tS
Abijah Thurston, sf James Fisher, sf
Robert Pond, Pe John Metealf, os
Zepha Lane, es Elisha Pond, fg
Eleaz. Partridge, cf John Richardson, “
Joseph Ellis, e¢ Elisha Richardson, “
In Capt. Cowell’s company, of Col. Benjamin
Hawes’ regiment, sent on a secret expedition, 23d of
September, 1777, occur the names of Michael and
Timothy Metcalf and Benjamin Rockwood, Frank-
lin men.
There were at least seventeen Ponds that flowed
from Franklin into the American army and are not
recorded. One, Elisha Pond, escaped one night from
the old Sugar-House at New York, where he had
been imprisoned and nearly starved by the British.
Another Pond, Pennel, “ died Dec. 16, 17—, in York
harbor on board a guard-ship, supposed to be poisoned |
by ye British doctors.” So his only record says, writ-
Philip |
Blake was blacksmith and commissary to a portion of
ten in stone in the City Mills graveyard.
the American army on Dorchester Heights, and was
afterwards in Sullivan’s retreat on Rhode Island, but
his name is not on any roll.
Some of the lists must
have been lost. John Newton, an English soldier,
impressed on board a British man-of-war, escaped from
his ship in Boston harbor by swimming three miles
on a dark and stormy night. He reached the shore
too exhausted to walk or stand; but when rested, he
fled towards Dedham.
He was met on the way and
was asked, ‘‘ Who are you?” He only answered, |
“ John—going!” and he went on, beyond curious
His first as- |
sumed American name he kept, and his descendants |
querists, until he reached Franklin.
still live in Franklin with the name modernized into |
| 1786.
| drawing, and quartering a traitor.
| pendence, and settled down to repair damages.
| material for a new building.
| what is best to be done to repair it.”
Gowen. John Adams, ancestor of the Adams family,
was also a victim of English impressment who found
David Lane,
a home among the Franklin patriots.
afterwards called McLane, and a native of Attle-
borough, came to Franklin, and married a wife in
Ten years after he started for Canada as gen-
eral of a secret project, said to be originated by the
French minster to this country, to incite the Canadians
| to revolt against Great Britain, and thus to aid the
United States. MclLane’s directions were to raise
_men in Quebec and seize the garrison and then cap-
ture the city. But McLane was betrayed by one of
his men and taken as a spy. He was publicly
_ executed on the glacis outside the city walls of
Quebec,—the last and probably the only instance in
America of the ancient brutal mode of hanging,
McLane was, with-
out doubt, more an unhappy lunatic than a criminal.
But the spirit of those days was full of animosity and
cruelty. The later wars of the Republic will find
mention farther on.
The Second Meeting-House.—The war was at
last ended, and the country had won for itself inde-
The
old town question soon presented itself again,—whether
There
were evidently two opinions in the town, for April
26, 1784, two hundred pounds were voted to buy
But October 3d of the
next year the opposition carried the day, and the
constable was ordered “to pay back the money col-
lected for the meeting-house and return the tax-bill
into the town clerk’s office, and that the town clerk
pull off the seal of the warrants and write on the
back that they are null and void;’ and secondly,
“that a committee view the meeting-house and report
Asa result,
10d. were spent in patching the shingles, sup-
to repair the house of worship or build anew.
£6 2s.
plying glass to the upper windows, and boarding up
But this putting of new cloth upon the
A
new meeting-house became more and more a visible
the lower.
old garment was an economy of short duration.
necessity.
One question towards it had been settled January,
1784, in regard to the fixedness of the centre of
Franklin. Two surveyors and three chainmen had,
at a cost of £26 3s. 4d. (of which £1 12s. 11d. was
for ‘“lickquer”), discovered that “ forty-seven rods
from the centre of the west door of the meeting-house
where it now stands” was the same unmoved centre
found fifty years ago near the same Morse’s mud-
pond.
On Dee. 17, 1787, Deacon Samuel Lethbridge, Asa
FRANKLIN.
169
Whiting, and Ensign Joseph Whiting presented the
following report which was accepted, and a larger
site for the new building than the Thomas Mann’s
acre was bought:
“We have agreed with Mr. John Adams for the
wedge of land lying between the way from the meet- |
ing-house leading to the Rev. Nathanael Emmons
and the way from the said meeting-house to Ensign
John Adams’, being nine acres, at £1 10s. per acre;
also thirty-eight rods of land west of said way at the |
same rate; also one and a half acres in the hollow
south of the old meeting-house at three pounds.
of Nathaniel Adams one hundred and forty rods of
land east of the way from said meeting-house leading
to Mr. Emmons at the rate of £1 10s. peracre. Also
a road three rods wide through his improved land,
beginning at the road from John Adams’, Jr., to go a
straight course between his house and well to the
land above mentioned, for which he is to receive as a
satisfaction eight pounds in money and the acre of
land on which the meeting-house now stands, with
the road that is now wanted, in by his house, to said
acre.”
Two years later (1789) fifty-nine and a half rods
|
And |
lying north of the new meeting-house were bought |
at sixpence per rod. This lot completed the nine
acres, of which the present Franklin Common was
a part. This land, when first bought, was covered
with a dense growth of pitch-pines, standing with
their feet firmly planted among small bowlders. It
cost sixty dollars and ninety-one cents to clear this
untamed spot and cover it with grass. Three sides
of this wedge-shaped nine acres were afterwards
trimmed with slender Lombardy poplars. They
were planted April 6, 1801, by William Adams, |
according to a previous vote of the town.
Some |
twenty years afterwards the south end of the Com- |
mon was sold for building sites, and on the centre lot
Dr. Amory Hunting built a house in front of the old
gun-house, since removed. After the meeting-house
had been moved to its present site and reversed, the
town bought the Common of the parish and com-
This
association has bordered it with hardy trees, crossed
mitted it to the care of a voluntary association.
it with walks, and surrounded it with a durable fence.
A plan for the new meeting-house was presented
by a committee of thirteen, and accepted by the
town December, 1787.
lows : Sixty-two feet long and forty wide, with a porch
at each end fourteen feet square. It had fifty-nine
pews on the floor and twenty-one in the gallery, be-
sides the singers’ and boys’ seats. The centre of the
house had at first long benches on each side of the
years, and receipts in full were exchanged.
Its dimensions were as fol- |
main aisle, afterwards exchanged for narrow pews.
The frame still lives, unaltered in size, within a new
covering.
The building was carried on with characteristic
energy and finished in July, 1788, seven months
from the acceptance of the plan. The cost, as ren-
dered by the committee to the town, March 7, 1791,
was as follows:
a th ee Ie
| .Lumber at Boston ...........00. 57 19 3 0
Carting from Boston........... 16 19 3 0
Rum, sugar, molasses, and
lemons at Boston............. 12 6 3 0
Lickyuers bought at home..... 33 4 0
Cost of raising the house..... 26 8 9 0
Nails and other iron-ware at
BOStON ese vcsewsicecescleeseres seco Mey 7
Nails and other iron-ware at
OM Ctscee-cseiassesesueosesecescs Pi Gy 27
Painting, tarring,andglazing 73 6 5 0
Boards, clapboards, and shin-
gles at home: .-.2<.....--s0cese- 3: 5/0) 10
Plastering and whitewashing 18 4 3 2
Underpinning the house....... 26 12 5 0
Boarding the workmen......... Sl 147.8) 0
Carpenters’ work...........2.00+ 233 0 8 0
Door - stones and _ paving
round the house..............+ Oe ela 250
Window-weights.............006 5 18 4 0
Cost of the curtain (behind
thre pul pits) eeccsescetesacewiee'sen By (Rok U)
Expenses of the committee... 69 3 7 O
—-——_——_——— £ EB th fe
OUD Se veccessisecescesiacerrestasetcesasesscrse 2/2 Oi Ome
Donations.
Hezekiah Fisher, to purchase £ 8. d. /.
thie Pol assccecescciacstececsieceass 29 4 4 3
Nathaniel Thayer............+0. ZO iene
Jonathan! Waless......s0csccc ae Ibe aly 0)
JOsiah) EIAWeSter-ssscsleeccescssenss 144 3 0 O
Nathan Maniijcsccccseecscacecesss t 3 Gal:
(So added in the original) £ 35 8 8 3
ef Re th)
MotalsOficlass-tiXccccwssssescsees ede else ele wl
Received from sale of pews... 622 11 0 0
Interest on securities forpews. 13 17 6 0
From the old house............. 3) 2) 16090
£943 18 1 1
ea
Total cost of meeting-house, £1054
Or, at the then value of paper currency, $3514.86.
This bill was not accepted as readily as the plan
had been; but examination of the charges by an
auditing committee, March 10, 1794, showed that
£18 5s. 5d. more were due to the committee than
they had charged. The honest town voted that
this balance should be paid, with interest for four
The bill
probably included the cost of preparing the land. In
1806 the east porch was raised into a belfry to re-
ceive a clock and bell, which bad been given to the
parish, costing seven hundred and forty-five dollars.
The bell has never told the name of the giver, nor
the clock-hands pointed to the time or place of its
record, and none of the living know the generous
donor or donors.
170
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In 1830, while workmen were painting the belfry,
they spattered the bell, whereon some bright genius
among them, thinking to better the matter, painted
the luckless bell all over.
voice of the bell was almost silenced,—it was supposed
Under this covering the
forever. It was thereupon sent to the foundry at
East Medway in exchange for a heavier one. The
dumb bell came forth from the fiery furnace freed
from the smothering paint and musically toned as
ever. It now tells the people of Paxton the times
of public assemblings.
The second house was used for fifty-two years, |
when it was moved about eighty feet directly north,
and turned a quarter round, with its belfry towards
the south.
modern slips, and all the congregation were seated in
In 1856
The old square pews were exchanged for
platoons with their faces toward the pulpit.
the interior walls were frescoed.
Upon the completion of the third and present Con-
eregational meeting-house, the second, which was in
its turn the old, was sold and deeded, through Davis
Thayer, Jr., to J. L. Fitzpatrick, and by him trans-
ferred to the Right Rev. J. J. Williams, now arch-
bishop of Boston, for the use of the Catholic congre-
gation.
preached by Rev. Luther Keene, the pastor, in which |
he stated that in its eighty-four years of service there
had been 8736 Sabbath sermons preached from its
pulpit, which had been in the charge of 13 ministers ;
900 infants received the rite of baptism; and unnum-
bered dead reposed in it while the last services for
them were being held before burial.
Before the doors of the old sanctuary are closed
after the last service held in it before its alteration in
The last sermon in it before its sale was |
}
| the new singers.
1840 (which was the funeral of Dr. Emmons), let us _
reproduce its interior as described by one who re-
members it well: ‘‘ What picture can produce its
interior! Its high box pulpit and impending sound-
ing-board, hung by a single iron rod an inch square ; |
the two pegs on each side of the pulpit window, on
one of which sometimes hung the old pastor’s blue- |
black cloak, and on the other always his three-cor- |
nered clerical hat! By no means omit the short
little preacher in the pulpit, with clear, sharp eyes,
| justify themselves for their absence.
bald, shining head, small, penetrating voice, and _
manuscript gesture; the square pews, seated on four |
sides, with a drop-seat across the narrow door, and
the straight, cushioned chair in the centre for the
grandmother, filled every one with sedate faces over
which gray hairs usually predominated. The open
space before and below the pulpit, where in winter a
massive wood stove reared its iron head and opened
its square mouth to be filled morning and at noon |
with blocks of hard wood big enough to hold fire
through the following services, and keep the circle
of old men who sat around it in a sleepy warmth
while the unfortunate sitters in the outer corners
To it at noon came the mothers,
bringing their small tin hand-stoves, with perforated
shivered with cold.
sides and an iron box within to hold live coals, for
a fresh supply to keep their feet warm through the
afternoon service. The long balustrades hemming
the side galleries were crowned with hats against the
two stairways, which a puff of wind from the open
porch-doors sometimes sent scattering down upon the
uncovered heads below. ‘The singers’ seats filled the
long gallery fronting the pulpit, in which nothing
louder than a wooden pitch-pipe for years dared to
utter a note. But about 1825 a singing-school
timidly prepared the way for a violin, which soon
introduced a bass-viol for the support of itself and
The boys had seats in the south-
west elbow of the gallery, each boy with one eye on
the tithing-man sitting high up in the northwest cor-
ner pew and the other eye wandering or asleep, while
both ears were enviously open to the neighing of the
horses in the hundred horse-sheds and the twitter of
birds in the Lombardy poplars near by.”
Not only was the irrepressible boy from the first
looked after by the tithing-man, chosen “ to take care
of y° children, to prevent their playing in meeting,”
but in May, 1791, another duty was laid upon these
“ May, 1791, on complaint that divers
persons have from time to time behaved in a very unbe-
same officers.
coming manner by standing in the porches of the meet-
ing- house of this town on the Lord’s Day, and other-
wise conducting in a manner not only inconsistent with
the purpose for which they professedly assemble, but
highly unbecoming a person-of good breeding or the
character of a gentleman: Voted, that such conduct
ought to be highly reprobated and discountenanced by
every sober man, and they will hold them as scan-
dalous and infamous persons; and the tithing-men
are to take their names and publicly expose them
next town-meeting, and post up this vote and the
Absentees had to
Kven after the
names of all future offenders.”
congregation were all safely in their pews, and under
the vigilance of such sentinels, the minister could
not always control their attention. It is said that on
one July Sunday in 1790, when the audience were
unusually torpid and sleepy, Dr. Emmons closed his
manuscript, took down his three-cornered hat, came
down from the pulpit, and went quietly home, leaving
his comatose congregation to finish their naps or dis-
miss themselves without a benediction. After giving
FRANKLIN.
171
them a fortnight to consider their ways and be
wise, he explained the reasons of this conduct, and
his penitent church voted: ‘1. It is reasonable the
pastor should insist upon having the proper attention
of the people in time of public worship.
reasonable the church shall desire and endeavor that
proper attention be given in the time of public wor-
ship, and discountenance all inattention.”
As a result of the alterations and modernizings of
1840, the top of the old sounding-board lighted upon
a well-house in Ashland; the old pulpit ended a long
journey in the lecture-room of the Chicago Theologi-
cal Seminary. At the same time, also, the long rows
of horse-sheds were demolished, save a very few |
moved to the rear of the new site. The noon-houses
had disappeared some years before 1840. They had
been built for a resort in the intermissions on cold
Sundays.
each side and a narrow floor in front of it.
They were four-square, with a seat on
A large
stone hearth filled the centre, on which a fire was
built in a pile within reach of the cold feet aimed at
it from the four sides, while the smoke found its way,
when ready, through a wigwam-like hole in the roof.
Home Life.—In these early colonial towns the
meeting-house was as literally their social as their
geographical centre.
territory, and, being busy all the week at home, the
Sunday noon intermissions spent in the horse-sheds
and noon-houses were their only opportunities for in-
terchange of family greetings and friendly gossip.
The rude connecting roads were too long, rugged, and
lonely to be traveled for evening gatherings, and the
young folks had to supplement
by the few weeks of the winter
industries were home industries
their Sunday talks
school. The town
among the stumps
and rocks of the slowly civilizing acres and at looms
in the attics.
only external necessities.
soon as possible,—the meeting-house first, and then the
corn-mill. Then both soul and body could be equipped |
for other work. Most of their daily food was raised
at home, and they clothed themselves in homespun
cloth made from the flax of their fields and the fleece
of their flocks, whose bodies they ate. A rare visit
to Boston secured what their farms could not supply.
The country grocery was an invention of a later age |
and a larger liberty.
The population of the town increased slowly, from
less than one thousand at its incorporation in 1778 to
seventeen hundred and seventeen in 1840. The first
sixty-two years of its town life showed less than six
per cent. increase.
2. It is |
The families settled on their |
farms in concentric circles to the outer limits of the |
A corn-mill and a saw-mill were their |
These they had to build as
For many years after the war for liberty the chief
| business of its town-meetings was discussions of town
_ boundaries and laying out of roads. On March 23,
1795, the selectmen were directed to erect the first
eulde-posts.
Military Affairs.—The military spirit, first called
' forth by the stern service of the Revolutionary war,
did not die out with the close of the eighteenth cen-
tury, but was revived at least on two days of the year,
i
' —of the May training of the two military companies,
the North and the South so called, and of the fall
| muster of the regiment to which they belonged. The
May trainings were the times for a public comparison
of these two companies, when they both manceuvred
_ at opposite ends of the Common, marched around Davis
Thayer’s store and Dr. Emmons’ house, and halted in
front of Joseph Hill’s store under the poplars, and
when the voices of the captains, and the fifes and
A troop of
cavalry was enrolled, mostly within the town, and the
drums were heard through the town.
horses, fresh from the plow and harrow, pranced and
danced at the unwonted music of the bugle among
the sweet ferns at the south end of the Common.
But greater was the excitement, especially among the
boys, when the Franklin Artillery appeared in all its
brazen majesty on the same Common where its gun-
house, cannon, tumbrels, and harnesses were kept.
The dark-blue uniforms, the Bonaparte chapeaux with
their long, black, red-tipped plumes, the flashing long
swords, the slow march to the dirge-like ‘“ Roslyn
Castle,” as the lumbering brass four-pounders were
| dragged over the tufts of grass and bushes by drag-
ropes, angling outwards like wild geese lines reversed,
were always followed by a crowd. But the climax of
military excitement was reached when, about 1825,
the Franklin Cadets made their first public appear-
ance. Their white pantaloons, blue coats, abundantly
buttoned and silver-laced, black shining leather caps
crowned with black-tipped, perpendicular
plumes, and above all their new glinting muskets,
white
made each boy wish himself a man and a cadet.
| Many of the after prominent citizens of the town
were proud to be called captain of such an admirably-
drilled corps. The Franklin Cadets, the Wrentham
Guards, and the Bellingham Rifles were the flower of
the old Norfolk County regiment.
The fall musters, however, condensed the highest
interest. They came after the sowing and reaping of
the year were done, and all were glad for a holiday.
The following description of an old-time regimental
muster from a frequent participant will be enter-
taining:
“The day before muster a detailed squad of men
172
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
marked out, by a long rope and with the heads of old
axes, a straight and shallow furrow as a toe-line for
the regiment, which they generally adhered to until |
afternoon. A boundary was also roped along the
eastern side, next the road, which marked the limit
for spectators. On this side were built rough booths
for the sale of eatables and drinkables and gewgaws
to the crowd of the coming day. With the earliest
daylight came noisily-driven teams into town, bring-
ing soldiers and civilians, lads and lassies from far and |
near. Tents and marquees were hastily pitched
around the meeting-house and along the west side of |
the Common. Luncheon-boxes and extra garments
were stowed in these, guards were set, and at six |
o'clock the long roll from a score or less of kettle-
drums called the companies together. Drills, evolu-
tions, and marchings displayed the skill of the cap-
nine o’clock, when, at the vociferous shouting of the
adjutant, the musical squads headed their companies
up to the toe-line. The musicians were then gath-
ered at the head of the regiment, near the gun-house,
to receive the colonel and his staff whenever they
On
their appearance and reception, the wings wheeled
should emerge from the tavern near at hand.
into an inclosing square with the officers in the cen-
tre, while the chaplain, on horseback, prayed for the |
country and the protection of life and limb. On
straightening out again, then came the march of the
single fife and drum down and back the length of the
line, the official inspection, the regimental manceuvre-
ings, and the dodging of the line of guards by the
spectators.
“ At one o’clock came dinner, in tent, booth, on the
grass, anywhere, hilariously moistened,—possibly with
gun and a solemn cavalcade of colonel and staff with
chaplain and surgeon called the scattered bands into
line for the grand finale—the sham-fight. | Some-
times the infantry tried to capture the guns of the |
artillery ; sometimes, divided into two equal battal-
ions, they furiously bombarded each other; some-
times a tribe of pretentious Indians rushed from be-
hind Dr. Pratt’s barn with indescribable yells upon
far between.
the cavalry, only to be ignominiously chased back to |
their invisible wigwams. Sometimes the whole regi-
ment formed a hollow square, facing outwards, with a
cannon at each corner in defense of their officers,
and banged away at unseen and unanswering enemies,
while the cavalry dashed in all possible directions to
repel imaginary sallies. Trumpets blared, drums rat-
tled, horses reared and snorted, children screamed,
ramrods, forgotten in the hurried loading, hurtled ’
| these are still used for the same purpose.
| fees for burial.
venerable cider at least,—until at three o’clock a big
through the poplars, till a cloud of villainous salt-
petre enwrapped in suffocating folds soldiers, specta-
tors, booths, and landscape, and until cartridge-boxes
were emptied and military furore was satiated. The
hubbub subsided about five o’clock into an occasional
pop from tardy muskets, and the wounded—by pocket-
pistols—were picked up in the booths and along the
poplars, and the crowd took their winding—to some
very winding—way to their supperless homes.”
The Poor.—It was not until 1799 that public pro-
vision had to be made for their poor by this thrifty
Then there were but five persons. They
were at first boarded by the lowest bidder, who must
be approved by the selectmen, and was held strictly
to take good and generous care of them, furnishing
town.
' everything needed except clothes and medical care.
| These were separately supplied by the town.
tains and astonished the fast-gathering crowds until |
If he
failed in any respect, he was to remove his charge
In 1835 the dwell-
ing-house and farm of Alpheus Adams were bonght
for an almshouse at a cost of three thousand dollars.
elsewhere at his own expense.
In 1868 the house was burned, but another was
speedily built a few rods farther east.
At no time
since 1835 has the number of its inmates exceeded
twelve. The appropriation for 1883 was four thou-
sand dollars.
Burial-Grounds.—Land was set apart at the be-
ginning of the settlement for the burial of the dead.
One ‘“ God’s acre” was at Stop River, now the City
Mills Cemetery; the other at the Centre. Both of
They were
open and uncared for until 1768, when they were
fenced by stone walls. In 1795 committees were
| chosen to repair the fences, choose sextons, and fix the
These cemeteries have been enlarged
from time to time as needful, and the dead of to-day are
laid near where the forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
In 1864, November 8th, a third burial-ground was
This is called
the Catholic Cemetery, and lies some one hundred
and fifty rods west of their churah.
The Post-Office.—Franklin had no regular post-
office until 1819. Letters and papers were few and
These were left at Wrentham by the
carriers, who passed three times a week between
bought and approved by the town.
Providence and Boston. Any one who chanced to
visit Wrentham brought them to the owners. In
1812, Herman C. Fisher, then a lad of fifteen, was
hired by a few families to go on horseback Satur-
days to South Wrentham and bring the mail to Na-
thaniel Adams’, afterwards Davis Thayer’s, store.
His route was through Wrentham and Guinea to the
old tavern on the Boston and Providence turnpike.
FRANKLIN. 173
About 1815, David Fisher, keeper of Wrentham tav-
This brought the
but letters for the
northern part of the town were brought from Med-
way village.
Mills was built by Eli Richardson, who secured a
post-office there. Fora while Mr. Richardson brought
the letters and papers for Franklin Centre to meeting
in the box of his sulky every Sunday, and H. C.
Fisher carried them to the store of Maj. Davis
Thayer to be distributed.
Centre people began a movement for a post-office of
their own.
ern, was appointed postmaster.
Franklin mail much nearer;
But after two years the
In 1822 they succeeded in securing a
regular office, of which Maj. Thayer was postmaster.
His successors have been Spencer Pratt, Theron C.
Hills, David P. Baker, Cyrus B. Snow, Charles W.
Stewart, David P. Baker again, A. A. Russegue, as-
_ sities of the new settlement.
About 1819 the stone store at City
Early Industries.—Sawing or splitting the forest-
trees into boards for their houses and grinding the
corn raised on their cleared land were the first neces-
The first corn-mill was
built in 1685, by John Whiting, on the site of the
present Eagle Mill, at the foot of the long and for-
_merly steep hill of that name, and about midway be-
| by Whitings for more than a century.
sistant, Smith Fisher, and J. A. Woodward, the
office moving with the appointment from place to
place.
caused his sudden death, to the grief of the whole
Mr. Woodward held from 187i to May 14, |
: p | equal proporchon throught in procuring of irones & hueing
1883, when a fall from a scaffolding of his house |
community, with whom he was held in the highest |
respect for his uniform urbanity and kindliness. His
successor, and the present postmaster, is Oliver H.
Ingalls ; assistant, Laura E. Blake. The income from
the office at first was not more than thirty dollars per
year ; but it gradually increased till in 1882 the
salary was raised to seventeen hundred dollars.
now rated in the third class of post-offices.
This mill was owned
In 1713 the
North Precinct settlers sought for mill privileges nearer
home, and Daniel Hawes, Jr., and Eleazar Metealf
associated with others to utilize the falls in Mine
Brook for a saw-mill.
which they signed:
tween the two communities.
The following is the contract
“WreENTHAM Feb. the 7 1713.
“We hose names are hereunto subscribed doe agree to build
| a saw mill at the place called the Minebrook: Daniel Hawes
wone quarter, John Maccane wone quarter, Eleazar Metealf and
Samuel Metcalf wone quarter, Robert Pond Sen. wone quarter.
We doe covenant & agree as follows:
“1 We doe promis shat we wil each of us carry on & do our
framing of adam & mill & all other labor throught so faire as
the major part shall se meat to doe then to com to a reckoning.
“2 We doe agre that all of us shall have liberty for to work
out his proporsion of work & in case aney wone of us neglect to
| carry on said work till it be done & fit to saw & he that neglects
to carry on his part of said mill shall pay half a crown a day to
the rest of the owners that did said work.
“3 We doe agre that said land shall be for a mill pond soe
long as the major part shall se fit. Wedu all so agre that no
| won shall sell his part of said mill till he has first made a ten-
It is |
der to the rest of the owners. Wedual so agre that no won
| shall sell his part in the land til he hes tenderd it to the rest
Temperance.—Most of the people in the olden |
time drank liquors to some extent and without scru-
ple, under the impression that they were healthful
and strength-giving.
good people cast about for some external check upon
the appetite. When said strength became too fre-
quent and dangerous to the home-peace, their names
were posted by the selectmen so that the dealers,
‘who in regard of their remoteness from Boston had
There were some who on spe- |
cial occasions would get so thoroughly drunk that
liberty to sell strong waters to supply the necessity of |
such as stood in need thereof,’ should not sell to such
But the evil habit of drinking in-
creased in spite of church and minister. As early
as 1825, after a lecture given in the Popolatic school-
house by a son of Dr. Lyman Beecher, Caleb Fisher,
Elisha Bullard, and several others not only signed a
pledge, but. refused to furnish liquor to their men at
under a penalty.
of the owners.
** Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
“Ezra Ponp
“ JoNATHAN WRIGHT
“ RoBART PoNnD
“ DantEL Haws
his « Joon MaccaNe
“ Ropert < Ponp ‘“ ELEASAR METCALF
mark ‘ SAMUEL METCALF.”
On the back is the still further agreement :
“to lay out each man’s loot as they are drawn—the first loot
is to be gin four foot from the upper sil of the streax sil and soe
up unto the ind of the sleapers, and to devid it equal into fower
loots & from the sleapers towards the road so as not to interrupt
the road.
“ Ropart PonpD
JouN MAccANE
“ SamMuEL METCALF
“ DANIEL Haws
“ ELEASER METCALF
“ DANIEL THURSTON
“March the 7 1717.”
This first saw-mill came into and remained in the
hands of the Whitings.
work. The example spread, and Franklin became and |
still is a temperance town. It has always voted no
license, and now has two active temperance organiza-
tions—a Temperance Alliance and the Woman’s
Christian Temperance Union.
In the laying out of a surveyor’s district, May 29,
1736, there is mention of ‘“‘ The Iron Works,” said to
be located near the foot of Forge Hill, ‘ Ben Works’
saw-mill’’ and “ Adams’ corn-mill’” at City Mills, sites
now occupied by other works; but of other mills or
factories no record is preserved until the beginning
of the present century.
174
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
CHAPTER XVITE
FRANKLIN—(Continued).
Later Town History—Eeclesiastical—Ministers of the First
Church—Other Churches and Meeting-Houses—South Frank-
lin Congregational—Grace Universalist—Baptist—Catholic
_and dismissed July 6, 1864.
—Methodist—Town Library—Public Schools—High School |
—Franklin Academy—Dean Academy—College Graduates—
Statistics of Growth—Town Industries—Straw
Goods—Feltings, etec.—Newspapers — Railroads — Banks —
Fire Protection—The Rebellion—List of Soldiers—Precincet
and Town Officers—Centennial Celebration.
Material
Ministers of the First Congregational Church.
—Rery. ELam SMALLEY was settled as the succes-
sor, not colleague, of Dr. Emmons, June 17, 1829.
He was dismissed July 5, 1839, and installed Sep-
tember 19th over the Union Church, Worcester.
He remained there until 1853, when he was dis-
missed to become pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian
Church, Troy, N. Y., but was soon compelled by fail-
ing health to give up his work and try a voyage to
Europe, seeking restoration and strength ; but with-
out benefit, for he died soon after his return, in New
York City, July 30, 1858, aged fifty-eight. Mr.
Smalley was born in Dartmouth, fitted himself for
college, and was graduated at Brown University,
1827, whence he received D.D. in 1849. He studied
theology with Rey. Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth.
He supported himself while in college mainly by
teaching singing-schools, in which he was eminently
successful. His only son, George W., is the well-
known London correspondent of the New York
Tribune.
Rey. Tertius DuNNING SouTHWORTH was in-
and dismissed April 25, 1850. After leaving Frank-
lin he preached statedly in Lyndon, Pownall, and
Bennington, Vt., nearly five years, teaching a school
at the same time in his house.
Pleasant Prairie, Wis., where he preached for ten
years, part of the time under commission of the
the American Home Mission Society, until a rheu-
matic fever disabled him from further active service.
He returned in 1869 to his early home in Bridge-
water, N. Y., where he died Aug. 2, 1874. He was
buried in a silken surplice given him by the ladies of
Franklin thirty years before.
was born in Rome, N. Y., July 25,1801; graduated
| President.
Thence he went to |
Rev. Mr. Southworth |
at Hamilton College, 1827; spent one year at Au- |
burn Theological Seminary, N. Y., and graduated at
Andover, 1829; ordained at Utica, N. Y., Oct. 7, |
1832 ; installed at Claremont, N. H., June 18, 1834,
remaining there until he came to Franklin in the
summer of 1838.
Rey. SAmueL Hun was installed Dec. 4, 1850,
He next entered the
service of the American Missionary Association in
establishing schools among the freedmen in North
Carolina. He became associated in 1868, as seere-
tary, with Hon. Henry Wilson, afterwards Vice-
He aided in preparing Mr. Wilson’s
work, ‘‘ The Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in Amer-
ica,’ and edited the last volume after Mr. Wilson’s
death. Mr. Hunt was born in West Attleborough,
March 18, 1810; graduated at Amherst College,
1852 ; studied theology from 1836 to 1838 in Prince-
ton, N. J.; preached a year in Mansfield, Mass., and
was ordained in Natick, July 17, 1839, whence he
came to Franklin. He died in Boston, July 23, 1878.
Rey. Georae A. Peron was installed for one
year, Aug. 9, 1865, but withdrew during the year
following for a Western field.
Rey. Luruer Keene, the eighth regularly in-
stalled pastor of the old church, was installed Oct. 9,
1867, and died suddenly in the midst of his days
April 17, 1874, aged forty-four. His last public ser-
vice was April 5th. He was born in Milo, Me., Jan.
30, 1830; graduated at Amherst College, 1859, and
at Bangor in 1862. He was first settled in North
Brookfield, in October, 1862, as pastor of a Union
Congregational Church. After five years he resigned
His ministerial labors, though
The membership of the
church was nearly doubled, and a new meeting-house
to come to Franklin.
short, left permanent results.
and a commodious parsonage near it were built. Rey.
Mr. Keene was the first occupant of the parsonage,
_ and dedicated the new church Jan. 4, 1872, preaching
stalled the fifth pastor of the church Jan. 23, 1839, |
from John xii. 5.
After Mr. Keene’s death the church remained with-
out a settled pastor, depending on the broken and
evanescent impressions of transient supplies, until the
wiser conclusion of the church led to the installation
of the present efficient pastor on Dec. 8, 1880.
Rev. GEorGE KE. Lovesoy, now in office, is a
native of Bradford, Mass., and was resident licentiate
at Andover, 1873. His pastorate previous to Frank-
lin was in Bedford, Mass. Since his ministry here
between sixty and seventy have been added to the
church, increasing its present membership to two
hundred and ninety-two.
The present Congregational Church was built during
1871, as has been mentioned. Its site was bought,
bordering the southeast corner of the Common, and
the building committee in charge pushed the work
through with business-like energy. They were Messrs.
FRANKLIN. 175
Davis Thayer, Jr., Henry M. Greene, Albert E. Dan-
iels, Osman A. Stanley, Dr. George King, E. H. Sher-
man, and Frank B. Ray. John Stevens was the |
architect, and Hanson & Hunniwell the builders. The
organ was built by Stevens, of Cambridge. The di-
mensions of the main building are 100 by 60 feet ;
audience-room, 60 by 80, and 29 feet high; chapel |
attached to the rear, 45 by 55 feet ; two wings, 25 by |
14 feet; height of steeple, 164 feet; whole cost of |
the house furnished, $36,000. It has 650 sittings in:
the main audience-room, and 100 in the gallery. The |
chapel will seat 500, and the dining-room 400.
Other Churches and Houses of Worship.— |
SourH FRANKLIN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.— |
Through the summer of 1855 meetings were held on |
alternate Sundays in the South Franklin district |
school-house. A Sunday-school was formed, and a |
library given by friends.
The scattered families of
that region showed so much interest in meetings near
their homes, that a council of churches was called
Aug. 20, 1855, at the house of Willard C. Whiting. |
As a result, September 13th, a church of eighteen
members was organized. During the spring following
fifteen hundred dollars were secured by subscription
for a meeting-house. The corner-stone was laid Sept. |
5, 1856, and the house was dedicated July 25, 1857. |
This church has not yet felt strong enough to enjoy
a settled ministry, but has been supplied by acting
pastors to the present date.
Grace CHuRcH, UNIVERSALIST.—On Oct. 4,
1856, a Universalist parish was organized. At first
their services were held in the town hall, but under |
the inspiration of a generous offer from the late Oliver |
Dean, M.D., it was determined to build a house. |
This was located close upon Main Street, and was |
consecrated May 5, 1858. The cost, besides the land, |
was about seven thousand dollars. The building was |
used until June, 1874, when it was sold to the Bap-
tists, and removed to School Street. In 1873 the
parish built the present ‘* Grace Church” directly in |
the rear of its first building. This graceful and |
beautiful house of worship is one of the architectural
attractions of Franklin.
It cost, with all its appoint- |
ments, furniture, organ, and steam-heating apparatus,
fifty-two thousand dollars, of which sum Dr. Dean
originally gave two thousand dollars. Rev. A. N.
Adams was the first settled pastor. He was installed |
May 5, 1858, and on the same day in which the first |
church building was dedicated, and was dismissed in
1860.
In 1860 a church was organized, also a Sunday-
school, and all the other auxiliaries which help to sus-
tain vigorous church work. The pastors have been |
|
\
|
|
|
|
|
| with thirteen members.
Rev. A. N. Adams, 1858-60; Rev. N. R. Wright,
1861-62 ; Rev. 8. W. Squires, 1862-66; Rev. H. D.
L. Webster for a few months, succeeded by Rev. Rich-
ard Eddy, 1867-69. After being without a pastor for
nearly three years, Rev. A. St. John Chambre (D.D.
1878) was installed July 1, 1872. He closed his
pastorate in 1880, and was followed by Rev. L. J.
Fletcher, D D., just deceased. The list of church
members numbers now about one hundred and eight
from a parish of about ninety families.
THe Baprist CHURCH was organized in 1868
Its pastors have been Rev.
J. W. Holman, M.D., succeeded by Rev. George
Ryan in May, 1873. In 1876 the church was dis-
banded. September, 1881, Rev. A. W. Jefferson,
from Poultney, Vt., was sent into this field to awaken
anew the denominational interest. Asa result of his
labors the church was reorganized in June, 1882,
and now numbers thirty-five, with a Sunday-school
of about sixty-five. This society first held their ser-
vices in the town hall until a neat chapel was built
on Kast Street during the pastorate of Rev. Mr.
Rounds. In 1874 the society purchased the build-
ing in which they now worship of the Unuiversalists,
moved it to School Street, and made some alterations.
CatHoLic CHurcH.—In 1851 the Catholics were
given the use of the town hall for a service, conducted
monthly by Rev. M. X. Carroll, from Foxborough.
In 1862 he was succeeded by Rev. M. McCabe, of
From 1863 to 1873, Rev. P. Gillie, of
From 1872-
76, Rev. Francis Gonesse, of Walpole, had charge of
the parish. In February, 1877, Rev. J. Griffin
became and still remains the resident pastor. In
1871 the society bought the old Congregational
Church, and remodeled its interior for their forms
Woonsocket.
Attleborough, held occasional services.
of worship. A large and commodious parsonage has
been built directly west of the church.
THe Meruopist CuurcH.—As early as 1853 a
Methodist meeting was held in the town hall by
Rey. John M. Merrill. He gathered quite a large
congregation. In 1855, Rev. Pliny Wood succeeded
him. In 1856, Rev. M. P. Webster took up the
_work, but the enterprise failed so rapidly that the
Conference decided in 1857 to suspend the services,
In 1871 meetings were again started under the charge
of Rev. John R. Cushing, of Boston.
a Sunday-school, and gathered a good congregation.
In April, 1872, the Conference sent Rev. KE. P. King
into this field. He organized a church of thirteen
members, and laid the corner-stone of a church build-
ing October 3d. The house was dedicated June 25,
1873. The same year the church membership in-
He organized
176
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ereased to sixty-six. April, 1874, Mr. King was
transferred, and Rev. J. N. Short became pastor for
three years. He was followed in 1878 by Rev.
William Wignall, 1878-79; Rev. O. W. Adams,
1880-81; Rev. A. C. Godfrey, 1882 ; and Rev. M. D.
Hornbeck, the present pastor, since April, 1883.
SwEDENBORGIAN.—A few members of the New |
Jerusalem Church have held meetings constantly for |
seventeen years at the house of the late J. A. Wood-
ward, but they have never been organized into a
distinet church.
Town Library.—Mention has been made of the
library presented by Dr. Franklin to the town asa
birthday-gift. With its one hundred
volumes was afterwards connected a private library
of one hundred and twenty-five volumes for the use
and sixteen
of its shareholders.
library was limited to members of the parish; but in
1791 it was “opened to the whole town, until the |
town shall order otherwise.”
became so little esteemed, that in 1840 they were
found stowed away in their venerable bookcase in a
barn. In 1856 a library association was formed
to which the town by vote gave in charge the old
Franklin and Social Library.
These antiquated books
These libraries were formed into a free town library, |
to which the town has appropriated money annually |
At first the use of the public |
for its increase and support; in addition to this town |
grant, amounting now to five hundred dollars, the
library has the income of three thousand dollars, a_
legacy of Dr. Dean, for the purchase of books.
report for 1883 is as follows:
Librarian’s salary..... $150.00 ; Volumes added......... 217
facmerenteecsrecssscoees, L002000) Loaned: i. ccctcc-ccccss se 12,785
Incidentals.............. 201.75 | Number. of borrowers. 657
116 new books......... 187.77
| Whole number of vol-
Total, $639.52 | UmMeS.....ccecs covecesee 3,000
Waldo Daniels has been the librarian from the
beginning.
Public Schools.—The first grant of money by the
The |
one hundred scholars.
town for the support of schools was £200, voted May |
20, 1778.
This was divided in proportion to the |
number of children living in each school district be- |
tween the ages of four and sixteen. The grants of
money in succeeding years have steadily increased
with the increase of school attendance.
was only £80, and varied but little till 1796, when it
was $320; increasing till in 1814 it was $600, and
in 1839, $1000. In 1873 it reached $6000.
In 1782 it |
It has |
increased largely each year, till the appropriation for |
1883 was $8300. These sums include the total annual
grant for schools.
| Massachusetts
_ the belfry of the South Franklin Church.
In 1795 the number of children in town required
six school-houses, whose location was decided by a
committee chosen for the purpose. Now the town
supports ten mixed schools, exclusive of the High
School. The Central School is graded into four de-
partments and six schools.
At first the clergyman visited and catechised each
school annually. As the notice of his coming visit
was announced from the pulpit the previous Sunday,
After the close
of Dr. Emmons’ ministry this duty of examination
great were the preparations for it.
by law devolved upon the school committee, and with
them it now rests.
A High School was established by the town in
1868. It was opened on May 20th with twenty-two
scholars, Miss Mary A. Bryant, principal. She was
succeeded by Miss Annie HE. Patten and Thomas
Curly. Lucien I. Blake, of Amherst College, was
principal in 1877-78, followed by Theodore Parker
Farr, a graduate of Tufts College. The present
principal is Mrs. M. A. B. Wiggins.
Private Schools.—<At the request of many parents,
Mortimer Blake, a graduate of Amherst College,
began in September, 1835, at his own charges, a
_ private school of a higher grade than the town public
He occupied first the Central District school-
house with fifty-six scholars, fourteen of whom came
schools.
from other towns; but within the first year of this
school’s existence a large two-story building was
erected at the western foot of the Common by a stock
company with accommodations for one hundred pupils,
This
besides recitation-rooms and exhibition hall.
building was in after-years used for a store and straw-
shop alternately, till now—minus the cupola—it is
used entirely for tenements. The bell now hangs in
The school
continued for several years, and during the first princi-
pal’s connection with it its term-rolls often numbered
It included the names of
many scholars since well known, and not a few re-
nowned as educators and heads of important institu-
tions of instruction, as well as lawyers, physicians,
and ministers. The academy gradually subsided
under the rise of public high schools, although the
succeeding principals, Bigelow and Baker, endeavored
faithfully to maintain it.
A Kindergarten was opened a few years since by
Miss Lydia P. Ray, a graduate of Vassar College, ina
building fitted especially for the purpose. It is now
taught by Mrs. J. C. Blaisdell, and numbers about
twenty little children.
Dean Academy.—At the annual session of the
Universalist Convention, held in
FRANKLIN.
177
Worcester, Oct. 18-20, 1864, the subject of a State | show a larger ratio of educated men and women.
denominational school, to be of the highest grade be-
low that of colleges, was brought before the Council
by Dr. A. A. Miner, president of Tufts College. A
committee was appointed with full discretionary
powers, Rev. A. St. John Chambre, of Stoughton,
chairman. Dr. Oliver Dean offered a tract of eight or
nine acres which he had bought of the estate of Dr. |
Emmons, and $10,000 towards a building, besides
$50,000 as a permanent fund, and his offer was ac:
cepted. May 16, 1867, the corner-stone of Dean
Academy building was laid with appropriate public
As the work of building went on, Dr.
Dean increased his donations to nearly $75,000. The
style of the edifice was French Lombardic, and its
total cost, exclusive of furniture and gas apparatus,
was $154,000. It was two hundred and twenty feet
front; the main centre fifty by sixty feet deep, of
four stories ; and two wings, each fifty-eight by forty-
ceremonies.
four feet in depth, with still other wings in the rear |
and three stories high. It was dedicated May 28,
1868, Rev. E. C. Bolles, of Portland, giving the
address. The school had been commenced with forty-
four pupils, Oct. 1, 1866, in the vestry of the Uni-
versalist Church, under Mr. T. G. Senter, principal.
The summer term of 1868 was opened in the new
edifice.
Four years later, during the night of July 31,
1872, this magnificent building with nearly all its
contents was destroyed by fire. The young school
became suddenly homeless, and Principal Senter re- |
signed. The Franklin House was bought and the
school resumed in it, with C. A. Daniels as principal
for one year, and Dr. J. P. Weston for five years.
After two years of labor and great anxiety, a second
and the present edifice was completed and dedicated
June 24,1874. It occupies substantially the same
foundations, and differs but little from the previous
one, except being in Gothic style.
Until the year 1877, Dean Academy was open
to both sexes; but the demand for a young ladies’
school led the trustees to limit it accordingly. The
new arrangement opened in 1877-78, with about
fifty pupils, under Miss H. M. Parkhurst, principal.
After two years’ trial the limitation was removed,
and the school is now open to both sexes. Professor
Lester L. Burrington, from the Illinois State Nor-
mal University, became the principal in 1879, and
the school is still under this faithful and devoted
teacher.
College Graduates.—The interest of the town in
education is further indicated by its long roll of col-
lege graduates and professional men.
12
Few towns can
Name. Institution. Graduated,
| Professor Aldis S. Allen, M.D... Yale................seccecoss seoeee 1827
Benjamin F. Allen...............0 IBLOWillwacssccasce- cossedeces eters 1817
Juidive Asa Al discs. cccscesessceccese BLOW Meresesiedeesesseomecerinscees 1796
| J. Frank Atwood, M.D............ Hava Clessescccsssesccrseiercoes 1869
Henny pM Bacon<ccss-ccslesessen AMIN CTS ticesessccesaceneeansecenes 1876
Reva AbijahyR. Bakery D>Diss- A MHeCrst..c..scesscosiseeonsieonees 1830
li Davyad HS Baker ..c..-sc.croececssss MINN CLSL...01-socecesetsrcrecsoss LOC
Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D....../ Amiherstvcnvssccclseccscsscmescee 1835
Gilbert; Clarks MED ccsecccssseo Eclectic Medical, Phila.....1873
Rev. Henry M. Daniels........... Chicago Theological......... 1861
Rev. William H. Daniels......... Mid detowitice--cisecsas) anecens 1868
Hon. Williams Emmons........... BLOW Miescescocsseucesenecieneeneene 1805
Elisha Fairbanks, Esq............. BYrOWil.cccsssecssscniderasioccens 1791
Mheodorey Ea Harlaccestcscecsesesss IE oncg Reccoganonaocono scone 1878
Professor A. Metcalf Fisher..... Yale....... ...c0csscosesesesresees 18135
Rev. Charles R. Fisher............ AMBIT RY antecoqcoongacosbaobooc 1842
Hon. George Fishevr................ Brown sacesllles lies
Me WASM Wi. HISH Tz. ..iccscsensesiecesse LOW Mie snecescclercecsenciesacsenes 1816
Elisha Harding, M.D.............. IBTOWiDissscsbivcecscledecscieccnsenes 1819
Rev. Thomas Haven............+0. Hat Var sesscsiececesccccinsosesaet 1765
Peter Hawes, Hsq.........0eeseeeee IBTOWilsscsescveseclecceceoesiocemee 1790
Rev. Isaac E. Heaton..........006. IBTOWNtecss\cccorcieceterieamecetes 1832
Revs Santordidia Horton, DsDs cUriMity, ccccsccescnesceceosessenss 1843
Rev. Samuel Kingsbury........... IBTOWillscsvccens/ccececncsiscercecs 1822
S2 Allon Kinesbury. MiDers sc. SLOW. scseslecscescrsieoronsessers 1816
Hon. Horace Mann, LL.D........ IBLOWillicstesesessonsectencienesemsen 1819
Edward McFarland, Esq......... Holy Cross, Worcester....... 1873
Alfred Metcalf, Esq..........secee IBTOWillecesecacs(octeecessrerseeses 1802
John G. Metcalf, M.D............. IBYOWibsccccessesercssarismeaneacs 1820
Judge Theron Metcalf....... ..... BLOW cerss\esncosicenostecenscees 1805
George T. Metcalf, Esq............ BLOWN csescooss coosecesenecneeees 1853
Erasmus D. Miller, M.D......... IBLO Willers scsiecsscsncedecescasse 1832
| Lewis L. Miller, M.D..........-0 BLOW Discscossocescesestavecceess 1817
Rey. William Phipps......... ...-«+ NMOL) .wewelesoneeinecadessent= 1837
Rev. George G. PhippS........++4+ AIMNELBt\. 2.0.0 ccccescenlocssssers 1862
Benjamin Pond, M.D.............. Medical, Dartmouth......... 1813
Rev. Daniel Pond............<..css Harvard (ceesctsosessiesecsciseeces 1745
Samuel M. Pond, Hsq........ 20.00 BLOWD...00.seeees consee conseecee 1802
Rev. Limothy (Pond... seocesess ElamvanQtesesc trac seclerscortoemee 1749
Metcalf E. Pond, D.D.S.......... Boston Dental College...... 1874
Jenner L. S. Pratt, M.D.....:....Columbia, New York.........1842
| Spencer A. Pratt, Hsq.........0+6 IBNOWM ie cacckcuscedsosope dem sesee 1830
PeMassiliydiaiea Haycccssccocessssess Wassar Collere......ccsssoscecs 1878
| William F. Ray, A.M..........s00 BIOWNs....cesecen) eosceseaterer 1874
Rev. Albert M. Richardson...... Oberlinifs.ss.ecesesrerssdenseeser 1846
| Professor Henry B. Richardson. Amherst .........eeseeeeeeeeees 1869
Frank BH. Rockwood, Hsq......... BrOWN.....+..ceccsee ences ceeees 1874
Lucius 0. Rockwood, Esq........ BLOW wececscsicccsssieseecsieteete 1868
| Henry E. Russegue, M.D......... Boston University..........0 1878
George W. Smalley........s00seeeee Wale csecs.cosisesesscesinvecvosesses —
Rev. William M. Thayer......... IBrOWilccracdeccesceescieessecisesers 1843
| Abijah Whiting, Hsq............... IBYOWiseccctss ocoileccersledeieelcass 1790
Nathan Whiting, Esq...........00. BLOW see-sceclocssccossjoneeecoes 1796
Rev. Samuel Whiting............+. Harvard isccccsescleccceccanserecs 1769
Since its incorporation as a precinct, fifty-three of its
young men and one lady are known to have graduated
from college. Their names are here given. Many
others, natives, but hailing elsewhere, are graduates.
The honorable women of the town who married pro-
fessiona! men are nota few. The total number given
in Blake’s “ History of Franklin” is one hundred and
twelve.
LIST OF GRADUATES.
In addition to those mentioned in the above list
were several others who died in the course of their
collegiate studies or were arrested by change of cir-
cumstances.
Material Progress.—The following table, com-
piled from the earliest reliable sources, exhibits the
growth of the town:
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
178
: ar
ot 3 xz | g a = s. | Total
Year = | Valuation. | 2 | = | & | @ | 2 | 9 | Popula-
& mia lm} o|S | a | tion.
|
£2401 18s. | 127 | 119 132} 198 | 570| 856 1100
£2803 14s. 6d. | 143 | 131 | 139 | 270 | 788|.....| 1101
$13,294.40 | 169 | 157 | 180 | 275 | 729|.....| 1255
17,318.95 | 180/178 | 163 | 265 | 733 ].....| 1398
15,524.75 |210|180| 143 | 274| 599] .....! 1630
343,124.00 | 234 | 208| 149 | 274 563|301) 1662
417:978.00 | 262 | 227/183/191| 448/129) 1717
648,436.00 | 304|240/185/192) 493] 12| 2043
811,636.00 | 379 | 269/245|142/508) 5] 2172
1,116,660.00 | 402]..... | 269}... 573] 10] 2510
1,433,635.00 | 464] ...../331].....|466] 4] 2983
1,736,370.00 | 632|320|448| 40/393] 14| 4051
1,873,830.00 | 658 | 354/451) 50 549) 16) ......
| | |
These tables indicate that the
has in late years been rapid for
The impulses of this growth are found in the devel-
progress of the town
opment of business, as the facts following indicate. |
They have been carefully gathered from original
sources.
Later Industries.—The beginning of the present
century marks the introduction of the straw business,
in which the town still holds a foremost rank. The
braiding and making of rye-straw into bonnets came
from Providence, R. I. A milliner of that city, Mrs.
Naomi Whipple, and her assistant, Miss Hannah Met- |
calf, unraveled a piece of imported braid and learned
the secret of its plaited strands. She made and sent
a case of bonnets, from braid of her own manufacture,
to New York, which sold with the rapidity of foreign
goods. Sally Richmond, a scholar at Wrentham
Academy in the summer of 1799, taught the art of
braiding to the ladies where she boarded, and thus
came the new industry to Wrentham and Franklin.
The storekeepers at first exchanged their goods for
the braid ; but as it accumulated, they began to make
staid New England. |
| into individual firms.
it into bonnets, carrying it with wooden forms from |
house to house to be sewed into shape by the farmers’
wives and daughters. The bonnets so made were
gathered and pressed at first with common hand-flats,
afterwards with jack-presses worked by the foot. So
grew up the great industry which now employs thou-
sands of people in this region.
The first straw manufactory in Franklin was begun
in 1812 by Asa and Davis Thayer. After the death
of Asa Thayer, in 1816, a partnership was formed be-
tween Davis Thayer and Herman C. Fisher, to which,
in 1825, Albert EK. Daniels was admitted. Another
early firm was Asa Rockwood & Son.
The trip to New York, where their sales were made,
was not to these first merchants a night ride in a |
steamer. They went with a horse and wagon to Prov-
idence and thence in a sailing-vessel, whenever a cargo
and wind and tide were ready, waiting sometimes two
weeks for a favorable wind. When they should return
to their factories was still more uncertain. Between
| Thayer Bros.
the two termini of their business, their lives were
drawn in unequal and indefinite lengths which unusual
patience alone could equate.
Thayer, Fisher & Daniels after a while separated
Thayer became Thayer, Gay
& Co., then D. Thayer, Jr., & Bros., until their final
transfer to Hubbard, Snow & Co.
Hermon C. Fisher became Fisher & Norcross, then
H.C. Fisher alone a few years, afterwards Fisher &
Adams, and, after the death of Mr. Simeon Adams,
Fisher again until he was succeeded in the business
by Horace M. Gowen. This line is now extinct.
Albert E. Daniels became Daniels & Green, then
Daniels & Son, when the business was transferred to
Green & Baker, then to Henry M. Green alone; again
it became Farmer & Sherman, then Bassett, Sherman
& Co., and now is Oscar M. Bassett & Co. Other
firms have also engaged in the straw business,—Hart-
well Morse & Co., for twenty years; Horace S. Morse
& Capron, for twelve years, in the old academy build-
ing; Foster, Pratt & Day, and Gen. Sumner & Co.,
about 1855-60. In 1869 no less than seven manufac-
tories of straw goods were in active operation, making
a million hats and bonnets per year. ‘These were at
that time all made, pressed, and finished by hand;
but about 1872 the hydraulic press was introduced,
and in 1875 sewing-machines came into use. They
greatly increased the amount of production, but with
a large decrease of employés as well as a reduced
value in products. ‘Two firms only are now manufac-
turing straw goods in Franklin, as below: .
Hupparp, Basserr & Co. are at the New York
end of the line, and HuBBARD, Snow & Co. occupy
in Franklin the large factory formerly used by Davis
They have three hundred and twenty-
five employés at the factory, and two hundred and
fifty outside to whom work is carried. They manu-
factured in 1883 nineteen thousand cases, each con-
taining on an average four dozen hats or bonnets ;
total, nine hundred and twelve thousand. Oscar M.
Bassett & Co., successors of Bassett & Sherman,
have manufactured only since Sept. 1, 1883; but they
already employ about two hundred hands and make
all varieties of straw goods.
FET’, SATINET, AND CASSIMERE MANUFACTURES
have become another leading industry in Franklin.
Col. Joseph Ray came with his family to Franklin in
1839, and engaged in making cotton goods. One of
his sons, Frank B. Ray, started the first woolen-mill
in town at Unionville, a village a mile and a half
west of the Centre. He at first prepared wool shoddy
to sell to others, using probably the first shoddy picker
in the country.
FRANKLIN.
179
In 1870 he started the first felt machinery in town. | bought Dr. Emmons’ barn, moved it, and began
This enterprise of felt manufactures grew rapidly by | manufacturing therein. He was succeeded by James
the forming of new firms and the addition of cassi-
mere and satinet goods.
were followed by Rays, Rathburn & McKenzie,
and The Franklin Felting Company,—Enoch Waite,
James P. and Joseph G. Ray. There are now seven
The firm of J. P. &
J. G. Ray are running four mills, viz.: a shoddy-
of these felting-mills running.
mill, using from six to eight thousand pounds of”
rags per day, and employing fifty hands; a cassimere-
twenty-five hands, and making 200,000 yards per
year ; a cotton warp woolen satinet mill, with eight |
sets, one hundred and fifty hands, and 1,000,000
yards per year,—this mill is located in Bellingham ;
the City Mills, now in Norfolk, for all kinds of felt-
goods, eighty hands, and 500,000 yards per year.
Their wool and waste trade amounts to one million
dollars per year.
Frank B. Ray has one felt- and one shoddy-
mill, both in Franklin.
Wiuiiam F. Ray, son of Frank B. Ray, runs a
mill at Norfolk, for wool extracts and shoddy, em-
ploying fifteen hands’and producing 400,000 pounds
per year.
A Satiner-MIL1, built by Ray, Rathburn &
McKenzie in 1872 for a felt-mill, was bought, 1881,
Morse & Waite, in 1871, |
by C. J. McKenzie and changed to a satinet-mill. |
It runs three sets of woolen machinery, employs |
forty hands, and produces 350,000 yards per annum. |
Tue Fevtine-MIx1 of the Franklin Felting Com-
pany was purchased, in the spring of 1883, by Adel-
bert D. Thayer.
dollars.
Another CAssIMERE-MILL has this year (1883)
been started by Addison M. Thayer, with forty thou- |
sand dollars capital.
Of these ten mills, three are just beyond the town
limits, but are owned and operated by Franklin firms.
}
|
| the works.
|
M. Freeman, who enlarged both business and shop,
but he retired in 1879, and the business also.
THE FRANKLIN Rupser-Boot CoMPANY was
organized, 1882, with a capital of seventy-five thou-
sand dollars. Moses Farnum, president; Joseph G.
Ray, treasurer; Horace Jenks, superintendent of
They are located near Beaver Pond, and
are employing one hundred and twenty hands,
_and make 800 pairs of rubber boots and the same
mill, with six sets of machinery, one hundred and
number of overshoes per day.
LuMBER AND Box Facrorigs.—kE. L. and O. F.
Metcalf commenced as contractors and builders in
1843. In 1847-49 they were actively engaged in
building depot, bridges, ete., for the Norfolk County
Railroad and Southbridge branch. In 1856 they
bought the Frost water-mill, about two miles from
the Centre, fitting it up with wood-working ma-
chinery, and also opened a lumber-yard at the village.
In 1867 they built a steam-mill near the railway
station, which has been enlarged until its present
dimensions are sixty by one hundred and eight feet,
with wings thirty by fifty feet and thirty by forty
In 1870 they added a saw-
mill and, in 1873 a grain-mill.
feet, all two stories high.
They employ a
large number of hands in the sash, door, blind, and
box departments.
The original firm, after almost forty years of suc-
cessful business, dissolved in 1881 by mutual con-
sent, Erastus L. going out, and Walter M. Fisher
taking his interest in the business, which is now
carried on with the firm-name of O. F. Metcalf &
It has a capital of forty thousand |
Sons.
In the northwestern part of the town is another
lumber- and box-factory, started by Lucius W.
|
_ keep its saws busy.
THE FRANKLIN Corron MANUFACTURING Com- |
PANY has just been formed. This corporation is
erecting at Unionville a granite building one hundred
and thirty-three feet long and fifty-five feet wide and |
two stories high, to be run by both steam and water, |
as the supply serves. They will make a new kind of
fancy cotton goods, with imported English machinery,
and intend to commence Jan. 1, 1884. Capital, one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The officers are
George Draper, of Milford, president; James P.
Ray, of Franklin, treasurer.
DANIELS in 1874, making 50,000 packing-boxes and
using 750,000 feet of lumber per year. ~The saw-
mill demands 400,000 feet of lumber per
year to
At Nason’s Crossing, about half a mile south of the
Centre, JosepH M. Wurrina has been engaged for
several years running a grist-mill.
MACHINERY.—Joseph Clark owns the one ma-
chine-shop in Franklin, located at Nason’s Crossing.
He manufactures largely woolen machinery, as well
| as repairs cotton machinery of all kinds, employing a
THE SHor Business has never put more than —
one foot into the town.
In 1850, N. C. Newell | small scale.
large number of men and adding much to the town
industries.
CANNED Goops.—North Franklin is a head centre
of the canning industry. The large factory of Rich-
ardson & Hopkins commenced ten years ago on a
Their buildings have been enlarged and
180
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
machinery added, including two forty horse-power
boilers. During the busy season, they now employ |
about one hundred and fifty hands. They make their |
own cans, of which in 1882 they produced 400,000.
This firm put up last year 112,000 cans of corn, 90,-
722 of tomatoes, 45,387 of squash in three-pound
cans, and 1267 in gallons; peas and beans, 15,000 ;
pumpkins, 5140 ; cranberries, 3000. Fifteen thousand |
cases were required to pack the shipped goods.
GrorGE BAcon commenced the same industry in
1881 with about twenty-five hands, making a good
start the first year with 20,000 cans of corn, 23,000 |
of tomatoes, and 3,200 of squash, he also making |
his own cans.
R. E. Gurney commenced canning in 1882, put-
ting up about 20,000 cans, and raising nearly all the
material used. , |
Breer SuGar.—The experiment of making sugar |
from beets was tried in Franklin for a year by a cor- |
poration formed in 1879, with a capital of one hun- |
But the en- |
terprise was abandoned for lack of beets.
dred and thirty-three thousand dollars.
It was
thought that they could not be raised with profit to
the farmer at prices which would also render it profit-
able to the corporation.
Near the depot are StreAM Print-Works, owned
by Charles L. Stewart and started by him in 1873.
On Dean Street is L. W. MILirKEeNn, manufac-
turer of loom-pickers, straps, and other manufactures
of leather.
of R. Sommers, for toilet and laundry soap, carried
On the same street is the manufactory
by teams in all the region round about.
On East Street A. Parker Smith manufactures a
leather lacquer for carriages, for Boston trade.
A company has been formed for the manufacture
of jewelry, with a capital of six thousand dollars.
Henry R. Jenks is president, and a building is nearly |
completed on Dean Street.
early in 1884.
The Press.—The first newspaper published in |
Work will commence |
open accounts at the present time.
deposits, $295,574,38.
town was The Franklin Register, a weekly. It was
started October, 1872, by James M. Stewart, editor
and proprietor. It was continued until the removal
of Mr. Stewart in 1881. In 1878 The Franklin
Sentinel began its weekly rounds. It was put on
duty by R. EK. Capron. Since January, 1883, The
Sentinel has been published by Houston & Lincoln,
with a lengthened circuit and more imposing dimen-
sions. May its circuit be enlarged as its value
increases.
Railroads.—The Norfolk County Railroad was
incorporated in 1847. In 1849 the road was com-
pleted and running its trains. The line connected |
Dedham and Blackstone, and was twenty-six miles
long. The bridge just west of the Franklin station
covers the summit of the road. Its elevation above
the mean low-water level in Boston at this point is
296.25. feet. The Norfolk County Railroad has since
100
| become a link of the New York and New Eng-
land Railroad, and has been gradually lengthened
until, from Boston to Fishkill,—its proper western
terminus,—it measures 227? miles of main track, ex-
clusive of its branches.
In 1877 the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Rail-
road was completed, connecting Franklin and Prov-
idence via Valley Falls, twenty miles. It is owned
and controlled by both Massachusetts and Rhode
Island parties, each on its side of the line. During
the past summer (1883) the Milford and Franklin
Railroad has been completed, and trains are now run-
ning regularly and often over its ten miles of length,
connecting, through Hopkinton and Ashland, with the
Boston and Albany Railroad. Franklin is thus amply
provided with railway connections.
Banks.—Franklin has two banks,—the FRANK-
Lin NATIONAL, with a capital of two hundred thou-
sand dollars; President, James, P. Ray, and Cashier,
| Moses Farnum; and the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAv-
|inGs BANK, incorporated Feb. 21, 1871. President,
Davis Thayer, Jr.; Cashier, Charles W. Stewart.
Number of depositors since 1871, two thousand four
hundred and six; and eleven hundred and seventy
Amount of net
As will be seen, the industries of Franklin have
_ increased rapidly.
Fire and Water.—For the protection of all the
varied industries and their buildings, as well as the
houses of the inhabitants of the town, there are as
yet but two hand-engines. These, in case of fire, can
throw water from cisterns or wells, if near and ample
But several recent destructive fires, which
literally devoured the buildings they attacked, have
proved that Franklin is without sufficient protection
enough.
against this terrible foe.
Several movements have been made towards the
building of protective water-works, and preliminary
surveys were made by P. M. Blake, C.E., in 1876.
But nothing was done by the town until the town-
meeting in March, 1883. A committee of three—
Joseph G. Ray, Asa A. Fletcher, and William E.
Nason—were then chosen to ascertain the cost and
all other information necessary for the introduction
of a water supply. The immediate and only present
result appears in an act of incorporation passed by
the Legislature May 16, 1883, authorizing the forma-
e.
FRANKLIN.
181
tion of the Franklin Water Company, to take water |
from Beaver Pond, and to issue bonds for seventy-five ©
thousand dollars, payable in thirty years from the
date of issue; the whole capital not to exceed sev-
enty-five thousand dollars, in shares of one hundred
dollars each. Associated with the committee in the
act of incorporation were Rev. William M. Thayer, |
James M. Freeman, James P. Ray, George N. Wig-
gin, Henry R. Jenks, and Homer V. Snow. As yet
the company have attempted no visible measures,
though their next report to the town may contain
definite suggestions.
The town also chose a committee, Sept. 30, 1882, |
to take charge of the question of a new town-house.
This subject is awaiting decisive action, not to be
much longer delayed, as the present town-house is
inadequate for use.
The Rebellion of 1861.—The response evoked |
by the war for slavery is indicated by the following
resolve, passed unanimously at a town-meeting,
May 2, 1861:
“ Resolved, That it is the duty of all good citizens to dis-
countenance and frown upon every individual among us, if any
there be, who shall express sentiments disloyal to the govern-
ment of the United States, or offer aid or sympathy to the
plotters of treason and rebellion.”
But the town expressed itself not in words alone.
It at once raised, on its quota of twenty-three, thirty-
four men, and three thousand dollars were promptly
pledged as aid. On the call of August, 1862, for
three hundred thousand more, forty-three were en-
listed on its quota of thirty-four. The town responded |
with a like promptness and profusion to every subse-
quent call for troops. Individual citizeus were gen-
erous in subscriptions to pay bounties and to aid the |
families of volunteers.
When the first detachment—the overquota of.
thirty-six, and called Company OC, Forty-fifth Regi-
ment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under 2d Lieut.
Lewis R. Whitaker, a soldier for freedom in Kansas
—was leaving for the field, a farewell meeting was
held in the town hall, at which their lieutenant was
surprised with a fine sword from his men, and they
in turn received each a Bible. When a temperance
pledge was proposed, all, save one or two, enthusiasti-
cally attached their names. On the announcement
that only twenty-three had been called for, one of |
the thirteen said they would al/ go, if they went
afoot and alone.
It is known that two hundred and eighteen soldiers —
were furnished by the town during the war. How |
many were natives cannot now be ascertained, as the |
town’s list is confessedly imperfect. But the record |
of ninety-seven natives has been made, whose names,
grade, and fate are as below:
Charles R. Adams, son of Peter, Co. A, 33d Regt.; killed near
Winchester.
Henry P. Adams, son of Oren W., 3d Regt.; in Andersonville
prison.
William M. E. Adams, son of Erastus, Co. I, 18th Regt.; served
through.
, Alvin B. Adams, son of Oren W., Co. G, 16th Regt.; not
known.
William W. Adams, son of Oren W., Co. C, 45th Regt.; served
through.
Andrew J. Alexander, son of William, Co. C, 45th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
Lowell W. Adams, son of Oren W., Co. G, 45th Regt.; wounded,
served through.
William G. Adams, son of Gardner, Co. K, 44th Regt. ; wounded,
served through.
Caleb W. Ballou, son of Caleb, Co. H, 40th Regt.; disabled
and discharged.
Adin Ballou, son of Albert, 10th Regt., Me.; not known.
Owen E. Ballou, son of Barton, Co. C, 4th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
William A. Ballou, son of Albert, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
William H. Baldwin, son of Henry, Co. A, 35th Regt.; Ander-
sonville, died.
Seth Blake, son of Seth, Co. I, 1Sth Regt.; in Andersonville.
Charles H. Bemis, son of Henry, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Thomas Coffield, son of John, Co. I, 18th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Barton F. Cook, son of Milton, Co. H, 3d R. I. Artillery; hon-
orably discharged.
Joseph W. Cook, son of Winslow, R. I. Cavalry; honorably
discharged.
| Daniel C. Corbin, son of Otis, Jr.; wounded, discharged.
| Anthony Conner, son of Isaac, Co. I, 18th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
George Clark, son of John, Co. I, 18th Regt.; died in Ander-
sonville.
| James Clark, son of John, Co. B, 18th Regt.; not known.
; Nathan Clark, son of Alfred, Co. I, 18th Regt.; wounded and
discharged.
Barton A. Colvin, son of Jasper, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Charles A. Cole, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably discharged.
George W. J. Cole, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably discharged.
Cornelius Dugan, Co. K, 33d Regt.; honorably discharged.
Joseph Day, son of Hermon, Co. A, 35th Regt.; sick and dis-
charged.
| Edward H. Freeman, son of James M., Co. C, 45th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
| George M. Farrington, son of Nathan, Co. A, 35th Regt.;
wounded and discharged.
Alfred J. Fitzpatrick, son of John L., Co. H, 18th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
| John M. Fisher, son of Weston, Co. C, 38th Regt.; killed.
Walter M. Fisher, son of Walter H., Co. C, 45th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
Marcus Gilmore, son of Mareus, Co. A, 35th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
William S. Gilmore, son of Philander, Co. F, t0th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
182
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
_
Nathaniel S. Grow, son of Nathaniel, Co. C, 45th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
Samuel E. Gay, son of Willard, Co. K, 31st Regt.; disabled.
Pliny A. Holbrook, son of Ellis, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Joseph W. Holbrook, son of Eliphalet, Co. C, 45th Regt. ; hon- |
| Michael O. Sullivan, son of Jeremiah, Co. C, 45th Regt. ; hon-
orably discharged.
Samuel C. Hunt, son of Rey. Samuel, Co. C, 45th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
Frank F. Hodges, son of Willard, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Norman Hastings, son of Nathaniel, Co. C, 45th Regt.; died
on return.
Albert L. Jordan, son of Alfred, Co. I, 18th Regt.; wounded
five times, discharged.
Henry A. Jordan, son of Alfred, Co. H, 1st Cavalry ; honorably
discharged.
Edwin A. Jordan, son of Alfred, Co. H, 1st Cavalry; honorably
discharged.
Samuel H. Jordan, son of Alfred, Co. C, 45th Regt.; lost an
arm, discharged.
George King, M.D., son of George, surgeon, 16th and 29th
Regts. ; honorably discharged.
H. D. Kingsbury, son of Nathaniel D., Co. K, Ist Cavalry ;
honorably discharged.
Emery T. Kingsbury, son of Fisher A., Co. C, 45th Regt. ;
honorably discharged.
George A. Kingsbury, son of Horatio, Co. B, 42d Regt.; pris-
oner and paroled.
Herbert L. Lincoln, son of Manly, Co. A, 35th Regt. ; wounded
and died.
Granville Morse, son of Levi F., Co. I, 18th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Lewis L. Miller, son of John W., Co. H, 12th Regt.; wounded
and died.
Eugene H. Marsh, son of Lewis H., 2d R. I. Cavalry ; honorably
discharged.
Jeremiah Murphy, son of Thomas, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honor-
ably discharged.
Charles M.
orably
William E.
orably
George W.
Co. H, 25d Regt.; col. of Newbern fire department; hon-
orably discharged.
Albert D. Nason, son of George W., Co. C, 45th Regt.; honor-
ably discharged.
Albert J. Newell, son of Arnold J., Co.
known.
Nason, son of George W., Co. A, 35th Regt.; hon-
discharged.
Nason, son of George W., Co. A, 35th Regt. ; hon-
discharged.
Nason, son of George W., Co. I, 5th Regt., and in
I, 23d Regt.; un-
Olney P. Newell, son of Hiram, Co. B, Ist Cavalry ; honorably
discharged.
Duane Newell, son of Nelson C., Co. C, 45th
and discharged.
tegt.; disabled
George L. Partridge, son of Seth, Co. B, 42d Regt. ; honorably
discharged.
Whipple Peck, son of Whipple, Ist R. I. Regt.; wounded and
discharged.
Horace W. Pillsbury, son of Stephen, Co. I, 18th Regt.; wounded
and discharged.
Alfred J. Pierce, son of Israel, 3d R. I. Artillery ; honorably
discharged.
Israel F. Pierce, son of Israel, R. I. Cavalry; honorably dis-
charged.
Henry M, Pickering, son of Samuel, Co. C, 45th Regt. ; honor-
ably discharged.
James M. Ryan, son of James, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
William Sullivan, Co. K, 33d Regt.: unknown.
| Charles H. Scott, Co. A, 35th Regt.; unknown.
Smith O. Sayles, son of Oren W., R. I. Cavalry; unknown.
Thomas W. Sayles, son of Oren W., R. I. Cavalry ; unknown.
orably discharged.
George W. Thompson, son of Thaddeus, Co. I, 18th Regt. ;
honorably discharged.
Ransom Tift, son of James, Co. I, 18th Regt. ; honorably dis-
charged,
William H. Thomas, son of Sandrus, Co. I, 18th Regt.; un-
known.
Abram W. Wales, son of Amos A., Co. I, 18th Regt. ; honorably
discharged.
Shepard G. Wiggin, son of Joseph, Co. A, 35th Regt. ; died.
Silas H. Wilson, son of Enoch, Co. A, 35th Regt.; prisoner,
paroled, disabled.
Otis Winn, son of Peter, Co. A, 35th Reet.; died.
Henry J. Ward, son of Reuben, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Owen W. Wales, son of Otis, Jr., Co. C, 45th Regt.; discharged,
Lewis F. Williams, son of William, 12th Heavy Artillery; un-
known.
John B. Whiting, son of Sydney, Co. C, 45th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
Daniel W. Whiting, son of Willard C., Co. K, 23d Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
Lewis R. Whitaker, son of Richard, Co. C, 45th Regt.; 2d
lieut.; honorably discharged.
George F. Woodward, son of Austin, Co. C, 45th Regt.; hon-
orably discharged.
Lewis E. Wales, son of Otis, Jr., Co. B, 42d Regt.; died in New
Orleans.
John D. Wales, son of Otis, Jr., Co. B, 42d Regt.; honorably
discharged.
George H. Scott, son of George W., Co. I, 18th Regt.; un-
known.
Alonzo F. Eddy, son of Asahel, Co. I, 18th Regt.; honorably
discharged.
George L. Rixford, 4th Cavalry ; honorably discharged.
James F. Snow, son of John W., Co. C, 56th Regt.; unknown.
George B. Russell, son of Thomas, 12th Heavy Artillery; un-
known.
William G. White, son of Adam H., —— Battery; unknown.
Dana Follen, son of James; honorably discharged.
These were natives or residents of the town.
Many natives resident elsewhere enlisted in other
places. Among them some are known to have attained
honorable rank and distinction. Edmund Dean, son of
Luther, became adjutant-general of Kansas; Charles
H. Thayer, son of Nathaniel, was promoted to a cap-
tainey, confined in Libby prison, and exchanged.
It is an honorable record that only one of all the
native soldiery deserted. No public monument, how-
ever, has yet been erected to the memory of the Union
soldiers of Franklin. But it has a G. A. R. Post,
and a public commemoration upon Decoration Day.
Public officers, from the incorporation of the
precinct to the present time.— Among the citizens
FRANKLIN.
183
whom Franklin has honored are the following elected |
Centennials.—The first century of Franklin vs a
to its chief offices, both as a precinct and as a town: | precinct was completed Dec. 23, 1837 (old style).
PRECINCT CLERKS.
Daniel Thurston (first clerk), ; Michael Metcalf, 1757.
1738.
Ezra Pond, 1739, 1742.
Simon Slocum, 1740,
1743, 1748, 1752.
John Fisher, 1744, 1747.
Jabez Fisher, 1753, 1756.
TOWN
Asa Pond, 1778, 1780, 1782,
1785.
Hezekiah Fisher, 1781.
Nathan Daniels, Jr.,
1791, 1804.
Amos Hawes, 1792, 1805.
Asa Harding, 1805, 1815.
Lewis Harding, 1816, 1823.
1786,
Hezekiah Fisher, 1758, 1769,
1773.
1741, | Timothy Pond, 1759, 1762.
| Jonathan Whiting, 1763, 1768.
Ebenezer Metealf, 1774-77.
CLERKS.
Capt. David Baker, 1824-36.
Wilkes Gay, Jr., 1837-39.
Davis Thayer, Jr., 1840-45.
Theron C. Hills, 1846-62.
Alpheus A. Russegue, 1863—
75, 1879, 1882.
George W. Wiggin, 1876-78,
1882, 1883.
PRECINCT TREASURERS.
Eleazer Metealf, 1738.
Nathaniel Fairbank, 1739.
David Jones, 1740, 1741.
Thomas Bacon, 1742, 1753.
Robert Blake, 1743-52, 1758,
1768.
Baruch Pond, 1754-57, 1761,
1764.
Daniel Thurston, 1759-60,
1765, L767, 1769; Ue71-
TOWN TREASURERS.
Asa Whiting, 1778-87, 1792,
1793.
Seth Lawrence, 1788-91.
Joseph Whiting, Jr., 1794-96.
Hanan Metcalf, 1797-99.
Lieut. Phineas Ware, 1800-4.
Timothy Metcalf, 1805-16.
Simeon Partridge, 1817-19.
Col. Caleb Thurston, 1820-52.
REPRESENTATIVES TO
Ensign Jos. Hawes, 1778, 1881.
Dr. Joseph Metcalf, 1779-80.
Peter Adams, 1782-83.
Samuel Lethbridge, 1784-85.
Hon. Jabez Fisher, 1786, 1798—
99.
Capt. Thomas Bacon, 1787-88.
Lieut. Hezekiah Fisher, 1789-
97.
Col. John Boyd, 1800-4.
Pelatiah Fisher, 1805-6.
Capt. Joseph Bacon, 1807-14.
Lieut. Phineas Ware, 1811-17.
Lewis Fisher, 1815-16, 1818—
21, 1823, 1826.
Dr. Nath’! Miller, 1827, 1833.
Col. Caleb Thurston, 1829-30.
Willis Fisher, 1831.
Maj. Davis Thayer, 1832, 1834,
1840.
Ensign Seth Dean, 1834.
Joel Daniels, 1837.
Col. Nathan Cleveland, 1838—
39.
THE
Joel Daniels, 1833-35, 1842-
53.
Wilkes Gay, Jr., 1836-39.
George W. Morse, 1840-41.
Theron C. Hills, 1854-60.
Adams Daniels, 1861, 1662.
Alpheus A. Russegue, 1863-74.
James M. Freeman, 1875-83.
GENERAL COURT.
Ward Adams, 1840.
Albert E. Daniels, 1841.
Col. Saul B. Seott, 1843-44.
Dr. Shadrack Atwood, 1847.
Col. Paul B. Clark, 1848.
George W. Nason, 1850.
William Metcalf, 1851.
Capt. Hartford Leonard, 1852.
Seneca Hills, 1855.
Mason F. Southworth, 1856.
Theron C. Hills, 1857.
Stephen W. Richardson, 1858.
James M. Freeman, 1860.
James P. Ray, 1861, 1877.
Rey. Wm. M. Thayer, 1863.
Francis B. Ray. 1865.
Alpheus A. Russegue, 1867.
Henry E. Pond, 1868.
Rey. Richard Eddy, 1870.
Joseph A. Woodward, 1871.
John H. Fisher, 1873-74.
Davis Thayer, 1876.
Henry R. Jenks, 1880.
Sabin Hubbard, 1883.
The event was commemorated by a historical sermon
preached Feb. 25, 1838, by the then pastor, Rev.
Elam Smalley, and afterwards printed. The close of
the town’s first century, March 2, 1878, was antici-
pated, in a town-meeting of March, 1873, by the
choice of a committee “to prepare a plan for an ap-
propriate celebration of the anniversary, to secure
statistics, and to do whatever they may deem neces-
sary in the matter, and report at a future town-meet-
ing.” The committee were Stephen W. Richardson,
William M. Thayer, Waldo Daniels, William Rock-
wood, and Adin D. Sargent. They reported the plan
of a public celebration, and an address by Rev.
Mortimer Blake, D.D., a son of Franklin, then in
Taunton. The plan was adopted, and in 1877 five
hundred dollars were appropriated for expenses, in-
cluding the publication of a town history. March,
1878, the committee was enlarged by the addition of
A. St. John Chambré, Henry M. Green, James P.
Ray, Paul B. Clark, and Edward A. Rand, as a com-
mittee of arrangements. As March is usually unfit
for a public celebration, June 12th was selected, and
the day proved most favorable for the occasion.
The chief features of the celebration were a pro-
cession, including the public schools, and a repre-
sentation of the industries of the town; a historical
address, with other services, in the Congregational
Church ; a dinner under a large pavilion on the Com-
mon with twelve hundred guests, where history and
prophecy, wisdom and wit, from the Governor of the
State to the town official, abounded until the wester-
More
than ten thousand people came together from far and
ing sun suggested an adjournment until 1978.
near.
A museum of local antiquities, collected by the in-
dustry of a committee of ladies in the vestry of the
Congregational Church, was visited during the day
by more than a thousand people, and elicited unani-
mous surprise at the valuable relics they had gathered.
A vocal concert in the evening was fully attended,
and closed the centennial day.
The history of Franklin, afterwards published, con-
tains the historical address, enlarged by addenda ;
biographical sketches ; genealogies in brief’; speeches
at the dinner; with portraits, views of buildings, ete.
It is an octavo of over three hundred pages, prepared
by the author of the address, and published by the
committee of the town. Very few copies remain in
' the bands of W. Rockwood of the committee.
184
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES P. AND JOSEPH G. RAY.
There is an inspiration to others in the history of
self-made men; so we gather these fragments from
the lives of these brothers, and place them as honored
records among the names of those worthy to occupy a
place in the “‘ History of Norfolk County.” Energy
is the corner-stone to their characters, the secret of
their successful lives,—well-directed, steady, per-
sistent energy. Joseph Ray, the father of these
brothers, was born in West Wrentham, Mass., July
24,1791. He learned the stone-mason’s trade, and
followed that some years, building mills, mostly in
the Blackstone Valley, whither he moved in 1813,
making his residence South Mendon, now Kast
Blackstone. In 1814 he married Lydia, daughter of
James Paine, an iron-worker, then of Smithfield,
R. I., but afterwards a resident of Mendon. Mr.
Ray entered into partnership with Mr. Paine in
1821, the firm-name being “ Paine & Ray.” They
engaged in the manufacture of cotton and woolen
machinery. Mr. Ray had become thoroughly familiar
with their mechanism, and applied himself not only
The first
geared speeders were invented and constructed in his
to their construction but improvement.
shop. The firm had two manufactories, one at South
Mendon, with one hundred and fifty hands, the other
In 1826
Mr. Ray purchased a cotton-mill of nine looms at
Hillsboro’,
He conducted this successfully until 1839,
at Slatersville, R. I., with one hundred men.
> ’
N. H., which number he increased to
ninety.
when his intimate business relations with Abraham |
and Isaac Wilkinson, large cotton manufacturers of |
Rhode Island, involved him in their failure, and he was
compelled to suspend payment. Receiving an exten-
sion on his notes for five years, he struggled faithfully
during that period to restore his wrecked fortunes,
but failed and retired
died in 1847.
JAmEs P. Ray, eldest son of Joseph and Lydia
from business in 1844. He |
| Republican in politics; as such has been representa-
tered a cotton-factory and remained one year stripping
The next year (1837), in the midst of the
greatest financial panic this country has ever known,
cards.
a boy of seventeen, his entire wealth consisting of
seven dollars, he started business on his own account
by hiring two carding-machines and power to run
them, and buying two hundred pounds of cotton
waste with which to make cotton batting. This was
the humble beginning of a most remarkable and suc-
cessful business career. He ran his machine several
months, then hiring a horse and wagon, peddled out
his goods. Encouraged by his success, early the next
season he purchased six carding-machines which he
placed in a room in City Mills, Franklin, and con-
tinued the manufacture of batting until 1838, when
he purchased a small “ mule” and made cotton wick-
ing during the winter. Notwithstanding his industry
and care, by the depression of prices he found himself
five hundred dollars in debt the next spring.
Hiring the new mill of Joseph Whiting, of Union-
ville, he moved thither in May, 1839, his father’s
family (now dependent on him) also moving there.
Managing his affairs with sagacity and untiring
energy unusual in so young a man, and making cot-
ton batting, wicking, and cotton twine, by 1844 he
had accumulated two thousand dollars. He was
again at this time embarrassed by the failure of
George Blackburn, of Boston, his commission mer-
chant.
last of the notes due in 1847.
has been one of prosperity.
Receiving an extension of time, he paid the
From this his career
In 1844 his brother,
Frank B., three years his junior, who had been em-
ployed by him from youth, became his partner, with
firm-name of J. P. & F. B. Ray.
the celebrated “‘ Makepeace Mill,” and here ‘and in the
They purchased
mill at Unionville manufactured batting, twine, wick-
ing, and bagging until 1851, when Joseph G. was
admitted partner, the firm becoming “ Ray Brothers.”
Mr. Ray married, May 31, 1843, Susan K.,
daughter of Capt. Alfred Knapp, of Franklin. Their
children are Edgar K. and James F. Mr. Ray is
_ tive from Franklin one term, and State senator two
(Paine) Ray, was born in South Mendon, Mass., in |
1820.
the common and high schools of Bellingham and Ux-
He received the educational advantages of
bridge, and the Manual Labor School at Worcester,
with such attention as to qualify him as a teacher at
the age of fifteen, when he took charge of the dis-
trict school at Northbridge, Mass., for one term. He
then became a clerk in a store at Upton, Mass., but
in 1836 his father, who had been living in North-
| Church and one of its trustees.
years. He is a leading member of the Universalist
Far-seeing, bold,
energetic, and persistent, he has deserved and at-
tained success far beyond the hopes and ambitions of
his early manhood. He has neither courted popu-
larity nor feared censure. He gives generously where
his judgment approves, and refuses sometimes bluntly
| when persistently urged to support what he does not
| commend,
bridge, removed to South Mendon, where James en-
He has recently devoted much time to the con-
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FRANKLIN.
185
struction of the Milford, Franklin, and Providence
Railroad, of which he is president, and its construc-
tion is due to his untiring efforts. He was incor-
porator, and is director of Franklin Rubber Company,
president of Putnam Manufacturing Company, and
of the manufacturing corporations at Woonsocket and
City Mills.
JosepH G. Ray, youngest son of Joseph and
Lydia (Paine) Ray, was born in South Mendon, now
East Blackstone, Oct. 4, 1831. When but a lad of
eight he began life’s battle by working all his spare
time morning and evening in his brother’s mill at
Unionville making twine. When twelve he attended
school one year in Nashua, N. H. His vacations
were passed in the mill, where he became expert in
the methods of manufacture.
money enough for his expenses, he attended school
another year in Walpole, N. H. In 1850 he engaged
with his brother Frank, receiving four hundred and
fifty dollars yer year for his services, and during the
year started the first ‘ rag-picker” and manufactured
the first “shoddy” made in New England. In 1851,
in connection with James, he formed the firm of
Ray Brothers, and bought the property in South
Mendon—then owned by Jenckes & Scott—where
their father commenced the manufacture of cotton
machinery. In 1854 he married Emily, daughter of
Col. Joseph Rockwood, of Bellingham. Their chil-
dren are Lydia P. and Annie R. (Mrs. Adelbert D.
Thayer). From 1861 to 1871, Mr. Ray resided in
Unionville; from thence removed to Franklin, where
he still lives.
His summer residence is the old homestead of Col.
Rockwood, which Mr. Ray has taken much pains to
make a model home. He has spared no expense in
this, as the elegant building and elaborate surround-
ings clearly indicate.
In 1847, having saved |
He is a lover of fine horses and |
and attention for several years, carrying the entire
financial responsibility. To him more than to any
other living. man are the people of Franklin and the
Universalist society indebted for the completion of the
beautiful church and Dean Academy. By his kind-
ness of heart, unfailing courtesy, his known integrity,
fine social qualities, skill in business and financial
| operations, Mr. Ray has won the respect and confi-
stock, and has done much to improve the quality of |
both.
cattle, of which he owns a fine herd.
He has made several importations of Holstein
most unique features of this farm is its fish pond,
well stocked with German carp, surrounded by a pri-
vate race-course. Republican in politics, in 1859,
when but twenty-eight years old, Mr. Ray was chosen
One of the |
representative from Blackstone in the State Legisla- |
ture, of which he was the youngest member, and in |
1869 was elected to represent his district in the State
Senate.
of the trustees of the church, and the intimate friend, |
confidant, and adviser of the late Dr. Dean in the |
building of Dean Academy and the Universalist |
Church of Franklin, and was the executive of the
doctor’s bequests, to which he gave his whole time
Universalist in religious belief, he was one |
dence of his fellow-citizens, and particularly of those
who have been brought into intimate connection with
him. He is treasurer of various manufacturing cor-
porations, was an incorporator, and is director and
treasurer of the Milford, Franklin and Providence Rail-
road Company. As a business man he has few if any
superiors. Both James and Joseph have contributed
largely to church advancement and support. They have
been connected personally and financially with every im-
portant business undertaking begun in Franklin since
the organization of the firm of Ray Brothers. In 1856
their mill at South Mendon was burned, and imme-
diately rebuilt. In 1858 they sold a right to raise a
dam for a new mill built by Edward Harris in the
north part of Woonsocket. ‘This caused the water to
flow back and so injure their manufactory at South
Mendon that they closed up business there, removing
the machinery to Unionville. Frank B. retired from
the firm of Ray Brothers in 1860, the business being
continued by the two other members under firm-title
of J. P. & J. G. Ray. This firm purchased the
Bartlett mill at Woonsocket, where they manufactured
cotton sheetings, and in 1873 they, with Oscar J.
Rathburn, president of the Harris Woolen Company,
formed the firm of Rays, Rathburn & Co., which
now owns and operates Jenckesville Mills, of Woon-
socket. In 1865, J. P. & J. G. Ray purchased the
woolen-mill in North Bellingham, which was built in
1810 by their father, and of which he was part owner.
Here they manufacture satinets as Ray Wovlen Com-
pany.
and used in making “‘ shoddy.”
Their first mill in Franklin was built in 1870,
The firm of Rathburn
& Mackenzie was formed in 1872 by James P. and
Joseph G. Ray, Oscar J. Rathburn, and Charles J.
Mackenzie, and built a mill for the manufacture of
In 1874, J. P. & J. G. Ray purchased an in-
terest in Franklin Felting Company, reorganizing it as
Franklin Woolen Company. In 1877 they built a
brick mill at Franklin in which to manufacture fancy
feltings.
cassimeres. In 1876 they purchased the original mill
of the Putnam Manufacturing Company, at Putnam,
which was built by Hosea Ballou, of Woonsocket, and
also City Mills, in Franklin. Their business and finan-
| cial progress since 1847 has been steady and satisfac-
tory. Commencing in both branches of textile indus-
186
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
4
tries with the lower ae of work, they have havaneed
step by step, making, in cottons, first batting, next |
wicking, next twine, then seamless bags, and finally |
finished cloths. In woolen, first shoddy, next satinets,
then fancy cassimeres,
on taking up another.
Epa@ar K. Ray, son of James P. and Susan
(Knapp) Ray, was born in Franklin, Mass., July 17,
1844.
tion, was fitted for business by his father and uncles,
and has been associated with them since 1865, and in
1870 became a partner in both the firms of J. P. &
J. G. Ray, and Ray, Rathburn & Mackenzie.
After a common-school and academic educa- |
|
|
|
without abandoning any branch |
becoming also a student in the office and assisting in
the practice of the celebrated Dr. Winslow Lewis.
He made good use of the opportunities afforded him,
and was graduated from Harvard in February, 1830.
He soon commenced his long and successful medical
practice by establishing himself at Marlboro’, whence,
after eighteen months’ time, he removed to Belling-
ham, where he was located for several years. In
1836 or 1837 he changed his residence to Franklin,
_ which, with temporary absences, has been his home to
He is |
treasurer of Putnam Manufacturing Company, and —
vice-president of their Woonsocket corporation ; is an
active, energetic, and successful business man.
SHADRACH ATWOOD, M.D.
Shadrach Atwood, M.D., was born in
Plymouth Co., Mass., May 17,1801. His parents
were Francis and Elizabeth (Ward) Atwood. His
Benjamin Ward, was a captain in the
Carver,
grandfather,
colonial army of the Revolution, and his grandfather,
William Atwood, was a lieutenant in the same service.
in 1811
purchased a farm in Middleborough, and removed
thither.
he was twenty-one, having advantages of education
Francis Atwood was a farmer, and
Shadrach remained with his parents until
only in a small district school until he was nineteen,
when he attended the academy at South Bridgewater.
the present. In 1878 he gave up active practice,
and retired after a professional career of success and
profit of nearly half a century. He built up a large
practice, was active, energetic, and won many friends.
His nature is positive, and from peculiar circum-
stances he was early thrown entirely on his own re-
sources in his profession, and developed self-reliance,
care, and close observation—almost minute—of all
his cases. skill in
diagnosing disease, and very successful in his treat-
He was remarkable for his
ment.
gave to it all the strength of his manhood and the
vigor In 1866 he
Wrentham, where he resided four years.
He made his profession his life work, and
removed to
While re-
turning to Franklin, and while some of his goods had
of his nature.
been conveyed thither, an incendiary fire burned the
house in Wrentham, with his library, books of account,
_and much other valuable property. Notwithstanding
he |
A few months thereafter he engaged as teacher in a |
district school, but becoming acquainted with a new
and remarkably successful system of teaching gram-—
mar, he engaged in teaching that as a specialty, with
He
study of Latin preparatory to a college course, and
marked results for some time. then began the
when twenty-two years old he went to Amherst,
and, after some preliminary academical study, entered
Amherst College, where he remained ahout eighteen
months. Here he made rapid progress, showing
those qualities of determination and tenacity of pur-
pose so strongly shown in his entire career, and
which, when a mere child, caused his father to say, “ I
did not
and never heard him say ‘I can’t do
never told Shadrach to do a thing which he
accomplish,
1b.
under Dr.
About 1825 he began the study of medicine
of Middleborough,
few months went to Boston, and attended
three courses of lectures at Harvard Medical School,
Arad Thompson, but
after a
these and other reverses, he is to-day one of Frank-
lin’s substantial cititzens.
In_ politics, “Old Line
Whig,” departing from the Democratic principles of
his fathers, but after the dissolution of the Whig party
he affiliated with the Democratic party, and has since
in early life he was an
supported it and its candidates. In 1847 he was
elected to represent the town of Franklin in the State
Legislature by an unprecedented majority, and
while in the Legislature was largely instrumental in
securing the charter for the Norfolk County Railroad
(an extension of the railroad from Walpole to Black-
which gave railroad facilities to Franklin, and
marked a new era in its growth and prosperity. Of
He was
stone),
this road he was one of the incorporators.
at one time a director of the Benjamin Franklin
Savings Bank, of Franklin.
He married (1) Nov. 28, 1832, Mrs. Ruth M.
Pond, daughter of Cyrus and Ruth (Makepeace) Snow.
She died, leaving no offspring, Nov. 7, 1862; (2)
Nov. 27, 1878, Charlotte M., daWohior of Walter
Harris Gay and Sally A. Hawkins, his wife. She is
a native of Franklin.
Dr. Atwood has stood high among his profes-
sional brethren, has honored his domestic rela-
\
pe
)
eZ Vy HK (tl
=
arm gee ere RR tne rete mw sone Sores e, es
a -
FRANKLIN.
187
tions, his social and official obligations, and enjoys the
esteem of a large and honorable circle of friends and
acquaintances.
STEPHEN W. RICHARDSON.
(17, 1774, aged ninety-five.
the State, and, in fact, through the whole country, is |
thus given in an English work, ‘“ Camden’s Remains
Concerning Brittaine :’’ “ William Belward, Lord of |
the moiety of Malpasse, soon after the Norman Con- |
quest, had two sons; the younger, Richard, named |
from his size Richard the Little. One of the sons of
the last-named Richard was called John Richardson,
taking his father’s name with the addition of son for
his surname.
Richardson.” It is now found in nearly every county
of England, and during the past seven hundred years
Hence came the name and family of |
| 1782.
has been prominent in nearly all departments of |
human life, civil, military, literary, and ecclesiastical.
Of the numerous descendants of the old Norman
settling in America in early colonial days, we find
John Richardson, at Watertown, in 1636, perhaps in
1635.
of him: “ Feb. 28, 1836-37, he and ‘all the towns-
Vinton, in his “ Richardson Memorial,” say- |
men then inhabiting’ had each a grant of one acre in|
the Beaver Brook Plowlands, ‘bounded on the Great
Dividend Lots on the north side, and Charles River |
on the south.’
owned in Watertown. It forbids the idea of his re-
maining there, and so we find him no more in that
place. We find him, or another of the same name, in
Exeter, in 1642, as a witness to a deed, and probably
shall not err if we set him down as the ancestor of
that large and eminently respectable family of Richard-
son who, from 1679, spread themselves out through
Medfield, Medway, Wrentham, Franklin, Leominster,
Barre, and many other towns.”
This, we believe, was all the land he |
_ in common,
John Richardson (2), believed by Vinton after
careful investigation to be son of the above, married
in Medfield, Rebekah, daughter of Joseph and Alice
Clark, early settlers in Medfield, then Dedham, and
settled in East Medway, where he died May 29,
1697. (See “Richardson Memorial.) He had
seven children, the oldest of whom, John (3), born
Aug. 25, 1679, married Esther Breck, whose father
assisted in repelling Indian assaults on the garrison ©
house at East Medway. He was a cordwainer by
trade, as was his father, but abandoned that for hus-
bandry. He had a number of tracts of land, and
died May 19, 1759.
His wife died of cancer, Aug. |
They had twelve chil-
dren, of whom John (4) was second. He was born in
_ Medway (Old Medfield), Oct. 22,1701. He married,
May 5, 1730, Jemima, daughter of Edward and
Rebecca (Fisher) Gay. (She was born in what is
now called Franklin, then Wrentham.) When he
_ was twenty-three years old his father purchased fifty-
The origin of the family name of Richardson, |
which is so numerously represented in this portion of |
four acres of wild land for him, paying therefor £60.
(This is now a part of the Stephen W. Richardson
farm.) Mr. Richardson was an energetic, active, and
capable man of business, and bought and sold much
property. Both he
and his wife were church members early in life.
When the church in the West Precinct of Wrentham,
now Franklin, was formed (Feb. 27, 1738), they
were among the number dismissed from the Wren-
tham Church to constitute this. He died Nov. 5,
1767. His wife survived him, living till Dec. 26,
They had seven children. John (5) was
third child and second son. He was born July 2,
1735, While a young man he worked at his trade,
house-carpentry. He 23% itioue
Abigail, daughter of Deacon Moses and Hannah
(Walker) Haven, and cousin of Rev. Elias Haven,
the first minister of Franklin. For ten years he
lived in Framingham, but after his father’s death he
returned to Franklin (Wrentham), and buying the
homestead from his brothers, Elisha and Eli, resided
there until his death. This deed was dated April 6,
1770, and, for £200, transfers eighty-five acres of
land, with all buildings thereon.
“ During nearly thirty years John Richardson was
the nearest neighbor of his brother Elisha. They
They were
strongly attached to each other, and lived in great
He was a carpenter by trade.
married, Nov.
lived less than a third of a mile apart.
harmony, having farming implements and other things
John, in particular, was a man of great
amiableness and gentleness of character.” - His will
was made May 4, 1809, the day of his death.—In
his will ‘* John Wilkes Richardson, laborer,” is called
‘““my only beloved son.” He gave him by deed, Sept.
16, 1796, one-half of the homestead farm, contain-
ing one hundred acres, and one-half of the dwelling-
house and other buildings thereon.
This Joun WitKeES RicHARDSON was the sixth
in direct descent from John the emigrant, and was
born in Franklin, Mass., Dec. 30,1774. He lived
and died on the ancestral home owned in the family
from 1724.
and great worth.
Franklin and adjacent towns for thirty-one successive
He was a farmer, of sound judgment
He taught common schools in
winters.
Franklin, and held other offices of trust.
He was for several years an assessor of
It is worthy
188
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of note that he was the first child with a middle name
baptized in Franklin. He married Matilda Kings-
bury, Nov. 3, 1796, and had three children,— Abigail,
(married Noyes Payson Hawes), John Haven, and
Stephen Wilkes. He died Sept. 15, 1843.
STEPHEN WILKES RICHARDSON, whose portrait
accompanies this sketch, is the seventh in direct de-
scent from John Richardson the emigrant, the line
being John', John’, John*®, John‘, John*®, John |
Wilkes’, Stephen Wilkes’. He was born March 30,
1813, on the homestead mentioned above, which, in
an improved condition, is now his home. He was
educated at the common schools of Franklin, and at
Day’s Academy, Wrentham, and early became a
teacher.
after several terms he relinquished it for book-keep-
He was book-keeper in the office of the Boston
He had good success in this avocation, but
ing.
Journal when that paper was established in 1834; it
was then called the Mercantile Journal. He married,
first, May 6, 1835, Eliza, daughter of Amos and Abi-
gail Bullard, of Hast Medway, who died Oct. 17,
1844 ; second, Feb. 6, 1845, Mary Bullard, sister of
Eliza. She died April 30, 1883. His five children
were all by his first wife, of whom two, John War-
ren and Henry Bullard, now are living.
ardson has been chairman of the town board of asses-
sors almost consecutively for twenty-five years; repre-
sented the towns of Franklin and Bellingham in the
State Legislature in 1858; was assistant assessor of
internal revenue for United States government from
1862 to 1871; was trial justice from 1871 to 1874; |
has been continuously engaged in probate business |
since 1845, and settled many estates, besides holding
other offices of prominence and trust. He has fre-
Mr. Rich- |
quently been requested to act as referee in the settle-
ment of controversies between parties, and very seldom
has an appeal been taken from the award or decision |
made by him. In all relations of official trust and
private business Mr. Richardson has shown rare
good judgment and sterling integrity. Quiet and un-
assuming in his manners, he is firm of principle and
courageous in his convictions, and no man ever more
fully enjoyed the esteem of the solid men and sub-
stantial citizens of his vicinity than he.
JouN WarREN RicHArpDson (eighth generation),
_worthily written.
ceased), by his first wife ; by his second wife, Albert
M., Helen E., and George W.
Henry Buniarp Ricnarpson (eighth genera-
tion), born May 21, 1844, prepared for college at
Phillips (Exeter) Academy; was graduated from
Amherst College in 1869; married, July 13, 1869,
Mary E. Lincoln, of Amherst. They have three
children,—Mary L., Carrie A., and Henry S. Mr.
Richardson is now professor of German in Amherst
College.
CHAPTER XVIIL
RANDOLPH.
BY A. E. SPROUL.
To attempt a just treatment, within circumscribed
limits, of a town so rich in historical material as Ran-
dolph, is almost an impertinence in itself. It not
only necessitates the vigorous application of the
literary pruning-knife in the lopping off of many
details which, to the reader, are none the less inter-
esting because in some respects trivial, but it also
compels the omission of those quaint old letters, docu-
ments, and memoranda of various kinds, which serve
so well in giving an insight into the home-life of the
original settlers, their means of instruction or amuse-
ment, and their humble every-day avocations. But
Some day, and by some
gifted hand, the history of this ancient town will be
what must be, must be.
For present purposes, however,
what follows may, perhaps, in some degree serve to
present a few facts, which may do their greatest good
in supplying suggestions for that other writer who is
to come after, while, at the same time, they are not
altogether without present interest.
General History.—Randolph is the daughter of
Braintree and the mother of Holbrook. It came
very near being the twin-sister of Quincy, which had
_ said “ good-by ” to the mother-town but a year earlier,
born Sept. 8, 1839, is engaged in agriculture, and |
has built up, in connection therewith, a fruit-canning
He has been
thrice married, first, Dec. 4, 1862, to Elmira L. Ma-
business of considerable importance,
1875, to Sarah A. Metcalf, of Medway.
_and there is little doubt that the setting off of the
last-named town served to stimulate to renewed
efforts the advocates of separation who lived at the
opposite extremity of the ancient town of Braintree.
In 1775 it
The latter was incorporated in 1640.
_ contained two thousand four hundred and thirty-three
son, daughter of Orion and Tama Walker Mason, of |
Medway ; she died May 18,1874; second, April 22, |
His chil- |
dren are John M., Mary, William S., and Henry (de- |
inhabitants, and in 1790 the number had increased
to two thousand seven hundred and seventy-one.
The town was divided into three precincts,—North,
Middle, and South. The North Precinct included
RANDOLPH. 189
substantially the present town of Quincy ; the Middle,
the present town of Braintree ; the South, the present —
towns of Randolph and Holbrook. -At a meeting of
the South Precinct, held March 15, 1792, it was |
voted “that Samuel Niles, Esq., Lieut. Nathaniel
Niles, Dr. Ephraim Wales, Joseph White, Samuel
Bass, and Col. Seth Turner be a committee, with dis- |
cretionary power, to endeavor to effect a separation
between this parish and Mr. Weed’s parish, by |
measuring and forming a plan of the two parishes,
sustaining the claims of the South Parish for a di-
vision before the General Court, or doing anything
they may think proper for the purpose aforesaid.”
At a precinct meeting specially warned and held June
15, 1792, it was voted that, ‘‘ Whereas, a petition |
has been presented to the General Court for a division |
of the town of Braintree, by a large number of signers,
Hon. Samuel Niles, Dr. Ephraim Wales, Samuel
Bass, Col. Seth Turner, Seth Mann, Joseph White, |
and Lieut. Nathaniel Niles be chosen a committee,
with discretionary powers, to sustain the aforesaid
petition until the passage of it shall be granted.”
Judge Samuel Niles, the chairman of the committee, |
was a resident in the south part of the present town
of Braintree. It was intended and expected by the
petitioners that Cranberry Brook, leading from Co-
chato River to Cranberry Pond, would be the divid-
ing line between the two towns; but that line being |
objected to, it was finally decided that the division |
line should run so as to include the farm of Judge
Niles in Braintree, and not in Randolph. The peti-
tion was warmly opposed, yet the prayer of it was
ultimately granted, and the South Precinct was in- |
corporated as a town March 9, 1793, by the name of |
Randolph. |
At the State-House in Boston are preserved many —
interesting old documents relating to Randolph, most |
of them being petitions, ete., of the period just pre- |
vious to the incorporation of the town. As specimens, |
a copy of one of the leading petitions in favor of the |
setting off of the town is below given, followed by a_
sample ‘‘remonstrance,” and, further on, by a copy of |
the act of incorporation and annexed document :
“To the Hone Senate, and the Hon»!© House of Representa- |
tives in General Court assembled : |
“The Petition of the Inhabitants of the South Precinct of |
Braintree most respectfully shews—That your Petitioners from |
long Experience have found the inconvenience of being Con- |
nected with the other parts of the town of Braintree—As the
town is very long & narrow; the Centre of said South Precinct
is more than five miles distant from the middle precinct meeting
house: which is the usual and most convenient place of holding
town meetings, while the town remains in its present form:
which makes it necessary that nearly one half of your Peti-
tioners should travel five miles and upwards to attend every
| evils—they submitted to.
town meeting : or otherwise which is frequently the Case ; they
are oblig’d to submit to the Centre of the town’s transacting
the whole of the Business: which they do, as your Petitioners
think, with a very Partial Eye to their own Interests.
“And as travelling is often very bad at March and April
meetings, it is difficult, & many times impossible for Elderly & in-
firm people to improve the Priviliges they might otherwise do; &
which every free man wishes to enjoy. Many other disadvantages
peculiar to your Petitioners’ extreem situation in the town—
will be made more fully to appear should your Honors grant
them a hearing.
“And your petitioners wish further to sugest, that the South
Precinct aforesaid, in its present form, is very incommodious
| & irregular and was owing originally to a Cause, which now
When the Division of the middle &
South Precinct was first proposed, the Rev? Mr Niles was Min-
ceases to exist: viz:
| ister of both in one, and owned a large farm, which incircled
several other farms, that lay within the bounds of the proposed
South Precinet; but the Rev? M* Niles being willing his own
farm should lye within the limits of his own parish—opposed
the South parish’s going off unless he might be thus gratified:
and as he was then a man of much Influence, your Petitioners
were obliged to relinquish said farms, or continue, very much to
their disadvantage, a part of his parish—the former of the two
But circumstances relative to said
| . . .
| farms are now far different: a considerable part of said Mr.
Niles’s farm is now owned by Residents in the South Precinet—
and the Proprietors of the other farms aforesaid, are desirous of
improving the advantages they ought long since to have en-
joyed, by joining the South Precinct—as they are much nearer
to that meeting than their own. Your Petitioners wish, there-
fore, to be set off from the other parts of the town of Brain-
tree, in connection with the proprietors of the aforesaid farms,
asa seperate town: and your Petitioners as in Duty bound
| shall ever pray :
“Joshua Howard Seth Turner, Jnt™
Ephraim Wales
Ebent Alden
Seth Turner
Seth Man
John Stetson
Nath! Niles
Jon* Wales
Isaac Niles
Joseph Spear
Seth Hunt
Zacheus Thayer
Richard Thayer
Lot White
Lewis Lothrop
Levi Thayer
Rufus Thayer
Reuben Thayer
Hopeful Bradley
Atkins Clark
Benj® Man
Benj® Silvester, Jr.
Elisha Man
Gideon Hunt
Timothy Sioan
Philip Silvester
Sam! Lull
Joseph Tower
Will™ Kimball
Eleazer Beal
Zebu" Howard, Jr.
Joshua Clark
Enoch Hubb?
Thos Wales
Silas Pain
Robart Whitcomb
Joseph Belcher
Rich? Belcher
John Dunham
Nath! Holb*, Jn™.
Joseph White, Jr.
Benj* Thayer
Levi Thayer, Jr.
John Whitcomb
Jon® Randal
Noah Whitcomb, Jr.
Caleb White
David Whitcomb
Timothy Thayer
Simeon Thayer
Simeon Thayer, Jr.
—— Thayer
Nath! Hunt, Jr.
James White
Joseph Porter
Zenas French
Will™ Linfield, Jr.
Joseph White
Sole White
Jacob Clark
Silas Chapman
190
HISTORY OF NORFOLK
Eben Niles
Mesheck Thayer
Simeon Spear
Isaac Snell
Moses Wales
Benj" Linfield
Sam! Linfield
Will™ Linfield, 34.
David Linfield
Benj" Howard
Tsaac Spear
Atherton Wales
John Spear
John Burrage
Frederick Read
Zebedee Randall
James Kingman
Oliver Thayer
Bar’ Clark
Nath: Spear
Adonijah French
Jos: Riford
John French
Sam! Stetson
John Niles
Jon* Spear
Joshua Spear
Deering Spear
Eben? Crane
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Jos? Kingman
Israel Beals
John White
Will™ Linfield
Hry: Ludden
Adam Hollis
Nath! Hubb?.
Gideon Stetson
Lem! Clark
Jon* Belcher
Sam! Belcher
Eph™ Belcher
Sam! Belcher, Jr.
John May
Isaac Thayer, Jr.
Lewison Howard
Aron Howard
Micah White
Silas Clark
Abioger Howard
Seth Man, Jun".
Timothy Thayer
Sam! Thayer
Elias Spear
Tech? Holbrook
Howard Faxon
Jon® Curtis
Jer2 Monk
Elisha Wales”
[Indorsed on back as follows :]
“In the House of Representatives, Jany 17t®, 1792.
“Read & committed to the standing Committee on Incor-
porations, to consider report.
“Sent up for concurrence.
“D. COBB, Spkr.
“In Senate, Jany 18th, 1792.
“Read & Concurred.
“SAML, PHILLIPPS, Presid‘.”
“Wethe Subscribers Inhabitants of the Now North Pre-
einct in Braintree being Deeply imprest With the Disagree-
able Situation of this once Respectable Town of Braintree a
Town Which has of the first Characters
Produced Some
amongst man kind and Even those Who have arisen to Exalted |
the old North
Precinct are already got off from us and incorporated into a
Stations Amongst the Rulers of our Country.
Town by the Name of Quincy and our Breathren of the South
Precinct are Now Petitioning the General Court to be set off and
incorporated into a Town by Some other name should the
Prayer of their Petition be granted there will be but a small
Part of their old Town of Braintree left to bare up the Name,
it appears to us that the Reasons Why our Brethren in the
South Precinct are aiming to git off from us is that they Sup- |
pose the Number of Inhabitants in this Now north Precinct | the same is now bounded, with the inhabitants dwelling there-
| on, be, and they hereby are, incorporated into a town, by the
Will be greater than in the South Precinct and by that means
they Will be Exposed to have Voted from them those Privi-
leges Which they have a Just Right to.
minds of our Brethren in that Respect We the Subscribers do
hereby upon our Words and Honour Which in the Nature of
under Engage that We Will at All times as far as We are able
prevent their having Just Cause of Complaint in that Respect
and We do hereby Declare that if they Will Withdraw their
now to Ease the |
Petition Which We think Will be to their advatage as Well as
ours and Equally so that We are Willing that the meetings
_ Shall be held Alternately and that our Breathren of the Said
| South Precinct shall have Every advantage from the Suffrages
of the People at Large if We Continue together Without
Seperation Which they Shall have any Just Reason to Expect
and at the same time that We may Experience the same benevo-
lence from them and that We may Continue together in
Brotherly Love and Unity is the Sincear and hearty Wish of
Us the Subscribers.
“ James Faxon
Elisha French
Adam Hobart
Jonathan Thayer
Josiah French
Calvin Thayer
Abraham Thayer
Jonathan Holbrook
Jonathan Thayer, Jr.
Nathanial Thayer
Moses Holbrook
Caleb Holbrook, 2d.
Stephen Penniman, Jr.
Philip Thayer
William Thayer
Jonathan Derby
Joshua Sampson
Caleb Hayward
Abijah Allen
Ebenezer Thayer, Jr.
Caleb Faxon
Zachariah M. Thayer
Nehemiah Hayden, Jr.
Eliphaz Thayer
Silas Wild
Micah Wild
Jonathan Wild
Levi Wild
Samuel Holbrook
Caleb French
Lemuel Veazie
James Tower
Elkanah Thayer
Moses French
Ephraim Blanchard, Jr.
Seth Copeland
William Allen
Job Thayer
William Brigg
David P. Hayward
Daniel Hayward
Barnabas Thayer
Benjamin Veazie
Ambrose Salisbury
Thomas Hollis, Jr.
Nathaniel Hollis
William Reed
Ebenezer Clark
Richard Thayer
Robert Hayden
Caleb Hobart
Thomas Wild
Lemuel Clark
Benjamin Hayden, Jr.
James Penniman
Eli Hayden
Ebenezer Denton
Joseph Allen
Josiah Vinton
William Penniman
Bartimeus White
Increase Bates
Daniel Loring
Jonathan Hayward
Nathaniel Hayward
Hobart Clark
John Hayward
William Harmon
Nehemiah Holbrook
Daniel Foge
Jesse Pratt”
“ CoMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
“Tn the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and
Ninety-three.
“An Acr for incorporating the South Precinct of the Town of
Braintree in the County of Suffolk into a separate Town by the
name of Randolph.
“ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That
the lands comprised within the South Precinct in Braintree, as
name of Randolph; and the said town of Randolph is hereby
invested with all the powers, privileges, and immunities to
which towns within this Commonwealth are, or may be, en-
_ titled, agreeably to the Constitution and Laws of the said
the thing is the strongest obligation that We can lay our Selves |
Commonwealth,
“And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That
the inhabitants of the said town of Randolph shall pay all the
arrears of taxes which have been assessed upon them by the
RANDOLPH.
191
town of Braintree, and shall support any poor person or persons
who have heretofore been, or now are, inhabitants of that part
of Braintree which is hereby incorporated, and are or may be-
come chargeable, and who shall not have obtained a settlement
elsewhere, when they may become chargeable; and such poor
person or persons may be returned to the town of Randolph, in
the same way and manner that paupers may, by law, be re-
turned to the town or district to which they belong. And the
inhabitants of the said town of Randolph shall pay their pro-
portion of all debts now due from the town of Braintree, and
shall be entitled to receive their proportion of all debts and |
moneys now due to the said town of Braintree; and also their
proportionable part of all other property of the said town of
Braintree, of what kind or description soever. Provided al-
ways, That the lands belonging to the said town of Braintree,
for the purpose of maintaining schools, shall be divided between
the said town of Braintree and the said town of Randolph, in
the same proportion as they were respectively assessed for the
payment of the last State tax.
“PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS, and be it further enacted, That
any of the inhabitants now dwelling within the bounds of said
town of Randolph, who have remonstrated against the division
of the town of Braintree, and who may be desirous of belonging
to said town of Braintree, shall, at any time within six months
from the passing of this act, by returning their names to the
Secretary’s Office, and signifying their desire of belonging to
said Braintree, have that privilege, and shall, with their polls
and estates, belong to and be a part of said Braintree, by pay-
ing their proportion of all taxes which shall have been laid on
said town of Randolph, previously to their thus returning their
names, as they would by law have been holden to pay had they
continued to be a part of the town of Randolph.
“And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That
Samuel Niles, Esq., be and he is hereby authorized to issue his
warrant, directed to some principal inhabitant of the said town
of Randolph, requiring him to warn and give notice to the in- |
habitants of the said town, to assemble and meet, at some suit-
able time and place, in the said town of Randolph, as soon as
conveniently may be, to choose all such Officers as towns are re-
quired to choose, at their annual town-meeting in the month of
March or April, annually.
“Tn the House of Representatives, March Sth, 1793. This
Bill having had three several readings, passed to be Enacted.
“Sent up for concurrence.
“ Davip Coss, Spkr.
“Tn Senate, March 6th, 1793.
“This Bill having had two several readings, passed to be |
enacted.
“Samu. Puruuips, Predt.
“ By the Governor,
“Approved March 9th, 1793.
“ Joan Hancock.”
{Attached to the original parchment copy of the foregoing act
is the following supplementary document :]
“WuereAS, By an act of the Great and General Court passed
in the year of our Lord 1793, incorporating a part of the town
of Braintree intoa town by the name of Randolph, & whereas a
number of persons, whose names are hereafter subscribed, living
within the limits of the now town of Randolph, did petition |
that we might still belong to said town of Braintree, and the
General Court did in the incorporating act grant us the prayer
of our petition, that we should still belong to said town of Brain-
tree, by leaving our names with the Secretary of this Common-
wealth, we whose names are hereafter subscribed request that our
names may be entered in said office, that we wish all our estates
and privileges may still belong to said town of Braintree, agree-
able to said incorporating act.
“SAMUEL CHEESMAN,
“Levi THAYER,
““NoAH CHEESMAN,
‘‘ ABRAHAM JONES.
“ BRAINTREE, June 6th, 1793.
“ SECRETARY'S OFFICE, June 13th, 1793.
“Received and annexed to the act above mentioned.
“Joun Avery, Jun., Secry.
“ August 19th, 1793. I join inthe above request to belong as
heretofore to the town of Braintree, South Precinct.
“TrmotHy THAYER.”
Peyton Randolph, for whom the town was named,
was born in Virginia in 1723. He was the second
son of Sir John Randolph, and was graduated at Wil-
liam and Mary College. He studied law at the Temple
in London, was appointed in 1748 royal attorney-
general for Virginia, and, having been elected to the
House of Burgesses, became chairman of a committee
In 1752 he visited
England as a commissioner to seek redress for griev-
ances, and in 1764 framed the remonstrance of the
House of Burgesses to the king against the passage of
the stamp act ; but after its passage he discountenanced
| Patrick Henry’s celebrated “ five resolutions” of 1765.
He resigned the office of attorney-general in 1766,
and was Speaker of the House of Burgesses for several
years thereafter.
to revise the laws of Virginia.
He was chairman of the “com-
mittee of vigilance,” chosen March 10, 1773, and was
an efficient worker in promoting, through correspond-
ence, a concert of action with the other colonies.
| He presided over the Virginia convention at Wil-
liamsburg in August, 1774; was chosen a delegate
to the Continental Congress; was first President of
that body upon its meeting at Carpenters’ Hall,
| Philadelphia, on Sept. 5, 1774, though from ill health
he soon resigned that post; presided over the second
Virginia convention at Richmond, on March 20,
1775; was again chosen Speaker of the Continental
Congress when it reassembled at Philadelphia on
May 10, 1775, but resigned May 24th, returning to
Virginia to preside over the House of Burgesses. A
few months later he resumed his seat in Congress.
He died of apoplexy at Philadelphia on Oct. 22, 1775,
' and was buried in the chapel of William and Mary
College.
of his countrymen, therefore, when, less than eighteen
His memory was still fresh in the minds
years later, it became necessary for the sturdy patriots
who were the pioneers of the present town of Ran-
| dolph to fix upon a name for their young munici-
| pality.
wise, a worthy, and a dignified selection ?
The first town-meeting was held on April 1, 1793,
by virtue of a warrant issued by Hon. Samuel Niles,
Who shall say that they did not make a
192
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
in accordance with a provision contained in the act of |
Dr. Ephraim Wales was chosen mod- |
incorporation.
erator; Samuel Bass, Hsq., clerk and_ treasurer ;
Joseph White, Jr., Dr. Ebenezer Alden, and Micah |
White, Jr., selectmen. Samuel Bass, Hsq., Col. Seth
Turner, and Lieut. Nathaniel Niles were appointed a
The
whole number of ballots cast for Governor was eighty,
of which John Hancock, Esq., had seventy-five ; El-
bridge Gerry, Esq., four ; Samuel Adams, Esq., one.
The number of ballots cast for Lieutenant-Governor
committee to settle with the town of Braintree.
was fifty-four, of which Samuel Adams, Hsq., had fifty-
three, and John Hancock, Esq., one. Samuel Bass,
:
Esq., was elected representative to the General Court,
May 16, 1793.
1794 the town officers of the preceding year were
At the annual meeting of the year
re-elected and the following votes, among others, were
passed :
|
“ Voted, Thatthe committee appointed to settle with Brain- |
a here . 1
tree shall apply for a division of powder and balls, and in case |
of a deficiency the selectmen are requested to procure more.
“ Voted, That the selectmen be requested to build a powder-
house in some suitable place, according to their discretion.
“ Voted, That the surveyors of highways be directed to open
all town roads, especially that near Ziba Hayden’s; and that
Thomas Wales’ district be allowed to fence a new road near to
Edward Faxon’s, if they please.
“ Voted, To lay out a road from Solomon White's to Simeon
Thayer’s, provided the land be given.
This year, of seventy-five ballots cast for Governor,
sixty-seven were for Samuel Adams ; and of seventy-
one for Lieutenant-Governor, William Heath had sixty. |
At a
town-meeting held Oct. 6, 1794, it was voted to pay
every soldier who may enlist, or be enrolled, into the
Continental service, fifteen dollars a month for actual
Samuel Bass was re-elected representative.
service, including the Continental pay ; and six shil- |
lings to each soldier for mustering. It was also
voted that should any of the light horsemen enlist, or |
be drafted, in this town for the Continental army,
there shall be one, and one only, entitled to receive
the same pay from the town as a foot-soldier,
1795, Samuel Bass was re-elected town clerk and
treasurer, and Samuel Bass, Joseph White, Jr., and |
Micah White were chosen selectmen.
Adams had sixty-three votes for Governor, and Moses
Gill, Esq., fifty-two votes for Liewtenant-Governor. On
May 6th of that year the town voted in favor of a
revision of the constitution,—twenty-four yeas against
nine nays. The same year, also, it was unanimously
voted not to send a representative to the General |
Court. At the annual town-meeting in 1796, held
April 4th, Dr. Ebenezer Alden was chosen modera-
tor, and the clerk, treasurer, and selectmen of the
In |
Hon. Samuel |
preceding year were re-elected. Seventy-three votes
were cast for Governor,—sixty-eight for Samuel
Adams, and five for Increase Sumner, Esq. ; and for
Lieutenant-Governor, twenty for Moses Gill, and forty
for Benjamin Austin. At a town-meeting held Nov.
7, 1796, for the election of a member of Congress in
the second southern district, Rev. John Reed, of
Bridgewater, received nineteen votes, and Rev. Sam-
uel Niles, of Abington, eighteen. At the same meet-
ing the votes for an elector of President and Vice-
President of the United States in the same district
Hon. Edward H. Robbins, seven ;
William Seaver, twelve; Ebenezer Thayer, twenty-
In 1797 the town clerk,
treasurer, and selectmen of the previous year were re-
elected. The votes for Governor were: Increase
Sumner, seventeen ; Moses Gill, fifteen; James Sul-
livan, fifty-seven ; for Lieutenant-Governor, Moses Gill,
thirty-three. On May 15th, Samuel Bass was elected
representative, but declined serving, and the meeting
dissolved.
town officers, and at the annual meeting a committee
was chosen, consisting of Maj. Barnabas Clark, Lieut.
Nathaniel Niles, Joseph White, Samuel Temple, and
Samuel Bass, to petition Congress not to allow our
Of sixty-
six votes cast for Governor, Increase Sumner had
eleven ; William Heath, fifty-two; James Sullivan,
two. For Lieutenant-Governor, Moses Gill had
thirty-four, and William Heath, one. On May 3d it
was voted unanimously not to send a representative
to the General Court that year. The annual meeting
for the year 1799 was held on April 1st, when Deacon
Zaccheus Thayer was chosen town clerk and treas-
stood as follows:
one; Benjamin Beale, two.
The year 1798 brought no change in the
merchantmen to arm their vessels at sea.
_urer, and Capt. Thomas French, Joseph White, and
Micah White, selectmen. It was voted to give a
premium of twenty-five cents a head on all old crows
killed in the town between May Ist and June 1st, “ the
heads to be exhibited to the town clerk within one
week after they are killed.” William Heath received
one hundred and twenty votes for Governor, Increase
Sumner, eleven, and Moses Gill, two. For Lieutenant-
Governor, Moses Gill had one hundred and fourteen
votes, and William Heath, one. The town sent no
_ representative to the General Court during that year.
In 1800, Samuel Bass was elected town clerk and
_ treasurer, and Samuel Bass, Joseph White, and Micah
White selectmen.
Hon. Elbridge Gerry received
_ one hundred and nine votes for Governor, and Hon.
For Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor, Moses Gill had one hundred and sixteen votes,
and William Heath, six. On May 15th Joseph White
was elected representative to the General Court by
Caleb Strong twenty-one votes.
RANDOLPH.
193
forty-two out of seventy-one votes cast. At an election
held November 3d, Josiah Smith received seventy-
three votes, Nahum Mitchell eighteen, and Benjamin
Whitman four, as representative to Congress from the
second southern district.
The following table exhibits at one view the
amounts raised for town and school expenses, respec-
tively, in each of the years from 1793 to 1800, inclu-
sive, as given by Dr. Alden:
Year. Town Expenses. Support of Schools.
WED mecacecoeisecet sida seis £300 £50
Tie aesoco cosecocesece 300 50
TALE RiceSosnanacnnecaaedc 50 50
LY Ssscseacnaceo coce coerce cere $250
MiDilicecaccsstcccarcisoss ss $500 Baa
WD Siccsceeesdesieeessices 400 200
1799.. 400 250
US O0R scsuseccisvstscincsce. 500 305
The school money was annually distributed among
the districts according to the number of families con-
tained in each. During this period, and for many
years subsequently, the highway tax was assessed sep-
arately, committed to the surveyors in the several dis-
tricts, and was made payable in labor on the road at
a fixed price per day, varying in different years from
three shillings to one dollar, the latter being the most
common allowance. ‘Ihe number of poor was not
great, and they were boarded and cared for in some
of the families of the town, being usually let out to
the lowest bidder. The whole number thus supported
in 1800 was seven, and the price paid per week varied
from 1s. 5d. to 5s., the average being rather more than
half a dollar. Persons so supported were commonly
able to perform some light labor, which was for the
benefit of the families in which they resided, and
diminished the expense of their support. Clothing
and other extraordinary charges were paid for by the
town.
“Seventy years ago,” wrote Dr. Alden in 1857,
“ Randolph was a quiet, agricultural parish, contain-
ing probably one hundred and thirty to one hundred
and forty families, and not far from seven hundred
inhabitants. With the exception of a few persons
(perhaps one hundred connected with the society of
Rev. Mr. Briggs, then recently organized), all met
together in one congregation for public worship on
the Sabbath. Such was their confidence in each
other that probably uot twenty families thought of
bolting the doors of their dwellings at night. A
painted house was an unusual sight. A carpet on
a floor was rarely seen; not a dozen were to be found
in the town when it was incorporated. ‘'T'allow candles
of domestic manufacture were used for lights. There
were no lamps then in use but the primitive one of an
iron cup with a wick projecting from one side over the
15
rim, fed by refuse lard or some similar substance, and
a coarsely-made tin lamp constructed on the same
principle. The state of the roads forbade the use of
_ wheeled carriages for the conveyance of persons. Be-
tween this town and Abington and South Weymouth
there was no communication except through the woods
by bridle-paths. Market-men conveyed their articles
to Boston in paniards [panniers?]. The principal
road to Boston was through Braintree and Quincy to
Milton Mills, thence through Dorchester and Roxbury.
The road through the Blue Hills was exceedingly
circuitous and nearly impassable. What would our
fathers of that period have thought of being wheeled
through the air to the metropolis in thirty minutes
after leaving their homes, and that independently of
horse- or ox-power? If such a thing had been pre-
dicted as possible, would they not have exclaimed,
‘Behold! if the Lord would make windows in heaven
might this thing be?’” And the present writer hopes
it is not irreverent to inquire what Dr. Alden himself
would have “ exclaimed” had any one told him, even
in his later day, that the time would come, for instance,
whena Randolph citizen might converse with a friend
miles away over a slender wire?
move, and the end is not yet.
The original town of Randolph was bounded on the
north by Milton, Quincy, and Braintree; easterly,
by Weymouth; southerly, by Abington and North
Bridgewater (the latter being the present thriving
young city of Brockton) ; westerly, by Stoughton and
Canton. Its length from north to south was about
seven miles; its breadth, from one and one-half to
four miles; its bearing from the State-House in Bos-
ton south, four degrees east ; distance from the State-
House, thirteen miles. Its average distance from the
sea was about six miles; average elevation above tide-
The world does
water, about one hundred and fifty feet; area, about
eighteen square miles, or eleven thousand four hun-
dred and thirty-five acres, of which Ponkapog Pond
occupies one hundred and six acres, Great Pond (for-
merly called More’s Pond) thirty-eight acres, and other
ponds about ten acres. The summit level between
Massachusetts and Narragansett Bays lay in the
_southerly portion of the town, one hundred and
- Tunkawaton swamps.
thirty-four feet above high-water mark at Weymouth
Landing. A narrow valley passed through the town
from north to south. Through this valley flowed
the Cochato River, which had its rise in Howard’s
meadow and the Middle swamp in the southerly part
of the town, forming a dividing line between the
East and West villages, and receiving, as it progressed,
accessions from streams rising in the Three, Bear, and
The soil was denominated
194
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“strong,” and was in many parts rocky; the surface
was undulating, without great elevations or deep de-
pressions. The two principal villages were situated
on roads about one mile distant, east and west, from
the Cochato River, running parallel with it, and were
respectively known as “ West Randolph” and “ Kast
Randolph.”
When what is now known as the Old Colony Rail-
road was built, the line running from South Braintree,
| of the church was effected on the the 28th of May,
by the way of Bridgewater and Middleboro’, to Fall |
River, passed midway between the two villages. The
station (the same which is now known as Holbrook)
was called Randolph. Some years later, however,
when the railroad line from South Braintree to Fall
River, via Taunton, was constructed, it was laid out
directly through the village of West Randolph, and
gave a new impetus to the business of that section of |
the town. The East and West villages did not grow
together, however, as was hoped, and finally, in 1872, |
Kast Randolph was incorporated as Holbrook (treated
at length elsewhere in this volume), and the word
‘““ West” was forever dropped from the appellation of |
the remaining village, now the town of Randolph.
Under appropriate heads will be given particulars of |
the development of the town in various directions.
First in importance, as in interest, the churches claim
attention.
Ecclesiastical History.—The year 1727 found
so many inhabitants at the south end of the South
Precinct of Braintree (the territory now covered by
the towns of Randolph and Holbrook), and they were
so distant from their old meeting-house, that they de-
termined to have a precinct, meeting-house, and min-
ister of their own. Their petition to this effect to the
General Court (still preserved) is dated Dec. 28,
W727. They “above forty families.”’
They had already erected a “ convenient house,”
numbered
“though it was not yet finished,’ and were seeking
fo) o] fo)
‘a suitable minister to preach with us this winter.” |
This petition, signed by twenty-eight leading citizens, |
near it stood the original school-house, illustrating the
was promptly granted. Regular Sabbath services
were begun as early as the autumn of 1728, perhaps
earlier, but it was not till the spring of 1731 that the
people found a minister to please them.
was Elisha Eaton, of Taunton. He graduated from
Harvard College in 1729. It was voted to give him
|
1731 (O.8.), when ten persons entered into solemn
covenant with God and one another. Their names
were Hlisha Eaton, pastor ; John Niles, Moses Curtis,
John Niles, William Copeland, Thomas Wales, David
Kames, Samuel Bass, Joseph White, David Slone.”
Their church was styled “The Third Church in
Braintree.” The minister was immediately ordained,
June 2,1731 (O.8.). Of this event The Boston
News Letter for June 10th gives the following
notice :
: “BRAINTREE, THIRD Precinct, June 2, 1731.
‘““A church has been lately gathered in this Parish, and the
| Rev. Mr, Elisha Haton was this day ordained the pastor of it.
The Rev. Mr. Paine, of Weymouth, began with prayer. The
Rey. Mr. Lewis, of Pembroke, preached from 1 Cor. ix. 27,‘ Lest
that by any means when I have preached unto others I myself
should be a castaway.” The Rey. Mr. Niles, of Braintree,
gave the charge, and the Rev. Mr. Gay, of Hingham, the fel-
lowship of the churches.”
The same year in which the pastor was ordained
Thomas Wales was elected deacon, and in 1733
Samuel Bass was also appointed to that office. The
membership of the little church rose during the first
two years to thirty, and in the subsequent years of
Mr. Eaton’s ministry to one hundred and _ thirty.
|The first pastor continued in office till June 7, 1750.
He was afterwards settled in Harpswell, Me., where
he enjoyed a useful ministry till his death, April 22,
1764.
The meeting-house in which Rey. Mr. Haton be-
_ gan his ministry was probably erected (as has been
intimated already) in 1727. It was rudely built, in
keeping with the wilderness in which it stood. Of
paint, fire, steeple, or bell it never boasted. An acre
of land for precinct use was obtained of Joseph
Crosby for forty shillings. It has been taken rod by
rod by the demands of highways, and now forms the
public square in the centre of the village, on the
border of which the present church stands. The first
house was on the northeastern corner of the lot, and
familiar lines of Whittier on ‘ Our State :”
His name
“seventy-five pounds a year for two years, then rise
five pounds a year for two years, and then eighty
pounds a year for his salary,” and also to give him
“an hundred and fifty pounds for settlement.”
Katon accepted the call, but the church was not yet
organized.
through the “ precinct meeting.”
All the work had thus far been done. |
The organization |
‘“Nor heeds the sceptic’s puny hands,
While near her school the church spire stands ;
Nor fears the blinded bigot’s rule,
While near her church spire stands the school.”
church was Rev.
The second minister of this
_ Moses Taft, of Mendon, who was ordained Aug. 26,
1752, having graduated from Harvard College the
Mr.
preceding year. The ordination sermon (by Rev.
John Shaw, of Bridgewater), with the other exercises
of the occasion, was printed, together with the con-
fession of faith presented by the candidate to the
RANDOLPH.
195
council, and which was declared “ worthy of imitation
in these perilous times in like cases, as one proper ex-
pedient to prevent the further spread of error in the |
land and dejection in the churches.” Mr. Taft’s
pastorate was the longest in the history of the church,
covering thirty-nine years and three months. He
died in office Nov. 11, 1791, after an honorable but
not eventful ministry. The most important action of
the parish during this period was the erection of its
| progress.
second house of worship, a beautiful structure, built |
in 1764. During the last and feeble vears of Mr.
Taft an associate pastor was sought for him, and
found in the person of Rev. Jonathan Strong, who
was ordained as junior pastor, Jan. 28, 1789. Mr.
Strong graduated from Dartmouth College in 1786, |
and studied divinity with Rev. Ephraim Judson, of
Taunton, by whom the ordination
preached. The sermon was printed. The ministry
thus begun was long and replete with interest.
Dr. Strong was quite a giant in his day, physically,
mentally, and in things spiritual. He exercised great
influence in his pulpit and out of it. In the ecclesi-
astical affairs of the State he took an important part
with the leading ministers of the denomination.
Several powerful revivals of religion were -enjoyed
during Dr. Strong’s ministry, and the church had
great prosperity under his preaching and pastoral
care.
some sadly broken up by the theological controversies
and religious defections so rife at the time, this
church stood united in unshaken loyalty to the doc-
trines of evangelical religion.
It may be interesting to remark that it was in 1813,
toward the close of Dr. Strong’s pastorate, that the
custom of reading the Scriptures as one of the exercises
of public worship on the Sabbath was first adopted.
In the matter of singing in the house of the Lord
important changes had been made earlier. While
the people worshiped in the first meeting-house the
deacons “set the tune.” After the occupation of
the second house the precinct regularly appointed
“tuners.”
by vote of the precinct, and singing “in parts’? was
introduced, and soon after a regular choir. But each
step of progress in securing both excellence and vari-
ety in this important service seems to have been con-
tested. The ancient German and English custom of
“lining off” the hymns one line at a time prevailed |
in this church till 1781. It was then voted, as a
concession to the progressive element, that “the
singers shall sing half the time by reading one line,
and half the time by reading two lines !” This cus-
sermon Was |
While many churches in the opening years of |
the century were seriously distracted, divided, and
In 1775 printed music began to be used |
\
|
| persons came into its communion.
tom was probably entirely surrendered about the time
that Dr. Strong commenced his ministry, when Watts’s
Psalms and Hymns superseded the revised edition
of the Bay Psalm-Book, or New England Psalm-
Book, which had long been in use.
It will be recognized at once that the pastorate of
Dr. Strong was not only important in itself, but also
covered a period full of interesting changes and much
The honored and beloved pastor was
stricken down by sudden illness in the prime of his
useful life, and died at the age of fifty years, Nov. 9,
1814.
Rev. Thaddeus Pomeroy succeeded, with a brief
pastorate. He was born in Southampton, graduated
from Williams College in 1810, and was ordained
pastor of this church Nov. 22, 1815. On the 15th
of December, 1818, forty members of the church, in-
cluding its two deacons, were dismissed to form the
_“ Second Church,” located in Kast Randolph (now
Holbrook). At this period Sabbath-schools were
coming into favor among the good people of New
England, and this church welcomed the new method
of instruction. A school was established on the first
Sabbath in May, 1819, Dr. Ebenezer Alden being the
first superintendent, and continuing in office for
thirty-nine years. Rev, Mr. Pomeroy was dismissed
April 26, 1820, and on the 28th of February, 1821,
Rey. Calvin Hitchcock was installed the fifth pastor
of the church.
Dr. Hitchcock proved himself an eminently useful,
devoted, and beloved minister. The church rejoiced
_in marked prosperity under his long-continued labors.
| A new house of worship was dedicated in 1825,
and soon after Dr. Hitchcock’s ministry opened the
most powerful revival in the history of the church
was experienced, as the fruit of which seventy-eight
Other seasons of
large increase were granted to the earnest and united
labors of pastor and people. At the age of sixty-four
the honored pastor voluntarily withdrew from the
pastorate (June 9, 1851), and resided in Wrentham
till his decease, Dec. 3, 1867. He was succeeded by
Rey. Christopher Cordley, who was installed March
3, 1852. He gave six years of vigorous service to
the cause of Christ in this place, and was then dis-
missed, Oct. 14, 1858. He was afterwards settled in
Lawrence, Mass., where he died June 26, 1866.
Rev. Henry K. Dwight was ordained Dec. 29, 1859,
and dismissed April 1,1862. The present attractive
' and commodious meeting-house was erected in 1860,
and was extensively repaired in 1880. Rev. John C.
| Labaree was installed Dec. 14, 1865, and now remains
in office.
196
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Of the young men who have been trained up in
this church and congregation, forty-one have received
a college education, twenty-one have consecrated
_ stated supplies, and their terms of service, an asterisk
themselves to the Christian ministry, twelve have |
entered the profession of medicine, and others have
made their mark in the legal profession and other
prominent positions in active life. The church and
parish have received important donations and lega-
cies at various times, and the history of its funds is:
interesting,
Dr. Ebenezer Alden was clerk of the church for
more than half a century, and gathered a great many
facts relating to its early affairs. He prepared a
valuable manual of the church in 1862, and in |
various ways contributed very largely to its influence
and prosperity. The one hundred and fiftieth anni- |
versary of the organization of this church was suit-
ably observed June 8, 1881, and the proceedings were |
| Lowell Parker; and, about that time, Zenas P. Wild.
| All of these, except Isaac Smith, are now dead.
| Marked religious ingatherings were enjoyed under
published in full.
The First Baptist Church of Randolph was organ-
ized under the following circumstances: In the year
1819 a number of members of the Baptist Church
in South Randolph (now East Stoughton), who were
residing in the northern part of the town, were de-
sirous of better church facilities.
not less than five thousand dollars, a house forty-five
by fifty feet in dimensions, to be located on grounds
donated by Zeba Spear—the present site of the
church. ‘The work began at once, and was finished
by October.
new church organization, which was consummated
by a council convened November 3d of the same
Steps had meantime been taken for a
year.
The church thus organized consisted of forty-
seven members, all but two of whom came from the
parent church at Stoughton. As that church, now
over a hundred years old, was then in Randolph, the
new organization was styled the North Baptist Church
in Randolph, which name it continued to bear till
1875, when by legal enactment it was changed to
that which it now bears, viz., the First Baptist
Church of Randolph.
bers are now dead, the last one, Mrs. Polly Spear,
All of the constituent mem-
passing away in December, 1882.
The new church chose as deacons, Seth Alden and
Zeba Spear; as clerk, Thomas W. Tolman; and as |
On Feb. 22, 1820, |
treasurer, Dr. Jonathan Wales.
a call was given Rev. Warren Bird, of Foxboro’, to
At a called meet- |
ing, January 28th, it was voted to build, at a cost of |
(*) denoting those now deceased :
| Weare 18siet 565300. nospecocacsacodcce April, 1820 May, 1821
*S. C. Dilloway (supply)........... Sept. 1821 Sept. 1822
*Benjamin Putnam) <........ <2... March, 1823 April, 1829
AMOS WetaViOUDcsecescerecesorsee nee May, 1829 June, 1830
=Joseph M. Driver...............-.--. Nov. 1830 Oct. 1832
FJ ames iM. Coleyiese-t-cecice-cceseases June, 1833 Feb. 14836
Conant Sawyereccssscsnece.ssecieues es April, 1836 Sept. 1838
*() f8) COUVOLSC.sccceassieoseosieocsccese- Jan. 1839 Oct. 1839
*Charles H. Peabody............0+0-- Dec. 1840 April, 1842
HennyiClarkscr..sssecccsssesclcoveoetes July, 1842 Dec. 1846
Ee Wie) Hise SO Willerceccesetscessecectet June, 1848 May, 1849
*Thomas Driver (as supply).......Sept. 1849 March, 1850
fe «(as pastor)........March, 1850 April, 1852
# Benjamin sWiheelen. c....<sceseess +s May, 1852 Dec. 1858
William F. Stubbert .............-.. April, 1859 Oct. 1865
= WallettyiViaiyecccsscesencacscesehsmaces April, 1866 March, 1867
John Pryor (supply) .........seceeee June, 1868 June, 1869
Jamies EH WilSOnts.:.scseeseessecsiee Oct. 1869 Dee, 1871
Josephy@sHostermmesscosnciecccisecess Jan. 1873 Jan. 1882
Meonardlsi. Deathirs.c2ss (cece oes June, 1882
become pastor, which call was accepted, and Mr. |
Bird entered upon his pastorate in April, upon a
salary of “ £100 lawful money.” The following table
will give the names of the different pastors and
| much improved in 1860.
Of these, Mr. Peabody died, while pastor of the
church, in 1842. The church also licensed to preach,
in 1830, John Holbrook and Isaac Smith; in 1842,
the pastorates of Pastors Putnam, J. M. Driver, Con-
verse, Peabody, Clark, T. Driver, Wheeler, and Fos-
ter. The present membership is two hundred and
nine.
Of those who, as deacons, have ministered not
only in temporal but also in spiritual things, should
be appreciatively mentioned Zeba Spear, Seth, Al-
_phaeus, and Daniel Alden, Jacob Wales French,
Henry Bangs, Leonard Faunce, Austin Roel, Aaron
Prescott, and John May. Only the last two sur-
vive and are now in service.
Of the church’s material improvements it may be
noted that in 1824 the present parsonage was pur-
chased of Deacon Daniel Alden. A vestry was built
near the church in 1837. This was largely due to
the suggestion of Thomas W. Tolman and his dying
legacy of two hundred dollars. This structure was
In 1842 the house of wor-
ship was lengthened by thirty-two feet. This, with
other improvements, cost nearly five thousand dollars.
The parsonage was also remodeled. Again, in 1873
and 1874, the house of worship was so completely re-
built and refurnished as virtually to be a new edifice,
The total cost, including that of the new bell and
the tower clock, was about thirty thousand dollars.
‘The vestry was also sold, and the parsonage much
improved. The church is now thriving and vig-
orous.
A Sabbath-school was organized at the founding of
the church, which has flourished till the present time.
The present superintendent is Dr. C. C. Farnham,
Among its past superintendents may be mentioned
RANDOLPH.
197
the honored name of Deacon John May, nearly a
quarter of a century faithfully laboring, and still, as
previously noted, busily doing the Master’s work.
| Methodist Episcopal Church so long as the said
Church shall hold and maintain regular services
Time wouid fail to tell of the honored dead and |
living, and space be lacking to record their self-
sacrificing work ; but there will always be time to
think of their example, and room in the hearts of
those who remain for their cherished memory.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church has the largest mem-
bership in the town.
in this region—forty years ago or thereabouts—the
parish in which Randolph was located inciuded in addi-
In the early days of Catholicism |
therein.” The chapel was built and dedicated in
1872. The first pastor was the Rev. Bradford P.
Raymond, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Messrs.
Storey, Colburn, Rotch, Duckwall, and Jones. The
present pastor, the Rev. W. Lenoir Hood, was ap-
pointed Sept. 18, 1881.
Military History.—No better sketch could be
given of the honorable part which Randolph took in
the war of the Rebellion than is found in the fol-
lowing extracts from an address delivered on the
tion the towns of Randolph, Stoughton, Canton, Hing-
ham, Weymouth, Abington, and Quincy. The latter
town was the head of the parish, and from it were sent
out the priests who conducted the services in the other |
towns,—usually about once a fortnight in each place. |
At these times services were held in Randolph in a
hall in the hotel. Later, however, the town hall was
used for the purpose. Among the early priests were
Fathers Fitzsimmons, Stran, Callaher, and O’Beirne.
The latter caused to be purchased the land on which
the present church stands, and put in the foundations
of the original edifice.
Father Fitzsimmons again, and he, in turn, was
After Father O’ Beirne came |
shortly succeeded by Father Rodden, who built the |
first church in 1849. The dedication occurred in
August, 1850. Father Rodden was the first resident
priest, settling in the town about 1851.
sisted in his labors by Father O'Sullivan, curate.
After Father Rodden came, in succession, Fathers
Roche, Welsh, McGlew, Denvir,
O’Brien, and Thomas O’Brien, the latter being in
He was as-
Burns, James
charge at the present time, assisted by Father Kelly.
The church edifice was enlarged by Father Burns
about a dozen years ago, and the present parochial
residence was built by Father Thomas O’Brien.
The church is free from debt, and is in all respects
flourishing and prosperous. The curates have been
Fathers O'Sullivan, Brennan, Bannon, Denehy, and
Kelly.
At Tower Hill, in the westerly portion of the town,
is located a Methodist Episcopal chapel. It has no
separate membership, being connected, as an organi-
zation, with the Methodist Episcopal society of North
Stoughton. A society gathered itself together at Tower
Hill several years ago somewhat informally, without
definite organization, hiring a minister by subscription
and holding meetings in Niles’s Hall. Very largely
through the generosity of the Hon. James A. Tower,
the present chapel property was donated to Bradford
evening of May 30, 1876 (the “centennial year” of
the nation), in Stetson Hall, before the members of
Capt. Horace Niles Post, No. 110, G. A. R., by the
Hon. J. White Belcher :
* *x * * * *x * *x
‘“¢ Among the first regiments called into the field was
the Fourth Massachusetts, composed of companies
belonging to various towns along the Old Colony
Shore. The order for its appearance on Boston
Common at noon of Tuesday, April 16th, reached the
hands of Col. Packard at Quincy late on the after-
noon of the 15th. He immediately issued his orders
and dispatched them by a special messenger to the
Within
twelve hours every company had reported at Faneuil
Hall instead of the Common, on account of the severe
Company D of this
several companies under his command.
storm which then prevailed.
regiment was composed principally of citizens of Ran-
dolph, and was first organized in 1855 as the Ran-
dolph Light Infantry. Its first captain was Hiram
C. Alden, who held the office until July, 1860.
April 15, 1861, at nine o'clock in the evening, orders
were received by the clerk of this company to report
in Boston at nine o'clock the next morning. The
_ company at this time not having any commissioned
P. Raymond, Caleb Tucker, and Wales B. Thayer,
‘prompt and ready response of those who enrolled
trustees, the property to be held by them “for the
officers, Sergt. Hiram F. Wales labored all that night
to notify the company so as to have them respond
promptly to their country’s call. In the general indif-
ference in regard to military organizations which ex-
isted throughout the State for some time previous to
this sudden call, the town of Randolph was not an
exception. But when the sound went forth that the
flag of the Union had been fired upon, this company,
with the others, received a new impulse, and was
ready the next morning to move onward. They did
not stop to ask or inquire about the difficulties which
might lie in the way, but with all the manliness of
heroes they entered at once upon the duties before
them.
“Many of you who sit here well remember the
198 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
themselves for three months’ service. Who will ever
forget the first drum-beat to arms in this village
which saluted us on the morning of the 16th of April,
1861? Many of our citizens and neighbors, un-
trained except for peace, took their places in the
ranks and departed for the defense of the national
capital, expecting soon to return to their homes
bearing with them the proclamation of peace. But
we were only on the very threshold of the Rebel-
lion. The darkest hours had not yet come. The
soil of America had not yet been baptized with the
blood of those whose names we honor to-day. Ata
quarter before nine o’clock on the morning of April
16th this company was escorted to the station by a
band of music and a large concourse of citizens.
They arrived in Boston at forty minutes past nine
o'clock, when they immediately marched to Faneuil
Hall.
rived in Boston, and was received with cheers of wel-
This was one of the first companies which ar-
come. There are many present who remember that
cold and stormy morning. There were many scenes
which touched the stoutest hearts. Many a tear was
shed when bidding the final farewell, they knew not
but forever. Many a silent prayer ascended on that
morning that a kind Providence would watch over
Upon the arrival of the company
in Boston an election of officers was held, which re-
and care for them.
sulted in the choice of Horace Niles for captain (a
name which has been honored by your Post), Otis 8.
Wilbur first lieutenant, and Hiram F. Wales second
On Wednesday, the 17th day of April,
the regiment started for Fortress Monroe, arriving
lieutenant.
April 20th, at which time it was unknown to them
whether they were to meet friends or enemies, until
they saw the stars and stripes floating from the old
fortress. A short time after the regiment left, the
selectmen received a telegram from the adjutant-gen-
eral of Massachusetts that Company D was deficient
in numbers, and that twenty-two additional men were
required to complete it. Within a few hours after it
was generally known, the full number had enlisted, and |
even a whole company could have been organized.
On the following morning they left Randolph for |
Boston; and such was the enthusiasm, to my own
knowledge, that several persons followed them to the
State- House, thinking that some one or more might |
fall out and there would be a chance for them to go to
At the State-House these
twenty-two men were sworn into their country’s ser-
vice and placed under the command of Sergt. Edmund
Cottle.
on board the steamer which was to convey them to
the defense of the Union.
In the afternoon of the same day they went
Yortress Monroe.
“History has already recorded that the three months’
men were the first to respond to the call of the Presi-
dent ; the first to march through Baltimore to the de-
fense of the capital; the first to shed their blood for
the maintenance of the government ; the first to land
on the soil of Virginia and hold possession of the
most important fortress in the Union, The Sixth
Regiment undoubtedly saved Washington ; the Fourth
saved Fortress Monroe. They each upheld the good
name of the commonwealth during their entire term
of service, and by their courage and devotion to duty
in the hour of peril they became the right arm of the
national government. Their record will always be prized
by Massachusetts as one of her richest historic treas-
ures. The full company having performed important
duties at Fortress Monroe, Newport News, and Hamp-
ton Village, returned in July, 1861, and were received
by the Fire-King, Relief, and Independence Engine
Companies and escorted to this hall, where a public
dinner was given them. They served the time for
which they enlisted, but the war had not yet
closed. On the 4th of August, 1862, an additional
call was made by the President for three hundred
thousand men to enlist for the term of nine months,
and this, too, while in the midst of filling the quota
for three years under another call for the same number
of men. The Fourth Regiment again volunteered with
the same promptness as in 1861, and was ordered at
once to Camp Joe Hooker, in the town of Middle-
boro’. Hiram C. Alden was re-elected captain of
Company D, Myron W. Hollis elected first lieutenant,
Edmund Cottle second lieutenant. Ninety members of
this company enlisted from Randolph. On the 17th
of December, 1862, the regiment having recruited to its
maximum under command of Col. Walker, of Quincy,
was ordered to join the forces of Maj.-Gen. Banks in
the Department of the Gulf. December 2
ment left camp for New York, where transports were
ld
7th the regi-
in readiness to convey them to New Orleans, where
they arrived Feb. 7, 1863, when they at once
proceeded to Carrollton and landed February 13th,
having been on shipboard forty-seven days.
‘In the expedition against Port Hudson this regi-
At its surrender they
were the first to enter the fort, where they remained
ment bore a conspicuous part.
until August 4th. This regiment performed important
duties also at Brashear City and many other places;
and Aug. 28, 1863, having served eleven months,
arrived home and were mustered out of service. One
hundred and twenty-five of this regiment, who left
Massachusetts Dee. 27, 1862, never returned. Some
fell in battle and some by lingering disease in that un-
healthful climate. Ten of the number were our own
RANDOLPH.
199
citizens, young men just entering the years of man-
hood, and belonging to Company D.
ok K *K *K K 7 * *
“On the 4th of July, 1862, the President of the |
United States called for three hundred thousand men |
| these two battles the loss was severe.
to serve for three years, unless the war sooner closed.
The proportion for Massachusetts to furnish, either
by volunteers or draft, was fifteen thousand men.
Recruiting at once commenced in earnest.
Thirty-fifth Massachusetts, having recruited to its full
The |
number at Camp Stanton, Lynfield, was organized and |
mustered into service Aug. 21, 1862, and left the State |
on the following day, very imperfectly fitted out, owing |
to the urgency of the demand for fresh troops at Wash- |
ington.
mand of Col. Edward A. Wild, whom those of that
regiment who are present to-day only remember to
The soldiers were at first armed
with Enfield rifles of very poor quality, and quite
honor and respect.
dangerous to handle.
‘Sixty-two of the citizens of Randolph enlisted in
Company E of this regiment, while others enlisted
The regiment was placed under the com- |
subjected to slaughtering cross-fires, was with a
_ steadiness that veterans might be proud of until they
were ordered to retire a little to a more sheltered
spot.’
“T need not remind you on this occasion that in
I need not tell
you of the intense feeling of anxiety manifested in
this community on receiving news of this battle.
Many of your hearts were wrung with sorrow as each
Two-thirds of the
officers and one-third of the men were killed or
telegram announced the result.
wounded. ‘The authorities of this town sent at once
two of our citizens, George N. Johnson and Dr. E.
A. Allen, to aid and render relief to the wounded and
suffering, and to tenderly care for the dead. Their
_ services were faithfully performed and gratefully ap-
_ preciated.
| their final resting-place.
in other companies of the same regiment, some of |
whom had seen service and re-enlisted.
election of officers, Horace Niles was chosen captain,
Jonathan W. Ingell first lieutenant, William Palmer
At the first |
second lieutenant, all of whose names appear on these |
tablets which have been so beautifully decorated with |
flowers to-day.
“The adjutant-general says in his report that among
the many good regiments Massachusetts had sent
Its
commander, Col. Wild, was a man highly intelligent
forward, few, if any, surpassed the Thirty-fifth.
as well as brave, and who had a full appreciation of
the magnitude of the war. In a letter written by
Col. Wild, after leaving Massachusetts, he says,
‘The regiment arrived at Washington August 234, at
once crossed the Potomac and encamped beyond Ar-—
lington Heights. On the 6th of September the
regiment was transferred to the command of Maj.-
Gen. Burnside, from which time to September 14th
we made ‘continued short marches and bivouacs until
the battle of South Mountain. We entered the fight
at half-past four in the afternoon, and it lasted until
after dark.
weeks after leaving Massachusetts (the first ordeal of
the Thirty-fifth), their behavior was excellent. The
In this battle, which occurred but three |
men were always ready to do anything they were |
ordered. Three days afterwards came the battle of An-
tietam. Here again the Thirty-fifth bore a conspicuous
part. Their behavior was excellent throughout. I
cannot picture to you the scenes of that day. The
position this regiment held for some time, though
We remember to-day the names of those
whose lifeless forms were forwarded by them from the
field of battle to their sorrowful homes, and the sad
and solemn ceremonies observed by this whole com-
munity in yonder church before conveying them to
Capt. Horace Niles, whose
name stands at the head of this list, died of wounds
received in this battle Sept. 27, 1862, just five weeks
after he left this State for the seat of war. But he
was not the only one who fell. I have not the time
to call each by name, or to speak of them individually.
Seventeen others, whose names are found on these
tablets, laid down their lives upon the altar of their
country, who belonged to Company K, of the Thirty-
fifth. This regiment afterwards performed important
duty in Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee,
and Mississippi. It has an honorable record of
taking part in the battles of South Mountain, An-
tietam, Fredericksburg, Jackson, Campbell Station,
siege of Knoxville, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold
Harbor, Weldon Railroad, Vicksburg, Fort Sedgwick,
Petersburg, and several others.
*K *K
“While I have spoken particularly of the Fourth
and Thirty-fifth Regiments, there are many other
names recorded on these tablets, and whose graves
_you have visited to-day, who faithfully performed
equally as meritorious services in different organiza-
tions, each and all of whom fell while fighting for the
preservation of the Union. From the commencement
to the close of the war the town of Randolph, then
including Holbrook, furnished nine hundred and
nineteen men as its proportion required under the
different calls of the President, leaving a surplus of
thirty-one over all demands; eighty-one of these fell
in battle, or died of disease contracted while be-
longing to thé Union army. While the last living
4
_
00
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
—£
link of the Revolution has long ago separated from
us, it is not so with the Rebellion of 1861. Our |
neighbors, our friends, our relatives went forth from
us to become soldiers and martyrs, but some of them
returned. Let us not, therefore, forget those who -
assemble on these memorial days, having faithfully
performed their duty to their country, who fortunately —
escaped the perils of the camp and the dangers of the
conflict, and returned to their peaceful homes, putting
off the soldier’s armor and again entering upon the
duties of civil life.”
ok * > > *K K kK *K
The tablets alluded to by the orator in the fore-
going quotations are large and handsomely designed
slabs of marble, placed on either side of the platform
in Stetson Hall. Each bears this inscription :
“ASD. LS i
Erected by the town of Randolph to perpetuate the memory of
its patriotic citizens who voluntarily entered and fell
in their country’s service during the war of the
GREAT REBELLION.”
Above these words are inscribed on the slab at the
right of the stage the following names:
William F. Gill.
Frederick M. Wortman.
Ephraim T. Cole.
Sidney A. Mann.
Cornelius Desmond.
Stephen C. Yeaton.
John A. Law.
Charles D. Hodge. |
John A. Kennedy.
Horace Niles.
William Palmer.
George Henry.
Jobn Dunton.
Richmond Blencowe.
Seth C. Bean.
Levi A. Brundage.
Theodore Compass.
Richard H. Cox.
Joel King. Adoniram J. Townsend.
James Jones. Frederick Nightingale.
Henry Keily.
Edward McMahon.
Albert M. May.
Daniel Rieardon.
John H. Gill.
George S. Sloan.
Cornelius Murphy.
John H. Baker.
Elbridge G. Simpson.
Herbert C. Blood.
Otis Crooker.
George H. Croak.
Philip Donahoe.
John W. Heath.
Maurice Twohig.
Joseph V. Sloan.
Warren C. Turner.
Charles E. Hunt.
The companion tablet on the left of the platform
bears the following names :
J. Wilson Ingell.
George Washburn.
Matthew Clark, Jr.
Cornelius Clark.
William H. Shed.
George B. White.
Kdward McLaughlin.
John Foley.
John D. Flynn.
Alvan Faunce.
Henry Keily, 2d.
George W. Mann.
Thomas O’Halloran.
J.
George Smith.
Frank Poole.
Charles L. Thayer.
W. Leander White.
Seth M. Harris.
John Q. A. Sylvester.
Daniel O’ Niel.
William M. Hobart.
John F. Riley.
Henry Snow.
John P. Turner.
C. Payson Thayer.
Nelson L. Thayer.
Thomas F. Whitmarsh.
Michael Kelliher, Jr.
|
_ pointed the first charity committee.
Thayer was elected Commander.
| William A. Croak was elected Commander.
Philemon White.
Thomas E. Willis.
Edward K. Hobart.
William F. Hill.
Jerome R. Hodge.
Alson W. Thayer.
Zenas M. Hayden.
Post No. 110, Dept. of Massachusetts, G@. A. R.,
was formed Oct. 29, 1869, the first meeting being
held on that date in Good Templar Hall (the old
meeting-house) on North Street. The charter mem-
bers were fifteen in number, viz.: Edmund Cottle,
Hiram C. Alden, Charles H. Greeley, James W. White,
Garrett G. Barry.
James Hogan.
Job D. Harris.
Patrick Hand.
Loring Taunt.
Charles Weathee.
| Richmond T. Pratt, Samuel R. Hodge, Joshua Hor-
ton, James I’. Dargan, Francis A. Belcher, 8. Melvin
Clarke, Joseph W. Thayer, Nelson Mann, George C.
Spear, Samuel White, and Warren Thayer, Jr. At.
_ this meeting the following officers were elected for the
remainder of the year: Commander, Kdmund Cottle ;
S. V.C., Richmond T. Pratt; J. V. C4 Jamesiehe
Dargan ; Adjutant, Hiram C. Alden ; Quartermaster,
Charles H. Greeley; O. D., James W. White; O. G.,
Samuel R. Hodge ; Surgeon, Samuel White; Chap-
lain, Warren Thayer, Jr. Another election of officers
was held Dec. 31, 1869, but the roster was un-
changed. Ata meeting held Feb. 4, 1870, the name
‘“‘Capt. Horace Niles” was adopted.
From this time the growth of the Post was vigor-
ous, and new members were admitted at nearly every
meeting. May 30, 1870, was the first Decoration
Day observed, the Post parading with a band and an
escort of firemen and some of the societies of the
town. June 17, 1870, Hiram CU. Alden was elected
Commander. He appointed Warren Thayer, Jr., as
his Adjutant, and at the meeting of July 1, 1870, ap-
Aug. 19, 1870,
a code of by-laws, drawn by George C. Spear, Charles
| Miller, and Warren Thayer, Jr., was adopted for the
better governing of the Post, and in February, 1871,
the first fair for the benefit of the Charity Fund was
held in Stetson Hall, and additional by-laws to govern
that fund were adopted. Dec. 15, 1871, Royal W.
He held that posi-
tion four years. His Adjutants were Warren Thayer,
Jr., to Dec. 20, 1872; William A. Croak, to Dec. 17,
1875. At the latter date Galen Hollis was elected
Commander. He held the position for five years.
His Adjutant was William A. Croak.
with the Good Templars the Post moved their quar-
ters to Alden’s Hall, North Street. Dec. 3, 1880,
He ap-
In company
_ pointed Horace A. Drake his Adjutant. Dec. 2, 1881,
Commander Croak appointed Lorenzo KH. Wilbur his
Adjutant. June 20, 1882, the Post, in company with
RANDOLPH. 201
the Knights of Honor, moved into Shankland’s Hall, |
on Main Street, the two societies hiring it together.
To this date (January, 1884) the Post has borne on
its roll one hundred and forty-seven names. Of this
number some have died, some have been transferred
to other Posts, and the usual per cent. dropped. The
membership is now fifty. Since the formation of the
Post there has been expended for relief, by the direc-
tion of the various relief committees, a little over
four thousand dollars. Of this sum three thousand
one hundred and twenty-three dollars and twenty-two
cents was drawn from what is known as the relief
fund, being money given the Post as donations, or
raised by the fairs which have been held yearly for the |
benefit of the fund. This money can be spent in no >
other way. The remainder was drawn from the Post
fund, and is money contributed by the members
which they can spend as they please.
hundred and forty dollars and twenty-three cents, in |
the hands of three trustees, viz.: Hiram C. Alden,
Horace A. Drake, and Samuel White. There is also
a fund known as the “ Grandmother Spear Fund,” |
This grew from the one | 1875.
amounting to fifty dollars.
dollar note given the Post by an old lady (eighty-nine |
years), Mrs. Capt. Otis Spear.
separate fund for the present.
This is kept as a
The Post fund is
ample for all present wants. The officers for the
year 1884 are: Commander, William A. Croak ;
S. V. C., Horace A. Drake; J. V. C., William R.
Roberts; Adjutant, Lorenzo E. Wilbur; O. D.,
Myron W. Hollis; O. G., Marcus M. Poole ; Quarter-
master, Galen Hollis; Surgeon, Lewis A. Hunt;
Chaplain, Francis A. Stanley.
The Post had |
on hand in its relief fund, on Jan. 1, 1884, nine |
Public Buildings.—The town hall (known as |
Stetson Hall) is a handsome and commodious edifice,
located nearly opposite the Congregational Church, in |
It is built of wood and cost
It is named in commemoration
the centre of the town.
ten thousand dollars.
of the late Hon. Amasa Stetson, who presented it to
the town, and was dedicated in 1842. Within it is
to be seen a life-like portrait, by Frothingham, of |
Charlestown, of the generous donor of the building. |
In the lower portion of the edifice is located the high |
school, which is partly supported by the income of a
fund of ten thousand dollars, left for the purpose by
Hon. Amasa Stetson, and partly by taxation.
Stetson was born in Randolph, March 26, 1769, being
the son of John and Rachel (Paine) Stetson. He
married Rebecca Kettell, of Boston, Aug. 21, 1798.
Beginning life as a poor boy, he learned the trade of
: | Board of Selectmen at any time be composed of more than
a shoemaker, and, upon going to Boston, where he —
Mr. !
associated himself with his brother Samuel in the ©
shoe business, succeeded, by strict economy and close
application, in laying the foundation of his large for-
tune. In the war of 1812 he was appointed by
President Madison to the office of commissary for the
district of Massachusetts, and was also elected by the
Democrats to the State Senate.
manifested his liberality by his donations to his native
town, and also to the town of Dorchester, his adopted
home, where he presented the Rev. Mr. Hall’s church
with a handsome clock costing seven hundred dollars.
During his life he
In the town of Stetson, Me., which was named for
him, he had a church built for the use of all denom-
His death occurred Aug. 2, 1844. He
was aged seventy-five years, four months, and six days,
inations.
and was buried at Dorchester. He died without issue,
leaving a fortune of over five hundred thousand dol-
lars. In addition to his previously mentioned dona-
tions to Randolph, he gave the town one hundred
dollars to build a face wall around the old North Cem-
etery, where his parents lie buried.
The Turner Public Library occupies a handsome
stone building just north of the Congregational
Church. It was completed and occupied early in
The building, independent of the land, cost
forty thousand dollars, and the lower rooms on the
ground floor are occupied by the national and sav-
ings banks and by a grocery store. The library was
the gift to the town of Seth, Royal W., Mary B.,
and Abby W. Turner, and Anne M. Sweetser. Fol-
lowing are the essential portions of the deed of gift:
“ Know all men by these presents, that we, Seth Turner, Royal
W. Turner, and Abby W. Turner, of Randolph, in the County
of Norfolk, and Anne M. Sweetser, of Boston, in the County
of Suffolk, widow, all in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
heirs-at-law of Royal Turner and Maria, his wife, late of said
Randolph, deceased, in consideration of one dollar to us paid
by the Inhabitants of the Town of Randolph aforesaid, the
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby remise, re-
lease, and forever quitclaim unto the said Inhabitants of Ran-
dolph, a certain lot of land, with the new stone building thereon,
containing ten thousand four hundred and ninety-seyen and
one-half feet, and bounded and described as follows, viz. : [De-
scription given at length. ]
“Said grantors hereby also give to said grantees the sum of
ten thousand dollars ($10,000), which shall constitute a fund
for the purpose hereinafter set forth.
“To HAVE AND TO HOLD the same to-the said inhabitants of
Randolph forever, but upon the following conditions and trusts,
Viz. :
“First.—Said land and building, together with the fund
aforesaid, shall be under the control of a Board of Trustees
consisting of fifteen (15) members, of which Board the Select-
men of said town for the time being—not exceeding three (3)
in number—shall be ex officio members; and should said
three members the town shall, at a meeting called for that pur-
pose, designate which of them (not exceeding three, as afore-
202
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
said) shall act as said Trustees. The Board of Trustees so con-
stituted shall manage and improve said real estate and fund
for the uses and purposes of a Free Public Library for said
Town of Randolph forever, subject to such reasonable rules
and regulations as said Trustees shall from time to time adopt.
[The second condition designates the manner in which the
trustees (exclusive of the selectmen) shall be chosen, and va- |
cancies filled, ete.
in their discretion apply the whole or any part of said fund in |
The third proviso is that the trustees ‘‘may |
furnishing the library, reading, and trustees’ rooms in said
building, and the purchase of books therefor” ; and the fourth
section permits the leasing of a portion of the building, the
proceeds to go to the library. ]
“ Freru.—Said Town of Randolph shall defray the expenses
of keeping said building
o)
with the books, furniture, and fix-
tures belonging to said library, at all times properly insured
against loss by fire, for an amount to be determined by the |
trustees, and shall also keep said building in thorough repair.
“Sixtuo.—Should said building be destroyed by fire, the pro-
ceeds of any insurance thereon shall be applied to rebuilding
the same. |
“SeventuH.—lIf at any time hereafter said land and building
should, from any cause, cease to be used for the purposes here-
in designated, the same shall revert to the grantors, or their
heirs.”
The Hon. Seth Turner, upon his death, left by a_
provision in his will the additional sum of ten thou- |
sand dollars, the income of which is to be applied to
the uses of the library, and to be known as the
Turner Fund. This sum has been paid by the ex-
ecutors of the will to the trustees of the library, who
are as follows: J. White Belcher, acting president ;
Royal W. Turner, treasurer; Gilbert A. Tolman, |
secretary; Rev. John C. Labaree, Rev. Joseph C._
Foster, D.D., Royal T. Mann, John B. Thayer, |
Rufus A. Thayer (the three latter being selectmen |
of Randolph, and trustees ex officio), Benjamin Dick-
erman, Daniel Howard, John V. Beal, Nathaniel
” Howard, John B. Thayer, J. Winsor Pratt, Edwin
Dr. Charles C. Farnham is librarian,
and Miss Margaret W. Boyd assistant librarian.
The number of volumes Jan. 1, 1884, was eight |
thousand three hundred and forty-five.
The Hon. Seth Turner died at his home on Main
Street at about 1 o'clock a.m., April 8, 1883, after
gradually failing in health for several months. On
the evening previous to his death, while bathing, he
fainted and fell, coming in contact with the bath-tub.
He was found in an unconscious state, and so re-
mained until he died.
July 29,1821. He received his education at the |
Randolph Academy, then a flourishing institution, |
N. Lovering.
He was born in Randolph, |
and entered the Randolph Bank as clerk at its organ- |
ization in 1836. His father, Col. Royal Turner, was
cashier, and when the latter became president (at the |
death of his predecessor) Mr. Turner succeeded his |
father as cashier. Col. Turner died in 1861, at which |
time Mr. Turner was elected president of the bank.
A few years later he was elected president of the
Shoe and Leather Bank, of Boston, a position which
he retained until about two years prior to his death,
when, on account of the manifold duties devolving
_upon him, his health became impaired and he ten-
dered his resignation, which was accepted. In poli-
tics he was a stanch Republican, and was twice
elected to the Legislature, also to the Governor’s
council in 1873, 1874, and 1875. He was one of
the trustees of the Thayer Academy at South Brain-
tree, treasurer of the Randolph Savings Bank, secre-
tary of the Stetson School Fund, and at different
times held many other important positions of trust in
various financial institutions. He was not only
locally popular and respected, but his name was widely
and favorably known in the principal financial circles
_of the country. His funeral, which was conducted
by the Rev. J. C. Labaree, was very largely attended,
and resolutions of tribute to his memory were passed
by several of the institutions with which he had been
identified.
Banks.—The Randolph Bank was incorporated in
1836 with a capital stock of $150,000. Subsequently
it was reorganized under the National Bank Act with
a capital stock of $200,000, and at the present time
has a surplus exceeding its capital. Its present
officers are: President, Royal W. Turner; Cashier,
Charles G. Hathaway; Directors, David Burrell, J.
| Winsor Pratt, E. Everett Holbrook, Thomas White,
J. White Belcher, Benjamin Dickerman.
The Randolph Savings Bank was incorporated in
April, 1851. The amount of deposits Jan. 1, 1884,
was $800,952. The officers are J. White Belcher,
president; Royal W. Turner, first vice-president ;
Thomas White, second vice-president ; Hiram C. Al-
den, treasurer; Trustees, J. White Belcher, Royal
W. Turner, Thomas White, Alfred W. Whitcomb,
Richard Stevens, Sidney French, Charles Harris,
Nathaniel Howard, J. Winsor Pratt, Daniel Howard,
Charles H. Howard, John T. Flood, George B.
Bryant, Benjamin Jonathan Wales,
Wales B. Thayer.
Newspapers.—On Saturday, March 14, 1857,
appeared a “specimen number” of the Randolph
It was
a small four-page sheet, five columns to a page, and
Dickerman,
Transcript and Norfolk County Advertiser.
was sold for “one dollar per year . . . in advance in
all cases.” Samuel P. Brown, the editor, in an edi-
torial headed “ Our Terms and Intentions,” said that
the “specimen number” was issued as a sample of
“the paper which it is proposed to publish weekly
in this place, if it is recognized by the public as sup-
RANDOLPH.
203
plying a want which we are told exists here.” There
was little or no local news in the “‘ specimen number,”
its reading-columns being mostly filled with miscel-
laneous selections. Among other paragraphs was one
relative to the inauguration of President Buchanan,
and another giving a list of the members of his eabi-
net. As usual with old newspapers, the advertise-
ments of the 7ranscript are more interesting to one |
who glances over its faded and time-stained pages |
than is the reading matter. The local ‘ads.” are
those of B. G. Veazie, who apparently not only dealt
in newspapers, stationery, etc., but also in “some of
the best three- and one-cent cigars ;’’ James Maguire
& Co., boot manufacturers; P. Gifford, tailor; C.
Morton, Jr., dealer in dry-goods, etc.; Seth Mann, |
2d, insurance agent; EK. A. Allen, M.D.; George
Fowkes, harness-maker; Daniel Howard, boot manu-
facturer ; J. Litchfield, Jr., “dealer in groceries and
ready-made clothing ;” J. Clark, market; S. White,
dealer in papers, periodicals, and ‘“ confectionary ;”
Darius Payne, auctioneer; A. Townsend, dealer in
dry-goods; James K. Nash, jeweller; William Cole,
Jr., expressman ; J. L. Brown, painter. An adver-
tisement headed “ Randolph Liquor Agency’’ an-
nounced that the selectmen had “appointed Dr. E.
A. Allen as town agent for keeping and selling
spirituous and intoxicating liquors for medicinal,
chemical, and mechanical purposes only.”’ Two pe-
titions to the selectmen for the laying out of new
streets were also published.
Apparently Mr. Brown met with encouragement
in his new venture, for “Vol. I., No. 1,” of the
Transcript appeared promptly on the following Sat-
urday,— March 28, 1857. This was the first news-
paper venture, so far as known, ever made in Ran-
dolph.
On April 2, 1859, Mr. Brown changed the name
of his paper to the Randolph Transcript and New
England Advertiser, and also increased the yearly
subscription to one dollar and fifty cents. It con-
tinued to be published by this title until April 7, |
1860, when the original name was once more placed
From June 14, 1862,
only small supplements were issued for seven weeks,
at the head of the first page
but not numbered in the volumes, which again began
regularly on Aug. 2, 1862, with No. 12, Vol. VI.;
but on August 23d of that year Mr. Brown announced
its discontinuance. On August 31st of the same
year it was revived, under the name of the Randolph
Advertiser, and printed on a small sheet at fifty cents
ayear. It was enlarged April 4, 1863, and on October
10th of the same year it was discontinued. Its
valedictory was as follows:
| and we shall never forget them.
“Six years and six months we have published this paper,
though never a source of profit.
patrons, we will say that as much has been done by some of
them for the encouragement of a local paper as is done in any
place.
erous.
In taking leave of our
They have been more than just,—they have been gen-
By words and deeds they have cheered and helped us,
As to the community gen-
erally with whom we have come in contact, we have had from
it our share of commendation and condemnation; probably of
the former as much as we deserved—the latter we will forget,
or try to, as much as cannot be made beneficial for us all to
remember.”
Mr. Brown, on Jan. 7, 1865, issued a new series
of the Transcript and Advertiser, and on July 8th
enlarged it. The price per year at that time was one
dollar and fifty cents. On October 1st the paper
changed hands, Mr. Joseph Jones becoming editor
and proprietor.
Norfolk Register, and fixed the price at two dollars
per annum. July 5, 1867, Elmer W. Holmes suc-
ceeded Mr. Jones; March 19, 1869, Stillman B.
Pratt and David S. Hasty became editors and pro-
prietors, under the firm-name of Pratt & Hasty ;
April 22, 1871, E. Marchant assumed control; Aug.
19, 1871, it passed to Ichabod N. Fernald; Jan. 20,
1872, E. Marchant again took charge; Oct. 5, 1872,
Charles M. Vincent became editor and proprietor,
and remained as such until March 15, 1873, when
he was succeeded by Mr. Daniel H. Huxford, who
changed the name to the Norfolk County Register
He changed the name to the Last
and Holbrook News, and who still remains “ at the
helm.”
been twice enlarged, being now a handsomely-printed
Under his management the Register has
thirty-six-column sheet, and has become prosperous,
A well-managed “ Holbrook
department” is one of its features.
Societies.—Freemasonry in Randolph dates back
Rural
Lodge, the pioneer Masonic organization of the town,
was organized June 8, 1801, and of Masonry 5801,
A. L. From the original charter (signed by John
Boyle, Senior Grand Warden; John Soley, Junior
Grand Warden; and John Proctor, Grand Secretary )
the following extract is made:
newsy, and entertaining.
to the beginning of the present century.
* *K * K * * K *
“Know ye, therefore, that we, the Grand Lodge aforesaid,
| reposing special trust and confidence in the prudence and fidel-
ity of our beloved brethren above named, have constituted and
appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint
them, the said William P. Whiting, Thomas Bb. Wales, Jona-
than Wales, Jr., Thomas French, Jr., Joshua Niles, Elihu
| Bates, Isaac Walker, Eleazer Beals, Ephraim Wales, John
Turner, Theophilus Wentworth, Isachar Snell, and William
French, a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under
the title and designation of the Rural Lodge, hereby giving and
granting unto them and their successors full power and author-
ity to convene as Masons within the town of Randolph, in the
204
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Norfolk and Commonwealth aforesaid, to receive and
enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts and raise Master Masons,
upon the payment of such moderate compensation for the same
as may be determined by the said lodge. Also, to make choice
of a Master, Wardens and other office-bearers, annually or
otherwise, as they shall see cause; to receive and collect funds
for the relief of poor and distressed brethren, their widows or | Lodge of Massachusetts for a charter
children, and in general to transact all matters relating to Ma-
sonry which may to them appear to be for the good of the
craft, according to the ancient usages and customs of Masons.” |
The lodge was temporarily organized on the even-
ing of the day when the members received their
charter, as follows: W. M., William P. Whiting; S.
W., Jonathan Wales, Jr.; J. W., Thomas French,
Jr.; S. D., Joshua Niles.
mittee was chosen to purchase jewels and other
necessary articles for the lodge.
At this meeting a com-
The next meeting
was held June 23d, and the lodge completed its per-_
manent organization. A short time after a contro-
versy arose respecting the building of a hall, and as a
|
result a majority of the members withdrew in January, | j :
| The lodge continued to meet at the above hall until
1802.
or eight persons.
This action decreased the lodge to some seven
During 1803 some four new mem-
bers joined ; but just as the lodge seemed to have new
life imparted to it it again became embarrassed by the
un-Masonic action of the Master, and Jan. 31, 1803,
he was expelled. Ata meeting held April 4, 1803,
a new code of by-laws was accepted, and the mem-
bers who had previously withdrawn rejoined the
lodge, ‘‘ having become satisfied that the lodge would
now act in harmony.”
made, as follows:
W., Thomas French, Jr.; J. W., William French ;
Treas., Jacob Niles; See., Simeon Alden.
In November, 1803, the sentiment of the lodge
appears to have been in favor of a remoyal to Quincy,
A new choice of officers was
|The above lodge met June
making some arrangements for the formation of a
lodge in their own town. At this meeting Brother-
Simeon Alden was chosen moderator, and Brother
Royal Turner scribe. A committee was chosen to
present a petition to the Most Worshipful Grand
On June 9,
1819, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge
to the following charter members: Royal Turner,
Ephraim Wales, Luther Thayer, Jr., Robert Shank-
land, Samuel French, Isaac Spear, Leonard Alden,
Timothy Dorman, Samuel Thayer, Jr., Horatio B.
Alden, William French, and Joshua Niles, with full
powers and authority to convene as Masons in Ran-
dolph under the name of Norfolk Union Lodge.
22, 1819, at the hall of
Brother Silas Alden, in the building now occupied
by the post-office, printing-office, and periodical store,
and chose the following officers: W. M., Royal Tur-
ner; S. W., Ephraim Wales; J. W., Luther Thayer.
1824, afterwards meeting in the hall of Brother Seth
T. Thayer, hall of Brother David Jacobs (now
Howard House), Shankland’s hall, Hiram Alden’s
hall, hall on North Street (old meeting-house), and
the present hall (Jones’s block).
The following brothers have served as Worshipful
_ Masters since the organization of Norfolk Union
W. M., Jonathan Wales, Jr.; S. |
| John Johnson, 1828;
| Wales, 1830-32;
and a petition to that effect, presented to the Grand |
Lodge, called forth the following dispensation :
“ To all the Fraternity to whom these presents shall come:
“Know ye, that on a petition preferred to the Grand
December, 5803 (1803), by the officers and members of Rural
Lodge, for permission to hold that lodge in future in the town
of Quincy, in the County of Norfolk, which by the within
charter was established to be held at Randolph, in said county ;
“Tt was unanimously voted to grant the prayer of the
petitioners, and that Rural Lodge should hereafter hold their
meetings in the town of Quincy only.
“By order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
“* Attest.
*‘Joun Procror,
© Grand Secretary.”
Thus Rural Lodge went to Quincy, and there it
has since remained and _ prospered.
20%
Lodge: Royal Turner, 1819-20; Timothy Dorman,
1821; Luther Thayer, 1822; Aaron Prescott, 1823—
25; Ephraim Spear, 1826; George Clark, 1827;
B. L. Wales, 1829; John
Robert Shankland, 1833-34; B.
L. Wales, 1835-37; B. L. Wales, 1855-56; J.
White Belcher, 1857-63; John B. Thayer, 1864—
66; Cyrus Morton, 1867 ; Henry H. Packard, 1868-
Frank Morton, 1871-72; Samuel A. Bates,
1873-74; Frank Morton, 1875; J. Tisdale South-
worth, 1876-77; N. Everett Buck, 1878-80; Car-
| roll A. Thayer, 1881-82; Henry A. Belcher, 1883.
Lodge of Massachusetts, on the evening of the I2th day of |
Of those who served as Masters previous to 1837
all but one, Bradford LL. Wales, are now deceased.
From 1833 to 1837, owing to the continued perse-
cution of Masonry caused by the so-called Morgan ex-
citement, but a few regular communications were held,
_ and in December, 1837, the charter of Norfolk Union
On the evening of Jan. 22,1819, a few of the |
brothers of Rural Lodge, residing in Randolph, met
at the residence of David Jacobs for the purpose of |
Lodge, in common with those of many other Masonic
lodges, was surrendered to the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge.
the members passed away, but in 1855 the true spirit
During the next eight years many of
of Masonry, which had lain dormant in the hearts of
the few remaining members, kindled with a new life,
and seven members petitioned the Grand Lodge for
the return of the charter; and at the December meet-
ing of the Grand Lodge in that year the charter was |
returned, and a new era commenced in the history of |
Norfolk Union Lodge. At the communication held
in January, 1855, Bradford L. Wales was chosen
Worshipful Master; Isaac Spear, Senior Warden ;
E. S. Conant, Junior Warden. From 1857 to 1866,
under the administration of Brothers J. White
Belcher and J. B. Thayer, many names were added
to the roll of membership; but many others, who
were called to serve their country in the late Rebel-
lion, left to return no more.
From 1866 to the present time the lodge has pros-
pered, having on its rollof membership two hundred and
eighty-four names since the organization of the lodge,
with a present membership of seventy-five.
Masters who have served since 1855, the lives of all
but one (Cyrus Morton) have been spared, and they
are to-day active members and workers in the lodge.
Rising Star Lodge, No. 76, I. O. O. F., was organ- |
ized May 24, 1845, on which date the first meeting
was held in the office of John King, Esq., a lawyer.
This meeting was a preliminary one, and was called
to organize the lodge, choose officers, and adopt a
constitution and by-laws. The second meeting was
held on June 3, 1845, at which time Rising Star
Lodge was instituted, and the following officers in-
stalled by officers from the Grand Lodge of Massa-
chusetts: N. G., Hiram Alden; V. G., John King ;
Sec., R. W. Turner;
Samuel Clark; C., William D. Daggett; O. G.,
Joseph 8S. Rollins; I. G., Samuel M. Soule; R.S.
Treas., Caleb Stevens; W., |
RANDOLPH. 205
Name. From To
ean i (Jan. 17,1850 July 1, 1850
William’ Jacobs) ss<.s--.c.---s<5 | July 20, 1857 Tani. crease
| Meonatd SPoole.. -cncstccoscsss c-- July 1, 1850 Jan. 6, 1851
| Goring We Thayers...<cre--0-- Jan. 6, 1851 July 7, 1851
| Richard Stevens................4 Jan. 5, 1852 July 19, 1852
ZiCNAS SNOW scscosessessiqsasecsen =: July 19, 1852 Jan. 3, 1853
His CS Whittemore... ..2.0060=5-- Jan. 2, 1854 July 17, 1854
SO! PUN CL :s.sacastseaceseeet-- July 2, 1855 Jan. 14, 1856
(July 7,1851 Jan. 5, 1852
George N: Jiohnson..2.<...t2-.:.: + Jan. 14, 1856 July 14, 1856
Jan. 7, 1861 Jan. 6, 1872
(Api shy Unb July 20, 1857
[ BmoshS=8 Miuloont-ses.-+.n esses: J July 2, 1860 Jan. 7, 1861
( Jan. 12, 1863 Sept. 12, 1864
ete (Jan. 4, 1858 July 12, 1858
| William S. Handly.............. | July 14, 1862 raed 6, 1862
Wit y As Ticker: oi iicecte. aes Jan. 3, 1859 July 11, 1859
ora ( July 11, 1859 July 2, 1860
Bee Gatton ds eectscescueeces cece asses fake 9, 1866 Jan. 17, 1867
Danforth Thayer:............-+-- Jan. 6, 1862 July 14, 1862
| OHM Gere OOlecesetiescsccessecees July 15, 1867 Jan. 6, 1868
Of the | LANG Maintiel dy sces. cess siecicenese July 6, 1868 Jan. 4, 1869
Jis Be Hathaway <nccon-seccsceeece Jan. 4, 1869 July 12, 1869
{ May 12, 1869 Jan. 3, 1870
|) EsraelPS Beal. ccecstsecesieseest cae (Jan. 6, 1873 July 7, 1873
IMM Aldon. wcrc; scceosscses.ccs Jan. 3, 1870 July 11, 1870
Roy alle Mis i haa erseccccdecses seis: July 11, 1870 Jan. 2, 1871
|) Eiphraime Mamticccs.: -s.c-oesess Jan. 2, 1871 July 10, 1871
Warren M. Babbitt...........:.. July 10, 1871 Jan. 1, 1872
Ae Se. Jan. 1,1872 July 1, 1872
| (George |S: Wilbur:..--:.-.....:.. ee 12, 1875 Jan. 3, 1876
Jae phe Liv OUS e.g ccscecees -osces Jan. 1, 1872 Jan. 6, 1873
Niodialiva. Wee (OE Nd oe oecrccesueccooe: July 7, 1873 Jan. 5, 1874
Ti : e Jan. 5, 1874 July 6, 1874
George Wi. Hawes....:.s0ssese \5an 4, 1875 July 12” 1875
James WiaiWDite-2..c-.scccccenes Juiy 6, 1874 Jan. 4, 1875
AVGNDeanen sls eee July 10,1876 . Jan. 1, 1877
Q : . (Jan. 1, 1877 July 2, 1877
S. Edgar Burrell).:....:.00.....+> Jan. 5, 1880 July 12, 1880
Daniel Hy Huxtordcs...2-cs.se July. 2, 1877 Jan. 7, 1878
| Hred= Wh, Dyeri..-crs: -c-cceses6 Jan. 7. 1878 July 1, 1878
| (Wiales’ Rrenchic.e: tet ctscceces se July 1, 1878 Jan. 13, 1879
[ASSEN Ghiaxere corse tse. fterscas. Jan. 13,1879 Jan. 5, 1880
WAR DW = Hamiltonbssess.ce-cesecess July 12, 1880 Jan. 3, 1881
William Am Croakkiste:-...-sc-.ce Jan. 3, 1881 Jan. 9, 1882
| Eleniy He moned desecce..ss cues ece Jan. 9, 1882 July 10, 1882
| John EH. Nickerson.............. July 10, 1882 Jan. 1, 1883
| Wioseph, Belcher2s..c.25..0.se-c0e Jan. 1, 1883 July 9, 1883
HdwinB. Hooker... <cccs..ss-s July 9, 1883 Date.
N. G., Levi Mann (2d); L.S.N. G., J. P. D. Wil-
ease. 6: Vi: G., Levi Mann; L.'8:-V.G.,Seth T. |
King; Investigating Committee, Levi Mann (2d),
Caleb Stevens, Samuel M. Soule; Scene Supporters,
George Jennings, William T. Cooper.
The present officers, for the term beginning Jan.
7, 1884, are: N. G., Edwin B. Hooker; V. G.,
| Chas. H. Thayer; Rec. Sec., Frank N. Deane; Per.
Below is a list of the Noble Grands of the lodge |
| Thos. Stetson; Conductor, Geo. W. Hawes; O. G.,
| H. H. Bromade; I. G., M. Norton Hunt; R. S.N,
since its institution, with their terms of service :
Name. From To
PAITRINWANC ON sccsesis sa eas/ooseseebs June 3, 1845 Oct. 7, 1845
SOM AKAD 5.0 c.astens severe sence ces Oct. 7, 1845 Jan. 6, 1846
(Jan. 6,1846 April 7, 1846
| July 17, 1854 Jan. 15, 1855
> J , ,
WaALlEDIStSVCUSs. soisc0ecseessascber 1 Jan. 22, 1866 July 9, 1866
(Jan. 3, 1876 July 10, 1876
e (April 7,1846 July 7, 1846
Tewie Mann: (2d))\.c.c<sseieeae vases | Oct. 6, 1846 Tek 5, 1847
See Dy WOIKINS sescacecesoteccs July 7, 1846 Oct. 6, 1846
(dog 5, 1847 July 6, 1847 |
, Jan. 15, 1855 July 2, 1855
J ?
Daniel Howard ........ rieees eves 1 Sept. 12, 1864 Tain 22 1866
| Jan. 14, 1867 July 15, 1867
Mim Hap IMeCnen ds. 2o.cgsc05 scteees2 July 6, 1847 Jan. 3, 1848
pammuel, Clark. 1... .catssosssssces Jan. 3, 1848 July 3, 1848
Ralph Houghton................. July 3, 1848 Jan. 1, 1849
(Jan. 1, 1849 July 2, 1849
Barnard Greene..............-.+ | July 14, 1856 Bed x 1857
(July 2, 1849 Jan. 17, 1850
} July 11, 1853 Jan. 2, 1854
g 4 ’
Orlando Pendergrass............ 1 July 12, 1858 Jan. 3, 1859
|Jan. 6,1868 July 6, 1868
Sec., A. L. Chase; Treas., Chas. E. Lyons; Warden,
G.,S. Edgar Burrell; L. 8S. N. G., H. H. Shedd; R.
Ss. V. G-., Geo: A. Rayne ; L..S: Vz G., H. 1. Spear:
R. 8. 8., Chas. Middleton; L. 8. 8., Saml. A. Foster ;
Chaplain, Elmer L. Willis.
The lodge is now in a very prosperous condition,
numbering over one hundred members.
building which it occupies.
Randolph Lodge, No. 524, Knights of Honor, was
instituted March 22, 1877. The present officers are:
P. D., Ira E. Beals; D., Weston P. Alden; V. D.,
George B. Bryant; A. D., Nelson E. Knights; C.,
Gustavus Thayer; G., Cyrus N. Thayer; R., Daniel
B. White; F. R., Minot W. Baker; T., Charles H.
Belcher; G., William W. White; S., George B.
It owns the
206
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Nichols. It has a membership of fifty-six, and is in
good working condition.
Union Lodge, No. 435, Knights and Ladies of |
Honor, was instituted May 13,1881.
It is now off- |
cered as follows: P. P., Mrs. Geo. W. Holbrook; P., |
Mrs. Geo. W. Hawes; V. P., Mrs. Royal W. Thayer ;
S., Mrs. M. W. Baker; F. S., M. W. Baker; C.,
Miss Helen M. Houghton; T., Mrs. Wate Lyons;
G., Mrs. H. H. Bromade; G., Mrs. Nelson KE. |
Knights; 8., Cyrus N. Thayer.
Webster Council, No. 451, Royal Arcanum, was
instituted March 17, 1880. The Regents have been
as follows: 1880, Charles EK. Higgins; 1881, Daniel
H. Huxford; 1882, George H. Wilkins; 1883,
William A. Croak. Present officers: R., Henry L.
Belcher; P. R., William A. Croak; S., Walter H.
Lyons; C., Edward H. Bromade; T., Franklin W.
Hayden; G., William B. Brown; C., Lewis S.
Paine; W., Walter M. Howard; S., Frank E. Fay; |
M. E., Dr. Frank C. Granger; R. to G. C., Wm. A.
Croak ; Alternate, George H. Wilkins.
In addition to these, there are several other tem-
perance and social organizations in the town, all of
which are flourishing and doing a good work.
The Randolph Choral Society merits a word by
the choral society has enjoyed upwards of thirty
years of useful life.
generally some of the best music by the best masters,
—such, for instance, as Haydn’s “ Creation,’ Men-
delssohn’s “St. Paul,” Mozart’s ‘‘ Twelfth Mass,” and
Haydn’s “Seasons.” The society visited both the
great ‘‘ Jubilees” held in Boston in 1869 and 1872,
with one hundred members.
Dr. Ebenezer Alden was president and Mr. John B.
Thayer, a widely-known musician, chorister. Mr.
?
The members have practiced |
At that> time the late
through the region, and has caused to be erected in
their stead the great factory buildings of the present
day. Formerly, the work went to the workman;
now, the workman goes to his work. In the old
days a man who had learned the trade of shoemaker
knew all about the details of manufacture, and could
turn out, with his own hands, a complete article of
footwear. To-day the workman of the shops knows
only his particular branch, and is practically ignorant
of all others. He is a small cogwheel in a great
machine, instead of being, as formerly, the thorough
Years ago it was
customary for shoemakers to travel miles to Randolph
after ‘ stock.”
master of all parts of his trade.
They would load up with the roughly
cut “raw material,” and take it away to their re-
Spear; V. R., L. Morton Packard; O., Joseph |
Thayer filled the latter office acceptably for upwards |
of twenty years. Dr. Alden was succeeded in the
presidency by Mr. Alfred W. Whitcomb. The
present officers are: President, Hon. Winslow Bat-
tles; Vice-President, John B. Thayer; Conductor, L.
F. Brackett ; Secretary, George C. Spear.
ent membership is about seventy.
Business.—Randolph was one of the pioneer ‘“ shoe
The pres- |
towns” of the State, and the business of manufactur- |
ing boots and shoes still remains her chief industry.
It dates back to the beginning of the century, and
one cannot help being impressed, on looking back- |
ward over the years, with the vast improvements and |
changes which have taken place. Machinery has
done it all.
shoemakers’ shops which were formerly scattered all | Georgia and others of the Southern States.
Machinery has swept away the little |
Sometimes, when it
was more convenient, several of these shoemakers
would jointly occupy the same apartment, and work
spective homes for completion.
as a separate “ gang,” which was the nearest approach
To Ran-
dolph came workmen from widely scattered towns,
to the factory system of the present time.
_ often many miles distant, seeking for work to be done
at their homes. It is an interesting fact that at the
period to which allusion is made the present flourish-
ing ‘shoe city’ of Brockton (then the little village
g ry. g
| of North Bridgewater) paid tribute to Randolph, and,
itself. Music has always flourished in Randolph, and |
together with the remaining villages of the old town
of Bridgewater, as well as the Abingtons, Hanson,
Halifax, Weymouth, Braintree, aud other towns, sent
thither her shoemakers for employment. The quality
of the leather used in shoemaking then was as much
superior to that now employed as the clumsy appearance
| of the manufactured product was inferior to the stylish
footwear of the present year of grace. Everything
was done by hand. The men did the heavier work,
while in almost every house the ‘ women folks”
turned an honest penny by “ fitting” or “ siding’ boots,
7.e., sewing up the side-seams of the legs with waxed
| thread, holding the boot, meanwhile, fast in a pair
| of wooden “ clamps.”
As there were no railroads,
shipments were slow and uncertain. It was common
enough for a man to load boots into sacks and carry
them into Boston on horseback.
Mr. David Burrell, still hale and hearty at eighty-
two, and himself one of the pioneer boot and shoe
manufacturers of the town, said to the writer, recently,
that he well remembered that during the war of
1812, when the presence of British cruisers off the
Atlantic seaboard made shipments by water unsafe,
men would load ox-teams with boots (the latter being
placed in empty molasses hogsheads), and in that
primitive fashion make their slow way southward into
The same
RANDOLPH.
octogenarian, when asked to name the first shoe manu- |
facturer of the town, gave the name of Capt. Thomas
French as being, if not the earliest, certainly one of |
the very first. He had a tannery, located on the site |
of the present residence of Mr. Jonathan Wales, and |
manufactured shoes to some extent. Other early |
manufacturers were Isaac Thayer, Silas Alden, Elea-
zar Beal, Alden & Tolman, Howard & Niles, Seth |
Mann & Co., Burrell & Maguire, John Alden, Hiram —
Alden, Luther Thayer, Oliver Leach, William Abbott,
David Parker, Levi Mann, Mann & Odell, Charles
McCarty, Wales Wentworth, James Littlefield, James
A. Tower, Samuel French, Henry Bass, John Wales, |
John Belcher, Ezra Thayer, Alexander Strong, Dan- |
iel Howard, Alfred W. Whitcomb, Matthew Clark & |
Co., Mann & Sawin, Jonathan W. Belcher, ete.;
while of more recent date are J. Warren Belcher,
Howard & French, F. Clark & Co., Charles H. How-
ard, and George H. Burt & Co. Other firms there
were, and are; but as the present article does not |
attempt to serve the purposes of a gazetteer or of a |
directory, no attempt will be made to make the list
scrupulously complete. |
More than passing mention should be made, how-
ever, of the present firm of George H. Burt & Co.,
which is considerably the largest in the town at the
present time, employing some three hundred hands, oc-
cupyiug two connecting factories (the largest being one
hundred and sixty-two feet in length), and manufac-
turing from twenty thousand to twenty-four thousand |
cases of fine calf boots per year. The business was
begun by Alexander Strong in 1849, and he con-
tinued a partner in the business, either active or
silent, until his death. His son, Edward, was also
identified with the business for many years, withdraw-
-
Ing some two years ago.
Mr. Sidney French was
the firm’s agent in charge of the factory until about
1871, when Mr. George B. Bryant, the present agent, |
succeeded him. , The concern has other factories in
the “‘ shoe towns” of Marlboro’ and Brookfield. The
pay-roll at the Randolph factory is from twelve
thousand to fifteen thousand dollars per month.
Mr. Charles H. Howard, who manufactures fine
boots and shoes, is quite an old established manufac-
turer, and like the other principal remaining manu-
facturers, Howard & French and F. Clark & Co., does |
a prosperous and increasing business.
The following interesting boot and shoe statistics
are taken from the census of 1880:
Number; of: estab lishinents:..-...csc--.-2s6sassesiosccesass sesesense 26
Employés (male) over sixteen..........s0ccescsccssscecveves tovceess 649 |
ad (female) MOVED SEXECON!ces.cc-sccccceraclesescesssiosssscese 82 |
Total wages paid Curing year.........i-+.2-coecceoee soceee $300,843 |
Capitallifinviestedanasestasesscedssrecse=sseceosesecae’sscneer cons 153,600 |
| machines—* Fire-King,”
_ ciency.
1
| Royal Turner, 1818, 1821-24,
207
WUD Kea S CUS es ex cou cverse\seseetactsseccesssionstacevciescus. Vesswe $721,450
Waltievoinproducts.:-...cccesns<+--selerocacceria-aecs (secousssaes 1,163,300
The boot and shoe shipments for 1883 were 38,000
cases.
The firm of J. W. Pratt & Co. is an old and pros-
perous one. Calf shoe-laces are a specialty, while a
large business in leather remnants is also done. Over
one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of work is an-
nually turned out.
Messrs. George ©. Spear & Co., who deal exclu-
sively in leather remnants, have built up a heavy and
growing trade, their goods being exported to a con-
siderable extent.
Fire Department.—For years the town has main-
tained an efficient fire department. The old hand-
‘“‘ Fearless,’ and “ Inde-
pendence’ —have, however, been replaced by two
steamers, an extinguisher, and the requisite hose and
hook-and-ladder companies. In years past nearly all
the prominent men of the town had belonged to the
department, and had “run wid der machine”’ to fires
_ with youthful ardor, in order to assist at “ breaking
her down” according to the fashion of the times.
The present department is in a high state of effi-
Mr. C. A. Wales is chief engineer.
Statistics.—It has seemed most convenient and
appropriate that certain statistical information respect-
ing the town be grouped under a single general head.
The subdivisions will be clearly indicated.
The following-named persons have served the town
'as selectmen from its incorporation in 1793 to the
present time (January, 1884):
Joseph White, Jr., 1793-98, |
1800-4.
Dr. Ebenezer Alden, 1793-94.
John Porter, 1829-30.
Henry B. Alden, 1829-34.
Joshua Spear, Jr., 1831-32,
Micah White, Jr., 1793-1817. | 1835-38.
| Samuel Bass, 1795-98, 1800, David Blanchard, 1831-32,
1802-4, . 1834, 1852, :
Thomas French, 1799,1 1805- | Zeba Spear, 1833-34.
Ete Jonathan White, 1833.
Zacheus Thayer, 1801.
Jonathan Belcher, 1804.
Joseph Porter, 1807.
Nathaniel Spear, 1808.
Jonathan Wales, Jr., 1812-17.
Jacob Whitcomb, Jr., 1813.
Joseph Linfield, 1814-17, 1822
-25.
Seth Mann, 1818-24,
Zenas French, Jr., 1835-49.
Samuel Thayer, 1835-38.
Benjamin Richards, 1839-44.
Isaac Tower, 1839-51.
Aaron Prescott, 1845.
Jonathan Wales, 1846-50.
Bradford L. Wales, 1851-53.
Archibald Woodman, 1852.
John T. Jordan, 1853.
J. White Belcher, 1853-55,
1861-72.
Seth Mann (2d), 1854-57, 1859
-60, 1862-64, 1872-73, 1876.
Thomas White, Jr., 1854-55,
Jacob Whitcomb, 1856-60,
1867-68.
828-30.
1828.
Zenas French, 1818-21.
Luther Thayer, 1819-20.
Horatio B. Alden, 1825-27.
Thomas Howard, 1825-27.
Lewis Whitcomb, 1826-28.
1 Resigned May 2d.
208
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
.
.
Ephraim Mann, 1856-57.
Horatio B. Alden, Jr., 1858-61,
1868-72.
Lemuel §. Whitcomb, 1858,
1861-63.
John Adams, 1864-66.
Nathaniel Howard, 1865-67.
John Underhay, 1869-71.
| John T. Flood, 1873-82.
-79.
Sidney French, 1876, 1880.
Daniel Howard, 1877-79.
Royal T. Mann, 1880-83.
John Berry Thayer, 1881-83.
Lufus Albert Thayer, 1883.
The following-named persons have served the town |
as town clerk and treasurer up to the present time |
(January, 1884) :
Samuel Bass, 1793-98, 1800-6.
Zacheus Thayer, 1799, 1807-8.
Jonathan Wales, Jr., 1809-22.
Royal Turner, 1823-28.
Henry B. Alden, 1829-34.
Alvin Kidder, 1835-38.
Bradford L. Wales, 1839-43.
Eleazer Beal, 1844-53.
-76, 1880-83.
Henry Stevens, 1864.
| Charles C. Farnham, 18
ard
bbb
9.
In 1840 there was published a plan of Randolph,
In the right-
map was some letter-press
Under the
was the following array of
from surveys made by H. Beal, Jr.
hand upper corner of this
giving a few facts respecting the town.
head of ‘“ employments”
statistics, which is not without interest at the present
day:
“ The chief manufacture is that of boots and shoes.
In 1837 there were made 200,175 pairs of boots, and |
470,620 pairs of shoes and brogans, of the estimated |
value of $944,715
this business 804 males and 677 females. The occu-
pations of the heads of families (1839), some of |
whom are females, are as follows: The whole num-
ber of families in town is 677; of these, 464 are |
boot and shoe makers ; 60, farmers ;
45, laborers; 23, carpenters; 6, millers; 5, butchers ;
4, stone-cutters; 4, tailors; 3, wheelwrights; 3,
blacksmiths ; 2, harness-makers ; 2, painters; 2, cur-
riers; 1, landlord; 1, cabineramteley ; 1, brick-maker ;
1, cooper; 1, basket-maker ; Of the me-
chanics, 40 are engaged during the summer in farm-
1, sailor.
emi-
Fifty of the families, taken as they rise,
250 inhabitants, whose 23
ing. Of these mechanics and laborers, 58 are
grants.
|
number average age is
years.”
Under the caption “literary,” the old map said,
“ Randolph Academy was incorporated in 1833, and
its average number of scholars is from 80 to 100.
James A. Tower, 1874-75, 1877 |
Hiram C. Alden, 1854-63, 1865 |
There were then employed in |
48, merchants ; |
|The academy, the Athenzeum, and the societies—even
that with the ponderous name—have for a long time
been extinct.
CENSUS OF 1880.
Number of families.............. Se 930
Number of; diwelllinesisscsscco-ncssyseaceseeerereee 771
Number of native born persons... 3264
Number of foreign born persons.. de saciateasenrene 763
Number of persons who cannot write, aged
ten years and upWards.............csececeee 153
Number of persons who cannot read, aged
ten years and UpWATdS...........scescerocens 106
|
| POPULATION.
|
| Year. Number. | Year. Number.
LB O03 Pine chiccssecsncenccuocee WO2ZT |wlS55... 1.2 coveted ocendmeneee 5538
UBMO te secassocdaccsecesescesens TE 0y| USC 0L. cneceeeotecesieceemeee 5760
|, ABZ eo ceeacdessctenvsacneeesee LOAG i! VS65.cccccsoectonse aoerenomeee 5374
USS Ocecsceescnceevscusecsscs e200) MUST Ouest ot. eee 5642
USA i osceccescscicsecssescacrs 3Z13)i|| T8i7iscccoespesecccseene coreesen 4064
USS OY e.Secseciscnsslees sebeeees ATTAIN T8805 55 choesenesercenereeee 4027
TOWN DEBT. c
Year Amount. Year, Amount
LS (0 gas. aeseeeeseO,020220) Si (avessescsoneeas $17,564.13
LST letiseastecsteees 67,373.96 Wii Si seccee sceeets 36,555.24
USD. csicosie co's sonics 59,909.42 NB Qe vcceesseseeeee 39,055.24
SW aieceseccseeen tes 39,940.90 W880) ccesccvsr doses 41,138.00
BTA oseacaleesecs 37,506.66 USS cc scesteeceees 24,328.64
USDiscscscscsonssse Zoo LOnLD: 1882. 24,736.51
US Giszreesscoeeses 21,619.45 Do ema iobin-c 19,751.09
1884 (as estimated Feb. 1, 1884) BECECOOIGO0 AOD ssoeee 14,000.00
VALUATION,
Year. Real. Personal. Total. ee
| US TO Me eeace $1,454,190 $1,426,800 $2,880,990 $17.00
TST ivesesess, 15485,020 500,950 1,985,020 20.00
1872......... 1,378,000 971,050 2.349.050 13.00
MST Scccercess 1,382,960 632,765 2,500,105* 13.00
1,420,420 622,690 2,611,860F 14.00
1,441,840 619,390 2,652, 795+ 14.00
1,453,900 650,610 2,558,9267 12.60
1,464,030 665,125 2.552,041.54+ 12.00
1,467,680 646,120 2.449 422. 80+ 12.00
‘ 1,461,350 628,440 2 ,460, 838.557 15.00
88 1,469,550 609.490 2°523,990,08+ 14,00
1881 1,468,300 601,320 2 5 53, 702.48} 17.00
WES Z ic ccsssse 1,471,350 584,900 2 5495,002.95+ 16.00
T1SSaie 1,453,800 563,580 ——_-2,017,380.00t 14.20
* In 1873, the year after the setting off of Holbrook from Randolph,
there was included in the total valuation here given four hundred and
eighty-four thousand three hundred and eighty dollars of bank and
corporation stock owned by residents of Randolph, and taxed by the
State.
+ Including bank and corporation stock.
t Does not include bank and corporation stock.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The Athenzum has 202 volumes. The Philoa- |
lethian Society has 230 volumes. The Female Read- |
ing Charitable Society has 228 volumes. The |
schools for different parts of the town are 10. The |
number of scholars in 1838, from 4 to 16 years of
age, was 840; and in 1839 the scholars were 911.
The amount raised by tax for public schools the latter
year was $1900, and the sum for 1840 is $2000.” |
EBENEZER ALDEN, M.D.1
The subject of this sketch was born in what is now
the town of Randolph, Mass., March 17, 1788. At
the time of his birth this territory constituted the
southerly precinct of the ancient town of Braintree,
and was organized into the Tou EEN: of Ran-
1 By Rey. Increase N. Tarbox, D.D.
RANDOLPH.
209
dolph in 1793. An ecclesiastical parish had been
formed here May 28,1731. On the 8th of June,
1881, corresponding in the new style with the date
above mentioned, the church at Randolph celebrated _
its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary with appro- |
priate and deeply interesting services. Had this event
occurred in the days of Dr. Alden’s strength and
activity, no man would have borne a more prominent
part in it than he, for this was a field in which he
was especially at home. As it was, the manuscripts
and published articles which he had left behind be-
came the chief sources of information for those who
took the principal parts in this commemoration.
Throughout the services his name came up continually
as authority for statements made, and was mentioned |
always with gratitude and love.
Dr. Alden was of the seventh generation from |
John Alden, of the ‘ Mayflower.’ The line of suc- |
cession from this honored founder, as traced by him-
self and gathered from his volume entitled “The
Alden Memorial,” is as follows :
Of the eleven children of John and Priscilla (Mul-
lens) Alden, the second was Joseph, who was born in |
Plymouth in 1624. In early manhood he became a
citizen of Bridgewater.
Of the five children of Joseph and Mary (Simmons)
Alden, the second was Joseph, who was born in 1667.
He was known as Deacon Joseph, and lived in what |
is now South Bridgewater.
Of the ten children of Deacon Joseph and Hannah
(Dunham) Alden, of Bridgewater, the eldest was |
Daniel, who was born Jan. 29,1691. This Daniel
remained an inhabitant of Bridgewater for a time,
and then removed to Stafford, Conn.
Of the eleven children of Daniel and Abigail |
(Shaw) Alden, the second was Daniel, who was born
Sept. 5, 1720. This last Daniel lived in Stafford, |
Conn., in Cornish, N. H., and in Lebanon, N. H.,_
where he died. He was known as Deacon Daniel.
Of the twelve children of Deacon Daniel and Jane |
(Turner) Alden, the fifth was Ebenezer, who was born |
at Stafford, Conn., July 4, 1755.
Of the three children of Ebenezer and Sarah (Bass) |
Alden, the eldest was Ebenezer, the subject of this
sketch, who was born (as previously stated) March
7, L788.
_His mother, Sarah Bass, was also a lineal descendant
of John Alden, of the ‘‘ Mayflower,” in the line of
Ruth, his daughter, who married John Bass, of Brain- |
tree, son of Samuel Bass, deacon of the First Church
in Roxbury. By the same line the family was con- |
nected with the Adams family of Quincy, the mother |
of John Adams, the second President of the United |
14
States, being a descendant of Ruth, the daughter of
John Alden.
Going back now a single step, let us make our de-
parture from the first Dr. Ebenezer Alden. The track
over which we have just traveled will serve to show
that he came of a religious stock. He was educated
at Plainfield Academy, Connecticut, and having pur-
sued his medical studies with Dr. Elisha Perkins, was
invited, in due form, to settle in the South Parish or
Precinct of Braintree. He was called there in 1781,
as the man the people had chosen for their physician,
| just as the Rev. Jonathan Strong, D.D., a few years
This was a
good old New England custom which we have now
outgrown. It was just one hundred years from the
later, was called to be their minister.
| coming to Randolph of the first Dr. Ebenezer Alden
to the death of the second. These two men, in the
qualities of their intellects and their characters, were
_in many respects alike, though the son had enjoyed
_ larger opportunities for general and professional edu-
| cation than the father.
When Dr. Alden, Sr., died
at Randolph (of typhoid fever), Oct. 16, 1806, his
pastor, Rey. Dr. Strong, said of him, “The duties
of his profession he discharged with reputation to
himself and great usefulness to his employers. His
circle of business, though small at first, gradually in-
creased until it became extensive. Asa physician he
was remarkably prudent, attentive, and successful.
| During the latter part of his life his advice was much
| sought and respected by his brethren of the faculty
in his vicinity. No physician in this part of the
country possessed the love and confidence of his pa-
This was evident from the
universal sorrow felt at his decease.”
His own son, in “ The Alden Memorial,” says of
tients to a higher degree.
him, “ He was eminently a child of the covenant, his
parents and grandparents and theirs on both sides
| down to the first ancestors who came in the ‘“ May-
flower,” having been members of the Congregational
Church ; and, so far as is known, having honored
their Christian profession.” Not only was he an able
physician with a wide and increasing practice, but he
was also a medical teacher. Quite a number of young
| men were prepared by him for the medical profession,
some of whom became eminent. He was cut off by a
_ deadly fever just when he was rising into special
He fell in the
very strength of his days, at the age of fifty-one. His
son was blessed with a life protracted to an unusual
prominence as a man and a physician.
| degree.
The childhood and youth of the son were passed,
therefore, in a home of intelligence and Christian worth.
He grew up amid the associations and traditions of
210
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the old style of medical practice, when the country
physician compounded his own medicines and carried |
them with him in large variety to suit the various exi-
At that time the homes of
the people were widely scattered; the roads were
gencies that might arise.
rough and hard, and in the plain country towns
apothecaries were almost unknown. ‘To do business
in any proper and efficient way, the physician must
have his medicines and his instruments always with |
him.
The year after Dr. Alden’s birth, ze. in 1789,
the Rev. Jonathan Strong, D.D., was settled in the
parish as colleague pastor with the Rev. Moses Taft, |
who had been in office there for nearly forty years, |
and was now in the feebleness of age. Mr. Taft died
two years later, in 1791, when Dr. Strong remained
sole pastor till his death, in 1814. Dr. Strong was
therefore the minister of Randolph through all the |
The Rev. Thomas |
Noyes, of Needham, in the American Quarterly Reg- |
early years of Dr. Alden’s life.
ister, vol. viii. p. 54, says of him, “ Dr. Strong’s labors
were much blessed in three revivals during his minis- |
try, in which he numbered more than two hundred
The
Massachusetts Missionary Magazine and the Panoplist |
converts. His influence was extensively felt.
were enriched with his productions. He was one of
the editors of the former work, and a trustee of the |
Massachusetts Missionary Society from its formation
till his death.” From his earliest years, therefore, Dr.
Alden received that bent of character which brought |
o
aD)
him, all his life long, into close and living sympathy
with the church and with all our great religious insti-
tutions.
influence to Dr. Strong. In a place such as Randolph
It is fair to credit a good measure of this |
was at that time the families of the minister and the
physician would be closely united. Especially would
this be so when the physician himself was a religious
man, and closely identified with the church.
One hundred years ago schools to fit boys for col-
lege were rare. This educational work was largely
Some of them, here and
Dr. |
Nathan Perkins, of West Hartford, Conn., Dr. Samuel
Wood, of Boscawen, N. H., and many others, became
done by settled ministers.
there, had family schools for this purpose.
noted teachers, though they had parish cares also con-
tinually on their hands. Young Alden, in preparing for
college, pursued his studies under the direction of his
minister.
Dr. Jonathan Strong was a native of Bolton, Conn.,
born in 1764.
was a farmer. When the boy was eight years old the
family removed to Orford, N. H. Dr. Eleazer
Wheelock had just then gone up to plant his |
His father was of the same name, and |
Indian Charity School in the woods of New Hamp-
shire, and so to lay the foundations of Dartmouth Col-
lege. Here young Strong was educated, graduating
with honor in 1786. He became a man of much
more than usual mark in his generation. Quite a
large number of the early graduates of Dartmouth
were from Kastern Connecticut, and especially from
the towns of Lebanon, Hebron, Bolton, Coventry,
Windham, ete., where Dr. Wheelock was familiarly
known and much admired. Jonathan Strong went
from Bolton, and was graduated at Dartmouth in
1786, and three years after was settled in Randolph.
Young Alden was made ready for college at the
age of sixteen, and entered Harvard in 1804, gradu-
ating in 1808. After finishing his college course he
went to Dartmouth College to study medicine. Using
his own language, as copied from ‘‘'The Alden Memor-
ial,” he “ pursued his professional studies with Nathan
Smith, M.D., at Dartmouth College, where he re-
ceived the degree of M.B. in 1811; then attended
the lectures of Drs. Rush, Barton, Wistar, Physick,
and others, in Philadelphia, and received the degree
of M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in
1812. He settled as a physician in his native
town.”
His father had died in 1806, while he was in col-
lege. Had his father been alive, very likely the
medical education of the son would have gone on
Other men resorted to that home
for their medical education, and it would have been
largely at home.
altogether natural that he should have done the same.
As it was, he was fully educated professionally, and
entered upon his work under happy auspices at the
age of twenty-four.
Six years later, April 14, 1818, he was united in
marriage to Miss Anne Kimball, daughter of Capt.
Edmund Kimball, of Newburyport. She was born
June 14, 1791.
Dr. Alden was now fully launched upon his life-
work, and by degrees came to fill the place which the
father had left vacant, until at length he more than
filled it. By virtue of his superior education, both as
a physician and surgeon, and by his native powers and
faculties, eminently fitting him for success, he was
widely known and recognized as a leading member in
his profession. Not only was he thoroughly in-
structed in matters pertaining to his special calling,
but he had also an innate love for studies historical
and ecclesiastical. He grew to be a prominent Con-
eregational layman, and his knowledge and experience
in this department were often called into use. He
was a Pilerim of the Pilgrims, and he understood well
the difference between the Congregationalism that
RANDOLPH. 211
came over in the “‘ Mayflower” and that which early
prevailed in the Massachusetts Bay and was embodied, |
He found |
in 1648, in the Cambridge Platform.
great satisfaction in tracing out the way by which the
latter style of church polity was gradually displaced
in New England and the former brought to the front.
The writer well remembers the pleasure Dr. Alden
had, between twenty and thirty years ago, in a new
edition of John Wise’s famous book, “The Church
Quarrel Espoused,” and what measures he took to
promote its circulation. He recognized in the Rev,
John Wise—settled 1683-1725 over the Second
Church, Ipswich (now Essex)—one of the stoutest
defenders of the liberty of the New Hngland churches
as against the dominating power of the ministers. | It
was in 1710 that the above book was first published,
and it was largely through this volume and another
from the same pen published in 1717, entitled ‘‘ A |
Vindication of the Government of the New England
Churches,” that a healthier direction was given to
New England Congregationalism.
Dr. Alden was a bibliophile, and early began to be
a collector of rare books and pamphlets, especially
those appertaining to the civil and ecclesiastical his-
tory of New England. He built up a choice private
library at a time when such enterprises were not so
common as now. That library still remains, and
doubtless contains many specimens, in the shape of
pamphlet and bound volume, which the collectors
would call precious nuggets.
have thus been briefly noticed that Dr. Alden was long
ago recognized as a ‘‘wise master-builder” in our |
ecclesiastical and educational departments, and for the |
last forty or fifty years (until laid aside by blindness
and extreme age) he has been an active worker in
It would probably be difficult to
find another man who has been identified with so
many religious and educational interests for such long
ranges of time. The year after his marriage, 7.e., in
1819, the first Sabbath-school was organized in Ran-
dolph.
these connections.
He was chosen its superintendent, and con-
In 1827
he was made one of the trustees of the Massachusetts
Home Missionary Society. He held this office by
re-election and performed its duties for forty-two
years, until 1869. In the year 1837 he was chosen
one of the trustees of Phillips Academy and of An-
dover Theological Seminary. This office he retained
forty-four years, till his death, though in his later
years he was not able to attend the meetings of the
trustees. For forty-one years, from 1840 to his
death, he was one of the corporate members of the
tinued in the office for nearly forty years.
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis-
From 1841 to 1874 he was a trustee of Am-
From 1842 to 1867 he was a director
of the American Education Society.
There was another class of organizations for which
he had a lively sympathy, and with which he was in
active co-operation. He had a strong love for anti-
quarian and genealogical pursuits, and especially as
they appertained to the origin and growth of New
England. In all these connections he was an indus-
trious worker. He early became a member of the
American Antiquarian Society of Worcester. He
bore a prominent part in the formation and growth of
the American Statistical Association.
sions.
herst College.
He became a
member of the New England Historic-Genealogical
Society in 1846, the year after its organization, and
soon after its present building was erected in Somerset
Street, paid, of his own good-will, five hundred dollars
towards the librarian fund. With all the early move-
ments toward the formation of the Congregational
Library, now grown to fair proportions, he had the
most cordial fellowship and participation.
Then, again, as a prominent member of the medical
profession, he was brought into quite another set of
associations. He was connected with medical socie-
ties, county, State, national, not as a mere looker-on
or listener, but as one who contributed interesting
papers and valuable information for their meetings.
Of an observing and studious mind, he held also the
_pen of a ready writer, and took special delight in
It was because of such tastes and tendencies as |
adding to the general stock of human knowledge.
Still, again, he was a bold and aggressive worker
in the temperance movement, especially in its earlier
days, and before it had become so intermingled with
party politics. He was for many years known as a
public lecturer upon this subject, and, from his estab-
lished character as an able physician, his lectures
carried with them unusual weight.
Then, in addition to all his other talents and ac-
tivities, he was a singer, and took a lively interest in
Through the whole of his public life
in Randolph he was a leader and organizer in this
department, and this love continued with him to the
In the year 1869, at the time of the National
Peace Jubilee in Boston, the writer well remembers
a brief interview with him as he was about to enter
the great building erected for the concerts on the
back bay.
had his singing-book under his arm, and entered into
the whole business with the enthusiasm of youth.
He was at that time eighty-one years old. Of the
creat multitude of singers who made up the chorus
for that first jubilee, he was, without much doubt,
church music.
last.
He was one of the chorus singers, and
>)
_
21
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the oldest, but he yet carried with him a large meas-
ure of the zeal and energy of his earlier years. He
made one of the vastly larger chorus in the Inter-
national Jubilee of 1872, being then eighty-four years
old.
Not long after this his eyesight began to fail him,
and little by little the shadows of night gathered
about him, until at length he was wrapped in total
darkness. His last years were passed in the quiet of
his home and in the society of his kindred and
neighbors. But with the eye of his mind he still
watched the goings-on of the great world, and was
interested in all passing events. He died Jan. 26,
1881, aged ninety-two years, ten months, and nine
days.
The wife of his youth had passed away ten years
before, April 14, 1871.
These are the Rev. Ebenezer Alden, born Aug. 10,
Three children survive him. |
1819, who was ordained a Congregational minister in |
1845, and spent five years as a pioneer home mis-
sionary in Lowa, being a member of the “ Towa
band.” Since 1850 he has been the pastor of the
First Congregational Church in Marshfield. While
he was yet young in the ministry, he had as one of
his parishioners no less a man than Daniel Webster,
and it fell to his lot in 1852 to conduct the simple
funeral services of the great statesman in the Webster |
mansion at Marshfield. It was like Mr. Webster to
prefer that his funeral should be in the plain New
England fashion, and should be conducted by his
country minister.
mund Kimball Alden, D.D., who was ordained to the
Congregational ministry in 1850, and, after serving
for some twenty-six years as Congregational pastor at
Yarmouth, Me., Lenox, Mass , and in Phillips Church,
|
The second son is the Rev. Ed- |
Dr. Alden was connected in his life came up before
him for remembrance in this final disposition of his
property, such as the American Board, the Massa-
_chusetts Home Missionary Society, the American
College and Educational Society, the Seamen’s Friend
Society, Amherst College, Iowa College, Phillips
Academy, the American Antiquarian Society, the
American Statistical Association, the New England
Historic-Geneaological Society, the Congregational
Library, Stoughton Musical Society, ete.
We have already implied that Dr. Alden was a writer
as well as a busy actor, but most of his writings
were of a kind to servethe purposes of the passing
time, and cannot well be reported in a paper like this.
Nevertheless, he has left behind some published works
in the shape of pamphlets and books, among which
are the following: ‘“ Address before the Dartmouth
Medical Society,’ Boston, 1820; “ Medical Uses of
Alcohol ;” “ Tribute to the Memory of Deacon Eph-
raim Wales,” Boston, 1855; “ Historical Sketch of
| the Origin and Progress of the Massachusetts Medi-
_eal Society,’ 1838; ‘Tribute to the Memory of
Deacon Wales Thayer ;” ‘“ Tribute to the Memory of
Mr. Samuel Whitcomb ;” ‘‘ Early History of the Med-
ical Profession in the County of Norfolk, an Address
before the Norfolk District Medical Society,” Bos-
ton, 1853; ‘Memoir and Correspondence of Mrs.
Mary Ann Odiorne Clark,” Boston, MSS., 1844;
|“ Memoir of Bartholomew Brown, Esq.,” Randolph,
1862; ‘“ Memorial of the Descendants of the Hon.
John Alden,” 1867; enlarged 1869, octavo, pp. 184.
Some of these publications required a large amount
of labor and careful study. For example, ‘ The
Early History of the Medical Profession in the
| County of Norfolk” involved brief biographies of the
Boston, is now one of the secretaries of the American
|
Board.
There was another son, Henry Augustus, |
born Aug. 8, 1826, who became a civil engineer and |
died June 9, 1852. There were three daughters, of
whom Mary Kimball died Aug. 18, 1860, and Anne
Kimball died Dee. 28, 1854.
Sarah Bass Alden, now occupies the homestead at
The remaining one,
Randolph, and has had the care of her father in his
declining years.
Dr. Alden left a memorandum indicating his gen-
eral wishes as to the disposal to be made of his prop-
not in the
erty, which was considerable. It was
shape of a mandatory will. He constituted his three
surviving children his executors, but, confiding in |
their judgment, gave them certain discretionary
powers that they might decide matters according to
the circumstances of the case at the time of his death.
Almost all the societies and institutions with which |
| various localities.
numerous physicians of the county during the earlier
generations, a work to be accomplished only by much
correspondence and patient research,
But these few publications would give only a faint
idea of all that he accomplished by his pen. In a
local paper he published a long series of articles on
the history of Braintree and Randolph, going into
the business minutely, taking up the several portions
_ of the territory, and tracing the early families in their
Indeed, he was the local historian,
the public chronicler of Randolph, and, to a large ex-
tent, of the region lying around.
By his intellectual character, as also by his large
enterprise and activity, he was a man to come to the
front wherever he might happen to live, and bear a
large share in human affairs. The totality of life
within him was greater than in ordinary men, and
it was natural for him to put himself forth in thought
RANDOLPH.
213
and action. Hence through the long years of his
active life he was intensely busy, aiming to fill his
place punctually and thoroughly in all his multiplied
relations. Though connected with so many societies
and associations, hardly any one was more likely to
he.
In the year 1861, July 3d, occurred in Braintree
the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination and settle-
ment of Dr. Richard 8. Storrs. The occasion was
one of very marked interest, both from the eminent |
character of Dr. Storrs himself, and from the con-
spicuous men who took prominent part in the ser-
vices.
followed the Rev. Dr. Park in the exercises of the
afternoon. The presiding officer of the day was the
Rev. Richard S. Storrs, Jr., of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
in introducing Dr. Alden he said, ‘‘ We have heard of
the ministers of Braintree; Dr. Alden will give us, op clerical.
from his knowledge and his personal recollections, a
true sketch of the people of the town, and of their
former manners and life.”
From this address of Dr. Alden we will, in conclu-
sion, select two or three passages, which will illustrate
more perfectly than any general description can do the
style of the man and his manner of thought. He
said,—
“T have been requested to present some ‘reminiscences of
Braintree fifty years ago,’ by which I understand in the olden
time; but with a special caution to be very brief—‘ ten minutes
better than an hour’—as if by any necromancy it were possible
to bring up not only Samuel (Rev. Samuel Niles), but three
generations of his people, and cause them to pass before you
Nev-
ertheless, as it was my privilege to commence professional life
with him and sometimes to prescribe for him, it is but reason-
able that I should now consent that he prescribe to me; which
I do not only cheerfully, but thankfully, because it affords me
opportunity publicly to express the respect I have long enter-
tained for him and for his people.”
like a moving panorama at the bidding of your minister.
But in the first place it was needful to give the
boundaries of the place which he was going to de-
scribe, and these were as follows:
“The ancient Brantry was bounded north by Neponset
River and Massachusetts Bay ; east by Narraganset; south by
the Old Colony and ‘terra incognita’ long in dispute; west by
Punkapog and Unguety—including the present towns of
Braintree, Quincy, and Randolph. Monatiquot, or modern
Braintree, was bounded north by Merry Mount; east by Iron-
Works’ line; south by Cochato and Scadin Woods; west by
the Blue Hills, extending, in the dialect of Father Niles,
‘from Dan to Beersheba.’”’
Dr. Alden had in this address a somewhat lengthy
and graphic passage on the singing question, as it was
discussed in the churches before the middle of the
o f rf
Among the last named was Dr Alden, who | which belonged to Elisha Niles, Esq., youngest son of the
be present at their recurring business-meetings than hibited in this conflict.
last century. Throughout almost every part of New
England the fierce discussion went on, and many
churches were well-nigh rent asunder by the violent
feelings awakened. The beauty and majesty of
ancient New England conservatism are strangely ex-
The effort was to bring the
people out of the miserable droning habit of singing
| four or five tunes only, and that by rote, and to teach
them to read music so that they could sing all tunes
Dr. Alden said,—
“The evil became so intolerable that Rev. Thomas Walter, by
request of several ministers of Boston and the vicinity, pre-
pared and published, in 1721, a musical manual and tune
book. And here is a copy of it, the identical one
by note.
minister and executor of his estate. The names of twenty-two
of the most eminent clergymen of the colony are attached to
the recommendatory preface. But the name of Samuel Niles
isnot there. He insisted upon the ‘old way’ and his own way.
Nor would he yield the tithe of a hair to any solicitations, lay
“Meanwhile some of his people had provided tune books,
and were bent on ‘making melody to the Lord’ by note. Then
came the ‘tug of war.’ Original sin, with which the pastor
was familiar, and afterwards wrote a treatise upon it, as he did
upon ‘ Indian Wars,’ broke out into actual transgression. The
people assembled for public worship, but no minister came.
They sent him word that they were all ‘ present before the Lord
to hear all things which were commanded him of God.’ He
responded that he would not preach in the meeting-house unless
they would sing by rote; and he invited all who were so dis-
posed to repair to the parsonage, where he would preach, and
they might sing ‘in the old way.’ Council after
council convened without success to settle the controversy. At
| length, all parties having become weary, the last council, more
fortunate, if not more sagacious than the rest, came to this
| unanimous, most profound, and successful result, which was
adopted, but never, so far as I can ascertain, recorded on the
church books: ‘ Voted that the council recommend to the
pastor and church at Monatiquot, that in conducting public
worship they sing part of the tune by note, and the rest of the
tune by rote.”
There were probably a great many churches in
New England where the old system of rote singing
went out at last by some such compromise as_in this
case.
We might give other interesting
this address, but these will suffice as examples of
Dr. Alden’s manner, and with these we conclude our
passages from
| article.
The following address was delivered at the funeral
service by Rev. John C. Labaree, pastor :
“A patriarch among us has fallen. He has died in a good
old age, an old man, and full of years, and is gathered to his
fathers. We have long regarded him as avenerableman. Yet
we are surprised to find how far back we are carried by this one
It covers a period longer than that of our Amer-
ican Republic. When Dr. Alden was born the first President
of the United States had not been inaugurated, nor the Federal
Constitution ratified.
extended life.
214
ge \ al
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“For those primitive times the circumstances of his early life
were very favorable. His childhood was largely spent in the
noble old mansion of his father’s, which till lately formed so
His education was carefully
He passed from stage to stage in his studies till he
familiar a landmark in our town.
attended to.
returned to his native village to take up the profession of his
father, and unfold that strong and striking character which now |
stands before us in its completeness.
“By nature our honored friend was richly endowed. He |
would have been a man of mark in whatever calling in life he |
might have chosen. His mind was clear and acute, broad and
masculine; his perceptions were quick, his judgment discrimi-
nating, his will strong.
and rigorous discipline of his powers.
Providence gave him was faithfully improved.
To nature’s gifts he added a careful
The material which |
His habits of
thought were excellent; his study of a subject was systematic
and searching ; his cross-questioning worthy of a trained law- |
yer. He went to the heart of amatterand brought his mind to
a decision he did not often have to reverse. His improvement |
of time, his methods of investigation, his orderly and patient
arrangement of knowledge, his readiness in recalling what he
wished to use, his conscientious care in reaching a conclusion,
furnish a fine model for young men, whether in business or
literary pursuits.
‘But his mental powers were not those to which our friend
gave the most interested attention. His mind was directed at
an early period to the claims of religion. Always respectful to
the subject, he came at last face to face with the personal duty of |
repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was a serious hour, a bitter struggle,—one to which he re-
At that |
time, as he believed, he learned a lesson, never to be forgotten,
of human depravity and divine grace.
ferred, not often, but always with very tender feelings.
His long and unalter-
able devotion to the Saviour and the teachings of Scripture bear
Witness to the genuineness of the change he had experienced.
He united with this church in 1816, at the age of twenty-eight |
years. From that period the enlargement of Christ’s kingdom
in the world was the object to which he devoted his talents.
His whole life confirmed the interest with which he sang the
hymn,
‘Tlove Thy Kingdom, Lord,’
“The church of Christ was to Dr. Alden as a citadel which
he was appointed to aid in strengthening and defending. He |
thoroughly studied its necessities. Its weak points and its |
grand strategic points were well understood by him. The call
for defensive and aggressive warfare he heartily responded to.
He loved the work. Nothing else in life was of so much account
to him.
“ He perceived that if the church of God is to prosper, the ut- |
most care must be paid to the family. By counsel and example
he impressed this principle. His own home he sought to make
a model Christian home. Its hours of prayer and praise he
With him it
was a strong point that family worship should not be merely
loved, and held sacred from every interruption.
formal, but interesting and instructive. And he was accus-
tomed, with great plainness and tenderness, to encourage Chris-
tian parents to special fidelity in all the duties of household
piety. He also felt the need of some method of religious in-
struction additional to that generally enjoyed in the family.
And the suggestion of the modern Sabbath-school was, therefore,
cordially welcomed by him. In 1819 he organized the school
in this church, For thirty-nine years he continued its superin-
tendent, and then as a teacher held his place for a score of years
longer.
“From the home and the Sabbath-school Dr. Alden followed |
with special interest the youth who entered on a course of |
| and meetings of the church.
| they were seeking.
higher education. That the church should pay most careful
attention to her future pastors and teachers and educated men
was to him self-evident. He entered into the study of meth-
ods of education with his accustomed energy and thoroughness,
And he was thus introduced to one of the most important spheres
of influence which Providence called him to fill. His services as
a member of the Board of Trustees of Phillips Academy and the
Theological Seminary at Andover, and of Amherst College, are
by the nature of the case but little known to the world. They
will be alluded to by one especially qualified to speak of them.
But we know something of the intelligence and fatherly solici-
tude with which he followed young men through school, college,
The day of ‘ prayer for colleges” was always an
occasion of much interest in the Randolph Church, and one to
which our friend was ever ready to contribute stirring words
and fervent prayers that the Lord of the harvest would send
Hehad a peculiarly kind feel-
From
his wide professional experience he had seen how great are the
and seminary.
forth laborers into his harvest.
ing for young men who had chosen his own profession.
opportunities for good open to the Christian physician.
“Young ministers were sure of a welcome to his home and
heart. He entered into their plans with zest. Were they to
remain in New England, or to plant new churches in the grow-
ing West, or to seek yet more distant fields of labor among hea-
then nations, he followed them all with love and prayer. Their
trials, their reverses, their progress were watched by him with
intelligent sympathy as he studied the missionary reports of
theday. These organs of home and foreign work have had
few more constant and appreciative readers for the past fifty
years.
“The Home Missionary Society and the American Board
were objects of his special interest. He gave efficient aid in or-
ganizing and maintaining among the churches of the Norfolk
Conference the Palestine Missionary Society formed in 1820, one
of the earliest auxiliaries of the Board.
““Meanwhile his own home church was never neglected by
reason of his many broader fields of influence. He gave to it
the energy and enthusiasm of his young manhood, and for sixty
years it has been strengthened by his counsels and example
and prayers. He loved the sanctuary, and all the ordinances
Long professional rides were
often necessary before services, and again after services were
over, but they were always timed so as to give him the calm
enjoyment of the house of God. His seat vacant, signified to
all that some case was very critical. And for years after he was
wholly deprived of sight one of the greatest comforts in bis
affliction, and which he would not readily forego, was to be led
to his familiar seat in the church twice every Sabbath day. The
silent influence of such an example has reached many hearts.
Those who did not believe as he did, yet cherished a silent re-
spect for his fidelity to his convictions and his strength of pur-
pose.
“By the members of the church, it is not invidious to say, no
one of their number was regarded with so great veneration and
affection as Dr. Alden.
He possessed a rare knowledge of the Bible, an ex-
Few were so well qualified to advise and
encourage.
tensive and accurate acquaintance with theology, a profound
personal experience of religious truth, a deep insight into hu-
man nature; adding to these attainments his wide intercourse
with men, his relation to many societies and institutions, and
his rich endowments of mind and heart, and we see that he was
fitted in an unusual manner to guide and instruct the church.
Many an anxious inquirer has he wisely directed to the Saviour
Christian friends, beset with temptations
or perplexed with doubts, have often found in him the safe and
sympathizing counselor they needed. His visits as “the be-
RANDOLPH.
215
!
loved physician” were doubly prized by numerous families to
whom he was enabled to bring peace of mind as well as healing
of the body.
“Tn his earlier days Dr. Alden did hard but very useful work
as a pioneer in the cause of truth. He was an earnest advocate |
of foreign missions when the subject was but little understood.
He introduced the Sabbath-school when there was much preju-
dice against it. He was an outspoken friend of total abstinence
when such a position was extremely unpopular. He aided many
a good cause in in its infancy and weakness, which has now
grown strong in the hearts of the people. He found them feeble,
he has left them vigorous.
isfaction. He could see that the world has grown better since
first he knew it, and he rejoiced. He did not, indeed, indorse
every modern idea of professed reformers; some of them he
stoutly refused to accept; yet he spoke of them with charity.
Instead of the characteristics which often come with age, he
seemed to us to grow more gentle and mellow. He was clothed
His words fell with more
love and tenderness, and all felt that he was ripening for his
home above.”
Hon. Alpheus Hardy, of Boston, delivered the fol-
lowing remarks at the funeral service :
with increasing wisdom and grace.
“Tn the death of Dr. Alden a strong and vigorous light has
Its rays were not confined to this
town or to this vicinity; it was far-reaching, healthful, and
helpful in all its influence.
“Tt is now nearly thirty years since I first made Dr. Alden’s
acquaintance. I was invited by his friend and my friend, the
late Rev. William A. Stearns, president of Amherst College, to
take a seat as one of the trustees of that institution. Trained
as I had been to a business life, I hesitated to accept the po-
sition, to step within the circle of Christian education, and
might not, had not Dr. Alden so kindly and so encouragingly
taken me by the hand and given me a warm welcome. We
were at once made colleagues on the finance committee, and
thus I began to know of his fidelity and conscientious dis-
charge of his duty. There as at Andover, where we were
similarly connected on the Phillips Academy board of trus-
ceased to burn on earth.
tees, he was scrupulously exact in the discharge of every duty.
It was not enough that the treasurer reported sundry funds as
in hand, but he must see them, and verify every item. He did
not accept the position as trustee for the small honor such an
election conferred, but to attend the meetings promptly and
meet every varied duty as work he had assumed and that must
be accomplished. His judgment was sound and leading.
firmness was tempered with kindness.
differed from others, were given with manly courtesy. At
Andover, where I met him most frequently, he was ever faith-
ful, shrinking from no toil.
marks of fidelity; he pored over them as conscientiously as
over his Bible.
“The Academy, no less than the Seminary, shared his care;
his thoughts were for the boys as well as for the more ad-
Those old rusty ledgers bear his
vanced students.
those who were to fill our pulpits, to be our legislators, and
exert an influence in the world; in the true spirit of the found-
ers of that school he would have their hearts cultivated, while
the head was educated, and would have religion and education
go hand in hand.
“Tt has been reported by the press that he had resigned his
position as trustee at Andover; true, but his resignation was
too highly, and respected him too much to sever his relations;
they would have him die as he did in the harness.
Their progress gave him great sat- |
“Por a professional man he had, largely, business habits,
habits of exactness, application, fidelity, frugality, the condi-
tions of success. His views of Christian duty were as broad as
the Gospel plan; he drank of its living fountain. He was alive
to the elevation and salvation of men in all lands and all climes.
I have rarely met a man whose whole being was so permeated
with the idea of loyalty toduty. This one thing I must do, and
do well, was his constant aim.
pressed in the spirit of the beautiful hymn, commencing,
The tenor of his life was ex-
“°A charge to keep I have—
A God to glorify.’ ”
ALEXANDER E. DU BOIS.
Alexander Edson Du Bois was born in Braintree,
Vt., March 22, 1801, and was the second child of
Joseph and Polly (Spear) Du Bois. Joseph Du Bois
was the son of a ship-carpenter of Huguenot descent,
and was born in Providence, R. I., Aug. 1, 1775.
He was educated as a physician, and practiced his pro-
fession for many years in Vermont with marked suc-
cess. Polly Spear was born in Randolph, Mass., Aug.
7, 1778, and was the daughter of Jacob Spear, who,
with others of his townspeople, settled in Vermont
while his daughter was very young.
At the beginning of this century our New England
villages did not afford the facilities for education
which they now do, so that the subject of this sketch
_ had very limited opportunities during his boyhood of
' entered the store of Turner & Tolman as clerk.
His |
His opinions, if they |
He realized that within their ranks were |
He often worked for
the neighboring farmers, and took pleasure in thus
being able to add to the family income, as the pro-
fession of a country physician was far from lucrative
when a fee for a visit was only twenty-five cents, and -
At the
age of twenty-one he came to Randolph, Mass., and
Mr.
Du Bois won the confidence of his employers, and in
a few years entered into partnership with Col. Royal
Turner, and still later carried on the same business
himself with good success. He was honest and just
in his dealings, and gained for himself a well-deserved
gaining knowledge from books.
gal knowledge from book
patients were widely scattered over the hills.
reputation as an upright man in every relation of life.
His good judgment and deep interest in all that
concerned the welfare of the town made him an ex-
cellent citizen. His townsmen’s appreciation of these
qualities was shown by his election as a member of
important committees chosen to advise on questions
Mr. Du
Bois was one of the committee appointed in 1833 to
provide for the establishment of the Randolph Acad-
relating to the varied interests of the town.
; _emy, also a member of the committee which presented
not accepted. The board of trustees appreciated his services |
to the Legislature in 1835 a petition of the citizens
to have a bank incorporated in the town. For some
216
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
years he was a fire warden, and was always much in-
terested in the laying out of new streets, and in what-
ever else tended to promote the growth and prosperity
of Randolph. He was made deputy sheriff of Nor-
folk County in 1839, and held the office a number of
years, and also received a commission as justice of the
peace. Mr. Du Bois was one of the directors of the
Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In 1825
he became a Free Mason, and afterwards held various
offices in the lodge of which he was a member.
Notwithstanding the limitations of his youth, he
by self-education became a man of more than ordi-
nary attainments, and his advice and assistance was
much sought in the settlement of estates and in other
legal matters. His keen sense of justice and clear
insight into human nature, together with his strong
persuasive powers, made him an excellent arbiter, and
he was often called upon to adjust difficulties between
individuals. Mr. Du Bois took a deep interest in
young men struggling to establish themselves in busi-
ness, and was ever willing to give them assistance.
His kind and sympathetic nature led him to listen to
the needs of the poor, and they found in him a gen-
erous helper.
At the age of forty-three he united with the Bap-
tist Church in Randolph, and was ever an active and
consistent member of that body. He contributed lib-
erally to the support of the gospel in his own town,
as well as to the cause of home and foreign missions
and other objects of Christian benevolence. Ever
cherishing a deep love for his early home, the Baptist
Church in his native town, by his exertions, was re-
paired and occupied after having been closed for a
number of years.
Mr. Du Bois was married Oct. 18, 1827,
R. Tucker, daughter of James and Betsey (Withing-
ton) Tucker, of Stoughton, Mass. Their children
were George E., born Feb. 24, 1829, and Joseph N., |
_ upholding the arm of the nation, Cohasset has always
born Sept. 4, 1832. George E. Du Bois was married
Nov. 25, 1856, to Clara P. Fowler, of Danvers, Mass.,
and died Nov. 3, 1859, leaving one child, Ellen T.
Du Bois.
commission merchant in Boston. He led an upright,
For many years he was a boot and shoe
Christian life, respected and beloved by all who knew
him,
1867.
kind and generous in his nature, his genial disposition
winning for him many friends.
Mr. Du Bois died Oct. 19, 1862, after an illness
of a few days.
power in his last hours.
to Ellen |
Joseph N. Du Bois died, unmarried, May 6, |
He was also in the shoe business, and was |
_ long before this date.
His hope in Jesus was a sustaining
|
|
CHAPTER XIX:
COHASSET.
Pioneer History—Reference to Hingham—Heirs of the Sachem
Chickatabut—Deed from the Indians, July 4, 1665—The
Pioneers: Beal, Cushing, James, Lincoln, Tower, Sutton»
Bates, Kent, Nichols, Orcutt, Pratt, Stoddard—The First
Settlement—Its Location—Derivation of Name of Town—
Incorporation of Parish—Little Hingham—The Chureh—
Petition for Incorporation of Town—Opposed by Hingham—
Town Incorporated, April 26, 1770—Early Votes concerning
Schools—Votes concerning the Revolution—Cohasset’s Rep-
resentative at the Boston Tea-Party—Maj. James Stod-
dard—War of 1812—Shipwrecks, ete.
Ir is a natural and praiseworthy feeling that leads
the good men and women of New England to cele-
brate the day that marks the birth of each town, to
repeat the names of their fathers, and to trace the
steps by which each little independent community
has risen from the poverty and weakness of former
times to the wealth, prosperity, and comfort of the
present. The town government is the foundation of
the State; attendance on town-meeting and perform-
ance of town duties are precious training to the peo-
ple ; and the New England youth who has wandered
to the ends of the earth in search of fame or fortune
looks forward to the day when he shall cast anchor
near the old homestead, and hopes that, at last, his
dust shall mingle with the dust of his kindred.
One hundred years ago your fathers met within
these walls to receive the charter and to organize
the town of Cohasset. The careful antiquarian may
remind me that the word “district,” instead of
“town, was used in the act of the General Court,
for the reason that Cohasset was still joined with
But in
performing municipal duties, and in bearing munici-
Hingham in the choice of representative.
pal burdens, in the care of roads, of the poor and of
schools, in sharing the counsels of the State, and in
shown herself to be every inch a town. And if any
lingering doubts remain in your minds as to the style
of your loved municipality, you will be glad to know
that in 1786 it was enacted that all districts incor-
porated before 1777 should be, to all intents and pur-
poses, towns.
The history of the founders of Cohasset begins
For they were also among the
On Sept. 18 (O. 8.), 1635,
founders of Hingham.
| Peter Hobart and twenty-nine others drew lots for
homesteads, and thus organized that settlement, which
1The following chapter was contributed by Hon. Thomas
Russell, being an address delivered by him at the Centennial
Anniversary of the town of Cohasset, May 7, 1870.
COHASSET.
217
had been begun two years before by a few of Mr. |
Hobart’s townsmen from England. These earliest set-
tlers bore the names of Hobart, Jacobs, Smith, and
Cushing. Peter Hobart came, with his friends, from
Hingham, in Norfolk County, and, like many of the
early settlers, they gave to the new town the name of
their old home. In his diary we read this record:
“1635, June 8.—I, with my wife & 4 children came
safely to New England June ye 8, 1635, forever prazed
be the God of Heaven, my God & King.” Mr. Ho-
bart was a man of learning, of ability, and of zeal,—a
good specimen of the strong men who, in poverty and |
in danger, laid the foundations of the American Km- |
pire.
In the early annals of your parent town we find
much to remind us of their hardships. We read of |
bounties given for wolf-scalps ; of the meeting-house |
surrounded by palisades as a protection against sud-
den attack; of John Jacob slain by Indians in his |
wheat-field, in April, 1676; of five dwelling-houses |
burned during King Philip's war. Such was the |
welcome of your fathers to these shores. Such were
the perils they gladly bore for their faith.
The horrors of King Philip’s war have often been
sketched. The flames that were kindled at Swanzey
and Dartmouth rolled all over the land; the best
blood of the youth was poured out in the meadows of
Deerfield, by Turner’s Falls, and in the swamps of
Rhode Island.
Wonderful was the devotion that, unaided and alone,
No town, no home, no man, was safe. |
endured the fearful conflict.
As an illustration of the sacrifices of our ancestors, |
we read that the public debt of the neighboring
colony of Plymouth far exceeded the whole amount
of personal property in that colony. Well may the
historian feel pride in recording the fact that this
debt was paid, principal and interest,—paid just as it
had been agreed to be paid. Our fathers never
dreamed of repudiation. And this contract-keeping
people found favor with a covenant-keeping God.
This flourishing town was greatly disturbed by the
question of militia elections, and by a quarrel about
This
quarrel I pass by as more interesting to the people of
the location of the second meeting-house.
that day than to this generation. What interests us
most is, that the meeting-house was finally built in
1681, and that it now stands,—the oldest church edi- |
fice in the United States, containing beams that were in
the first meeting-house,—fragrant with old memories.
We love to believe that some of the earliest comers
to Massachusetts Bay have worshiped this
venerable structure, and to know that the first-
born of the Pilgrims may have sat within its wails.
in
| virtue from which all virtue springs.
Such thoughts bring us into the more immediate
presence of our fathers. Well for usif we could act as
in that presence and be animated by their spirit.
The militia excitement of 1644 and 1645 fills a
large space in the annals of Massachusetts Bay, and
for seven years disturbed the peace of Hingham. The
origin of this trouble was the election of militia cap-
_ tain, and the question involved was the right of the
people to choose for themselves, without the control
of the magistrates.
to by Deputy Governor Winthrop as tending to “ mere
Mr. Hobart’s course was objected
He and his associates were fined for
These fines
democracy.”
their turbulent opposition to the court.
_ were resisted, and for this resistance Mr. Hobart was
once more dealt with by the court. And when, at a
great wedding of a Hingham man, Mr. Hobart was
invited to preach in Boston, he was forbidden by the
magistrate, because, among other reasons, ‘“‘ he was a
bold man, and would speak his mind.” The people
stood by their pastor, paid his fines, and held him
always in higher esteem.
It is an honorable record for his many descendants
to read of their ancestor, that, two hundred and
twenty-five years ago, his views tended to pure dem-
ocracy, and that, being a bold man, he would speak
his mind.
made helped to forward the day when a brave son of
Hingham should receive the sword of Cornwallis at
Yorktown, and to that greater day when another
man of Hingham descent proclaimed that slavery in
Such assertions of equal rights as he
| America was forever at an end.
We lose our patience as we read the story of this
contest. We smile at the superstitious bigotry of
Winthrop, who finds a Providential interposition
when some Hingham men made light of the colony’s
fast, and, attempting to take a raft to Boston, were
delayed a month by bad weather. But while we
criticsie and smile, we should remember that Hobart
and his friends were believed to threaten the powers
of the rulers of the province, and that such threats
imperiled the right of self-government. We know,
also, that they were dreaded because they troubled
the churches, and those who troubled the churches
were believed to endanger souls. On both sides we
find error, on both sides sincerity,—the great manly
There have
been men of gentler disposition than Peter Hobart,
of more enlightened views than Governor Winthrop,
of more refined taste, of more graceful speech than
any of the Pilgrim Fathers ; but those men have no
New England for their monument.
Besides this internal strife, your fathers were con-
'stantly in danger from the savages and from the
218
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
enemies of England. They sent six men to fight
the Pequots in 1637.
French, the Dutch, and the Spaniards.
in the burial-place at Hingham are believed to be
relics of the Dutch fort.
and nine others perished in Sir William Phipps’ ex-
The mounds
pedition in 1690, one of the party being slain by the
Maj.
Samuel Thaxter and five other citizens of Hingham
enemy and the others dying of smallpox.
were taken prisoners at the fall of Fort William
Henry in 1757.
tured before the surrender of the fort, one of whom
Two Hingham men had been cap-
was put to death, and one of whom, Jeremiah Lin-
coln by name, escaped from captivity to lead an honor-
able and useful life.
of this expedition, lived to a great age at Leicester,
Mass. Capt. Joshua Barker was among those who
served the in 1740. For
these facts I am indebted to the careful researches of
in attack on Havana
that learned antiquarian, your neighbor and friend,
Hon. Solomon Lincoln.
aration for the great war of Independence.
These wars were a fit prep-
The
stories of the living and the memory of the dead
kept alive a martial spirit in the hearts of the colon-
ists,—even as the stories of "76 and the memories of
1812 prepared for the greater contest of our own day.
An interesting event in the annals of your parent
town was the obtaining of a deed of its territory from
the heirs of Chickatabut.
living on the banks of the Neponset, ruled over a
This powerful sachem,
ereat part of what is now Plymouth and Norfolk
Counties. He is supposed to have given permission
to the first settlers to make Hingham their home.
His sons, Wampatuck, Squmuck, and Ahahden,
deeded the whole tract which comprises Hingham
and Cohasset to Capt. Joshua Hubbard and Ensign |
John Thaxter, for the inhabitants, in 1665, on the
4th of July.
famous as the date of an infinitely greater charter.
That day was destined to become
The first mention of this locality in the town rec-
ords of Hingham is in February, 1647, when divi- |
sion of meadow land was made among the proprieters
at Conghasset. Not all of these proprietors, how-
ever, were residents of this territory.
Hingham settlers here are said, by Rev. Mr. Flint, to
have borne the familiar names of Beal, Cushing,
James, Lincoln, Tower, and Sutton.
joined the families of Bates, Kent, Nichols, Orcutt,
Pratt, and Stoddard. The first settlement is reported
to have been at Rocky Nook, and on the Jerusalem
road. The name of your town is said by some to
mean ‘“‘a fishing promontory,’ by others to mean “a
place of rocks.” Hither name would fit the place,
Knight Sprague, a survivor |
|
They armed against the |
|
|
Capt. Thomas Andrews |
| . °
assures me that neither of these is correct.
and either name would apply to Cohasset Narrows, in
Sandwich. Mr. Trumbull, the best living authority,
Unfortu-
nately, he cannot give the true meaning of the word.
It ig enough that Cohasset now means a place where,
for two hundred years, upright men have led honor-
able lives, and where an honest New England town
has flourished for a century.
In 1714 Hingham was requested in vain to remit
the school and ministerial taxes to this portion of the
old town.
quest, provided that Cohasset would settle an ortho-
dox minister, and accept this settlement of the matter
But the citizens of Cohasset voted that
they could not do so cheerfully. In 1717 an act of
the General Court was obtained creating a second
parish in Hingham; and on July 14, 1718, the act
was accepted at a meeting, over which Daniel Lin-
The meeting was called for Cohasset,
alias Little Hingham.
In 1715 Hingham voted to grant the re-
cheerfully.
coln presided.
This strange phrase is several
times repeated.
anything but honesty. Yet here it was applied to a
community as honest as ever breathed.
In 1719 a fast was appointed for the third Thurs-
Mr.
Pierpont was called at this time, and Mr. Spear in
the spring of 1721. But no one was settled until
September of that year, when Nehemiah Hobart be-
came pastor,
General Court for liberty te apply taxes to schools,
and in October, 1728, schools were established. In
1731 it was voted that the two arms of the district
To lawyers the word alias savors of
day of April, in order to give a minister a call.
In 1727 the precinct petitioned the
should each have its share of school money, Rocky
enough for twenty cords of wood.
The first |
Nook at one end, and the Beech-Woods at the other.
In 1740 the church lost its able and beloved pas-
tor, who was a worthy descendant of Peter Hobart.
His place was not filled without long delay, nor with-
One prop-
osition was to pay £400, old tenor, as settlement, and
out various attempts to fix proper terms.
£350 as salary, corn and rye to be taken at 15s. in
February, and beef at 10d. in November, with money
John Fowle was
for a short time the successor of Mr. Hobart, and
This able
preacher served faithfully for forty-five years, preach-
then Rev. John Brown became pastor.
_ing on the last Sabbath of his life, and dying at the
With these were |
|
|
1
Governor Hancock’s state visit to
Your town is
filled with traditions of his quaint sayings.
age of sixty-six.
him was a great event in Cohasset.
Serving
for one campaign as regimental chaplain in the Nova
Scotia expedition, he never lost his military spirit, and
his love of liberty made him a warm friend of inde-
pendence. When the mild and conservative Mr. Gay
Rat
COHASSET.
219
asked him what he would do if the British should | is now extinct) who loved virtue in the abstract, but
come into Cohasset Harbor and try to burn the vessels,
your minister replied, ‘‘ I would shoot them!’ When,
at a meeting in 1775, he had urged recruits to enlist,
and an old man had taunted him with calling upon |
others to do what he dared not do, he raised his staff |
and threatened to cane the ‘old Tory” who insulted |
him.
old elm in Hingham, was a powerful exhortation to
fight for the liberties of America.
on the Boston massacre was published. No one, then,
had proclaimed that a clergyman should never exhort
His sermon, preached to volunteers under the
men to discharge their duties in this world; no one
had denied that patriotism is a duty. Woe to New
England if, when liberty, loyalty, and humanity are |
in danger, her pulpit ever shall be dumb.
In 1750 it was reported at a parish-meeting that
the meeting-house had been completed at a cost of
four thousand pounds. This was, of course, old tenor,
A stirring sermon |
but it was a large sum for the men of those days. |
| dren was not neglected. The annual election of
The building was sufficiently completed to be used in
1747-48. This is the building in which we now are
assembled, and for more than a hundred and twenty |
years its walls have echoed the prayers and praises of |
| the imagination of sportsmen.
four generations of men.
In March, 1752, it was voted to petition Hingham
and the General Court for the setting off of a new
town.
more especially when town-meetings became frequent,
This project was renewed again and again,
on account of the questions with the mother-country.
But Hingham, while earnest for independence, could
not see the importance of self-government to her sub-
ject province. Yet her opposition was, after all, a
compliment. No wonder that the parent town was
loth to part with so fair a territory and with so worthy
a people.
Before leaving Hingham, let me refer to a vote in
1768, when impending trouble with England ad-
monished the people to look well to their ways. A
committee was chosen in March, composed of the |
best men in the town, who in May reported resolves:
“First, that we will, by all ways and means in our
power, encourage and promote the practice of virtue
and suppressing of vice and immorality, the latter of
| Continental Association.
which seem daily increasing among us, and the decay —
of the former much to be lamented.”
the affirmative.
This passed in
Next, they reported, that to promote virtue and
discourage vice, it was desirable to lessen the number —
of licensed houses, so that there should only be six
in the town,—three in the North Parish, two in the
Kast, and one in the South. This passed in the
an act of treason.
opposed every practical measure for the suppression
of vice.
On March 23, 1767, it was voted by this precinct
not to give up singing line by line, conservatism win-
ning a victory over the radical youth of the church ;
and in March, 1768, the porch was added to this
house.
On May 7, 1770, the act of incorporation, which had
been signed by Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson on
April 26th, was accepted at a meeting where Deacon
Isaac Lincoln acted as moderator and Daniel Lincoln
It was voted to ask that the style of “ dis-
trict” be changed to “ town.”
as clerk.
I have referred to the
general act by which this was finally accomplished.
In December, 1770, it was voted that each child
bring one foot of wood to school, or 1s. 6d., and the
assessors should charge each person that was ‘‘ be-
hind.”
and remind us that even then the education of chil-
Such votes carry us back to primitive times,
“‘ deer-reeves”’ tells of the time when the beech-woods
were alive with game, as the mention of Turkey Hill,
in running the bounds of the precinct in 1647, kindles
But graver matters
soon occupied the minds of men who could use fire-
On March 7, 1774, it was voted to build a
Already
the little town was preparing to resist the British Em-
arms.
closet in the meeting-house for ammunition.
pire, and the same walls that heard your fathers’
prayers for deliverance and their resolves to resist
oppression sheltered the ammunition which was to
enforce these resolves, and to show that those prayers
were honest.
On Dec. 25, 1774, the
mittee of eleven, agreeably to the Articles of the
was
town chose a com-
Jesse Stephenson
chairman of this committee. Thomas Lothrop was
placed at the head of a committee to draft a paper
to be signed by freebolders in approval of that asso-
ciation.
the province tax to Henry Gardner, and to indem-
This
seems a simple matter, but Mr. Gardner was treasurer
At the same meeting it was voted to pay
nify the selectmen and constables for so doing.
under a revolutionary government, and this vote was
Thus, day by day, in regular
| town-meeting, by solemn vote, each little municipality
negative, for there were men in those days (the race _
fell into the ranks, and pledged its faith for the con-
test with Great Britain.
On March 6, 1775, it was voted to pay the share
of Cohasset for Deacon Lincoln’s attendance on the
Provincial Congress, and for Col. Benjamin Lincoln’s
attendance at the General Court at Salem. It was
220
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
worth while to be united with Hingham in the choice
of a representative, since thus you shared the credit
of having such a patriot as your spokesman. Again,
in November, 1775, your fathers joined with Hing-
ham in sending Col. Lincoln to the Provincial Con-
Thus, by being
united with Hingham as a representative district,
gress at Concord and at Watertown.
your town was honored in sending to the Legislature
the able general who was destined to receive the
surrender of Cornwallis, to sit in the United States
Cabinet, to crush by his vigor the rebellion of Shay,
and to continue always the trusted friend of Wash- |
ington.
On April 28th it was voted to buy five hundred
bushels of corn, one hundred pounds of gunpowder,
and five hundred flints. On May 29th a Committee
of Correspondence was chosen, of which Deacon Isaac
Lothrop was chairman. Also a committee, of which
Joseph Luther was the head, to call on Maj. Thomas
Lothrop to ‘see whether he will call the alarm-list
In March
next a Committee of Safety was chosen, of which
together and settle them in some order.
Thomas Lincoln was chairman.
On June 15, 1776,
it was voted (and no other vote was taken) that if the
Beal was elected representative.
honorable American. Congress should declare the
united colonies independent of the kingdom of
Great Britain, the town would support it with their
Thus, when Congress made the
declaration, they only echoed the voices of the people
lives and fortunes.
and renewed their sacred pledges.
On August 22d it was voted to raise fifty-two
In May, Jonathan |
pounds as bounty for four soldiers required for the |
Northern army.
In September sixty-two pounds |
were raised as bounty for sixteen soldiers to march |
to Connecticut. In December forty shillings were
added to the pay. of volunteers to encourage them to
march on the shortest notice. Subsequent additions
were made to this sum, and a final addition was voted
At a later date
the sum of ten pounds was given for three years’ en-
of three pounds if ordered to march.
listments.
The Declaration of Independence was in December
copied into the town records.
The town did its full share of service in the war.
One full company, commanded by Capt. Job Cush- |
ing, was attached to Col. Revere’s regiment.
Capt. |
Stowers commanded a company, nearly all from Co- |
hasset, who did guard duty on the coast, and Noah
Nichols was commissioned as captain of an artillery
company comprising many Cohasset men.
In the early days of the controversy your town was
Stoddard. Tradition tells, also, of an English brig
bound for Boston with supplies for the British army
becalmed off these shores, and taken by a boat manned
by Cohasset men. Maj. Stoddard was the leading
spirit on this occasion, and when one of the boat’s
crew pointed to the brig’s artillery, and proposed to
return, the major declared that there should be no
going back. The defenses of the brig proved to be
‘‘(Quaker guns,” and she becamie an easy prize. Her
cargo was rum, and if, as is reported, the town was
for a few days a little more lively than usual, we must
borrow the words of Burke, and “ pardon something
to the spirit of liberty.”
Many of you must remember the veteran Noah
Nichols, who was accustomed in his old age to shoul-
der his fire-lock,
“ And show how fields were won.”
You have heard his story of Washington ordering
him to repair the wheel of a gun-carriage while on a
forced march, of his request for permission to stop
while mending it, and of the general’s abrupt refusal.
“Tt was the hardest thing I ever did,” the old man
_ would add, “ but I did it.”
One of your truest patriots in this contest was
Joseph Bates.
Boston, he declared that he never should return.
Marching to join the army around
He fought at Bunker Hill, and when the ammuni-
tion of the Americans had failed and they were
obliged to retreat, he was seen throwing stones at the
well-armed British soldiers as they swarmed into the
redoubt.
defeat ; cast down, but not destroyed.
Such was the spirit of our fathers, firm in
Well did
Washington say, when he heard of the result, the
retreat, the British victory, but heard also of the
spirit of the people, well did he say, ‘‘ Thank God,
America is free!” When a man is in earnest for
the right, whether he stands on a lost battle field in
Charlestown, Mass., or beneath a gallows in Charles-
town, Va., he knows that failure is only the prelude
of success, and that death will at last be swallowed
up in victory.
During the war, in 1780, the Constitution of this
State was adopted, with its bill of rights, containing
the words “ All men are created free and equal.”
These words are often misquoted as occurring in the
Declaration of Independence, but the slaveholder who
wrote that instrument did not and could not use the
word “free.” It was inserted in our bill of rights by
a wise judge, in order to abolish human bondage in
represented at the Boston tea-party by Maj. James |
Massachusetts. Prior to this time slavery was held
to have a legal existence in Massachusetts, and, as
the old records of Hingham show, even the soil of
COHASSET.
221
Cohasset was trodden by master and slave. But after
the adoption of the State Constitution, a fellow-towns-
man of your fathers by birth, Levi Lincoln, trying the
cause of a man held as a slave in Worcester County,
procured a decision that broke the shackles of every
bondman in Massachusetts. Mr. Lincoln, who was
born in Hingham, rose to great eminence at the bar,
was chosen to Congress, was appointed attorney-
general, held the office of Lieutenant-Governor in this
State, and declined appointment as judge of the
Supreme Court of the United States. But his greatest |
honor was that he pleaded the cause of the oppressed,
and won a victory for freedom.
This was one of the forward steps that gained for |
When the Fifteenth |
Amendment went into operation, it had no effect in
Massachusetts.
our State its proud position.
Here was no law which it could
Other States obtained their freedom with a |
great price. We were born free.
The war of 1812 found the men of Cohasset ready
to stand by the flag, although they were not attached
to the administration, and although the town had suf- |
fered greatly from the embargo. They forgot that
they were Democrats or Federalists, and only remem-
bered that they were Americans. A Committee of
Safety was chosen, a coast-guard of seventy-five was
formed, and a committee was sent to ask arms and |
repeal.
Lieutenant-Governor |
Cobb (in the absence of Governor Strong) refused
the request, and recommended the hoisting of a white
flag. The men of Cohasset disdained the timid coun-
sels of the executive, and finally procured muskets
and a field-piece. The executive of to-day would give |
no such prudent advice in any similar peril. Govy- |
ernor and Lieutenant-Governor alike would counsel
the use of no flag except their country’s flag—and
that nailed to the mast.
In June, 1814, a British man-of-war having sent a
flotilla of barges to burn the shipping of Scituate,
sailed for Cohasset on a like errand. Capt. Peter
Lothrop, roused by a messenger from Scituate, leaped
from his bed, and, without hat or coat, mounting a
horse without a saddle, rode through the village and
roused the slumbering inhabitants. Marching to
White-Head, the militia and other citizens threw up
an earthwork, pastor and people working together,
and when, on Sunday morning, the British appeared,
they found a redoubt held by what appeared to be a
formidable force. The enemy withdrew; the fleet of
twenty-seven vessels was carried to Gulf River and |
scuttled. The militia of Hingham and Weymouth,
with the artillery of Abington, Hanover, and Scituate, |
marched to Cohasset, and for three months White |
ammunition from the State.
And so the com-
munity was kept in constant alarm till, on February
Head was occupied by a garrison.
21st, came the glad tidings of peace, which was cele-
brated, with the birthday of Washington, by a dinner
at the academy.
The diary of Josiah Willcutt tells of the fishing-
schooner ‘‘ Nancy,” captured in September, 1814, two
of her crew being set ashore at Plymouth, and the
others carried to Halifax jail. In April, 1815, Ezekiel
Wallace returned, bringing news that Isaiah Lincoln
had died in prison.
England alone, among civilized
nations, makes war on poor fishermen.
Tradition tells of a brave son of Cohasset who could
not bear to see the English fleet insulting our shores.
Alone he embarked in his ducking-boat, declaring
that he would have one shot at the enemy. He fired
his shot with effect, but was taken prisoner, and died
in Halifax jail. I have inquired in vain for his name,
but I cannot give up my faith in the story of the
British fleet assailed by a punt.
To us it seems strange that through this contest
the shores of this State were invested by the enemy,—
Nantucket flying a flag of truce, Provincetown Harbor
occupied by a hostile fleet, and Boston closely block-
aded. This can never happen again.
of the country forbids it. Our mail-clad ships
would forbid it. And, better far, the spirit of
the people would guard the shores from foreign insult.
There may be different opinions as to the efficiency of
our navy as compared with England’s, but there can
be no doubt about the sailors who would man our
The growth
navy.
“Vain are those fleets of iron framed,
Vain those all-shattering guns,
Unless tHE UNron keep untamed
The strong heart of her sons.”
And that the strength of American hearts is un-
broken, the recent Rebellion has shown.
Your good town early responded to the call of-the
country. In May, 1861, most liberal provision was
made for the pay of volunteers and the support of
their families. Similar votes were passed as need
And under the folds of a noble flag, given
by a patriotic citizen, the sons of Cohasset met, from
time to time, to enlist for the defense of the Union
and Liberty of which that flag is the emblem.
One of your fellow-citizens, Oliver E. Simpson by
name, fell in the first great battle at Bull Run. The
names of your other martyrs are known to you all—
Arnold, Bates, Litchfield, Lincoln, Manuel, Nimms,
Riply, Shays, Treat, Thayer. William Bates had
the mournful honor of giving two of his sons to his
arose.
country.
222
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
You are all proud of Gen. Zealous B. Tower, | In the morning hardy sailors rescued them with great
first in his class at West Point, afterwards for a time hazard, losing one boat upon the rocks, and humane
head of that institution, distinguished in the Mexican
war, where he fought by the side of Lee and Beaure-
|
|
gard, winning the high praise of Gen. Scott, serv-
ing bravely on many a field of the war against rebel-_
lion, wounded while fighting for the Union, known
and honored wherever courage and loyalty are honored.
Such men are the glory of their homes and the |
humanity of the people of Cohasset; and when,
years after, Mr. Hubbard, a citizen of Boston, was
strength of America.
But I must not forget :
—— ‘ Peace hath its victories
Not less renowned than war.”
And of such victories this rugged coast has often been
the scene. For when the gales have hurled the
Atlantic waves upon Cohasset rocks, and when some
vessel has become a wreck, there have never been
wanting men who were ready to risk their lives to
save the forlorn strangers, and every house has been
ready to become a home for the rescued mariner.
The days of chivalry have not gone, when every |
northeasterly storm summons to the shores of New |
England a host of men ready to brave death in the
hope of saving life.
men who, if to-morrow morning should bring a storm
and a wreck, would man the lifeboat and welcome
the shipwrecked sailor. If I must ever be subject to
marine disaster (which is not wholly improbable), let
it be off Cohasset, and let some Doane, or Lothrop,
or Tower receive me on the shore.
Grandest of all the scenes of nature is a winter
storm upon a rocky coast. But grander far to see,
as I saw once, as you have often seen, the will of man
triumphant over the strife of the elements.
stranded vessel lies hopeless on the shoal. Her master
is lashed to the bulwarks; the freezing sleet has
numbed his limbs; every wave dashes over him. All
the billows of despair have gone over his soul. Then
a man of the sea leaps into his cockle-shell of a boat,
sends a token to his children, who may be orphans at
night, and guides his frail canoe among the rocks.
Now the waves have swallowed him up, but strength
and skill prevail; he reaches the ship; he bears the
The |
its honor and the honor of humanity.
almost lifeless sailor in safety from the parting frag-
ments of the wreck.
Time would fail me if I sought to recall all the
marine disasters which this spot has witnessed. Let
a few records suffice.
been able to procure the names of all.
On Feb. 12, 1783, the Danish ship “ Gertrude |
Maria,” ina driving snow-storm, struck on a ledge, and
finally went to pieces on Brush Island, where the sur-
_ surprise, an infant girl.
vivors of the wreck found poor shelter for the night. |
; gers were
This was the
reception of men who, fearing that they were about
to fall into the hands of savages, had cut the gilded
buttons from their coats, lest they should tempt the
barbarous people to crime.
friends sheltered them at their homes.
The king of Denmark, learning the facts, sent
medals of gold and silver to honor the gallantry and
carried into the harbor of St. Croix dangerously
sick, the health laws were suspended; the rigorous
_ quarantine gave way in token of the hospitality which
Capt. Clien and his men had received when wrecked
at Cohasset, near the port of Boston. Thus was
America honored in distant lands; the humanity of
your fathers was repaid toa stranger, and the nations
of the world were brought nearer to each other.
Rey. Mr. Shaw was among those who were con-
spicuous for their humanity. The names of Doane
and Tower were not wanting on the roll of honor.
The proceeds of one of the gold medals were most ap-
_ propriately used to add to the communion plate of the
To-day you can point out the |
first church—appropriately, for when the men of
Cohasset rescued and fed and clothed and sheltered
the poor wayfarers cast upon these shores, they be-
stowed their gifts on Him who is commemorated by
the communion service :
““The Holy Supper is kept indeed
In whatso we share with another’s need.”
In October, 1849, the British brig “St. John,” with
immigrants from Galway, struck on the Sea Ledges,
a little to the west of the Minot, and immediately
went to pieces. More than a hundred of her passen-
drowned. Others were rescued by the
humane exertions and heroic daring of the men of
Cohasset; and every house was open to welcome
those who were thus snatched from the grave. I
Let
me name some of those who, in our own day, sustained
Studley,
Snow, Lawrence, Hardwick, Lothrop, 'Tower—these
I have not
have already named the founders of your town.
were prominent in their efforts to save.
Their modesty
will thank me, as the modesty of all would have
thanked me if all the names had been withheld.
One affecting incident of the wreck must be famil-
iar to you all. Mr. Lothrop watched a little package
that floated in the surf, and grasping it, found, to his
The mother had wrapped up
her child with careful hands, and committed her to
COHASSET.
223
|
the waves, as once a mother placed her loved child in |
a little ark upon the water’s edge, and prayed that |
Heaven would save the infant’s life. And this child, |
also, was received into princely hands. But a |
mother’s care and the stranger’s daring would have |
been in vain, had it not been decreed by Him who
holds the waters in the hollow of His hand that this —
child should live and not die.
Another child was brought in this vessel by her |
aunt to meet the mother who had come to America
before. When the mother sought her infant, she
found her resting with her head upon the shoulder of
her aunt, but the child and the woman alike were
dead. The heart-broken mother only survived for —
three days.
In striking contrast with the heroism and kindness
of your people, was the heartlessness of the captain of
the “St. John,” who, with the crew, left his vessel in
a boat only half filled, and who, in his cruel cowardice, |
neglected to inform the crew of a life-boat that his
wrecked vessel was filled with perishing men and
women.
Life is filled with just such contrasts.
waters that witnessed the heroism of Capt. Williams
The same
and his officers going down at their posts, unwilling |
to desert the sinking flag, saw the captain of the “ Bom- |
bay” leaving the ship whose sides he had crushed, hur-
rying away as fast as wind and steam could carry
him, trembling all over with cruel fear lest in the
bottom of his vessel there might be some plank as
rotten as his own heart.
On Jan. 19, 1857, the brigantine “ New Empire”
was wrecked at Little White-Head.. The floating ice
Peter Follen,
procuring two cylinders from the Humane House,
placed them between his knees, and took a line to the
ship, casting in his lot with the shipwrecked men
that he might save them all.
prevented all approach to the shore.
Of course the standard jokes about wreckers are re-
lated of the inhabitants of these shores. Of one it is
said, especially, that when asked what his luck had_
been for the season, he answered, “I got a good deal |
of stuff and put it in the barn, but they do steal so
the second time, that sometimes I almost wish there
never would be another wreck.” |
A wuch better authenticated story is that of the |
Swedish brig wrecked on Minot’s Ledge, December, |
1836; her two decks washing ashore upon Beach Is- |
land, three miles distant, her precious cargo strewn all |
along the shores upon the bottom of the sea. Ninety
per cent. of that cargo was recovered; every bar of |
iron was delivered to the owners, the count answering —
the invoice; while of forty bales of crash, consigned |
to one Boston merchant, forty save one were carried
to him in the winter, and the remaining bale was re-
stored in June.
In 1798 the last slave ship that sailed from Boston
was driven upon the bar at the mouth of your harbor,
and so her criminal voyage came to a fortunate end.
Since the erection of Minot Light these disasters
are almost unknown in this spot. The whole country
recollects the destruction of the first light in April,
1851. <A long storm had strewn the shores of New
England with shipwrecked vessels. A former gale
had shattered one of the iron pillars that upheld the
structure. And when the morning light of April 18th
broke through the storm, the anxious eyes that looked
seaward could see no vestige of the lighthouse. Two
men perished in its downfall. The present structure
Had it been erected in
ancient times, it would have added one to the won-
ders of the world.
is the pride of the coast.
As it stands now, firm and erect
amid the raging sea, it is not only a noble triumph
of human skill, but the fittest emblem of a true man
constant for the right against a gainsaying world.
Such a symbol might have been borne upon the coat-
of-arms of Peter Hobart in 1645, or, in 1829, upon
the spotless shield of William Lloyd Garrison.
But it is not in scenes of war or of wreck that the
You love Co-
hasset, because here for generations an industrious,
intelligent, and contented people have found a happy
home.
true life of such a town is found.
Here, as among all your neighbors of the
South Shore, hard work, “ plain living, high think-
ing,” with peace and freedom, have been the habitual
life of the people. Your fathers turned early from
the hard and scanty soil to reap their richest harvests
The exportation of lumber to the West
Indies has ceased. No more fortunes can be made
by selling fish at famine prices in the Atlantic and
Mediterranean ports of France and the Peninsula.
But still, like your fathers, you draw wealth frem
the ocean, and with it the more precious treasures of
on the sea.
vigor, energy, and enterprise. Nor is agriculture neg-
Labor and skill make
Your pleasant beaches
tempt and refresh the wearied fugitives from the
cares and toils of the city. The growth of Cohasset
in wealth has been used as an argument to stimulate
Well
may they desire to share those facilities, when they
read that your valuation has increased from three hun-
dred and six thousand dollars in 1840, to nearly
lected even on these shores.
your rocky fields productive.
your neighbors to demand railroad facilities.
one million eight hundred thousand dollars to-day.
Your care of schools increases with your wealth, in-
creasing the town appropriation in twenty-five years
224
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
from eleven hundred dollars to four thousand dollars. |
Three younger churches have grown up around this
venerable mother. The last not only bears a pleasant
name—‘ the Beechwood Church’’—but its origin
carries us back to Puritan days, for it was founded
after forty days of prayer by an earnest woman.
And while this takes our thoughts back to old times,
the first contribution for this church reminds us of a
story that can never grow old. For the first gift set
apart for its treasury was the smallest coin that ever
issued from our mint.
And who and what are the men that are the pro-
duct of your institutions? You may well boast of
Benjamin Pratt, who was born March 13, 1710-11,
in a house on what is now called South Main Street.
A gifted writer in prose and verse, an eloquent and
successful lawyer, he was appointed to the high place
of chief justice of New York, and died in 1763, too
early to share in the contest for independence, al-
though he heard the argument of James Otis against
writs of assistance, and declined a retainer on each
side of that great argument. He had collected ma-
terials for a history of New England; and those who
love to read her story have reason to lament that he
In his youth a fall from
a tree made Benjamin Pratt a cripple for life, and
did not complete his work.
this was the reason that he gave up his chosen occu-
pation as a blacksmith and became a lawyer.
example of Yankee thrift. Accident ruins the young
blacksmith. His parents send him to the greatest
Rare |
master of law, and fit their unfortunate boy to become |
chief justice of a great State.
In later days Middlebury College was glad to re-
ceive a Cohasset man as president, in the person of
Rev. Dr. Bates.
dier who is your pride.
I have already spoken of the sol-
If the grief were not too
recent, and if his friends were not so near, I should |
speak of the skilled and loved physician who served |
this State faithfully for years, and whose hospitality
made so many New Englanders at home in the heart
of a Western city.
The true glory of this, as of other New England
towns, is found, not in the conspicuous few, but in
the honorable and useful lives of the many. And if
a stranger desired to see a community who live in the
fear of God and the love of their fellow-men; who
mind their own business, and yet make the cause of
the poor and ignorant their business ; whose best men
render every precious service to their town without
money and without price; a community from which
a dying man would be glad to select guardians for |
his orphan children ; a people who stand firm for the
faith of their fathers, yet are ready to receive all the
truths which lay undeveloped in the creed of those
fathers ; ‘‘ Catholic for all the truth of God: Prot-
estant against every error of man;” if a visitor
sought such a community, I would take him to a vil-
lage on the ‘‘ South Shore” and tell him to seek no
farther.
CHA PPE R Xx
COHASSET—( Continued).
Banks—Civil History—Military.
The Cohasset Savings Bank’ was incorporated
Feb. 28, 1845. The corporators were Paul Pratt,
| Henry J. Turner, and John Bates, their associates
and successors. The first trustees were Henry J.
Turner, Daniel T. Lothrop, Job Cushing, Francis L.
Bates, Lot Bates, Zenas Stoddard, Thomas Smith,
Levi N. Bates, James C. Doane, Abraham H. Tower,
Nichols Tower, and Solomon J. Beal.
The names of the presidents from the incorporation
to the present time are Paul Pratt, Abraham H.
Tower, and Martin Lincoln; Secretaries, Thomas M.
Smith, Newcomb Bates, Jr., and Levi N. Bates;
Treasurer, Levi N. Bates.
The present officers are Martin Lincoln, president ;
Capt. John Warren Bates, vice-president; Levi N.
Bates, treasurer and secretary.
The present trustees are Martin Lincoln, John W.
| Bates, J. Q. A. Lothrop, Zaccheus Rich, Newcomb
Bates, Louis N. Lincoln, Morgan B. Stetson, Abra-
ham H. Tower, Newcomb B. Tower, Philander Bates,
Joshua W. Davis, Alfred Whittington, Loring Bates,
and Charles H. Willard.
The first deposit was made March 28, 1846, by
Abigail Burtenshaw, widow ; amount, $116.
Present amount of deposits, $344,269.46.
Paul Pratt served as president three years, and was
succeeded by Abraham H. Tower, who was continued
in the office for a period of twenty-five years, when,
declining a re-election on the ground of his advanced
age and long services, Martin Lincoln was chosen, and
has been annually re-elected to the present time.
The office of vice-president having been created by
an amendment of the by-laws in 1874, John W.
Bates was elected to that office, and has since been an-
nually re-elected.
The following-named individuals have served as
1 By Levi N. Bates.
COHASSET.
bo
bo
we
secretaries of the board of trustees, viz. : Zenas Stod- :
dard, Levi N. Bates, Martin Lincoln, and Newcomb |
Bates, the latter being the present secretary. |
The board of investment during the first year con- |
sisted of the president and treasurer,and Abraham
H. Tower, Daniel T. Lothrop, and Thomas Smith.
The present board consists of Martin Lincoln, presi- |
dent ; Capt. J. Warren Bates, vice-president; J. Q. |
A. Lothrop, and Louis N. Lincoln.
The following is a list of trustees from organiza-
tion of bank to 1884:
Paul Pratt, Aug. 21, 1853.
Henry J. Turner, Jan. 22
1860.
John Bates.
Laban Souther.
Nichols Tower, Jr., Dec. 28
1868.
Zenas Stoddard, Sept. 13, 1879.
Josiah Oakes, May 12, 1863.
John Parker, March 26, 1868.
Caleb Lothrop.
Abm. H. Tower, June 19, 1881.
Jacob Tuck.
Abraham Hall, Feb. 17, 1867.
Levi Nichols, April 24, 1868.
Wm. Kilburn, June 27, 1852.
Warren Orcutt, Mar. 24,1872.
George Ripley, Jan. 13, 1865-
John Pratt, Jan. 13, 1865.
James Pratt, July 4, 1874.
James Wilson.
Lewis Willeutt, Nov. 30, 1881.
David Wilson.
Henry Snow, Jr.
Charles Pratt, Aug. 2, 1883.
Alfred Whittington.
Henry K. Hall, April 17, 1875.
Martin N. Bates, July 5,1876
Newcomb Bates, Jr.
John Haskell.
Josiah O. Lawrence, April 26,
1865.
Danl. T. Lothrop, Sept. 2, 1871.
Levi N. Bates.
Nichols Tower, Sept. 28, 1866.
Daniel Tower.
Peter Lothrop.
The following-named individuals have held the
Newcomb Bates, Aug. 3, 1865.
Jonathan B. Bates, Dec. 5,
1879.
Lot Bates.
Francis L. Bates, May 19,1882.
Solomon J. Beal.
James C. Doane, Sept. 19,
1878.
Job Cushing, Oct. 5, 1867.
James Willcutt, Dec. 8, 1864.
Martin Lincoln.
Edward Tower, March 6, 1873. |
Levi Tower.
Charles H. Willard.
David S. G. Doane.
Job Pratt, Sept. 27, 1882.
Nichols Tower (2d).
J. Q. A. Lothrop.
| Thomas N. Tower.
' Zaccheus Rich.
Henry W. Beal, Aug. 24, 1876. |
Abraham H. Tower, Jr.
Andrew J. Souther.
Thos. M. Smith, Jan. 28, 1881.
Ephraim Snow.
Aaron Pratt.
Loring Bates.
Isaac Hali, April 17, 1879.
Calvin Merriam, April 30,1872. | c
eee bee" " except between the last two, when the interval was
Capt. J. Warren Bates.
Edward E. Tower.
Joshua W. Davis.
Louis N. Lincoln,
Morgan B. Stetson.
Elisha Stetson.
Philander Bates.
Charles F. Tilden.
Newcomb B. Tower.
Caleb Lothrop.
office of trustee for one or more years, viz. :
Paul Pratt.
Capt. Abraham H. Tower.
Capt. Daniel T. Lothrop.
Thomas Smith.
Josiah O. Lawrence.
Job Cushing.
James C. Doane.
Solomon J. Beal.
Zenas Stoddard.
15
Caleb Lothrop.
J.Q. A. Lothrop.
Thomas N. Tower.
John Pratt.
David S. G. Doane.
Ephraim Snow.
Abraham H. Tower, Jr.
Calvin Merriam.
Thomas M. Smith.
|
John Parker.
Henry J. Turner.
Levi N. Bates.
James Pratt.
Capt. Martin Lincoln.
Jonathan B. Bates.
Charles Pratt.
Daniel Tower.
James Willeutt.
Henry K. Hall.
Newcomb Bates, Jr.
Charles H. Willard.
Zaccheus Rich.
Edward E. Tower.
Capt. John Warren Bates.
Morgan B. Stetson.
Louis N. Lincoln.
Philander Bates.
Loring Bates.
Newcomb B. Tower.
Joshua W. Davis.
Alfred Whittington.
The first deposit in the bank was made in March,
1846.
The following will show the number of depositors,
amount of deposits, and increase or decrease for each
.
succeeding five years:
Depositors. Amount.
Jan. 1, 1847... 41 $7,352.69
sé 1852...140 26,810.01 Increase, $19,457.32
(G 1857...377 80,697.84 < 53,837.83
1862...473 105,693.20 5 24,995.36
UG 1867...622 ToD taL2eT G sé 49,619.57
os 1872...881 295,927.45 se 140,614.68
és 1877...962 384,856.93 se 88,929.48
ee 1882...825 326,024.05 Decrease, 58,832.88
Dec. 1, 1883...870 344,269.46 Increase, 18,245.41
Amount.
Accounts open with women ..............s00008 375 $132,784.11
«e ss *PUSTOIANS: 2.2 s000 -cecesess 7 3,984.90
ss ae religions and charities 8 5,075.68
ce AN tEUSE sw ccscccssessecescesclessescers 78 25,355.02
At
each semi-annual meeting during the first
twenty-one years semi-annual dividends of two and
one-half per cent. were declared. During the next
eight and one-half years the semi-annual dividends
| were three per cent.; and from that time, viz., from
July, 1876, with the exception of one year, when the
dividends were two and one-half per cent., the semi-
annual dividends have been two per cent.
During the above time, at intervals of five years,
eleven years, extra dividends have been declared,
amounting in the aggregate to forty-three per cent.,
_ making the average dividends, including ordinary and
| extra, for the thirty-seven years six and twelvé-dne-
| hundredths per cent. per annum.
Konohassett Lodge of F. and A. M.' was organized
| June, 1865, as follows: George Beal, Jr., James H.
Bouvé, Zaccheus Rich, M. B. Stetson, A. T. Prouty,
H. C. Mapes, C. A. Gross, and Joseph H. Smith, of
| Cohasset, with J. O. Cole, Howland L. Studley,
| Henry Merritt, and A. J. Poole, of Scituate, petitioned
the Grand Lodge for a dispensation, which was
granted by the M. W. Grand Master, C. C. Dame;
_ first communication under dispensation was held June
30, 1865, in the building corner of Main and Brook
Streets, known as the James building
g, at this time,
1 By James H. Bouré.
6
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1883, occupied by the post-office, Gross & Nichols,
grocers, and Miss Nichols, dry-goods. In September,
1865, the lodge moved into their lodge-room in
Tower’s building, opposite the First Church, where it
has remained until this time.
Since its organization thirteen members have with-
drawn and opened a lodge at Hanover, which is in a
flourishing condition; also twenty, and organized a
lodge in Scituate. The deaths in the lodge have been
but eleven, leaving a membership of sixty-five. The
following-named brethren have been honored with
the position of Worthy Master, viz.: George Beal,
Jr., James H. Bouvé, Zaccheus Rich, Charles A.
Gioss, A. W. Williams, William J. Newcomb, David
Bates, A. A. Seaverns, and George H. Bates, who at
present occupies the chair.
The lodge, like all other institutions of the kind,
has just passed through a season of quietness from
stagnation of business and such like causes, but has
now started again with the young men of the town, |
and bids fair to have a season of usefulness and pros-
perity.
Henry Bryant Post, No. 98, G. A. R., so named
for a prominent citizen of this town who was an army
surgeon and also brigade surgeon, and who afterwards
died in the West Indies, was organized Jan. 15, 1883,
and now numbers twenty-eight members, viz.: Chas.
A. Gross, C.; E. E. Wentworth, Sen. V.-C.; O. S.
Wilbur, Jun. V.-C.; J. Foster Doane, Adjt.; W. F.
Thayer, Q.-M.; Daniel B. Lincoln, Surg.; Robt. B.
Pratt, Chap.; Thomas Ward, O. of D.; Thomas
Blossom, O. of G.; Willie F. Thayer, Seret.-
Maj.; Joseph Smith, Q.-M. Sergt.; James E. Otis,
Chas. H. Williston, Azel W. Drake, John Keating,
Ashael F. Nott, Joseph Munnice, Samuel P. Stod-
dard, James Rooney, Caleb F. B. Tilden, Alonzo L.
Palmer, David Lyons, Leander W. Groce, Frank <A.
Field, Isaac Tower, John Barnes, Joseph 8. Butman,
Cyrus H. Bates.
Town Officers—The following is a list of the
town officers of Cohasset from its incorporation, in
the year 1770, to 1883 inclusive, compiled by Mr. N.
B. Tower, the present town clerk:
1770.—Deacon Isaac Lincoln, moderator ; Daniel Lincoln, town
clerk; Thomas Bourn, treasurer; Deacon Isaac Lincoln,
Daniel Lincoln, Joseph Souther, selectmen.
1771.—Thomas Lothrop, moderator; Isaac Lincoln, town clerk ;
Thomas Bourn, treasurer; Isaac Lincoln, Thomas Lothrop,
Dr. Lazarus Beal, selectmen.
1772.—Dr.
clerk ; Abel Kent, treasurer; Isaac Lincoln, Thomas Loth-
Lazarus Beal, moderator; Isaac Lincoln,
rop, Abel Kent, selectmen.
1773.—Capt. Thomas Lothrop, moderator; Lazarus Beal, Jr
town |
| 1789.—Uriah
town clerk; Abel Kent, treasurer; Isaac Lincoln, Thomas
Lothrop, Abel Kent, selectmen.
1774.—Deacon Isaac Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop,
town clerk; Thomas Bourn, treasurer; Isaac Lincoln,
Thomas Lothrop, Abel Kent, selectmen.
1775.—Deacon Isaac Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop,
town clerk; Ignatius Orcutt, treasurer; Isaac Lincoln,
Thomas Lothrop, Abel Kent, selectmen.
1776.—Abel Kent, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk;
Ignatius Orcutt, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop, Abel Kent,
Ignatius Oreutt, selectmen; Jonathan Beal, representa-
tive.
1777.—Thomas Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Ignatius Orcutt, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop, Abel
Kent, Ignatius Orcutt, selectmen ; Jonathan Beal, repre-
sentative.
1778.—Capt. Job Cushing, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop, Abel
Kent, Ignatius Orcutt, selectmen.
1779.—Capt. Job Cushing, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Lieut. Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop,
Capt. Job Cushing, Ignatius Orcutt, selectmen.
1780.—Deacon Abel Kent, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Lieut. Josiah’ Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop,
Deacon Abel Kent, Capt. Job Cushing, selectmen ; Lieut.
Stephen Stodder, representative.
1781.—Lieut. Josiah Oakes, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Lieut. Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop,
Deacon Abel Kent, Capt. Job Cushing, selectmen.
1782.—Maj. Job Cushing, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Lieut. Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop,
Maj. Job Cushing, Obadiah Lincoln, selectmen; Thomas
Lothrop, representative.
1783.—Jerome Stephenson, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Lieut. Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop,
Deacon Abel Kent, Maj. Job Cushing, selectmen ; Thomas
Lothrop, representative.
1784.—Uriah Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Lieut. Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop,
Deacon Abel Kent, Maj. Job Cushing, selectmen; Thomas
Lincoln, moderator;
Lothrop, representative.
1785.—Capt. Solon Stephenson, moderator; Thomas Lothrop,
town clerk; Lieut. Josiah Oakes, treasurer ; Thomas Loth-
rop, Deacon Abel Kent, Maj. Job Cushing, selectmen ;
Thomas Lothrop, representative.
1786.—Uriah Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Uriah Lincoln, treasurer; Thomas Lothrop, Dea-
con Abel Kent, Maj. Job Cushing, selectmen; Thomas
Lothrop, representative.
1787.—Josiah Oakes, moderator ; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Uriah Lincoln, treasurer; Josiah Oakes, Uriah Lincoin,
Galen James, selectmen.
1788.—Jerome Stephenson, moderator ; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Uriah Lincoln, treasurer; Josiah Oakes, Uriah
Lincoln, Levi Tower, selectmen.
Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk ; Josiah Oakes, Galen
James, Levi Tower, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, repre-
Uriah Lincoln, treasurer ;
sentative.
1790.—Jerome Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Uriah Lincoln, treasurer; Uriah Lincoln, Galen
James, Levi Tower, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, repre-
sentative.
1791.—Capt. Levi Tower, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Uriah Lincoln, Capt. Levi
Tower, Galen James, selectmen.
or
COH ASSET.
227
1792.—Hlisha Doane, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Josiah Oakes, treasurer; Uriah Lincoln, Capt.
Levi Tower, Josiah Oakes, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop,
representative.
1793.—Elisha Doane, moderator ; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Uriah Lincoln, Josiah Oakes, Jerome Lincoln, selectmen.
1794.—Deacon Uriah Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop,
town clerk ; Deacon Abel Kent, treasurer; Uriah Lincoln, |
Josiah Oakes, Jerome Lincoln, selectmen.
1795.—Elisha Doane, moderator ; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Deacon Abel Kent, treasurer; Uriah Lincoln, Josiah
Oakes, Jerome Lincoln, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, rep-
resentative.
1796.—Elisha Doane, moderator ; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Deacon Abel Kent, treasurer; Deacon Uriah Lincoln,
Thomas Bourne, Jr., Jerome Lincoln, selectmen; Thomas |
Lothrop, representative.
1797.—Elisha Doane, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ; |
Deacon Abel Kent, treasurer; Deacon Uriah Lincoln,
Elisha Doane, Thomas Bourne, selectmen ; Thomas Loth-
rop, representative.
1798.—Elisha Doane, moderator ; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Deacon Abel Kent, treasurer; Deacon Uriah Lincoln,
Elisha Doane, Thomas Bourne, selectmen.
1799-1800.—Deacon Uriah Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Loth-
rop, town clerk; Deacon Abel Kent, treasurer; Uriah
Lincoln, Thomas Bourne, John Pratt, selectmen; Thomas
Lothrop, representative.
1801.—Elisha Doane, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Samuel Brown, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Elisha Doane,
Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, representa- |
tive.
1802.—Deacon Uriah Lincoln, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, |
town clerk; Samuel Brown, treasurer; Thomas Bourne,
Caleb Nichols, Samuel Brown, selectmen.
1803.—Capt. Luther Stephenson, noderator; Thomas Lothrop,
town clerk; Job Turner, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Uriah
Lincoln, Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, rep-
resentative.
1804.—John Pratt, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk;
Zealous Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Uriah Lincoln, |
Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, representa-
tive.
1805.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk ; Thomas Bourne, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Uriah
Lincoln, Caleb Nichols, selectmen.
1806-8.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Thomas Bourne, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Uriah
Lincoln, Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, rep-
resentative.
1809.—Elisha Doane, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town clerk ;
Thomas Bourne, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Uriah Lin-
coln, Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, repre-
sentative.
1810.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Thomas Bourne, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Uriah
Lincoln, Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, rep- |
resentative.
1811-12.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town
clerk; Thomas Bourne, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Caleb
Nichols, Levi Tower, Jr., selectmen; Thomas Lothrop, |
representative.
1813.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Thomas Lothrop, town |
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Caleb
Nichols, Levi Tower, Jr., selectmen; Thomas Lothrop,
representative.
1814-15.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Samuel Bates, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Peter
Lothrop, Levi Tower, Jr., selectmen.
1816.—Thomas Bourne, moderator; Samuel Bates, town clerk ;
Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, John Pratt,
Levi Tower, Jr., selectmen; Capt. Levi Tower, represent-
ative.
1817.—Elisha Doane, moderator; Samuel Bates, town clerk;
Samuel Bates, treasurer ; Thomas Bourne, John Pratt, Levi
Tower, Jr., selectmen.
1818.—Thomas Bourne, moderator ; Samuel Bates, town clerk;
Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, John Pratt, Levi
Tower, Jr., selectmen.
1819.—Luther Stephenson, moderator; Samuel Bates, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, John
Pratt, Levi Tower, Jr., selectmen.
1820.—James C. Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Peter Lothrop, Thomas
Bourne, Levi Tower, Jr., selectmen; Rev. Jacob Flint,
representative.
1821.—James C, Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Samuel Bates, Thomas
Bourne, Aaron Pratt, selectmen.
1822.—William Whittington, moderator ; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Samuel
Bates, Aaron Pratt, selectmen.
1823.—Nicholas Tower, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Henry J. Turner, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Sam-
uel Bates, Aaron Pratt, selectmen.
1824.—Samuel Whitcomb, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Henry J. Turner, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Sam-
uel Bates, Aaron Pratt, selectmen; James C. Doane, rep-
resentative.
1825.—Luther Stephenson, moderator ; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Samuel
Bates, Aaron Pratt, selectmen.
1826.—James C. Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Henry
J. Turner, James C. Doane, selectmen.
1827.—Caleb Nichols, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town clerk ;
Caleb Lothrop, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Henry J. Tur-
ner, Samuel Bates, selectmen; James C. Doane, represent-
ative.
1828.—Caleb Nichols, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town clerk ;
Samuel Bates, treasurer; James C. Doane, Nichols Tower,
Martin Lincoln, selectmen.
1829.—Henry J. Turner, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
elerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; James C. Doane, Nichols
Tower, Martin Lincoln, selectmen; Henry J. Turner, rep-
resentative.
1830.—James C. Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Samuel Bates, treasurer; James C. Doane, Nichols
Tower, Martin Lincoln, selectmen; James C. Doane, rep-
resentative.
1831.—James. C. Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Caleb Lothrop, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, James
C. Doane, Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Nichols Tower, rep-
resentative.
1832.—James C. Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Caleb Lothrop, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, James
C. Doane, Caleb Nichols, selectmen; Thomas Bourne, rep-
resentative.
1833.—James C. Doane, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
Caleb Lothrop, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Caleb
Nichols, Caleb Lothrop, selectmen ; Thomas Bourne, rep-
resentative.
clerk ;
228
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1834-36.—Caleb Nichols, moderator; Thomas Bourne, town
clerk; Caleb Lothrop, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Caleb
Nichols, Caleb Lothrop, selectmen; Thomas Bourne, rep-
resentative.
1837.—James C. Doane, moderator; Henry J. Turner, town |
clerk ;
Lincoln, Laban Souther, selectmen; Thomas Bourne, rep-
resentative.
1838.—Caleb Nichols, moderator ;
clerk; Paul Pratt, treasurer ;
Paul Pratt, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Martin
Thomas Bourne, Martin
Lincoln, Laban Souther, selectmen; George W. Collier,
representative.
1839-40.—James C. Doane, moderator; Caleb Nichols, town |
clerk; Paul Pratt, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Martin
Lincoln, Laban Souther, selectmen ; Nichols Tower, repre-
sentative.
1841.—Martin Lincoln, moderator; Caleb Nichols, town clerk ; |
Josiah O. Lawrence, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Martin
Lincoln, Solomon J. Beal, selectmen; Martin Lincoln, rep-
resentative.
1842.— William E. Doane, moderator; Caleb Nichols, town |
clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Martin
Lincoln, Solomon J. Beal, selectmen; Martin Lincoln, rep-
resentative.
1843-44.—William E. Doane, moderator; Caleb Nichols, town
Henry J. Turner, town |
clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Martin |
Lincoln, Solomon J. Beal, selectmen; Josiah 0. Lawrence, |
representative.
1845.—James C. Doane, moderator; Caleb Nichols, town clerk ;
Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Thomas Bourne, Martin Lin- |
coln, Solomon J. Beal, selectmen; James C. Doane, rep- |
resentative.
1846-47.— Martin Lincoln, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Martin Lincoln, Solo-
mon J. Beal, Abraham H. Tower, selectmen; Solomon J.
Beal, representative.
1848.—Henry J. Turner, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Abraham H. Tower,
Jonathan B. Bates, Lot Bates, selectmen; George Beal,
representative.
1849.—Henry J. Turner, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk ; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Jonathan B. Bates,
Lot Bates, Newcomb Bates, Jr., selectmen; George Beal, |
representative.
1850.—Henry J. Turner, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Jonathan B. Bates,
Charles Pratt, Newcomb Bates, Jr., selectmen; Thomas
Stoddard, representative.
1851.—Henry J. Turner, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Jonathan B. Bates,
Charles Pratt, Stoddard,
Stoddard, representative.
1852.—Martin Lincoln, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr., town
Thomas selectmen ; Thomas
clerk; Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Martin Lincoln, Laban
Souther, Charles Pratt, selectmen; Thomas Stoddard, rep-
resentative.
1853.—Martin Lincoln, moderator ; Edward Tower, town clerk ;
Levi N. Bates, treasurer ; Martin Lincoln, Laban Souther,
Charles Pratt, selectmen; Jonathan B.
tative.
1854.—Martin Lincoln, moderator; Edward Tower, town clerk ;
dates, represen-
Levi N. Bates, treasurer; Edward Tower, Thomas Bates, |
J. Q. A. Lothrop, selectmen; Edward Tower, represen-
tative.
1855.—Edward Tower, moderator; James Hall, town clerk ;
Edward Tower, treasurer; Edward Tower, Thomas Bates, |
| 1861.—Solomon J. Beal, moderator ;
J. Q. A. Lothrop, selectmen; George Beal, Jr., represen-
tative.
1856.—Edward Tower, moderator; James Hall, town clerk ;
Zenas Stoddard, treasurer; Levi N. Bates, Caleb Beal, Jr.,
Zenas Stoddard, selectmen; J. Q. A. Lothrop, representa-
tive.
1857.—Edward Tower, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr., town
clerk ; Zenas Stoddard, treasurer; Edward Tower, Zenas
Stoddard, Caleb Beal, Jr., selectmen ; George M. Allen, of
Scituate, representative.
1858.—Edward Tower, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr., town
clerk ; Nichols Tower (2d), treasurer; Edward Tower, J.
Q. A. Lothrop, George Beal, Jr., selectmen; John Burn-
ham, representative.
1859.—Solomon J. Beal, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Edward Tower, treasurer; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
John Wilson, Jr., Solomon J. Beal, selectmen; George
Beal, representative.
1860.—Solomon J. Beal, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; James C.
Doane, Isaac Hall, Silas Bates, selectmen; Loring Bates,
representative.
Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A.
Lothrop, Solomon J. Beal, David Beal, selectmen ; George
C. Lee, of Scituate, representative.
1862.—Solomon J. Beal, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A.
Lothrop, Solomon J. Beal, Fordyce Foster, selectmen ;
Rey. Joseph Osgood, representative.
1863.—Martin Lincoln, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr., town
clerk ; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer ; Martin Lincoln,
Charles Pratt, Ezra Brown, selectmen; Abel Sylvester, of
Scituate, representative.
1864.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb Bates, Jr.,
town clerk: Andrew J. Souther, treasurer; J. Q. A.
Lothrop, Solomon J. Beal, selectmen ;
Ephraim Snow, representative.
1865.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Andrew J. Souther, town
clerk; Andrew J. Souther, treasurer; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
Solomon J. Beale, Zaccheus Rich, selectmen; Billings Mer-
ritt, of Scituate, representative.
1866.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk; Calvin Merriam, treasurer; J. Q. A. Lothrop, Sol-
omon J. Beal, Zaccheus Rich, selectmen; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
representative.
1867.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk ; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
Solomon J. Beal, Zaccheus Rich, selectmen; John Manson,
of Scituate, representative.
1868.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk ; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer ; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
Zaccheus Rich, Martin Lincoln, selectmen; Loring Bates,
representative.
1869.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk ; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J.Q. A. Lothrop,
Zaecheus Rich, Martin Lincoln, selectmen; Andrew J.
Waterman, of Scituate, representative.
1870.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
Martin Lincoln, Louis N. Lincoln, selectmen; Martin Lin-
coln, representative.
1871.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk ; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lothrop,
Martin Lincoln, Louis N. Lincoln, selectmen; Moses R.
Coleman, of Scituate, representative.
Ezra Brown,
COHASSET.
s
229
1872.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Edward Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J.Q. A. Lothrop, |
~ Louis N. Lincoln, Adna Bates, selectmen; Joshua W. Davis,
representative.
1873.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; Martin Lincoln,
Louis N. Lincoln, Adna Bates, selectmen: James L. Mer-
ritt, of Scituate, representative.
1874.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; Louis N. Lin-
coln, Adna Bates, Philander Bates, selectmen;
Beal, representative.
George
1875.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town |
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Louis N. Lincoln, Philander Bates, selectmen; George
W. Merritt, of Scituate, representative.
1876.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town |
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Louis N. Lincoln, Philander Bates, selectmen; Dan-
iel J. Bates, representative.
1877.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Louis N. Lincoln, Philander Bates, selectmen;
Amos W. Merritt, of Scituate, representative.
1878.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Philander Bates, Caleb F. Nichols, selectmen ;
William C. Litchfield, of South Scituate, representative.
1879.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Philander Bates, Caleb F. Nichols, selectmen;
Philander Bates, representative.
1880.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Neweomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Philander Bates, Caleb F. Nichols, selectmen;
Thomas F. Bailey, of Scituate, representative.
1881.—J. Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town |
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Philander Bates, Caleb F. Nichols, selectmen; Al-
pheus Thomas, of South Scituate, representative.
1882.—J.Q. A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo-
throp, Philander Bates, Caleb F. Nichols, selectmen ; Louis
T. Cushing, representative.
1883.—J.Q.A. Lothrop, moderator; Newcomb B. Tower, town |
clerk; Abraham H. Tower, Jr., treasurer; J. Q. A. Lo- |
throp, Philander Bates, Caleb F. Nichols, selectmen};
Charles E. Brown, of Scituate, representative.
The following is a muster-roll of Capt. Job Cush-
ing’s company, in the Thirty-sixth Regiment of
Foot Infantry, Continental Army, encamped in Fort
INos 2, Oct. 5; 1775:
Job Cushing, capt., engaged May 16th.
Nath. Nichols, Ist lieut., engaged May 16th.
Josiah Oakes, 2d lieut., engaged May 16th.
Eleazer James, sergt., engaged May 18th.
Gideon Howard, sergt., engaged June Ist.
Isaac Burr, sergt., engaged May 16th.
Peter Nichols, sergt., engaged May 16th.
Abraham Tower, corp., engaged May 22d.
Adna Bates, corp., engaged May 22d.
James Bates, corp., engaged May 22d.
Bela Nichols, corp., engaged May 22d.
Levi Tower, drummer, engaged May ISth.
William Stoddard, fifer, engaged May 17th.
Elisha Bates, engaged May 22d.
Jonathan Bates, engaged May 22d.
Josiah Bates, engaged May 23d.
Zealous Bates, engaged May 16th.
Ephraim Battles, engaged May 16th.
Jared Battles, engaged May 16th.
Joshua Beal, engaged June Ist.
Sam’l Beal, engaged May 23d.
Amos Brown, engaged May 16th.
Calvin Cushing, engaged May 22d.
Obed Dunbar, engaged May 23d.
George Humphrey, engaged May 16th.
Benj. Jacobs, engaged May 16th.
Jared Joy, engaged May 16th.
Melzer Joy, engaged May 20th.
John Kilby, engaged May 16th.
Richard Kilby, engaged May 16th.
John Kilby, Jr., engaged May 16th.
Galen Lincoln, engaged May 16th.
Jerome Lincoln, engaged May 16th.
Charles Luneand, engaged May 17th.
Joseph Neal, engaged May 25th.
Caleb Nichols, engaged May 16th.
Daniel Nichols, engaged June Ist.
Ebenezer Orcutt, engaged May 17th.
Ephraim Orcutt, engaged May 16th.
Luke Orcutt, engaged May 27th.
Haugh Oakes, engaged May 16th.
Joshua Oakes, engaged May 16th.
Samuel Oakes, engaged May 16th.
Caleb Pratt, engaged May 18th.
Oliver Prichard, engaged May 18th.
Richard Prichard, engaged May 16th.
Elisha Stephenson, engaged June Ist.
Luke Stephenson, engaged May 16th.
Joseph Sutton, engaged May 25th.
Joseph Souther, engaged May 24th.
James Stoddard, engaged May 17th.
Benjamin Stutson, engaged May 23d.
Reuben Thorn, engaged May 16th.
Jesse Tower, engaged May 24th.
Tsaac Tower, engaged May 16th.
James Worrick, engaged May 23d.
John Whitcom, engaged May 23d.
Gershom Wheelwright, engaged May 16th.
Benjamin Woodward, engaged May 16th.
War of the Rebellion—Cohasset respouded
promptly to the call for men and money to put down
the Rebellion, and in less than two weeks from the
opening gun at Sumter, May Ist, a ‘“‘ mass meeting”
of her citizens was held. At this meeting it was
voted that the payment of ten and fifteen dollars per
month to each volunteer be limited to six months,
and the treasurer was ordered to borrow money to pay
' dollars (for twenty days).
State aid to soldiers’ families.
July 21st the town voted a bounty of one hundred
August 12th it was voted
to continue it, and August 21st a bounty of one hun-
dred and fifty dollars was voted.
In 1864 one thousand dollars was voted for the
230 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
payment of State aid during that year to soldiers’
families.
The town furnished one hundred and ninety men, |
three of whom were commissioned officers, and ex-
pended, exclusive of State aid, $17,401.87. Money
expended for State aid to soldiers’ families was as fol-
lows: in 1861, $103.54; 1862, $2443.86; 1863,
$4718.74; 1864, $5626.50 ; 1865, $3000; mak-
ing a total of $15,928.74.
The selectmen during this time were John Q. A.
Lothrop, 1861-62, and 1864-65 ; Solomon J. Beal, |
1861-62, and 1864—65 ; David Beal, 1861; Fordyce
Foster, 1862; Martin Lincoln, 1863 ; Charles Pratt,
1863; Ezra Brown, 1863-64 ; Zaccheus Rich, 1865.
The town clerk was Newcomb Bates, and the town
treasurer was A. H. Tower, Jr., in 1861-63, and
A. J. Souther, in 1864-65. Population in 1861,
1953, and in 1865, 2048.
List of volunteers who have entered the United |
States service since May, 1861:
Arnold, Daniel P., 38th Regt.
Arnold, George, 38th Regt.
Arnold, Edward H., 38th Regt.
Ainslie, Peter, U.S.N.
Ainslie, Henry, U.S.N.
Beal, Samuel, Ist Co. H. Art.
Beal, James §., Ist Co. H. Art.
Bates, James L., Ist Co. H. Art.
Bates, Lincoln, U.S.N.
Bates, Joseph J., Ist Co. H. Art.
Bates, Bela, 38th Regt.
Barnes, Albert F., 24th Regt.
Bourne, Ezekiel P., 12th Regt.
Bates, Cyrus H., 45th Regt.
Bourne, Elias W., 45th Regt.
Bates, Caleb L., 45th Regt.
Bates, John F., 4th Cav. Regt.
Beal, Robert Y., U.S.N.
Barnes, John, 3d Co. H. Art.
Barnes, John O., 4th Cav. Regt.
Crane, Franklin J., 7th Regt.
Carl, William R., 41st Regt.
Couilard, David J., 3d Co. H. Art.
Clark, John, 3d Co. H. Art.
Conner, Moses, 29th Regt.
Curtis, Alonzo, U.S.N.
Doane, J. Foster, Ist Regt.
Dunster, Samuel K., 24th Regt.
Davis, Joseph R., 11th Mass. Bat.
Davis, Charles F., 3d Co. H. Art.
Dinsmore, John H., Engin’r U.S.N.
Fish, Joseph W., 38th Regt.
Fuller, Warren, 32d Regt.
Fish, George A., 2d Co. H. Art.
Groce, Leander W., Co. H. Art.
Gibbs, Thomas O.S., 44th Regt.
Gross, Charles A., 45th Regt.
Henry, Harrison, 24th Regt.
Hayden, Thomas O., 38th Regt.
Hayden, John G., Ist Co. H. Art.
Hardwick, Henry C., Ist Co. H. Art.
Haskell, Alfred, 83d Co. H. Art.
Harris, Wm. F., Jr., 3d Co. H. Art.
Hayden, Solomon J., Co. D, H. Art.
Kane, Thomas, 3d Co. H. Art.
Linsey, Alexander, U.S.N,
Litchfield, George A., 32d Rest.
Lincoln, Stephen Ps, U:SENe
Lincoln, Daniel B., U.S.N.
Leithead, George F., 19th Regt.
Lincoln, Stephen, 45th Regt.
Lincoln, Richard H., 45th Regt.
Lincoln, Alfred W., U.S.N.
Litchfield, Joseph W., U.S.N.
Morey, George T., Ist Co. H. Art.
Morey, Oliver L., Ist Co. H. Art.
Manuel, John L., Ist Co. H. Art.
Minot, Leonard W., 18th Regt.
Morse, William H., 2d Co. H. Art.
Minot, Levi L., 3d Co. H. Art.
Murphy, Thomas, Co. D, H. Art.
Munnies, Joseph F., Co. D, H. Art.
Nott, Dawes, 12th Regt.
Newcomb, Warren, Co. D, H. Art.
Oreutt, John, 20th Regt.
Oakes, B. Franklin, 24th Regt.
Phinney, Isaac, 35th Regt.
Pratt, Charles A., Ist Co. H. Art.
Pratt, Charles H., U. 8S. Sappers and Miners.
Pratt, Nichols, U.S.N.
Poole, Amos L., 26th Regt.
Pelby, Forrester A., Ist Regt.
Prouty, George H., 32d Regt.
Palmer, Alonzo L., 2d Co. H. Art.
Pratt, William H., 45th Regt.
Pratt, Gustavus P., asst. surg. 19th Regt.
Powers, Henry, U.S.N.
Ripley, Martin T., 52d Regt.
Richards, John J., Ist Co. H. Art.
Randall, William, 44th Regt.
Remington, Wm. H., 3d Co. H. Art.
Rooney, James, Jr., 4th Cav. Regt.
Simpson, Oliver E., Ist Regt.
Stoddard, Zenas, Jr., U. 8. Sappers and Miners.
Smith, William L., 2d Regt. D. C. Guards.
Shaw, Robert B., 32d Regt.
Spooner, George, Ist Co. H. Art.
Spear, Thomas F., U.S.N.
Sweeney, James M., 45th Regt.
Sewall, George W., 47th Regt.
Shays, James, 30th Regt.
Studley, Andrew J., 6th Regt.
Treat, John A., 14th Regt.
Treat, Sylvanus F., 14th Regt.
Tilden, Caleb F. B., Ist Co. H. Art.
Tower, John W., Ist Co. H. Art.
Tower, Francis H., Ist Co. H. Art.
Towle, Joseph M., 32d Regt.
Thayer, William F., Ist Regt.
Tower, Geo. B. N., Engin’r U.S.N.
Thayer, Anselm, 32d Regt.
Tower, Thomas, 2d Co. H. Art.
Tower, Levi C., 2d Co. H. Art.
Tilden, Eustice W., 2d Co. H. Art.
Tower, Isaac H., 2d Co. H. Art.
Thayer, Willie F., 4th Cav. Regt.
COHASSET.
231
Williston, Thomas, 38th Regt.
Whittington, Hiram, U.S.N.
Wells, Charles F., Ist Regt.
Williams, Andrew W., U.S. Sappers and Miners.
Willcutt, Elbridge, U. 8S. Sappers and Miners.
Whittier, Charles, Ist Co. H. Art.
Whittier, William, Ist Co. H. Art.
Whittier, Leavet, 39th Regt.
Willcutt, Lyman D., 45th Regt.
West, Charles H., 29th Regt.
Wheelwright, Lewis L., Co. D, H. Art.
CHAPTER XXII.
COHASSET—( Continued).
ECCLESIASTICAL AND EDUCATIONAL.
BY REV. JOSEPH OSGOOD.
Pioneer History—First Reference to Cohasset in Hingham
Records— Various Votes concerning the Town—Divisions of
the Meadow Lands with the Proprietors at Conihasset-—The
First Meeting-House—Subsequent History—Methodist Soci- |
~ ety in North Cohasset—Second Congregational Church— The
Beechwood Church—St. Anthony’s Church—Educational In-
terests.
THE early history of Cohasset is essentially the
history of the parish or precinct which was separated
from the town of Hingham, solely because the in-
habitants were too far from the Hingham meeting-
house to attend religious services and because they
felt the need of a place of worship nearer their homes.
For fifty-two years from its organization as a pre- |
cinct, till it was incorporated as a district entirely
separate from Hingham, it had only the management
interests were ordered by the town of Hingham, of
which it formed a part.
Colony formed part of Hingham. The name, spelled
Conihasset, is found applied to the locality as early as
England, as it is planted this year, 1634.” In the
records of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, under
date of May 22, 1639, is the following entry: “ For
that it appeareth unto the Court that our people of |
| tities varying from one-half acre to six acres.
there, in pre-arranged proportions.
Cohasset in the early period of the Massachusetts |
that Mr. Dunean, Mr. Glover, Willi: Heathe, and
Willi: Parke, or any three of them, shall have power
to dispose thereof to the inhabitants there, according
to the number of persons and estates, for the most
| benefit of the towne, having consideration to such
quantities of land and meadow as have been formerly
' aloted to the said inhabitants, so as such as have fallen
short in former distributions may have supply by this.”
The first reference to Cohasset in the records of the
town of Hingham is under the date of July 6, 1640,
as follows: ‘“ It is agreed upon by a joint consent that
after the new comers which come short, and others of
_ the old planters, accommodations be made up to equal
| proportions according to their stock and necessities,
that the remaining part of Conyhasset shall be divided
according to men’s heads and stock, 25 pounds in stock
to go in equal proportion to a head.” Nine men were
chosen “ to divide Conihasset by equal proportions.”
The lands to be divided were probably the salt mead-
ows. The division does not seem to have been imme-
diately effected, for in February, 1647, the town voted
to divide “‘ the meadow lands among the proprietors at
Conihasset.”’ These lands seem to have been arranged
in three divisions, and to have been allotted in quan-
These
lands comprised about one hundred and seventy acres.
| Feb. 28, 1647-48, “Anthony Eames, Nicholas Jacob,
John Otis, and John Beals were chosen a committee to
hire a herdman to keep the dry cattle at Conyhasset.”
The final division of the lands embraced in the terri-
tory of Cohasset was not made till 1672. Then all
the uplands were divided into three portions, called
the first, the second, and the third divisions. These
divisions, as a whole, were further divided into seven
| hundred smaller portions,—narrow strips of land,—
of its ministerial and school affairs ; while all its other |
which were assigned by lot to one hundred and three
proprietors, residents of Hingham, or heirs of estates
It is probable
that the settlement of Cohasset began about this time,
and that some of the persons to whom lots were as-
signed took up their residence on them, and began to
1634, on Wood’s map of the south part of “ New |
Hingham stande in great need of hay, it is ordered, |
that they may make use of so much of the ground
neare Conihasset as lye on this syde the ryver where
upon the bridge is.”
1640, May 13.—“It is ordered, that such land
and meadow at Conihasset as shall fall within this
Jurisdiction shall be confered upon Hingham, and °
Others,
doubtless, who chose to remain in the town, sold their
cut down the forest and clear lands for farms.
portions to the new inhabitants of Cohasset, or ex-
changed them for the lands which these new settlers
relinquished in the old town. Many of those to whom
lands had been assigned, however, continued to hold
possession of them while they continued to reside in
| Hingham.
Hence, we have the record, 1713, May 14, “that
the proprietors of the undivided lands gave their
consent to the inhabitants of Conohasset, to erect a
meeting-house on that land called the Plain.”
232 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY,
MASSACHUSETTS.
No record has been found of the pualdine, of the |
meeting-house; but as there is no subsequent record
of the building of the house, and_as in 1714 Hingham
was asked in vain to remit the school and ministerial
taxes to this portion of the old town, the meeting-
house was probably built in 1713.
about thirty-five feet long and twenty-five
The house was
feet
wide, on the Plain, a little to the south of the present
house.
In 1720 the parish voted fifteen shillings a year for
a man to take care of the meeting-house, sweep it
twenty-six times a year, get the “ cacements” hung,
fasten the doors, and get the glass mended.
The second and present meeting-house was begun
in 1746 and finished in 1747.
sixty by forty-five feet.
of the roof a belfry. At different times a tower and
steeple have been substituted for the belfry, a porch
has been added on the west side, and changes have
been made in the interior to adapt it to modern
needs.
After the building of the first meeting-house, and >
probably for some years before, religious services were
dox minister among themselves.” This vote was not
_ acceptable to the inhabitants of Cohasset.
On the 12th of March, 1715-16, the town voted
to remit to the inhabitants of Conohasset their minis-
terial and school taxes, without any conditions. This
vote was not satisfactory.
Finally, after further petitions to the General Court,
and further opposition by the town, on Nov. 21,
1717, an act was obtained creating a second parish
in Hingham, which act was accepted at a meeting
held July 14, 1718, “at Cohasset, alias Little Hing-
ham.”
It covers an area of ©
It had on the northerly end —
Having thus secured the right of a distinct corpo-
rate existence, the citizens of Cohasset at once ad-
dressed themselves to the work of settling a minister.
At the first meeting after the organization of the
parish, or precinct, Aug. 11,1718, it was voted to
raise twenty-five pounds, ‘“‘in such money as passeth
from man to man,” for the support of the ministry ;
and at a meeting on the 16th day of the next Feb-
_ruary, it was voted to settle a minister, and to raise
held occasionally. The inhabitants were too far from |
the old meeting-house in Hingham to attend service
there conveniently, especially as the roads then were |
very rough, crooked, and rocky. Consequently, they
were very desirous to have a minister of their own
and religious services in the house which they had
just built.
In 1714-15, March 7, they asked the town “to
consent that they might be made a precinct, or that
they might be allowed something out of the town
treasury to help maintain the worship of God, or that
they might be allotted that which they pay to main-
tain the worship of God at the town.”
were not granted.
These requests
In May of the same year twenty-four of the in-
habitants of Cohasset presented to the General Court
a petition for a precinct. The town opposed the pe-
tition.
In July of the same year, 1715, “ the town voted to
remit the ministerial taxes of the inhabitants on con-
dition that they procure an orthodox minister among
themselves and accept the settlement cheerfully. This
the citizens of Cohasset voted that they could not do
cheerfully.”
In September following “the town voted to reim-
burse to the inhabitants of Conohasset, or to those
that should afterwards inhabit in the first and second
divisions of the Conohasset uplands and in the second
part of the third division, all their ministerial and
_ called, and in the spring of 1721, Mr. Spear.
eighty pounds for his support.
In the spring of 1719 a fast was appointed, in or-
der to give a minister a call. Mr. Pierpont was then
Both
appear to have declined.
Mr. Nehemiah Hobart, who had been employed to
preach at Cohasset at times before, ‘‘ preached a fast”
there July 13, 1721, and continued to preach after-
wards till September 18th, when ‘“ he was chosen by a
major vote.”
A church was formed on the 12th of the following
December, and on the 13th Mr. Hobart was ordained
as pastor of the church and parish. He continued
in his office till his death, May 31, 1740, at the age
of forty-three years.
He was born in the First Parish, the son of David
| Hobart, Esq., and grandson of Rev. Peter Hobart.
He was graduated at Harvard College in the class of
1714. “Ashe had lived use he died much la-
mented by his people.”
After the death of Mr. Hobart the parish heard
candidates for more than a year. They finally agreed
to settle Mr. John Fowle, and he was ordained Dee.
31, 1741, and was dismissed in the fifth year of his
ministry.
Mr. Fowle was born in Charlestown, was graduated
at Harvard College in 1732, anddied in 1764. <A no-
tice of him states that “he was allowed by all good
_ a popular preacher.
school taxes so long as they should maintain an ortho- |
judges to be a man of considerable genius and hand-
some acquirements ; and for two or three years he was
But he had a most irritable, ner-
vous temperament, which rendered him unequal in his
an ee
COH ASSET. 233
performances, and, at times, quite peevish and irregu-
lar.”
After the close of Mr. Fowle’s ministry the parish
heard candidates. In November, 1746, they invited
Jonathan Mayhew to become their minister. This
invitation he declined, and the next year he was or-
dained as pastor of the West Church, in Boston. He
was a man of advanced and liberal views, opposed to
Calvinism in theology, and to the British policy with —
regard to the colonies.
He was an ardent patriot at the time of the Amer-
ican Revolution, and was the first, or one of the first
Congregational ministers in Boston who openly
preached Unitarianism. At the first council called to
ordain him over the West Church, in Boston, only
two churches were represented, and at the second
council which ordained him, when Dr. Gay, of Hing-
ham, preached the sermon, no other church was repre-
sented.
At length John Brown was called to the pastorate
of the Cohasset Church, and was ordained Sept. 2,
1747, before the new meeting-house was quite com-
pleted. He continued as minister of the parish till
his death, Oct. 22, 1791, in the sixty-seventh year of
his age, having preached until the last Sabbath of his
life. .
He was the son of Rev. John Brown, of Haverhill,
|
|
}
and was graduated at Harvard College in the class of |
_ preach them.”
1741.
Rev. Mr. Flint, in a notice of him, wrote: ‘‘ The
talents of Rev. John Brown were considerably more
than ordinary. In a stately person he possessed a
mind whose perceptions were quick and clear. He
thought for himself, and when he had formed his
A
warm friend to the interests of his country, he zeal-
ously advocated its civil and religious freedom. By
opinions, he uttered them with fearless freedom.
appointment of government he served one campaign |
as chaplain to a colonial regiment in Nova Scotia, and
for his service a tract of land (now Liverpool) in that
province was granted him by the crown. Taking a
lively interest in the American Revolution, he en-
couraged, by example and by preaching, his fellow-
citizens at home and abroad patiently to make those
sacrifices demanded by the times, predicting at the
same time, with the foresight of a prophet, the pres-
ent unrivaled prosperity of the country.”
He preached an “ excellent” sermon to a company
of New England soldiers under the wide-spreading
elm in Hingham, and preached a sermon on the
massacre at Boston.
After the death of Mr. Brown, Mr. Josiah C. Shaw
was employed as the first candidate, and was ordained |
as pastor of the parish Oct. 3, 1792. His ministry
terminated June 3, 1796. Mr. Shaw was born in
Marshfield, graduated.at Harvard College in the class
of 1789, and died in 1847, at Newport, R. I., where
he occupied an honorable business position after leay-
ing his ministry in Cohasset.
After hearing a number of candidates, a call, without
opposition, was given to Jacob Flint, who was ordained
Jan. 10, 1798, and continued as pastor of the parish
for about thirty-seven years. He was born in Read-
ing, Mass., in 1767, graduated at Harvard College in
1794, and died suddenly at East Marshfield, after
having conducted the morning service, Oct. —, 1835.
The memory of Mr. Flint was long cherished, and
is still cherished by the older people of the town
with profound respect and affection.
He was a man of great benevolence of feeling, of a
sympathizing heart, and of a cheerful and hopeful
spirit. He had a well-trained and scholarly mind,
and published a number of carefully-prepared dis-
courses. His two discourses preached on the com-
pletion of the first century from the organization of
the church have excited much interest, and have
been reprinted. His manner of delivery in the
pulpit was said to be slow and monotonous. He
had an excellent ear and voice for singing. His
brother, Dr. James Flint, of Salem, used to say to
him that “he ought to sing his sermons, and not
During his ministry those changes took place in
the parish which were going on in almost all the New
England parishes at about the same time, by which
the old churches and societies were broken up into a
number of different and often antagonistic organiza-
tions. These changes were deeply painful to him,
and saddened the latter years of his ministry.
Mr. Harrison Gray Otis Phipps succeeded Mr.
Flint as minister of the parish. He was ordained
Nov. 18, 1835, and died, while pastor of the parish,
December, 1841,
Rey. Mr. Phipps was a native of Quincy, Mass. ;
was graduated at Harvard College in 1852, and at
the Cambridge Divinity School in 1835.
Mr. Phipps was highly esteemed for his sincerity,
for his quiet devotion to his work in the ministry,
and for the promise he gave of future usefulness in
the work to which he had devoted his life.
After the death of Mr. Phipps the pulpit was sup-
plied by various ministers till the following summer,
when Joseph Osgood was engaged to preach four
Sundays after the completion of his studies in the
Cambridge Divinity School.
He was born in Kensington, N. H , Sept. 23,1815;
234
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was graduated at the Cambridge Divinity School, | He was a man of literary tastes, and published two
Friday, July 15, 1842, first occupied the pulpit the | books,—‘ Twin Heroes” and ‘‘ The Boy Lollard.”
17th of the same month, and has continued as min- |
ister of the parish ever since, more than forty-one |
years, having been ordained Oct. 26, 1842.
The Methodist Society in North Cohasset was
organized Dee. 17, 1817.
there in private houses once in two or once in four
weeks.
There had been preaching
The persons who constituted this society
lived partly in Hingham and partly in Cohasset,
their residences being mostly on the two sides of the
road which separates the two towns. As they were
about three miles from both the Hingham and Co-
hasset meeting-houses, they found it inconvenient to
attend these places of worship, and many had ceased —
to attend religious worship. Their first meeting-
house was built in the spring and dedicated in June
of 1825. The second and present house was dedi-
cated Sept. 3, 1845, Father E. HE. Taylor, who had
one season at an early period labored among them,
preaching the sermon at the dedication.
In the early years of this religious society the pulpit
was probably supplied by the services of a preacher
from the Conference.
who had charge of the Hingham Methodist Episco-
pal Church. It was then, in connection with the
Hingham Church, and sometimes with the addition
of Scituate or Weymouth, placed under the care of
ministers sent from the Conference. Of late years it
has generally had the entire services of one man, who
has continued in charge for three years in succes- |
sion.
The Second Congregational Church and Society
was organized Nov. 24, 1824. The corner-stone of
their meeting-house had been laid on the 8th of
October preceding..
Rev. Aaron Pickett was installed as pastor Nov.
15, 1826; dismissed May, 1833. Rev. Martin
Moore was installed September, 1833; dismissed
August, 1841.
1842 ; dismissed June, 1847. Frederick A. Reed
was ordained March 9, 1848, and was dismissed
March 13, 1866.
Rey. Mr. Reed was born in Boston, Dee. 7, 1821,
graduated at Amherst College in 1843, and at the
Bangor Theological Seminary in 184€.
Harvard, Mass., where he was engaged in the active
duties of the ministry, in 1883.
After leaving Cohasset he preached for eleven years
in Taunton and three years in Harvard.
Mr. Reed is remembered with respect and affection
by the people of Cohasset.
In 1832, and for two years |
afterwards, it was supplied by Rev. Stephen Puffer, ©
|
| society.
i
|
|
tev. Daniel Babcock, installed June, |
He died at |
)
_ house.
| Cohasset.
Rev. Calvin R. Fitts was installed April, 1868,
and was dismissed October, 1870. He died in Sud-
bury in 1883.
Rev. Moody A. Stevens was installed April, 1872,
and dismissed June, 1878.
Rev. Granville Yager was installed in June, 1878,
and dismissed Feb. 6, 1883.
Of the ministers who have been ordained or in-
stalled as pastors of this church and society, only the
two last named are living at the present time, 1884.
Beechwood Church.—In about the year 1862
there began to be stated preaching in the part of
Cohasset called Beechwood. The services were in a
hall, and were conducted by Rev. Cyrus Stone. (Re-
ligious services had been held occasionally in this
locality for many years.)
In about eighteen months a church was organized.
The corner-stone of the Beechwood meeting-house
was laid Oct. 18, 1866, and the house was dedicated
Jan. 15, 1867. The house is very near the boundary-
line between Scituate and Cohasset, and the congre-
gation is composed of worshipers from both towns.
in the church have been sustained in
part by missionary aid. Sometimes the church has
had a minister of its own, and sometimes it has been
Services
under the pastoral care of a clergyman who also had
the charge of a church in Hingham.
Rev. Cyrus Stone, Rev. Charles B. Smith, Rev.
T. S. Norton, Rev. Austin S. Garver, and Rev. EH.
C. Hood have been ministers of the church and
The present minister is Rev. Harlan Page,
who was ordained Feb. 6, 1883.
St. Anthony’s Church was built by the Roman
Catholics in 1875, and services were first held in
was
it July 15th of the same year. The church
| built under the direction of Rev, Hugh P. Smyth,
who for some time had the pastoral care of the
Roman Catholic churches in Weymouth, Hingham,
Cohasset, and Scituate. He was succeeded by Rev.
Peter J. Leddy, who had the pastoral charge of
the churches in Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate
till his death in 1880.
have been under the care of Rev. Gerald Fagin,
Since then these churches
aided by an assistant.
Educational Interests.—It is probable that the
town of Hingham before the incorporation of Cohas-
set as a precinct maintained only one public school.
That was kept in a school-house near the old meeting-
In 1714 Hingham was requested to remit
the ministerial and school taxes to the inhabitants of
This request was refused.
COHASSRET. | 235
Hingham voted “ March 13, 1720-21, that a school
be kept by Peter Ripley’s six months in the year,”
-and “that a school-house be erected by Peter Rip- |
ley’s by the selectmen.”
June 29, 1724, the town voted “that the school
should be kept half the time in the old school-house,
Cohasset ; the time the school was to be kept in each
of these three places to be apportioned according to
the amount of tax which is paid by each. Sixty
pounds school money was voted.
This arrangement was continued for eighteen years,
_ with the exception of one year (1737), when the
and the other half at the school-house near Peter |
Ripley's.”
The first reference to school matters in the records
of Cohasset is as follows:
“March 31, 1721. John Farrow, Obediah Lin-
coln, and Joseph Bate are chosen to take care con-
cerning the school, and to take the money from the
-town of Hingham, and to dispose of it as followeth :
school money was divided among the three parts of
the town.
May 14, 1752, the town voted to have one grammar
school, to be kept in the north school-house the whole
year, and a “ writing and reading school,” to be kept
_ seven months of the year in the East Parish (Cohasset),
' and five months in the South Parish.
One-third part of it to be paid to a school-dame for
teaching the children to read, and two-thirds of the
money to be disposed of to teach the children to
write and to cipher.”
The next record is three years later, viz., March
31, 1724.
the town, which is in the hands of John Farrow,
“ Voted that the money that came from |
Obediah Lincoln, and Joseph Bate, should be dis- |
posed of to learn the childsen to read and write in
this precinct.”
It is not probable that any school had been estab-
This contin-
ued to be the way in which the schools were regulated
as long as Cohasset remained a precinct of Hingham,
except that in 1756 and subsequently Cohasset had
its just portion of the money raised instead of the
seven months’ time of the “writing and reading
school.”
The date of the building of the first school-house
in Cohasset must be assigned to the year 1734. It
stood on the Plain, between where the houses of the
late Capt. Samuel Hall and of Mr. Zenas Lincoln
now stand. This was the only school-house in (o-
_hasset till 1792, when it was voted to build a new
lished in Cohasset, and it is doubtful if there was |
any money for schools in the hands of the above-_
named men, for there is no record of a vote of the |
town of Hingham to appropriate money for a school
Besides, March 22, 1727, Cohasset
‘‘nassed a vote to choose a committee to make an
address to the town of Hingham relating to the
in Cohasset.
school for our part of the school money or our part |
of the schooling.” Hingham the previous year (May
9, 1726) had “refused to have the school kept any
part of the year in Cohasset.”
Aug. 14, 1727, Cohasset voted to address the
General Court concerning the school, and chose John
Jacob agent to prefer the petition to the General
Court.
This action seems to have had the desired effect,
for Hingham voted May 6, 1728, “to raise eighty
pounds for the support of schools, and that the in- |
habitants of Cohasset and Great Plain shall be al-
lowed to draw out of the town treasury their propor- |
tion of what they pay towards the same sum, provided
they employ the same for the support of schools among |
themselves, and for no other use.”
This arrangement continued for six years, till March
school-house and remove the old one. The schools,
other than the one in the centre, must have been
kept in private houses.
Although the precinct voted in 1821 and in sub-
sequent years how the money to be received from the
town for schools should be apportioned and spent,
and chose men to take charge of it and of the schools,
yet we have no record of any money having been ap-
propriated by the town or received by the precinct
till 1728. There were probably no public schools in
the precinct till that year. “October 13th, John
Jacob, Joshua Bate, and John Orcutt were chosen to
provide a schoolmaster, and also to provide a school-
house for the present.” From this time a school was
kept some part of the year.
Dee. 30, 1731, ‘it was voted that the two arms of
the precinct and those that are minded to join with
them might have the school with them, their pro-
portion, according to what they pay to said school,
viz.: the inhabitants of Rocky Nook, Strait’s Pond
Mill, and Nichols’ at one end, and the inhabitants
of the Beechwoods at the other end.”
From 1734 to 1752 the precinct had its share of
the services of the one grammar-school teacher of
4, 1733-34, when the town “ voted to have one school |
the year ensuing, and but one.’ This school was to
be kept in three places, viz., in the town part (so
called), at the Great Plain, and in the precinct of
Hingham, who probably divided his time between
the school in the centre and the schools in the two
arms.
From the year 1752 till it was incorporated as a
236
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
district entirely separate from Hingham, in 1770, it
had the services of a “‘ writing and reading master
seven months of each year, or its share of the school
money raised by the town.”
Although in 1721 the precinct voted that one-
third of the school money should be paid to a school-
. . . - |
dame for teaching the children to read, there is no |
evidence that such a school-dame was employed to |
teach the children till 1768. In that year it was
“voted that four pounds of the proportion of the
school money that belongs to the centre of the pre-
cinct be laid out and improved in three women’s
schools,”
In 1769 it was voted that there be four schools
kept by schoolmistresses in the centre, and that eight
pounds be appropriated for that purpose.
when the precinct was separated from Hingham and
was incorporated as a district, with the rights and |
duties of a town, it ‘‘ voted thirty pounds for the use |
of the schools, and that the inhabitants of the Beech-
allowed to draw their proportion of the money granted
for the school, or schools, provided they improve the
same for a writing and reading school.”
“Tn 1785 the town was divided into three divisions
convenient for schooling.”
The usual amount raised for the support of the |
schools was from thirty to sixty pounds, but some-—
times the amount was nominally much larger, when
the Continental money had become greatly depre-
ciated. In 1780 it was twenty-five hundred pounds.
An attempt was made to make two districts of the |
| built.
centre division, but it was not effected till some time
afterwards. In 1796 two hundred dollars were raised
for the support of the schools, of which eighty-six dol-
lars and eighty-four cents were appropriated to the
North School, seventy-one dollars and twenty cents to
the South, fifteen dollars and twenty-seven cents to
the Jerusalem, and twenty-nine dollars and sixty-nine
cents to the Beechwoods school.
In 1800 the town raised eleven hundred dol-
lars for all town and parish purposes, including the
salary of the minister; three hundred dollars of this
amount were appropriated to the schools. A committee |
of three was chosen to procure schoolmasters and
continued to choose
committees for the several divisions till 1829, when
schoolmistresses. The town
it voted that each district should choose its own com-
mittee. This continued, with the exception of two
or three years, till 1870. Since thaf time the super-
intending committee have had charge of the schools
In 1873 the town au-
thorized the school committee to choose a superin-
and of procuring teachers.
tendent, who has singe, under the direction of the
committee, had the practical charge and oversight of
the schools.
The district system in a strictly legal form never
really prevailed in the town.
In 1804 a committee of three was chosen to visit
the schools. This was the first general or superin-
tending committee chosen in the town. This com-
mittee was not chosen annually, and the duty of
visiting the schools seems to have devolved upon the
minister, the Rev. Mr. Flint, alone.
In 1818, however, a committee of three was chosen
to visit the schools with Mr. Flint, and this custom
| was continued till 1826, when the State law was
_ passed requiring every town to choose a superintend-
In 1770,
ing committee.
At first the committee consisted of eight members,
and the town contiuued to choose a large committee
till 1830, when only three were chosen, and this has
continued to be the number of the committee, with a
woods, so called, and of Jerusalem, so called, be |
few exceptions, to the present time.
It was not unfrequently the custom of the town to
devote part of the schoolanoney—from twenty to fifty
In 1820 it was
“voted that singing is a necessary charge.”
In 1792 the first school-house built in the centre, on
the Plain, was moved to what became the North dis-
trict, and a school-house was built in what had been
made the South district.
had been moved into the North district was burnt in
1819, and in 1820 a new house was built.
sold in 1857, and the present North school-house was
dollars—to the teaching of singing.
The old school-house which
This was
The South school-house built in 1792 was sold in
1859, and the present South school-house was built.
A school-house was built in the Beechwoods in
1794, and was replaced by a new one in 1839, which
_ also was replaced by a new one, the present Beech-
woods school-house, in 1852.
In 1795 the town “ voted to allow the Jerusalem
people seven pounds and ten shillings towards build-
ing a school-house, provided that they build one one
year from this date.’ The house then built was sold
in 1839, and a new house built, which also was sold
in 1851, and the present Jerusalem school-house was
built.
In 1828 a committee was chosen to select one-
third of the children of the South, and one-third of
the children of the North district school, and to
It was also “‘ voted that the
town should pay the several districts for their school-
form a Centre district.
houses, and for the future build and support all the
schools in its corporate capacity.”
COH ASSET. 237
The present Centre school-house, which has been
twice enlarged, was built that year.
A small school-house was at one time built and a
school established at the junction of King Street and
|
|
|
Winter Street, but the school was given up, and the |
house was removed in 1843. The present school in
King Street was established, and a school-house, con-
verted from a dwelling-house, was fitted up for the
school in 1874.
In 1873 the Harbor primary school was estab-
lished, and a building was purchased and fitted up
for its accommodation.
The subject of a High Schocl, or a school for the
older children, was agitated before 1826. In that
year the town voted to establish such a school in the |
centre of the town for the sole use of such boys and
girls as have arrived at the age of fourteen years.
Of the seven hundred dollars school money raised,
two hundred and twenty-five dollars were appropriated
for the support of this school. Although this school
had strong advocates, a vote could not be secured to
continue it till in 1841, when it was voted to estab-
lish a High School by a vote of sixty-one to forty-
three.
Two hundred dollars were voted for it, and it was
not to continue over four months in the cold season.
After that time it was continued annually, as a four
months’ winter school, till 1851, when it was made a
yearly school, and has been continued as such to the
present time.
school it was put under the charge of a master, aided
by a female assistant for twelve weeks in the winter.
When first established as a yearly |
under the care of female teachars was gradually in-
troduced, with good results. In 1851 the present
system was adopted, giving to all the schools forty
weeks’ schooling and placing them under the charge
of female teachers who should continue through the
year without change.
The next year a female assistant was employed |
through the year, and such continued to be the ar-
rangement, except that some years an assistant was |
not employed in the summer, and for some years two |
assistants were employed in the winter.
In 1876 the |
High School was put under the charge of a lady, Miss |
Drusilla 8. Lothrop, as principal, with a young man _
as assistant.
with success to the present time.
The school was first kept in a building called the
This arrangement has been continued |
Academy, which had been erected in 1797 by cer- |
tain proprietors for a private school and other pur-
poses. The town-meetings were held in this building,
after they had ceased to be held in the First Parish
Church in 1832, till 1857, when the present town
hall, with rooms in the lower story for the High
School, was built.
The winter schools in the several divisions of the
town, and afterwards districts, were always taught by |
male teachers till the High School was established.
After that time the plan of putting these schools
| people.
| precinct, and afterwards until it became a district or
This arrangement has continued to the present
time, except that the Beechwood grammar school
has for some years been taught by a male teacher
through the year.
Primary winter schools began to be provided in
one or two of the larger districts before 1840. New
ones have been established as they have been needed,
and at present there are five yearly primary schools
in the town.
In September, 1883, an intermediate school was
opened.
At present there are in the town one high school,
four grammar, two mixed, one intermediate, and five
primary schools.
The whole number of pupils in 1882-83 was, in
the summer term, three hundred and eighty-three ; in
the fall term, four hundred and two; and in the win-
ter term, three hundred and eighty-one. The appro-
priation of the town for the support of the schools
the current year (1883-84) is five thousand seven
hundred dollars.
An account of the schools in Cohasset would not be
complete without reference to the private schools
which have had an important part in educating the
Before the incorporation of Cohasset as a
town, dame-schools were doubtless supported by the
voluntary contributions of the people, to supply, in
part, the utter want of provision made by the town
for teaching the children, or such provision was made
to supply its deficiencies.
After 1797, when the Academy was built, a good
private school, generally under the charge of a
liberally-educated man, was kept till a public high
school was established. Rey. Mr. Flint and Mr. Wm.
Whittington also taught many private pupils. Young
women opened private schools and had many children
committed to their charge ; but since the public schools
have been lengthened and improved private schools
have been discontinued. At present none are kept in
| town.
Asa part of the educational system of the town,
a public library for the use of all the inhabitants
was established in 1879. The town voted to give
three hundred dollars toward the library, provided
the school-teachers would raise an equal amount of
money. They obtained more than that amount,
238
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
mostly by subscriptions of from twenty-five cents to
five dollars. Afterwards liberal-minded citizens gave
larger sums of money ; there have been generous con-
tributions books, and a considerable
amount of money was raised from a fair.
has consented to grant three hundred dollars or four
hundred dollars annually for the support of the
library, and has provided for it convenient rooms.
of valuable
The town
The library now contains more than three thousand
volumes of books, many of which are of great value,
affording excellent reading to all who choose to avail
themselves of it in the town."
CEDAVE, THe on
DOVER.
BY MRS. G. D. EVERETT.
Tue town of Dover lies in the northwestern part
of the county, is one of the border towns’ between
Norfolk and Middlesex Counties, and is bounded as |
follows: on the north by Needham and Natick, on
the east by Dedham, on the south by Walpole and —
Medfield, and on the west by Sherborn and Natick.
Much of the early history of Dover will be found in
the history of Dedham, of which it originally formed a _
part, being known as the fourth precinct of Dedham.
The earliest record which throws any light upon the
history of Dover is the charter granted by their Ma-
jesties, King William and Queen Mary, to the inhab-
itants of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New
England; which charter stated that His Majesty King
James the First by his letters patent under the
Great Seal of England, being dated at Westminster,
Nov. 3, 1621, granted to the Council established
at Plymouth, in the County of Devon, and their suc-
cessors and assigns, for the planting, ruling, ordering
and governing of New England in America, all that |
part of America lying in breadth between the fortieth
and forty-eigthth degrees of north latitude, and in
length all the land from sea to sea, provided they are
not possessed or inhabited by other Christian prince or
State. To have, hold, and enjoy, paying to the king, his
heirs or successors, one-fifth part of the gold and silver
1 Tn the foregoing history of Cohasset certain proper names are
spelled in two different ways. The names now spelled Bates,
Jacob, and Stutson. The part of the town formerly called
“The Beechwoods” of late years has been called ‘‘ Beechwood,”
the name given to the post-office in that locality.
| west.
ore which from time to time should be found or obtained
within these lands or territories. And whereas this
Council established at Plymouth, for the ruling and
governing of New England in America, did by their
deed dated March 3, 1628, grant and confirm to Sir
Henry Roswell, Sir John Young, Knights, Thomas
Southeott, John Humphreys, John Endicott, and
Simon Whetcombe, their heirs and assigns, all that
part of New England in America which lies between
a great river commonly called Monomack, a/ias Mer-
rimack, and a certain other river called Charles River,
being in acertain bay commonly called Massachusetts,
alias Mattachusetts.
Also all the lands within the space of three Eug-
lish miles to the southward of the southernmost
part of Massachusetts Bay; and all the lands which
lie within the space of three English miles to the
northward of Merrimack River; and in breadth from
the Atlantic Sea on the east to the South Sea on the
And that the affairs and business, which from
time to time should happen and arise, concerning the
planting and governing of these lands, that they might
be better managed and ordered, King Charles the
First did make and create, by his letters patent, Sir
John Roswell, Sir John Young, etc., and others that
should be admitted, one body corporate, by the name
of the Governor and Company of Massachusetts
Bay, in New England; and did grant them and their
successors, powers and privileges in this letter patent
which may more fully appear; and whereas, several
persons employed as agents of our colony, have made
application unto us that the colony of Massachusetts
Bay, and the province of Main, and the territory
| called Acadia or Nova Scotia, be incorporated into one
_ real province, by the name of “ Our Province of Massa-
chusetts Bay, in New England.’ We do therefore,
will and establish, that thenceforth and forever, there
shall be one governor, one lieutenant, a deputy gov-
ernor, and one secretary, to be appointed and commis-
sioned by us, our heirs, and successors, and eight and
twenty assistants and counselors, to advise and assist
the governor.
We find the acts and laws governing the colonies
during the reign of King William and Queen Mary,
and their Majesties King George, Queen Anne, and
'to the time of King George IIL., or from 1688 to
1760, were explicit and exacting.
Laws were made for governing the General Court,
religious services, school taxes, poor, for commission
_ over the Indians, for breaking the Sabbath, profanity,
Jacobs, and Stetson, in the early records were written Bate,
exporting, importing, cruelty to animals, for marriage
and divorce, drunkards, vagabonds, thefts, fortune-
’ tellers, collecting debts, ete.
DOVER.
239
Each town within the province was to be provided
with an able, learned orthodox minister, of good con-
versation, to dispense the word of God to them. And
all agreements and contracts made by the inhabitants
respecting their minister or schoolmasters were to be
good and valid according to the interest thereof; but |
if the inhabitants neglect to provide suitable ministers
or schoolmasters, upon complaint being made to the —
Quarter Sessions of Peace for that county, the court |
was empowered to order a competent allowance for |
such minister, according to the estate and ability of |
the town, to be assessed upon the inhabitants by a_
warrant from the court, directed to the selectmen, to
be proportioned and assessed as other public charges.
Or if a town was destitute of a minister for six |
months the court could procure and settle one, and
order the charge for his support to be levied upon the |
inhabitants of the town.
write, and every town having the number of one hun-
dred householders should also have a grammar school
and some person of good conversation, well instructed
in the tongues, to keep such school. Every such
schoolmaster or masters to be paid by the inhabitants,
under penalty of ten pounds for every conviction of |
such neglect.
In the year 1635 (history of Dedham) the General
Court then sitting at Newtowne granted a tract of
land south of Charles River to twelve men.
additional grant was made to nineteen persons of all
the land south of Charles River and above the fall,
not before granted, and a tract five miles square on
the north side of Charles River, for the purpose of
forming a settlement. The above grants constitute
at the present time the towns of Dedham, Norwood, |
Norfolk, Medfield, Wrentham, Needham, Bellingham, |
Walpole, Franklin, Natick, Dover, and a part of Sher- |
When the General Court gave large tracts of |
born.
land to the inhabitants it required them to make new
settlements as soon as circumstances would permit.
The early settlers of Massachusetts colony during
the first five or six years remained in Boston and the
adjoining towns of Roxbury and Watertown. The
first twenty-four families who settled Dedham came
from Watertown.
The |
following year several persons joined them, and an |
The early history of Dover (or |
from 1635 to 1748) and Dedham are identical, and |
the early records of Dedham must form the only
records of many of the adjoining towns, which were
all embodied in the town of Dedham.
time and management. Regular monthly meetings
were held to transact the business, which for many
years was entrusted to seven men, who made all
necessary by-laws for the people. The town of Ded-
ham was fixst known by the name of Contentment,
this name being written over the records of several
of the first meetings. Edward Allyne was one of
the leading men who came in the first company from
Watertown, the first records of the town being written
by him.
and toil on every hand.
These pioneers were surrounded by foes
The woods abounded with
wolves and other wild animals. Indians lurked in
the forests with suspicious looks and acts, and their
daily bread was to be wrung from the sterile soil.
In 1637 a meeting-house was built, which was
thirty-six feet long, twenty feet wide, and twelve feet
high, with a thatched roof. It stood where the
_meeting-house of the First Parish of Dedham now
Every town within the province having fifty house- |
holders was to be constantly provided with a school- |
master, who should teach the children to read and |
stands. The pitts (as the pews were called in the
records) were five feet deep and four and one-half feet
The elders’ seat and deacons’ seat were before
the pulpit. The communion-table stood before these
seats, and placed so that communicants could reach it
wide.
from all directions. The officers of the church were
pastor, teachers, rulers, and deacons. ‘The pastor to
administer the seals of baptism and the sacraments ;
the ruling elder to admonish, excommunicate, absolve,
| and ordain ; the teachers to pray, preach, and instruct ;
deacons to regulate the collections for the poor and
sing psalms.
All newcomers were required to give to a commit-
tee chosen for that purpose an account of their mo-
tives for wishing to settle there. These questions to
be answered satisfactorily before they could remain:
Where they were from? What property they pos-
If there was a probability of their becoming
a charge to the inhabitants ?
sessed ?
Also what were their
moral feelings, religious affections, and opinions of
Christian doctrines ?
In 1664 the town consisted of ninety-five small
houses situated near each other, within a short dis-
Only
four of the number were valued at twenty pounds;
tance of where the court-house now stands.
the others were valued at from three to ten pounds.
There were no saw-mills, and boards must be sawed
by hand. They were probably log houses with
thatched roofs. Every house was obliged to have a
ladder reaching from the ground to the chimney as a
means of protection in case of fire, under penalty of
It was a law of the
colony that settlers should build their houses near
five shillings for such neglect.
each other for protection, and in 1682 a law was
The affairs of this new settlement required much | passed that no one should move to a greater distance
240
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
than two miles from the meeting-house without spe-
cial license, as any one so removing would expose
himself in time of danger.
Medfield was the first town settled by the Dedham
proprietors, in 1641; Wrentham, in 1673; other
towns were incorporated later.
The Indians were often troublesome, disregarding
boundary lines, frequently trespassing after boundaries
had been established. Richard Ellis and Timothy
Dwight were chosen agents to treat with King Philip,
the sagamore, for the possession of land six miles square.
In 1671 fears were entertained of an attack by the
Indians, and the great gun now in town, with
carriage thereunto belonging, was ordered to be put in
repair forservice. In 1675 the General Court ordered
the town to be put in readiness for war. In 1675
the bloody war known as King Philip’s war com-
menced.
the murder traced directly to King Philip. He was
the chief instigator of the war. He had his summer
hunting seat near Taunton, where some of the people
furnished him with beef, repaired his muskets, and
furnished him with some simple tools such as the In- |
dians could use. These acts of friendship, through
the |
capture, and that Sergt. Ellis was paid certain sums
Horses wearing
fetters roamed in the woods, and swine wearing great
for their capture from time to time.
yokes around their necks ran wild.
Absences from town-meeting were punished by fine,
the roll of the townsmen being called after the first
half-hour had expired. One shilling fine for the first
half-hour’s absence, and two shillings and sixpence
Until 1700 the people voted
by wheat and beans, wheat Coos the affirmative,
for the whole meeting.
and beans the negative.
Many of the first houses built had decayed ; the in-
habitants had forsaken them and settled on larger
tracts of land in the west part of Dedham, on the
A wan was found shot in the woods and |
land now comprised in Dover, which was established
some years later as Springfield Parish.
The inhabitants of the westerly part of Dedham
presented a petition, March 3, 1728, at a legal
town-meeting, requesting that they and their estates
3?
might be set off as a precinct, with the following
Philip’s influence, protected them, while other towns |
suffered from their savage incursions.
In 1672 a new meeting-house was built on the same |
site as the former one, that being taken down and |
giving place to a larger one. The new house had three
pair of stairs in the corners. Men were seated in
galleries on one side, women on the other, and boys
in the front gallery. The duty of the tything-man
was laborious; he received as much pay
years as the deputy of the General Court.
obliged to go on errands for the elders, whip the dogs
out of the meeting-house, and prevent disorder among
the boys.
The business of seating persons in the meeting-
house came under the jurisdiction of the elders, the
greatest taxpayer having the best seat. The new
house was furnished with a bell.
ten shillings for one year’s service in beating the drum
to collect the congregation.
The school-house, a building eighteen feet long by
fourteen feet wide, and three stories high, the upper |
story being used as a watch-tower, stood near the
church.
In 1691 the town was indicted for not supporting
a school.
Sheep were introduced into the town in 1667. A
large number of dogs were kept in the plantation to
We find that
bounties as high as twenty shillings were paid for their
guard against the ravages of the wolves.
many |
He was |
several ministers of the towns where they attended
One Balch received |
bounds, viz.: Beginning at Bubbling Brook, where
it crosses Medfield road ; and from thence taking in
the lands of Samuel Giickerme: from thence to the
westerly end of Nathaniel Richards’ house-lot, and so
down to Charles River, with all the lands and inhabi-
tants westerly of said line; which petition was voted
and granted at said meeting.
Again, Nov. 19, 1724, a petition was presented to
the General Court, praying to be made a distinct pre-
cinct with the above bounds.
The petition was consigned to a committee, who
reported that the inhabitants, with their estates, should
be freed from paying the minister rate in Dedham,
and ordered that the ministerial taxes be paid to the
church. This report was accepted by the court.
In 1736 there were about fifteen hundred inhabi-
tants and only one minister, and one schoolmaster em-
ployed a few weeks ina place. There was one physician,
a few mechanics, no traders or manufacturers.
Another petition was sent to His Excellency
William Shirley, Esq., Governor-in-Chief over his
| majesty’s province, praying that they might be freed
from paying ministerial rates in the respeetive places
where they had been ‘accustomed to attend public
worship, as it was attended with great difficulty and
labor. They now desired to be set off as a_pre-
cinct, with parish privileges, feeling that they could
now build a meeting-house, support a minister, and
meet together for public worship with some degree
of ease and convenience. ‘This petition was signed at
Dedham, March 30, 1748, and presented to the Gen-
eral Court, April 5, 1748, with the following names:
DOVER.
241
Daniel Wight.
John Battelle.
Josiah Richards.
John Cheeney.
John Chickering.
Samuel Metealf.
Jonathan Day.
Nathaniel Wilson.
Ezra Gay.
Timothy Ellis.
Daniel Chickering.
John Griggs.
Thomas Battelle.
Jonathan Bullard.
Thomas Richards.
Jonathan Whiting.
Abraham Chamberlain.
John Draper.
Samuel Chickering.
Josiah Ellis.
Benjamin Ellis.
Joseph Draper.
Seth Mason.
Joseph Chickering.
Eliphalet Chickering.
Jabez Wood.
Oliver Bacon.
John Bacon.
Joshua Ellis.
Hezekiah Allen, Jr.
Ebenezer Newell.
Thomas Merrifield.
Jonathan Battelle.
Ralph Day.
This petition was granted Nov. 18, 1748, giving
Capt. Joseph Williams and four others were chosen
to select a site for the meeting-house, and Nathaniel
Wilson and two others to agree with any person or
persons for the price of the land (if need be). This
evolved unthought of difficulties with the committee,
and after repeated meetings, debates, and petitions for
different spots for the new meeting-house, tie-votes
and many other obstacles to overcome, it was finally
agreed to abide by the decision of a committee of dis-
| interested persons from other towns, who reported that
_ it should be placed upon the easterly side of Trout
Brook, in the Third Precinct, not far from ye
bounds between Deacon Joseph Ellis and Mr. Eliph-
_alet Chickering, which would be a short distance
the powers and privileges which precincts enjoy. |
They then became an incorporated body, styling them- |
selves the West, or Fourth Precinct in Dedham.
warrant for the first precinct meeting was issued Dec.
20, 1748, and as the General Court did not appoint
a person to call the first parish meeting, one of his
majesty’s justices of the peace, Joshua Ellis, warned
the inhabitants to assemble in the school-house in
A |
Dedham (Third Precinct, near the dwelling-house of |
Joseph Chickering), January 4th, at ten o’clock in >
the forenoon, to choose a moderator, precinct clerk,
and a committee to call parish, district, or precinct
The inhabitants assembled at the time and
place mentioned, and made choice of the following
officers :
meetings.
Joshua Ellis, clerk; Joshua Ellis, Joseph Chick- |
ering, Joseph Draper, Samuel Chickering, Samuel
Metcalfe, precinct committee.
At the next precinct meeting, holden in the same
school-house March 15, 1749, Jonathan Whiting
was chosen precinct treasurer; Joshua Ellis, Joseph
Draper, Joseph Chickering, assessors and precinct
committee.
A vote was also passed to grant twenty-five pounds
to defray the charge of three months’ preaching and
other precinct charges.
Joseph Draper, Ralph Day, and David Wight were
chosen a committee to procure a minister to preach
with them, also to provide a place for y° precinct to
congregate in.
The following committee was also chosen to pre-
pare timber for a meeting-house: Capt. Hezekiah
Allen, Joseph Draper, Samuel Metcalf, Daniel Chick-
|
back of where the present Congregationalist Church
now stands.
The report of the committee was accepted Feb.
17, 1750, and the first precinct meeting was held in
the meeting-house, March 20, 1754. At this meet-
ing money was granted to finish the outside and lower
floor. In 1758 another grant was made for lathing
and plastering. During the same year more money
was appropriated to build a pulpit; then in 1759 still
another grant to finish two galleries and stairs, with
this provision, that the galleries should have only
common seats. The last grant was made in 1761 to
finish pews on the lower floor. Thus, after ten years’
struggle with difficulties hard to overcome, the people
were prepared to invite a gospel minister to settle
| with them to dispense the word of God and his sacra-
ments.
The first minister employed in the precinct was
Mr. Thomas Jones, who preached thirteen Sabbaths
in the spring of 1749; from this time to 1754 noth-
| ing decided had been done to establish public worship ;
consequently the people were warned by the grand
ering, Jonathan Day. The committee who were ap-—
pointed to prepare the timber for the meeting-house
were also instructed to build the house forty-two feet
in length, thirty-four feet in width, and twenty feet in
height from the top of y° cel to y° top of the plate.
16
jury of Suffolk County to give reasons for this neglect,
with this admonition, if this negligence was continued
they might expect to be presented.
The sum of £15 6s. 8d. was voted to defray the
expense of preaching for three months, and from this
time to Oct. 18, 1758, different ministers were em-
ployed for three and four months at a time; then a
unanimous vote was given for Mr. Joseph Manning,
of Cambridge, to dispense y® word of God and admin-
ister y° special ordinances of y° gospel. This invita-
tion was extended to him, witha salary of £66 13s. 4d.,
but these hopes were soon blighted by his declining
to accept the call, with this benediction for their fu-
ture welfare :
“Therefore finally Brethren, Live in Love and Peace, keep-
ing y® unity of y° Spiritin y° Bond of Peace. And may y® God
of Peace be with you, may his peace rest upon you. That y®
242
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
great Shepherd of y® sheep would in Due time give you a
pastor after his own Heart, a faithful Minister of y® New Tes-
tament to your Spiritual Edification and abundant Joy and
Comfort, is and shall be y® Prayer of your Friend in Christ,
“ JoseEpH MANNING.
“ CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 4, 1758.”
During the next four years different ministers were
employed, but no one was called to settle. In 1760
our ancestors were again notified by the General
Court of their remissness; again in 1762 they were
admonished by the court to choose a minister. Then
a unanimous vote was given for Mr. Benjamin Cary],
with a salary of £66 13s. 4d.
The following is Mr. Caryl’s letter of acceptance,
which cannot fail to show his prayerful spirit to be
directed aright in his duties towards his fellow-men :
“To the People of Springfield Parish in Dedham, Greeting :
“* CurisTIAN FripNDS,—I hope I am, in some measure, sensi-
ble of the over-ruling Providence of God in all things, and willing
to hear and obey his voice to me therein. Especially would I,
at this time, acknowledge and view the Providence of God, both
in so far Uniting your Hearts to invite me, to carry on the
great work of the Gospel Ministry among you and in inclining
my heart to accept your invitation.
“And I desire to bless God, that after so much pains taken
to know my Duty, I am so well satisfied with the clearness of
my call to settle among you in the work of the Ministry, tho’ I
hope I am sensible of my own unfitness,
insufficiency for these things. But being fully persuaded y®
Christ as King and head of his Church has appointed and es-
tablished the Office of y® Ministry to continue in a constant
unpreparedness, and
succession to the End of Time, and has promised to be with his |
faithful ambassadors alway, to the end of y® world, I do,
therefore, humbly leaning on Christ’s strength, Seriously com-
ply with your desire to take upon me the Office of a Pastor, and |
to administer Christ’s Ordinance among you.
“And as, I hope, I do this with a desire for and aim at the
Glory of God and our own mutual good, so let your fervent
Prayers to God be thet he would qualify me for this work, and
adorn me with all needful Ministerial Gifts and Grace, that I
may be a workman that need not be ashamed; and that I may
be Prospered in my labours among you, if it be his will to place
me as a labourer among you; and that we may live in love and
peace, as followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, that another
Day we may appear before him with Joy and not with Grief.
“Thus asking your Prayers, I Rest Your Humble servant,
“BENIN. CARYL.
“ DepuaM, Sept. 5, 1762.”
Accordingly, Mr. Caryl was ordained Nov. 10, |
1762, it being more than twelve years after the
church was organized before a minister was settled.
The Sunday previous to his ordination the church
was embodied by Rev. Mr. Belcher, of Dedham, and
consisted of fifteen male members. In 1763 the
church was dedicated.
The depreciation of the currency is fully shown in
| for the afternoon
was paid in silver money; in amount, fifty-three
pounds six shillings and eight pence.
In 1765 the Fourth Precinct consisted of forty-nine
houses and three hundred and fifty-two inhabitants.
Picture to ourselves, if we can, the devotion and
faith that brought and held this little company of
worshipers together, under all the trials and difficul-
ties which were presented. We should see them
seated in their much-loved meeting-house, which had
cost them so much care and labor, with its bare walls
and floor, with uncushioned seats, and only the
warmth of their hearts to keep at bay the chilling
cold of our New England winters.
The families were seated according to age, sex, and
The boys to be seated on the stairs of the
men’s and women’s galleries, or, later, between the
fore seat and side pews, and were to be under the in-
spection of the older people and the young men, who
were seated in the side galleries. The singers to be
seated in the fore seat of the gallery, with a competent
The pew next
the pulpit was reserved, having a chest built in it to
station.
person appointed to tune the psalm.
_ keep the church vessels in.
All were expected to attend divine service, and
tythingmen were sent about the town to look after
the absent ones, all unnecessary absence to be pun-
ished by fine.
The tythingmen were expected to keep perfect
order during the long sermons of morning and after-
| noon, the sermons often reaching fifteenthly and
sixteenthly, in the afternoon the sun often sinking
low behind the western hills before the congregation
was dismissed to go to their distant homes. All this
was done as a sacred duty and obligation, to be dis-
charged without question or doubt.
Some years later, feeling that all physical comfort
could not be sacrificed for spiritual advancement, it
was voted that the school-house near the church
should be opened by the head of some family on
Lord’s-day immediately after the forenoon exercises,
and that those of the precinct who had occasion
might improve said house for their comfort between
meetings, and that said house be shut up from time
to time, “ when the minister go to y° meeting-house
service.” A committee of five,
consisting of Nathaniel Battelle, Eleazer Allen, Heze-
kiah Allen, Jr., Peltiah Herring, and John Cheeney,
were chosen to open, shut, secure the fire, and keep
| order in said house.
the increase of Mr. Caryl’s salary from sixty-six |
y
ounds to four thousand of the current money during
J s
the Revolutionary war. Again, in 1782, his salar
g ) y
Application was soon made to the First Church in
Dedham for a division and allowance of their right
and proportion of all lands that had been laid out for
the improvement of the church. In 1773 a vote was
DOVER.
243
given to lay stone steps at the meeting-house doors.
March 9, 1770, Mr. Lemuel Richards, Mr. Joseph
Fisher, and Mr. Asa Richards were chosen to tune the
psalm for the year ensuing. Liberty was also given
persons in the precinct to take up some of the body- |
In
March, 1779, liberty was given the singers to occupy
seats and build pews at their own expense.
the front gallery, and seat themselves as suited best
for singing.
May 4, 1780, all persons who could produce a
certificate that they were of the Baptist persuasion
exempted from paying the ministerial tax.
During the long pastorate of Mr. Caryl important
changes had taken place in the country, but nothing
had occurred to mar the peace and prosperity of the
church until the evening of Feb. 13, 1810, when the
meeting-house was burned to the ground. Their
much-beloved pastor was advanced in years, and too
feeble in health to cheer them much in this dark hour.
The fire was supposed to be incendiary, and a reward
of two hundred and fifty dollars was offered by the
town for the apprehension of the guilty party.
At the annual March meeting it was voted to
rebuild, and the sum of fifteen hundred dollars —
granted for that purpose. Later, at the April meeting,
five thousand five hundred dollars more was granted,
| carried by the different families.
|
He graduated at Harvard College in 1761.
| Caryl married, Dec. 9, 1762, Mrs. Sarah Hollock,
were recorded as such on the precinct books, and |
| of that town.
made for heating the house, and foot-stoves were
Dr. George Caryl,
son of the pastor, was invited to select a pew for the
use of the minister’s family.
Mr. Caryl remained pastor of the church nearly
_ fifty years, the union only terminating with his life.
Rev. Benjamin Caryl was the son of Benjamin,
and grandson of Benjamin and Mary Caryl, of Hop-
kinton, and was born in that town in the year 1732.
Mr.
of Wrentham, daughter of Rev. Henry Messenger,
Their children were Benjamin, born
Dec. 6, 1764, died Sept. 12, 1775; and George,
born April 1, 1767, graduated at Harvard 1788, mar-
ried Miss Pamelia Martin, of Uxbridge, in 1790, and
settled in Dover as a physician, in which capacity he
was very successful and highly esteemed. He died
Aug. 9, 1822, leaving a widow, three daughters, and
a son.
The old parsonage built by Mr. Caryl in 1777, near
the small dwelling which to that date he had occupied
| (the cellar of which may still be seen), is standing
and occupied by his descendants, with very little
also four hundred dollars to purchase a bell for the |
meeting-house.
the present Unitarian Church stands, an agreement
having been made with Jonathan Upham to exchange
The building was to be placed where |
_man and thoroughly orthodox.
lands with the district, giving the district about two _
acres of land north of the school-house then standing. |
Stones for the underpinning were carted from Quincy. |
The new meeting-house was dedicated June 11, |
1811. Mr. Calvin Richards, Mr. Joseph Richards,
Mr. Frederic Barden, Mr. Luther Richards, and
Capt. Hezekiah Battelle were chosen a committee
to make necessary arrangements for the dedication.
Caryl, being too feeble in health to be present at the
services, and unable to even visit the new house of
worship.
The new house was large and commodious, having
sixty-four pews on the lower floor and thirty-two in
the galleries.
the house and one in front. These letters, in gilt,
were on the front gallery: “ Built in 1811, gathered
in 1762.”
and side galleries, with wood-work finished higher
than the adjoining seats, that were set apart for the
colored people of the district.
There were galleries on either side of |
change externally or within since he finished it more
than a century ago.
No obituary of Mr. Caryl was ever published, but
he left a goodly memory. He was much beloved by
all, and is remembered with respect and affection.
All are unanimous in testifying that he was a good
He was remarkably
earnest and gifted in prayer. He kept himself very
much at home, seldom attending public meetings
abroad. He drew as little from books and writings
as any man of his time, but his sermons were fervent,
impressive, evidently from the heart, and firm belief
in the truth and importance of his message. They
were written in avery fine, but perfectly legible hand,
_and only one (a Thanksgiving sermon) was ever
An appropriate sermon was delivered by Rev. Mr. |
Palmer, of Needham, the pastor, Rev. Benjamin |
printed. He died Nov. 14, 1811. Immediately
after the burial services, November 18th, the inhab-
itants returned to the meeting-house and appointed
Thursday, Jan. 2, 1812, to be set apart for a day of
fasting and prayer throughout the district, and chose
Deacon Jonathan Battelle and Mr. William Richards a
committee to inform the ministers of the Association.
After Mr. Caryl’s decease, there was no settled
minister until the next summer, when the district
' united with the parish in a vote, June 2, 1812, to
There were two pews between the front |
extend a call to Rey. Ralph Sanger to become their
pastor and gospel minister, with a yearly salary of five
_ hundred and fifty dollars; also the use and improve-
No plan had been |
ment of the church lot; also that Mr. Sanger have
244
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
liberty to be absent two Sabbaths in a year if it be
his desire. A committee of three were appointed,
consisting of Capt. Samuel Fisher, Mr. James Mann,
and Mr. Aaron Whiting, to inform Mr. Sanger of
their choice. Mr. Sanger made the following reply :
“ To the Church and Society in Dover.
“My CuristrAN Frrenps,—Since I received an expression
of your wishes, as contained in the votes of the church and so-
ciety, it has been my earnest endeavor, as well as humble prayer,
to take the important subject into serious consideration. Ihave
considered the warm affection and kind attention which were ex-
ercised and displayed toward him whose labor in the Lord was
long and precious among you, and whose memory, while he now
sleepeth with the fathers, you cherish with truly filial affection.
““T have consulted my friends and have not the happiness to
say that their opinions were unanimous. I have consulted
others also, whose opinions I value, and found them far from
being united. While my mind was undergoing a conflict, from
their varying opinions, it recurred to a consideration of your
condition—to a consideration of what might be the situation of
your affairs in case I should feel myself bound to non-concur
with your wishes. The thought was painful. It has not, I
trust, been without its weight on my mind. I have considered
also your proposals. The form of a part of them now meets my
most cordial approbation, and should it so happen that no ex-
plicit alteration in other parts shall take place, permit me to
understand and expect that I may not materially suffer from
changes which no
the changes which await all human affairs,
prudence can foresee nor care avoid. I have considered also
your tolerant and catholic spirit, your charity and affection for
the pious and good of all denominations, your sacred regard for
the Holy Scriptures in their nature and simplicity and purity
without human addition or diminution.
mit me to say that your sentiments perfectly agree with my
own. And it is my earnest wish, as well as devout prayer,
that while I shun not to declare the whole counsel of God, ‘I
may never teach for doctrines the commandments of men.’
“ Prom these considerations, and under these expectations, lam
induced to say, ‘I accept your invitation.’ And, in connexion
with this acceptance, I tender you, for all your past attention,
my most hearty thanks, confidently trusting that while nothing
may in future be wanting on my part, so that there will be no
less disposition on yours to continue them. And although our
situation, my friends, may not be the most conspicuous, we may
| 20, 1839.
He was ordained Sept. 16,1812. His father, Zed-
ekiah Sanger, D.D., preached the sermon at his
ordination. Dr. Sanger enjoyed an unbroken pastor-
ate of nearly half a century.
The greatest calamity which befell the society dur-
ing his ministry was the burning of the church, Jan.
The next morning members of the society
gathered around the smoking ruins and made ar-
rangements for an informal parish meeting; and in
3)
less than eight months the present house was finished
and dedicated.
The family of Dr. Sanger was of good old Puritan
stock, and some of his ancestors were among the ear-
liest settlers in Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay.
His father, Rev. Zedekiah Sanger, D.D., graduated
at Harvard University in 1771, and was settled in
_ Duxbury, Mass. ; afterwards in Bridgewater, in the
In these points per- |
| Duxbury, June
not enjoy the stare and gare of the world, still let us do allin |
our power to enjoy what is infinitely superior,—the cordial
joy the delightful satisfaction of promoting each other’s happi-
ness. And, above all, may we enjoy the approbation of our
own minds and the serenity of a pious hope,—a hope of ob-
taining his favor, ‘whose favor is life, and whose loving kind-
ness is better than life.’
“Finally, my Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the |
| quently having students from Cambridge under his
power of his might. Praying always with all prayer and sup-
plication in the Spirit, and for me, that [ may open my mouth
boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I |
am an ambassador. And by our mutual prayers, our kind af-
fections, and our good offices to each other, by our uninter-
rupted and increasing friendship here may we be prepared for
that friendship which death cannot destroy, which eternity
cannot impair.
“Thus prays your sincere and humble servant,
‘* RALPH SANGER.
“CAMBRIDGE, July 6, 1812.”
same State, where he performed the active duties of
a minister till his death, in 1820. He received the
degree of Doctor of Divinity from Bowdoin College,
Me., in 1807. His wife was Irene Freeman, and
their family consisted of thirteen children, eight sons
and five daughters, all of whom reached years of ma-
turity. Of the sons, Richard and Ralph were gradu-
ates of Harvard College, and Zedekiah of Brown
University, at Providence, R. I. Ralph and Zedekiah
became ministers.
Ralph, the subject of this memoir, was born in
22, 1786, but spent most of his
youthful days in Bridgewater. He was fitted for
college by his father, as was customary in the earlier
days of New England when preparatory schools were
few. He entered Harvard in 1804, his brother
Richard being at that time tutor in Greek. In 1808
he graduated with the highest honors of his class.
The following year he was master of the Latin gram-
mar school in Concord, Mass. ; he then returned to his
alma mater, and was tutor in mathematics for two
_ years; he then prepared for the ministry under the
love and mutual kind attentions of each other, still may we en- | ait Eee J
cuidance of his father, who had many students under
his care prior to the establishment of divinity schools.
In 1813 he removed to Dover and took charge of the
First Parish, at that time the only one in town, living
in the family of Deacon Jonathan Battelle, and fre-
care.
In 1817 he was married to Charlotte Kingman, of
Kast Bridgewater, Mass., and established his home in
the centre of the town, where his six children were
born and reared. Ralph, born March 31, 1818, died
March 31 (on his birthday), 1850. George Part-
ridge, born Nov. 27, 1819, graduated at Harvard Uni-
' versity, 1840, and now United States attorney for Kast-
DOVER.
245
ern Massachusetts, resides at Cambridge, Mass. Char-—
lotte Kingman, born Aug. 17, 1822, married William
G. Gannett, Oct. 10,1848, died Aug. 2,1871. John
White, born March 15, 1824, died at Shanghai,
China, 1866; was captain in East India trade. Simon
Greenleaf, born March 9, 1827, graduated at Har-
vard University, 1848, a teacher in Chicago. Irene
Freeman, born Aug. 13, 1830, a teacher in Boston.
He resided here until July 8, 1857, when his house
was destroyed by an incendiary fire. In this year he
received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Har-
vard University. He then went to Cambridge and
lived with his daughter, Mrs. Gannett, until his
death, in 1860. But his connection with his parish
He died
May 6, 1860, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.
Among his people Dr. Sanger always labored earn-
remained unbroken until his last illness.
estly to promote their material, moral, intellectual, and
spiritual welfare. He was the means of establishing
a town library, tock a deep interest in town, county,
and State societies for promotion of agriculture, and
during his long ministry, which covered a period of
nearly forty-seven years, acted as chairman of the
school committee. He also represented the town in
the State Legislature three years, and was much inter-
ested in the project of having a railroad through
the town. His perceptions were quick and ideas log-
ical, and he strove not only to do good himself, but
endeavored to lead others to follow in his footsteps.
Mrs. Sanger survived her husband twenty-one
years, dying at the age of ninety.
labored long
Together they
and faithfully for the good of those
around them ; both did a work worthy of the noblest
ambition, and both rest from their labors in the beau-
tiful cemetery of Mount Auburn. No better inscription
could be placed upon their tomb than “ Blessed are
the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children
of God.”
After the resignation of Mr. Sanger the society
united in extending an invitation, Nov. 8, 1858, to
Rey. Edward Barker, a graduate of Meadville Theo-
logical School, Pennsylvania, to settle with them as
colleague with Rev. Ralph Sanger, with a salary of
five hundred dollars. The invitation was accepted
Noy. 15, 1858, and Mr. Barker was soon ordained,
and commenced in the labor of the ministry. Mr.
Barker was pastor of the church a little more than
two years, his labor terminating Dec. 17, 1860. Af-
ter Mr. Barker’s withdrawal the pulpit was supplied
for a while by Rey. Horatio Alger, of South Natick ;
but he soon felt that the work was too laborious to be
continued in connection with the care of his own par-
ish in Natick, and the society was without a settled
pastor until April 1, 1863, when the parish and
church concurred in extending a call to Rev. George
Proctor, of Billerica. George Proctor was born in
Chelmsford, Mass., Sept. 5, 1814, the son of Aza-
riah and Lucy (Hodgman) Proctor. He received his
early education in Chelmsford. In 1839 he commenced
the study of theology under the instruction of Rev.
Rufus S. Pope, who for thirty years was pastor of
the Universalist Society in Hyannis. April 1, 1840,
Mr. Proctor was ordained and installed pastor of the
Universalist Society in Sterling, where he labored five
years ; from that time until April 1, 1847, he was
pastor of a society in Harvard, laboring a portion of
the time in Boxboro’ ; he was then called to Billerica,
Mass., where he remained until 1854. He then became
pastor of a parish in Oxford; remained there three
years, when he was recalled to Billerica, where he
labored six years more, making in all a pastorate of
April 19, 1863,
he commenced his labors in Dover, and remained five
nearly thirteen years in that place.
years. One of the most gratifying events of his
ministry in Dover occurred July 7, 1867, when
twenty-two persons were received into the church by
He was
a pastor much beloved and respected by his people.
In June, 1868, the society invited Rev. Calvin S.
Locke, of West Dedham, to supply the pulpit for an
baptism and the right hand of fellowship.
indefinite period.
Calvin Stoughton Locke was born in Aeworth, N.
H., Oct. 11, 1829.
he was placed, in 1834, under the guardianship of Rev,
Moses Gerald, of Alstead, N. H., and was reared
under the most pronounced Calvinistic theology. He
After the decease of his parents
was prepared for college at the Kimball Union Acad-
emy, Meriden, N. H., and at Williston Seminary,
Easthampton, Mass. He graduated from Amherst
College in 1849. After teaching two years in Essex,
Mass., he entered the Divinity School of Harvard
December 6th of
the same year he was ordained pastor of the Third
Parish of Dedham.
continued until July, 1864, when he opened a private
school in West Dedham.
at Dover eleven years, he resigned his charge, much
University and graduated in 1854.
His ministry in this parish
After supplying the pulpit
to the regret of the society. During his pastorate the
society procured new hymn books, renovated the
church, obtained a cabinet organ for the Sunday-
school, and replaced the pipe organ with a better in-
Much of this work was due to the labor
The society still hold
Since his resignation
strument.
and influence of the pastor.
him in loving rememberance.
he has and is devoting his time and labor to the pri-
vate school which he established in 1864.
246
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In 1880 the parish extended a call to Rev. Eugene |
De Normandie, of Sherborn, who still divides his la-
bors between the societies of Sherborn and Dover.
The deacons of the church since its formation have |
been Ralph Day, Joshua Ellis, Joseph Haven, Eben-
ezer Newell, Noah Haven, Ebenezer Smith, Ephraim
Wilson, Jonathan Battelle, Ralph Battelle, Joseph
Larrabee, Asa Talbot, Joseph A. Smith.
The Second Congregationalist Church.—This
church was organized December 28, 1838. In 1812
Rev. Ralph Sanger was settled as Mr. Caryl’s suc-
cessor by a council of neighboring pastors, who were
satisfied with his examination on the received creed
of the New England Congregational Churches.
It was discovered, however, ere long that he did
not preach clearly evangelical truths, and gradually
who represented and loved the faith of the fathers
felt compelled to withdraw. After secking for a time
spiritual homes in neighboring towns, they organized,
with others from the old parish, a society for the |
express purpose of building a sanctuary of their own,
cated June 27, 1839.
|
|
Strong, of South Natick, also supplied the pulpit.
The parish had become weakened by divisions, and the
pulpit was supplied mostly by theological students
until 1875, when the Rev. John Wood, of Wellesley,
was the non-resident minister for about three years,
and made himself quite as efficient as if living among
the people,—uniting discordant elements, and receiving
About this time
the Charles River prayer-meeting, which was started
during Mr. Norton's ministry, became a regular Sab-
new accessions to the communion.
_ bath afternoon service, under the care of the church in
Dover. In 1878 the Home Missionary Society united
the South Natick and Dover societies, and called
the Rev. Peirce Pinch to settle over them. He was
installed July 25, 1878. This union of churches
_ was dissolved May 18, 1880.
this became so apparent and unsatisfactory that those |
‘in June, 1880.
By the action of the
Home Missionary Society, Charles River and Dover
societies were united, and the Rev. J. W. Brown-
ville invited to become pastor over the two societies
Mr. Brownville resigned in June,
1882. Rev. I. N. B. Headly and others supplied
_ until September, 1882, when the Rev. P. C. Headly
on the site of:the old mecting house, which was dedi- |
The sermon on the occasion |
was preached by Rev. S. Aiken, D.D., of the Park |
Street Church, Boston.
ized October 23d of the same year.
zation (in legal form the Second Church) was neces-
This reorgani-
sary because, according to the ruling of the courts,
the original church having withdrawn, those who
withdrew from the society could not lawfully carry
any portion of the funds with them; thus the old
society held the property. The first minister was
the Rev. George Champion, who was active in form-
his wife, heads the list of membership.
The church was reorgan- |
commenced to supply the pulpit, and is now the resi-
The Charles River society withdrew
from the Dover society about this time.
dent pastor.
The deacons of the church since its formation are
as follows: Daniel Chickering, chosen Oct. 31, 1839 ;
died Jan. 17, 1872. Calvin Bigelow, chosen Oct.
31,1839; died Jan. 24, 1872. James Chickering,
chosen May 9, 1872; died Oct. 20, 1875. Prescott
Fiske, chosen Nov. 13, 1878, for five years; resigned.
Eben Higgins, chosen Nov. 13, 1878, for three
years; term expired Nov. 13, 1881. Richard P.
| Mills, chosen Nov. 5, 1881; removed to Rockport
ing the new church, and whose name, with that of |
He left Dec. 5, 1841, and was succeeded by the |
Rev. Rowell Tenney, who supplied eight months.
Rey. Alfred Greenwood came September, 1842, and
remained till 1843, when Rev. Calvin White sup- |
plied the pulpit until June 20, 1847.
| Church.
Rey. Oramel W. Cooley was ordained and installed |
May 4, 1848. His connection with the church
ceased in the summer of 1850. The Rev. John
Haskell was ordained Dec. 2, 1850. Mr. Haskell
resigned Nov. 3, 1858.
Until June, 1859, the pulpit was supplied by the
Revs. Wright, Carver, Small, Peabody, and others,
when the Rev. T. 8S. Norton was invited to become
pastor, and, without a formal settlement, remained
until January, 1869. After Mr. Norton, whose
pastorate was the longest since 1839, Rev. J. G.
Wilson and others occupied the pulpit. Rev. S. C.
‘all.
in 1883. James McGill, chosen Dee. 17, 1882.
Rev. T. 8. Norton, chosen April 28, 1883.
The Baptist Church.—A number of persons pro-
fessing the Baptist faith, residing in Needham, Natick,
and Dover, formed themselves into a church in 1837,
to be known as the Needham and Dover Baptist
In 1838 a chapel was built and dedicated
at Charles River village for the accommodation of
They were publicly recognized by an ecclesias-
tical council as a Baptist Church. Other churches
having been formed in the neighboring towns, it was
thought expedient in 1859 to move the chapel to its
present location. The church was well attended for
a number of years, the pulpit being supplied almost
wholly by students from the Baptist Theological Sem-
inary at Newton. Sherman Battelle, Esq., and Dea-
con John Kenrick labored many years for its pros-
perity, but the numbers being small, it was deemed
advisable to discontinue public services.
DOVER.
247
The first Sunday-school in town was organized April,
1818, by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Battelle, at Charles |
River village, over the store of Capt. Newell, for the
instruction of the people laboring in the mills. Little
is known of this early Sunday-school, as it existed
only a few years. Some years later another was or-
ganized in connection with the First Parish Church. |
In 1822, Miss Mary Perry, being then a teacher in |
the Centre District School, wishing to encourage an
interest in religious exercises, invited her pupils to
commit passages of Scripture and verses of hymns to |
Some of the
pupils entered upon the duties with pleasure; but as
be repeated to her Monday morning.
the interest increased, jealousies arose, and some of
the people complained that too much time was taken
from the public school duties.
Miss Perry then in- |
vited the scholars to meet her in the school-house |
Sunday noons. This invitation was accepted, and a
larger number was soon in attendance than could be
accommodated. In 1824 the school was moved to
the church, but the instructors received but few ex-
pressions of encouragement or sympathy from pastor
or people.
Nearly all of the Sunday-schools in early times
were held in school-houses during the warm weather, |
discontinuing during the winter months, and having
but little or no connection with the church.
Revolutionary War.—Amid the cares and labors
of a pioneer life our ancestors were early called to de-
fend the rights and liberties of their homes in the
wilderness. On the morning of April 19, 1775, as |
the British troops marched towards Lexington, a
messenger, a sharer of the toil of Paul Revere, was |
sent into the country to arouse the people to defend |
their homes. Dover, then a precinct of Dedham, |
was ready to respond to the patriotic call. Sixty-
eight brave men went forth, and one (Charles Haven) |
never returned. Two months later, June 17th, at _
the battle of Bunker Hill, as Col. Prescott led his |
thousand men to occupy the heights of Charlestown, |
we find our noble men among the number, and one
(Aaron Whiting), ready to be among the defenders,
left his oxen and plow in the field. His wife un- |
yoked the oxen and turned them to pasture, but the
plow remained in the unfinished furrow until his
return three months later. When Washington |
reached Boston, a fortnight after the battle of Bunker
Hill, he found a large body of volunteers ready to be
organized and disciplined as soldiers.
Then in May, 1775, when it was decided by some
of the patriots to secure Ticonderoga and Crown
Point, we find Nathaniel Chickering, Lieut. Lemuel |
Richards, Moses Richards, Thadeus Richards, John |
| whatsoever.
Jones, and Bariah Smith among the brave to capture
these forts. One of the number, John Jones, died
at Crown Point, with smallpox, July 4, 1776.
The last precinct meeting warned in “His Majesty’s”
name was April 21, 1774. From that time until
Sept. 29, 1777, the meetings were warned as free-
holders and inhabitants of the Fourth Precinct.
After that date they were warned in the name of the
government and people of Massachusetts Bay. Large
sums of money were granted from time to time to
defray the expenses of the war.
The town of Dedham declared its independence
| May 27, 1776.
The following is the form of the oath of alle-
giance :
“We, the subscribers, each one of us for himself, do truly and
sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare that the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts is, and of right ought to be,
a free sovereign and independent State. And I do swear that
I will bear true faith and allegiance to the said Commonwealth,
and that I will defend the same against traitorous conspiracies
and all hostile attempts whatsoever. And that I do renounce
and abjure all allegiance, subjection, and obedience to the King,
Queen, or Government of Great Britain (as the case may be),
and every other Foreign Power whatsoever: and that no For-
eign Prince, Person, Prelate, State, or Potentate hath or ought
to have any jurisdiction, superiority, Pre-eminence, Authority,
Dispensing or other Power in any matter, civil, ecclesiastical, or
spiritual, within this Commonwealth, except the Authority and
Power which is or may be vested by their constituents in the
Congress of the United States. And I do further testify and
declare that no man or body of men hath or can have any
right to absolve or discharge me from the obligation of this
oath, declaration, or affirmation. And that I do make this Ac-
knowledgment, Profession, Testimony, Denial, Declaration,
| Renunciation, and Abjuration heartily and truly, according to
the common meaning and acceptation of the foregoing words,
without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation
So help you God.”
The following names will show the readiness to
respond to the call of duty in this trying time:
Joseph Cheeny, James Cheeny, and Nathaniel Miller
guarded Burgoyne’s troops one hundred and fifty
days. Ellis Whiting, Michael Bacon, Jonathan Bat-
telle guarded Governor’s Island thirty-three days.
| Capt. Ebenezer Battelle, Lieut. Asa Richards, John
Cheeny, Adam Jones, Stephen Gay, Samuel Farring-
ton, John Chickering, Hezekiah Battelle, and Eben-
ezer Battelle guarded Roxbury fourteen days.
Bariah Smith, Ebenezer Richards, Jeremiah Bacon,
Jr., Moses Bacon, Josiah Bacon, Jr., guarded at
Roxbury and Providence seventeen days. Jabez
Whiting, Daniel Chickering, Thomas Leath, John
Brown, Jesse Richards, Luke Dean, Elijah Dewings,
Nathan Cook, Ichabod Farrington, Abijah Richards,
Aaron Fairbanks, John Draper, Thomas Leatherbee,
Bariah Smith, and Samuel Chickering guarded in and -
248
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
around Boston from eight to one hundred and seven- —
teen days. Many held the soldier’s rank and three
were officers,—Col. Daniel Whiting, Lieut. Ebenezer |
Their names |
Newell, and Capt. Hezekiah Allen.
may be read on the moss-covered stones as they sleep
beneath the sod in the quiet of our loved and hal-
lowed cemetery. Ebenezer Wilkinson and Daniel
Fuller were drafted to serve in the war of 1812.
Civil War.—We would not forget our brave sons
and brothers who risked fortune and life to free the
slave and defend the flag of our nation, and as they |
buckled on their armor in its defense tearful eyes and
heavy hearts were left behind.
Thirty-three enlisted and sixteen laid down their
lives for the country they loved. And as we plant
the myrtle and the rose over these patriot graves may |
our prayers be that the nation’s blood may never flow
again to wash away the stain of the oppressor or the
foe.
The following is a list of the names of the soldiers |
a district with the same boundaries as when a pre-
who served in the civil war:
James G. Mann.
Ellis Marden.
William Martin.
Thomas Monroe.
Robert Mitchell (navy).
George E. Miller.
Timothy Ragan.
Howard A. Staples.
Lewis Smith.
Frederic E. Smith.
John E. Strang.
Ansel H. Tisdale.
Levi A. Talbot.
Benjamin Thomas.
Henry H. Ayres.
Calvin Ayres.
Abraham Bigelow.
Chester A. Bigelow.
George Bemis.
James A. Baldwin.
Andrew W. Bartlett.
John M. Brown.
Joseph A. Copeland.
James Carey.
Theodore L. Dunn.
Perez L. Fearing.
George W. Fearing.
John Frost (navy).
Lewis N. Goulding.
Edwin F. Gay.
Henry J. Hanks.
William G. Hart.
Willard Hotchkiss (navy).
C. Dwight Hanscomb.
George R. Markbam.,
Elbridge L. Mann.
Samuel G. Thomas.
Ithamar Whiting.
Daniel Whiting.
William Whiting.
Albert Woods.
George H. Wise.
James Welch.
Patrick Wall.
Documentary History.—A petition, signed Jan.
16, 1782, was presented to the General Court, pray-
ing that the precinct might be incorporated as a town.
It passed in the House, was sent to the Senate, read |
the first time, and on the second reading was rejected,
April 23, 1782. The Fourth’ Precinct of Dedham
voted, March 17, 1784, to apply again to the Gen-
eral Court to be incorporated as a town, and John
Jones, Joseph Haven, and John Reed were chosen |
? y] |
agents to present the memorial of the inhabitants to
the General Court. Humbly showing by their peti-
|
|
of the inhabitants of the precinct were obliged to
travel from eight to twenty miles to attend the town-
meetings, and by reason of the extra distance, the
badness of the ways, and oftentimes deep snows and
_ stormy seasons, there would not be more than three
_ the town and district in the General Court.
or four of the precinct at the town-meeting when
matters of importance were transacted ; also, that a
considerable number of the precinct, being worried
with such unreasonable toil and travel, had deter-
mined several years ago never to attend another town-
meeting at such inconvenience ; and although they
were not many in number or opulent, still if they
were smaller in number and of less ability, they were
under an absolute necessity of being incorporated as a
This petition passed in the House of Repre-
sentatives but was rejected in the Senate, as the
numbers in the precinct were below the number re-
quired for a representative. The inhabitants then
met, June 28,1774, and prepared a draft to be pre-
sented to the General Court, to be incorporated into
town.
cinct. This petition was accepted, and the precinct
was incorporated into a district by the name of Dover,
July 6, 1784, with these provisions, that the inhab-
itants of the precinct pay all the taxes and debts due
the town of Dedham; also, relinquish all the rights,
titles, and interest in the work-house, school money,
and all donations and public privileges in the town of
Dedham ; also, that the selectmen of the town of
Dedham give notice fifteen days at least before
choosing a representative, to meet with the town of
Dover to choose a representative. The first public
meeting of the district was held Aug. 9, 1784, and
the following officers chosen: Selectmen, John Jones,
Esq., Deacon Joseph Haven, and Lieut. Ebenezer
Newell; Treasurer, William Whiting; Theodore
Newell, constable and collector. May 9, 1785, the town
of Dedham and district of Dover made choice of
Nathaniel Kingsbury and Samuel Dexter to represent
March
4, 1790, the district of Dover, in the county of Suf-
their numbers, did not send representatives.
tion the great inconvenience under which they la- |
folk, was annexed to the town of Medfield for choos-
ing representatives for the future. In colonial days
many of the towns, on account of the smallness of
Then
each town paid its representative and were fined if
one was not sent, delegates often being sent to petition
the court to remit the fine.
A petition was presented to the Legislature, Feb.
17, 1836, praying to be incorporated into a town,
having ascertained that there were more than one
hundred and fifty ratable polls, being the number
. . | . . . .
bored, not being an incorporated body ; that many § sufficient to entitle them to a representative of their
: DOVER.
249
own. This petition was presented by Walter Stowe,
Lowell Perry, and Timothy Allen, selectmen of the
district. The petition was granted March 31, 1836,
and Dover, having been fifty-six years a precinct and
fifty-two a district, became a town possessed of all the
duties and liabilities of other towns of the common-
wealth.
Representatives to the General Court have been as
follows :
1856.
1840.
1844,
1845.
1846.
1850.
1851.
| 1853.
| 1858.
| 1864.
1869.
laeyate
| 1877.
Calvin Richards. |
Rey. Ralph Sanger.
Calvin Richards.
Rev. Ralph Sanger.
Elijah Perry, Jr.
Rey. Ralph Sanger.
ec “e
Rey. Ralph Sanger.
Henry Horton.
Theodore Dunn.
Abner L. Smith.
Amos W. Shumway.
John Humphrey.
In 1754, Ensign John Jones was chosen to pro-
cure a burial-cloth for the precinct. In 1774 the in-
habitants voted that. they will not drink any kind of
India tea, or allow their families to use it. A com-
mittee of eleven were chosen to make inquiries if any
persons violate their engagements.
In 1786 a pound was built. In 1787 the Farm
Bridge was built. In 1794 cattle and swine were
allowed to run at large. In 1795 guide-posts were
erected in various parts of the town. In 1780 taxes
were grievous to be borne, and great hardships endured
on account of it. In 1800 it was voted to build a
powder-house on the land of Capt. Samuel Fisher. |
It was built by Obed Burridge, and was sold in 1845.
Fifty dollars were voted to support the singing-
school in 1830. Census, May 22, 1837, 518. In
1843 it was voted that citizens have the privilege of
taking up lots in the burial-ground, not to exceed
twenty feet square ; it was also voted to lay out walks
and set out trees. EHlijah Perry, Calvin Richards,
and Luther Eastman were chosen a committee to
beautify and improve the burial-grounds.
In-1862 it was voted to
pay two hundred dollars to volunteers who would en-
list to fill the quota of the town.
population was 645.
Poor.—For many years the poor of the town were
tythingmen were chosen.
. *y. |
boarded in families, wherever they could be accom- |
modated.
the poor, which was afterward sold at public auction.
In 1865, Joseph Larrabee bequeathed all his real and
personal estate to the town, the income to be used
for the comfort and benefit of poor persons, who had
Later a farm was bought for a home for
a legal settlement in Dover.
mended that the trustees use a portion for the aged
and feeble who could not fully maintain themselves.
Educational.—Not only were our ancestors inter-
In 1845 |
He especially recom- |
In 1876 the |
| mittee.
|
|
ested in religious advancement, but the cause of public
instruction received their early attention. In 1759
an order for 7s. 4d. was granted to Timothy Ellis for
mending the windows to the school-house the year
before. Also, previous to this an order without date
was granted to Thomas Jackson for £31 6s. 8d., for
his wife Leonora teaching school at Mr. Bacon’s
The first precinct meetings, 1748, were held
in a school-house near the dwelling-house of Joseph
Chickering. This school-house must have been owned
by individuals, as in a precinct meeting, March 6,
1761, the inhabitants wished to remove the school-
house.
house to a more convenient place near the meeting-
house, but the proprietors would not consent to have
it removed. In 1762 the inhabitants applied to Ded-
ham for their proportion of school money due the
Fourth Precinct. Voted, March 21, 1763, to build a
new school-house, ‘“‘ opposite to y° north side of y* meet-
ing-house, on land of Dea. Joshua Ellis.” “ Then Dea.
Joshua Elis made an open declaration to y° said pre-
cinct, that he did give to y°® said precinct the land
pitched upon for y* use of a school-house and yard,
viz., four rods square ; the southerly line of y® said
square to bound south on the highway that leads by
the north side of the meeting-house.” ‘‘ And the
said precinct accepted the same, and voted their
thanks to Dea. Joshua Ellis for the said land.’ An
appropriation of twenty-five pounds was made to
build the school-bouse.
Voted, April 4, 1785, to build two new school-
houses, one in the west-and one in the east part of
the town. Appropriated £25 for building each. In
1785 granted to Jeremiah Bacon £3 12s. 8d., for keep-
Also
ing school in the centre division for the winter.
| gave an order for £3 June 4, 1786, to Miss Mary
Whiting, for teaching in the Centre division. In
1789 gave an order to Paul Whiting for £2 8s. Od.,
for his wife teaching in the East division. In 1791
paid John Jones Ils. 4d. in part for his services as
school committee. In 1830, Rev. Ralph Sanger, Jo-
siah Newell, and Noah Fiske were elected school com-
In 1838 voted to define school district limits,
to be designated as the east, west, and centre districts.
“The inhabitants of the south part of the town to
draw their proportion of the school money by the
}
| scholar.”
In 1796 voted to grant fifty-five pounds for school-
In 1798 voted two hundred dollars for the use
of the schools.
The Centre division in 1838 consisted of fifty-two
families, and ninety-nine scholars between the ages
It being so large it was
ing.
of four and twenty-one.
thought advisable to divide it into two districts, and
250
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
what is now known as the North district was set off. office was established there were two mails during
In 1839 it was voted each district choose a prudential the week, Wednesday and Saturday.
committee. In 1841 it was voted to build a new
school-house in the West district, the old one being too |
small for the number of scholars attending ;
being so low in that part of the house where the
ceiling
seats and writing-desks were located that a person of
medium height could not stand erect. In 1851 voted
to have school reports printed.
salary of thirty dollars per year. In 1865 the South
district formed a union with Walpole and Dedham.
In 1869 the district system was abolished.
The money for schools was divided for many years |
between the districts in proportion as each district
paid taxes for their support.
In 1884 the town appropriated twelve hundred
dollars for the support of schools, and that, with the
dog-tax and share of State School Fund, gives about
sixteen hundred dollars for the maintenance of the
four schools.
There are one hundred and five children in the
town between the ages of five and fifteen, who attend
the public schools. There being no High School, all
who wish to pursue their studies attend schools of a
higher grade in the adjoining towns.
Women have been elected as members of the school
committee, and have served as superintendents for the
past eleven years.
The following names will show the interest that
has been manifested to procure a liberal education, all —
having received a college education or were members
of a college:
1765.
1774.
1774.
1776.
1788.
1800.
1803.
1803.
1810.
1810.
1814.
1818.
1833.
1840.
1797.
1812.
1812.
8114.
Nathaniel Battelle, Harvard College.
Jabez Chickering, Harvard College.
Joseph Haven, Harvard College.
John Haven, Harvard College.
George Caryl, Harvard College.
Hezekiah Allen, Harvard College.
William Draper, Harvard College.
Jesse Fisher, Harvard College.
Samuel Fisher, Harvard College.
Joseph Haven, Harvard College.
Mason Fisher, Harvard College.
Jesse Chickering, Harvard College.
Fisher Ames Harding, Harvard College.
George Partridge Sanger, Harvard College.
Morrill Allen, Brown University.
Thadeus Allen, Brown University.
Daniel Whiting, Brown University.
Hezekiah Battelle, Brown University.
Post-Office.—The post-office was established in
Dover, February, 1838. Previous to this the mail
was brought to Dover from Dedham several times
during the week on horseback. At the time the
In 1864 voted that |
the school committee choose a superintendent, with a |
The first postmaster, John Williams, was born in
Groton. In early life he moved to Dedham, married
Sally B. Stone, of that town, and resided there several
years. He then came to Dover, established a hotel,
where many a weary traveler was refreshed at the
bountiful board, as the four-horse coaeh from Woon-
socket Falls tarried on its way to Boston. In con-
nection with the hotel he kept a livery stable and
store. He was deputy sheriff many years, and held
other offices of trust and responsibility in town. At
his decease, February, 1840, Rev. Ralph Sanger was
appointed postmaster, and held the office twenty-two
years, resigning January, 1862. It was during his
term of office that daily mails were established. The
mail previous to 1861 was brought by stage from Wel-
lesley to South Natick for several years, then to Need-
ham until the railroad was built through the town.
In January, 1862, Isaac Howe, the third post-
master, was appointed. Mr. Howe was a native of
Framingham. He married Betsy Williams, the only
child of the first postmaster, and continued the hotel
and store several years after the death of Mr. Wil-
liams. Mr. Howe resigned January, 1875, when his
son, G. L. Howe, the present postmaster, was ap-
pointed. There are now two mails daily, A.M. and
p.M., from Boston.
Library.—The first library in town was organized
during the early ministry of Rev. Ralph Sanger, and
was known as the Proprietors’ Library Association.
It consisted of the best histories, biographies, and
The library was
kept at Mr. Sanger’s house, and quarterly meetings
Mr. Sanger’s
knowledge of books and timely suggestions were al-
Residents of Natick availed
themselves of the privilege of becoming members,
miscellaneous reading of the time.
were held for the exchange of books.
ways gladly received.
and were among the regular attendants at the quar-
terly meetings, this being the largest and best collec-
_ tion of books in the vicinity.
This early library and the literary influence exerted
_by Mr. Sanger fostered a taste for reading which re-
sulted in the formation of a parish library in 1870.
Mr. Calvin Richards was deeply interested in its for-
mation, and it was largely through his instrumentality
that the scattered volumes of the former library were
gathered, and that the present one now exists. Feb.
12, 1874, Mr. Frederic Barden presented the First
Parish in Dover with one thousand dollars, the interest
to be used in purchasing books for the parish library.
The parish wished to change the name from the First
Parish to the Barden Library, but he modestly de-
i ae
DOVER. 251
clined, wishing not to have his name at the head ofa |
large or small institution, preferring that it should be
engraven on the hearts of his dear friends, for whom
he had the kindest remembrance, both for the living
and the dead ; and, as he expressed himself, “‘ that he
took great pleasure in visiting their house of worship, |
so neatly fitted up, and seeing the young take the
books from the library, which he hoped would be a
source to help lead them, through virtue and religion,
up to God.” ‘The library now comprises about seven
hundred volumes, and is kept in the vestibule of the
church.
Town Hall.— When the Second Church of the First
Parish was burned, Jan. 20, 1839, the town-meetings
were held in the Centre school-house, and a committee
of five, consisting of Capt. Walter Stowe, Capt. Lowell
Perry, Jeremiah Marden, Capt. John Shumway,
and Joseph A. Smith, were chosen to negotiate
with the parish committee, composed of Hiram W.
Jones, Daniel Mann, and John Williams, in reference
to building a vestry in connection with the meeting-
house of the First Parish. The sum of three hun-
dred dollars was appropriated to defray the expense.
The vestry was used as a town house from 1839 until
1880 for all town purposes. The question of a new
town house was suggested and discussed at different
times, as early as 1854, but nothing decided was
done until the spring of 1879, when an appropriation
of three thousand six hundred dollars was made by
the town and a committee chosen to superiutend the
building of a house suitable for the uses of the
town.
a difference of opinion as to the expediency of build-
ing a one-story or two-story building, but a two-
story building was erected. It was framed, boarded,
and slated, when a cyclone, July 16, 1879, blew it
down, making a complete wreck of the building and |
The committee chosen was Warren Savin, |
Eben Higgins, William A. Howe. There existed |
| | country some years previously, it being against the
laws of England that any skilled mechanics should
| Josiah Newell and George Fisher.
killiing one of the workmen and seriously injuring |
others. The town sustained a loss of nineteen hun-
dred and twenty-six dollars and eighty-five cents. |
in length, the water flowing over the top of the
Meetings were called and the subject again dis-
cussed, which resulted in choosing a new commit-
tee, this time the selectmen, Capt. John Humphrey,
Barnabas Paine, and Asa Talbot.
another appropriation for a new building. The wreck
was cleared away, lumber sold, a new site selected,
and a one-story building erected, capable of seating
on the lower floor and gallery about four hundred
people.
frescoed, and in all respects is commodious and sub-
It is neatly finished in chestnut, handsomely
stantial, costing the town, completed and furnished,
The town made |
and eight cents. The architect was T. W. Silloway,
of Boston. It was dedicated June 17, 1880, a large
audience being present. Remarks were made by John
C. Coombs, president of the meeting, and a report
of the building committee was read by the chairman,
Capt. John Humphrey. Prayer was offered by Rev.
Horatio Alger, of South Natick ; and an address was
delivered by Frank Smith, of Dover. Short speeches
were made by Thomas W. Silloway, of Boston, Rev.
C. S. Locke, of West Dedham, Rev. Horatio Alger
_ and Elijah Perry, Esq., of Natick, Rev. T. S. Norton,
of Prescott, and others. The services closed by sing-
ing an ode written for the occasion by Rev. C. C.
Sewell, of Medfield. Music was furnished by L. W.
Colburn and family, of South Natick ; singing by the
Medfield quartette. The hall was tastefully decorated
with potted plants and cut flowers furnished by our
summer residents, B. P. Cheney, Esq.,and Dr. H. R.
Stevens.
Mills.—Dover has been and is largely an agricul-
tural town, yet other interests at different times have
been represented in the town. As early as March
10, 1796, a committee was chosen to view the ground
for a new road from the house of Lieut. Lemuel
Richards to Mill Creek, west of Noannet Brook,
to the new slitting-mill, and October 24th of the
same year voted to erect a bridge over the waste
water running from the saw-mill belonging to Capt.
In 1815 the
first rolling-mill was built in Dover by a company of
gentlemen belonging in Boston, Dover, and Medfield.
They employed a millwright by the name of John-
stone, an Englishman, who was smuggled into this
leave it. This was the first rolling-mill built to run
with one water-wheel in this part of the country ;
two undershot wheels were formerly used, one for each
roll, the rolls turning no faster than the wheels, perhaps
ten times a minute, while this was a bucket-wheel
thirty-six feet in diameter, the buckets being four feet
The speed of the rolls was increased to forty
turns a minute. It had been thought impossible to
run a mill for rolling iron with so small a supply of
water, yet this mill was capable of rolling as many tons
of iron in a year as other mills built at that time,
driven by all the water in Charles River. Owing to
the increased speed of the rolls, this mill was used for
wheel.
| rolling iron some eight or ten years, when the com-
pany failed and the land and buildings were sold.
Nothing now remains but the stone foundations and
four thousand four hundred and ninety-nine dollars | wheel-shaft.
252
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
For many years a mill for manufacturing sheathing
paper has been in active operation on the former site
of the slitting- and saw-mills, known as the Hill
Paper-Mills, the
Hill & Sons.
In 1865 and for years previous cigars were manu-
business being done by Messrs.
factured by Linus Bliss, but the business was not |
continued after his decease.
At one time a shoe-manufactory was started, but
was soon abandoned.
Early Settlers.—Few towns in the vicinity have
as fine scenery or more pleasant drives than the quiet
little town of Dover. The old mill, with its broken
dams, the little brook rippling through the dams and
wheel-pit, and passing off under ground for a long
distance, the foundation-stones of the various build-
ings situated in the low valley grown up to wood
and out of sight of human habitation, make it a
romantic locality. The view of the Charles River
valley, near Sherborn, or Farm Bridge, formed the
scene of a fine painting by Inness.
A look from Pegan Hill well repays for the labor
of reaching the summit, which is four hundred feet
above tide-water.
Looking east upon a clear day, Bunker Hill Monu-
Turn to the
northwest, and old Wachusett and the granite hills of
The Peterboro’
Hills may be seen, and nearer, Nobscot and Good-
man’s Hills.
ment can be seen with the naked eye.
Monadnock Mountains are in view.
Pegan Hill was once the property of Wataspaquin,
one of King Philip’s tribe, and was left as a gift to
his sons, Anthony, James, and Thomas.
The Natick records relate laying out a road from
Thomas Pegan, Jr.’s, house to Thomas Pegan, Sr.’s, |
house, on Pegan Hill. Thomas Pegan wasan Indian
who lived on the northwesterly part of the hill, well
up towards the top, from whom it took its name (and
was formerly written Peegun).
places where his house and buildings stood are still to
The cellar-holes and |
of roots and herbs, and even the English people
came many miles to consult this famous woman. She
finally came to an untimely end, being burned to
death Dec. 6, 1821. Her grandson, Joseph Purchase,
being charged with the crime, was imprisoned, and
died in the prison before the law was executed.
Deacon Ephrahim, an Indian of good repute and Eng-
lish habits, was deacon, with Col. John Jones, of
Dover, for many years in (Parson Lothrop’s) Rey.
Stephen Badger’s church of South Natick.
At a town-meeting in Natick, March 10, 1734-35,
we find many of these Indians elected to fill town
offices, —Thomas Peegun, moderator ; Deacon Joseph
Ephrahim, Thomas Peegun, Josiah Speare, select-
men; Jeremiah Comecho, one of the constables;
Thomas Peegun, an assessor ; Nathaniel Coochuck,
surveyor of highways; Kleazer Annepogeni, Nathan-
iel Coochuck, fence-viewers; and Thomas Peegun,
sexton.
The civilization of these Indians was almost wholly
due to the missionary labors of John Elliot, who was
born in England in 1604, came to Boston in 1631,
and on Nov. 5, 1632, was settled as teacher of a
church in Roxbury. He soon became much in-
terested to teach these aborigines the way of a better
life.
minister in Newton, in his labors as missionary and
The
town of Natick (which signifies a place of hills) was
granted to the Indian converts at the request of the
Apostle Elliot, who sent petitions to the General
Court in their behalf at several different times.
He was assisted by his eldest son, who was a
in translating the Bible into the Indian tongue.
1669.—* The humble petition of John Elliot, in behalf of
Natik, That whereas this
honored Court did appoint a committee to fix a line betwixt
the poor Indians of sheweth,
| Dedham and Natik, bounding on each other, viz., the Worship-
ful Mr. Ting, Mr. Jackson, Deakon Park, and Leiftenant Cook,
of Boston, who took pains in it, and the record of their deter-
Never-
Upon one side,
mination is accepted and put into the Court records.
theless, some of Dedham doe invade our line.
| they forbid the Indians to plant, take away theire raills, which
be seen, and though their homes were rude and their |
ideas of life crude, it is evident their tastes were not
wholly barbarous, as shrubs and clusters of rose-
bushes are remembered by some of the oldest in-
habitants to have been seen growing about their
doors. And as we follow down the northwesterly
side of the hill, and come to the site of the home of
Deborah Comechos (now Mr. James Draper's home),
and are shown fruit-trees that were planted and cared
for by Indian women, we learn that it was not im-
possible for these warlike people to be taught to love
and follow the track of civilization.
an Indian doctress, was celebrated for her knowledge
Hannah Dexter |
they have prepared to fence theire corne fields, and on another
side, they have taken away their lands and sold them to others,
to the trouble and wonderment of the Indians, these are hum-
bly to request this honored Court to impower the same worship-
ful Committee, and request you once more to take pains, and
goe to the place, wt. ye have allready done, and request our
brethren of Dedham to be more quiet, and let us peacably
injoy our owne. So committing this honored Court unto the
Lord, and to the word of his grace, I remaine,
“Your humble petitioner,
“ Joun Evuior,”
Pegan Hill was the scene of a fierce controversy
between the Dedham planters and the Indians, which
Sergt. Richard
Kllis, of Dedham, obtained a grant of the south-
did not cease until the year 1700.
DOVER.
253
westerly part of it, and had his home erected upon it.
Other portions by grant or purchase became the |
property of the Drapers, Battelles, and Hardings.
But, through the efforts of John Elliot and the
Indian preacher, Daniel Takawompbait, these strifes
ceased, and it is hoped as they listened to the preach- |
ing of the Rev. Oliver Peabody and Rev. Stephen
Badger that higher and better thoughts took the |
place of these discordant feelings. |
Biographical Sketches.——John Jones, son of |
John and Mehitable Jones, of Weston, was born Oct. |
30, 1716. He moved to Dedham (now Dover) in |
1742. He settled on a farm on the banks of Charles
River, a promontory in the northern part of Dover, |
near South Natick, which at the present time is owned |
and occupied by B. P. Cheney, Esq., as a summer |
residence. He was married to Hannah Morse, by |
Rev. Oliver Peabody, at Natick, Feb. 23, 1742-4. |
He was one of the deacons of Rev. Stephen Badger’s
church, with Deacon Joseph Ephrahim, an Indian.
At one time he was proprietors’ clerk for Natick, and —
living, as he did, so near South Natick (the original
Natick), he took an active interest in its welfare as |
Dedham.
many cases and married many couples, a record of |
He was justice of the peace, and tried
which he kept in a book now in the possession of his
grandson, Amos Perry, of Providence. He was a
surveyor, and many of his sketches remain to show |
In 1762
He was |
many years clerk and selectman for the Fourth Pre-
that he had a wide circuit of that business.
he went to Maine to survey Mount Desert.
cinct, and the records of Dover show that he was a
valued and useful citizen.
He was famous for keep-
A small book kept by him
now in the possession of his grandson, Elijah Perry,
of South Natick, contains valuable records not to be
found elsewhere. After a long and useful life he |
died on the farm where he first settled, Feb. 2, 1801,
aged eighty-four years.
ing records and dates.
Rev. Morrill Allen was born on what is known as the
old Allen farm,in Dover. Graduated at Brown Uni-
versity, 1797. His health failing, he was advised to |
work on a farm.
He settled in Pembroke, regained
his health, and was considered one of the best farmers |
of Plymouth County. He early commenced collect- |
ing the seed of the white pine, bought cheap land, |
sowed the seed, and saw acres grow up to wood. He
retained the charge of his parish to an advanced age.
As an agriculturalist, a citizen, and a pastor he was
highly esteemed.
Thadeus Allen was born in Dover, May 14, 1786,
and spent his youthful days upon the ancestral farm.
He occasionally taught school, and during his prepara-
| many years.
_ walked the streets at ninety years of age.
| quietly from life aged ninety-six years.
tion for college resided for a time at Hanover, N. H.,
acting as amanuensis to Professor Shurtleff, of Dart-
mouth College, who gave him valuable aid in his
studies. He graduated at Brown University in 1812.
Soon after leaving college he entered upon prepara-
tory medical studies, but owing to impaired health
was induced to enter trade with his brother Timothy,
and the firm of Timothy and Thadeus Allen was es-
| tablished, who carried on an extensive wholesale pro-
vision business for some years in Boston. This
enterprise ultimately failed, and Mr. Allen organized
a private school in 1820, which he conducted for
He was an excellent Greek and Latin
scholar, and very successful in imparting his knowl-
edge to others. For many years he privately prepared
students for college, and gave private instruction to
persons whose political or other duties claimed higher
qualifications than their previous education had given
In the year 1857 he represented in part the
city of Boston in the Legislature, and was for many
them.
years a member of the school committee of that
city.
Mr. Allen was thrice married. His first wife,
Clarisa Bullard, of Needham, lived but a few months.
Again, in 1816, he married Ann, widow of Joseph
Hunt, and daughter of John Bullard. By this mar-
riage there were four children,—Joseph Hunt, James
Woodward, Clarisa Bullard, and Elizabeth Carter.
Mr. Allen was married to his third wife in 1834,
Sophia B., widow of Joseph Frothingham, who lived
to make his home pleasant for nearly fifty years.
There were no children by this marriage, but she
proved a true and loving mother to the children of
the former marriage.
In political events he took a deep interest, and was
_a close and critical student of American political his-
tory. He was remarkable for his erect form as he
He passed
His wife
survived him but a few hours, and they were borne in
company to the shades of Mount Auburn.
The father of Mr. Allen’s second wife, John Bul-
lard, was closely connected with that famous ride of
Paul Revere.
The ‘Sons of Liberty” was an organization em-
bracing the most active spirits in fostering the Revo-
lution. Mr. Bullard was an active member, and a
steadfast friend of Paul Revere. His stable and
grounds occupied the present site of Bromfield Street,
and the ‘‘ Old Province House,” opposite the head of
Milk Street, was the Governor’s residence. It was
natural for the Governor's groom to spend many a
leisure hour among the horses in the neighboring
254
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
stable. One day just after dinner he was there, and
remarked, ‘There'll be trouble to pay to-morrow.”
“ What’s up?” was the careless inquiry of Mr. Bul-
lard. ‘‘ Why, the troops march to-morrow with three
days’ rations.” Mr. Bullard became somewhat ner-
vous, and asked the groom if he would not finish the
horse he was currying, as he had forgotten an errand
on his way from home. “ Certainly,” was the reply ;
and Mr. Bullard sped, not to Revere’s work-shop, lest
it arouse suspicion, but visited another “Son of
Liberty” and sent him to Revere (who had been
selected for the duty), with the authentic message
that the British were intending a raid upon the pro-
“Tt must be so, if Bullard
Hence
vincial stores at Concord.
told you, and I’m off at once,’ said Revere.
the famous ride.
Fisher Allen was born in Medfield, on the Allen |
homestead. When a young man he moved to Dover
and bought a farm bordering on Charles River, near
Sherborn.
They passed their lives in this quiet home, command-
|
He married Rachel Smith, of Medfield. |
ing the love and respect of all who knew them. He |
died June 21, 1842, aged ninety-five years.
Noah Fiske was born in Holliston, Mass., but spent
the greater part of his life in Dover.
schoolmaster in his early days, but for several years
He was
He possessed
Few
excelled him in kindness of heart, honesty, and un-
He was a
kept a store in the west part of the town.
town clerk of Dover many years.
many traits of character worthy of imitation.
selfishness.
in the great bustling world, where greed and inordi-
nate ambition take possession of men, but his life
was rather an example of ‘‘ doing unto others as we
would that they should do to us.” He was re-
markable for his entire satisfaction with life and the
He seemed to have no part or interest
|
|
rulings of Providence, giving daily testimony that he |
believed all things were ordered for the best.
was surely exemplified in his life, that “an honest
man is the noblest work of God.”
174.
Fisher Tisdale was born in Dover, in
This |
_ acter commanded the respect of all.
Few |
men commanded more respect or affection from the |
people. He never married, but found great pleasure
in storing his mind with knowledge from the best
authors. A pleasant word and smile were his greet-
ings for all. He was a constant attendant at church,
and led a consistent Christian life. The music to
him was no pastime, but a devotional exercise in
which he always took part until age disqualified him ;
head
“¢ Faith-
ful to duty’ was his watchword through life. He
then his attitude, folded arms, and bowed
showed his interest in music as in prayer.
was blessed with a rare memory, remembering dates |
and events many years, telling who preached on cer-
tain Sabbaths, what the text was, and would often
repeat accurately sermon and prayer after the min-
ister. He died Sept. 6, 1856, aged eighty-two years.
His quiet courtesy and respectful manner endeared
him to all, but he was the most beloved by those
who knew him best.
Daniel Mann was born in Dover, March 23, 1777.
He resided in the eastern part of the town, where he
owned a large tract of land and several houses. He
| was public-spirited, always ready to aid every good
cause. He was especially interested in getting the
railroad through the town, and spent liberally of time
and money to secure it. He married Rachel Allen,
May 20, 1802. His energy of character and up-
right business principles made him successful in what-
ever he undertook. He was justice of the peace, and
for many years held many offices of trust in the town.
He died March 4, 1859, aged eighty-one years.
Calvin Richards, son of Calvin and Lucinda Rich-
ards, was born in Dover, Sept. 29,1807. Whena
young man he engaged in business in Boston, but his
health failing he returned to his native town. After
the decease of his father he purchased the old home-
stead, where he resided until a year previous to his
death, when impaired health compelled him to lessen
his cares and the farm, which had always belonged
in the family, passed into other hands. He married
Lucy M., daughter of Daniel Mann, May 27, 1841.
He was always interested in the growth and welfare of
the town, and was untiring in his effort to aid every
plan towards its advancement. He was greatly inter-
ested in the education of the young, and served many
years as superintendent of the public schools and
in the Sunday-school of the church to which he be-
longed. He held many positions of trust, both public
and private, in the town, and was twice chosen by his
His
benevolence, sound judgment, and integrity of char-
townsmen to represent them in the Legislature.
His power of
harmonizing opposing elements was unusual. He
died Oct. 4, 1873.
Josiah Newell was born in Needham, but moved
‘ Blessed are the peacemakers.”
to Dover in 1801, and spent the greater part of his
life there. He married Betsy Mann, of Dover, sister
of Daniel, Simeon, and James Mann. Their family
consisted of nine children (three died in infancy), and
Mr. Newell
owned the water-power in the east part of the town,
six arrived to manhood and womanhood.
and for many years was engaged in rerolling Norway
iron for Boston, New York, and Philadelphia markets,
and was also largely engaged in the manufacture of
cut nails. He was a very charitable man, an excel-
|
|
DOVER. 255
lent neighbor, and largely interested in the religious |
Both he and his wife were for
interests of the town.
many years worthy members of the Unitarian Church.
They were noted for their regularity in attending |
Josiah Newell, Jr., his oldest son, |
divine services.:
engaged in mercantile business in Boston, died in
1849, aged forty-five years. His youngest son, J. M.
Newell, was a very successful merchant in Boston.
He died on the passage to Italy, hoping by the sea
voyage to regain his impaired health.
maining brothers and sisters reside in Newton.
The four re- |
Mr. Newell died at the age of eighty-four years, |
and with his wife and oldest son are buried in the
Dover Cemetery. They are lovingly remembered by
many who do not forget their virtues.
Frederic Barden was born in Dover in 1806. At
the age of seventeen he commenced his work in life |
at the “ Old Mill,” in his native town, where for |
several years he conducted successfully the rolling-
mill and nail-factory.
|
In 1840 he removed to New- |
ton Upper Falls and bought out the iron-manufac- |
turing business of David Ellis, father of the Rev.
Drs. Rufus and George Ellis, of Boston, where he |
continued the business during his life. his busi-
ness he managed with excellent skill and judgment. |
He was careful, energetic, and enterprising ; prudently
economical in his own business, but liberal to the >
poor, and gave generously to charitable objects. |
Prompt and exact in all money and business trans-
actions, men soon learned to rely upon his honesty |
Barden
He
did not seek public notoriety, but was foremost
and rejoice in his friendship. Twice Mr.
represented his townsmen in the Legislature.
in all that pertained to the permanent good of his
fellow-citizens. Politics to him was a field for use-
fulness, not an open sea for pillage. He was the
graduate of no college, except the university of ex-
perience, but he possessed the dignity of common
sense and integrity, and wasa vigilant guardian of
the public welfare.- His life
balanced with good sense and Christian principles.
He always showed a special interest in the Bible, and
was a member of the Channing Religious Society
seemed admirably
almost from its establishment, and at the time of his
death a deacon of the church. Mr. Barden married
in early life Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Josiah
Newell, of Dover, who was his companion and
co-worker in all labors of love and charity. Although
they were never blessed with children of their own,
they took the children of others to their hearts, and
thus kept the freshness of young love.
their native town never diminished, and as he gave
liberally to the library and church, it was, as he ex-
' nah Guild, Nov. 30, 1826.
The love for |
pressed it, “‘ Not that he loved the town less, but
the church more.”
He died, after a short illness, Sept. 25, 1877,
leaving a widow to mourn his loss, and many friends
to rejoice that he had lived.
Elijah, son of Elijah and Mary Perry, of South
Natick, was born Nov. 14, 1807. Married Mehitable,
daughter of Deacon Jonathan and Mercy Battelle,
Nov. 29, 1832. He moved to Dover and purchased
the ‘ Battelle’ farm in 1840, where he resided
twelve years. He took an active interest in town
and parish affairs, serving as superintendent of the
Sunday-school, leader in the choir, and holding
He called the
first meeting to encourage a railroad through the
town, and for several years was one of its directors.
He was the first to take action that led to the or-
ganization of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, and
He
was justice of the peace, and represented the town in
the Legislature in 1846. He has been and is
trustee for several trust estates. He is largely inter-
ested in ancient records, and the choice and valuable
collection of past events show clearly that he has
inherited largely the traits of his grandfather, Col.
John Jones.
Miss Mary Perry, a sister of Elijah, was one of the
early teachers in the Dover schools, teaching several
many offices of trust in the town.
for some years was one of its leading officers.
successive summers, while her brother Leonard taught
She was identified with the church
choir, and was one of the few who labored to estab-
lish a Sabbath-school at that time. She is lovingly
remembered by some of her pupils to the present
time.
George Chickering, son of Jesse and Dorcas (Smith)
Chickering, was born Dec. 25, 1791. Married Han-
Mr. Chickering devoted
his life to agriculture and the public interests of his
By his thrift and industry he amassed
a large property, and was for many years treasurer
of the town, discharging his duties with faithfulness
the winter terms.
native town.
and exactness. He was a calm, deliberate, and _ re-
served man, of few words, but of good judgment and
great decision of character. His fellow-townsmen
learned to respect his integrity and honest purpose.
He died Sept. 25, 1857, aged sixty-five years. His
eldest son, George Ellis, still retains the ancestral
home.
Luther Richards was born in Dover, April 27,
1809, and was a prominent citizen of his native town.
He was superintendent of the Unitarian Sunday-
school, one of the selectmen, and town clerk for many
years. In 1855 he was a member of the Constitu-
256
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
tional Convention. During the last years of his life
he resided in Boston, where he was engaged in the |
leather business. He died July 1, 1874, aged sixty- |
five years. He was an honest, kind-hearted, and
public-spirited man.
Abner L. Smith, son of Ebenezer and Rebecca Smith,
was born in Dover in 1823. Mr. Smith always resided
in his native town. He was chairman of the board of |
selectmen nine years, was at one time assessor and |
member of the school committee, was constable twenty |
In 1869 he
represented the towns of Dover, Needham, and Med-
years, and town clerk seventeen years.
field in the General Court. He was a quiet, unassum-
ing man, discharging all his duties with scrupulous
care and fidelity. He was a most useful and respected |
citizen.
Melancthon Smith, a brother of Abner L., was for
many years a successful dry-goods merchant of Boston, |
and was at the head of the famous firm of Smith, |
Sumner & Co., importers, who kept in the old Bowdoin |
block on Milk Street, corner of Hawley. Mr. Smith —
amassed a large fortune, and resided at Jamaica Plain,
where he died July 10, 1861, honored and respected —
by all who knew him.
William F., another brother, born in 1826, left
home at the age of sixteen years and went to Boston
to learn the trade of a mechanic. He was apprenticed
to Jabez Coney, and during his five years of appren-
ticeship paid the strictest atttention to his duties, and |
soon become a proficient in all the details of the pro-
fession. From Boston he went to Springfield, Mass., —
and was employed as a draughtsman in building cars
and engines for the Springfield Car and Engine Com- |
pany. Mr. Smith moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1849, |
and was employed by Messrs. Harbeck, Stone & Witt
as master-mechanic in the construction of the Cleve-
land, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad, and after
the building of the road he was continued master- |
mechanic by the directors until within a few months |
of his death. He was also a partner with Messrs. |
Carpenter & Wasson in the Fulton foundry at that |
time.
possessed of wonderful abilities as a mechanic and car- |
Mr. Smith was an unpretending man, but
builder, to which profession he devoted an unlimited |
amount of study. He died at Cleveland in 1878, |
much respected by the profession and beloved by a |
large circle of friends.
Capt. Isewis Smith was an honored man; he was
]
town treasurer for many years, and filled other offices
of trust. He was accidentally killed by a falling
tree at the age of forty-five, deeply lamented by a
large circle of friends.
Fisher Ames Harding was the son of John and |
| ninety and one hundred.
and beautiful fields are before us.
Julia (Battelle) Harding, and was born in Dover, Jan.
23,1811. He graduated from Harvard College in
1833. He studied law in Daniel Webster’s office in
Boston, two years. Went to Chicago in 1835, to
Detroit in 1837, where he remained in the practice
of law till his death, Aug. 4, 1846.
Conclusion.—It is not difficult to imagine why
Dover was called Springfield Parish more than a cen-
tury ago, when at the present time sixty buildings are
supplied with pure spring water, which gushes forth
from Pegan and the neighboring hills. It is esti-
_mated by good judges that there are at least thirty-
five other springs of never-failing water, some of
which yield a large supply, and are conveniently sit-
uated for easy transportation by rail to Boston and
adjoining cities.
The advantage of Dover over many towns in the
commonwealth as regards climate, air, and situation
was noted, and a record kept by Rev. Ralph Sanger
during the first thirty years of his ministry. This
record showed that one in four had lived to be be-
tween seventy and eighty, one in seven to be between
eighty and ninety, and one in twenty to be between
The record for the past
thirty years would doubtless be as high.
It may be due to the sober and industrious lives of
the people or the natural surroundings, or both com-
bined; certain it is few towns can show a higher rate
for age or health. At the present time there are
living in the town Mrs. Isaac Howe, aged eighty-
two; Mrs. Daniel Chickering, aged eighty-four; Mrs.
Ann Miller, aged eighty-three; Mrs. Hannah Soule,
aged eighty-six; Mr. Micajah S. Plummer, aged
eighty-seven; Mr. Moses Draper, aged . ninety-one
years.
“Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets,
do they live forever?” These were the words that
formed the text of Dr. Sanger’s discourse, preached
at the close of a thirty years’ ministry. And as we
look back to the lives and labors of. our ancestors,
well may we repeat, ‘“‘ Our fathers, where are they ?”
Their lives were filled with toil, hardships, and priva-
tions. A wilderness to subdue, foes to conquer, and
homes to secure, was their allotted task.
Civilization and progress have reared their monu-
Colleges and churches greet us. The broad
Mechanics and
What
shall we do to honor the life that is now passing ?
There is yet a noble work to be done, and as we
take up our daily tasks may we leave behind us mon-
ments.
artists have laid their trophies at our feet.
uments more pleasing and enduring than chiseled
marble or costly temple.
QUINCY.
257
CHAPTER. XXI1LT.
QUINCY.
BY CHAS. FRANCIS ADAMS, JR.
THE MASSACHUSETTS FIELDS.
Durin@ the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 3%,
1621, a large sail-boat, or shallop, as it was called,
came into Boston harbor from the southward. The
day was fine and the wind light, so that by the |
time those on board had reached the mouth of the
exploration. They were complete strangers in those
dians living there. Accordingly they did not deem
it safe to pass the night on the main shore, but seeing
a sheltered cove on the easterly side of Thompson’s,
or the Farm School Island, they came to anchor in it.
1
|
ing of Sept. 2°
_ a morning’s meal.
can now be known, it was here on the early morn-
29, 1621, that a European foot first
touched the soil of what is now the town of Quincy.
As soon as those composing the little party felt the
pebbles of the beach under their feet, they began to
look about for something on which they could make
Presently they found a number of
| lobsters, which the savages had caught and piled to-
with the natives with a view to trade.
Neponset, which to them seemed to be “ the bottom |
of the bay,” it was too late to do much in the way of |
gether ready to be taken away, and these they quickly
disposed of. They had no time to lose. So, as soon
as might be.after breakfasting, they arranged to ex-
plore the country; for they had come not out of
curiosity or a spirit of adventure, but to open relations
Accordingly
two men were posted as sentries on the landward side
of the cliff to secure the shallop from surprise, and
then Standish, taking with him four others of the
parts, and knew nothing of the disposition of the In- |
Presently they landed, and rambled over the island. |
They found no inhabitants. Indeed the place was
not only deserted, but there was nothing to show that —
any one had ever lived there. Calling it the Island
Trevore, after one of their number, the party re-
turned on board their shallop and passed the night.
In all there were thirteen of them. Ten were Eu-
ropeans and three Indians, the latter having been
brought along to act as guides and interpreters. Miles
Standish, then a man of thirty-four, was in command,
and among the others there is reason to believe were
Bradford and Winslow, both of them afterwards gov- |
ernor of the Plymouth colony, as they were also its
The party had left Plymouth, then a set-
tlement only eight months old, shortly before Tuesday
midnight, and, taking advantage of an ebb tide, ex-
pected to reach their destination at the Massachu-
setts, as Boston Bay was called, betimes Wednesday
morning. They found they had been misinformed as
to the distance.
historians.
So, the wind being light, the voyage
had taken up almost the whole of Wednesday’s day-
light.
The night passed quietly. The next morning
broke clear and fresh, and as the sun rose the whole
shore and the seaward slope of the Blue Hills, covered |
as they then were with primeval forest, must have
glowed in the mellow richness of autumnal tints.
Opposite to where the shallop lay, and close at hand,
rose the bold, rocky promontory since known as |
Squantum Head. Crossing the narrow channel they
landed on the beach beneath the cliff; and, so far as
17
company and Squanto, one of the Indian guides, went
inland. They had gone no great distance when they
met an Indian woman, who was on her way to get the
lobsters they had found. They told her that they had
eaten them, and gave her something in return, with
which she seems to have been well content, for she
then pointed out to them where her people were.
This would seem to have been on the other side of the
Neponset, at Savin Hill or Dorchester Heights; for
when she returned thither Squanto went with her,
while the rest of the party retraced their way to the
Their
explorations, so far as the territory of what is now
Quincy was concerned, were therefore limited to a
brief morning's walk, and covered only a portion of
starting-point, and followed in the shallop.
the Squantum peninsula.
The remaining adventures of the party it is not
necessary here to recount. They do not belong to the
history of Norfolk County. Itis sufficient to say that
Standish and his companions visited the sachem Obba-
tinewat and induced him to swear allegiance to King
James; then, guided by him, they went in search of
the squaw sachem of the Massachusetts up the valley
of the Mystic, and passed a delightful September day
rambling among the Middlesex hills. Presently they
returned in safety to Plymouth, full of admiration of
the noble harbor and the fair country surrounding it
which they had then for the first time seen, and
“ wishing they had been there seated.”
Such was the first recorded visit of Huropeans to
Quincy, and the name of the peninsula which the
party visited still stands as a memorial of the event.
That it was then called Squantum is not certain,
though the explorers not improbably did at that time
vive those names of Allerton and Brewster, which
they have borne ever since, to points in the bay.
258
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Squanto was the guide in their walk over the penin-
sula, and it has ever since been called Squanto’s |
Chappel, and more recently Squantum.
ble that this was its Indian name, just as Neponset
was the name of the river which separated it from the
opposite locality known as Mattapan. The word, too,
was one familiar enough in the Indian tongue, being
an abbreviation of Musquantum, meaning he is angry,
he is bloody-minded, and representing one of the
Gods, apparently the God of wrath; though by some |
authorities it is spoken of as the good or kindly God.
But, practically, the name of the peninsula upon |
which Standish landed does perpetuate for all time
It is possi- |
the memory, not of the Indian deity, but of the -
Indian guide. [% is also in every way proper that
this should be so.
made ready by special providence for a given work of
If ever a human instrument was
infinite moment, it was so made ready in the case of
Squanto. It is scarcely too much to say that but for
his timely intervention the Plymouth colony could
not have survived the famine of its earliest winters.
The Quincy peninsula is his memorial ; but his epitaph |
is found in the pages of Bradford, who wrote of him,
on behalf of the Pilgrims, “‘ He was their interpreter,
and was a special instrument sent by God for their
good beyond their expectation. He directed them
how to set their corn, where to take fish and to pro-
cure other commodities, and was also their pilot to
bring them to unknown places for their profit, and
never left them till he died.’’?
At the time of Standish’s visit the territory since
called Quincy was occupied by a poor remnant of the
Massachusetts tribe of Indians, some forty to sixty
in number. The
them. Some years before he had dwelt at Mount
Wollaston, which had then been cleared and culti-
sachem Chickatabot ruled over
vated, and the shell-heaps still to be found there-
abouts indicate that it was a favorite Indian resort.
North of Mount Wollaston, and between it and the
Neponset, in that region since locally known as ‘“‘ The
Farms,” was, and still is, a broad, open plain called
the
flourishing days of the tribe to have been its gather-
Massachusetts Fields, supposed in the more
ing-place. It lay close to the water and the beach,
fish of which the savages were inordinately fond ;
and the tradition is that here the Massachusetts
Indians met at certain periods of the year and passed
1 There is another and very absurd derivation of the name
Squantum, suggested by the bold face of the rock at its seaward
’ wrote John Adams in 1762, “ the
extremity, “from whence,’
squaw threw herself who gave her name to the place” (Works,
ii. 136) ; hence squaw’s tumble, abbreviated into Squantum.
their time in games and feasting. Indeed, the name
of the tribe is supposed to have been derived from
the small savin-crowned hummock, lying between the
Fields and Squantum, and bearing in its shape some
more or less fanciful resemblance to an arrow’s head.*
It would thus appear that not only was the name
of the commonwealth derived from a spot within
the limits of Quincy, but it was within those limits
also that the Massachusetts tribe found that common
gathering-place which was to them what the Isth-
mian fields were to the Greeks. The eastern slope
of the Blue Hills and the shores of Quincy Bay
were the cradle, the home, and the grave of the race.
At one period, also, and that not long before the
visit of the Plymouth explorers, the Massachusetts
were a flourishing and warlike tribe. They occupied
the whole of Eastern Massachusetts, north of what is
now the Plymouth boundary, including the present
counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex.
He had
waged war with the Taratines of the Penobscot in
1615, and was killed by them at his home in Medford
in 1619. In the days of this sachem, it is said, the
Massachusetts could put three thousand fighting men
into the field. Yet, prior to 1620, we get from the early
records but few glimpses of them, and those broken and
Nanepashemet was their last great sachem.
2 Neal, in his history (vol. iii. p. 315), says, ‘It was cus-
tomary among the savages to give names to their little nations
| or clans from some remarkable hill, river, or spring about
| which they lived.
The most probable account of the origin of
the name Massachusetts is that which I have received from
| the Rev. Mr. Billings, of Little Compton, by the hands of a
learned gentleman of Boston. His words are these: ‘The
sachem, or sagamore, who governed the Indians in this part of
the country when the English came first hither had his seat
on a small hill or upland, containing perhaps an acre and a
half, about two leagues to the southward of Boston, fronting
| Mount Bay, and backed with a large tract of salt-meadow ;
| which hill or hummoth is now in possession of Capt. John
Billings, and lies in the shape of an Indian arrow’s head, which
| arrow-heads were called in their language mos, or mons, with
an o nasal; anda hill in their language is “ wetuset,’’ pro-
nounced according to us “ wechuset.”” Hence this great sachem’s
seat was called Moswetuset, which signifies a hill in the shape
of an arrow’s head, and his subjects the Moswetuset Indians,
frour whence, with a small variation of the word, the province
i . | received the name of Massachuset.’ ”
which afforded an inexhaustible supply of those shell- |
| American Antiquarian Society” for October, 1867, there is a
In the appendix to the “ Report of the Proceedings of the
paper on the name ‘“‘ Massachusetts.” The Society referred the
question to J. Hammond Trumbull, who, under date of
Noy. 2, 1867, wrote as follows: ‘ I should say, then, that ‘ Mas-
| sachusetts’ was originally an Anglicized plural of a corrupt form
(Massachuset), in which he who first used it blended, through
ignorance of the language, the description of the place (m’sad-
chu-ut) at the ‘great hill’ (or ‘ hills’) with the tribal name of
the Indians who lived thereabouts, M’sadchuseuck, ‘ great hill
' people.’ ”
: QUINCY.
distorted. In 1614, Captain John Smith had voyaged |
along the New England coast in an open boat, trading |
and exploring. He then saw something of the Massa-
chusetts, and he described them as a “ goodly, strong,
and well-proportioned people,” dwelling in a region —
which impressed itself upon him as “ the paradise of
all these parts, for here are many isles, all planted
with corn, groves, mulberries, salvage-gardens, and
good harbors.” He speaks of the Indians, too, as |
“very kind, but in their fury no less valiant ; for
upon a quarrel that we had with one of them, he |
only with three others crossed the harbor of Cohasset
to certain rocks whereby we must pass, and there
let fly their arrows for our shot till we were out of |
danger.”
There can be little doubt, though it cannot be
positively asserted, that in the course of this expe-
dition Smith landed in Quincy and had dealings |
with the savages, for on the rude map of the coast
which he then drew, “from point to point, isle to
isle, and harbor to harbor,’ Quincy and Weymouth
Bays seem to be clearly indicated. Neither could
the appearance of a European trader in those waters, |
have been at that time an unusual event, for the har- |
bor was already well known and frequently visited.
Indeed, Smith mentions the fact that a French vessel
had preceded him only a short time before, effectually
spoiling his market, so far as furs were concerned.
It had left little in that way for him. But he then
saw the tribe of the Massachusetts in the full pride
of its savage strength.
A “tawny” race of “tall |
and strong-limbed people,” they were the possessors
of ‘large corn-fields,” dwelling in plantations which
covered the islands in the bay. Apparently they
were as prosperous as any New England tribe, and,
so far as Kuropeans were concerned, as peaceably
disposed.
Not that the intercourse between the traders and
the natives was at that time of a satisfactory, or
always of a friendly character.
On the contrary, |
the Indians were, after their nature, cunning, cruel,
and vindictive, while the traders were coarse, reck-
less, avaricious.
In their way they were worse than
the savages. They were wholly unscrupulous in their |
methods of dealing, for not only did they rob and |
cheat, but they sold the savages rum and weapons. —
Outrageous cases of wholesale kidnapping also were |
not infrequent. Smith accordingly had his skirmish
with them at the Cohasset rocks in 1614, and a year
or two later the anchorage off Pattuck’s Island was
the scene of a terribly tragic incident. It would |
seem that a French vessel had looked into the har-—
bor. As she lay at anchor under Pattuck’s, appa-
| threshold of extinction.
259
rently unsuspecting, the savages conceived the idea
of capturing her. Their plot was simple enough,
and its very simplicity probably made it the more
dangerous. Throwing a quantity of furs into sey-
eral canoes, they paddled out to the anchored vessel.
Their bearing was wholly friendly, and no weapon
was to be seen; but beneath their robes, belted about
their loins, they carried their knives. Coming quietly
alongside, they flung their furs on the deck of the
trader ; and then in the usual way proceeded to chaffer
over the price. Meanwhile, with Indian cunning,
they watched their opportunity. Suddenly the sig-
nal was given, and they thrust their “ knives in the
Frenchmen’s bellies.” The surprise was complete.
Most of the vessel's crew seem to have been dis-
patched out of hand; but the master, less fortunate
_than the others in that he was only wounded, con-
cealed himself in the hold, whither the savages did
not dare to follow him. There for a time he hid.
Meanwhile the captors cut the vessel’s cable, and
the tide swept her on the beach, where she “lay
upon her side and slept.” Presently the unfortunate
master, whether induced by persuasion or compelled
by pain, hunger, and despair, came on deck. He,
too, was killed. Then, after the sachem had divided
among his followers everything which could be taken
away, the stranded vessel was fired and destroyed.
A number of years later, in 1631, an early settler in
Dorchester, while laying the foundations of a house,
turned up under a deep covering of soil several
French coins. Not improbably they were a part of
the plunder taken from the unfortunate trader nearly
twenty years before. a
When the capture of this French vessel took place
the tribe of the Massachusetts were already on the
Yet never had they been so
prosperous or so powerful. Indeed, there is a legend
that they held in wretched captivity some two or three
| Europeans, of whom in the intervals of servile-labor
One of these had saved a
book, supposed to have been the Bible, in which he
often read; and learning at last the language of his
captors, he rebuked them and predicted God’s wrath
upon them. But they laughed at his threats, boast-
they made savage sport.
ing that “ they were so many that God could not kill
them.”
It was their numbers which in all probability led
The filthiness of the Indian and
the Indian village does not need to be here described.
It is sufficient to say that New England savages lived
to their destruction.
more like swine than like human beings, and their
habitations, reeking with smoke and alive with ver-
min, were surrounded with every description of decay-
260
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
As a race they were not less susceptible
It necessarily
ing matter.
to epidemics than were Europeans.
followed that increase of numbers meant an increase
of those conditions which are sure to breed disease,
and the breaking forth of pestilence became a mere
question of time. In 1615 the tribe was in its most
flourishing state ; in 1616 a terrible mortality devel-
oped itself which raged for two years, and then seems
to have worn itself out for want of fresh material on |
which to feed. It left behind only a crushed and
broken-spirited remnant of the Massachusetts. No-
where does the pestilence seem to have done its work
more pitilessly. What is now Quincy seems to have
been swept almost clear of inhabitants. Chickatabot was _
driven from his plantation at Passonagessit, as Mount
Wollaston was called, and apparently took refuge at
Squantum. Of his followers few survived ; for the
wigwams were “ full of dead corpses,” and “ they died
in heaps as they lay in their houses ; and the living
that were
away and let them die, and let their carcasses lie
above the ground without burial. For in a place
where many inhabited, there hath been but one left
alive to tell what became of the rest. The living
being, as it seems, not able to bury the dead, they
were left for crows, kites, and vermin to prey upon.
And the bones and skulls upon the several places of
their habitations made such a spectacle after my com-
ing into those parts, that as I traveled in that forest
near the Massachusetts, it seemed to me a new found
Golgotha.”
Such were the marks of the great pestilence of
1616-17, as seen by Thomas Morton when he first
visited Quincy in the summer of 1622, less than a
year after Standish and his party had visited Squan-
tum.'
CHAPTER XX LY,
QUINCY—( Continued).
MERRYMOUNT.
THouaH visited by the Plymouth explorers in
1621, the territory of Quincy remained unoccupied
by Europeans for nearly four years longer.
1 Tt is not necessary in a local history to discuss the nature of
the great pestilence. It is a subject, moreover, on which the
medical authorities have been unable to reach any definite con-
clusion. See ‘New English Canaan” (Prince Society edition),
29
133, n. It is sufficient here to say that, whatever it was, it
swept the territory, subsequently organized into the township
of Braintree, almost wholly clear of Indian occupants.
| was
able to shift for themselves would run |
_with pine, hemlock, and cedar.
_tabot lived apparently on the southwesterly slope of
cally uninhabited.
the Squantum headland,’ in a sheltered nook which
can still be identified. It has already been mentioned
that his following did not in number exceed three-
score. North of the Neponset the sachem Obbati-
newat may have ruled over as many more. South of
the Monatoquit, in what is now Weymouth, dwelt
Aberdecest with the poor remnant of his people.
After the plague, therefore, the country was practi-
It was given up to wild animals.
A few years before considerable portions of the more
fertile uplands had been under rude Indian cultivation.
With the ravages of the pestilence this ceased, and
speedily the cleared ground had become covered with
a young growth of forest trees. Of the original
aspect of the country nothing now remains except the
sea-shore and the wooded sides of the Blue Hills.
All else has been transformed. In 1620 the region
an almost unbroken The hills
and uplands were covered with a heavy growth of
native timber, in which the oak, the elm, the hickory,
the chestnut, the ash, and the maple were intermixed
The undergrowth
wilderness.
also was heavy, making it difficult to force a way
through the forest except by the beaten trail.
_ found a devious way.
The
lowlands and valleys, where brooks now flow in
_ straight channels cut since the settlement, were then
impenetrable tangles through which sluggish streams
Densely wooded with swamp
timber, over which grapevines and creepers grew in
profusion, these tangles were the home of the beaver,
the otter, and the miuk, and the refuge of deer, the
wolf, and the bear. While the shore was alive with
birds, the sea swarmed with fish. In the autumn
almost innumerable wild turkeys filled the woods, in
which grouse and partridge were found in profusion,
together with geese, quail, woodeock, and snipe. The
beaches, alive with all manner of shore birds, from
the duck to the sanderling, seemed underlaid with
Chicka- |
Lobsters swarmed in the shallow waters.
shell-fish.
2 Tradition points out the small hummock, already referred
to, between Atlantie and Wollaston as the place where Chicka-
tabot dwelt. It is so spoken of in Whitney’s ‘‘ History of
Quincey” (p. 29). But after personal examination of the
ground, Mr. Henry W. Haynes, the archeologist, was unable to
find there any trace of Indian occupation, and he asserted that
the utter absence of fresh water made such an occupation
wholly improbable. At the cove in Squantum, referred to in
the text, he found not only a spring of fresh, clear water close
to the shore, but also a large shell heap, numerous Indian im-
plements, and other indications of permanent occupation. He
confidently fixed, therefore, the dwelling place of an Indian
sachem, presumably Chickatabot, in the immediate neighbor-
hood of the present summer residence of Mr. G. F. Burkhardt.
QUINCY.
261
Further out were found boundless halibut, cod, and
mackerel; while in the spring the streams were so
packed with alewives that it seemed to the first set-
tlers that “one might go over their backs dry-shod.”
Of bass Thomas Morton wrote that he had seen a
school of them sufficient to load an hundred ton ship
stranded in Black’s Creek at the going out of the
tide.
devoted sportsman first occupied it.
But this did not take place until June, 1625.
Meanwhile the neighboring territory on the other
side of the Monatoquit—that portion of the town-
ship of Weymouth since known as Old Spain
been twice occupied. In July, 1623, came Weston’s
party of adventurers, who went away in a body in
the succeeding March.
The region was a sportsman’s paradise, and a
They had been succeeded in
the following September by the Robert Gorges colony,
a small remnant of whom still remained there after
their leader went home to England in the spring of
1624. But this is a portion of the history of Wey-
mouth, and relates to Quincy only from the fact that
Mount Wollaston, apparently came over with Andrew
Weston in June, 1622,
that summer at Wessagusset, as Old Spain was then
and passed a large portion of
called, returning to England in September. An eager
ative sense of the beautiful in nature, and he went |
| succeeded at last in doing, and he is next heard of
away deeply impressed by what he had seen of the
country on the south side of Boston Bay. He had
come to it while it shone with the freshness of June,
and, roaming through its unoccupied forest wilderness
during the months of July and August, he had gone
away just as the full ripeness of the summer was
mellowing into autumn.
to him an earthly paradise, and he could not find
language glowing enough to do justice to it:
had |
“And when I had more seriously considered of the beauty |
of the place, with all her fair endowments, I did not think that
in all the known world it could be paralleled; for so many
goodly groves of trees, dainty, fine, round, rising hillocks, deli-
eate, fair, large plains, sweet crystal fountains, and clear running
streams, that twine in fine meanders through the meades, mak-
ing so sweet a murmuring noise to hear as would even lull the
senses with delight asleep; so pleasantly do they glide upon
the pebble stones, jetting most jocundly where they do meet, |
and, hand in hand, run down to Neptune’s Court to pay the
yearly tribute which they owe to him as sovereign Lord of all
the springs.
fowls in abundance, fish in multitudes, and [I discovered], be-
sides, millions of turtle-doves on the green boughs, which sat
pecking of the full, ripe, pleasant grapes that were supported by
the lusty trees, whose fruitful load did cause the arms to bend;
while, here and there dispersed, you might see [also] lilies of
the Daphnean tree, which made the land to me seem Paradise; |
for in mine eye t’was nature’s master-piece,—her chiefest mag-
'new-comers had necessarily to go elsewhere.
| the savages might be opened.
sportsman, Morton was gifted with a keenly appreci- | to have been in any way connected with him.
azine of all, where lives her store. If this land be not rich, then
is the whole world poor !”’
Going back to England he was eager to return to
America; for not only was he fascinated with the
country as a sportsman and lover of nature, but he
confidently believed that a most profitable trade with
Meanwhile Weston’s
enterprise came to a miserable end the following
spring. Morton apparently, though not wholly with-
' out means, was unable to organize an expedition of
his own. He might naturally have applied to Sir
Ferdinando Gorges, who through all these years was
laboring to bring about emigration to New England.
But Sir Ferdinando had just before failed completely
in his effort to support his son Robert’s colony, nor
could he have felt very kindly towards any one who
had been connected with Weston.
Weston, he was then in serious trouble at court; for
Indeed, through
the former had obtained leave to send certain muni-
tions of war to New England and had then sold them
to the French. For this act Sir Ferdinando, as head of
Thomas Morton, a few years later the first settler at | the council for New England, had “ suffered a shrewd
| check” from Kine Charles’ ministers, and been or-
fo) ?
dered to arrest the offender. An associate of Wes-
ton’s could hardly, therefore, have expected to receive
aid from Gorges ; nor indeed does Morton now appear
He
had consequently to find other associates. This he
sailing into Boston Bay in June, 1625, in company
with a number of adventurers, chief among whom
was a Capt. Wollaston.
with a body of articled servants, intending to establish
Of Wollaston, the
The party had come over
a plantation and trading-post.
Accordingly it had seemed | ™&0 who gave to Quincy its first English designation,
nothing, not even his Christian name, is known.
Among the Plymouth people he bore the reputation
of being “a man of pretie parts” and of “ some emi-
nencie,”’ and it is possible that he may be the same
person who Capt. John Smith in 1615 metas Lieut.
Wollaston, serving under one “ Capt. Barra, an English
pirate, in a small ship, with some twelve pieces of or-
dinance, about thirty men, and near all starved.”
_ Whensoever and howsoever he came by his means, in
1635 Wollaston had sufficient to be the principal
partner in the company of which Morton was also a
| member :’ and, presumably under the guidance of the
Contained within the volume of the land [are] | uy ne A 5
latter, they found their way into Boston Bay. Wes-
sagusset, and the old stockade and buildings erected
there three years before by Weston’s people, they
found occupied by what remained of the Gorges colony,
which had now been there nearly two years. The
They
262
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
accordingly sat down at a point called by the Indians
Passonagessit, and ever since known as Mount Wol-
laston. The exact site of the house they built—the
first house erected in Quincy—cannot be identified ;
but tradition places it on the southwestern slope of
the hill and not far from its summit, at a point where
in recent years a few coins and the charred remains of |
ancient timbers turned up in the soil told that some
edifice, of which no record remains, once had stood.
In any event, it was in this vicinity that the adven-
turers established themselves ; nor for their purposes
was the place badly chosen. They had come to trade.
They meant to hold active commercial intercourse with
the Indians, and Passonagessit was not only a favorite
gathering-point of the Massachusetts tribe, but it
stood in plain view of the entrance to the harbor. No
ship could come in without being seen from thence.
It had but one drawback,—there was no deep water.
But
further out, among the islands, there was excellent
Then as now Quincy Bay was but a tidal inlet.
anchorage, and Wollaston and his associates evidently
thought that a boat communication between their
trading depot and the shipping would answer every
purpose.
During what remained of the summer of 1625 the
party were busy providing themselves with shelter
and laying outa plantation. Passonagessit was almost
an island. Qn its northern side was a salt water
creek, flanked with marshes and soon lost in the tan-
gled swamps of the neighboring upland; while to the
south and west was a broad basin, which emptied and
filled with every tide, and about this lay other marshes
reaching nearly across to the creek at the north.
These marshes were thick with liquid mud, and nearly
impassable from a dense growth of cedar and under-
brush. Across them ran a few gravel ridges, afford-
ing the only practicable connection between Passona-
gessit and the upland., The peninsula itself, it has
already been seen, had some years before been cleared
of forest growth. It had then become the burial-
place of the sachem Chickatabot’s mother, over whose
grave two great bear-skins had been stretched until
fi
some wandering explorers presently despoiled it of |
_ did both.
become covered with a young forest growth, which |
them. While thus abandoned the place had again
was now to be cleared away and the soil made ready
for the seed.
The summer could hardly have sufficed for the
The winter which ensued
seems to have satisfied Wollaston.
he had evidently made up his mind that there was
work of preparation.
Before it was over
smal] profit and no pleasure for him in New England.
So, early in 1626, he prepared to go elsewhere. Tak-
ing with him a portion of the articled servants, and
leaving one of his associates, Rasdell by name, in
charge of the plantation, he set sail for Virginia.
There, if he did not find a place of settlement more to
his taste than Passonagessit, he did find a ready mar-
ket for those he brought with him, and he is said to
have sold them, or rather his right to their labor un-
der his contracts, on terms quite satisfactory to him-
self. He then sent back orders to Rasdell that he
should put another of the associates, one Fitcher, in
charge, and himself come to Virginia, bringing with
him more of the servants.
been sold.
sonagessit was to be broken up.
This did not meet the views of Morton. How
large an interest he himself had in the venture is not
known.
These also seem to have
It was evident that the plantation at Pas-
It was probably small; and he could more-
over have been looked upon with little favor by the
other partners, for it was he who by his glowing ac-
count of the country had got them into their troubles.
But Morton liked New England, and he evidently did
At the time
it was said that he could not go back there: that, in
not desire to go back to old England.
fact, he had been implicated in a murder, and had
fled the country. Later, warrants certainly were out
And yet there is no evidence in sup-
port of the charges, for though he was afterwards
sent back to England under arrest, he never seems to
against him.
have been tried; and, if he had committed the hein-
ous crimes of which he was accused, they would seem
to have been forgotten before he was arraigned to an-
swer for them. But of Morton’s earlier life not much
is known. He seems to have had an education of
some sort; for, though he could not write English,
he was fond of quoting Latin, and he had a little
knowledge of the law. Indeed, he called himself
“of Clifford’s Inn, gent.;” but that he ever really
studied law, or had any recognized standing at the
London bar, is most improbable. An ingrained Bo-
hemian and sportsman, he had come to New England
to enjoy himself, and at the same time to make
money; and it was of very little consequence to him
how he did either one or the other, provided only he
He accordingly saw with much disfavor every ar-
Mean-
while, supplies were running short, and a spirit of
Of this Morton took
advantage, and gradually instilled into the minds
rangement made to break up the plantation.
general discontent prevailed.
of the few servants who were left the suspicion (for
which there was undoubtedly excellent ground) that
it would be their turn next to go to Virginia and be
sold. He then suggested that, if he were at the head
QUINCY. 263
of the plantation, they might all dwell there together | Maremount, which, while it bore evidence to Mor-
as equals, and not only enjoy life, but derive large
profits from planting and trading. Exclusive of
Fitcher, there were but seven men now left. All of
these Morton seems to have won over, and at last
Wollaston’s deputy was thrust out of doors, and left —
to shift as best he could.
Wessagusset, and thence found his way to Plymouth.
Neither he nor Wollaston are again mentioned, nor
do they seem to have made any attempt to re-establish
themselves at Passonagessit.
He betook himself to |
_ With him and in one place it was the former
Morton remained undisturbed at the head of the —
establishment there, and he proceeded to make good
his promises as respects both profit and enjoyment.
With the Indians he was evidently the most popular
of white men, for not only did he buy their furs on
the most liberal terms, but he admitted them to the
free life and noisy revels of the trading-post.
English of those days, apart from the Puritan classes,
The |
were a rude, roistering, hard-drinking race, loose in |
the relations of the sexes, and coarse in thought and
speech. It followed accord-
ingly that he and his men soon began to establish
Morton was no Puritan.
trading-post relations with the savages, both men and
| of purpose to see the manner of the revels.
_ton’s latinity, was certainly descriptive of the place,
situated as it was close to the shores of the bay. But
in that name there is nothing which in any way sug-
| gests a translation of Passonagessit, a word supposed
to mean simply some spot near to a small peninsula.!
Morton was a humorist. In selecting a name there
is little doubt that he had a play upon words in his
mind. Maremount and Merrymount were convertible.
; at an-
other place and among his companions it was the latter.
The new name being decided upon, it was “ re-
solved,” as Morton says, to have it
“Confirmed for a memorial to after ages in a solemn man-
ner, with revels and merriment after the old English custom.
[So they] prepared to set up a maypole upon the festival-day
of Philip and Jacob, and therefore brewed a barrel of excellent
beer, and provided a case of bottles, to be spent, with other
good cheer, for all comers on that day. And upon May-day
they brought the maypole to the place appointed with drums,
guns, pistols, and other fitting instruments, for that purpose;
and there erected it with the help of savages, that came thither
A goodly pine-tree
| of eighty foot long was reared up, witha pair of buck’s horns
women, such as were at a later day common enough, ©
but which up to that time had been unknown, at any
rate in New England. This recklessness culminated
with the spring of 1627 in a proceeding which has
passed into history.
May-day was then a great English merry-making.
It came on what is now the 11th of the month, so
that the season was considerably more advanced than
it is under the reformed calendar. There was also
about the anniversary much of the coarseness and goybtless among the earliest efforts of the New Eng-
loose morality of the time. It was by no means the
sweet, simple anniversary, devoted to innocent dancing
about a pole wreathed with garlands of freshly-gath-
ered wild-flowers, which the modern imagination has
been wont to depict. On the contrary, it partook of
the Roman worship of Flora; it was a sort of satur-
Not without cause, therefore, did the Puritans
view it with disfavor.
nalia.
Yet each recurring season the
fishermen on the New England coast were wont to erect
these poles at their stations, making merry about them
as with noisy games and drunken revelry they greeted
the return of spring.
It has already been mentioned that Morton was
something of a scholar.
where he and his companions lived had apparently
been known only by its Indian name.
solved to formally christen it, and selected May-day
of 1637 for so doing. He says that he translated the
name Passonagessit.
He now re- |
The new name he fixed on was |
nailed on somewhat near unto the top of it, where it stood as a
fair sea mark for directions how to find out the way to Mare-
mount. They had [also] a poem in readiness, which
was fixed to the maypole, to show the name confirmed on the
plantation. There was likewise a merry song made, which was
sung by a chorus, every man bearing his part, which they per-
formed in adance, hand in hand about the maypole, while one
of the company sang and filled out the good liquor, like Gany-
mede and Jupiter.”
The poem, as he saw fit to call it, which Morton
composed for this occasion, and the rollicking chorus
to which his company danced round the maypole, are
land muse. Yet they certainly are not its earliest
effort.
wife given to verse-making, but at least four years
Not only were Governor Bradford and his
before Morton exercised his gifts at Mount Wollas-
ton the Rev. Thomas Morell had wiled away a
winter's tedium at Wessagusset in the composition of
an elaborate Latin poem. It is not necessary, there-
fore, to here reproduce Morton’s efforts, which can
always be found in his book. They are only curious
now; and, though at the time the Plymouth people
roundly denounced them as scandalous and even lewd,
it is not easy for modern readers to find in them
much rhythm or any sense.
Up to that time the place enough, but doggerel.
They seem harmless
Had Morton and his companions been content
with field-sports and the writing of verses, there is no
reason to suppose that they might not have set up a
1 See New English Canaan (Prince Soe. Ed.) 15, n.
264
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
new maypole at Mount Wollaston with every re-
curring spring, and sung and danced round it to their
hearts’ content. Doubtless he would have greatly
seandalized his neighbors at Plymouth, and they
might have gone even to the length of remonstrating
But they
were a quiet, forbearing people, with little that was
aggressive about them, and it is not likely that they
with him because of his carnal practices.
would have thought of a recourse to force.
but amusements. He had a very distinct eye to
Not only was he fully alive to the large
profits then and since to be made out of the fur
business.
trade, but in carrying on that trade he was restrained |
by no scruples. The furs came from the interior
y ,
brought by Indians. Through Indians only could
they be procured, and towards the Indians accordingly
Morton adopted a policy which was natural enough
for him, but which none the less imperiled the
safety of all the settlers on the coast. In exchange
for their furs he gave the savages fire-arms and
ammunition. Up to that time guns had never been
found in the hands of New England Indians.
French on the coast of Maine and the Dutch in New
York had begun to traffic in them, and in 1622 the
practice had been forbidden by royal proclamation ;
but in Massachusetts the bow, the knife, and the
hatchet were the only weapons ever met with in the
savages hands. Of fire-arms he stood in mortal
dread ; and to this fact the Plymouth colony had owed
its preservation. But now the red men had begun to
grow familiar with the new weapons, and they were
eager to possess them. When it came to trading,
beads and colored cloth and hatchets no longer had
their former attraction. They were very well, but
two things the Indians coveted more,—weapons and
spirits,—fire-arms and fire-water. For these they
would give anything they possessed or could procure.
The trade in spirits was scandalous ; but the English
| systematically.
The |
were a drunken race, and they had few scruples on |
that score. Morton carefully denied that he ever
sold the Indians liquor. Yet they took part in his
revels, and there cannot be much doubt that they
He does not deny that he used them as huntsmen,
putting guns into their hands and teaching them their
use. They proved apt pupils also. They knew just
where to look for wild animals, and how best to ap-
proach them.
sight. Knowing how to use the fire-arms, and seeing
how deadly as weapons they were, the savages became
crazy to own them.
So, in cheap exchange for their furs, Morton gave
] ton) ? at
They were fleet of foot and quick of
more and more frequented Boston harbor.
Un- |
fortunately for Morton, his maypole and verses were |
the entrance of Casco Bay.
the Indians all the guns he could spare, and, his
avarice being now excited, he sent to England for a
larger supply. He proposed to go into the business
His establishurent also acquired a
reputation—a bad one, it is true, but still a reputa-
tion—among the masters of the numerous vessels
which then each year traded along the coast. They
Merry-
mount thus “ began to come forward,” as Morton
himself expressed it, and so elated was he by his suc-
cess that he even extended his operations to the coast
of Maine, where, in the summer following the erection
of the maypole, he seems to have established a sort of
branch trading-house on Richmond Island, close to
Things, indeed, seemed
to be moving prosperously with the remnant of Wol-
laston’s company, and those of them who had put
their trust in Morton doubtless began to feel that
They looked for-
ward to an undisturbed life, in which ever-increasing
profit would be combined with pleasant license.
They reckoned without their host. To the whole
coast from Plymouth up to Portsmouth, Merrymount
became not only a nuisance, but a dangerous nuisance.
Upon that coast there were not then many inhabited
places; but there were a few. Plymouth was the
most populous, and at Plymouth there may have been
they were justified by the event.
some two hundred souls in all, dwelling in two score
houses encircled by a stockade half a mile in circum-
ference. There was a smaller settlement at Wey-
mouth, only a mile or so away from Merrymount, and
scattered families lived at Thompson’s Island, Shaw-
mut, as the peninsula of Boston was ealled, and
Charlestown and South Boston. There were a few
more, traders chiefly, at Hull and upon Cape Ann,
These people
They were living
And now
Indians with guns in their hands were prowling
through the woods.
game only ; but it could not be long before they real-
Behind the little settlements,
and near where Portsmouth now is.
had come to New England to stay.
here with their wives and their children.
As yet they were in search of
ized their new power.
and between them, lay the vast, impenetrable wilder-
had their share of the good cheer then provided. |
ness, in regard to which the settlers knew nothing. The
Massachusetts Indians were a weak, broken remnant ;
but who knew what other tribes occupied the inter-
ior; nor could any one divine the conspiracies which
might there be forming, ready to burst when least
expected. The situation was alarming enough at
best; the sense of the vast unknown doubtless made
it more so, and Morton’s proceedings were fast ren-
The instinct of self-preserva-
tion whispered that something must be done, and that
dering it unendurable.
QUINCY. 265
quickly. Hither the Merrymount trade in fire-arms
must be stopped, or the country abandoned.
The remedy for the evil was not equally clear. So
far as Morton’s immediate neighbors were concerned
in case of atrial of strength, he, with his Indian allies,
was probably a match for them all.
tainers were likely also to increase in number, for, as
|
|
|
|
His white re- |
the ill repute of the Merrymount plantation spread, it |
would inevitably become the place of refuge for all
the outcasts and runaways on the coast. The ships
which yearly came there were manned at the best
with a rude, lawless set of fellows; and such of these
as the others would not tolerate were the very ones
most likely to find their way to Mount Wollaston.
The danger, therefore, was an ever-increasing one. |
Tf it was to be dealt with at all, it must be dealt with |
at once and summarily.
Under these circumstances, how great the common
terror was may best be seen from the fact that it
This
The
brought together all the settlers on the coast.
seems to have been in the early spring of 1628.
result of the meeting was that the Plymouth author- |
A |
ities were asked to take the matter in hand.
letter was accordingly drawn up and sent to Morton,
after being jointly signed.
but init Morton was enjoined to forbear his evil prac-
tices.
It was friendly in tone,
An answer was requested by the messenger
who bore the missive. The result of the interview
was far from satisfactory. Morton sent back word to
the Plymouth magistrates that they were meddling in
things which in no way concerned them, they having
no jurisdiction over him or his plantation; further,
he intimated that it was his intention to deal with the
Indians as he saw fit.
Yet a second time Morton was sent to. And now
they bade him be better advised. for the country
could not bear the injury he was doing it.
reminded also of the royal proclamation of 1622
forbidding the sale of fire-arms to savages.
He was
second admonition led to no more satisfactory results
than the first. Morton denied that King James’
into the interior in search of furs. Indeed there
were but three in all left at the plantation. Standish
found Morton at Wessagusset, whither he had gone,
as he says, “to have the benefit of company,” and
there arrested him. It was not convenient to remove
He, with a fine
assumption of surprise and innocence, asked to know
the reason of the violence to which he was subjected,
and the names of those who had made charges against
him; and when his captors declined to enlighten
him on these points, he stood with much dignity on
his rights as an Englishman, demanding that he
should at once be set at liberty. Paying no attention
to this, Standish made his arrangements to pass the
the prisoner at once to Plymouth.
night at Wessagusset. The prisoner was well guarded ;
but a violent thunder-storm came up before morning,
and in the midst of it he succeeded in making his es-
There he
made preparation for resistance. In the morning Stand-
cape, getting safely back to Merrymount.
ish and his party appeared. Walking directly up to the
door of the house, they demanded to be let in. Their
coolness and determination apparently had its effect,
for of the three defenders of the place one at least
was frightened, while another, in the endeavor to
stimulate his courage, had got hopelessly and help-
lessly drunk. Morton thus had only himself to de-
pend on. None the less he maintained a bold front,
and to the demand that he should surrender returned
a scofing reply. Standish then went to work to force
in the door; whereupon Morton sallied out, followed
by his single tipsy retainer. The struggle that fol-
lowed was brief and ludicrous. Morton’s gun, which
he had aimed at Standish, was knocked up by one of
| Standish’s party, and at the same time the staggering
This |
proclamation was law; and, with many oaths, warned
the messengers that if any came to molest him they —
must look to their own safety, for he would be pre-
pared to defend himself.
This took place in May, 1628, and in the early |
days of June Capt. Miles Standish was sent up from
Plymouth to Boston Bay, to summarily suppress the
Mount Wollaston nuisance. He had with him eight
men, and he evidently acted in full understanding with
Morton’s neighbers, who apparently, in attempting
the arrest; wanted to take advantage of the fact that
nearly all the Merrymount company were then gone |
follower succeeded in running “his own nose upon
the point of a sword that one held before him as he
This was the only blood spilt,
and Morton was now secured and safely carried to
Plymouth. Thence he was presently sent to the Isles
of Shoals, where he was put on an outward bound
entered the house.”
vessel and carried to England.
It is not necessary to here discuss the justice or
legality of this arrest of Morton. That has been
fully done elsewhere.’ It is sufficient to say that it
seems to have been a mere act of self-preserva-
tion. Yet it is equally clear that the Plymouth mag-
istrates had legally no jurisdiction over any part of
Boston Bay. Their action could accordingly be justi-
fied only on the ground of necessity and might, for
the limits of their territory, as expressed in such a
1 See the introductory matter to the Prince Society’s edition of
the “ New English Canaan.”
266
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
patent as they then had, Jay south of Weymouth.
Morton, on the contrary, seems to have had some sort
of a patent of his own from the Council for New Eng- |
It has not been preserved, and the bounds of |
land.
his grant are not known; but his title would seem
to be the same as that of the Plymouth colony. |
Both emanated from one source. Meanwhile, just
before the arrest, the Council for New England, all
the affairs of which were loosely managed, had issued
another patent to those who afterwards became the
Massachusetts Bay Company. This patent bore date
the 19th of March, 1628, and specifically covered all
the territory between the Merrimac on the north, and
an east and west line three miles to the southward
of the southernmost part of Massachusetts Bay, as
Boston Bay was then called.
clearly within these limits, and thenceforth became
subject to the jurisdiction of the patentees; unless
there was some saving of rights under the earlier
Wollaston grant.
the case. On the 6th of September, almost three
months after the arrest of Morton, Governor Endicott
landed at Salem. He represented the new patent and
the company of the Massachusetts Bay.
There is reason to suppose that the evil reputation
of the Wollaston plantation was at this time well
known in London.
quarters a close watch was kept over events in New
England. Accordingly, it would seem probable that
Endicott came bringing definite instructions as to the
course he was to pursue toward Morton and his fol-
lowing. Whether this was the case or not, he cer-
tainly took prompt action. As soon as he landed at
Naumkeag—having passed the outward bound Mor-
ton in mid-ocean—he must have heard of the action
taken by the Plymouth authorities, for the dwellers
on Cape Ann had been parties to it. Typical Puritan
as he was,—harsh in temper, decisive in action, and
merciless in the infliction of punishment,—Endicott
doubtless approved of all that had been done, though
he probably regretted that a more condign treatment
Nor did he
delay to do what was still in his power to prevent any
had not been visited on the transgressor.
mouth brethren. ‘Taking with him a small party he
g party
crossed the bay; and, suddenly appearing at Mount
Wollaston, he thoroughly overawed the demoralized
Not only did he sternly rebuke them |
settlers there.
for their profaneness and evil doings, but he caused
the maypole to be felled to the ground.
monishing them to look to it well that there should
be better walking, he went back to Salem, leaving
Mount Wollaston was
This does not appear to have been |
From several influential English
Then ad- |
Morton’s followers and his maypole equally down- |
fallen. ‘ So they now, or others,” as Bradford says,
“changed the name of their place again, and called it
Mount Dagon.”!
According to Bradford, “some of the worst of the
(Merrymount) company” dispersed during this sum-
mer, betaking themselves elsewhere, while “‘ some of
the more modest kept the house” until Morton
should be heard from.
serted.
The place was not wholly de-
Among the worst who went elsewhere was,
probably, Walter Bagnall, who about this time took
up his permanent abode on Richmond Island. He
was commonly known as ‘Great Walt,” and seems
to have been a rude frontier trader of the most worth-
less sort. He carried the Merrymount methods with
him to his new home, where he prospered greatly,
getting together what was for those days considerable
possessions in money and goods; until at last, in Oc-
tober, 1631, the Indians set upon him and killed him.’
The only other follower of Morton of whom there is
any record was Edward Gibbons, apparently one of
the more modest who kept the house. Ata later day
Gibbons was a prominent member of the Massachu-
setts community, rising to the high rank of major-
general ; and in 1649 he succeeded Governor Endicott —
in command of the military forces of the colony. But
Gibbons’ later career was not particularly associated
with the town of Braintree. Shortly after the hew-
ing down of the maypole he went over to Salem,
where, listening to the preaching of the Rev. Francis
Higginson, he underwent a change of heart and be-
came a member of the church. But still the original
Merrymount spirit from time to time showed itself
in him, and he has left footprints of himself here and
there in the early colonial records which call in vain
for satisfactory explanation.”
It was in the autumn of 1629 that Endicott hewed
down the maypole. Six months later, in April or
early May, there is reason to believe that another and
somewhat mysterious personage took up his abode on
_the south shore of the Neponset, not far from its
mouth. This was Sir Christopher Gardiner. Of
him it is not necessary to here speak at length, as his
| temporary abode within its subsequent limits in no
harm resulting from the weak leniency of his Ply- |
way affected the history of Quincy. It is sufficient to
1 Dagon was the sea-idol of the Philistines.
“Sea monster, upward man,
And downward fish.”
“When the ark was placed in his temple, Dagon fell, and the
palms of his hands were broken off.’ (1 Samuel, v. 2-4.) “It
was on a feast-day to Dagon that Samson pulled down the pil-
lars of the temple at Gaza.” (Judges xvi. 25-26.)
2 Prince Society edition of “ New English Canaan,” 218, n.
3 See note in Palfrey’s “New England,” ii. 226.
QUINCY. 267
say that Gardiner was apparently an emissary of the
Council for New England, sent out to keep a watch |
on the Massachusetts Bay Company. He brought
with him to the country a young woman, named |
Mary Grove, to whom he was not married, and who |
has since figured largely in American works of fiction.
The two for nearly a year lived together, it has been
surmised on the savin-covered hummock not far east
of the Old Colony railroad bridge across the Neponset,
on its Quincy side. The magistrates then learned
that two women in England claimed to be married to
Gardiner. A warrant for his arrest was accordingly
issued ; but he, being on his guard, escaped the ofh-
cers and lay hid in the woods for a month, until the
He
was sent back to Boston, and subsequently took his
savages carried him a captive into Plymouth.
departure to Maine, and thence to England. He
seems to have been the first Huropean resident in the
northern limits of Quincy, for David Thompson, and
his widow after him, lived on the island which bears
his name; though not impossibly their patent covered’
It is
also a curious fact that both Gardiner and his com-
panion were members of the Church of Rome, which
thus early obtained a footing on Quincy soil,—a hold
also the neighboring peninsula of Squantum.
which was early broken. Nearly two centuries passed
before it was again renewed.’
When Gardiner fled into the forest in March, 1631,
there is reason to believe that the whole region be-
tween Neponset and the Monatoquit was left without
asingle Kuropean occupant. His own dwelling was de-
serted, and the house at Mount Wollaston had a month
previously been burnt to the ground. During the
summer of 1629—nearly a year and a half before—
Thomas Morton had found his way back from Eng-
land. While there no charge had been brought |
as he could. For a time he seems to have been toler-
ated; and he even attended a general meeting of the
planters at Salem, in which he made all the trouble in
his power, refusing to conform to the company’s trade
regulations. About Christmas Endicott sent over a
party to arrest him. But he was on the watch and
eluded them, so that they were only able to ransack
How
many followers he now had does not appear; proba-
So he
In
the spring Gardiner came and established himself not
far away; and now probably both he and Morton
his house, which contained nothing of value.
bly at the most not more than two or three.
passed the winter, living upon the game he shot.
anxiously looked for the arrival of a long talked-of
outfit which was to take final possession of the region
around Boston Bay in the interest of Gorges. It was
well known that Endicott and his people at Salem
_ had been reduced by disease and famine to the last
extremity. A remnant of them barely struggled
Unless aid came soon the settle-
ment would cease to exist. But instead of a Gorges
expedition, on the 17th of June Governor John Win-
throp, who had arrived at Salem five days before, came
through the winter.
into the harbor, and Morton must have watched his
shallop with anxious eyes as it worked its way in front
of Mount Wollaston up the channel to the mouth
of the Mystic. Its appearance in those waters boded
him no good.
Yet he was not at once disturbed. A few days
later the whole fleet made its appearance, and dis-
charged its thousand passengers, the first installment
Then followed the busy and
The immigrants were crowded
of the great migration.
fatal summer of 1630.
together on the hill-side at Charlestown ; everything
against him, and he seems to have worked his way |
into a certain degree of favor with Sir Ferdinando
Gorges.
Plymouth colony, was then in some way induced to
Isaac Allerton, the agent in London of the |
|
|
befriend him ; and at last even took him back to Ply- |
mouth, to the unspeakable indignation of the people |
there,—“ as it were to nose them,” Bradford said. —
For Morton to remain long in Plymouth was out of |
the question, nor probably did he have any desire to |
He wanted to get back to Merrymount. |
Thither he accordingly went in the autumn of 1629, |
and there he remained all through the following win- |
do so.
ter. To Endicott he now made himself as annoying
1 A detailed account of Gardiner and his experiences in New
England is to be found in vol. xx. of the “ Proceedings of the
Massachusetts Historical Society.”
was in confusion, and the confinement and salt food
diet of a long sea-voyage was succeeded by exposure
on shore, and too great indulgence in the wild fruits
and berries of a new country. Dysentery naturally
set in, and soon took the form of pestilence:
Not until the 23d of August was any meeting of the
magistrates held. | Morton’s arrest was then ordered.
He seems to have made no attempt to elude the offi-
cers or resist them. He probably realized that it
would be useless. So two weeks later, on what
would now be the 17th of September, at the second
session of the magistrates, he was arraigned.
He can scarcely be said to have had a trial, the
proceedings were so very summary. He seems to
have made some attempt at a defense, in the midst
of which he was bidden to hold his peace and listen
to his sentence, which was pronounced by Winthrop.
It was sufficiently severe. He was ordered to be set
in the stocks, to be sent prisoner to England, to be
268
deprived of all his possessions, and to have his house
burnt to the ground, to the end that “the habitation
of the wicked should no more appear in Israel.”
sentence also was literally carried out. There was
some delay about sending him back to England, the
master of one vessel refusing to carry him. At length,
in January, 1651, a passage was secured for him on
board the “ Handmaid,” and not until then, and while
This |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
the prisoner was sailing out of the harbor, was that por- |
tion of his sentence which related to the burning of |
his house put in execution.
been vindictively delayed.
was applied to the buildings at Mount Wollaston, and
It would seem to have |
Then at last the torch |
to Thomas Morton, as he looked back from ‘a farre |
of abourd a ship, the smoke that did ascend appeared _
to be the very sacrifice of Kain.”
was wholly destroyed.
The plantation
None of Morton’s followers
remained there; nor did he or any of them ever come
back to the place.
GH AP Th Re Xx,
QUINCY—( Continued).
MOUNT WOLLASTON.
For several years after Morton’s expulsion the sea-
| set.
first of the many similar barriers which that civiliza-
tion was destined to overleap.
It did overleap it in 1635. The region south of
the river was then known to have a fertile soil, but
through Morton’s doings it had gained an evil name.
The course of emigration set along the Charles into
the interior, and up the Mystic to the north. The
leading men of the Massachusetts Bay Company be-
longed to the class of English gentry, and they
brought with them to America that land-hunger which
they inherited direct from both Saxon and Norman
ancestry. ‘They were eager to secure vast estates for
themselves and their descendants. Accordingly, grants
were made to them of five hundred acres here, and
one thousand acres, or two thousand acres, somewhere
else. In this way the neighboring country was rapidly
parceled out, and the peninsula of Boston being
_ “too small to contain many,” the residents there were
“constrained to take farms in the country.”
Then at last people began to look across the Nepon-
Accordingly, at the May session of the General
Court of 1634, it was ordered “that Boston shall
have convenient enlargement at Mount Wollaston,”
and a committee of four was appointed to fix metes and
ward slope of the Blue Hills remained unoccupied. |
There were as yet no road from Boston to Plymouth, |
nor, indeed, to Hingham and Weymouth, and what
little intercourse there was between these places was
kept up by boat across the bay. The Indian trail
followed the shore, but it could not be called a path.
bounds, and to report the same, with an accompany-
ing plan or map, to the next General Court. This
committee did the work assigned to it, though of
neither its report or plan is there any record. Yet
both papers seem to have been presented to the court
and adopted, for in the records of the session held in
September, 1634, there is the following brief entry:
The eye of the trained woodsmen was needed to de- |
tect its devious way as it wound about the head- |
waters of tidal inlets and across the upland to those
points at which alone it was possible to cross the
swamps. A forlorn remnant of the Massachusetts
| John Wilson, the pastor of the Boston Church.
. . . |
tribe, stricken with plague and smallpox, haunted the |
forest, the mere ghost of a dying.race; but between
the Neponset and the Monatoquit there were abso-
lutely no white inhabitants. In 1634 a man named
Alderman lived at Hingham, or Bear Cove, as it was
then called.
undertook to return home by the trail. In doing so
he lost his way, and for three days and two nights
he wandered through woods and swamps without fall-
Then,
starved and weary, with torn clothing and bruised
body, he struggled out of the wilderness to find him-
Scituate.
ing in with a habitation or a human being.
self in The Neponset was, in fact, the
Having occasion to be in Boston he |
southern boundary of Massachusetts civilization,—the |
“ Tt is ordered that Boston shall have enlargement at
Mount Wollaston.”
the story, and at a general meeting, on public notice,
The Boston records then take up
held on the 8th of December following, a formal grant
of land of Mount Wollaston was made to the Rev.
He,
therefore, was the first Quincy landowner under the
Massachusetts charter.
When Mr. Wilson went to take possession of his
erant, which lay apparently in the north part of the
present township of Quincy, he was confronted by an
Indian title. ‘This he had to extinguish. It was the
They all held
direct from the Indians, as well as from the General
same with the other original grantees.
Court. But thirteen months seem to have elapsed
after the grant to Wilson before further grants were
made. Then at last, at a meeting held on the 4th of
January, 1636, the point which still bears his name
was allotted to Atherton Hough; and at the same
meeting, instead of making other individual allot-
ments, a comnittee of five, clothed with full powers,
was appointed to do this work. But having thus ap-
QUINCY.
269
parently disposed of the whole matter, the meeting
went on and ordered one holding laid out which after-
Mr. William
wards had a curious significance.
Hutchinson was to have a sufficient farm at Mount
Wollaston, beyond Mr. Wilson’s, in the country adjoin-
ing Dorchester. Mr. William Hutchinson, thus made a
neighbor of the Rev. John Wilson, was the husband
of Mistress Anne Hutchinson, between whom and the
pastor of the Boston Church a feud was even then |
developing which a little later was to divide the set-_
tlement into hostile factions and bring it to the verge
of civil war.
This did not take place immediately, and on the
14th of March, 1636, farms along the bay front were |
confirmed to William Coddington and Edmund
Quincy.
wright, shall have an allotment of two hundred and
fifty acres laid out for him at Mount Wollaston.” In
a history like the present it is neither interesting nor
profitable to give to each of these allotments its pre-
cise place on the map of to-day. It is sufficient to
On the 30th of February, 1637, it was |
further agreed “that our brother, Mr. John Wheel- |
call attention to the fact that Wilson, Hutchinson, |
Coddington, Wheelwright, and Hough had all been
provided for at the ‘the Mount,” and that they were
in 1637 neighbors in what is now Quincy. John
Wheelwright was the first clergyman settled within
the present limits of the town; and, while officiating
as such, it was his fate to preach on a fast-day the |
most momentous discourse ever delivered from the
With the Rev. Mr. Wheelwright
and his little congregation the consecutive civil his-
tory of Quincy may be said to open.
American pulpit.
Lincolnshire hamlet, about twenty-four miles from
June, 1636. During the following month he was
admitted to membership in the church. It has
already been mentioned that the Rev. Jobn Wilson
was the pastor of that church, the only one in
Boston ; with him the Rev. John Cotton was asso-
ciated as teacher. Boston was then a small, newly
built, seaport settlement, numbering a few hundred
inhabitants.
built of logs though some were framed, clustering
These dwelt in rude houses, mostly
about a barrack-like structure which served as a meet-
ing-house. In that early and pious community it
does not need to be said, though it has ever to be
borne in mind, everything centred about the church.
Its membership carried with it political rights. The
The meet-
ing, the sermon, and the lecture were the events of the
week. The affairs of the church accordingly occu-
clergyman was the first man in the town.
| pied even more general attention than affairs of
state, while the two were so interwoven that they did
not admit of separation.
At the time Wheelright landed in Boston, Sir
Henry Vane was Governor of the Massachusetts Bay
Company, having just been chosen to succeed Haynes.
Winthrop, the first Governor, had for the time being
It was said that he had been too
lax in his administration of the criminal law, and dis-
lost his popularity.
posed to overlook transgression more than a Puritan
magistrate should. The leading men had, some of
them, grown jealous of him, while the body of the
In
Hardly more than a boy, he
freemen were probably disposed to try a change.
Vane they found it.
had been in the country a short time only. He was
_ full of crude ideas, and of impulses which were even
John Wheelwright was born at Saleby, a little |
Boston, in England. Educated at Cambridge, he was
there a companion of Cromwell, and on the football
ground it is said that he and the future Lord Pro-
tector often encountered each other. After gradua-
tion Wheelwright became vicar of Bilsby, a little
village not far from the place where he was born.
He was not only a rigid Puritan, but essentially a
contentious man.
been engaged in controversy ; often with his brother
All through life he seems to have |
clergymen, and even more frequently in the courts. |
Having been silenced as a preacher by Laud’s High
Commission, and driven from his parish in England, ©
early in 1636 he determined to emigrate to America.
He had then passed his forty-fourth year, and, his first
wife dying, had married Mary Hutchinson, of
Alford, a sister of William Hutchinson, who, with his
wife Anne, had gone to New England two years be-
fore. Wheelwright landed in Boston on the 26th of
2
|
Within
the church Mrs. Hutchinson was making her pres-
more uncertain than they were generous.
ence felt. At that time a woman of less than forty
years of age, she had followed Cotton, her favorite
preacher, to New England, and at Boston found her-
self in just the position she would naturally have
craved as that best suited for the full display of her
peculiar powers. She was an intellectual woman,
with a great social faculty, and an inordinate love of
notoriety and prominence. A born intriguer, she de-
lighted in talking and making her influence felt.
Accordingly, she had not been long in New England
when she began to hold a series of exclusively female
gatherings, and then of gatherings at which men as
well as women were present. The original idea of
these meetings was that an opportunity would thus
be afforded for the recapitulation of the sermons of
the preceding Sabbath for the benefit of such as had
been unable to be present at their delivery. Gradu-
ally these meetings assumed the form of an active re-
270
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ligious revival. Then they absorbed the whole atten- "had been arranged, in September, 1636, that those
tion of the settlement.
Though an ardent admirer of the teacher, Cotton,
|
|
Mrs. Hutchinson showed scant respect to Wilson, the |
pastor.
them. A worthy, sincere minister no doubt, and per-
haps a forcible expounder of God’s word, Wilson was
He trod
clumsily along in the beaten theological track. There
none the less a heavy, unimaginative man.
was nothing fine about him. It was inevitable, there-
There was no bond of sympathy between |
fore, both being what they were, that, as the influence |
. . . . {
of Mrs. Hutchinson increased it would begin to make |
itself felt in hostility to her pastor.
This had al- |
ready become apparent before the arrival of Wheel- |
wright, and that event brought matters to a crisis. |
2 |
In November, 1636, when he had been four months |
in Boston, it was proposed at a meeting of the church |
to associate Wheelwright with Cotton, making him an
additional teacher. It was perfectly understood from
what source this proposal originated. Next to Cotton,
Wheelwright was Mrs. Hutchinson’s favorite preacher,
as he was also the husband of her sister-in-law.
Wilson’s friends and the conservative party in the |
church, headed by Governor Winthrop, took the alarm |
and openly resisted the proposal. Governor Vane sup-
ported it. The weight of opinion was decidedly in favor
of Wheelwright, and much feeling was manifested at
Winthrop’s course ; but, according to the rule of the
Boston Church, it was sufficient that grave opposition
was expressed. The proposal was dropped.
But John Wheelwright was much too active and
able a man to remain long without a fixed settlement. |
The large majority of the Boston Church was in sym-
pathy with him. Among these were a number who
had recently received land allotments at Mount Wol-
laston, which they were then engaged in developing.
Population had accordingly begun to find its way
Quincy, Coddington, Hutchin- |
across the Neponset.
son and Hough dwelt themselves in Boston, but
those occupying the land at the Mount, whether as
farmers or employés, were far removed from the town, |
and had now for some time been complaining that they |
were practically cut off from all religious privileges.
Poor men, with families, they were ten or twelve
miles from the meeting-house. Accordingly, the gath-
ering of a new church at Mount Wollaston had al-
ready been under discussion. It was opposed on the
ground that it would defeat the very object for which
Boston had received enlargement,—the upholding of |
the town and the original church. The loss of so
many leading men as would inevitably join themselves |
to the new church, if it was called, could not but seri-
|
}
|
|
|
|
living at the Mount, or having holdings there, should
pay a small yearly church and town rate to Boston,
which was fixed at sixpence an acre on land lying
within a mile of the water, and threepence for land
further back.
mutation tax.
It was a species of non-resident com-
This arrangement imposed in turn on
the Boston church a well-understood obligation to in
some way provide for the religious needs of the out-
In those early
days of sparse settlement the situation was not an un-
lying region thus tributary to it.
usual one, and it was the custom in such eases to es-
tablish branch churches, or “ chapels of ease,” as they
were called. Some elder, or a gifted brother was wont
to hold forth, or to prophesy, as it was phrased, at
these each ordinary Sabbath, while at stated periods
the sacrament was administered in the meeting-house
of the mother church.
As soon as Winthrop’s dissent had put a final stop
to the project of choosing Wheelwright associate
teacher in Boston, the friends of the former south of
the Neponset took action. At the same meeting of
the church its records show that “ our brother, Mr.
John Wheelwright, was granted unto for the prepar-
ing for a church gathering at Mount Wollystone,
upon a petition of some that were resident there.”
This vote was passed on the 19th of November, 1636.
If he entered upon his duties immediately,—and
there can be little question that he did,—John
Wheelwright ministered to those settled at Mount
Wollaston months. But there is
neither local record nor tradition of him or of his
about thirteen
work ; nor is it even known where his meeting-house
| stood, if, indeed, in those early days his scattered
flock could boast of a meeting-house. It is not at all
impossible that services may have been held during
the first winter at the dwellings of different members
of the little congregation; while the following sum-
mer the pastor preached “ abroad under a tree,” just
as Wilson and Phillips had preached at Charlestown
during the first months of the settlement. If a church
edifice was then erected, it must have been a very
simple and temporary structure, built of logs the
crevices between which were sealed with mud, while
the roof was covered with thatch. It is not likely
that it was more than twenty or twenty-five feet
square, and there can be little doubt that it stood at
the most convenient point on the old Indian trail,
then rapidly widening into a road between Plymouth
_ and Boston.
The single year of Wheelwright’s settlement was
the year of the Antinomian controversy, the stormiest
. . . . . . .
ously affect the old one. To meet this objection it ‘in the history of Massachusetts. Into the details
QUINCY.
271
of that controversy it is unnecessary to enter here, for
they are part of the history of the State; but, so far
little doubt that the whole course of subsequent events
then received an influence which has ever since been
wright was a leader among the Antinomians, and his
parishioners were among the foremost supporters of
that cause.
The successful opposition to him as |
|
associate teacher was the first overt act in the coming |
contest.
Hutchinson ; and she regarded it as such. She was
not so to be put down, and she gave to her tongue |
loose rein. No longer cuntent with attacking her own
pastor, she now boldly assailed the body of the
clergy, all of whom had evinced their sympathy with
him. To venture on such an attack required no
small amount of courage, for the clergy were little
less than a sacred caste in the early settlement of
Massachusetts. ‘Tio shake their hold over affairs in
church and state was almost impossible. But it is
not likely that Mrs. Hutchinson realized this, or ever
calmly counted the cost of what she was doing. She
went on heedlessly.
those immediately around her in Boston. She could
count on the support of Governor Vane, and his
popularity throughout the colony was so great as to
be still a thing not easy to account for. Many others
of the magistrates and deputies were with her. <Ac-
cordingly, she went on step by step, making herself
always more offensively aggressive, until at last she |
boldly declared that not only Wilsou, but the whole
body of the clergy, excepting only Cotton and Wheel-
wright, were under a covenant of works. Those two,
and those two alone, walked in a covenant of grace.
Mere theological jargon now, in 1663 these words
had a deep significance. In so using them, Mrs.
Hutchinson did little less than openly express her
belief that the whole body of the clergy, two only of
their number excepted, were whited sepulchres. He
who walked in a covenant of grace was the chosen of |
the Lord. In him dwelt the spirit of God.
matter wasin him. Not so he who labored under
a covenant of works. He might be a very worthy,
well-meaning, pious man, doing his best according to
his lights; but his lights were of the earth, earthy.
God’s voice was not in him. It was the blind lead-
ing the blind.
She had the open sympathy of |
He was |
inspired ; he preached the true word; the root of the |
It was a victory for Wilson over Mrs. |
vocates and friends ; on the other, almost alone, were
_ Wilson and Winthrop.
- . |
as the later town of Quincy was concerned, it admits of |
Outside of Boston it was not so. The mental con-
tagion had not spread. The other towns, some twelve
| in number, gradually, under the influence of their
felt. As the twig was bent, the tree inclined. Wheel-
ministers, awoke to a consciousness of what was going
on, and they rallied to the support of the clergy.
Winthrop was deputy-governor, and recognized as
Wilson’s main support in the Boston Church; ac-
cordingly, his popularity underwent a revival and he
was brought to the front once more as the exponent
of the conservative side against Vane, who was the
|
Thus she undertook to declare who |
were inspired and who were uninspired; and as she
gave utterance to her judgments, incredible as it now
seems, nearly the whole of the inhabitants of Boston
lent believing ears to her. On one side were her ad-
| brother-clergymen would naturally concentrate.
| eminent of their whole order.
popular idol of the new movement. Thus matters
stood all through the winter of 1636-37. The agita-
tion was continually on the increase, and it seemed
as if men were fairly bereft of their senses, as indeed
they were. They argued fiercely about the unknow-
able in language the terms of which they did not
understand ; and to-day almost the only intelligible
thing iu the whole dispute is that Mrs. Hutchinson,
indulging in wild dreams of ambition on her own ac-
count, had persuaded herself and others that she was
inspired, and the first movement of her inspiration
was to drive Mr. Wilson, whom she did not like, out
of his pulpit.
During this time of rising tumult Wheelwright
was ministering at the Mount, whither he had re-
moved with his wife and family. In December, at
the time of the meeting of the General Court, he at-
tended an angry conference of the clergy, which re-
sulted only in a widening of the breach. For a
_ speech which he then made to the assembled digni-
taries, Wilson had been openly called to account by
his parishioners in his own church.
They were all
_ against him, and after being censured he was publicly
admonished by the teacher. It clearly was not in
Wheelwright’s nature to remain silent in the back-
ground during such a controversy; and even if he
made an effort at self-restraint, Mrs. Hutchinsoa had
conferred a dangerous prominence upon him when she
classed him, with Cotton, as being alone of all the
clergy under a covenant of grace. She had thus
made him the centre upon which the anger of his
His
position was unlike that of Cotton. Cotton was
recognized by his brethren as the first and most
He was regarded
with reverential respect. Him above all they wished
to save. But they greatly needed a scapegoat, and
a scapegoat they found ready to their hands in
the pastor at the Mount. Nor was he a man to avoid
the attack.
He did so in this way.
On the contrary, he invited it.
On the 29th [N. 8.]
272
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
(it was the 19th, old style) of January, 1637, a
solemn fast was held in view of the trouble then
impending over the Protestant world in general, |
and the colony of Massachusetts Bay in particu-
lar. Not only were the churches at home torn with
dissension but Indian troubles were impending, and
in Germany the thirty years’ war was at its height.
It is possible that Wheelwright on the morning of |
that day may have preached to his own people at the |
Mount; but if he did, he later went to Boston, where,
in the afternoon, he attended church services and |
listened to a discourse from Cotton.
had finished, Wheelwright was called upon “ to exer-
He had come prepared.
cise as a private brother.”
Possibly he only repeated the discourse he had that |
morning delivered to his own flock, though of this
there is no evidence. In any event, he now preached
that fast-day sermon for which a few months later he
was called to such severe account. As he spoke some
When Cotton |
person in the audience took careful notes of what he |
said. His enemies even then were lying in wait for
him.
There was nothing in the fast-day sermon which
in itself, and delivered at any other time and place,
would have excited general notice. Except in parts
it isa very dull performance, and, unless delivered
with peculiar fire, it would now seem more calculated
to put an audience to sleep than to excite those compos-
ing it to acts of sedition.
scriptural phraseology which it was equally a delight |
for the Puritan to use and to hear, it belongs to an
artificial form of composition which may have its day,
but is afterwards sure to be forgotten. In a few
years it becomes not less antiquated than last century
garments.
Couched in that peculiar |
That the fast-day sermon had a very di- |
rect bearing on questions then greatly exercising the |
minds of those who listened to it is indisputable ;
but that is expected in all occasional discourses. As
a sharp, vehement arraignment of those who walked
in a covenant of works, it will not be pretended that
Wheelwright ought then to have preached this sermon
in Wilson’s pulpit. To do so was, to say the least, in
very bad taste. But beyond this the sermon is not
open to just criticism.
either intended or calculated to excite sedition, nor
is there any reason to suppose that it at the time
Wilson
caused any particular remark. had been
It does not seem to have been
| P .
declined to answer further questions.
throp had been made to listen to what the mass of the
congregation regarded as some thoroughly sound re-
ligious doctrine. But the latter was not sufficiently
stirred up by the fact to make any mention of it in
his diary, and there is no reason to suppose that
either his safety or that of the settlement were put
in jeopardy.
When hostilities are decided upon a pretext for
open war is always at hand. A silent decree of the
clergy had evidently now gone forth that Wheelwright
was to be disciplined. His position invited attack,
and his utterances in private, doubtless, as well as in
public, afforded sufficient pretext for it. He had been
set up against Wilson in Wilson’s own church and by
Wilson’s people. Accordingly, when the March Gen-
eral Court met, action was taken on a certain sermon
which Wilson had delivered before it in December,
and for which it will be remembered he had subse-
quently been formally admonished in his own church
by Teacher Cotton. The court now expressed its
emphatic approval of this sermon. It then turned
from Wilson to Wheelwright, and the matter of the
In answer to a
summons Wheelwright presently appeared. The notes
fast-day discourse was brought up.
taken at the time the discourse was delivered were pro-
duced, and he was asked if he admitted their correct-
ness. In reply he gave the court his own manuscript.
A bitter wrangle followed which lasted through the
sessions of several days. The conservatives at first
thought to dispose of the matter behind closed doors.
The proposal so to do excited strong opposition, and
Wheelwright, while justifying all that he had said,
It was then
decided to go on publicly, and Wheelwright was again
summoned. The room was thronged, for the court
itself, magistrates and deputies, numbered some forty
persons, and, besides others, nearly all the twelve or
fourteen ministers of the province were present. The
Again the sermon was produced
Again he justified
it; and, in answer to questions put him, he declared
feeling was intense.
and putin Wheelwright’s hands.
that he meant to include in his animadversions, as
being under a covenant of works, all who walked in
the way he had described. The matter was then re-
' ferred to the ministers, who were called upon to state
thoroughly exhorted from his own pulpit, and Win- |
1 Tt has been taken for granted that this sermon was preached
at the Mount (Palfrey’s ‘‘New, England,” i. 479, n.; Pattee’s
“ Quincy,” 186).
brought out by Bell, in his monograph on John Wheelwright, |
in the publications of the Prince Society (pp. 13, 15).
‘ was not yet over.
whether ‘‘ they in their ministry did walk in such a
way.” ‘There was little room for doubt what the an-
swer would be, for it was an ingenious way of secur-
ing at once both evidence of guilt and a verdict upon
it. With one voice the ministers responded they
: : considered that they did walk in such a way.
The correct facts, as stated in the text, were |
The verdict was thus rendered. But the struggle
The doors of the General Court
QUINCY.
273
were again closed, and behind them a debate began |
which lasted two entire days. Vane and Winthrop
led the opposing forces, and for a time it seemed as
though the party of the clergy would be thwarted.
But at last they won over to their side two of the
magistrates, and by a narrow majority the fast-day
sermon was pronounced seditious. Yet no sentence
was now passed upon Wheelwright. The contest had
been long and severe, and the parties were so equally
divided that it was not thought expedient to then
proceed further. Wheelwright was accordingly simply
ordered to appear before the next General Court, and
he was not meanwhile silenced as a minister. His
case was commended to the Boston church to be
spiritually dealt with.
This was certainly a forbearing disposition to make
of it. Not only was the church of Boston notoriously
in sympathy with Wheelwright, but it had already
so expressed itself. It*had done this, too, in a way
not to be mistaken, and which was not forgotten ; for
hardly had the court by formal vote pronounced the
fast-day sermon seditious, than a petition, bearing the
names of nearly all the most prominent members of
the Boston church, had been presented to that same
court. In this paper the case of Wheelwright was
\
{
put an end to strife. When in the order of business
Wheelwright’s case came up, he appeared before the
court. Among its forty-three members he saw only
three faces friendly to him, but he was again allowed
to depart until the autumn session. He was merely
admonished to bethink himself in the interval of re-
tracting his utterances and reforming his errors if he
hoped to receive favor.
istic.
His answer was character-
If he had indeed, he said, been guilty of
sedition, he deserved death; but if the court should
proceed against him, he would take his appeal to the
king. As for retraction, he had nothing to retract.
The dominant party now had recourse to a measure
of legislation which there can be little doubt perma-
_nently affected the settlement of the future town of
Quincy. It passed analien law. The tide of immi-
gration was then setting strongly towards New Eng-
land. All the towns were looking for additions to
| their numbers, and Wheelwright and his friends were
warmly argued, and his punishment deprecated. |
Respectful in tone, the document was singularly well |
worded and to the point. At the moment it
would not seem to have excited particular remark, and,
received as a matter of course, it was placed on the
files of the court. But priesthoods have long
memories. That a long list of influential names was
appended to this memorial was now noted down, and
a few months later it was made the basis of a pro-
scription.
For the moment the reference of Wheelwright’s
case to the Boston church seemed to open a door to
confidently expecting the arrival of a portion of the
church of a Mr. Brierly in England, who possibly
may have been Wheelwright’s successor at Bilsby.
One party was already on its way, and reached
Boston in July. With a view to this coming rein-
forcement of the minority, the General Court in May
passed a law imposing heavy penalties in case
strangers were harbored or allowed to remain in the
province three weeks without a magistrate’s _permis-
sion. All the magistrates belonged to one party, and
were wholly devoted to it. Accordingly, when the
body of immigrants from the Brierly church landed
in Boston, though they were of one blood with those
who met them on the shore, they were confronted
with this law. In Boston their friends were in a
large majority; yet their friends could not shelter
them above three weeks, nor could Boston sell them
conciliation ; but now the public feeling was too much —
excited. A collision was inevitable.
the other had to establish its supremacy. The party of
the clergy was unmistakably in the majority in all the
towns except Boston, and this became apparent at the
annual charter election. Held on the 27th [N. 8.] of
May, under a large oak-tree on the edge of what is now
Cambridge common, the election of 1637 was a
memorable one. Winthrop, amidst an excitement
which seemed at times about to result in violence, was
then chosen Governor over Vane.
left out of the magistracy. So, also, was Hough.
The overthrow of the friends of Wheelwright was
complete.
At first the party now in complete control used its
18
One party or |
Coddington was —
a habitation, or a vacant bit of land on which to erect
one, without incurring a heavy and accumulative
penalty. A delay of four months only in the enforce-
ment of the law could be obtained. At the expira-
tion of that time the new-comers had to be without
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. They submitted,
for they had nothing to do except to submit. None
the less the law remains one of the curiosities of
There can be little room for
doubt that the people thus driven away would, had
partisan legislation.
they been permitted to remain in the colony, have
settled at Mount Wollaston under the ministration
of Wheelwright.
settled elsewhere, so high was public feeling running.
Indeed, they could not well have
| Under these circumstances, those at the Mount being
forced to deny even a resting-place to their own kin,
power sparingly, and an earnest attempt was made to |
and obliged, as it were, to thrust them out into the
274
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
wilderness, it was small matter for surprise that when | themselves of it. Measures of severe repression were
midsummer came there were ‘‘many hot speeches
given forth,” and angry threats were freely made.
Karly in August Vane returned to England, and
Wheelwright lost in him both a friend and a pro-
tector. Nearly at the same time the Pequot war was
brought to a triumphant close, and the pastor, Wilson, |
who during the summer had been with the little army |
as its chaplain, returned to Boston. He came back
flushed with a consciousness of victory and bent on |
revenge. Cotton, who up to this time had preserved
an appearance of firmness, bowed before the coming
storm and hastened to make his peace.
In the first |
place a synod of the churches was held. This, the |
earliest gathering of the kind in New England, pro- |
ceeded at once to detect and spread upon its record, as
then existing in primitive Massachusetts, no less than
eighty-two ‘opinions, some blasphemous, others er-
roneous, and all unsafe,” besides nine “ unwholesome
expressions.” With two exceptions,—Cotton and
Wheelwright,—the ministers in the synod were of
The proceedings consequently
Certain of the Boston lay-
one way of thinking.
were not inharmonious.
members, indeed, expressing both disgust and indig-
nation that such a huge body of heresies should be
paraded, got up and left the assembly ; Wheelwright,
more sensible, discreetly held his peace, taking the
ground that abstract errors not directly imputed to |
him were none of his concern.
A long discussion of controverted points ensued.
No one in the assembly had any distinct idea of the
subjects under debate. For the most part they were
mere theological abstractions of the most metaphysical
character relating to justification, sanctification, and |
the like, and either immaterial or unknowable. At
last Cotton, with a degree of worldly wisdom which
did much credit to. his head, announced that he saw
light. Wheelwright was of a less accommodating
spirit; thoroughly stiff-necked and disputatious, he
would not profess to yield. Accordingly, when the
synod dispersed his enemies had gained their end.
They had won over Cotton, whom they wished to
save; while Wheelwright, whose utter destruction
they sought, was left to confront them without a single
friend or ally.
Events now moved rapidly to their foregone con-
clusion. Immediately after the adjournment of the
synod the General Court chosen in May was dissolved.
It had been elected for the entire year, and to thus
end it was unprecedented; but it had evinced a
moderation of spirit which did not meet the views of |
the extremists. The tide of popular feeling was set-
ting strongly towards them, and they meant to avail
in due time proceeded to its sentence.
to be put in force. So the old court was dissolved,
and the election of a new one ordered. The result
was all the conservatives could have hoped for. Of
the thirty-three members of the court now chosen,
no less than twenty-one were new; and all, old and
new, save three alone, were strongly opposed to the
Hutchinson party. Hough was among those left out ;
Coddington was again returned by Boston.
The court met on the 12th [N. 8.] of November.
It found Wheelwright still preaching the covenant of
grace at Mount Wollaston. ‘I'hough the clouds were
gathering black over his path, he held straight on,
rejecting all suggestions of compromise, as he sternly
declared that the difference between him and his op-
So, as Win-
throp expressed it, those in the majority “ finding,
ponents was a gulf too wide to bridge.
upon consultation, that two so opposite parties could
not continue in the same body without apparent haz-
ard of ruin to the whole, agreed to send away some of
the principal.”
And now the memorial from the Boston church,
presented the day after the judgment of the General
Court had declared the fast-day sermon seditious,
was made to do yeoman’s service. It also was pro-
nounced seditious. No less than sixty of the leading
men of Boston had affixed their signatures to it. In
doing so they now found that they had committed a po-
litical offense, and might be visited with fine, imprison-
ment, and exile. The new court had contained origi-
nally three members, deputies from Boston, friendly to
the Antinomians. ‘Two of these were incontinently
expelled: one because his name was signed to the
church memorial, the other because from his place in
the court he justified it, though his name was not on
it. The tribunal before which he was to be tried be-
ing thus purged of all his friends, Coddington alone
excepted, Wheelwright’s case was called. He ap-
peared, and was asked if he was prepared to confess
his errors and submit himself to the court. Protest-
ing his innocence, he refused. Then followed a long
and angry parliamentary struggle extending into a
Every ill which had befallen the settle-
To such an
second day.
ment was laid at Wheelwright’s door.
indictment no defense was possible ; and so the court
It was dis-
franchisement and exile.
half of November, and the winter had set in with un-
usual severity, it was proposed that the time of the
exile’s departure should be postponed until March ;
He was again,
As it was already the latter
but meanwhile he was not to preach.
this time in New England, to be a silenced minister,
From this sentence Wheelwright, as he had before
QUINCY.
275
said he should, took an appeal to the king. A
night’s reflection probably satisfied him that he had
nothing to hope for by pursuing this course, and ac- |
cordingly the next day he withdrew his appeal, offer-
ing to accept a sentence of simple banishment. It so
stands recorded. Fourteen days only were allowed |
him within which he was to settle his affairs and
leave the jurisdiction. His parishioner, Atherton
Hough, became bondsman for him.
Unlike the other exiles of the Antinomian contro-
versy, Wheelwright did not turn his steps to Rhode
Island.
well sermon to his little congregation, he started
northward to New Hampshire. It was the end of
November, and the deepening snow was thick on the
ground. He went alone, carrying with him a sense
of burning wrong and endless persecution ; nor did he
Early in the
following spring his wife and children followed him,
and for atime the family found refuge in the aca-
demic town of Exeter. The subsequent fortunes of
Wheelwright are no part of the history of Quincy.
It is sufficient to say that he survived his exile more
than forty years, and when at last he died he, was the
oldest minister in New England. But though he
outlived every one of his contemporaries, and when
he passed away the Antinomian controversy had be-
ever again set foot in his old parish.
memorial only as late as May, 1640. Since then his
parish—both while it was the North Precinct of
Braintree and afterwards as the town of Quincy—
showed always a noticeable leaning towards a liberal
theology. It was never orthodox. In this respect it
was in sharp contrast with its sister church of the
Middle Precinct, and the ministers of the two, never
changing sides, more than once engaged in sharp
doctrinal controversy. And so each successive pastor
influenced the people, and the tendency of the people
_ operated back in the selection of pastors, until the old
On the contrary, after preaching one fare-_
come a meaningless thing of the past, his brethren —
took at the time no notice of the patriarch’s death,
and no monument now marks his grave.
The first clergyman of the church which was after-
wards incorporated as the town of Braintree, John
Wheelwright was also its most distinguished clergy-
man. <A Puritan, and a contentious one, he was
essentially a man of force. Stiff-necked, unamiable,
and far from lovable, his proper place was not the
pulpit. He should have been a man of affairs, a law-
. yer and a magistrate. There was about him scarcely
a trace of the gentle spirit of Christ. Yet indica-
tions have not been wanting that in more than one
way the brief connection of John Wheelwright with
the young settlement at Mount Wollaston affected its
subsequent character as a community through a
period of more than two centuries.
negatively has already been pointed out. In conse-
quence of the Antinomian controversy the formation
of the town was delayed, and the material composing
it made different from what it otherwise would have
been. More than this, there can be no doubt that
Wheelwright’s parishioners sympathized fully in his
views. The first teacher of his church, when two
years later it was formally gathered, was one of his
supporters whose name was blotted from the famous
That it did so_
order of things passed wholly away. It is, therefore,
no improbable surmise that, a little leaven in this
case also leavening the whole lump, the seed sown
by Wheelwright in 1637 bore its fruit in the
great New England protest of two centuries later,
when, under the lead of Channing, the descendants
in the seventh generation of those who had listened to
the first pastor at the Mount broke away finally and
forever from the religious tenets of the Puritans.
But though the most prominent and distinctive,
Wheelwright was not the only resident or land-owner
at Mount Wollaston the course of whose future life
was changed by reason of the Antinomian contro-
versy. It will be remembered that, besides Codding-
ton and Hough, the husband of Mrs. Hutchinson also
had an allotment just south of the Neponset. The
subsequent and most tragic record of the Hutchinson
family is one of the familiar pages in New England
history. It does not need to be rewritten here. It
is sufficient to say that when at last, in the early days
of April (March 28th, O. S.), 1638, Governor
Winthrop ordered Anne Hutchinson to leave the
Massachusetts jurisdiction, she went in a boat across
the harbor to the Neponset, and there landed near
her husband’s farm in what is now North Quincy.
She had until the close of the month to leave the
province. This was the first stage of her journey.
Her plan was to join John Wheelwright’s family,
who had not yet left their home, and go with them by
water to Portsmouth. But her own husband had in
the mean time found an abiding-place more to his
liking in Rhode Island, where Newport now is; so,
changing their plans, the wife and children journeyed
by land to Providence, aud thence passed across to
the island of Aquidneck.
Thither she was shortly followed by William Cod-
dington, the immediate-successor of Thomas Morton
in the ownership of Mount Wollaston. And, sin-
gularly enough, the record of every annual town-
meeting in Quincy at the present time bears recur-
Since
the year 1640, a portion of Coddington’s grant has
ring evidence to the fact of this succession.
276
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
been public property, and is spoken of on the first
page of the Braintree records as “the school lands.” ©
Each year by a formal vote—the reason of which has
passed into a meaningless tradition—the town of
Quincy, as a tenant of the land thus held, appropriates
to school purposes a sum of money'as a nominal rent
therefor.
the district in which Mount Wollaston lies are taught,
and also in the name of the street on which the school-
house stands.
Unlike Hutchinson and Wheelwright, Coddington
was not banished. Angry with his former colleagues
shown, he voluntarily shook the dust of Massachu-
setts from his feet. Alone of the exiles he had stood
high in the councils of the Massachusetts colony, for
through years he had been its treasurer, and it was he
who built the first brick house in Boston. He now
went to Rhode Island, where, forty years later, he
died full of honors.
ton Hough, and the heirs of Edmund Quincy, alone
among those to whom large allotments had originally
been made at the Mount, remained in possession of
them even as late as the incorporation of Braintree.
The Antinomian controversy had unsettled every-
thing. Of these three, Wilson was left victor in the
theological arena; but, pastor of the church in Bos-
ton all the remainder of his life, he gave small atten-
tion to his farm in Braintree, nor was his name in
Quincy
died in 1637 without having taken part in the Anti-
any way further associated with the town.
nomian dispute.
and the family, as will presently be seen, was from
generation to generation closely associated with the
The memory of Coddington is perpetuated | hiv di a
in the name of the school in which the children of | CUS Y @isorsanizec.
Thus the pastor Wilson, Ather-
CHAP TWH XXxOver
QUINCY —( Continued).
OLD BRAINTREE.
Tuus in November, 1637, the little settlement at
the Mount, as it was still called, was once more thor-
The place seemed to be under
a sort of blight. First the magistrates had rooted out
Morton and the Merrymount company, obliterating
in so far as they could every trace of the earliest set-
tlement; and now they had also sent into exile a
pastor and his parishioners, who had not a thing in
in office, and disgusted at the intolerance they had levcre rege with Morton, except that they had sat-down
_in the place from which he had been dyiven.
But it
was not long before the scattered settlers again began
They were
poor people, for there is no reason to suppose that
to show signs of continued existence.
any one of note or substance, except Wheelwright,
had yet actually made his home in this region.
Quiney and Hough, like Coddington and Wilson,
lived in Boston ; and in Boston the Mount was looked
upon as a remote, outlying dependency, to be reached
conveniently enough by boat across the bay in sum-
mer, but in winter practically inaccessible. From
| time to time large allotments were still made there to
His allotment descended to his son, |
towns into which the Mount was subsequently formed. |
From one of those descendants, a great-grandson of
the first Edmund, and in his day the successor of
Morton and Coddington as the owner of Mount
Wollaston, Quincy at a later period derived its name.
Atherton Hough, like Coddington, was a warm sup-
porter of Wheelwright; but, unlike him, he accepted
defeat quietly, and made his peace with the dominant
faction. He remained in quiet possession of his sea-
shore allotment on Braintree Bay, and died in 1650,
leaving sons and daughters. The name has since be-
come extinct.
leading Boston personages. Benjamin Keayne, for
instance, son-in-law to Governor Dudley, had meted out
to him on his marriage, in February, 1638, “a great lot
of meadow and upland,” two hundred acres in extent,
is now Braintree. Andrew Stoddard, a
linen-draper, and at one time constable in Boston,’
in’ what
1 There is in Winthrop an incident connected with this Stod-
dard, and his performance of his duties as constable, singularly
characteristic of early Massachusetts. The constables, being
chosen by the General Court, were among the chief people in
their several towns. In 1641, Francis Hutchinson, son of Mis-
tress Anne, and a son-in-law of hers, one Collins, came to Bos-
ton and “‘reviled the church.” ‘They were both committed to
prison; and it fell out that one Stoddard, being then one of the
constables of Boston, was required to take Francis Hutchinson
| into his custody till the afternoon, and said withal to the gov-
ernor, ‘Sir, I come to observe what you did, that if you should
| proceed with a brother otherwise than you ought, I might deal
| fore the church had proceeded with him.
with youina church way.’ For this insolent behaviour he was
committed; but being dealt with by the elders and others, he
came to see his error, which was that he did conceive that the
magistrate ought not to deal with a member of the church be-
So the next Lord’s-
day, in the open assembly, he did freely and very affectionately
| confess his error and his contempt of authority, and being
| bound to appear at the next court, he did the like there to the
satisfaction of all. Yet for example’s sake he was fined twenty
shillings, which, though some of the magistrates would have had
it much less, or rather remitted, seeing his clear repentance and
satisfaction in public left no poison or danger in his example,
nor had the commonwealth or any person sustained danger by
it.” Savage’s “ Winthrop,” ii.* 39-40.
Ew eS
QUINCY. 277
in 1640 received one hundred acres; and in 1639, |
Edward Tyng, one of the wealthiest inhabitants of
But
these were exceptional grants to non-residents,—con-
Boston, received two hundred and fifty acres.
stituting them a landed gentry of the province after |
the English fashion,—and did not add greatly to the
population or the prosperity of the region in which |
the grants lay, though the grantees may have sent out |
But
large grants were not the rule. Another system was
all this time being pursued towards “the common
farmers or laborers to improve their lands.
people,” as they were called, who were coming over to
New England in crowds. The custom was to allot
these four acres a head for each person they brought
with them; and in the case of Boston the smaller
allotments were made largely at the Mount. Twenty-
six such are recorded in 1638, and fifteen more in 1639.
Prior to the incorporation of Braintree one hundred
and five such allotments in all had been parcelled out —
to families numbering five hundred and sixty-five per- |
sons, showing that the average family, including
probably servants as well as children, was between
five and six persons. But though these allotments
are recorded, it cannot be inferred that all those to |
whom they were made actually settled at the Mount. |
On the contrary, the names of only a small portion of
them are at a somewhat later period to be found in
the town and parish records.
many received their allotments in one place, and, in
those days of abundant land, preferred to settle else-
where.
Nevertheless, a certain portion of these poorer peo-
ple did go out and build dwellings south of the Ne-
ponset, and at last a decisive movement was made
towards the establishment of an independent church
there.
The inference is that |
The chapel of ease arrangement, involving, as
it did, dependency on a mother church, no longer |
sufficed for the spiritual needs of a growing popula-
tion.
pied gap of heathendom long enough; for the Dor-
chester society, to the north, went back to June,
1630, while the societies of Weymouth and Hingham,
on the south, dated respectively from July and Sep-
tember, 1635. Without, therefore, waiting for a for-
mal adjustment of all questions with Boston, on the
16th of September, 1639, those dwelling at the Mount,
in the words of Governor Winthrop, “ gathered a
The region had also stood as a sort of unoccu-
church after the usual manner, and chose one Mr.
of the pastor and teacher. It was drawn up in the
simple but not unimpressive form then in common
use, and by virtue of it those entering into the com-
pact— poor unworthy creatures, who have sometime
lived without Christ and without God in the world” —
promised thereafter “ to worship the Lord in spirit and
truth, and to walk in brotherly love and the duties
thereof according to the will of the gospel.” In wit-
ness of which, they made public profession of faith in
presence of those assembled, and gave to one another
the right hand of fellowship. It was the fifteenth
church which had been gathered in the province
during the ten years of settlement.
The incorporation of the town followed hard upon
the gathering of the church, for, at the following ses-
sion of the General Court, that of May, 1640, the
“netition of the inbabitants of Mount Wollaston was
acceded to, and it was granted them to be a town, to
be called Braintree.” No satisfactory reason for the
choice of this name has ever been given, nor is there
any bond of connection apparent between the Suffolk
Braintree, of New England, and the Essex Braintree,
of Old England. The subject has more than once
The
more probable explanation is also the most natural.
In 1632 a company of Essex people had come out
with the Rev. Thomas Hooker, afterwards the re-
nowned pastor of the church at Hartford. Winthrop
refers to them as “the Braintree company.’ They
first went across the Neponset, where they began a
been discussed, but with no satisfactory result.
settlement; and then, by order of the General Court,
they moved over to Cambridge. When, therefore,
eight years later, the place was incorporated as a town,
a name was given to it, probably at Winthrop’s sug-
gestion, connected with that “ Braintree company
which had begun to sit down at Mount Wollaston.”
But there is no reason to suppose that any of
Hooker’s following had remained meantime on the
| spot.”
Tomson, a very gracious, sincere man, and Mr. Flynt, |
a godly man also, their ministers.” In those primi-
tive days the signing of a covenant was essential to a
church gathering, and the Braintree covenant had ap- |
pended to it the signatures of six persons besides those |
The vote incorporating the town contained detailed
reference to an agreement which had been effected
between certain representatives of those dwelling at
the Mount and the authorities of Boston. The vested
interests of the latter place in the former had again
been asserted, and the question thus raised proved
one not easy to settle. There had evidently been
much bickering. Appealing to the “ enlargement”
vote of 1634, it was contended on the one side that
Boston and Boston church were being shorn of their
1 Savage’s “ Winthrop,” vol. i. pp. 87, 88.
2 See “‘ Thayer Memorial,” pp. 39, 40; Lunt’s ‘‘ Bi-Centennial
Discourse,” p. 66; Adams’ “ Braintree Address,” pp. 26-29.
278
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
proportions; while on the other side a growing popu-
lation asserted their natural rights. The result was
a compromise, the terms of which are by no means
free from ambiguity.
new township seem to have been released from a lia-
|
7th day of the following October, William Cheesebor-
ough and Stephen Kinsley appeared, and took their
seats as the first representatives of Braintree.
Under it all the lands in the |
bility to taxation as a part of Boston, upon the pay- |
ment to Boston of a trifle over a shilling an acre on
the land “ formerly granted to divers men of Boston
upon expectation they should have continued still
with us,” and three shillings an acre for every acre
that had been, or thereafter should be, granted to any
others not inhabitants of Boston. In other words,
the actual settlers in Braintree were to pay into the
Boston treasury a sum of money on their holdings in
commutation. At the same time further large allot-
ments at the Mount were made, including five hun-
dred acres “ for the use of the canoneere of Boston
wheresoever he is, or shall be, in the service thereo, |
from time to time,” and ‘‘two thousand acres to be
?
set apart for the use of (Boston) in the most conveni- |
ent place unallotted.”
This agreement was made on the 11th of January, |
1639, some five months before the General Court
acted on the petition to incorporate.
inhabitants of the newly created town failed to fulfil
the covenant they had entered into, it should be in
the power of Boston to recover what was its due by
action against the Braintree people, collectively or in-
dividually. That the burden thus imposed on Brain-
tree was an unusual and most oppressive one does not |
need to be said. It was the case of a poor, struggling
community being compelled to buy out alien vested |
interests in the soil, which never ought to have ex-
isted.
ful source of heart-burnings and litigation.
Accordingly, at a later time it proved a fruit-
Never-
theless the arrangement, favorable or otherwise, seems
to have been the best that it was possible to effect, |
and under it Braintree came into existence as an ip-
dependent political community in May, 1640.
at once that political privileges carried with them
corresponding obligations, for by the same court they
were assessed twenty-five pounds in a total levy of
twelve hundred pounds. In payment of this levy
silver plate was to be received at five shillings the |
ounce, “ good old Indian corn, being clean and mer-
chantable,” at five shillings the bushel, summer wheat
at seven shillings, and rye at six shillings. In which
of these several staples the whole or any portion of
this earliest tax levy was paid nowhere appears. But
that it was paid admits of no doubt; and at the next
session of the General Court, held in Boston on the
And when the
court did act, it made a further proviso that, if the |
Those |
dwelling in the new town were also made to realize |
CHA PTER: XSevVrr
QUINCY— (Continued).
THE NORTH PRECINCT CHURCH.
THE original Braintree settlement was along the
shore of the bay, and on the upland and in the val-
leys adjacent thereto. Only by slow degrees did popu-
lation work its way back among the hills and interior
valleys. In 1708 the church of Braintree was di-
vided, and the original settlement became the North
Precinct. In 1792 this North Precinct was set off
| from the rest of the town, and became Quincy. The
|
present town of Quincy, therefore, was the original
Braintree; and subsequently, for more than eighty
years, the history of the North Precinct of Braintree
is the history of Quincy.
The original Braintree church, then, until 1708
was the one church of the town ; from 1708 to 1792
'it was the North Precinct church; from 1792 to
1820 it was the Quincy church. The revised Consti-
tution of Massachusetts went into effect in 1820.
Under its provisions a complete separation of church
from state took place; but the habits of the people
were fixed, and several years elapsed before this
change in the organic law began to produce its full
results.! At first people went on attending divine
In
Quincy it was ten years before another meeting-house
was built. Accordingly, the sole church of the Brain-
tree of 1639 was still the sole church of Quincy until
1830.
The society had then worshiped in four successive
worship in the meeting-house of their fathers.
buildings, the last of which was in 1830 almost new,
having been finished only two years before. Built
of stone, it was called a “temple,” and it replaced an
old New England meeting-house which for ninety-six
years had stood on the training-field in the centre of
the town. Thus, when this meeting-house of 1732
was removed in 1828, the visible emblem which con-
nected the modern with the colonial town may be said
1So fixed was the belief that obligatory support of a church
was essential to its continued existence that the late Judge
Story voiced a very common sentiment when, at the time the
amended constitution took effect, he expressed the opinion that
in twenty-five years there would not be a church open in Mas-
sachusetts in which the old religious services would be held.
QUINCY. 279
to have disappeared. The connecting link between |
two chains was broken.
one hundred and eighty-nine years which elapsed after |
the gathering of the First Church of Braintree, and |
before the pulling down and moving away of the third |
meeting-house in Quincy, must historically be consid-
The period, therefore, of |
ered by itself. It was not the less one and the same
period because during it the colonies were severed
from Great Britain, and Quincy was severed from |
Braintree. So far as the people were concerned who |
lived at what in 1635 was known as the Mount, these
They hardly in any
way affected the occupations of those people, or their
modes of life and thought, or their social and material
were both political changes.
condition. ‘The real elements of change in all these
respects were not political; nor had they begun to
make their presence felt when the eighteenth century |
came to its close. Thirty years later it was no longer
so. The Granite Railway was built in Quincy in
1826 ; the first Massachusetts railroad company was
incorporated in 1830. These events marked epochs. |
They from top to bottom altered that at the Mount, —
which French and Indian wars, and wars of independ- |
ence, and church and municipal divisions had scarcely |
affected at all.
The long period from 1640 to 1830 was therefore
with the Massachusetts towns the primitive period,—
that of formation. Though it led directly to the
present, it had little in common with the present.
Nevertheless, during that period five generations
lived on the soil, and were buried in it.
Concerning
them, there was, as a rule, little more to record. A
simple, laborious, unaggressive race, they were born
and died; each following generation was much the
same as the generation which preceded it. With —
similar utensils, they cultivated the same fields. They
dwelt in houses built on the same model, and _pre-
Wealth
and population increased slowly. ‘The outer world
served the same domestic and social customs.
made itself little felt in the remote village commu-—
nity ; and the village community in no way influenced
the outer world. Few elements of change existed,
and accordingly little change took place. The Quincy |
of 1820 was only the Braintree of 1640, a little more
thickly peopled and a little more prosperous.
The social and material conditions of the town
during this period of one hundred and ninety years
will be treated in another chapter. Meanwhile the
year 1830 brought the early theological period to a_
close. Up to that time the history of the parish was |
practically the history of the town, and until 1820 |
town and parish were legally one. The history of |
the church must, therefore, first be told.
| God.”
put
In September, 1739, the Rev. John Hancock,
father of the patriot and then the North Precinct
minister, preached two century sermons in the meet-
ing-house removed in 1828, but which then was new.
In one of these sermons he said,—“ This is the third
house, in which we are now worshipping, that we
and our fathers have built for the public worship of
There is reason to suppose that the second of
these three houses was built in the year 1666, as the
quaint old weather-vane which surmounted it is still
Of the first Brain-
tree meeting-house—that in which Fiske and Flynt,
in existence, and bears that date.
and, possibly, Wheelwright preached,—no record or
Built before 1641, it is alluded
to as a landmark on the second page of the Braintree
description remains.
records. It stood on a rising ground just south of
the point where the road which connected Boston
with Plymouth—the old
colonial coast-road—
crossed a brook, then and subsequently called the
Town River.
At the time this meeting-house was built the
road could have been hardly more than a well-beaten
trail, for it was not formally laid out until at
least seven years later, in 1648. The brook, which
for some distance higher up had forced its way
through a well-nigh impenetrable tangle from which
the larger forest animals had hardly vanished, and
which yet swarmed with reptile life, here flowed over
a hard gravel bottom between two converging bits of
upland. It was a fording-place,—a natural point .
of crossing. For that reason the meeting-house was
there. It was a point convenient for those
living on both sides of the water-course.
The meeting-house stood in the open, and when the
“country highway” from Weymouth to Dorchester
was formally laid out, in 1648, it here diverged,
passing the building at both its ends, for it faced
The diverging ways then shortly
At no great distance from
east and west.
turned and joined again.
the front of the meeting-house, looking westward, lay
the tangled bottom through which the Town River
sluggishly crept. Beyond this, and halfa mile or so
away, rose the rough, heavily-wooded granite hills.
To the east there stretched a broad, and comparatively
level, upland plain in the direction of Hingham and
Weymouth. This also, at no great distance, was
broken by the underlying syenite, which thrust itself
boldly up in savin-covered heights. About a third
of a mile further up the Town River stood the mill
of Richard Wright, to whom a monopoly in grinding
corn had been conceded; and from this mill, leaving
the church on the left, there ran a way to the land-
‘ ing-place on the Town River, near the sea-shore.
280
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
3 ;
Such in 1640 was the centre of the town, and these | land clergymen who had been educated in the English
were the only thoroughfares in it.
In the humble church edifice, which, nevertheless,
was “as fair a meeting-house’ as that people could
provide, William Tompson, ‘‘a very holy man, who
had been an instrument of much good at Accomenti-
cus,” was formally ordained as its first regular minis-
ter. At that time the gathering of a new church was
a great event in Massachusetts,—another candle was
lighted in the tabernacle. Nor was it a thing of fre-
quent occurrence. That at Braintree, it has been no-
ticed, was only the fifteenth since the settlement, and,
that at Concord, had been added to the number in
1636; another, that at Dedham, in 1638; and none
at all in 1637.
a special occasion.
The gathering at the Mount also was
A true church—one in which
none but orthodox doctrines were to be preached— |
was to be established in the Antinomian hot-bed.
The last vestiges of the banished Wheelwright’s teach-
ings were to be eradicated. The event was one of
exceptional interest.
There is no record either of those who were present,
or of those who took part in the services.
would be not unsafe to surmise that Winthrop and
Dudley, the Governor and Deputy-Governor of the
universities and settled over English churches. A
graduate of Oxford, Tompson had been the in-
cumbent of a living in Lancashire, from whence he
had came to New England, landing in Boston at
about the time that the Antinomian Synod of 1637
was sitting. Settled at Braintree in September, 1639,
in the following March Henry Flynt was ordained as
teacher of his church, which would seem to indicate
that the pastor from the very beginning proved un-
equal to the performance of all his duties; for the
teacher in the early New England churches was
while three had been gathered in 1635, one only, |
Yet it |
colony, were both there; for the former, though with- |
out comment, made a note of the event in his diary.
Undoubtedly, Peter Hobart, that “ bold man who
would speak his mind,’ came over from Hingham ;
also from Dorchester came Richard Mather, together
with his young associate, John Wilson, son of the
pastor of Boston, and himself just graduated from
Cambridge. The Rev. John Allen may have found
his way through the forest paths from Dedham, as
Wilson and Cotton sailed across the bay from Boston. |
Karnest, devout men, they gathered from far and
near in the primitive wilderness meeting-house
on that September day, and there extended the
right hand of fellowship to the little congregation
who now covenanted one with another “ to worship |
the Lord in Spirit and Truth, and to walk in brotherly
love.” The church then founded was destined to
centuries of continued existence.
The of William
through a period of nineteen years.
pastorate
by the writers of his own time as having been “a
and
“abounding in zeal for the propagation of the gospel ;”
very powerful and successful preacher,” one
crazy body,” and his ministry at Braintree can be ac-
counted successful neither for himself nor his people.
He belonged to that earliest generation of New Eng-
Tompson extended |
He is represented |
practically an associate pastor, and it is not likely that
a poor community, such as Braintree then was, as-
sumed without reason the support of two ministers.
In any event the society seemed not unwilling to
allow Mr. Tompson to seek other fields of usefulness,
and in 1642 his brother ministers selected him with
two others to go forth on a strange sort of missionary
service among the Church of England heathen of Vir-
ginia. A cry had come up from them for “ a supply
of faithful ministers whom, upon experience of their
gifts and godliness, they might call to office ;” and the
choice fell upon the Braintree pastor, on the ground
_ that he was one of those who “ might most easily be
He and
his associates accordingly set out for Virginia, duly
commissioned by the General Court and Governor of
Massachusetts.
spared,” his church having two ministers.
Their journey was over what is now a familiar
route, for they went by way of Newport and New
York, or Aquidneck and New Amsterdam as these
places were then called. To reach their Virginia
destination took them nearly three months; for at
first they were wind-bound in Narragansett Bay, and
then, in passing through Hell-Gate, their boat was
swept upon the rocks and so damaged that they
barely succeeded in reaching the neighboring shore.
Cotton Mather, in the verses already quoted from,
says of Tompson in this emergency,—
“Upon a ledge of craggy rocks near stav’d
t=} OMe ’
His Bible in his bosom thrusting, sav’d;
The Bible, the best of cordial of his heart,
‘Come floods, come flames,’ cry’d he, ‘ we’ll never part.’ ”
The shipwrecked missionaries received “ slender
entertainment” at the hands of Governor William
Kieft, the Dutch commandant at New Amsterdam,
who indeed had no fondness for New Englanders ;
but Isaac Allerton, formerly of Plymouth though
but he was likewise of a “melancholy temper and |
then of New Haven, chanced to be there, and exerted
himself greatly on behalf of his countrymen. Through
his assistance another pinnace was procured, and in
‘ the dead of winter the three ministers set sail for
QUINCY.
281
Virginia.
the difficulty and danger through which they reached
their destination caused them to entertain grave
‘question whether their call were of God or not.”
Once in Virginia, they were “bestowed in several
They encountered much foul weather, and —
| preacher.
places” where they “found loving and liberal enter-_
| remarkable, and nothing falling out but by divine providence,
tainment ;” and the change to another and less rigor-
ous climate seems to have proved most beneficial to
Mr. Tompson, who wrote back to his friends that he |
was better in health and spirits than at any time
since he came over from England.
But Virginia has never proved a fruitful field for
New England workers, and the civil authorities there
now looked askance at this earnest attempt at propa-
gandism. Accordingly they soon put a stop to the
public preaching of the new-comers, on the ground that
they did not conform to the orders of the Church of
England. Yet, if we can believe the report made on
their return by the missionaries, the people, “ their
hearts being much influenced with an earnest desire
“Tt fell out about the midst of his sermon, there came a
snake into the seat, where many of the elders sat behind the
It came in at the door where people stood thick upon
Divers of the elders shifted from it, but Mr. Tomp-
son, one of the elders of Braintree (a man of much faith), trod
upon the head of it, and so held it with his foot and staff with
a small pair of grains,! until it was killed.
the stairs.
This being so
itis out of doubt the Lord discovered somewhat of his mind
init. The serpent is the devil; the synod, the representative
the churches of Christ in New England. The devil had
formerly and lately attempted their disturbance and dissolu-
of
| tion; but their faith in the seed of woman overcame him and
crushed his head.”
The mental and physical benefit which Tompson
derived from his sojourn in Virginia was but tempo-
after the gospel,” continued to resort to them in private |
houses ; seeing which, the rulers “did in a sense drive
them out, having made an order that all such as would
not conform to the discipline of the English Church |
should depart the country by such a day.”
son and his associates back with their New England
flocks ; nor can their Virginia labors have been ac-
counted fruitful, inasmuch as they seem to have made
but a single convert.
He, Daniel Gookins by name,
followed his teachers back. to Massachusetts, where at a
rary, and as he advanced in years his infirmities
grew upon him. He seems to have had a morbid tend-
Cotton
Mather’s explanation of this, and of the course of
ency, which at times verged on insanity.
treatment adopted for its cure, is curiously suggestive.
There were then no insane asylums.
“Satan, who had been after an extraordinary manner irri-
tated by the evangelie labors of this holy man, obtained the
liberty to sift him; and hence, after this worthy man had
served the Lord Jesus Christ in the church of our New English
Braintree, he fell into that Balneum diaboli, ‘ablack melan-
| choly,’ which for divers years almost wholly disabled him for
The summer of 1643 accordingly found Mr. Tomp- |
later day he became a man of note; so that as Cotton |
Mather tunefully expressed it,
“by Tompson’s pains,
Christ and New England a dear Gookins gains.”
During his absence a severe bereavement had fallen
on the unhappy Braintree clergyman.
Cd
| near unto him, with unutterable joy.
He had left °
his wife, who is described as ‘‘a godly young woman |
and a comfortable help to him,” in charge of a family
She
died ; and he returned to find his home broken up and
his offspring scattered, though it is said they were
of small children, with scanty means of support.
“well disposed of among his godly friends.”
Marry-
ing again some years later, the next glimpse which is |
obtained of Tompson is through Governor Winthrop’s
diary, and it is singularly illustrative of the time. In
1648 a synod met at Cambridge for the purpose of
framing a code of church discipline. Before this
representative gathering the Rev. John Allen, of
Dedham, delivered a discourse which proved ‘“‘ a very
godly, learned, and particular handling of near all the
doctrines and applications” touching the matter in
hand.
the exercise of his ministry; but the end of this melancholy
was not so tragical as it sometimes is with some, whom yet, be-
cause of their exemplary lives, we dare not censure for their
prodigious deaths. Accordingly, the pastors and the
faithful of the churches in the neighborhood kept ‘ resisting of
the devil’ in his cruel assaults upon Mr. Tompson, by continually
‘drawing near to God,’ with ardent supplications on his behalf:
and by praying always, without fainting, without ceasing, they
saw the devil at length flee from him, and God himself draw
The end of that man is
peace.”
The meaning of this is that Mr. Tompson did not
commit suicide, and towards the close of his life the
cloud lifted from him. He died on the 10th of De-
cember, 1666, having resigned his pulpit some seven
years before. Both he and his second wife would
seem to have been lacking in the quality of thrift, and
during the closing years of his life he was wretchedly
poor,—so poor, indeed, that in March, 1665, a public
collection was taken up for him in the Dorchester
church, which amounted to £6 9s., “ besides notes for
corn, and other things, above 30s.” In his own day
he had the reputation of one ‘‘apt to forget himself
in things that concerned his own good,” because of his
exceeding zeal; and it was intimated that his parish -
ioners made for their minister ‘‘ somewhat short allow-
Yet this does not seem to have been the
1657, an official inquiry showed that
”
ance.
case; for, in
1 A prong, or fork; obsolete.
282
allowed Messrs. Tompson and Flynt £55 each,
“paid ordinarily yearly, or within the year, in such
things as themselves take up and accept of from the
inhabitants.”
Old South congregation in Boston then paid its two
ministers, and not an inadequate support for the
time. Possibly payments were in arrears, for in 1661,
during the incapacity of her husband, there was a
hearing at Cambridge on questions at issue between |
Mrs. Tompson and the deacons of the Braintree |
church ; nor was the matter then disposed of, for in
1668 the widow presented a petition to the General
Court, complaining
church to her late
held.
of the dead clergyman, when at last he had “ labored |
into rest,”
‘“ His inventory then, with John’s, was took ;
A rough coat, girdle, with the sacred book.”
The body of William Tompson lies in the old
burying-ground of Quincy, and the original stone,
bearing quaint witness to his learning, piety, and
He left by
his two marriages numerous descendants, both sons
force as a divine, still marks the spot.
and daughters, but there is no trace of his lineage
now to be found in the town over which first he
ministered.
Teacher Henry Flynt, who became pastor on the
resignation of Mr. Tompson in 1659, survived the |
Braintree, then containing about eighty families, |
These salaries were the same that the |
of certain moneys due from the |
husband which were then with- |
Not without reason, therefore, Mather wrote |
| vided she remained unmarried.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
mal ordination did not take place until March 17,
1640, it has been confidently surmised that the post-
ponement was in order to afford the distinguished
Of
But there is no reason
to suppose that he imitated the discreditable zeal which
Cotton had already shown in the work of hunting
down his former associates; though it was asserted
young divine ample opportunity for recantation.
it he at last availed himself.
that through the exertions of its new teacher Brain-
tree was “ purged from the sour leaven of those sinful
opinions that began to spread,” and if any such re-
Of Mr. Flynt’s
later doctrinal views nothing is known; it is simply
recorded of him that in his day he bore ‘‘ the charac-
ter of a gentleman remarkable for his piety, learning,
Unlike Mr.
Tompson, the Flynts, husband and wife, appear to
have been thrifty people, and the teacher died in com-
By his will he left the “ great
mained there they were very covert.
wisdom, and fidelity in his office.”
fortable circumstances.
lot” of eighty acres granted to him by the town of
_ Boston in 1640 to one son, and his dwelling-house, with
the two lots it stood upon, to another son, both be-
| quests subject to a life-estate in their mother, pro-
Then his will closed
| with this quaint provision: “ For the present, | know
not what portion of my estate to assign to my wife,
in case God call her to marriage, otherwise than as
the law of the country does provide in that case,
accounting all that I have too little for her, if I had
something else to bestow on my children.” Teacher
Flynt’s wife, whose maiden name was Margery
Hoar, had evidently been a good and useful help-
27th of April, 1668. Born, it is supposed, in Der- |
byshire, England, he landed in New England in Oc-
tober, 1635, being then about twenty-nine years old.
latter only one year and four months, dying on the |
meet to him; and indeed it is recorded on the stone
|
which marks the spot in the old graveyard where
side by side they are buried, that, like her husband,
Coming over at the same time, if not in the same
vesssel, with Vane, he seems to have been a political
sympathizer of his, while theologically he was an
ardent admirer of Cotton. Indeed, almost the only
fact recorded of him by Mather in the ‘ Magnalia”’
is that having twin sons born to him in 1656, he |
named them one John and the other Cotton, in mem- |
ory of his revered mentor, who had then been four
years dead.
Flynt during the Antinomian controversy adhered
staunchly to Wheelwright.
name is appended as teacher to the Braintree
church covenant of Sept. 16, 1639, and Winthrop
speaks of him as “a godly man” then ordained,
his submission to the General Court, acknowledg-
ing his sin in subscribing his name to the church |
of Boston memorial of March, 1637.
As his for-
Accordingly, though his |
descended from an “ancient and good” English
family, she was also ‘a gentlewoman of piety, pru-
y) c Jv?
dence, and peculiarly accomplished for instructing
’ y gs
young gentlewomen, many being sent to her from
Mrs. Margery
Flynt died in March, 1687, having survived her
other towns, especially from Boston.”
husband nearly twenty years. During that period
‘God [did not again] call her to marriage.”
It has already been mentioned that Mr. |
Henry Flynt left a numerous family, though no
descendants of his name now live in Quincey. It
was a granddaughter of his, Dorothy, child of the
Rey. Josiah
Judge Kdmund Quincey, of Braintree, and became the
Flynt, of Dorchester, who married
stock from which sprang a progeny than which none in
it was not until the succeeding May that he made |
Massachusetts has been more distinguished. A daugh-
ter of hers was that ‘‘ Dorothy Q.” whose name has
been embalmed in the familiar verses written upon her
portrait by one of her distinguished descendants in the
QUINCY.
283
Holmes family. From her are descended the Wen- |
dells, the Jacksons, the Lowells, and the Quincys; and
it is from Josiah Flynt that the last-named family de-
rives that given name which, handed down from gen-
eration to generation, is in Massachusetts almost con-
ceded to them as a peculiar patronymic. It was another
Dorothy Quincy who in 1775 became the wife of
John Hancock. The original Dorothy Flynt Quincy
dwelt in the house which Col. Edmund Quincy built
in Braintree in 1685, and which still remains one of
the most interesting of all our colonial structures,
quaintly typical of bygone times.
In this house, still
looking towards the brook, is the room in which |
Judge Sewall slept one rainy night in March, 1712.
Next to it is the room still known as Tutor Flynt’s
chamber, for it was long occupied by Dorothy’s
brother Henry, for more than half a century a tutor
at Harvard College and a fellow of the corporation
through sixty-five years. To this day, indeed, the
name of the person favored by it nowhere appears ;
unless, indeed, it was the Rev. Peter Bulkley, one
of that family of divines which furnished its first
minister to Concord. The contest was a heated
one, in which
passed about.”
“many uncomfortable expressions
In the course of it things occurred
which led some to suspect that the “sinful opin-
ions’ of John Wheelwright were perhaps not so
That
“sour leaven” may still have worked; for Mr. Josiah
covert in Braintree as had been asserted.
Flynt was openly charged with uttering “ divers dan-
gerous heterodoxies, delivered, and that without cau-
tion, in his public preaching.” In view of this
dissension, more than one day was set apart by the
church “to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer,”
and at the frequent meetings there was much “ un-
_ comfortable debate,’
grandson of the old Braintree teacher is a tradition |
of the University. A genuine product of New Eng-
land soil, his quaint manners and curt, dry sayings |
are repeated ; nor are there many descriptions of Mas-
sachusetts life and manners in the last century more hu- |
morous and graphic than Judge David Sewall’s account
of his journey with Father Flynt from Cambridge to
Portsmouth in June, 1754.! The old man was then
in his eightieth year, but he took his “nip of milk
punch,” smoked his pipe, bore up when tumbled from
his seat headlong into the road, and commented on
men, women, and things in a way which showed that
age had neither dimmed his faculties nor impaired
He lived until 1760, and left behind
him the reputation of ‘a man of sound learning, of
his digestion.
acute and discriminating intellect ; firm but moderate ;
steadfast in opinion but without obstinacy; zealous
and faithful in the discharge of his various duties.”
He lies buried in the ancient graveyard close to the
buildings of the college which he served so long.
After the death of Teacher Flynt the church of
Braintree, to use the language of a subsequent pastor,
“fell into unhappy divisions, one being for Paul, and
another for Apollos (as is too often the case in desti-
’
and at one of them at least ‘“ an
awful division.” A widespread scandal went abroad
over these proceedings, and on the 25th of July,
1669, ‘“ God sent a very solemn, awakening message
to the church” by the mouth of Mr. Eliot, possibly
But that did not pre-
vent the church from meeting on the 21st of the fol-
the son of the Indian apostle.
lowing January, and acknowledging “several things
Finally it
was determined to call a council of sister churches,
scandalous and offensive, one to another.”
and even then a debate took place, “ wherein much
| provocation to God and each other did appear.”
|
tute churches), and were without a settled ministry |
_ obeyed this command in the true church militant
No definite account of the cause
One party, it
is apparent, was anxious to invite young Josiah
Flynt, son of the deceased teacher, who, having
above four years.”
of strife in this case has come down.
graduated at Harvard a few years before, was now |
a minister and a candidate for settlement. Another
party was strong in opposition to this choice, but the
1 Proceedings of Mass. Hist. Soc., vol. xvi. (1878) pp. 5-11.
Wearied as well as distressed by the angry turmoil,
Josiah Flynt at about this time received a call from
the church at Dorchester, which he accepted; and
there he remained until his premature death, in 1680.
Meanwhile Braintree continued for nearly two years
At last
things came to such a pass that in November, 1671,
the County Court interfered. Taking into consider-
ation “the many means that have been used with the
longer in a ‘destitute, divided state.”
church of Braintree, and hitherto nothing done to
effect, as to the obtaining the ordinances of Christ
among them,’—taking this into consideration, the
court ordered and desired Mr. Moses Fiske ‘‘to im-
prove his labors in preaching the word at Braintree
until the church there agree, and obtain supply for the
work of the ministry.” Mr. Fiske seems to have
spirit. For he says, ‘‘ Being ordered by the Court,
and advised by the reverend Elders and other friends,
I went up from the honored Mr. Edward Tyng’s,
with two of the brethren of this church sent to ac-
accompany me, being the Saturday, to preach God's
word unto them.” The next day, Dec. 3, 1671, he
took his place in the Braintree pulpit, and delivered
his first discourse, not failing at the close of the after-
284
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
But so
well did he on this occasion ‘improve his labors’’
that the next day “about twenty of the brethren
came to visit him, manifesting (in the name of the
noon service to apologize as to his coming.
church) their ready acceptance of what the learned |
Court had done, and thanking him for his compliance
therewith.” On the 24th of February, 1672, Mr.
Fiske received a unanimous call from the weary
church, and on the 11th of the following September
he was formally ordained ; or, as he himself phrased
it, that was “the day of my solemn espousals to this
church and congregation.”
At the time of his ordination Mr. Fiske was thirty
years old ; and his pastorate lasted thirty-six years, until
his death, in 1708.
in the history of the town and church, for during it
It was also an important period
not only was the second parish organized, but a small
Episcopal society, one of the earliest in New England,
Of the Rev. Moses Fiske himself, his
religious tenets or intellectual force, not much has been
handed down.
was formed.
One only of his numerous discourses
is now known to exist,—that which he preached be-
fore the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company,
on June 4, 1694, the day of their annual election. |
Even this sermon never reached the dignity of print,
but, in the original handwriting of its author, rests
undisturbed in the archives of the Massachusetts His-
torical Society.
The manner in which the New England clergy
intermarried, continually, so to speak, breeding-in, has
often been remarked upon.
tive.
It was certainly sugges-
According to all known laws of generation
and heredity, the result should have been of excep-
tional interest. That it was not, is probably due to
the necessary limitations of theological development.
The Rey. Cotton Mather, perhaps, indicated the
climax. Mr. Fiske was a case in point.
daughters of clergymen ; three of his own daughters—
Mary, Anne, and Margaret—married clergymen ; and
two of his sons were clergymen. By his first wife. a
daughter of Mr. Symmes, of Charlestown, Mr. Fiske
had fourteen children.
Through a period of nine-
teen years the unfortunate woman gave birth to in-
fants on an average of one to each seventeen months, |
and two were born at separate births within a twelve-
month. Naturally, several of them died in early
infancy ; and at last the mother was herself released
Such cases
were not singular in early New England, and of Mrs.
Sarah Symmes, the grandmother of Mrs. Fiske, it is
by death from incessant child-bearing.
recorded that “her courage exceeded her stature |
and she raised up ten children to people this Amer-
Himself |
the son of a clergyman, he married successively two |
She was the mother of thirteen.
By his two marriages, Mr. Fiske had sixteen chil-
dren.
ican wilderness.”
Yet his family was small compared with that
of Samuel Bass, the senior elder of his church, who
died in 1694, after having sat in the deacon’s seat for
more than fifty years, and since the first organization
of the church. At his death Deacon Bass num-
bered in his living offspring one hundred and sixty-
two souls; while among his contemporaries and the
parishioners of Mr. Fiske, Henry Neal was the father
of twenty-one children, and William Rawson had at
one time twenty living sons and daughters, the fruit
of his loins by a single wife.
The simplicity of life and the severe economy
habitual in those days is shown in the fact that Mr.
Fiske brought up his family of sixteen children,
sending three sons to college and marrying off his
daughters, on a stipend which never exceeded ninety
pounds a year, and which was usually sixty or eighty
pounds, payable in part in corn and wood at stated
valuations. Hven this small salary seems to have
| been a source of contention, and in 1690 it was
grudgingly paid upon the pastor’s receipt in full
‘from the beginning of the world to this day.” Yet
the parish had then increased greatly both in sub-
stance and population. The original meeting-house
had. long before given place to a new and larger one,
built of stone and furnished with a bell; and in 1694
the town made provisions for sweeping out the church
and ringing the bell, appropriating twenty-five shil-
lings to pay therefor, the bell, which weighed about
two hundred pounds, being uncovered upon the roof
until 1714, when a turret was built to shelter it.
Until about the year 1700 there were no pews in the
| meeting-house, the congregation sitting on benches,
the men on one side and the women on the other.
This thoroughly democratic system continued in use
until about the year 1690, when, from habit or
_ other cause, a sort of prescriptive right in particular
Ac-
| cordingly, in 1694 the town authorized the selectmen
persons to certain seats had become recognized.
to “‘seat the meeting-house.” The task, involving
_as it did all sorts of questions of preference, must
needs have been an ungrateful one, and nothing seems
then to have been done ; but in March, 1698, a special
committee of five, including the two deacons, was
“They did the
work,” though, as would naturally be supposed, “ not
The first Sabbath in April
| people took their places, as many as saw good so to
do.”
church into pews, each party who obtained a permit
appointed to attend to the business.
to general satisfaction,
Then came by degrees the division of the
|
' fencing off at his own cost the seats assigned to him.
QUINCY. 285
After the year 1700 the pew permits seem to have
been granted in constant succession.
The parish then numbered about one hundred and
forty families, representing an entire population of |
not far from eight hundred souls; but those com-
posing this population no longer dwelt together in the
neighborhood of Mount Wollaston and about the
stone meeting-house.
They were scattered over a |
wide extent of territory from the Dorchester line to |
the present town of Randolph. This fact led to |
those bitter contentions in the church which, recalling |
the evil days preceding Mr. Fiske’s pastorate, sad- |
dened its closing years. In point of fact, town and |
parish were passing through a natural stage of |
growth. That was being enacted on a small stage in |
Braintree which, when enacted on the larger stage of
nationality, forms the most interesting part of history.
A process of differentiation was going on, and, be-
fore it was complete, it called forth a great deal of |
human nature.
The struggle seems first to have assumed defi-
nite shape about the year 1695. The old meeting-_
house was then pronounced inadequate to the grow-
ing needs of the parish. It was small, inconveniently |
situated, and out of repair.
Those dwelling in the
south part of the town complained that it was ‘“ very
irksome, especially in winter, to come so far as most
of them came to meeting, and through such bad ways,
whereby the Lord’s day, which is a day of rest, was to
them a day of labor rather.” Accordingly, the first
proposition was that a new and larger church edifice, |
sufficient for the whole town, should be built at a.
more central point. This did not meet the views of |
old Col. Edmund Quincy and others, who lived in the
northern limits; consequently they went to work to
prevent anything being done at all, and at a private |
meeting held at Col. Quincy’s they “ did agree among
themselves to shingle the old house, pretending to be
at the whole charge themselves.” But, none the less,
‘several pounds were afterwards gathered by a rate
upon the whole town.”
The project of a new and common meeting-house
having been defeated by means such as this, the organ-
This
was opposed, for the reason that such a secession from
the parish would throw the burden of the minister’s
salary on a smaller number. Accordingly, in 1704-5 |
party feeling ran high. Two church meetings were
held in January, whereat there was “‘ much debate
and some misapprehension about church discipline,”
by reason whereof there was “‘ much sinful discourse”
in the town. “Nine of the church withdrew from |
the Lord’s table,” and one of Parson Fiske’s adhe- |
ization of a separate church was next agitated.
| salary.
rents pathetically remarked, as he noted down these
events, ‘ the disorders among us call for tears and
lamentations rather than to be remembered.”
Getting no satisfaction, but, on the contrary, being
‘squib’d and floured by several of the other end of
the town,” those of the south part in the winter of
1705 began to talk “ very hotly of building a meeting-
house by themselves ;” and on the 2d of May, 1706,
the frame of the new edifice was raised. In the
autumn of that year it was so far finished that they
The matter had
been “ hitherto carried on in a way of great conten-
tion and disorder ;” but a final difficulty, and the most
serious of all, now presented itself. The people of
might comfortably meet therein.
the south had organized themselves into a new church,
but the people of the north wholly declined to release
them from their share of the burden of supporting the
minister of the old church. An angry town-meeting
was held to consider this matter on Nov. 25, 1706, and
_ the seceders certainly made what seems now a fair and
even a liberal proposition. They offered to maintain
their own church, and also to pay £20 of Mr. Fiske’s
Even this was not satisfactory, and the town
insisted that their “ south end neighbors and brethren
should not be released from bearing their usual part of
the charge for the support of the Rev. Moses Fiske,
which they were forward in the day of it to vote for
and agree to.”
The matter was then carried before the General
Court; but there no immediate action was taken,
and in the spring of 1707 the contention and disorder
were greater than ever. A council of churches was
Ac-
cordingly, on the 7th of May delegates from nine
suggested, and agreed to on the 27th of April.
neighboring parishes met in the Braintree meeting-
Those
composing this council do not seem to have succeeded
house and heard the agerieved brethren.
in pouring oil on the troubled waters; and, on the
10th of the following September, the Rev. Hugh
Adams was formally ordained as first pastor of the
South Church, which forthwith petitioned the Gen-
eral Court to be regularly set off as a distinct precinct.
This prayer was dated in the true theological spirit of
the time,—‘‘ From (Naphtali, if your honors please
so to name our neighborhood, or) South Braintree ;”
the significance of which grim Puritan jest is found
in Genesis (xxx. 8) :—‘ And Rachel said, With great
wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have
prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.” Ney-
ertheless, the dwellers in the south did not prevail ;
on this oceasion, for five days later, after an oral
hearing, the General Court voted that, during the
exercise of his ministry by Mr. Fiske, “the whole
286
no = 5s 8 |
town’ was obliged to raise annually whatever sum |
was voted for his support. Meanwhile, steps were to |
be taken towards forming a second precinct, the in- |
habitants of which, during Mr. Fiske’s ministry, were
“to take care by subscription to raise a maintenance
for the minister there.”
It is, of course, obvious now that the separation
proposed was a mere question of time. Considering |
how universal and even obligatory church attendance
then was, the cause for present wonder is that through
more than sixty years the people of so large a terri-
tory were content to travel, summer and winter, such
distances over their primitive roads to reach the com-
mon mecting-house. It is doubtful whether even the
intense religious sense of their time, backed though
it was by both spirit and letter of law, would have
But they came to gratify a
social, as well as a spiritual craving. Outside of a |
hard, secluded, week-day life the Sabbath and the
In their widely-—
induced them to do so.
meeting-house were all they had.
separated houses there were no newspapers, fewer |
books, and fewer still strange faces; and so they
eagerly went to church, not minding weather or dis-
tance, because there they met friends and relatives,
while between the services they heard the parish |
news. Perhaps, too, whispers might reach them there |
of events in that great outside world from which they
in their homes were as much excluded as though they
lived encircled by a Chinese wall.
The separation of old Braintree into several church |
precincts also foreshadowed a further political sepa-
ration not less desirable. But the slow course of
erowth and sequence of events in that period of
New England life is strikingly shown by the fact that
sixty years of development preceded the separation of
the parishes, and nearly ninety years more had passed
away before the original town was divided. And it |
is a curious fact, as will presently be seen, that, while
the North Precinct in 1706 offered such resistance as |
it could to the earlier dismemberment, in 1792 it was
the same North Precinct which demanded to be set
off, and which, though itself the original town, left |
name and records with its younger sister, so it might
be at liberty to order its affairs in its own way. |
Though foiled in its efforts for independence before
the General Court of 1707, the South Precinct had |
not long to wait. ‘The court had held it liable for its
share of the support of the pastor of the old church
Mr. Fiske’s
second wife, Anna, died on the 24th of July, follow- |
during the ministry of Mr. Fiske only.
ing this decision. The widow of Daniel Quincy, a |
peculiar interest attaches to Mrs. Fiske as the mother
of that John Quincy, of Mount Wollaston, from
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
| which his mother’s death took place.
whom the North Precinct subsequently took its
A youth of eighteen, John Quincey
graduated at Harvard College during the summer in
Parson Fiske
At the time of her
death he seems to have been in feeble health, and a
few days later he was stricken with “ a sore malignant
fever, and on the 10th day, being Tuesday, about one
of the o'clock, P.m., he died, willingly, patiently,
DME
was, with suitable solemnity and great lamentations
name as a town.
did not long survive his wife.
blessed God, and forgave all his enemies.
interred at Braintree in his own tomb the 12th day.”
Of him an humble but devout parishioner wrote that
he was “a diligent, faithful laborer in the harvest of
Jesus Christ ; studious in the Holy Scriptures, having
an extraordinary gift in prayer above many good
men, and in preaching equal to the most, inferior to
few ; zealously diligent for God and the good of men,—
one who thought no labor, cost, or suffering too dear a
a price for the good of his people.”
It settled
once for all the vexed question of parish division.
His death was timely in one respect.
On the 3d of November following a town and parish-
meeting was held, at which it was voted that thence-
forth “there should be two distinct precincts or so-
cieties in this town, for the more regular and con-
The ill
venient upholding of the worship of God.”
_ feeling which had existed between the sections grad-
Yet, as late as 1710, the good
offices of neighboring ministers seem to have been
ually passed away.
called for, and on the 19th of February their “ advice
As
usual in the Massachusetts of that time, a special
for reconciliation” was read from the pulpit.
fast was thereupon ordered ‘on account of the late
disturbances ;” and then at last,on March 19th, the
Sabbath, the reconciliation was made complete by the
clergymen of the two precincts exchanging pulpits,
and preaching each to the other’s congregation.
The pulpit of the First Precinct was then filled by
Rev. Joseph Marsh. His pastorate and that of the
Rey. John Hancock covered, respectively, sixteen and
eighteen years, and the two carried the history of the
church into its second century. It was an uneventful
period the world over; that of the two first Georges
and Louis XV. The Massachusetts colony had
now struggled through the more interesting early
period, and was unconsciously preparing itself for the
career which a century later was to open before it.
Meanwhile the royal Governors—Shute and Dummer,
Belcher and Burnet—ruled a community numbering
about an hundred thousand souls, and squabbled in-
cessantly over petty questions with intractable General
Courts. Locally, it was the period in which Judge
QUINCY.
287
Edmund Quincy and Col. John Quincy flourished in |
Braintree, and largely directed the course of the town’s
affairs; while of men destined to a later prominence,
John Adams and John Hancock were born, the |
former at the foot of Penn’s Hill, on Oct. 19, 1735, |
and the latter on the 12th of January, 1737, in a_
house which stood on the lot which, now the site of
an academy, still bears his name. The house is yet
standing—an almost perfect specimen of the colonial
dwelling—in which lived the Rev. Moses Fiske, after |
whose death it was bought by the Rev. Joseph Marsh, |
his son-in-law ; and in that house during the pastorate
of John Hancock, John Adams and Josiah Quincy, |
house of 1666.
The Rev. Joseph Marsh himself was ordained as |
pastor of the First Precinct on May 18,1709. A |
Jr., went to school to the son of Mr. Marsh.
graduate of the college in the class of 1705, during
the winter of 1708-9 he was preaching, by request of ©
the General Court, at Tiverton, the inhabitants of |
which place had failed to ‘comply with the law and
provide themselves with a minister.”
seems at once to have impressed himself on the peo-
ple there as ‘“‘a person of singular accomplishments,
both natural and acquired.”
ber they gave him a call, and on the 16th of Decem-
ber, after extensive preparations had been made to |
properly receive him at his predecessor’s house, ‘‘ he
came at night attended with the most of the inhabit- |
ants of this precinct.’ His salary was fixed at sev-
enty pounds a year, and one hundred pounds
additional was voted to him on his settlement, ‘‘ and
Then on the 4th
of May a special fast was kept ‘‘in order to ordina-
that to be paid for said settlement.”
tion,’ which took place two weeks later.
the daughter of his predecessor, and in April, 1710,
he bought the Fiske homestead, where he lived until |
his death, in March, 1726.
first year.
Again the pulpit was but a short time vacant, for, |
on June 29th, John Hancock, the son of a father of |
John Hancock,
the father, was minister at Lexington, and so high
the same name, was called to fill it.
was his professional standing and so great his in- |
fluence that he was commonly known as “ Bishop”
Hancock. The son may have enjoyed a certain ad-
vantage from the father’s fame, for when called to
Braintree in 1726 he was but twenty-four, though he
had graduated in 1719. The salary voted to him
(one hundred and ten pounds) was larger than had | Adams Street, between the old Quincy and the old Adams
been given to any of his predecessors, and he re- |
He first |
ministered in Braintree on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1708, |
less than three months after Mr. Fiske’s death, and |
Accordingly, in Novem- |
On the |
30th of the following June the young pastor married |
He was then in his forty-
ceived a further sum of two hundred pounds upon his
settlement. But the vote giving these larger sums
was expressed in ominous words, for it ran that the
sums were payable “in good and lawful bills of publie¢
credit on this Province.’ The colony was embarked
on that troubled sea of depreciated paper money
which was destined to long outlast the Hancock
pastorate.
The ordination of Mr. Hancock took place on the
2d of November, 1726, and was a great occasion,
for the pastors of seven sister churches took part in
it, while the elder Hancock preached the sermon.
The ceremonies were held in the old stone meeting-
It must even then have been in
poor repair, for during the winter of 1730 “ cart-
loads of snow” were blown into it, and had to be
shoveled out. As usual, it was not difficult to get
the parish to vote the building of a new meeting-
house ; the trouble came in the choice of location.
Two meetings barely sufficed for the discussion of the
question. The site first proposed was “at Col.
Quincy’s gate.””' This was rejected. The site of
the old stone church was next proposed, and rejected.
Finally it was decided by a majority vote that the
new edifice should be ‘‘at the ten milestone, or
near unto it;”’ and at the next meeting an exact
site was fixed ‘‘ on the training-field,” a few hundred
yards south of the tenth milestone from Boston.
The new house, large and commodious for the time,
was in point of fact a bald, oblong wooden structure,
of the kind common to all New England towns. It
was entered by doors at the two sides, and in front of
_ it stood a tower, surmounted by an open cupola in
which hung the bell, now increased in weight to two
hundred and ninety pounds. This edifice was dedi-
cated on the 8th of October, 1732, “in peaceable
times ;’ but the old stone house, though then aban-
doned, stood for sixteen years more, until in Febru-
ary, 1748, it was sold at auction and removed. It
brought £100 in money of the old tenor. Mean-
16, 1739)
‘being Lord’s day, the First Church of Braintree,
both males and females, solemnly renewed the cove-
while, nine years before, on Sept.
nant of their fathers, immediately before the partici-
pation of the Lord’s supper.” A century of church
life was complete.
On this occasion, in his discourse which is still
extant, the pastor described himself as having been
with his people almost thirteen years ‘in weakness,
1 The point where the Old Colony railroad now passes under
houses.
288
and in fear, and in much trembling.” He continued
with them five years more. These were the years
of “ the great awakening,” during which Whitefield,
Tennent, and Davenport held forth continually to
excited audiences, and New England was lashed into
such a state of religious frenzy as was never known
on the continent before or since. It is scarcely
probable that Braintree wholly escaped the contagion
of the craze; but when, shortly after reason had re-
sumed its way, Hancock died, the brother clergyman
who preached his funeral discourse spoke of him
“as a wise and skillful pilot,’ who had steered “a
right and safe course in the late troubled sea of eccle-
siastical affairs; so that his people had ‘“ escaped
the errors and enthusiasm which some, and the infi-
delity and indifferency in matters of religion which |
others had fallen into.” These words were in them-
midst of his days and growing serviceableness.”’
It was in 1728, the third year of the Hancock pas-
torate, that the first Episcopal church edifice in
year services were performed in it. Dr. Ebenezer
Miller, a Harvard graduate of 1722, was its rector, |
and for a century and a half thereafter descendants of |
his name continued to live in the town. Though it
had no church of its own until 1728, this society had
long been forming. Indeed, as early even as 1689 a
little company of church-people held services in
Quincy, and in one house, at least, prayers of the
In 1701 the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign
Church of England were daily read.
Parts was formed in London, and, for some reason
now unknown, Braintree was early selected as a
promising field in which to labor. In 1702 one
zealous in the cause wrote to a leading church digni- |
tory: “ Braintrey should be included ; it is in the
would do great good and encourage the other towns to
desire the like. If the church can be settled in New
England, it pulls up schisms in America by the roots,
that being the fountain that supplies with infectious
streams the rest of America.” Accordingly, “an
annual encouragement of fifty pounds and a gratuity of
twenty-five pounds for present occasions” was granted
by the society to Mr. William Barclay, “‘ the minister
of the Church of England at Braintree in New Eng- |
At the same time a collection of books to
land.”
form the basis of a church library was sent out, the
twenty volumes or so of which, bearing the quaint |
seal of the mother-society, are still on the shelves of |
Thus, in 1704, Christ’s Church |
in Braintree was fully organized, several of the names |
the Quincy rectory.
_ ization of the church was maintained.
Braintree was finished, and on Easter Monday of that |
| with
| me.
found earliest in the town records, such as Veazie,
Saunders, and Bass, being those of its wardens and
vestrymen.
The movement did not pass unnoticed. The
time was gone by when it could be suppressed with a
high hand, for not only had the rigor of the primitive
church discipline relaxed, but under the royal Gover-
nors the Episcopalian ritual had for years been familiar
in Boston ; though on the 25th of December those of
the antique faith still took occasion to “ dehort their
families from Christmas keeping and charge them to
forbear.” Accordingly, in Braintree, when it came to
a question of increasing the minister’s salary to ninety
pounds, Col. Edmund Quincy pressed hard the argu-
ment that the churchmen were now “scheming to
get a foot in the town,” but that they must “ pay
_ their proportion,’ and now was the time to suppress
selves no poor tribute to the preacher cut off “ in the |
them.
By 1704 Mr. Barclay had returned to England,
and for several years thereafter only a skeleton organ-
In 1713 the
case was pronounced desperate by the Rev. Thomas
Eager, who had apparently been sent out to look over
the field, and who mentioned, as obstacles in the way
of any growth of the church, that its members were
taxed for the support of the regular precinct minister,
and that they had no place of worship of their own.
| They feared censure as conventiclers if they assembled
Yet he claimed to
have at times as many as thirty attendants at services,
Mr. Hager
seems to have remained in Braintree nearly two
years, and the account he gave of the dwellers there
“The people are very great
for worship in a private house.
twelve regular communicants.
was not a flattering one.
strangers to truth,” he wrote, “and I do really believe
that I have not passed one day since my arrival with-
| out one false report or other being raised upon me.”
heart of New England, and a learned and sober man |
He declared that the whole province had been much
| disturbed on account of his coming, and people “ have
not failed to affront and abuse me wherever they meet
Atheist and papist are the best language I can
On the other hand, Governor Dud-
“ sorrowful account”’ of
get from them.”
ley gave the society a no less
Mr. Eager, writing to it that “the church is greatly
hurt by him. During the few months of his stay
here he was frequently in quarrels and fightings, and
sending challenges for duels, that at length the au-
thorities at Brandry was quite ashamed and dis-
couraged.”
But there was ground for the complaint of Mr.
Eager as to the taxing of his people for the support
of the precinct ministers. The matter had already
been before the Governor and Council on the com-
QUINCY.
9
=
89
plaint of William Veazie, the churchwarden, who, in |
1696, had been fined “for plowing on the day of |
Thanksgiving.”
“June 2 (1713), Mr. Veisy, of Braintry, and constable
Owen are heard ; about his distraining for a rate of twenty-six
shillings toward Mr. Marshes Salary, when the Governor and
Council had ordered him to forbear till the General Court» |
which order was sent by Veisy himself, who would not let |
Owen take a copy of him, and provoked him; whereupon Owen
took a cow of Veisy, prised at four pounds, offered Veisy the |
overplus before witnesses, which Veisy refused. The Governor
put the Vote whether the Cow should be returned, which passed |
in the Negative. I! said, the Governor and Council had not
Authority to rescind the Laws by nulling an execution. Mr.
Secretary seconded me. Then the Governor put it whether he
should be bound over to the Sessions, which was Voted. Goy-
ernor directed fifty pounds. But “twas brought to ten pounds,
and five pounds each Surety.
“It was afterwards thought advisable to dismiss this Bond,
_ with Hoop-poles, Hay, Wood, Xe.
1727. Accordingly, Judge Sewall, in Boston, made
the following entry in his journal: ‘“ Monday, Dee.
25,1727. Shops open, and people come to Town
Mr. Miller keeps
the day in his New church at Braintey: people flock
thither.”
The vexed question of taxation was now at last set-
tled. It had again been brought before the Governor
and Council in the spring of 1727. Lieutenant-Gover-
nor Dummer was then acting as Governor during the
interim between the Shute and thé Burnet adminis-
| trations, and in reference to this question he wrote a
Chide him, and Jet him go, which was done next day, upon his |
Submission and petition to be dismissed.”
Mr. Eager was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Lucas,
who, after a short rectorship, removed to Newbury,
and for several years thereafter the organization lay
dormant. It was not until 1726 that any steps were
taken toward building a church edifice. Ebenezer
Miller, son of Samuel Miller, of Milton Hiil, was
then a recent graduate of the college, and student of
divinity.
leaning towards Episcopacy, being, it has been said,
the first graduate of Harvard who took that turn.
As such he early manifested a strong
on 29th of the next month (May, 1
sharp letter to Col. Edmund Quincy. In it he said
that he was “surprised to find this matter driven to
extremity, especially after the hopes you have raised
in me that your people were thoroughly disposed to
make those of the Church of England amongst you
He further requested
Col. Quincy to bring the matter before the parish
”
easy in all these matters.
| committee, and personally to use his “ utmost in-
fluence that those people may obtain the relief they
_ look for, as I think common justice entitles them to.”
Accordingly, at a meeting of the North Precinct held
727), the Episco-
(4
palians appeared and presented their case. There is
no record of what was said in debate, but the meeting
| finally voted to remit future taxes, and also “ to reim-
To him the members of the Braintree society went, |
and settlement.”
and two agreements were entered into,—one for
the building a church edifice, the other for sending
young Miller to England, there to receive orders.
Both agreements were carried out, and in 1728 an
unpretentious wooden building on the main street of |
the town, a few hundred yards only south of the old
stone meeting-house, was ready for occupancy. In
course of years, after the old English custom, the
ground about it became covered with stones marking
the resting-place of some who had worshiped within
those walls; and these stones still remain a memorial
of the site upon which stood one of the earliest off-
burse the petitioners whatever sums they might have
been assessed for Mr. Hancock’s ordination charge
A question which for twenty-five years had been a
cause of hard feeling, and which had given rise to a
bitter sense of oppression, was thus properly disposed
of. It was not without ground of pride, therefore, that
Mr. Hancock recorded “it was done before ever any
That
it was settled in a way so creditable seems to have
act of this nature passed in the government.”
been largely due to Mr. Hancock’s influence, who
then gave evidence that he was possessor not only of
/some Christian spirit but of much good judgment.
shoots in Puritan Massachusetts of the established |
_and Mr. Miller; and before Dr. Miller came the Pre-
Church of England.
Having been made Master of Arts by Oxford, and
licensed to preach the gospel in July, 1627, Mr. | ; : :
_ occasional communion with them, and allowed them
Miller was the next month appointed minister to
Braintree, in New England, and in September chap-
lain to the Duke of Bolton.
He thus came back to
his people well recommended, and he arrived among
them in time to open his mission on Christmas day, —
1Chief Justice Sewall; Sewall Papers, V. Mass. Hist. Coll.,
vi. 386-87.
19)
He always cultivated friendly relations between the
two societies, as well as personally between himself
cinct church ‘‘ admitted to their communion all such
members of the church of England as desired to have
what posture of devotion they pleased; and they
received the sacrament standing.”
Through thirty-six years Dr. Miller remained the
rector of Christ’s Church, devoted to his parish, and
accounted one of the ablest defenders of Episcopacy
in New England. At the close of his ministry the
' society numbered fifty families and as many communi-
290 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
cants. Indeed, he and his immediate successor so | churchmen in Braintree were favorers of the Stamp
raised the Braintree church that for a time it seems
‘to have exercised a maternal care over those of the
same communion in the vicinity who were weaker
than itself.” Revisiting England in 1747, Mr. Miller
was then made a Doctor of Divinity by Oxford. On
the 11th of February, 1763, “to the very great loss
Act. Ten years later they had not changed their
_ views, and when the news of the Quebec Bill arrived
| Mrs. Adams wrote that they “hung their heads,”
of this church, his family and friends, he departed
this life.”
Not much more remains to be said of Christ Church
during the period now under consideration,—that to_
1830. It had already seen its best days, for the
Revolutionary troubles were at the time of its first
rector’s death already impending. Indeed, a posthu-
mous attack made on him just after his death,
because of his connection with a project for establish- |
_ to read the prayer for the king.
ing an American bishopric, led to one of the angry
paper controversies which paved the way to war. |
The Rev. Edward Winslow, a Bostonian by birth and |
a graduate of the college in the class of 1741, suc-
ceeded Dr. Miller.
in July, 1764, and his connection with the society
lasted through thirteen troubled years, until 1777.
He left behind him in Braintree the reputation of being
He was inducted into the living |
an earnest, faithful rector and an honest man; but |
buried under the altar of St. George’s Church, in that
| fo) ?
he was in his ministry at a time of great political ex-
And yet
citement, and his was the vanquished side.
it may fairly be inferred that, for a time at least, the |
society did not languish under his charge, for the |
z Oe |
families belonging to it increased in number from fifty
to sixty-eight, and in the year 1773 it was found |
necessary to enlarge and remodel the church building. —
During his ministry also a subscription was made “ to
provide a decent glebe” for the rector, and with the |
means thus obtained a piece of land was bought and
a house built, the rent of which at a later period
sufficed to keep the abandoned church in decent
repair while the almost lifeless society awaited the
return of better days.
Episcopacy has ever been an exotic in Massachu-
setts; and the cultivation of exotics is expensive
for those engaged in it.
was always most liberal in dealing with its sickly
the
Braintree offshoot, and, until evolutionary
The mother English society |
|
troubles took the shape of actual war, it annually”
sent over sixty pounds sterling for the support of the
Naturally the society was inclined to a
friendly feeling toward the hand which fed it. To
it the Apthorps, the Borlands, the Cleverlys and
minister.
former from tumbling down.
the Millers—indeed, all the gentry of the neighbor- |
hood, with the exception of the Quincys—belonged.
The gentry were apt to be Tories, and as early as 1765,
John Adams noted in his diary that most of the
|
and, ‘“‘no matter how much provoked by those of the
other side, they would not discuss politics.” Before
that “parties ran very high, and very hard words and
threats of blows upon both sides were given out.” A
few days later there was something very like an actual
outbreak in the town, the North Precinct of which
had the reputation of being a nest of Tories. The
stock of public powder was removed from it by an
organized mob, and Mrs. Adams again wrote, “ The
church parson thought they were coming after him,
and ran up garret.”” The popular feeling was now
so strong that it was no longer safe for Mr. Winslow
Yet he seems to
have struggled on, vainly hoping for better days,
until his salary was stopped and many of his people
had moved away. Then, taking very properly the
eround that his ordination oath compelled him to
conform literally to the Prayer-Book, he, ‘“ with sad
and silent musings,” resigned his charge. Going to
New York, which was in British occupation, he died
there in 1780, before the close of the war. He was
city.
The English society had spent, it is said, over
thirteen thousand dollars in the attempt to build up
the Braintree church, and it was now less than ever
able to stand alone. The ritual was again in as great
public odium as it had been a whole century before.
To a certain extent Mr. Joseph Cleverly faced the
storm in Braintree, and filled, as best he could, the
place which Mr. Winslow had left vacant. A native
of the town, and coming of a family long resident
there, he had graduated at Harvard College in 1733,
and, though never in orders as an earnest Hpis-
_ copalian, he now served Christ’s Church for several
years, reading prayers and services, and being referred
to in its records as the society’s teacher. He lived to
extreme old age, dying in 1802.
After Mr. Cleverly’s death the society for many
"years continued in what might fairly be called a state
of suspended animation. It did not wholly die, for the
church edifice and the rectorship were there, and the
rent collected from the latter sufficed to keep the
The parish committee
secured the assistance of clergymen and readers, so that
from time to time church services were performed,
and a few kindly-disposed ladies exerted themselves
to keep up a Sunday-school, at which the children not
only of that society but of the precinct were taught
ae
QUINCY.
291
; i Eien. |
the catechism. But, as a religious force affecting |
town life, Christ Church hardly made itself felt be-
tween the close of the Revolution and the year 1825.
It had lived on support from without, and that sup-
port was withdrawn. Accordingly, with one period
of faint revival between 1822 and 1827 under the
fostering charge of a faithful and able rector, the Rev.
B.C. Cutler, it continued to languish until long after
1830. At last the increase of wealth and the change |
in modes of life of the whole outside community
brought in new and influential families, introducing
elements in which the Episcopal form of worship
found natural support. But the town had then lost
its individuality. During the first hundred years of
its existence the history of Christ Church in Brain-
tree and Quincy is most interesting as showing
how wholly alien Episcopacy was to the New Eng-
land civilization; how practically impossible it was
for it there to take root and to flourish ; and how, sup-
ported for a time at great effort and cost from without, |
when that support was withdrawn, it languished and
died away, having, so far as could be seen, in no way
influenced the growth of the native community. Like
Catholicity, it was a wholly alien institution; and,
shillings “old tenor” per ounce, instead of six shil-
lings seven pence, as it should have been. In 1645
there were in circulation bills of the “new tenor,” of
the “ middle tenor,” and of the “old tenor.”’ Those of
the two former, being of greater value than the latter,
were hoarded. Apparently, in 1788, Mr. Briant’s
salary of sixty pounds ‘“ new tenor’’ was equivalent to
about fifty-four pounds in silver, or to six hundred
pounds in ‘old tenor,” and in purchasing power was
not less than what had been paid to his predecessor.
A graduate of Harvard College in the class of
1739, Mr. Briant, when he came to Braintree, was in
His pastorate was brief, for
he died before he was thirty-three ; but it was as
troubled as it was short.
his twenty-fourth year.
Intellectually he was cer-
tainly a remarkable man; there is reason to suppose
An ad-
vanced religious thinker and a born controversialist,
also that he was a somewhat eccentric one.
he seems to have paid little regard to conventionali-
ties. Had he lived he might have held his ground,
and succeeded in advancing by one long stride the
_ tardy progress of liberal Christianity in Massachusetts ;
again, like Catholicity, it got a secure hold on the soil |
only when a new element was infused into the town’s
blood.
Returning to the history of the original pre-
cinct church, around which the whole religious lite
and mental activity of the town still centred, the
Hancock pastorate, ending with premature death in
May, 1744, was followed by an interim of a year and
on the other hand, it is not improbable that he was
too far in advance of his day, and that premature
decline alone saved him from the loss of his pulpit,
and theological ostracism. Yet his career, so far as
it went, was indisputably an interesting one.
In the year 1749, Mr. Briant published a sermon
on moral virtue. He seems before to have preached it
several times in different pulpits, and it had excited a
good deal of remark. In his native town of Scituate,
especially, it had produced so great an impression
a half. During that period the church twice invited
Mr. Benjamin Stevens to occupy the vacant pulpit, —
but he declined todo so. At last, on the 16th of
September, 1745, the Rev. Lemuel Briant, of Scit-
uate, was unanimously chosen pastor, and on the 11th
of the following December he was formally ordained.
The salary of the new minister was fixed at “ fifty
pounds per year in bills of credit on this province of
that the minister of that place had felt moved to con-
trovert its teachings. This he had essayed to do by
means of a series of discourses, in regard to which it
was at the time remarked the main difficulty was to
_ discern the ‘‘ difference between his doctrine and that
in the Briant sermon anything to excite remark.
the last emission” during the first two years of his set- |
tlement, to be thereafter increased by a further annual
sum of “ twelve pounds and ten shillings in bills of the
like emission.” This salary was considerably smaller
than had been paid either to Mr. Hancock or to Mr.
emission. How clergymen and the few others who,
in Massachusetts, were dependent on fixed incomes
contrived to live in those days must always remain a
mystery. At the time of Mr. Hancock’s death, bills
of the tenor in use when he was settled passed in cir-
of Mr. Briant.” The progress of religious thought
has since been so great, that it is not easy now to see
In
it moral and religious truisms seem to be set forth in
plain, strong English, which at times rises into elo-
quence; while it throughout possesses the better
quality of plain speaking. The writer said what he
_meant; and he said it in a way not to be misunder-
Fiske, but it was payable in bills of credit of the last
culation for about sixteen per cent. of their nominal |
value; in other words, silver was worth nearly forty
|
{
|
1
stood.
‘« All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,”—and he
He drew his text from Isaiah lxiv. 6,—
proceeded to vigorously denounce the absurdities to
which a lifeless, conventional religion had led. The
distinctness with which he gave utterance to the truth
that was in him startled those who had quietly settled
down in the faith that Calvinism was not only the
foundation of all things, but that it was a good founda-
292
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. -
tion. Once more accepted formulas had been chal- | Rev. Mr. Foxcroft, the colleague of Dr. Chauncey in
the First Church of Boston, Mr. Briant had in his
lenged, and declared to be pernicious cant.
Formulas, and religious and educational formulas
in particular, rarely lack defenders. Several of his
brethren at once entered the lists against Mr. Briant, |
and the theological rancor with which they did it was
expressed on the title-pages, even, of the sermons in
which they thought to confute him. The Rev. Mr.
Niles, of the Middle Braintree Precinct, for instance,
called his discourse a vindication of certain gospel
doctrines and teachers “ against the injurious reflec-
tions and misrepresentations” of the “ Rev. Mr. Lemuel
merely Arminian, but Socinian even,
d
Briant ;’ and the Rev. John Porter, of Bridgewater, ©
improved on this by entitling a sermon “The ab-
surdity and blasphemy of substituting the personal |
righteousness of men in the room of the surety
righteousness of Christ, in the important article of
justification before God.” Mr. Briant was not a man to
be summarily suppressed. He was young, it was true,
but his church was with him, and he had a vigorous |
pen.
Accordingly, in 1750 he published, in the form |
of a letter, some “ friendly remarks” on Mr. Porter's |
effort, to which, in the printed form, had been appended —
an “attestation,” as it was called, signed by five other |
clergymen, in which they expressed their hearty con-
currence with their brother, Porter, and dolefully la-
| der of his life.
mented the “‘ dreadful increase of Arminianism and |
other errors in the land.”
irritating to his opponents, for he met them in a way
they could not understand.
_and Company.
letter referred to as ‘a verbose, dark, Jesuitical
writer,’ and, accordingly, Mr. Foxcroft now returned
the compliment by accusing Mr. Briant of being not
To this contri-
bution to theological debate Mr. Briant speedily re-
plied in a piece dated April 15, 1751, which he
entitled “‘ Some more friendly remarks on Mr. Porter
In a second Letter to him and two
of his abettors, namely, Mr. Cotton, appendix writer,
and Mr. F—xcr—ft, marginal noter.” The title
alone is sufficient. In pointed controversy his op-
ponents were no match for Mr. Briant, and he now
fairly convicted them of having brought serious
charges against him on the strength only of conjecture
and suspicion ; but the discussion had drifted away
from great doctrinal issues to mere personalities, and
it ceased to be of importance.
Yet it did not end then.
notes to Winthrop, to some forgotten controversy of
earlier days, Mr. Savage has alluded to what he calls
Mr.
Briant seems to have stirred those waters to their
Referring, in one of his
“the exquisite rancor of theological hate.”
depth, nor did they subside during the short remain-
At the time of his second letter he
was not yet thirty, but he was already drawing to-
_ wards that decline which, only two years and a half
This reply of Mr. Briant’s must have been very |
They were narrow- |
minded men of no great intellectual strength, and, after |
the manner of such, they could not grasp a new idea
even when it was plainly set before them. Because
it was new, was with them sufficient proof that it must |
be unimportant or erroneous. Nevertheless, they
were men thoroughly in earnest and of implicit belief.
Briant in his reply trifled with them. Hardly troub-
ling himself to conceal his contempt, he permitted a
vein of irony to run through his answer, which, while
it must have bewildered as well as exasperated his
opponents, was out of place. The subject-matter
under discussion should at least have made the discus-
sion serious. As it was, he very distinctly, to use a
modern word, chaffed his reverend critics.
Naturally they were not slow to respond, and, as is
the custom of men of their calibre, they forthwith
proceeded to identify themselves with the sacred
cause of which they were the self-appointed and in-
competent advocates.
They accused Mr. Briant of |
levity in the treatment of religious truths, and of pre- |
varication; and they proceeded in their labored way |
to show that he was an Arminian and unsound. The
later, caused him to sever his connection with his
parish. The closing months of his short pastorate
must have been very trying to him. Among his
brethren he was not without sympathizers, and he
counted the celebrated Dr. Jonathan Mayhew, of the
West Church in Boston, as his intimate friend; but
his controversial methods must have startled even
those who believed as he did, and prevented their
rallying to his support.
undivided.
some were greatly disturbed by his liberal views.
Nor were his own people
The majority sustained their pastor, but
Through their agency an Heclesiastical Council was
called to consider the case of the Braintree church.
Mr. Briant declined to acknowledge the authority of
It ad-
journed ; but met again in January, 1753, and, Mr.
the Council, or to be present at its sessions.
Briant still declining to appear, it proceeded to take
cognizance of his case. Hight causes of complaint
had been preferred. They related to all grades of
offense from the sermon on moral virtue to whispers
of “ scandalous immoralities.”’
In their findings the Council expressed its opinion
that there did exist grounds of complaint against the
pastor, but it added the belief that the “ aggrieved
brethren,” as the minority of the society was termed,
QUINCY. 293
had gone too far in their charges. The members of
the Council concluded its report by giving “ their best
advices” to the two parties; thus, in the words of
Mr. Briant’s most eminent successor, effecting “as
much as Councils ever effect,—that is, nothing at all,
except, it may be, to increase the difficulty in which
they intermeddled.”
sible tribunal could not be overlooked.
they were referred to a committee of the North Pre-
cinct church composed of its most respected mem-
bers. At its head was John Quincy, then one of the
most prominent men in the public affairs of the
province, and others of its members bore names which
had appeared on almost every page of the town
But these findings of a respen-
records since the records began. The report of this
committee was dated April 14, 1753, and, breathing a
Accordingly, |
the theatre in which the debate went on; one pre-
cinct was arrayed against the other. Under these
circumstances young Adams could not but have taken
a lively interest in it. More than sixty years then
passed away, during forty of which the New Eng-
land mind was wholly drawn off from problems of
theology, and concentrated on questions of civil rights
first and of government afterwards. Then, at last,
during the earlier part of the present century, an
established order of things was brought about, and
Growth
once more religious issues come to the front.
_had meanwhile been going on, quietly, slowly, giving
_no outward sign, and all at once it revealed itself in
high order of the true Protestant spirit, it wholly |
justified the pastor. As to the immoralities charged
on Mr. Briant, the committee reported that they had
_ “never been proved in any one instance.”
Or the 22d of the following October a precinct-
meeting was held to take action on the pastor’s re-
quest for dismission. His health was failing. As
was usual in the town- and precinct-meetings of that
period, John Quincy served as moderator, and it was
presently voted that the pastor’s request be granted,
his parishioners apparently having considered that it
was hopeless ‘‘ to wait patiently some time longer to
see if it may not please God in his good Providence
to restore our reverend pastor to his former state of
health.”
quite one year, dying at Hingham in the early au-
tumn of 1754. At the time of his death he was but
thirty-two, and of all those who have served as pas-
tors of his church, his remains and those of his elo-
quent successor a century later, William Parsons
Lunt, alone do not moulder in the old First Precinet
graveyard.
Mr. Briant did not survive his dismissal
Briant was buried in the neighboring
town of Hingham in September, 1754, while Mr.
Lunt, in March, 1857, a tired wayfarer, was laid,
decently, reverently, beneath the sands of the Syrian
desert, as he journeyed towards the Holy Land. A
little heap of stones alone marked his resting-place.
There is high authority to the fact that, in his re-
ligious views, Lemuel Briant was a man half a cen-
tury in advance of his time. During the controversy
of 1749-53, John Adams was a growing lad, for he
entered Harvard in 1751. It was an open question
with him whether he would prepare himself for di-
vinity or the law, and in the minds of the college
students of those days theological disputes had all the
active interest which new scientific or philosophical
theories now have. His own town of Braintree was
the Channing protest against Calvinism. New Eng-
Then Dr.
Morse, of Charlestown, sent a pamphlet setting forth
the tenets of the new church to the ex-President, who
land Unitarianism assumed its shape.
was now verging on his eightieth year.
Ome to}
In reply he
| wrote as follows, under date of March 4 and May 15,
1815:
“T thank you for your favor of the 10th, and the pamphlet
enclosed, entitled ‘American Unitarianism.’ I have turned
over its leaves and find nothing that was not familiarly known
to me. In the preface Unitarianism is represented as only
I can testify as a witness to
its old age. Sixty-five years ago my own minister, the Rev.
Lemuel Briant, Dr. Jonathan Mayhew, of the West Church in
Boston, the Rev. Mr. Steele, of Hingham, the Rev. John
Brown, of Cohasset, and perhaps equal to all, if not above all,
thirty years old in New England.
| the Rev. Mr. Gay, of Hingham, were Unitarians... .
“Tn short, sir, I have been a reader of theological, philo-
sophical, political, and personal disputes for more than sixty
years, and now look at them with little more interest than at
the flying clouds of the day.”
Mr. Briant died in the autumn of 1754, and the
last French war, that which resulted in the English
At
the time of his death Washington was reconnoitering
conquest of Canada, had then already begun.
on the Ohio, and Lord Monkton was preparing for
Braddock’s defeat
took place in the following July. The Revolutionary
The
the removal of the Acadians;
struggle followed close on the French war.
rapid sequence of great events outside materially
affected even the First Precinct church of Braintree.
A long period of doctrinal quiesence ensued, which
amounted at last almost to torpidity. It was on the
22d of October, 1753, that Mr. Briant was dis-
missed, and just one year later, on the 8th of October,
1754, the parish extended a call to the Mev. Anthony
Wibird.
Mr. Wibird, a graduate of Harvard in the class of
1747, was at the time of this call in his twenty-eighth
year. He at first declined, apparently on the ground
that the salary voted would not suffice for his support.
It was small, being but eighty pounds a year, with a
294
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
further sum of one hundred and thirty-three pounds,
six shillings, and eightpence, “lawful money,” for “a
settlement.” This it will be noticed was not so
much as Mr. Fiske had received nearly a century
before.
offering a salary of one hundred pounds a year, with
Subsequently the parish modified its terms,
no sum at settlement, and this proposition Mr. Wibird
accepted. Accordingly, on the 5th of February,
1755, he was ordained. His pastorate, the longest
in the annals of the parish, covered forty-five years,
outlasting the century. During it the colonies sepa-
rated from the mother-country, and the North Pre-
What
with French and revolutionary wars and reigns of
cinct of Braintree became the town of Quincy.
terror, the downfall of the old and the upbuilding of
the new, the world in those days moved rapidly ; but
amid all the turmoil without,—stamp-acts, tea-riots,
Bunker Hill fights, Declarations of Independence,
and elections of Presidents,—the Rev. Mr. Wibird
seems to have pursued the even tenor of his way,
His colleague during the closing years of his minis-
try wrote of him that “he was a learned man, though
in his habits somewhat eccentric, and withal of great
dignity, and beloved and respected by his people.”
He was, as his name implies, a genuine New Eng-
lander, also; and traditions still linger among the
grandchildren of his parishioners touching the dry,
quaint humor with which he observed on men and
and things. He was never married, nor was anything
bearing his name ever put in type, though he was
once chosen to deliver the annual election sermon.
He was about seven years older than John Adams,
who saw a good deal of him during the years while
the former was picking up a practice at Braintree,
and in 1759 the active-minded young lawyer wrote
of the divine that his soul was lost in “ dronish
effeminacy,” though he had “ his mind stuffed with
remarks and stories of human virtues and vices, wis-
dom and folly, ete.” On yet another occasion he
remarked upon Parson Wibird’s popularity, ‘ He
plays with babies and young children that begin to
prattle, and talks with their mothers, asks them
familiar, pleasant questions about their affection to
their children; he has a familiar, careless way of con-
versing with people, men and women; he has wit and
humor.”
Before Mr. Wibird’s pastorate closed he was,
through bodily infirmity, disabled from preaching, so
that on Feb. 5, 1800, exactly four months before the
pastor’s death, the Rev. Peter Whitney was ordained
as his colleague. Like all his predecessors in that
pulpit, except Tompson and Flynt, Mr. Whitney was
a Harvard graduate, belonging to the class of 1791,
and at the time of his ordination he was thirty-two.
His pastorate lasted through forty-three years, and
during it the separation of church and state took
place in New England. Quincy town and precinet
were divided. Intellectually, Mr. Whitney was in no
way remarkable; a worthy, easy-going divine of lib-
eral tendencies, while Dr. Storrs, of the Middle Pre-
cinct, held his church and its people firmly to the
strict faith of the fathers, the old North Precinet—
the church of Wheelwright and Briant—was allowed
to drift, as it was fit and proper that it should, quietly
and easily in Channing’s wake. The change to Unita-
rianism was then almost unnoticed, and in 1827 Mr.
Whitney was able to record that “for the last thirty
years this society has been more united, perhaps, than
any other in our country. No ‘root of bitterness’ has
in any measure sprung up to trouble them; none of
that ill-will which sectarianism so often produces has
been found among them; nor have any of those
sources of division arisen which in so many of the
towns of New England have cut the happiest societies
asunder.”
These words were written at the very time when
the old epoch had come to a natural close, and the
The silence of the West
Quincy hills was now broken by the sharp ring of the
sledge’ on the drill, and loud blasts told of quarries
from which gangs of busy men were taking huge
new one was about to begin.
blocks of stone to be carried off on the newly-devised
railway, which, opened only the year before, was daily
examined by curious visitors from far and_ near.
Forces destined in a few years to wholly revolutionize
the town were thus already actively at work. Though
the mass had not yet been celebrated in Quincy, and,
indeed, no new religious society had been organized
there for more than a century, the. church and the
town were no longer one. The separation had taken
Most significant of all, the
old church edifice of 1732, in which three whole gen-
place seven years before.
erations of townspeople had worshiped together as
one civil and religious family,—this plain, wooden
meeting-house was even then being removed to give
place to that more pretentious temple of stone which
was in a few years to be known only as the church of
one, and not the most numerous, of the half-dozen
religious societies into which the people of the town
had divided.
QUINCY.
295
CHAPTER XXVIII
QUINCY—( Continued).
LIFE IN THE COLONIAL TOWN.
In speaking of the town of Braintree, then newly
incorporated, Capt. Edward Johnson, in his “ Wonder-
working Providence,’ remarked: ‘Some of Boston
retain their farms from being of their Town, yet do
they lye within their bounds, and how it comes to pass
I know not.” It will also be remembered that at the
time of the incorporation two thousand acres had been
“set apart at the Mount” for the use of Boston, “ in the
most convenient place unallotted.” For several years
thereafter Boston continued to make allotments in
Braintree, until in January, 1644, a tract of three
thousand acres was granted to John Winthrop, Jr.,
and others for the encouragement of some iron-works
then projected. Thus a quarter of the entire town-
ship, large as it was, had been either reserved to
Boston, or set aside as common lands, or given away
in large private allotments. It has already been
remarked that the actual settlers in Braintree seem
as a rule to have been poor persons who received
small grants of land. On these fell the burden of
the town’s charges.
Those charges, it is true, were in the earlier period
practically limited to the support of the clergyman ;
but a contribution of £60 a year for that purpose
was a heavy burden in itself, and naturally the exemp-
tion of the Boston allotments from their share of
the charge was from the beginning a source of conten-
tion. The arrangement was one which could not pos-
sibly last. Accordingly, an order was passed, as early
as 1641, that no house or land in the town should
be sold to any one not an inhabitant until it
had first been offered to ‘the men appointed to dis-
pose of town affairs,” and in case they did not see
fit to purchase, it could then be sold “ only to such as
the townsmen shall approve on.” Nor could any
one not received as an inhabitant build within the
town limits without permission. In the case of
Braintree this rigorous restriction of non-resident
ownership and new settlement had probably a four-
fold object. In the first place, it was an outgrowth
of the Antinomian excitement and its alien law.
All elements of civil and religious discord were to be
excluded. Above all things, the peace of the church
was not to be disturbed. Church and town were
one; and it was thus reserved for the members of the
church to say who might be inhabitants of the town.
So important was this exclusive power centred in
church-government and church-membership, that it is
- not too much to describe it as the corner-stone of the
earliest Massachusetts polity. Its formal recognition
on the first pages of the Braintree records was fit
and proper. It hedged the Lord’s people securely
in against intruders.
The legal inhabitancy of the town, moreover, car-
ried with it certain rights and privileges in the com-
Further
on these will be more particularly referred to. Then
came in the question of the support of the poor and
the helpless, under that system of English law and cus-
tom which the settlers had brought over with them
as their rule of conduct. Every one had a right to
insist on being kept by some one from starving and
mon lands, then supposed to be of value.
freezing. That right was established by legal resi-
dence. From the beginning, therefore, it has been
matter of deep concern with all Massachusetts towns
to prevent the poor and dependent from becoming
legal inhabitants within their limits. This is still the
The order of 1641 was intended to provide
against this danger.
case.
Finally, it was also intended to
meet in a certain degree the vexatious question pe-
The
people of the town wished to purchase among them-
culiar to Braintree of non-resident ownership.
selves all lands and tenements offered for sale, so that
neither land nor tenement should in future be held by
any one who did not actually live in Braintree and
share in its parish burdens.
The evil of non-residency could not be remedied
in this way. Accordingly, in 1647 another attempt
was made to correct it. Upon a commutation pay-
ment of £50 in five equal annual instalments, “ to be
made in merchantable corn, as wheat, rye, peas, and
Indian, at fifty shillings in each of them,” Boston
agreed that all land owned by its inhabitants in
Braintree should, when laid out and improved, be
accounted as Braintree lands, and as such be liable to
all common town charges.
failed to settle the question.
unimproved lands next became the bone of contention.
But this agreement, also,
The unsurveyed and
Inhabitants of Boston, going back to the loose grants
A
vexatious and endless litigation seemed imminent.
freely made in earlier times, claimed ownership.
On a greatly reduced scale, it was the question which
during that century and the next involved England
A wilder-
ness was in dispute, with a paper title set up against
Fortunately the parties to the con-
and France and Spain in war upon war.
actual occupancy.
flict were not in a position to go to war; but in
January, 1698, seventy freeholders of Braintree
formally and in writing covenanted one with another
“to defend our ancient rights, and oppose in a course
- of law those and all those that shall by any means
296
disturb, molest, or endeavor to dispose” any of their
number; and they promised to bear as a common
burden all charges which might arise out of the law-
suits expected to ensue.
This determined front naturally brought about a
compromise, and in the year 1700 a body of the Brain-
tree freeholders agreed to purchase all the waste land
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
earls, a viscount, three barons, and nineteen knights
within the town limits a title to which was claimed |
by inhabitants of Boston, paying therefor £700. In
order to effectually prevent a repetition of the non-
resident experience, it was at the same time, and at a
public meeting, further voted that no purchaser of
these lands should make any conveyance of them to
any outsiders, ‘“‘ thereby to let them have a foothold
or interest in said purchase or any other way.”
purchase-money was raised by voluntary subscription
through the efforts of an association consisting of one
hundred inhabitants of Braintree, and the Boston
claims finally extinguished. It was noticeable, also,
and characteristic of the time and of the people, that |
the committee of the town of Boston appointed to |
The |
execute the deed for these lands, and to receive the
purchase-money therefor, was further instructed to
lay out “ the said money in some real estate for the
use of the Public Latin School.”
Thus ended a controversy the importance of which
to Braintree cannot be exaggerated. It involved a
vital question,—that of a fixed rent charge to be for-
ever paid by the actual occupant of land to a technical
owner. English and Irish experience had sought to
repeat itself on new soil. From the time of King
on that point.
James’ grants to the Virginia companies in 1606 _
downwards, one grantee after another of large tracts of |
American wilderness had thought to secure forever
some annual return from them, just as English ad-
venturers and court favorites had secured similar re-
turns from the grants of William the Conqueror,
Henry VIIL., and Elizabeth.
plant the feudal system to America.
The idea was to trans-
increase, at least, in land value was to be appropriated.
The future |
A succession of organized efforts were made to bring |
this about. These efforts also were authorized by
the king, and the greatest names in England were
associated with them. For instance, on Sunday, the
29th of June, 1623, eleven men met together in a
room at Greenwich, near London. King James was
present with them. A small map of New Hngland
was laid upon a table. On that map the whole coast
from the St. Croix to Buzzard’s Bay had been divided
The
eleven men then drew two lots each, the lots repre-
off by lines into forty parts not unequal in size.
senting divisions on the map.
out New England.
They thus parceled
ical significance.
One duke, two marquises, six |
were parties to the arrangement. King James drew
the lot for Buckingham, who chanced not to be pres-
ent. The region in which Braintree and Quincy lies
fell to Lord Gorges. The Earl of Warwick drew
Cape Ann.
This and many other similar attempts were made
to introduce into New England the system which
Strongbow had introduced into Ireland four centuries
and a half before. That these attempts failed was, it
may safely be asserted, the making of the New Eng-
land people. The occupants of the soil became the
owners of it. Paying no rent, what they would under
another system have been forced to pay as rent re-
mained with them; and it represented that slow in-
crease of substance which built up the community.
The increased value which the laborer’s toil gave to the
land belonged to the toiler, and not to his landlord.
This is not the place to discuss in detail the cause
of the failure of these attempts. That failure was
probably due to natural economical influences ; for it
clearly was not due to any prejudice against the sys-
tem itself in the minds of the early settlers. The
allotments at ‘the Mount” afford conclusive evidence
Landlordism depends on a monopoly
of land; and it was the abundance of cheap lands,
combined with the want of accumulated capital,
which made such a monopoly impossible in America.
But while this is true of the country as a whole, it is
The net of the law was
thrown over the people there in 1637, when provision
not true of Braintree.
was first made for a church, and again in 1640, when
From that net the people
The agreement of Jan.
a town was incorporated.
had to extricate themselves.
10, 1698, was accordingly their declaration of inde-
pendence of landlordism. The contract of 26th Jan-
uary, 1700, was the recognition of that independence,
The long struggle between the paper claimants of
the soil on the one side and its actual occupants on
the other side runs through sixty years of the town
records. It was only an episode in the history of an
insignificant New Hngland village, and as such is be-
neath the notice of history. Yet it had great histor-
In a natural way, all unconsciously
to those composing it, a single member in a community
of towns was asserting itself in the line of common
development.
Meanwhile the freeholders had been called upon to
pass through another experience in the same matter
of title.
no little alarm; but it reads now like a burlesque on
At the time this seems to have occasioned
those national claims then so freely asserted and
bloodily argued. In August, 1665, certain inhabit-
QUINCY.
297
ants of Quincy, on behalf of the whole, took of the
Indian descendants of Chickatabut a deed of the
Braintree township, duly signed and sealed, with de-
livery “by turf and twig.
in excess of caution, as a muniment of title in the
Among the
”
controversy with Boston then going on.
eight grantees was one Richard Thayer. By virtue
of this Indian deed, Thayer, in 1682, laid claim for
himself to the whole township, and actually petitioned
hands. In his petition he claimed to have long en-
joyed quiet possession by virtue of his Indian deed,
but that more recently, ‘‘ under pretence of an imagin-
ary line,’ the Massachusetts colony had usurped
jurisdiction and dispossessed him. The General
Court had then, he asserted, disallowed the deed, and
refused to give him his appeal to the king. Accord-
ingly, having now been driven from his property “ to
his bitter Ruin,” he made his appeal in person.
The Privy Council in due course referred the paper
to the Committee of Trade and Plantations, and it
was by them sent to Joseph Dudley and John Rich-
ards, the agents of the colony in London, to report
thereon. Massachusetts at this time was not in favor
at court, and it was impossible to know what secret
influences might be at work behind a distant and
all-powerful tribunal like the Privy Council. The
freeholders of the town seem, accordingly, to have
been greatly stirred up when tidings reached them of
this new assault.
prepared and “subscribed by an hundred and thirty-
four hands out of this small town, consisting of
ninety or a hundred families at the most.”
monstrance which accompanied this address seems to
have been final, for, in January, 1683, Dudley and
Richards filed their answer, in obedience to the order
The re- |
to this day. . . . His father’s shoppe, who was a cobler, would
And of a
mushrome hee’s swolne in conceipt to a Coloss, or giant of State,
now hardly contain him with his arms a kembow.
_ and dreams of a Dukedome or petty province, since at first
It was probably done |
essay hee hath gotten a Maister-shippe. The vast tract of
| land he makes such a puther about is a mere Utopia, or, if
more, a derne solitary desert, and his share therein can hardly
reach the five hundredth part. . . . The body of the town are
of one soule as to satisfaction with the present Government
(that of Charles II.), and looke at themselves as basely tra-
duced by Thayer’s reports. Whose cards, had they been good,
| hee had the less need of cheating, fraud, and falsehood to helpe
the Privy Council to have the property put in his —
him out.” As to his complaint of the “utter ruin” brought on
himself and family, the remonstrants asserted vigorously that
he had brought it upon himself, ‘‘having expended that little
estate he had in contention and litigation,”
“one of the forlorn hope among men of desperate fortunes, .. .
and can find nothing for his living but by this way of lying
so making himself
| and romancing about his vast dominions and territories of
An address to the king was at once |
of the Council, and it seems to have ended the Thayer |
claim.
characteristic document. It was not only illustrative
of the people and times, but it is still entertaining
reading. It was drawn up apparently by Col. Ed-
mund Quincy, that “true New England man,’ who
died Jan. 8, 1698.
belongings are there described with much particularity.
Thayer's history, character, and
It is declared untrue that he
“went into New England” in 1641; but it is agreed that “ his
very poor father, with eight poor children, of which this Rich-
ard was one, came two-and-forty years ago, in exceeding mean
and low condition, and was suffered to sojourn, as a poor man
But the remonstrance of the town wasa highly |
lands, plantations, and towns to prosecute his fictitious claims,
while his wife and family live in sordid poverty at home.”
The town spoke in this way of Richard Thayer
not without reason. The authorities had become ac-
quainted with him and his ways during King Philip’s
war, when, in company with several others, he was
There was a sort of ad-
vanced station, or picket-post, in Bridgewater, of
impressed from Braintree.
which Thayer had charge, and he soon proved him-
self a timorous braggart. He evidently belonged to
a class peculiar neither to that time nor to New Eng-
land,—noisy, scheming men of great pretension and
small performance. As a soldier, he kept the country
in a state of continuous alarm, and was always scout-
ing to no purpose. Nor did he forget at the end of
the war to bring in what in those days was looked
upon as an exorbitant bill for extra services, which the
_ military committee of the town promptly disallowed.
Returning to the question of the town lands, the
matter of title being disposed of, it remains to speak
of the commons. In the original Braintree there
were three of these, comprising some fifteen hundred
acres in all, and known as the South and North Com-
mons and the ministerial lands. When it is said that
the settlers of Massachusetts were as a body common
people of the purest English blood, much naturally
The English are a tenacious race, not easily
They brought
follows.
adapting themselves to new conditions.
| to New England, therefore, together with their lan-
guage and families and household stuffs, a mass of
customs and usages which dated back to the Saxon
days of Kings Ceawlin and Ine, but were little ap-
and stranger, in a remote and obscure part of the town untill he |
adventured to purchase only four acres of land, which at that
time and in that place might be bought for a very small mat-
ter, yet more than the poor man was able or willing to pay.
The grantor, yet living with us, now saith he is not paid for it
plicable to the new surroundings. Of these usages
and customs many yet remain in the more remote
towns, strange relics of the almost forgotten communal
system of early German life. Antiquarians from time
to time come across them, and when they do so they
298
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
are apt to expatiate, as if it were matter of surprise | him “a piece of land to puta house upon on the com-
that the first settlers, in bringing with them their |
Saxon tongue, also brought their Saxon village ways. |
Yet such was the fact.
ways, but, after their natures, they were slow to see
They not only brought those |
that in many respects such ways did not fit into their |
new life. In the matter of town commons, for in-
stance, the original settlers came from a country in
which all the land was occupied to a country in which,
except in choice localities, land hardly repaid the
cost of fencing. The cultivator could certainly afford
to pay no rent.
mons, like those of most other towns, early proved a
source of quarrel and vexation.
taking stone, timber, and thatch off of those com-
mons, as well as pasturing cows upon them, was long
regarded as valuable. It was one of the advantages per-
taining to legal inhabitancy. As early as 1646 a vote
was passed, and now stands upon the record, author-
izing legal inhabitants to take timber off the commons
for any use in the town, but imposing a penalty of five
shillings a ton on any sold out of the town. For years
votes of a similar character were from time to time
recorded, especially in regard to stone for building
material. Then, not satisfied with the commons they
had within their own limits, with genuine Anglo-
Consequently the Braintree com-_
The privilege of |
Saxon land-hunger, a number of the Braintree free- |
holders petitioned the General Court in 1666 for a
grant of six thousand acres elsewhere. The reason
they assigned was that the town lands were worn out,
it was, in fact, an outbreak of the general and indis-
criminate land-appropriation fever which then and
ever since has prevailed in America.
century, when another generation had the curiosity
to look the title up, and, finding it still good, they |
got the grant located in Worcester County; and at
last, but not until 1757, the town of New Braintree
was organized from it.
Meanwhile, year by year the townsmen were called
upon to take actioneither to defend or to improve the
town lands. In 1662 a part of them were fenced in,
and litigation ensued. Then, in 1682, a committee
was instructed to lease a portion to Benjamin Tomp-
; | to the sale; the north parish was against it.
and could not afford them a comfortable support; but | %
v1: { * managed and re productive.
The petition | better managed and more productive
was granted, and the six thousand acres assigned. |
Nothing more was then done in the matter for half a jots, to sell them by auction, and execute deeds of them in be-
mon.” The lands were then leased to others, and the
But this
The lessees
complained bitterly of trespasses and encroachments,
finally throwing their lease up.
rent applied to the support of the school.
plan of improvement failed in its turn.
In their memorial
they particularly referred to one open way which had
been recently laid out through these lands; and they
add that, “although we repeatedly attempted to
fence against the same by a sufficient stone wall, yet
we were as often prevented by certain unknown eyvil-
minded persons, who, as fast as we built up the wall
by day, did in the night-time throw the same down
again.”
Under these circumstances both the lessees and the
town were discouraged. However it might be in Eng-
land, the remains of the communal land system, beyond
the limits of a training-field and graveyard, were not
productive of satisfactory results in Massachusetts. It
| was accordingly proposed that the commons should be
sold; and this question divided the town for years,
just as it has since divided the Parliament of Great
Britain and the Congress of the United States. The
problem which Burke and Benton debated on a large
scale was, on a smaller scale, and before they were
born, discussed in the Braintree town-meetings. John
Adams has told the rest of the story :
“Tn 1763 or 1764 the town voted to sell their common lands.
This had been a subject of contention for many years. The
south parish was zealous, and the middle parish much inclined
The lands in their
common situation appeared to me of very little utility to the
public or to individuals; under the care of proprietors where
they should become private property, they would probably be
My opinion was in favor
of the sale. The town now adopted the measure, appointed Mr.
Niles, Mr. Bass, and me to survey the lands, divide them into
half of the town.”
This was accordingly done, and an element of dis-
cord and jobbery was once for all removed from town
affairs. Perhaps the most singular circumstance con-
nected with the subsequent fate of the North Com-
mon was that a large portion of it, including that re-
gion immemorially known as Mount Ararat, in which
son, the schoolmaster, and son of the first minister, for |
a term of twelve years. Then, in 1699, it was again
voted that the town “ would stand by the persons
who have the town Lands leased to them, in defend-
ing them from Mr. Tompson, their late Schoolmaster,
they paying rent of said Land to the Town Treasurer
for the present school.” Tompson also had given to
the leading stone-quarries have since been developed,
was afterwards bought by John Adams himself. To-
wards the end of his life he deeded it back to the town
in endowment of an academy. It has always been
locally known as ‘the common,” and the rents re-
ceived from it for pasturage and rights of quarry
have again in this way been appropriated to school
purposes.
Like most primitive settlements which are not
themselves seminal,—like Boston, Salem, and Ply-
QUINCY. 299
|
mouth,—Braintree grew up naturally at certain more |
favored or fertile points on the line of a main |
thoroughfare which connected places beyond its |
limits. In this case the thoroughfare connected the >
Massachusetts and the Plymouth colonies, and the
line followed by it was dictated in advance by the lay |
of the land, the points of ferriage or fording, and the
course of the brooks. The construction of a great
coast road from Newbury, on the Merrimac, to Hing-
ham—the northern and southern limits of the Massa- |
chusetts Bay colony—had been ordered by special
vote of the General Court in November, 1639, two |
months after the Braintree church was gathered. |
Those deputed to lay out the new road were em- |
powered to do so wherever it might ‘ bee most con- |
venient, notwithstanding any man’s propriety, or any |
corne ground, so as it occation not the puling downe |
of any man’s house or laying open any garden or |
orchard.” Its width was not specified, except in the |
common lands or where the lands was wet and miry ; |
it was there to be six, eight, and even ten rods wide. |
At first designed to connect all the outlying coast
towns of the Massachusetts Bay with Boston, it
naturally was almost immediately continued along the
shore to Plymouth. South of Boston it doubtless —
followed almost exactly the old Indian trail, seeking |
the fords, avoiding morasses, clinging to the uplands,
This trail |
in due course of time was succeeded by the blazed
and skirting the rough, wooded heights.
way, axe-marks on the bark of trees supplying for |
the settler those more subtle indications which had |
pointed out his path to the savage.
Europeans, like Alderman, of Bear Cove, in 1634, |
made their journeys on foot, and groped their way
from tree to tree. The blazed trail was shortly suc-
ceeded by the bridle-path, which was little more |
than the blazed trail made passable to horsemen, so —
The earliest
that only at certain points was the rider forced to
dismount and lead his steed over difficult ground.
Natu- |
rally, these incipient roads were far from straight, and |
in following them many fences and gates had to be |
passed. They were, in fact, little more than a suc-
The highway was beginning to take shape.
cession of farm lanes running through cleared and |
fenced lands, and open only through the commons. |
Gradually these farm lanes were fenced in and the
bars and gates removed, until at last the lanes were |
more or less straightened out, and made public ways.
Such being the general process, the date of the |
laying out of any particular street, or the fact that
originally it passed the gate or house of Goodman
This or Deacon That, is of interest only as affecting
titles or to those dwelling upon it.
Tn history it is
_ than two centuries later.
mere cumbersome detail. That only is of interest now
which bears on the progress of early development ;
and the genesis of the Massachusettss town roads can
best be studied in the history of one of them. The
main thoroughfare through Braintree, connecting it
with Boston, is fairly typical.
In a direct line the centre of the North Precinct
was but little more than seven miles from Boston
stone; and the devious character of the colonial
ways is well illustrated by the fact that the great coast
It
followed in some degree the line of the bay shore in
order to avoid the difficult Blue Hill formation, and
yet it was forced to make a long detour to go around
road of 1639 increased this seven miles to ten.
the creeks and marshes which everywhere indent the
coast. But the Neponset River was the great obstacle
to be overcome; and for more than twenty years that
puny stream seems to have defied every colonial
effort at reliable crossing. Indeed, the futile attempts
to effect one afford perhaps as clear an insight as can
be obtained into the process through which the road
development of New England was gradually worked
out.
The matter of a reliable public-way crossing of the
Neponset first received the attention of the General
Court in 1684, the year in which Boston had “ en-
largement at Mount Woolliston.” Mr. Israel Stough-
ton was then granted liberty to build a mill, weir,
and bridge at the river’s lower falls. Five months
later, at the next session of the court, an exclusive
mill privilege on the Neponset was granted to
Stoughton, who, on the other hand, agreed to “ make
and keep in repair a sufficient horse-bridge over the
The building of this bridge was an
important event in the history of the colony,—as im-
portant as was the building of the St. Louis bridge
across the Missouri in the history of the nation more
Indeed, the earlier effort at
said river.”
construction taxed much the more severely of the
two the resources of the community which attempted
it.
whose name in connection with the quaint and ven-
Father of a son more famous than himself, and
erable hall which perpetuates his memory is a
household word among the graduates of Harvard
College, Israel Stoughton was a man of enterprise
and substance. In the summer of 1634 he built on
the Neponset the mill at which was ground the first
bushel of corn ever ground by water-power in New
England. This prototype of all the busy water-
| wheels in New England stood at the foot of Milton
| Hill, on the Dorchester side of the stream, in the
| midst of a wilderness; for it was four miles from
any settlement on the north, while to the southward
300
Wassagusset was the nearest inhabited place. There
was no road to it, and in 1634 the bridge at Stough-
ton’s mill was probably little more than a succession
‘of logs thrown from rock to rock across the stream,
In the
autumn of that year the blazed trail seems to have
been converted into a bridle-path ; for the town of
Dorchester then ordered a road made to the mill, and
affording passage to people on foot alone.
voted the sum of five pounds with which to make it.
This amounted to a little over one pound a mile for a
road through a wilderness, and it was intended to
make a trail passable for horses, so that those having
corn to be ground could get access to the mill by |
land as well as water. Such was the beginning of the
Plymouth road through Dorchester.
Mount Wollaston was now annexed to Boston, and
a number of allotments made there.
The need of a |
land route between the two places began to make |
itself felt.
wealthy
Accordingly, in 1635, John Holland, a
and enterprising Dorchester man, was
authorized to keep a ferry between what is now
river, as no one could be induced to undertake the
charge of one unless he was furnished with a house,
land, and boat at the public cost. This method of over-
coming the difficulty was not in accordance with the
usages of the time; and so the Court, in apparent
despair, referred the matter to Mr. John Glover, who
lived on the south side of the river, in what was then
a part of Dorchester. From the position of his farm
Glover stood much in need of the ferry, and accord-
ingly he kept up an agitation of the matter; so now
the Court empowered him to grant the ferry to any one
who could be induced to take it for a term of seven
years, ‘or else to take it himself, and his heires, as his
owne inheritence forever.”
Four years more passed away, and the problem of
crossing the Neponset was still unsolved. Mr. Glover
did nothing. Yet the difficulty was one sure in
time to force its own solution, for the river had to be
crossed by every one journeying over the great coast
Under the order of 1639 any town guilty
road.
of a default in the construction of so much of this
Commercial Point and a creek on the opposite shore, |
charging four pence for the carriage of each passen- |
ger, or three pence each in case there was more than
one passenger.
to make the business of carrying them a paying one,
The
and this ferry was soon discontinued. next
road as lay within its limits rendered itself liable to
a fine of five pounds. In view of its long neglect to
_ build a bridge, measures were taken to enforce this
There were not passengers enough
attempt was made at a point higher up the stream, |
and by Bray Wilkins, who then dwelt on the Nepon-
set, but subsequently moved to Salem, where he lived
into the next century, dying at the age of ninety-two.
Ten years before his death, Bray Wilkins, being then
eighty-two, rode down to Boston, with his wife on |
the pillion behind him, to pass election week. He
then visited Dorchester, and had an experience which
led to his afterwards playing a wretched part in the |
hideous witchcraft mania. This was years later; and
now, in 1638, at the age of twenty-eight, he was
ambitious of being a ferryman.
Accordingly, he |
got permission to set up a house of entertainment and |
to ply across the Neponset, between the landing at
the head of what is now Granite Bridge, on the
Dorchester side, and the tongue of upland which,
under the name of “the ridge,’ makes out across
the marshes to the river’s bank on the opposite shore.
This, from the rate of fare established for it, was
known as the “penny ferry.” It was intended for
the conveyance of foot passengers, and, indeed,
owing to the flats in the river’s bed, could have been
Like its
predecessor further down the stream, it soon proved a
failure, and was discontinued.
used only when the tide was partially up.
penalty against Dorchester. ‘The town then petitioned
the court fora remission of the fine. This was allowed
in May, 1652, but only on condition that the bridge
should be constructed according to law, within three
months, “and, if not, the said fine to take place ac-
cording to the court order, the making of such bridges
over such rivers being no more than is usual in the
like case.”
Dorchester was stimulated by this pressure to
some action, but it seems to have been very loth to
go into bridge-building. Accordingly, the town be-
thought itself’ of the clause in the exclusive grant to
Israel Stoughton, in 1634, one condition of which was
that the grantee should ‘ make and keep in repair a
sufficient horse-bridge” over the river. Israel Stough-
ton himself was now dead, but his widow owned and
worked the mill; so proceedings were begun against
her. She then, in her turn, had recourse to the General
Court, and petitioned to be discharged from her lia-
After this time there was no ferry at all across the |
bility.
which her request was granted in part; and, in view
Some investigation was had, as a result of
c ’
of the fact that near the mill there was a good fording-
place with a gravel bottom, she was excused from
building a horse-bridge on condition that she main-
tained a good foot-bridge, with a sufficient hand-rail.
Satisfied with this concession, the widow Stoughton
seems to have adopted a policy of masterly inac-
tivity, and the next spring the attention of the Court
was called to the fact that, so far from a new foot-
QUINCY.
301
bridge having been built, the old bridge during the |
winter had been wholly ruined. Then at last the |
matter was taken in hand energetically.
also. Massachusetts now numbered a population of
over twenty thousand, dwelling in more than a score of
towns, while Plymouth had five thousand people in five
towns; and a little river only seven miles from Boston,
on the main road between the two colonies, was still
unbridged, and in times of freshet must for days to-
gether have been impassable. The construction of a
cart-bridge ‘‘neere Mrs. Stoughton’s mill” was now,
therefore, pronounced both a necessity and a county
matter, and ordered to be undertaken at once.
committee of six, among whom was Deacon Samuel
Bass, of Braintree, was accordingly appointed, with
full powers to locate a bridge and to contract for its |
building, the cost of it to be duly apportioned among
the several towns. The committee seem to have done
It was time, |
A |
their work so effectually that nothing more was heard |
of a bridge across the Neponset. Indeed, for a whole
century and a half the travel between Boston and
lat.
the south shore followed the old Plymouth road |
across Roxbury Neck through Dorchester, and over
Milton Hill by the bridge at Stoughton’s mill.
The first attempt to fix the line of road through
Braintree was in 1641; but not until 1648 was the
final location made. Running close at the base of
the hills, crossing brooks at the points where up-
lands were nearest each other, the coast thoroughfare
divided when it came to the church. Meeting again
beyond, it took the shortest line to the foot of the |
hills, always avoiding the swamps. Then crossing
a spur of the granite hills bya sharp ascent and de-
cline, it approached the Monatiquot, which, like the |
Neponset, proved an obstacle not easily overcome.
As early as 1635 a ferry had been established across
the Monatiquot between Mount Wollaston and Was-
sagusset, the toll being one penny for each person and
three pence for each horse. The ferryman was one
Thomas Applegate, of whom not much is known, ex- |
cept that he was married to a wife, Elizabeth, who
would seem to have been an unamiable woman, inas-
much as in 1636, “ for swearing, railing, and _ revil-
ing,’ she was sentenced by the magistrates to stand —
with her tongue in a cleft-stick. Applegate did not
long have charge of the ferry, for, in March, 1636,
six months only after he was licensed, Henry King-
man, of Weymouth, was put in his place. A year
later Kingham was authorized to keep a tavern
in connection with his ferry, the toll on which was in
March, 1638, raised to two pence a person. Mean-
while Applegate would seem to have remained in | and a half before.
Kingman’s employ, for this year in crossing the ferry | coming railroad era.
he upset a canoe of which he had charge, and into
which he had crowded nine persons, three of whom
were drowned. For this misadventure he was sum-
moned before the General Court, and Richard Wright,
a prominent personage at “‘ the Mount,” was commis-
sioned ‘“‘ to stave that canoe, out of which those per-
sons were drowned.” The matter ended with the
appearance of Applegate and five others before the
March General Court of 1639, which discharged
them with an admonition not in “future to ven-
But in consequence of
this mishap the use of canoes at ferries was inter-
dicted.
At its September session the General Court of
1639 changed the location of the Kingman ferry,
ture too many in any boat.”
and at the same time reduced the toll to a penny.
Two months later the act providing for the construc-
tion of the coast road was passed, and, as the road was
laid out in 1641, the ferry undoubtedly was a link in
Subsequently John Winthrop, Jr., established his
iron-works in that neighborhood, and a stone bridge
was in 1644 built across the little river, twenty years
before one was built at the Milton Falls.
The section of the coast road within the limits of
Braintree was about five miles in length, the church
It was the backbone
upon which the growing settlement formed itself. At
being not far from midway.
first it had but three lateral branches,—two to points
upon the shore, Squantum and Hough’s Neck, and
one to what subsequently became the Second Precinct
of the town. Wright’s mill, upon the town brook,
stood a short distance from it, and with this the way
from Hough’s Neck connected, crossing the coast road.
From this simple beginning the system of modern
town-ways gradually developed, the lane and farm-
way regularly, at the proper time, becoming the vil-
age road and town street, fierce contests sometimes
arising over questions of prescriptive right. But from
1641 to 1803 the old coast road remained the single
thoroughfare from Braintree, and Quincy, to Boston.
Then, at last, the needs of an increasing community
began to make themselves felt, and a bridge across
the Neponset nearer its mouth was projected. Char-
tered in 1802 and located in 1803, the turnpike road
of which this bridge was a part followed nearly a
straight line from the point where it crossed the
Neponset to the centre of the town. The way
in which it was laid out and built—disregarding
the lay of the land, crossing the marshes, cutting
through hills, and filling the bog-holes—was in
strong contrast with the method pursued a century
It even dimly foreshadowed the
Gates and bars and crooked
302
farm-ways disappeared before the “ pike,’ and the
colonial lines of travel underwent a change which
only prepared the way for the greater change brought
about by the railroad only two-score years later.
During Braintree’s first century it is very ques-
tionable whether the roads were kept in any state of |
systematic repair at all. That they were very bad,
and at the season of the year when the frost comes
out of the ground well-nigh impassable, may safely be
inferred. There was no tax imposed for constructing
or keeping them in order, and such work as was done
upon them was done in kind. At certain seasons of
the year every one was called upon to labor on the |
roads, bringing with him his horse and his oxen, if he |
had them, his cart and his tools. The principles of
road construction were wholly unknown, and the labor
The
change to another system took place about the year
and time expended were largely thrown away.
1760, and John Adams was instrumental in bringing |
it about. He afterwards recounted his experience in
the matter. In March, 1761, being then a young
lawyer in Braintree, he found himself suddenly chosen
surveyor of highways.
and remarked that ‘‘ they might as well have chosen
any boy in school;” but after thinking the matter
over, he concluded that it was best for him to accept
the situation quietly, and at least give the town an
energetic administration of the office.
“ Accordingly, I went to ploughing and ditching and blowing
rocks upon Penn’s Hill, and building an entire new bridge of
stone below Dr. Miller’s and above Mr. Wibird’s. The best
workmen in town were employed in laying the foundation and
placing the bridge, but the next spring brought down a flood |
_ termediate towns.
that threw my bridge all into ruins. The materials remained,
and were afterwards relaid in a more durable manner; and the
I had executed my office with impartiality, diligence, and
spirit.”
Yet this not unusual outcome of amateur, though
official, zeal seems to have set the Braintree road sur-
veyor reflecting, for he goes on to say,—
“There had been a controversy in town for many years con-
cerning the mode of repairing the roads. A party had long
struggled to obtain a vote that the highways should be repaired
The
roads were very bad and much neglected, and I thought a tax
by a tax, but never had been able to carry their point.
a more equitable method and more likely to be effectual, and,
therefore, joined this party in a public speech, carried a vote by
a large majority, and was appointed to prepare a by-law, to be
enacted at the next meeting.
bury and, after them, Weymouth had adopted this course. I |
procured a copy of their law, and prepared a plan for Braintree,
as nearly as possible conformable to their model, reported it to
the town, and it was adopted by a great majority. Under this
law the roads have been repaired to this day, and the effects of
,
it are visible to every eye.’
The closing words of this extract are perhaps the
He was at first very indignant, |
Upon inquiry I found that Rox- |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
most suggestive portion of it. Some idea may be
formed of what the condition of the roads must have
been before 1760, when their condition prior to the
year 1820 is confidently spoken of as a vast and indis-
putable improvement.
But during the whole colonial period down even to
_the year 1850, the use the roads were put to in a
country town was comparatively light. There was
then no internal commerce worthy of the name.
There were no lines of regular stages running through
Quincy prior to the year 1800, and the pleasure
travel over the roads amounted to nothing at all.
In the
winter-time, when the ground was hard with frost or
Journeys were made chiefly on horseback.
covered with snow, the clumsy carts and sleds, drawn
mainly by oxen, were kept busy bringing loads of cord-
wood down from the wood-lots, or carrying corn,
potatoes, and other farm produce to market in Bos-
ton. Manure was hauled only from the barn-yard to
the neighboring field; lumber and material were
carted only when some dwelling or out-building had
to be raised. ‘The quarry teaming did not begin until
after 1825, and the stage-coach period was wholly of
The first of these coaches
which ran from Boston was that to Providence in
1767, making part of the inside line to New York;
and the Massachusetts
the present century.
south-shore towns—Wey-
| mouth, Hingham, Scituate, and Plymouth—had a
packet or, later, a steamboat service until after the
railroad was opened. As late as 1823 the stage-
coach travel through Quincy was limited to some
three trips a week to and from Plymouth and the in-
Locally, when the Neponset turn-
| pike was opened, Col. James Thayer began to run a
blame fell upon the workmen, not upon me, for all agreed that
baggage-wagon, in which he also carried passengers,
Simon Gillett purchased the
route in 1823, and shortly after put upon it a regular
Hancock” by
This was an epochal event, and the “ John
Hancock” made four trips a week, carrying passengers
from (Quincy to Boston.
stage passenger-coach, the ‘ John
name.
inside and out. It left Quincy betimes in the morn-
ing so as to reach Barnard’s, in Elm Street, at nine
o'clock, from which place it started at four P.M. on its
return trip. It was years later that daily trips were
made; and, indeed, it was not until 1840 that the
stage-coach movement began to tax the capacity of the
highways.
During the first hundred and seventy years of the
settlement, therefore, the country roads in Braintree,
however poorly made or kept in repair, were quite
equal to the light work exacted of them. Of what
that work was we get glimpses here and there in
such records as that of Tutor Flynt’s journey to
a
QUINCY.
303
Portsmouth in 1755, and John Adams’ drive with
his wife to Salem in 1766 to visit their ‘“ dear
brother Cranch.” ‘There being then no stages at
all in the colony, ‘a single horse and chair without
a top was the usual mode of conveyance.
chair, called a calash, was very seldom used.” In
the case of Tutor Flynt, he and his companion, leaving
Cambridge after breakfast, ‘‘oated” and had “a nip
of milk punch” at Lynn, and then towards sunset
“reached the dwelling of the Rev. Mr. Jewett, of |
Rawley, and Mr. Flynt acquainted him he meant
to tarry there that night.” They reached Ports-
mouth the following evening. John Adams, some
A covered |
they came there.
describes how, “ because of the Porrige of snow, the
Bearers rid to the Grave, alighting a little before
Mourners, Cous. Edward and his
Sister rid first; then Mrs. Anna Quincy, widow, be-
hind Mr. Allen; and cousin Ruth Hunt behind her
Husband.” <A few years later, in 1712, Judge Sew-
all also describes a journey he made from Plymouth,
where he had been holding court, to Boston. It was
early in March :
“Rained hard quickly after setting out; went by Mattakeese
Meeting-house, and forded over the North River. My Horse
stumbled in the considerable body of water, but I made a shift,
| by God’s Help, to set him, and he recovered and carried me
ten years later, leaving Braintree in the morning, |
dined in Boston and passed the night at Medford,
getting to Salem at noon the following day. The |
streets of Salem he found “broad and straight and
pretty clean.”
elegant and grand he had seen in “ any of the in-
terior towns.” A few years later, while riding the
circuit, he deseribed how he
“Overtook Judge Cushing in his old ecurricle and two lean
horses, and Dick, his negro, at his right hand, driving the
curricle. This is the way of traveling in 1771,—a judge of the
circuits, a judge of the superior court, a judge of the King’s
with a pair of wretched old jades of horses in a wretched old
dung-cart of a curricle, and a negro on the same seat with
him driving.”
The houses he thought the most |
out. Rained very hard, that went into a Barn awhile. Baited
Dryed my coat and hat at
By that time got to Braintry, the day and I were
in amanner spent, and I turned in to Cousin Quinsey.
Lodged in the chamber next the Brooke.”
at Bairsto’s.
both places.
Dined at Cushing’s.
When Judge Sewall thus turned in at its gate on
that rainy March day, the Quincy house had already
been standing for twenty-seven years. It still remains,
a noticeable specimen of the best domestic architec-
ture of colonial times. Its comparatively broad hall
in the centre of the house, the easy, winding staircase
with carved balustrade, the low studded, but fairly
large, rooms opening to the south and west, the
“bench, common pleas, and exchequer for the Province, travels |
An eye-witness gives a not dissimilar description |
of Dr. Chauncey, pastor of the First Church in Bos-
son, as he drove about the town making his parochial
ln
heavy, yellow-bodied chaise, with long shafts, a black
boy perched on the horse’s tail, the old divine was
seated, in his dignified clerical costume, with three-
visits at a period about fifteen years later.
cornered hat, gold cane, and laced wrists, bowing |
gracefully to citizens as he passed.
young driver in the meanwhile exchanged his com-
pliments with young acquaintances of his own color
by touching them up with his long whip from his
safe perch.”
This was after the Revolution, but the simple ways
of the fathers were still in vogue. It has already
been mentioned that when Bray Wilkins, in 1692, at
the age of eighty-two, came from Salem to Boston to
pass election week, his wife, scarcely younger than
himself, rode on the pillion behind him.
method of conveyance was not peculiar to those of
Bray Wilkins’ condition in life.
in November, 1700, the widow of Col. Edmund
Quincy died. Judge Sewall went out to Braintree
to her funeral from the old Quincy house, and he
His grinning |
But this |
broken line of the floors and ceilings which tell the
story of increased size, the little ship-like lockers and
other like attempts to economize space while space is
everywhere wasted,—all these things bespeak the
dwelling-place of gentry. Time has only hardened
into something very like iron the solid timbers of
hewn oak still bearing upon them the marks of the
axe; and one room yet has on its walls the quaint
Chinese paper which tradition says was hung there
in 1775 in honor of Deborah Quincy’s approaching
marriage to Hancock.
Nor in the last century was the Edmund Quincy
house the only specimen of this order of dwelling in
Braintree North Precinct. Col. John Quiney occu-
pied another such house at Mount Wollaston, which
he had built in 1716, and which stood there, though
reduced to baser uses, until the year 1852. Here
during his long public life he often entertained parties
of ladies and gentlemen who came across the bay
to visit him from Boston, and there are traditions
of strawberry parties held on the Half-Moon before
yet the upland top of that now submerged gravel
ridge had been wholly washed away. The Vassall
| house, sequestered as Tory property after the Revolu-
A few years later, |
tion and bought by John Adams in 1785, was another
Built about 1715, as
the summer resort of a West India planter, it still
of these gentry residences.
contains one room paneled from floor to ceiling in
304
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
solid St. Domingo mahogany. Originally it was a |
small dwelling, constructed on a plan not unusual in |
the tropics, with kitchen and all domestic arrange-
ments behind the house and in a separate building. |
Tn itself it contained only parlors and sleeping-rooms ; |
but gradually it was added to, until the original
house is now lost in the wide front and deep gabled
wings of the later structure. In this house John
Adams died; and in the same room in it were cele-
brated his own golden wedding, and the golden wed-
dings of his son and his grandson.
‘These houses and houses like these were the homes
in Braintree of the landed gentry, during the long
time in which there was in the community little
property other than land. They were the manor
houses of the period.
the barn, the corn and wood and cart-sheds, the
eider-mill, and all the other buildings belonging to
the farm, which lay behind and around them. Nor
were those farms merely the costly luxury of gentle-
man-farmers. On the contrary, the owner of the
house drew from the farm around it his chief sup-
port. He lived upon its produce, for the more pro-
lific soil of the West had not then beggared New
England agriculture. From wood-lot to orchard the
fruits of each acre were carefully gathered, and what
was not sold was used in rude abundance at home.
Yet the primitive simplicity of the life in those early
homes can now hardly be realized. They had none
of the modern appliances of luxury, and scarcely
those now accounted essential to proper cleanliness or |
even decency. As dwelling-places during the less
inclement seasons of the year, these houses were well
enough, though the life was simple and monotonous |
to the last degree; but in winter there was little |
: |
John Adams during the
comfort to be had in them.
last years of his life used to wish that he could go to
house, once the home of Parsons Fiske and Marsh. It
was the simplest form of domestic architecture. A
huge stack of brick chimney was the central idea
It was one
The
front door opened on a narrow space, with rooms on
either side, while directly opposite the door, and some
four or five feet away, were the crooked stairs, sup-
ported on the chimney. Behind this outer shell was
a lean-to, the sloping roof of which, beginning at
in it, and about this the house was built.
room only in depth, and two stories in height.
_the rear eaves of the house, descended to within a
few feet of the ground.
Close to them stood the stable,
sleep in the autumn like a dormouse, and not wake |
until spring. The cold of the sitting-rooms was tem-
pered by huge wood fires, which roasted one-half the
person while the other half was exposed to cold drafts.
The women sat at table in shawls, and the men in
overcoats. Water left in the unventilated bedrooms
froze solid, and entries, which could not be heated,
had the temperature of ice-houses.
Such were what might be called the mansions of
the colonial gentry, and such in Braintree they con-
tinued to be until long after 1830.
troduction of coal and new appliances for heating |
The gradual in-
then revolutionized modes of life. The dwellings of
the farmers were of another class, excellent specimens
of which still remain in Quincy in the old Adams |
houses at Penns-hill, and in the so called Hardwick |
|
In this were the kitchen
and wash-room, and here, on all ordinary ogcasions,
the family took their meals and the household work
was done. Of the front rooms, one was the ordinary
sitting-room and the other the best parlor, which,
formal, unventilated, and uncomfortable, was entered
only upon the Sabbath or great occasions, such as a
funeral or a wedding ora birth. About these houses,
which stood as a rule facing towards the south and
as near as might be to the road, though rarely square
with it, were the out-houses, sheds and barns neces-
sary for carrying on farm or household work.
The wearing apparel and household furniture, as
revealed through the Braintree inventories, speak
also of a modest and almost Spartan simplicity.
There seem to have been a few beds,—possibly one
of feathers, but generally of wool or of corn-husks,—
some bolsters, blankets, and coverlids; but, except in
the cases of the more wealthy, there is no mention of
Col. Edmund Quincy’s two carpets were
There was a table, and pos-
bed linen.
appraised at one pound.
| sibly two; a few chairs, perhaps half a dozen, and, in
the case of the rich, a scattering of cushions and
covers to chairs, but stools were chiefly in use.
Knives and forks are not mentioned until a compar-
atively recent time, but pewter and earthenware is
generally valued at from a few shillings to as many
pounds. ‘The kitchen
sisted of a brass and iron pot or two and some pans.
In the house there would be a Bible, and possibly a
few other books; an old musket and sword ; a looking-
glass now and then. The dress was of home-spun,
and worn and reworn until there was nothing left of
it. A hat would descend from father to son, and for
fifty years make its regular appearance at meeting.
utensils seem to have con-
The wearing apparel of a whole family would thus
be stored away for generations, fashions never chang-
ing; and accordingly it is a noticeable fact that wear-
ing apparel constitutes the first, and generally one of
the largest items of the inventories.
The food and drink in use in Braintree during the
first century or two of town life were as simple as the
re
QUINCY. ,
305
furniture. Indian corn-meal was the great standby; |
and even as late as the earlier years of the present |
century flour was bought by the pound, and used only |
in the houses of the gentry. As bread made wholly |
of meal soon became dry, rye was mixed with it; and |
from long use rye was not uncommonly preferred to —
wheat. Fresh meat was rarely seen, but the well-
to-do in the autumn of each year were in the cus- |
tom of salting down a hog or a quarter of beef,
bits of which were boiled in the Indian porridge.
Marshall notes in his diary that, in January, 1704,
a hog weighing two hundred and sixty pounds
cost him fifty shillings, and a quarter of beef, sev-_
enty-four pounds, cost him twelve shillings; and
he at the same time mentions that provisions were —
then “more plenty and cheap than is frequently |
known, beef for six farthings per pound, pork at two |
pence the most, the best two and a half pence, Indian
[meal] two shillings per bushel, mault barly at two |
shillings.” Naturally the constant use of salted meat |
created thirst; and this thirst, the necessary conse-_
quence of what it is the custom to call a simple mode |
of life, led to that intemperance which was the bane
of New England. The use of tea and coffee as bev- |
erages was not general until about the middle of the |
last century, and prior to that time the people drank
water, milk, beer, cider, and rum.
use of the last, and its demoralizing consequences, |
The excessive
it will be necessary to speak of presently, and at |
length. .Meanwhile it will be noticed that Marshall |
in his short price-list mentions “mault barly” as the
staple next in importance to corn-meal. A brewery |
was one of the earliest Braintree institutions, second
only to the mill. The first was established by Henry
Adams, the town clerk, shortly after 1640, and was
afterwards carried on by his son. Later, cider seems
to have supplanted beer as the every-day and all- |
day beverage, and the quantity of it drunk by all |
classes down to a late period in this century was al-
most incredible.
do houses a cask of cider was always on tap, and
In the cellars of the more well-to-
pitchers of it were brought up at every meal, and in
To the end of his life a |
large tankard of hard cider was John Adams’ morn-
ing draught before breakfast; and in sending direc-
tions from Philadelphia to her agent at Quincy, in
1799, Mrs. Adams takes care to mention that “ the
President hopes you will not omit to have eight or
the morning and evening.
_nine barrels of good Jate-made cider put up in the |
| from 500 to 2200, or a little more than fourfold; while
cellar for his own particular use.” |
There were no shops, in the modern sense of the |
word, in Braintree or in Quincy prior to 1830. At |
the village store the more usual and necessary dry and
20
West India goods, as the signs read, from a paper of
pins to a glass of New England rum, could be ob-
tained. For everything else people had to go to Bos-
ton, which they did on foot, on horseback, in chairs
or carts, and by water. Marshall in his diary speaks
of going to Boston as no unusual occurrence. In
October, 1705, his father died; in September, 1708,
he lost an infant son; and in October, 1710, his
mother. In each case he speaks of going to Boston
the next day “to get things for the funeral.” He
was himself a mason and plasterer, but like most men
of his time he seems to have turned his hand to any-
thing by which he could earn a few shillings, for he
was a farmer, a carpenter, a tithingman, a constable,
and a coroner. The boot-maker, the cobbler, the
mason, and the carpenter were all recognized mechan-
The usual
wages of skilled labor were from sixty-five cents to a
dollar a day. The busiest man in the town was the
ics, and earned a living by their trades.
blacksmith, for not only were all the horses and oxen
shod at his forge, but he was the general wheelwright,
and maker and repairer of farm tools. Everything
made of iron soon or late passed through his hands,
and his shop, standing on the main street, was a cen-
For the rest,
the peddler and the fishman were the chief purveyors
both of news and of merchandise, and their horns
were regularly heard on Braintree roads during the
tral point in the movement of the town.
first two centuries of town life.
It has already been stated that at the time the orig-
inal church was gathered the town numbered about
eighty families, representing a population of not far
from 500 souls, living mainly within the limits of
what afterwards became the North Precinct. When
Braintree was incorporated, in 1640, the English
emigration had already ceased, and for many years
hereafter the coming of new families into the town
was systematically discouraged. In 1682 the popula-
tion was limited to “about ninety or a hundred families
at the most.” In 1707 there were seventy-two families
in the North Precinct, and seventy-one in the rest of
the town, or about 800 souls in all. During the next
seventy years this population increased threefold, so
that in 1776 the three precincts returned 2871 inhabi-
tants. This was a stationary period, so that Quincy in
1800 had increased its proportion of this number only
to 1081; which figures were again barely doubled in
1830, when they amounted to 2201. Thus in one hun-
dred and ninety years the population increased only
during the next half-century alone it was destined to
multiply fivefold. As respects wealth, it appears to
have been much the same; though the contrast be-
306
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
tween the two periods was perhaps even more striking
in wealth than in population.
There are few data upon which to base an estimate
of the accumulated wealth of Braintree prior to the
division of the town, in 1792. According to the census
of 1876 the population of Quincy the year previous |
was 9135, and its valuation was in excess of seven |
millions of dollars, showing an accumulation of $600 |
to each inhabitant, irrespective of sex or age. It does
not need to be said that these figures are very far from
representing the real facts of the case. The appraisal
was simply for purposes of taxation ; a sworn probate
appraisal would have shown very different results. In |
1830, with a population of 2200, the valuation was |
$813,000, or about $370 per head. The figures of
the earlier periods are of no value as a guide. Turn-
ing now to the basis of the annual town levy, it is
possible to make a comparison of periods. In 1876
the total amount raised by taxation in Quincy was
$116,000; in 1830 it was $4556.24. The increase |
was twenty-fivefold in a period of forty-six years.
In 1657 the amount paid to the two ministers
was £110, and besides this there were other sums, of
which no record remains, disbursed on account of the
At the beginning of |
poor, the sick, and the insane.
the next century the salary of Mr. Fiske was £90 a
year. After the two precincts were divided the salary
of Mr. Marsh, of the First Precinct, was £70; but Mr.
Hancock’s was £110. Then came the period of extreme |
currency disturbance, and Mr. Briant was to receive |
£62, which in the case of Mr. Wibird was, in 1755, |
raised to £100. This was before the division of the
town ; but, approximately, it may be said that the
total North Precinct levy was in 1656 not far from |
£100, and a century later it had not increased to over
£150.
In 1798 the question of a suitable salary for a col-
league to Mr. Wibird was much discussed. A com- |
mittee gave it ‘‘as their most mature judgment”
that it would be best for the town to pay its minis- |
ter annually such a sum “as will enable him to main- |
tain himself and family comfortably and with such
decency as will do honor to the society that supports |
them.” And the opinion is then expressed that the
sum of $500 will afford a minister and his family “a |
decent support.’ Accordingly, in 1799, Mr. Whitney
was settled in the town on a salary of $550. In the
following year the entire amount raised for town and
parish purposes was $3000. In 1810 it was $3200,
and in 1820 it had increased to $4000.
reveal most strikingly the stability and evenness of the
These figures |
scale of expense through the long period covered by |
them. Between 1640 and 1820 the minister’s salary |
increased from $300 to $750, and the total town and
parish levy from $350 to $4000. The increase through
| the first period of one hundred and eighty years was
less than twelvefold; while in the second period of
forty-six years, it has been seen, it was over twenty-
fivefold.
That, except during periods of war, the Braintree
community increased its belongings steadily does not
need to be said. Any community, every available
'member of which is brought up to do something,
| while its more active members work all day long
every day in the week except Sunday, wasting nothing,
utilizing everything, schooled from infancy in the
severest economy and eternally striving to better its
condition,—any community such as this, dwelling in
a region not actually ice-bound or a desert, must
accumulate from generation to generation. So the
Braintree people accumulated. As each generation
passed away it left more acres under cultivation, more
houses, barns, and farm-buildings, more furniture and
household comforts, more cattle, tools, and appliances.
Yet this was all. Prior to 1830 there was no personal
property in the modern sense of the word. Whatever
the people had was in sight. There were no bonds or
stocks locked away in safes. A few persons,—and
they were very few,—having ready money amassed
in trade, may have held some bank or turnpike
shares; but the people of country towns had as yet
scarcely begun to be educated in this respect, and
their whole idea of property was the ownership of
land and buildings. Money was made in trade; and
the moneyed man was he who, having amassed some
ready cash, put it into goods, or loaned it out to others
on good security, usually bond and mortgage.
Thus the whole accumulation of the hundred and
ninety years from 1640 to 1830 in a community like
that of Braintree and Quincy was at home and on
the surface. It showed for all it was worth. <Ac-
cordingly, when John Adams returned to Braintree in
1788, after a ten years’ absence in Europe, he spoke
of the increase of population as ‘ wonderful,” and
_ was amazed at the plenty and cheapness of provisions ;
but he added “the scarcity of money is certainly
very great.” And again John Quincy Adams coming
back to Quincy to his father’s funeral, after years of
absence, spoke with deep feeling of the changes he
noticed as he sat in his father’s place in the old church,
but he added “it was a comforting reflection that
the new race of men and women had the external
marks of a condition much improved upon that of
the former age.’’ Yet it may well admit of question
whether the entire accumulation of that village com-
munity in those two centuries, lacking only ten years,
QUINCY.
30T
amounted to over a million and a half of dollars. Al-
lowing for the goods and money which the original set- |
tlers brought over with them, this estimate supposes
an average annual accumulation in the case of Brain- |
tree of only some $7000 a year.
community of from 500 to 2000 souls this seems
small.
gregate it could have been larger.
were not over 400 families in the town.
valuation of their wealth, well understood to be an
underestimate, exceeded $800,000. Supposing it was
in reality $1,500,600, the amount above stated, each
For an industrious |
And yet it is difficult to see how in the ag- |
In 1830 there |
The official |
Church.” In 1633, being then in his thirty-second
year, Edmund Quincy came to New England, a com-
panion of John Cotton, landing in Boston on the 4th
of September.
freeman, and his name is found afterwards not infre-
quently in the records of Boston. He died in 1637,
shortly after the allotment at the Mount had been
He and Governor William Coddington
were of nearly the same age, and the grant of land to
He was almost immediately made a
made to him.
the two lay undivided for two years after Quincy’s
family would on the average have had property of |
some sort worth $3750.
absolutely no one in Quincy was then more than well-
to-do, and many families had nothing, living from
hand to mouth, it does not seem possible that this
average could have been exceeded.
In referring to the Braintree community prior to
In view of the fact that |
1830, constant mention has been made of the class |
of landed gentry, whose presence influenced in a>
marked degree the character and development of the
town. This class, it has been observed, was the legit-
1628, unlike his father, lived to a full old age.
imate offspring of the old English land-owners; and |
in early Braintree there was one family more curiously
typical of it than could elsewhere be found in New
England. In fact, the record of the Quincy family is
probably unique even in the larger field of American
history. Dwelling at the close of two centuries and |
a half on the same land which the original ancestor
in this country bought of the Indian sachem who
ruled over the Massachusetts Fields when Standish
first landed at Squantum, the Quincys have in every
generation maintained the same high public level.
Never perhaps rising to the topmost prominence,
either official or intellectual, the family record has yet
in both respects been exceptionally uniform and sus-
tained. That record is part of the history of the town
which took its name from one member of the family.
stock. The probability is that an ancestor came over
with William the Conqueror and fought at Hastings;
death.
personal friends, and not impossibly it was Edmund
Quincy’s premature death which alone, in the Anti-
nomian frenzy, prevented his sharing Coddington’s
troubles, and perhaps his exile. Though he died
young, he left his name to a son and the name of his
From a descendant of the latter
sprang the Sewall family, and in her memory also the
It may, therefore, be surmised that they were
wife to a daughter.
stormy, western cape of Narragansett Bay was called
Point Judith.
The second Edmund Quincy, born in England in
He
is the “ Unckle Quinsey” of Judge Sewall’s diary,
whose death is recorded on the 8th of January, 1698,
as that of “‘a true New England man, and one of our
best Friends.” It was he who built the house at
Braintree, and between the years 1670 and 1692 he
repeatedly represented the town in the General Court.
A magistrate and the lieutenant-colonel of the Suffolk
regiment, he reproduced the type of the English
country gentleman in New England; and just as the
former had gone up to the Long Parliament ripe for
rebellion against Charles I., and half a century later
had joined William of Nassau in the overthrow of
James II., so Edmund Quincy, when Andros was
_ “bound in chains and cords, and put ina more secure
| place,’ became naturally one of that Committee of
Safety which carried on the government of the prov-
ince until the charter of William and Mary was
As their name implies, the Quincys were of Norman |
and a century anda half later the signature of a “ Saer |
de Quincy” was affixed to the great charter of King
John. When in the early years of the seventeenth cen- |
tury the Puritan movement spread through England, |
Edmund Quincy and his wife, Judith, were living on
an estate which the husband had inherited from his —
father, another Edmund Quincy, and which was at |
Achurch, near Wigsthorpe, in Northamptonshire.
Himself a Puritan, when another Edmund Quincy |
was born in 1627, the local record shows that the
child was ‘‘ baptized elsewhere and not in our Parish |
granted.
This Edmund Quincey left two sons,—Daniel, the
child of his first wife (Joanna Hoar), sister of the
president of the college, and Edmund, whose mother
(Elizabeth Gookin) was the widow of John Eliot, Jr.
Daniel Quincy was the father of that John Quincy, of
Mount Wollaston, in whose honor the town of Quincy
subsequently received its name. Of him it will be
proper, therefore, to presently speak at length. Ed-
mund, his younger half-brother, inherited the father’s
house and farm, and presently married Dorothy Flynt,
already referred to as the common origin of that re-
markable progeny, in which lawyers, statesmen, ora-
tors, poets, story-tellers and philosophers seem to vie
308
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
with each other in recognized eminence. More dis-
tinguished than either his father or grandfather, the |
third Edmund Quincy passed nearly his whole life in
the public service. Graduating in 1699, in 1715-14
he represented Braintree in the General Court, and
became afterwards a member of the Council.
|
of the Revolution. With John Adams he defended
Captain Preston after the so-called ‘“‘ Boston Mas-
_sacre,” and in 1774, when scarcely thirty years of
Colonel |
of the Suffolk regiment, he was made one of the |
judges of the Superior Court, and in 1737, at the
age of fifty-six, he was selected as the agent of the
province to represent it before the English govern-
ment in the matter of the disputed New Hampshire
boundary.
following February he was a victim of prevention,
for he died from inoculated smallpox. He was buried
in the graveyard which held the dust of Milton and
Bunyan. The General Court of Massachusetts caused
a monument to be there erected to him as lasting
evidence that he was “the delight of his own people,
but of none more than of the Senate, who, as a testi-
mony of their love and gratitude, have ordered this
epitaph to be inscribed.”
Judge Edmund Quincy had two sons, Edmund and
Josiah. A portion of the land at Braintree came
into the possession of Josiah, and it was he who per- |
0 - | Brattle there for two.
petuated the family, though the old mansion passed |
into other hands.
Reaching London in December, in the
A Boston merchant and success- | Mother Hull, wife and self came in.
age, he was the confidential agent in London of the
patriot party. Dying on shipboard, almost in sight
of his native New England coast, Josiah Quincy, Jr.,
left behind him an infant son, whose long and honor-
able life, beginning before the Revolution, outlasted
the war of the Rebellion. But President Josiah
Quincy, of Harvard College, though he lived all his
life on the family-place at Quincy, always identified
himself with the city of Boston. His history and
_ fame are not part of the record of the town which bore
ful privateersman in his earlier life, the first Josiah |
Quincy passed his later years at Braintree, dwelling
for a time in a house which stood on the “ Hancock
lot.’ This house was burned in May, 1759. In it
John Adams, when a man of twenty-three, was wont —
to spend many evenings, and it was by mere chance
that he did not marry one of its daughters. The
methods of passing the time there did not always
commend themselves to him.
whole evening.
ment the young gentlemen take every evening in this
town.
smoking tobacco, and swearing. .
Playing cards, drinking punch and wine,
. . L know not how
any young fellow can study in this town.”
Tn his turn Josiah Quincey was colonel of the Suf-
folk regiment, and he was also through many years
a warm personal friend and correspondent of Dr.
Franklin. A man of active, inquiring mind, his
only experience in public life was in 1755, the year
of Braddock’s defeat, when he served as a commis-
sioner of the province in arranging joint military
operations with the sister province of Pennsylvania.
He left three sons, the youngest of whom, named
after himself and known in history as Josiah Quincy,
Jr., rose rapidly to distinction, and had he not died
at the early age of thirty-one, could hardly have
failed to be one of the prominent political characters
“Playing cards the |
This is the wise and salutary amuse- | like Persons put to flight in Battel.”
| wards
his family name.
Recurring to the other seventeenth-century branch
of the family, Daniel Quincy, the son of the second
Edmund and father of John, on the 9th of Novem-
ber, 1682, married Anna Shepard, the granddaughter
of the Rev. Thomas Shepard, of Cambridge. The
following quaint and striking account of her wedding
is contained in the pages of Sewall :
“Cousin Daniel Quinsey Marries Mrs. Anna Shepard Before
John Hull, esq. Sam/’] Nowell, esq. and many Persons present,
almost Captain Brattle’s great Hall full; Captain B. and Mrs.
Mr. Willard began with prayer. Mr.
Thomas Shepard concluded; as he was Praying, Cousin Savage,
A good space after, when
had eaten Cake and drunk Wine and Beer plentifully, we
were called into the Hall again to Sing. In Singing Time Mrs.
Brattle goes out, being ill; Most of the Company goe away,
thinking it a qualm or some Fit; But she grows worse, speaks
not a word, and so dyes away in her chair, I holding her feet
(for she had slipt down). At length out of the Kitching we
carry the chair, and Her in it, into the Wedding Hall; and
after a while lay the Corps of the dead Aunt in the Bride-Bed:
So that now the strangeness and horror of the thing filled the
(just now) joyous House with Hjulation: The Bridegroom and
Bride lye at Mr. Airs, son-in-law to the deceased, going away
There were two children born of this marriage, a
daughter, Ann, in 1685, and a son, John, in 1689.
The year following Daniel Quincy died. He seems
always to have lived in Boston, where he followed the
trade of goldsmith, and in Boston his son was born;
but circumstances seemed to draw the Quincys to-
Braintree. When William Coddington left
Massachusetts he gradually disposed of his property
there, and in 1639 the greater part of his allotment
"at Mount Wollaston passed into the hands of William
Tyng, a Boston merchant. Thomas Shepard had
married a daughter of this William Tyng, and the farm
at Mount Wollaston, in 1661, passed by inheritance
into Mrs. Shepard’s hands. In 1677, five years be-
fore Anna Shepard married Daniel Quincy, her father,
Thomas Shepard, had died, but her mother, William
Tyng’s daughter and the owner of Mount Wollaston,
QUINCY.
309
lived until August, 1709. Mrs. Daniel Quincy, it has
already been seen, married the Rev. Moses Fiske in
1701, and died in July, 1708 ; accordingly, Mrs. Shep-
ard surviving her daughter, left the farm at Mount
Wollaston to her grandson, John Quincy, who had |
graduated from Harvard College one year before.
Coming into possession of the property at this early
age, young John Quincy, in 1715, married Elizabeth
Norton, daughter of the Rev. John Norton, third pas-
tor of the Hingham Church, and on Tuesday, Octo-
ber 4th, of that year, Judge Sewall records that he
gave him “a Psalm-book covered with Turky-Leather
for his Mistress.”
his house at Mount Wollaston, and went to Braintree
to live, being then major of the Suffolk regiment.
chairman of the committee which in 1753
of every town-meeting. In the parish also he was
the leading man. Not only, after the usage of the
period, was he noted for “a strict observance of the
Lord’s day, and a constant attendance upon the
public ordinances of religion,’ but he presided at
the parish meetings, and it was he who served as
investi-
John Adams
describes him as ‘a man of letters, taste, and sense,”
gated the charges against Mr. Briant.
_ as well as “an experienced and venerated statesman ;”
It was at this time that he built |
Two years later, in 1717, he was first sent torepresent —
the town in the General Court, and he continued to
represent it at intervals through forty years, his last
term of service being in 1757. From 1719 to 1741
his service was consecutive, and from 1729 to 1739
he was Speaker of the House. Paul Dudley was
then chosen to the place, but Governor Shirley nega-
tived him, and John Quincy was rechosen. In 1742
he became a member of the Council, and again in
1746, continuing in it until 1754. He then became
again a delegate for three years. He was now sixty-
eight years old, and seems to have retired from active
life to pass the remainder of his days at Mount Wol-
laston. We there get a glimpse of him through the
memoranda of John Adams, who, on Christmas-
day, 1765, says he “ drank tea at grandfather Quincy’s. |
The old gentleman inquisitive about the hearing be-
fore the Governor and Council ; about the Governor's |
and Secretary’s looks and behavior, and about the
final determination of the Board. The old lady as |
merry and chatty as ever, with her stories out of the
newspapers.” ‘The hearing here referred to which
excited the ‘old councilor’s interest was that before |
Governor Barnard on the memorial of the town of
Boston, at the time of the Stamp Act riots, that the
courts of law should be opened. +
For a number of years John Quincy was colonel |
of the Suffolk regiment, but in 1742 he lost that posi-
tion through the intrigues of Joseph Gooch. John
Adams has left a lively description of this affair, in
which at the time he felt a boy’s keen interest ; for
_his own father was in the regiment, and was offered a
captain’s commission by Gooch,—an offer which “ he
spurned with disdain ; would serve in the militia under |
no colonel but Quincy.”
Early appointed a magis-_
trate, for years and years the name of John Quincy >
—or Col. John Quincy, Esq., as the form of those days |
went—appears in the Braintree records as moderator ' filled almost every public office to which a native-born
but it is a curious fact of one so prominent that
not a letter or paper of his, or even a book known
to have belonged to him, now remains in the posses-
After his death and through
a period of forty years his estate, and everything be-
longing to him, fell into complete neglect. Yet if, as
chairman of the committee, John Quincy wrote the
report on the charges against Mr. Briant, that docu-
sion of his descendants.
ment alone, in its pure, simple language and broad,
liberal tone, is evidence enough that John Adams’
tribute to him was not undeserved.
it may serve as a sample of the whole, for it breathes
One passage in
the true spirit which inspires every large-minded
searcher for truth; and it was a large-minded man who
wrote it. Referring to the charge that Mr. Briant
had at his ordination made a profession of faith, the
committee in its report denies the fact; but then does
not fear to add that, even “if he had made any such
profession, it could not destroy his right of private
judgment, nor be obligatory upon him any further
than it continued to appear to him agreeable to reason
and Scripture.” And, again, it had been charged
that Mr. Briant had recommended a certain book doc-
trinally unsound ‘“‘to the prayerful perusal of one or
The committee replied
that his so doing “‘ was worthy a Protestant minister ;
more of his parishioners.”
and we cannot but commend our pastor for the pains
he takes to promote a free and impartial examination
into all articles of our holy religion, so that all may
judge, even of themselves, what is right.” A country
parish in which such sentiments as these were off-
cially set forth in the year 1753 was well advanced
on the path which led to revolution, both political and
religious.
Among those of his own day John Quincy “ was
as much esteemed and respected as any man in the
province.” Enjoying what was then looked upon as
an ample fortune, ‘‘ he devoted his time, his faculties,
and his influence to the service of his country,”
studiously avoiding “an ensnaring dependency on
any man, and whatever should tend to lay him under
any disadvantage in the discharge of his duty.” He
310
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
New Englander could in the colonial days aspire. | yet his name survives. When, in 1792, the orig-
Colonel in the militia, Speaker of the House, member
of the Council, he also negotiated Indian treaties, and |
in 1727 the remnant of the Punkapog tribe, abused
and defrauded, petitioned that he might be appointed
their guardian. For nearly twenty years he held
this trust, then resigning it “by reason of his dis- |
tance’ from his wards. Finally, in all positions he
approved himself “a true friend to the interest and
prosperity of the province ; a zealous advocate for and
vigorous defender of its liberties and privileges.”
This detailed sketch of John Quincy is a necessary
feature in the history of Old Braintree.
He represented, perhaps more com-
He was a
typical man.
| Adams.
pletely than any other member even of the remark- |
then the practice, the child was baptized, its grand-
able family to which he belonged, a political and
social element in New England life which has since
disappeared. He belonged to the class which in
England produced John Hampden,—the educated
country gentlemen, the owners of the broad acres
on which they dwelt.
going up to Parliament year after year, they were
the loyal, ingrained representatives of the communi-
Of these men
He represented
Following no profession, but
ties of which they were a_ part.
Washington wasa Virginia offshoot.
them in their highest phase of development under
Southern surroundings,—plain, true, straightforward,
self-respecting, gifted with that perfectly balanced
fonb feat)
common-sense which in its way is one sort of genius.
inal town of Braintree was subdivided, the Rev.
Anthony Wibird ‘“‘ was requested to give a name to
the place. But he refusing, a similar request was
made to the Hon. Richard Cranch, who recommended
its being called Quincy, in honor of Col. John Quincy.”
Nor was this the only form in which the name was
perpetuated. Col. Quincy had two children, a son
named Norton in honor of his mother’s family, and a
daughter, who became in time the wife of William
Smith, of Weymouth. Among the children of this
couple was one who, in October, 1764, married John
In July, 1767, as old John Quincy lay
dying at Mount Wollaston, this granddaughter of his
gave birth to a son, and when, the next day, as was
mother, who was present at its birth, requested that it
might be called after her father. Long afterwards
the child thus named wrote of this incident: ‘It
It was the
name of one passing from earth to immortality.
was filial tenderness that gave the name.
These have been among the strongest links of my
attachment to the name of Quincy, and have been to
me through life a perpetual admonition to do nothing
Favorable circumstances, always availed of, brought |
Washington to the front, and have made of him an)
American immortality. Yet in America at that time,
as in the Stoke-Pogis churchyard, there were doubt-
less many men who contained within themselves the
possibilities of a Hampden, a Milton, or a Cromwell.
That John Quincy did, cannot be asserted ; for of him
now nothing remains except a name and a few dates.
His grave, even, is not marked, nor its place known. |
But he none the less was a good specimen of the |
sturdy, common-sensed, high-toned class of English |
gentlemen in the shape New England reproduced —
them in colonial days.
stances he might have proved, it would be idle to
surmise. Born and dying a colonist in a small pro-
vincial community thickly crusted over with theology,
What under other circum- |
and in freedom of thought and fancy hardly re- |
moved from the childish stage, he and those of his
time had scant room for development. The stage
was small; and its atmosphere was icy.
Yet in one respect John Quincy was singularly
fortunate. Though not a line of his writing remains,
though his public services are forgotten, though his
grave is unknown and his only son died childless,
unworthy of it.”
In the year 1791, Miss Hannah Adams, the his-
torian, in writing to John Adams, made reference to
the “humble obscurity” of their common origin.
Her correspondent, in reply, while acknowledging
the kinship, went on to energetically remark that,
could he ‘ever suppose that family pride were any
way excusable, [he] should think a descent from a
line of virtuous, independent New England farmers
for a hundred and sixty years was a better founda-
tion for it than a descent through royal or noble
scoundrels ever since the flood.”
independent New England farmers” here described
were to the full as important a social and political
They repre-
sented the free yeomanry of England under the new
The “ virtuous,
element in colonial days as the gentry.
conditions, just as the gentry represented the land-
holders. But it has already been noticed that the
New England farmer, as a rule, did not pay rent.
He was the owner of the land on which he lived and
a freeholder,—the equal of any one. This holding of
He
ceased to be the cultivator of another's ground, and
himself had a stake in the country. Accordingly,
he became an influence second to none other in the
His in-
Not quick
of thought, he was the reverse of receptive of new
the fee it was which gave him his individuality.
shaping of New England development.
fluence, too, was immensely conservative.
ideas ; and, when money entered into the question, he
QUINCY.
311
was mean.
ence to extort everything he got from a niggard soil,
he watched public expenditure with a cold, saving
eye, and in town-meeting could be safely counted
upon to raise his voice against anything which was
likely to impose a burden on his farm. Subsequent
history showed this clearly. Questions of taxation
appealed to him at once, and a freedom from all im-
posts not voted by himself most nearly embodied his
idea of independence. In the sphere of his narrow
village life, far removed from great cities, he saw
Accustomed in his struggle for subsist-_
_ Braintree under twenty shillings.”
around him but two classes of men to whom he in_
any way looked up; these were the clergy and the
So far as means
and mode of life were concerned, these were not very
different from himself; they, as well as he, led simple
lives. All mingled in the streets, at church and in
town-meeting, with an equality which was not the
less mutually respectful because it was real.
gentry, the minister and the squire.
In the |
gentry and clergy, therefore, the farmer saw nothing |
to which he might not aspire for hisown child. There
was no privileged class, no suggestion of caste, or
rank, or nobility. If the small farmer chose by dint
of severe economy to send his son to college, that son
would be a minister and might marry into the gentry.
Accordingly, the farmer was very apt to send one son
at least to college.
As Edmund and John Quincy were in Braintree
typical of the gentry, so Deacons Samuel Bass and John
Adams were typical of the farmer class. Through
the whole colonial period the deacon was held in high
respect; on the Sabbath he sat on his own bench
before the pulpit, and on the week-day he and the
magistrate and the officers of the militia were the
titled men of the village. Speaking of a kinsman
nion service of the first church yet bears his name and
title inscribed upon it as one of its givers. Active
also in civil life, Deacon Bass represented the town in
no less than twelve General Courts between 1641
and 1664. In 1645 he was on the committee to see
that the town-marsh should “ be improved to the
Elders’ use,” and for several years he was one of three,
empowered by the court to ‘end small cases in
In 1653 he re-
ceived fifteen votes out of a total of forty-one for the
position of ruling elder in the church, and two years
later he was one of the commission appointed by the
General Court to build a cart-bridge over the Ne-
pouset. Thus—
“ His virtues walk’d their narrow round,
Nor made a pause, nor left a void;
And sure the eternal Master found
His single talent well employ’d.”’
In 1657 a son of Deacon Bass, John by name,
married Ruth Alden, the daughter of John and Pris-
cilla Alden, of Plymouth and “ Mayflower’ fame.
By her he had a daughter, Hannah, born in June,
1667. This Hannah Bass presently married Joseph
Adams, of Braintree, and on the 8th of February,
1692, she gave birth to John Adams, afterwards in
This
John Adams, therefore, was the great-grandson of
the original Deacon Bass, and one of the hundred and
sixty-two descendants born to him before his death.
John Adams was in his turn a typical New England
his turn deacon of the First Precinct church.
yeoman. He lived,on his farm, through which ran
the main street of the town, dying in 1761, “ beloved,
esteemed, and revered by all who knew him,” having
had seven children, the eldest of whom, also named
of his, Oxenbridge Thacher used to say, ‘Old Col. |
Thacher, of Barnstable, was an excellent man; he
was a very holy man; I used to love to hear him
pray; he was a counselor and a deacon. I[ have
heard him say that of all his titles, that of a deacon
he thought the most honorable.” Braintree’s first
deacon, Samuel Bass, has already been referred to as
the progenitor of a numerous offspring, for at the
time of his death he had seen one hundred
and sixty-two descendants. Born in 1601, he
came over to New England in 1632, and first
settled at Roxbury; from whence, in 1640, he re-
moved to Braintree, there purchasing lands which
for over two centuries remained in the hands
of his descendants. He was received into the com-
munion of the church in July, 1640, and chosen dea-
John, he had sent to college. The life of the elder
John Adams well illustrates what has been called
“the sturdy, unostentatious demeanor of those who
filled the minor places of usefulness” in early New
For nearly forty years his name regularly
appears in the records of the town. He passed
England.
_ through all its grades of office; for in 1722, he being
was chosen ‘sealer of leather.”
con, which office he held until his death, in 1694. A |
small two-handled cup of plain silver in the commv- |
then by occupation a “ cordwainer,” or maker of shoes,
In 172+ he was
tythingman, and in 1727 constable, or collector of
In 1734 he was an ensign in the militia,
and also selectman; and a little later, having become
taxes.
lieutenant, he volunteered to take care of the town
powder, providing a chest for it in his own house,
which he thus converted into a magazine. Between
1740 and 1749, being still Lieut. Adams, he is nine
times selectman. It was in one of the earlier of these
years that his military life came to an end as the result
of Joseph Gooch’s intrigues to supersede Col. John
9
~_
31
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Quincy. Lieut. John Adams, it will be remembered,
refused ‘‘ with disdain” the offer of a captaincy from
Gooch. But in May, 1747, he had taken his place
among the deacons on the bench before the pulpit,
and in 1752 he reappears in the records among
the Adams, and
chosen through four successive years, and again in
1758; fourteen years in all, did he fill the office,
‘almost all the business of the town being managed
by him.”
selectmen as Deacon John is
He was now in his sixty-seventh year, and
“Five pounds for John Belcher’s widow’s mainten-
ance; thirty shillings to Thomas Revell for keeping
William Dimblebee.” But the unfortunate Dimble-
bee had already gone to his rest, and this payment
was for service performed, as a little further on seven
shillings is appropriated “for Dimblebee’s coffin.”
his name appears but once more in the records, and |
then only in connection with a way through his land.
Three years later he died in a season of epidemic.
Long after, in referring to him, his son wrote that he
could not adequately express the exalted opinions he
had “ of his wisdom and virtue,” and that he was ‘a
man of strict piety and great integrity ; much esteemed
and beloved wherever he was known, which was not
far, his sphere of life being not extensive.”
While the
sketched represented the gentry and yeomanry of the
province, it must not be supposed that those classes
made up the whole of that community. This was not
the case.
body of that community, like those of all commu-
They were its distinctive types only. The
nities, was composed of laboring people; and, while
in Braintree the richest were poor, there is ample evi-
dence that the poorest did not live in abundance. On
the contrary, besides the ordinary laborer who simply
individuals whose lives have been |
made his living, there was a curious pauper class, traces |
of which appear all through the records, who lived in
hovels on the waste land, picking up a living in un-
known
yays. ‘They were the vicious, the shiftless,
Before this entry of 1694 there is one other which
throws a gleam of ghastly light on a subject which of
It has been
the fashion to assert that for certain reasons, traceable
late years has been somewhat discussed.
to local peculiarities of life or thought, insanity is in
New England on the increase, and the census tables
have been confidently appealed to in support of this
theory. Those advocating the theory have seemed to
forget that social statistics are of recent invention, and
that the charitable systems of some communities are
To compare the
showing as respects insanity of a community which
more perfect than those of others.
now carefully gathers the demented together, and ten-
derly cares for them in hospitals, with the showing of
that same community before its demented were cared
for at all, is sufficiently absurd: yet even this is far less
absurd than it is to compare the record of such a com-
munity with that of some other community which still
leaves its insane tied in attics and cellars, or wandering
in the streets; and then to argue that the first commu-
nity, because it cares for the insane and numbers them,
is afflicted with an epidemic of insanity from which the
last community, because it neither cares for or numbers
them, is exempt. It is a mistake to suppose that our
age has been fruitful of new social or physical evils.
There is a world of truth in Macaulay’s remark,
_ when treating of these questions, that the social and
and the intemperate. Left to take care of themselves, |
the law of the survival of the fittest worked upon
them slowly, perhaps, but in that rugged climate it
worked with certainty. They died out. When Quincy |
was set off, in 1792, one of the first things the select-
men did was to warn fourteen adults, seven of whom
had families, to ‘depart the limits of the town.”
Throughout the records of the whole colonial period,
down even to the year 1830, the heavy proportion |
which the expense of maintaining the poor bears to
all other public charges is most noticeable. It was
far heavier than it now is, and it showed a continual
tendency to disproportionate growth. And yet the
charity of those days was cold. Indeed, anything
colder could not well be conceived.
in the poor and the unfortunate a right to live; and
that was all. On this point the record is instructive.
It acknowledged |
It opens with the town-meeting of Dec. 24, 1694,
when the earliest specific appropriation ever recorded
in Braintree was made.
The first item of it reads '
physical ills which so shock us now are, with scarcely
an exception, old; ‘ that which is new is the intelli-
gence which discerns and the humanity which reme-
dies them.”
Here is the first record relating to the treatment of
the insane poor of Braintree town, under date of
1689:
“Tt was voted that Samuel Speer should build a little house,
seven foot long and five foot wide, and set it by his house to se-
cure his sisters, good wife Witty being distracted, and provide
for her, and the town by vote agreed to see him well payed and
satisfied which shall be thought reasonable.”
The wretched maniac was chained like a dog ina
oD
Then
again in 1699, in language hardly less significant of
kennel which stood by her brother’s house.
cold, merciless brutality, it was
“Voted, That John Bagley, of Roxbury, should have four
pounds for keeping Abigail Neal, Providing he give the Town
no further trouble.”
Poor Abigail Neal was not in this way to be gotten
rid of ; and the next year Dr. Bayley had to be voted
7
QUINCY.
313
dition that he should “take up therewith and give
the Town no Farther Trouble.” The year following
Abigail cost the town thirty-eight shillings; and at
last, in 1707, it was bargained with one ‘“ Samuel
Bullard, of Dedham or Dorchester,’ that he should
take the unfortunate creature and keep her for
eighteen pence a week ; and if he cured her he should
have ten pounds, but if he failed to cure ber, only
twenty shillings. The records contain no further
trace of Abigail Neal. But at the same time “‘ Eben-
: ; Big ah |
eight pounds more, accompanied again with the con-
ezer Owen’s destracted daughter” had to be cared |
for, and the selectmen accordingly in 1699 are in- |
structed to treat with Josiah Owen ‘‘and give him
Twenty pounds money provided he gives bond under
his hand to cleare the Town forever of said girle.”
Mary Owen was no more to be so disposed of than
Abigail Neal, and in 1706 forty shillings a year was
voted Josiah Owen for her care.
Such in those days—‘ good old days’ —was the pro- |
vision made for the insane,—eighteen pence a week
for care, or twenty pounds provided bond was given
“to clear the town forever of said girl.”
The poor |
were treated with consideration not much more ten- |
der. In old Braintree there was no almshouse until
shortly before the division of the town. One was
finally built in the Middle Precinct in 1786, and
Capt. Jonathan Thayer was chosen its first overseer,
being allowed £3 12s. for a year’s services as such.
Down to that time, therefore, providing for the
needs of the poor at their homes had been one of the
most important and irksome duties of the selectmen. |
It was also a fruitful source of jobbery. John
Adams describes how the moment a selectman was
elected he was importuned for “ the privilege of sup-
He
then had to visit them; and, if he found they had a
plying the poor with wood, corn, meat, ete.”
legal residence in another town, return them to it.
The amount spent for their care was not large, but it
was enormous compared with what was spent for
other town purposes. In 1770, for instance, it was
£90 in a total town expenditure of £245.
seems to have been the normal proportion.
This also
Nor did
Quincy
then adopted the practice of putting the care of its
poor up at public auction, to be knocked down to those
who would undertake it at the lowest price. In 1813
it decrease after the division of the town.
this price averaged “ $1.42 each per week, exclusive
of sickness and funeral charges.”
was voted that ‘the medical care of the poor be let
out by the selectmen to the physician who will under-
take that charge at the lowest price.” Naturally this
method of dealing with pauperism put a premium on
rate.
yet to be made plain that the town-meeting
_ scientific method.
In 1806, also, it |
its increase. Accordingly, during the six years be-
tween 1808 and 1813, both inclusive, out of $18,200
levied by taxation to meet necessary town and parish
expenses, $6205, or more than one-third of the
whole, went to the support of the poor. They cost
more than the church or the schools. The mat-
ter was then vigorously taken hold of, and reformed.
Nevertheless, the evidence all points to the conclusion
that, in proportion to the total of all expenses, the cost
of maintaining the poor prior to 1820 was several
times what it now is in any well-regulated town. In
Quincy it amounted to nearly one-half of the town
expenses, those of the parish being deducted. It
Undoubtedly
carelessness and want of system in extending relief
now amounts to less than one-tenth.
had much to do with this excess ; but, making all due
allowance for this, it is difficult to avoid the inference
that there is proportionally much less extreme pov-
erty in the modern than there was in the colonial
Pauperism has distinctly de-
creased. This is not generally supposed to have been
New England town.
the case; should it prove to be so, a partial explana-
tion, at least, of the fact will probably be found in the
This subject
Mean-
while it is only necessary here to say that if rum, gin,
and cider were now sold as publicly and used as freely
in Quincy as they were there sold and used sixty years
ago, the increase of pauperism and vice could doubt-
less be studied clearly enough in the tax-rate and the
returns of the almshouse.
In Braintree and Quincy, as in all the other Mas-
sachusetts towns, these social problems, of which pau-
more temperate habits of the people.
will have presently to be considered by itself.
perism was one, were, until a comparatively recent
date, disposed of in what is commonly known as the
plain, practical, business-like way. Unfortunately the
problems were complex ; so the plain, practical way
of disposing of them proved not to be the right way.
Insanity and pauperism could not be hustled out of
sight by atown-meeting vote; nor could they be dis-
posed of beyond the current year to those who would
undertake the job of dealing with them at the lowest
Though excellent for certain purposes, it had
g was not
adapted to every purpose, and least of all could it
work to results through what is now known as a
As a means for dealing with com-
plex social problems it is, therefore, not a success.
It can no more do that, than it could make discover-
ies in chemistry or astronomy. But poverty, intem-
perance, ignorance and vice are found everywhere.
The town government is found only in New England ;
and it is the object of a work like the present to deal
314
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
rather with those institutions which are peculiar to
New England than with the problems common to all
mankind.
When John Adams was minister of the federated
States at the English Court, a certain Maj. Langbourne,
of Virginia, one day dined with him, and in the
course of their table-talk noticed, rightfully enough,
the difference of character between Virginia and New
England.
“T offered to give him a receipt for making a New England
John Adams then goes on:
in Virginia. He desired it; and I recommended to him town-
meetings, training-days, town schools and ministers, giving
him a short explanation of each article. The meeting-house
and school-house and training-field are the scenes where New
England men are formed. The virtues and talents
of the people are there formed; their temperance, patience,
fortitude, prudence, and justice, as well as their sagacity, knowl-
edge, judgment, taste, skill, ingenuity, dexterity, and in-
dustry.”
In saying this Mr. Adams spoke from actual ob-
He, and his ancestors before him, had for
a century and a half been a part of that which he
described. He thoroughly understood New England.
But there was one institution he did not mention,
which, for good and ill, was hardly less influential an
element in early New England life and action than
servation.
the most potent of those which he did mention. That
omitted institution was the country tavern.
|
and debates which took place at them were sometimes
long and exciting, while among those assembled there
The Mid-
dle Precinct meeting-house stood directly opposite
was not a little disorder and drunkenness.
the Eben Thayer tavern, where a sort of open-house
was kept on all election and other public days, and
in 1766, John Adams records that a certain candidate
on the ticket with himself was defeated because ‘the
north end people, his friends, after putting in their
votes the first time, withdrew for refreshment.” Ac-
cordingly, it is small matter of surprise that the record
contains formal votes forbidding those attending the
meetings from standing on the seats.
The rude and almost stern equality which, as
| matter of common usage, prevailed at those town-
meetings was well illustrated by an incident which
occurred in 1758. It was the duty of the annually
elected town constable to collect all taxes. The
office, therefore, was avoided; for not only did it en-
tail much work, but there was a dangerous liability
attached to it. Under the law as it then stood the
constable had to account for all taxes included in the
levy which he had failed to collect, as well as for
those he actually received. Nor without reason, there-
fore, was it argued in the town-meeting of 1766 that
-“eollecting taxes had laid the foundation for the ruin
Of the Braintree town-meetings and church-going |
there is little that needs to be said.
They were like |
other Massachusetts town-meetings and church-goings, _
and these have been frequently described. During |
the first twenty years after 1640 formal or stated
meetings of all the freemen do not seem to have been
held, or, if they were, no record of them was made;
but from time to time a few of the more prominent
church members met at the dwelling-place of one of
their number and passed certain votes, some of which
were recorded in a book. Not until 1673 was pro-
vision made for holding general meetings at specified
For over sixty years these were then held
in the old stone church, but in 1736 it was voted to
hold half of them in the North Precinct and the other
The last-
named edifice, therefore, served not only as a town-
seasons.
half in the Middle Precinct meeting-house.
hall, but for a time at least as a magazine, for in 1746
the selectmen were instructed to build a “ Closite on
the Beams of the Middle Precinct meeting-house (if
it be allowed of) as a suitable place to keep the pow-
der.” There was nothing sacred about the early New
England church building. That the meeting-house
and the furniture in it underwent hard treatment at
secular meetings scarcely needs to be said. Not only
were those gatherings frequent, but the deliberations
| of many families.”
So much was the office avoided
that as early as 1709, the church bell being cracked,
one Daniel Legaree offered to mend it “ on condition
of his being free from being chosen constable ;”’ and
the town formally accepted the offer, providing further
that “if anything should happen whereby [the bell]
should be melted or broken, that [Legaree] will re-
turn the same weight of the same metal that he re-
ceives.” At the March town-meeting of 1761, John
Adams says, ‘‘ when I had no suspicion, I heard my
name pronounced in a nomination of surveyors of high-
ways. I was very wroth, because I knew no better,
but said nothing. My friend Dr. Savil came to me
and told me that he had nominated me to prevent .
‘For,’ said
the doctor, ‘they make it a rule to compel every man
me from being nominated as constable.
to serve either as constable or surveyor, or to pay a
fine.”
well have failed to know it.
This was quite true; nor could John Adams
He had probably thought
that, as a college graduate and student of law, he
would be exempted from the common rule. If he
did think so, he should have known better. There
were no exemptions allowed; and, indeed, it was one
of the rough town-meeting jokes to elect men consta-
bles who had never served, and make them pay the
fine.
young man of twenty-five, was elected; and the
For instance, in 1734, Josiah Quincy, then a
QUINCY.
315
; : ; ;
record reads “ Mr. Josiah Quincy refused to serve, Braintree the dogs even seem to have gone to church,
and paid his fine down, being five pounds.” In 1728, | for in 1730, by a solemn town vote, Mr. Joseph Par-
Moses Belcher was chosen; and he declaring ron-
acceptance, William Fields was next chosen. Fields
|
also declaring his non-acceptance, “ John Adams __
being by a majority of votes chosen, he declared his |
acceptance.”
In 1735 no less than twenty-five |
pounds were paid in as fines for non-acceptance, and |
those fines were looked upon as a considerable source
of revenue to the town. Col. John Quincy’s only
son, Norton, graduated in 1736, and two years later,
at the town-meeting of September 11th, he was |
chosen constable.
afterwards.
seventy, and for almost fifty years he had been the
He was
Another meeting was held a week
most prominent personage in the town.
looked up to with that respect which, in the popular |
mind, always accompanies advancing years associated
with high public office.
thought the choice of his son as town constable
an act derogatory to him; so he went into the
meeting,
might be excused from serving constable.” Among
those to whom he addressed his request there could
not have been many who remembered a time when.
he had not, as a matter of course, presided at town-
meetings. They were not wanting in deference to years
and standing; and, if they would defer to any one,
they would surely defer to him. But, clearly, they
thought that Col. Quiney was now demanding for him-
self and his an exemption from public service which
amounted to little less than a denial of equality.
Such an assumption of superiority was inconsistent
And so, the
record proceeds, “after reasons offered,’ the re-
quest to be excused was “ passed in the negative,”
and the town treasurer was directed “to call on said
Norton Quincy for his fine.’ Apparently the old
man felt this slight, as he regarded it, deeply, for his
name does not again appear in the town records,
though it was nine years yet before he died. But
young Norton Quincy accepted the rebuke in the
true spirit. He paid his fine; and the next year
when the town again chose him constable, he quietly
accepted the office and performed its duties. Later
he was chosen selectman, serving as such for many
with the spirit of town government.
years during the Revolutionary period.
Once, when in Amsterdam, John Adams defined
the New England man as a “ meeting-going animal ;”
and again he derived his experience from Braintree,
where, as he long subsequently wrote, it was notori-
ous that he had himself “ been a church-going
mal for seventy-six years, from the cradle.”
ani-
To
Apparently the old man |
menter, precinct clerk, was paid twenty shillings
“ for taking pains in beating dogs and keeping them
out of the meeting-house on Sabbath days.” But
the Braintree church-going differed in no wise from
the ordinary New England church-going, of which
sufficient has been written and said.! For genera-
tions all those dwelling in the town as regularly as the
Sabbath day came gathered towards the plain, wooden
structure, standing on the training-ground. Until
the year 1827 the old horse block, for the conveni-
ence of the pillion-riding good-wife, stood close to the
Col. Quincy was then a man of nearly |
main entrance. In the galleries sat the boys. Be-
fore the altar were the deacons. And here doubtless
in the early days not unfrequently in midwinter was
it so cold that “the Sacramental Bread was frozen
pretty hard, and rattled sadly as broken into the
plates.”
A glimpse of the interior of the church on a Sun-
day is obtained through the memoirs of the wife of
and, as the record says, ‘desired his son |
President Quincy. She came to Quincy as asummer
home in 1798, living in the house which Col. Josiah
Quincy had built in 1770, and which still stands at
the end of the long avenue of elms which her hus-
band set out in 1790. She was wont to describe
the Quincy of 1800 as being still a retired village, in
which few changes had taken place since the Revo-
lution.
“There were only two churches, both ancient wooden edifi-
ces,—the Episcopal and the Congregational. The pews in the
centre of the latter, having been made out of long, open seats
by successive votes of the town, were of different sizes, and
had no regularity of arrangement, and several were entered by
narrow passages, winding between those in their neighbor-
hood.
when the congregation stood during the prayer, and, at its con-
clusion, thrown down with a momentum which, on her first at-
tendance, alarmed Mrs. Quincy, who feared the church was
The deacons were ranged under the pulpit, and beside
its door the sexton was seated, while, from an aperture aloft in
the wall, the bell-ringer looked in from the tower to mark tke
The voices of the choir in the front
gallery were assisted by a discordant assemblage of stringed
and wind instruments. In 1806, when the increased population
of the town required a larger edifice, the meeting-house was
divided into two parts; the pulpit, and the pews in its vicinity,
were moved to a convenient distance, and a new piece was
The seats, being provided with hinges, were raised
falling.
arrival of the clergyman.
| inserted between the fragments.”
In mentioning the muster-field among the great
formative influences of New England, it may well
be questioned whether John Adams did not give to
it an undue importance. Certainly there are in the
1 See Mr. Young’s description in the volume of “ Commemo-
rative Services of the First Parish in Hingham,” Aug. 8,
1881.
316
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Braintree records few traces of it as an active edu-
cational force. Whatever else they were, the New
Englanders were not a military race. On the ocean
they were at home, and the hardy mariners who, as
Burke expressed it, pursued their gigantic game
“among the tumbling mountains of ice,” and “ drew
\
Keayne in 1636, and which he had “cried divers
times, and divers came to see it, but none made
claim to it.’” Mrs. Sherman then appeared on the
scene, and the quarrel ensued which by degrees en-
the line and struck the harpoon on the coast of |
Africa,’—these same men, skillful, alert, and
venturesome upon their element, have never failed to
assert a brilliant supremacy in maritime warfare.
But, though repeatedly in the course of its history |
engaged in conflicts the brunt of which was sturdily |
assumed, New England proper has never yet pro-
duced any considerable military genius. Church and
Peperill, Putnam, Allen, Knox, Stark and Lincoln
are names of only local note, while during the war of
the Rebellion the great leaders from the New England
stock were born and bred far in the interior of the
continent. Not one New England soldier achieved
renown.
Asa people they do not take kindly to camp life. |
When forced to it, they have always fought in a
dogged, intelligent sort of way, just as they fought at
Lexington and Bunker Hill; impelled, as it were, by |
a consciousness that the situation was one of their own
making, and they proposed to see the thing through.
But to disband a New England army has never
proved a difficult or delicate task. Once the work in
hand was done, the camp quietly and joyously dis-
solved of itself. An army of Yankee mercenaries
sounds like a contradiction in terms.
though the Suffolk regiment existed as a military or-
ganization through a century of colonial life, and the
Braintree companies were always a part of it, there is
no reason to suppose that it was ever an effective
force. Commissions in it were eagerly sought, and
were intrigued for, and the titles of captain, lieuten-
ant, and ensign are continually met with in the
records ; but, except in time of military excitement,
the training-days were few and far apart, and partook
apparently more of the character of a rough country
jollification than of war. Certainly, when Washing-
ton took command of the provincial army at Cam-
bridge, neither its discipline nor its equipment be-
spoke a martial race. It was little more than a mob
of intelligent men, organized by localities, and, as
sportsmen, accustomed from youth up to the handling
of guns.
The first commander of the Braintree company
was Capt. Robert Keayne, whose name is more fa-
miliarly connected with a great litigation carried on be-
tween him and * one Sherman’s wife,” springing out of
Accordingly, |
|
|
listed the sympathies of the whole community on one
side and the other, resulting finally in the separation
of the Massachuseets Legislature into two bodies, and
the introduction of the Senate asa feature in Ameri-
can polity. Capt. Keayne was presently succeeded in
the command of the Braintree company by William
Tyne, the Boston merchant who bought Mount Wol-
laston of Coddington. Capt. Tyng represented Brain-
tree in the General Court, and died in 1654 the richest
man in the province. To him succeeded Capt. Richard
Brackett, who was deacon and town clerk as well, hold-
ing his military commission until he reached the ripe
He resigned in 1684; and to
trace his successors thereafter is matter of hardly
local interest, even though shortly after 1700 the
town had so increased that it had two companies, one
age of seventy-three.
containing seventy-two families and the other seventy-
one, “‘ both enumerated by exact computation.”
The training-field may have been overestimated as
a factor in the making of New England, but to over-
estimate the influence of the school in that making
would be difficult.
in the earlier period, and above it in the more recent.
Prior to 1830 it was below it.
the Braintree records which indicate that a public
It stands next below the church
There are entries in
Latin school was established in the town at a very
early period, though the exact date cannot be ascer-
tained. It was probably designed to prepare youths
_ for college in the days when any might be admitted
| who were “able to read Tully, or such like classical
author, extempore and decline perfectly the
paradigms of nouns and verbs in the Greek tongue.”
Yet this Latin school could hardly have been a public
school in the modern sense of the term, and was prob-
ably only Teacher Flynt’s side of his wife Margery’s
institution for “instructing young gentlewomen.”
If this was so, he in it fitted for Harvard not only his
own son Henry, but also Benjamin Tompson, the son
of his colleague, afterwards the first regular school-
master of the town. The school-house, which must
have been a structure of the humblest possible
description, stood at the side of the main street and
Nor does it
seem to have been built until the year 1680, so that
almost under the eaves of the church.
for forty years prior to that time all the teaching the
children got must have been at home, or in the house
At last, in
1679, the town agreed with Benjamin Tompson that
where the temporary teacher lodged.
a quarrel over “a stray sow,” which was brought to ' he should be schoolmaster, receiving for his services
QUINCY.
317
“the rent of the town’s land, made up to thirty |
pounds.” ‘Tompson had graduated at Harvard eight |
years before, and was seeking to make his way as a_
That calling afforded him a scanty sup-—
Yet |
even this school was not wholly free, for part of the
physician.
port, and so he eked out a living by teaching.
agreement between the town and Tompson was that
every child should carry in to him half a cord of
wood, besides the quarter money, every year. From
a subsequent vote, in 1700, it would seem that this
“quarter money” was a shilling, which was accounted
for by the schoolmaster to the selectmen as part of
his salary. In 1701 the fee for tuition was fixed at
“five shillings a year, and proportionably for any part
of it.”
master, or guardian of a school child should, on that |
Again, in 1715, it.was voted that each parent, |
child’s next appearance at school, deliver to the mas-
ter three feet of wood for the use of the school.
But in 1715, Mr. Tompson had ceased from teach-
He died at Roxbury in 1714, leaving “ behind |
him an uneasy world, eight children, and twenty-
ing.
eight grandchildren ;” and on his tombstone he is
referred to as “ye Renowned Poet of N. Engl.” In
Braintree he had served as town clerk, as well as
physician and school-teacher; and, after being en-_
gaged with it in a long controversy, which in 1700 he
compromised on payment of five pounds, he seems to
The building in
which he taught is said to have measured some
have moved away about 1710.
twenty feet by sixteen, and that which elsewhere re-
placed it in 1715 was of the same dimensions. The old |
school-house was then sold “for three pounds paid
into the treasury.” The new building sufficed for the |
needs of the North Precinct until as late as 1763.
The history of the Braintree schools, no less than
that of the church, shows in a striking way how the
chrysalis stage of development lasted to the year 1830.
During all that long period the same identical system |
was pursued, the difference being only in degree.
The precinct grew and became a town, and the town |
increased in population ; but not until 1830 was the
strain from within sufficiently strong to rend the in-
tegument. About the year 1720 the practice of ex-
acting payment for each child taught was abandoned,
and the whole expense became a charge on the town.
The master was then paid thirty-four pounds a year, |
and the town was noted for the excellence of its |
school in which boys were fitted for Harvard, no
less than forty-seven having gone there from the First
Precinct before the year 1740. In 1792 this school |
certainly had not improved on its earlier record, and
the sum of seventy-five pounds was appropriated for |
its support. In 1793 a new school-house was built |
had to find their own way to the centre.
_and a female teacher, was but $692.
‘Con the training-field” and opposite the church, the
cost of which was estimated at ninety pounds. The
school-room was twenty-eight feet long by twenty
wide. In 1815 this building was burned, and in
1817 another was constructed, to serve both as town-
hall and school-house, which cost a little over $2000,
and measured fifty-five feet by thirty. Up to 1800
all children whose parents desired them to be taught
In a town
the size of Quincy their so doing implied a daily walk
measured in many cases by miles. For the smaller
children this was generally found to be too severe, and
provision was made for local or ‘“‘ dame” schools, for
which specific sums varying from $+ to $40 were annu-
Yet in the year 1820 the whole
amount voted for the support of the centre school, “ in-
ally appropriated.
cluding ink and fuel,” as well as the pay of both a male
It is now, there-
fore, small matter for surprise that a committee then
reported the school-room so crowded that the scholars,
204 in number, “ were obliged to wait one for the other
for seats, notwithstanding the master gave up his desk,
and used every other means in his power to accom-
Still the town had not yet reached
the stage of differentiation.
modate them.”
With the innate conser-
vatism of a community accustomed to majority gov-
ernment, it clung to the primitive customs; and the
' committee went on to submit a plan for certain altera-
tions, at an estimated cost of $200, by which 250
scholars were to be brought together in one room and
under one master, “‘ with an assistant when necessary.”
Then in 1825 the master was censured for not attend-
ing more faithfully to his duties ; whereupon he replied
that he was not paid enough ($450 per annum) to sup-
port him, but if the town would increase his salary to
$500 he would devote all his time to the school. This
increased the appropriation to $745, leaving $245 with
which to pay the female assistant and defray all other
At last, in 1829, the condition of af-
fairs had become intolerable, and provision was made
school charges.
for the district system. The chrysalis stage was
over.
Of the old town school of Braintree, and the system
of instruction pursued in it, it is needless to speak at
length. Both have often been described. They were
wholly primitive. No print, or black-board, or map,
or motto adorned the grimy, blackened walls within
the narrow limits of which were crowded scores of
children of both sexes and of everyage. They sat in
twos and threes on benches behind rude rows of desks
cut and hacked and mutilated by the jackknives of
successive generations. ‘The larger scholars, among
whom were full-grown young men and women, sat at
318
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the rear, the sexes on opposite sides, while the smallest
of the little children occupied low benches close to the
teacher’s chair. Great logs of wood blazed in the fire-
place, or later in stoves one of which was at each end
of the room, and before these they read and ciphered
and wrote. The period was one neither of refinement
or sentiment, and both at home and in the school the
rod was freely used. The children were neither
taught much nor were they well taught; for through
life the mass of them could never read with real ease
and rapidity, nor could they write a legible hand. |
But, after a fashion, they could read and they could
In itself
the standard was not high, but it was the highest of
write, and for those days that was much.
its time.
things to talk of the good old times, and of the thor-
oughness of its simple methods; but examination only
that the times have changed. Brutality, ignorance,
and coarseness have not yet vanished from the world,
nor are they soon likely to vanish from it: but it is
safe to say that if the Braintree village school of 1790
should for a single fortnight be brought back to the
Quincy of 1880, parents would in horror and astonish-
ment keep their children at home until a town-meet- |
ing, called at the shortest possible legal notice, had
been held; and this meeting would probably culmi-
nate in a riot, in the course of which school-houses
as well as school would be summarily abated as a dis-
grace and a nuisance.
But if in the matter of schools constant effort has
in the lapse of time worked a vast improvement in
Quincy, the improvement as respects the tavern has
been yet more marked. None the less during the
colonial period the tavern, and the tavern-going habits
of the people also, were a marked feature in New
England life, and exerted a powerful political and
educational influence. In the days before railroads,
mails, and newspapers the tavern was the common
gathering-place of the town, where the news was cir-
culated and the events of the day discussed. The
modern caucus is a substitute for it. Here the poli-
tics of the village were arranged, and here the ques-
tions at issue between the colonies and the mother-
From his early life John
He declared that
country were debated.
Adams detested the public houses.
It is well in matters of teaching as in other |
“Within the course of the year before the meeting of Con-
gress, in 1774, on a journey to some of our circuit courts in
Massachusetts, I stopped one night at a tavern in Shrewsbury,
about forty miles from Boston, and as I was cold and wet, I sat
down at a good fire in the bar-room to dry my great coat and
saddle bags till a fire could be made in my chamber. There
presently came in, one after another, half a dozen, or half a
score, substantial yeomen of the neighborhood, who, sitting
down to the fire after lighting their pipes, began a lively con-
As I believed I was unknown to all
One said, ‘The
Another answered, ‘No
wonder the people of Boston are distracted. Oppression will
A third said, ‘What would you say if
a fellow should come to your house and tell you he was come to
take a list of your cattle, that Parliament might tax you for
them at so much a head 7
versation upon politics.
of them, I sat in total silence to hear them.
people of Boston are distracted.’
make wise men mad.’
And how should you feel if he was to
go and break open your barn, to take down your oxen, cows,
horses, and sheep?’ ‘ What should I say?” replied the first;
*‘T would knock him in the head.’ ‘Well,’ said a fourth,
‘if Parliament can take away Mr. Hancock’s wharf and Mr.
ake . re? . » a ake aw: y . ; ,
serves to make those living in the present thankful | Rowe’s wharf, they can take away your barn and my house,
After much more reasoning in this style, a fifth, who had as yet
been silent, broke out, ‘ Well, it is high time for us to rebel; we
must rebel some time or other, and we had better rebel now than
at any time to come. If we put it off for ten or twenty years,
| and let them go on as they have begun, they will get a strong
in them “the time, the money, the health, and the
modesty of most that were young and many old were |
wasted ; here diseases, vicious habits, bastards, and
legislators were frequently begotten.”
potency as a political educator and influence he was a
living witness.
thus described one of these colonial tavern debates :
Yet of their |
party among us, and plague usa great deal more than they can
now. Asyet, they have but a small party on their side.’ .
I mention this anecdote to show that the idea of independence
was familiar even among the common people much earlier than
some persons pretend.”
This is a reminiscence long after the event; but it
only confirms what he wrote in 1761, describing what
he then daily saw going on before his eyes:
“Tf you ride over this whole province you will find that
taverns are generally too numerous. In most country
towns in this country you will find almost every other house
If you call, you will
find dirt enough, very miserable accommodations of provision
Yet, if you sit the
evening, you will find the house full of people drinking drams,
flip, toddy, carousing, swearing; but especially plotting with
the landlord, to get him at the next town-meeting an election
witha sign of entertainment before it.
and lodging for yourself and your horse.
either for selectman or representative.”
Later in life Mr. Adams was wont often to say
that it was in silently listening to these tavern talks
among farmers as he rode the circuits that he first
came to realize that American independence was both
inevitable and close at hand. But the school, though
effective, was dangerous. The intemperance of the
colonial period is a thing now difficult to realize ;
and it seems to have pervaded all classes from the
clergy to the pauper. Cider was the beverage of the
soil; but the people of New England had inherited
a love of strong drink direct from their Saxon ances-
try, and cider failed to satisfy it. They craved some-
thing more potent. Their West India trade soon
supplied it. Here is an extract from a sermon of
More than thirty years afterwards he | Increase Mather’s delivered in March, 1686, before a
criminal awaiting execution for murder :
QUINCY.
olg
“Tt isan unhappy thing that later years a kind of strong
Drink called Rum has been common amongst us, which the
poorer sort of People, both in Town and Country, can make
themselves drunk with. They that are poor and wicked too,
can for a penny or two pence make themselves drunk. I wish
to the Lord some Remedy may be thought of for the prevention
of this evil.”
One hundred and ten years later, speaking of the
how one of the hands got drinking, and he adds:
“A terrible drunken distracted week he has made of the last. |
A beast associating with the worst beasts in the neighborhood,
running to all the shops and private houses, swilling brandy,
If the
ancients drank wine and rum as our people drink rum and cider,
wine and cider in quantities enough to destroy him.
it is no wonder we read of so many possessed with devils.’’
Not until after 1830 did the great temperance
movement make its influence felt, and for a century
and a half, therefore, it is not too much to say that
rum was the bane of New England. Braintree seems
to have been scourged by it, even more than most of
her sister towns. . At the very time the town was in-
corporated, at the May General Court of 1640, Mar-
tin Sanders, who a year before had been ‘‘ alowed to
keepe a house of intertainment”’ at the Mount, and
whose name was one of the eight subscribed to the
church covenant there, was ‘‘ alowed to draw wine at
Braintree.”
and the North Precinct records state that “ after con-
siderable debate at the meeting, concerning the raising
of the new meeting-house, the question was put
whether the committee should purchase Bread, Cheese,
Sugar, Rum, Sider and Beer at the cost of the pre-
cinct, and it passed in the affirmative.”
Tutor Flynt made his journey to Portsmouth. He
was seventy-eight years old, an instructor in the col-
lege, and he had for his companion an undergraduate
of twenty. At every public house at which they
punch ; and when, “in full view of Clark’s Tavern’’
near Portsmouth, the old gentleman was tumbled |
headlong out of the chaise, nearly breaking his neck, |
he was revived by ‘two or three bowls of lemon
punch, made pretty sweet,” which, as they ‘“ were
pretty well charged with good old spirit,”
‘very pleasant and sociable.’ In 1758, Samuel
Quincy and John Adams were admitted to the prov-
ince bar. After the oath had been administered on
motion of Gridley and Pratt, the leading lawyers of
their day, the two young men “ shook hands with the
bar, and received their congratulations, and invited
them over to Stone’s to drink some punch, where the
most of us resorted, and had a very cheerful chat.” It
is not easy to imagine leading counsel of to-day drink-
In 1754, |
ing with students in a tap-room. Again, in 1778
Count d’Estaing came to Boston with the French
fleet. Mrs. Adams visited it and could not sufficiently
express her admiration of the bearing of officers and
men, which she said ought to make Americans *‘ blush
What de-
lighted her most was, that “‘ not one officer has been
at their own degeneracy of manners.”
work on his farm in Quincy, John Adams describes | seen the least disguised with liquor since their arrival.”
So bad had the condition of affairs grown about
the year 1750 that John Adams declared that several
towns within his knowledge had “at least a dozen
Suffolk County he asserted
was worse than any other, and in Braintree within a
taverns and retailers.”
| circuit of three miles there were “eight public
houses, besides one in the centre.” Within three-
| quarters of a mile on the main road there were three
In 1731 the third church was ‘“ raised,” |
taverns, besides retailers, or those who supplied the
small
These houses,
‘neighborhood with necessary liquors in
quantities and at the cheapest rates.”
frequented as they were by a “tippling, nasty,
vicious crew,’ had become “the nurseries of our
legislators,’ for there were many who could “be in-
_ duced by flip and rum to vote for any man whatever.”
Aroused to the necessity of doing something to re-
strain this growing evil, the young village lawyer had
an article looking to some reduction of the number
of licensed houses inserted in the warrant for the
May town-meeting of 1761. A full debate was had
upon it and a vote passed, which is chiefly curious
now as indicating what that condition of affairs was
_ for which this measure was regarded as one of reform.
| The vote reads as follows:
}
made him |
“ Voted, That, although Licensed Houses, so far as they are
couveniently situated, well accommodated, and under due Regu-
lation for the Relief and Entertainment of Travellers and
Strangers, may be a useful Institution, yet there is Reason to
apprehend that the present prevailing Depravity of Manners,
stopped this venerable preceptor took a “ nip” of | through the Land in General, and in this Town in particular,
and the shameful neglect of Religious and Civil Duties, so
highly offensive in the sight of God, and injurious to the peace
and Welfare of Society, are ina great measure owing to ile
unnecessary increase of Licensed Houses.
“ Voted, That for the future, there be no Persons in this
Town Licensed for retailing spirituous Liquors, and that there
be three persons only approbated by the Selectmen as Inn-
holders, suitably situated, one in each Precinct.
“* Voted, That the Persons who are approbated as Innholders
for the coming year, oblidge themselves by written Instru-
ments, under their Hands and Seals, to retail spirituous Liquors
to the Town Inhabitants, as they shall have occasion therefor, at
the same price by the Gallon or smaller Quantity, as the same
are usually sold, by Retail, in the Town of Boston, and upon
the performance of the above condition there be no Person or
Persons approbated by the Selectmen as Retailers.”
It hardly needs to be said that these measures of
reform produced no result. The Revolutionary
320
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
troubles then shortly ensued, and John Adams was
called away to larger fields of usefulness. Long
afterwards, referring to this experience, he wrote :
“Fifty-three years ago I was fired with a zeal, amounting to
enthusiasm, against ardent spirits, the multiplication of taverns,
retailers, and dram-shops and tippling-houses. Grieved to the
heart to see the number of idlers, thieves, sots, and consump-
tive patients made for the use of physicians, in those infamous
seminaries, I applied to the Court of Sessions, procured a com-
mittee of inspection and inquiry, reduced the number of
But I only acquired the reputation of
The number
licensed houses, ete.
a hypocrite and an ambitious demagogue by it.
of licensed houses was soon reinstated, drams, grog, and sotting
were not diminished, and remain to this day as deplorable as
eyer. You may as well preach to the Indians against rum as to
our people.”
When John Adams made his futile attempt at tem-
perance reform, and for seventy years thereafter, the
town in which he lived was as respects intemperance no
better and no worse than her sister towns. In every
store in which West India goods were sold, and there
were no others, behind the counter stood the casks of
Jamaica and New England rum, of gin and brandy.
Their contents were sold by the gallon, the bottle, or
the glass.
spot. It was a regular, recognized branch of trade;
/ was due to drink.
They were carried away, or drunk on the |
and when during the Revolution Mrs. Adams sent |
_ townspeople and of their families with a Massachu-
a list of current prices to her husband she always in-
cluded rum, looking upon it as just as important a farm
Three shillings
a gallon, or ninepence a quart was a high price;
and John Adams wrote back to her from Philadel-
phia, “‘ Whisky is used here instead of rum, and I
don’t see but it is just as good.”
Aum or whisky for home and farm consumption
staple as meat, or corn, or molasses.
stories high, they faced the road, and before them was
the hitching-rail ; while stables and covered standing-
sheds stretched away on either side or to the rear. A
piazza or gallery ran along the front, on which sat in
summer those who most frequented the house ; while
in winter they gathered around the bar-room fires.
The village topers were as much recognized characters
as the minister and the magistrate. They remained
so in Quincy down to the beginning of the railroad
period. he children all knew them, nor as they
reeled through the streets did they attract more than
a passing glance. Prematurely old, they drank them-
selves into their graves, and another generation of the
same sort succeeded them.
At a later period great numbers of the more ener-
getic youth of the town went out to California and
the West, a portion of the New England migration.
It was astonishing and Jamentable to note the destrue-
tion then wrought by this inherited vice. Failure was
the rule; and in the majority of cases the failure
In this matter it is easy to charge
exaggeration, and neither the gravestone nor the reg-
istry bear witness to the facts. Those who remember
the old condition of affairs also are fast passing away.
Yet any man of middle life who has talked of his
setts man or woman born near the close of the last
century, has been exceptionally placed if he has not
heard the same old tale of lamentation. As the name
of one after another is recalled, the words “ He
drank himself to death” seem so often repeated, that
they sound at last not like the exception but the rule.
It was certainly so with Braintree and Quincy.
were here spoken of; for among laboring men rum
was served out as a regular ration, and during the |
| where there is no intemperance crime is unknown.
early years of the present century a gallon of it a
hand. It was used especially during the haying season
and at hog-killing; for the latter it was mixed with |
the enforced industry, the religious training, and the
molasses and known as “black-strap,” while, com-
Where there is drunkenness there is vice and crime.
It of course does not follow that in communities
month was considered a fair allowance for each field | The experience of all ages and many countries dem-
_ onstrates the falsity of this proposition ; but none the
pounded for the former with cider, the result was |
ealled ‘“stone-wall.” Even as late as 1838 it was
voted in Quincy town-meeting that ‘the paupers be
allowed a temperate use of ardent spirits when they
work on the road or farm.”
For consumption at home and on the farm, rum was
bought from the retailers, and they thus constituted one |
Consequently, a Donnybrook fair was in Yankee in-
distinct class of licensed sellers. The inn-holders were
another class; and upon the main street of the North
Precinct, in its most thickly settled part, there were |
They
three taverns standing at convenient points.
more remote and older New England towns. Two
less the other proposition is true. In New England
law-abiding habits of the people during the colonial
period modified to some extent the evils of intemper-
ance. The New Englander was neither an Irishman
nor an Indian; and so he did not in his cups become
fighting drunk like the first, or sodden drunk like the
last. The habits and traditions and inground train-
ing of a race assert themselves even through liquor.
ebriety as unknown a feature as a Mohawk war-dance.
When they were sober the people were not quarrel-
some or lawless or shiftless; and consequently when
were buildings of a type still not uncommon in the | they were drunk they did not asa rule fight or ravish
or murder. But that the earlier generations in Mas-
2 a ; ; TORE LE APM a ee Sy yegrorass i
QUINCY. 321
sachusetts were either more law-abiding, or more self-
restrained than the latter, is a proposition which
accords neither with tradition nor with the reason of
things. The habits of those days were simpler than
those of the present ; they were also essentially grosser.
The community was small; and it hardly needs to be
said that where the eyes of all are upon each, the
general scrutiny is a safeguard to morals. It is in
cities, not in villages, that laxity is to be looked for.
Of course, it hardly needs to be said that in old
Braintree and early Quincy the thought of robbery or
violence scarcely entered into the heads of the people.
They did not require bolts to their doors nor bars to
their windows; neither, under similar circumstances, |
do they require them to-day. On the other hand,
now and again, especially in the relations between the
sexes, we get glimpses of incidents in the dim past
which are as dark as they are suggestive.
are connected with Quincy,—incidents which for long
years have caused houses to be looked upon as_
haunted, and have given to old and once honored
names a weird-like, uncanny sound. The illegitimate
child was more commonly met with in the last than in
the present century, and bastardy cases furnished a
class of business with which country lawyers seem to
have been as familiar then as they are with liquor |
cases now.
Nor was the physical health of the people what it
has since become. People did not live so long. This
is opposed to the common belief, because exceptional
cases of old age in each family are always remem-
bered, while the average death is ignored. Some
grandparent, uncle or aunt, who nearly completed a _
century, will cause a whole race to be reputed long-
lived, though haif those belonging to it died before
forty. As might have been expected, the drinking
habits of the last century generated a class of dis-
eases of their own, besides delirium tremens. Men
broke down in middle life, dying of kidney and blad-
der troubles, or living with running sores which could
not be closed. It is singular to find how common it
was for fathers to die at an age between forty and
fifty. Rheumatism was more prevalent then than
now. <A closer and more scientific observation has
given new names to old ills, tracing them back to
their sources; but, referring to the frequent cases of
Bright's disease brought to his notice during the latter |
part of his life, the last and shrewdest medical prac-
titioner in Quincy of the old, country-doctor school
was wont to remark that he had known the new dis-
ease for fifty years, but they “used to call it dropsy,
and the patients died.”
the smallpox periodical, but in 1735 the diphtheria
21
raged fearfully, and again in 1751.
Some such |
Not only were visitations of |
‘no newspapers, no mails, no travelers, few books,
Indeed, in this
latter year more than a hundred and twenty died
of it in the neighboring town of Weymouth out
of a population of only twelve hundred. In 1761
an epidemic raged among the old people of Brain-
tree, carrying off seventeen in one neighborhood.
In 1775, during the excitement of the siege of
Boston, a chronic dysentery prevailed to such an
extent that three, four, and even five children were
lost in single families, and Mrs. John Adams, writing
from amid the general distress, could only say, ‘‘ The
dread upon the minds of the people of catching the
distemper is almost as great as if it were the small-
pox.”
Notwithstanding such facts as these, it ever has
been, and probably always will be, the custom to look
back upon the past as a simpler, a purer, and a better
time than the present; it seems more Arcadian and
natural, sterner and stronger, less selfish and more
heroic. As respects New England and Massachu-
setts, this idea is especially prevalent among those of
the later generations, and, indeed, has been almost
The
crowing laxity of morals, the decay of public spirit,
sedulously inculeated as an article of faith.
the vulgarity of manners and the general tendency
of the age to deteriorate, have from the very beginning
of New England been matters of common observation.
Each generation has observed these symptoms with
alarm ; and each generation has in turn held up its
fathers and mothers before its children as models, the
classic severity and homely, simple virtues of which
they might well imitate, but could scarcely hope to
equal. Those fathers and those mothers were not for
days like these.
Yet a careful study of the past reveals nothing
more substantial than filial piety upon which to base
this grateful fiction. The earlier times in New Eng-
land were not pleasant times in which to live; the
earlier generations were not pleasant generations to
live with. One accustomed to the variety, luxury,
and refinement of modern life, if carried suddenly
back into the admired existence of the past would,
the moment his surprise and amusement had passed
away, experience an acute and lasting attack of home-
sickness and disgust. The sense of loneliness incident
to utter separation from the great outside world, the
absence of those comforts of life which long habit has
converted into its necessities, the stern conventionali-
ties and narrow modes of thought, the coarse, hard,
monotonous existence of the old country town would,
to one accustomed to the world of to-day, not only
seem intolerable, but actually be so. He would find
322
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and those to him wholly unreadable, Sunday the sole |
holiday, and the church, the tavern, and the village |
store the only places of resort. Last week’s politics |
at home and last month’s abroad, the weather, the crops, |
the births, the deaths, and the Sunday sermon would |
be the subjects of droning talk. Braintree had been
settled more than a century anda half, and the town of |
Quincy had for three years been set off from it before
a post-office was established in the North Precinct. |
That it was established here even then was probably |
due to the fact that John Adams was Vice-President.
The
postage on a letter from Quincy to Boston was then
His brother-in-law was appointed postmaster.
six cents; to Springfield, it was ten; to New York,
fifteen.
paper found its way regularly to Quincy. As regards
Before 1830 not a single copy of a daily
books the case was not much better. A library, in |
the sense in which the word is now used, was a thing |
unknown. Harvard College possessed one, it is true, |
and by 1830 the Boston Athenzeum had reached a |
certain degree of growth; but in Quincy, only after
1800 was there even a poor collection of ordinary |
standard books of the day, which, owned by a social |
club, were allowed sluggishly to circulate among its
After 1788, John Adams had a valuable |
private collection, which he subsequently left to the
town; but the works in it were little adapted for gen-
eral reading, and the restrictions put upon its use
members.
were such as made it available only to scholars. Had |
it been otherwise, it would have made no difference.
Before 1830 the people of the town, as a whole, never |
having been accustomed to books and reading, did |
not really know what a library was or how to use it. |
Two generations of newspapers, railroads, and book-
stores were needed to convert the New Englanders of |
the interior into a really reading race. |
Going back to the earlier period, the Bible, and |
that alone, seems to have been found everywhere; |
while in the houses of the gentry might be seen |
copies of Shakespeare and Milton, a few volumes of |
the classics, the “Spectator” and the “ Tatler,” the |
philosophical works of Locke and of Bolingbroke, a
number of sermons and theological works now wholly
forgotten, and, if the owner was a lawyer, a doctor or |
a minister, a few professional books. As a young |
man, on a Sunday, John Adams, in the old house at |
the foot of Penn’s Hill, read Baxter’s “* Enquiry into |
the Nature of the Human Soul,” and, for amusement, |
“ Ovid's ‘ Art of Love’ to Mrs. Savil.”
The sensations of John Adams when he came back
to this vegetating existence after having for thirty |
years been part of great events have already been
alluded to.
He longed to hibernate as a dormouse.
Yet he at least knew what he went back to, and ex-
pected nothing else. It would be otherwise with a
visitor bred to modern usages. In his ease an illu-
sion would be dispelled. If his experience chanced to
fall on a Sabbath, he would pass a day of veritable
torture. Were the period during the last century,
in order to escape the tedium of the dwelling, if for
no other reason, he would be forced to spend weary
hours in a building scarcely as weather-proof and far
less comfortable than a modern barn, in which the
only suggestion of warmth was in that promise of an
hereafter which was wont to emanate from the ortho-
dox pulpit. The remaining hours of the dreary
day he would pass seated in a wooden, straight-
backed chair, roasting one-half of his person before a
fire of blazing wood, while the other half shivered
under the weight of an overcoat. In his bedroom
he would find no water for washing; for if exposed
If
among personal virtues cleanliness be indeed that
overnight, it would be solid ice in the morning.
which ranks closest to godliness, then, judged by
nineteenth century standards, it is well that those who
lived in the eighteenth century had a sufficiency of
the latter quality to make good what they lacked of
the former.
bath-room in the town of Quincy, and it is very
questionable whether there was any utensil then made
Prior to 1830 there certainly was not a
for bathing the person larger than a crockery hand-
bowl.
nor was the ordinary laundry wash-tub, of which it is
The bath-room is a very modern institution ;
an outgrowth, by any means in family requisition each
In 1650 it is recorded that those
dwelling in certain portions of the British Isles did
Saturday night.
“not wash their linen above once a month, nor their
hands and faces above once a year.” As compared
_ with these the New Englander was cleanly, but even
his ewers and basins were strictly in keeping with a
limited water supply.
When the temperature of a bedroom ranges far ,
below the freezing-point, there is small inducement
for the person who has slept therein to waste any
So when
Monday morning came, the visitor of the good old
unnecessary time in washing or dressing.
days would huddle on his clothes and go down, blue
and shivering with cold, to the sitting- and breakfast-
room, in which he would find a table spread with a
sufficiency of food, neither well cooked nor well served.
The salted meat and heavy bread made of Indian
meal and rye he would wash down with draughts
_of milk or hard cider, though in a few houses tea
might be offered him. All day he would look in
vain for a newspaper, or a letter, or even a distant
echo from the outside world.. Weary with the
QUINCY.
monotony of in-door life, the visitor might wander
forth and watch for a time the hands on the farm as |
they hauled and split wood, husked corn, or tended
the stock. Then he would find his way through the
village. On the bare and dreary road he would meet
only an occasional chaise or traveler on horseback,
and an ox-cart or two loaded with cordwood or pro-
few, and those few belong to general history.
|
duce; a few children might be on their way to or |
from the half-warmed school-house in which they
huddled together on the long, hard benches, shivering
for hours.
into it in search of warmth and comfort, he would
Coming at last to the tavern, and driven
understand at a glance why the New Englander was
intemperate. There, gathered around the great fire
in the bar-room, would be a half-dozen or more
rough, sinewy Yankees smoking their pipes, drinking
flip, and talking politics. The room might be dirty,
_ remarkable system.
the language coarse, the air foul with tobacco, and
scenes of drunkenness might occur, but here was an
escape from tedium, and a natural craving for society
and excitement was gratified. It was the one form
of sociability open to the average New Englander
through the lon
forced idleness.
g, comfortless winter hours of en-
With the tavern the circle would be complete, un-
less the stranger also stopped at the village store.
There again he would find the occupationless lounger
seated on the stools or leaning against the counter ;
and there also rum would be on sale, drawn by the
glass or by the bottle from the barrels on tap at the
rear of the room.
now be exhausted. It would only remain to return
to the point of commencement, and, seated in the
wooden chair, resume “ Baxter on the Soul” or the
“Tatler,” or “ Paradise Lost,” before the great wood
fire.
tion across the little stage.
And so it went on as generation followed genera-
change either expected or desired. To use Burke’s
supremely happy phrase, it was the existence of a
people “still, as it were, in the gristle, and not yet |
hardened into the bone.”
CHAPTER X XIX.
QUINCY—( Continued).
THE NORTH PRECINCT ANNALS.
As generally understood, the political record of an
old New England town is the narrative of the connec-
tiou of that town with the great current of external
events. Yet, when so treated, it cannot but lose in
The resources of the town would |
No change came; nor was |
323
great degree both its individuality and its significance.
The events of large historical moment which have oc-
curred within the limits of any town are necessarily
In
most cases they are already familiar, and to go over
them in a purely local connection is but to repeat a
story which has been sufficiently told. This is not
the function of the town historian. His function is
to develop, in so far as he can, whatever of individ-
uality there may have been in a particular unit of a
Having a general family resem-
blance, just as the individuals composing a commun-
ity resemble each other generally, each of the Massa-
chusetts towns in the early days had also characteris-
tics and peculiarities of itsown. In making a portrait
of the individual, the attempt of the artist should be
to impress on his canvas the traits peculiar to that in-
dividual,—not those which he had in common with
all his neighbors. So in dealing with the New Eng-
land town, its historian should cut loose as far as pos-
' sible from the general current of political events, and
labor to bring into prominence that which made the
| town as a unit not altogether like its fellow units.
That which lends an especial interest to these
_ towns was the complete freedom of their growth from
For them there was
no prophet, no chief, no lord, no bishop, no king.
As
such, they were neither guided nor protected from
above. They stood on their own legs, such as they
were; and there was no one to hold them up. Ac-
cordingly, each town as an organized political body
worked out its problems in its own way. Neither
were those problems simple. On the contrary, it
has already been seen that in the course of the first
hundred and ninety years of muncipal life Braintree
and Quincy had to deal in a practical way with
almost every one of those questions which are wont
to perplex statesmen. Religious heresies, land-titles,
internal improvements and means of communication ;
education, temperance, pauperism, and the care of the
insane ; public lands, currency, taxation, and municipal
debt,—all these presented themselves, and the people
assembled in town-meeting had to, and did, in some
fashion work out a solution of them.
wholly unaided, did they fail to do so. There was
fortunately no inspiration in New England, nor did
any saviours of society appear. It is needless to say
that the solutions worked out were often rough, and
superficial, and wrong. None the less they were the
best of which those people were capable, and so best
for them. They were working out their destiny in
their own way, and paying for their experience as they
all paternal or fostering care.
Those dwelling in them were all plain people.
Nor, being
324
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
went along. Their so doing marked an epoch in his-
tory.
Tt is in the towns and town records of Massachu-
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setts, therefore, that the historical unit of America _
is to be sought. The political philosopher can there
study the slow development of a system as it grew
from the germ up. The details are trivial, monoto-
nous, and not easy to clothe with interest. Yet the
volumes which contain them are the most precious of
archives.
the hardly legible letters of the ill-spelled words are
written in ink grown pale with age, but they are all
we have left to tell us of the first stages of a politi-
Upon their tattered pages, yellow with age, |
_ as the townsmen shall approve on.”
house or cottage ‘‘ within the libertys’ of Braintree
without the consent of those ‘chosen to dispose of
’
the towne’s affairs; and a heavy money penalty is
imposed on every sale of lands to any except ‘“ such
Next, though an
interval of more than two months intervenes between it
and the last order, is a regulation which foreshadows
all future municipal ordinances in relation to fire de-
| partments; every house-owner is ordered “‘ to have a
cal growth which has since ripened into the dominant
influence of the new world.
imagine that when the idea of full human self-gov-
ernment, first slowly hammered into practical shape
in the New England towns, and as yet far from per-
fected, shall have permeated the civilized world and
assumed final shape, then these town records will be
Nor is it too much to |
ladder to stand up against his Chimney”’ as a security
against fire.
But it has already been mentioned that in the
earliest colonial period town-meetings in the modern
sense of the word were not regularly held, and no
record was made of the action taken by the selectmen,
_who seem to have been agreed on in some informal
accepted as second in historical importance to no
other form of archives.
The first page of the first town book of Braintree
bears the date of 1640.
for, as was naturally to be expected, it is worn and
It is only legible in part,
mutilated by rough handling through two hundred —
Yet there is a singular fitness in the
opening heading. It is in these words, “The Schoole
and. nen follows the memorandu conveyance
Land.” Then foll th morandum ofa conve e
and fifty years.
_ and only under the pressure of actual need.
that year made, under which a portion of the tract origi- |
years more, no record of these meetings was kept,
nally allotted at “ the Mount” to William Coddington
passed into the hands of the town as common lands,
and was by it devoted to be the support of a school.
The first recorded act of Braintree, therefore, was to
make a provision for common-school teaching ; nor is
the fact already alluded to unworthy of second men-
tion, that the land thus set apart has even to the pres-
ent time paidan annual rent for the purposes to which
it was then dedicated. ‘he second entry, made in
the following year, is for the encouragement and pro-
tection of home enterprise. A monopoly in grinding
corn is secured to Richard Wright so long as the mill
he had built remains in the hands of him and his
heirs, “‘ unlesss it evidently appear that the said mill
will not serve the plantation, and that he or they will
not build another in convenient time.”
this mill, and the stones which went into its founda-
tion walls, are still pointed out.
is recorded.
cedent for all that legislation against aliens coming in |
to the land which has from time to time found a place
upon the American statute book. This has been
already referred to. Strangers are forbidden to build
The site of |
Next a right of way |
Then follows a provision setting a pre-_
_ plete.
way. Acknowledgments, transfers of land, and per-
mits to take stone and timber from the commons
were entered of record in the town book; and yet a
dozen pages of it were not filled in as many years.
The machinery of government was organized slowly,
Nothing
was done that did not have to be done. But at last,
in March, 1673, when the town was already a third
of a century old, it was voted that thenceforth on the
first Tuesday of March and the last Tuesday of
October there should be general meetings of “ the
whole inhabitants” to make choice of their town
officers and to agree upon all things that might con-
cern the common welfare. Even then, for twenty
nor were the names of the town officers entered in
the book.
matter of common knowledge, and they met at each
Their election seems to have been held
other’s houses. This continued to be the case until
after the Revolution of 1688, during which Brain-
tree heartily sympathized in the movement which
overthrew Andros. It was in 1693 that the list of
town officers first appears, and from this time for-
ward the machinery of town government was com-
The officers chosen were five selectmen, a
town clerk and a commissioner, two constables, five
The next
year surveyors of highways and field-viewers were
tithingmen, and eight viewers of fences.
also chosen, and the first specific appropriation was
made.
the pound being $3.33, and it is instructive in its
details.
“five pounds to John Belcher’s widow’s maintenance, and
thirty shilings to Thomas Revill for keeping William Dimble-
bee, and twenty-five shilings for the ringing of the bel and
It amounted to £9 13s. in colonial money,
It reads as follows:
sweping the meeting-hous in the year 1694, and eight shilings
for mending the pound, seven shilings to William Savill for
dimblebe’s cofin, and eight shilings to constables for warning
QUINCY.
325
the Town, and five shilings for the exchang of a Town cow to
Samuel Speer, and ten shilings to Thomas Bas for dept for
ringing the bell formerly, this to be raised by rate.”
|
In a general sketch such as the present it would |
not be profitable to enter into the petty details of
legislation through monotonous years. They repeated
each other.
Regular votes were passed in relation to |
the church, the commons, the school ; and at times the |
dissent of certain freemen from the action had was
noted. One Samuel Tompson especially seems to have |
Cer-
opposed all outlays of an educational character.
tain large issues always loomed up as the engrossing |
questions of the time, upon the solution of which
the common mind was fixed. Now it would be the
matter of title and determined resistance to the pre-_
tensions of Boston land claimants; then the division
front. The village theatre of 1700 was in fact ex-
actly like the national theatre of 1850, excepting
only that it was not so large. As the tariff and
bank issues in the latter were succeeded by the dis-
union issue, so in the former the question of title was
The
title question has already been sufficiently referred
to, but a few words more may be given to the division
followed by the demand for parochial division.
a suitable and reasonable line of division, distinction,
or limitation. . . . That said line be lovingly agreed
upon and settled (if it may be).” Edmund Quincy
was chosen moderator, and then ensued an angry and
exciting debate, for the record reads that “ after the
warrants were read there were some immediately that
did declare against the dividing of the town, and
that they did refuse to Joyne with said Inhabitants in
that affair, and requested that it might be entered
The names
were then recorded ; and it is a significant fact that
with their names in the Town Book.”
three at least of those names belonged to persons then
They ap-
parently desired no settlement of religious disputes
active in organizing the Episcopal church.
which did not cover their own case. But the division
_of the town into separate parishes was none the less
of the town into precincts would force itself to the
of the town into precincts as illustrating the methods |
of the time.
freemen of the two sections were so wrought up over
this issue that they by no means abstained from angry
words, and almost came to blows. Fora time the
It has already been stated that the |
battle raged over the amount of the minister’s salary. |
i
Then an overt act was resolved upon, and the frame of ©
a new meeting-house was raised.
Finally a joint
the two precincts, was sent to “discourse with Mr.
Fiske one with another, and bring report to the town
effected, and this absorbing issue was disposed of.
Town government was now thoroughly organized
in Braintree; and, for purpose of illustration, the
record of a single year will not be uninstructive.
Take, for instance, that of 1710-11. During those
twelve months, from March to March, three town-
meetings were held, one in March, one in May, and
one in November. At the March meeting town offi-
cers were chosen, and a special committee was ap-
pointed “ to go and search the records at Boston with
reference to the grant of the six thousand acres of
land by the General Court to the town of Braintree.”
Twenty shillings were also voted to Joseph Bass as a
suitable compensation for two years’ service as town
At the May meeting the delegate to the
General Court was chosen, and also a sealer of leather.
treasurer.
_ At the November meeting a levy of thirty pounds was
committee of eight, four being selected from each of |
whether there can be any proposals made that may |
and shall be complied with on either side that may
be for the peace and satisfaction of both parts of the
town.” It was a committee of representative men, for
like ring. Upon it were a lieutenant-colonel, two cap-
tains, one cornet, two sergeants, besides “ Lieut. Deacon
Savel.” One only bore no military designation, plain
‘“ John Ruggles, senior.” This was in March, 1708.
Apparently the committee did not ‘“ discourse” in
vain, or perhaps the Rev. Mr. Fiske proved a suc-
cessful peacemaker ; for steps were soon taken towards
effecting a peaceful division. By December matters
had been so far advanced that a special town-meeting
was called, as the warrant ran, “then and there to
ordered to defray the town charges for the current
year. Provision was then made for the increase of
the town herds, and an appropriation of six pounds
The schoolmaster, ‘ Mr. Adams,”
was then “ impowered to demand a Load of wood of
From
was made therefor.
each boy that comes to school this winter.”
this impost it will be noticed that girls were ex-
Edmund Quincy served upon it, and it went on an |
errand of peace; but, as registered, it has now a war- |
empted. It was then further voted that “twelve
pounds be raised for John Penniman, of Swansey,
_ provided that the Town be forever cleared of him.”
Finally, a further order was passed by the North
consult and consider about, and if possible to fix upon —
Precinct freeholders that Mr. William Rawson should
have “liberty to build a Pew for himselfe and Family
where the three short seats of the women’s be, and
so to joyn home to the foreseat of the women’s in the
old Meeting-house at the southwest end.” To this
same Mr. Rawson, it may be added, there had ten
years before been conceded “ the privilege of making
a seat for his family between or upon the two beams
over the pulpit, not darkening the pulpit.”
326
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
It is a noticeable fact that there is no trace what-
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ever of the Indian wars to be found in the Braintree |
records.
year 1710.
the questions which occupied the public mind were
It-does not need to
The Indian wars were then over, and
those usual to periods of peace.
be said that Braintree could not have escaped its
share of the burdens of that severest New England
trial when, and when only in its whole history, the
The long struggle
So
far as Massachusetts was concerned, it entailed heavy
enemy was at almost every door.
with the French was carried on at a distance.
The entries just referred to were of the |
cause. Simon
Willard, of Concord, was in command, and he
mustered his force at Dedham on the 9th of October,
Braintree’s quota was four men.
1655, and led it off through Providence to the shores
drafts for men and money; but no camp-fire smoke |
was seen or hostile shot heard within the colony’s
limits. The forays of the Revolution were limited to
The war
of 1812 caused for Massachusetts nothing more than
the coast and one short march to Concord.
needless alarms along the sea-coast.
Not so the In-
The struggle then, where it was not
Rebellion was fought at a distance.
dian wars.
The war of the |
actually over the hearthstone, was at the threshold.
Braintree was one of the more fortunate towns.
Though a few wretched Indians lingered within its
limits down even to the middle of the next century,
the great plague of 1616 had within Braintree limits
done its work thoroughly. Rum and smallpox fin-
ished the little it had left.
was never called upon, even in King Philip’s war,
Accordingly, Braintree
for anything more than men and money.
The first draft of this kind was in August, 1645.
of Long Island Sound.
at Dedham, having accomplished a military prome-
In fifteen days he was back
nade.
Twenty years later came King Philip’s war, and
Braintree is said now to have received a scratch from
An insignificant Indian raid
occurred, and four persons were killed,—*‘ three men
the wildcat’s claw.
and a woman. ‘The woman they carried about six or
seven miles, and then killed her and hung her up in
an unseemly and barbarous manner by the wayside
In conse-
quence of the alarm occasioned by this raid a sort of
frontier post was established on the Bridgewater road,
and Richard Thayer, who had been ‘“ impressed” as
one of the Braintree contingent, was put in charge of
it.
claimant of Braintree lands under an alleged Indian
leading from Braintree to Bridgewater.”
This individual has already been mentioned as a
grant. It has also been stated that as a military
commander Richard Thayer seems to have been in-
He
claimed the credit of capturing one John Indian, who
strumental in spreading many false alarms.
was ‘so feeble and weake that he came creeping
A war with Passacus and the Narragansetts was then |
threatening, and Maj.-Gen. Gibbons, he who had
been a companion of Morton’s at the Mount Wollas- |
ton of the old Maypole days, was sent out in com-
mand of a force of two hundred men. Braintree,
Weymouth, and Dorchester were ordered to furnish |
three horses, with saddles and bridles, ‘to be at
Boston by seven o’clock in the morning, the 18th of
this 6th month,” to accompany Gen. Gibbons ; and it
was Mr. Tompson, of the Braintree church, who was
selected “ to sound the silver trumpet along with his
army.’ Among the commissary stores of this ex-
pedition,—* Bread, tenn thousand; beif, six hogs-
heads; fish, tenn kintalls,” ete.,—‘‘ strong water, one
hogshead ; wine at your pleasure; beere, one tunn.”
These preparations proved too much for the savages.
They succumbed before a blow was struck.
Again in 1653, the commissioners of the confed-
eracy of New England colonies “conceived them-
selves called by God to make a present war against
Ninigret, the Niantic sachem,” and the next year it
fell to Massachusetts to raise one hundred and eighty-
three soldiers, foot and horse, to go forth in that
fate of these men was hard,
under the fences, and not able for any action, being
But his participation in this last
exploit was by others denied. Nevertheless he after-
wards brought in that bill for services and disburse-
ments at this time, amounting to thirteen pounds,
without arms.”
which has already been mentioned, and which the
In
1675 the town was called upon to furnish nineteen
‘Military Committee of Braintree” disallowed.
men for active duty, seven of them mounted. These
figures now have an inconsiderable sound, and con-
vey but a slight idea of the stress of war. Yet a call
for nineteen men was to Braintree of 1675, with its
eighty families, as heavy a draft as a call for 325
men from Quincy in the Rebellion of two centuries
later. The largest number who went out from the
town in any one year of that Rebellion was 304 in
1861.
In 1690 came the French war, and Braintree was
called upon to furnish thirteen men for the ill-fated
Quebec expedition under Sir William Phipps. The
The town records tell
it in a way not to be improved upon :
“The 9th of August there went soldiers to Canada, in the
year 1690, and the smallpox was abord, and they died six of it;
four thrown overboard at Cape Ann, Corporal John Parmenter,
Isaak Thayer, Ephraim Copeland and Ebenezer Owen, they ;
and Samuel Bas and John Cheny was thrown overboard at
Nantaskett.”
QUINCY.
327
Two more of the thirteen, making eight in all, died
shortly after reaching home. Yet, according to the
Rev. Cotton Mather, “during the absence of the
forces the wheels of prayer in New England had
been continually going round.” From the beginning
this expedition had not been popular in Braintree.
The young men had refused to be impressed, and Col.
Edmund Quincy, on whom had fallen the duty of
supplying the contingent called for, had been forced
to write toold Governor Bradstreet, then the head of
the provisional government, that there were among
those impressed in Braintree ‘“‘ but two or three who
will go. I can dono more, without there be some
sent for, and made example to the rest. To behold
such aspirit is of an awful consideration.”
The French and Indian war was followed by a long
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period of quiet ; and after the division of the Brain- |
tree church had been effected there was little for the
town to agitate itself over. Accordingly for many
years the records contain not much that is noticeable.
The town organization, so far as offices were concerned,
was complete after 1700, and an amount was annually
appropriated to meet necessary expenses. This sum
steadily increased, though its increase was caused
probably as much by the fluctuating value of colonia]
paper money as by the needs of a wealthier commun-
ity. In 1701, for instance, the rate was forty pounds;
about 1725 it averaged year by year over ninety
motion was rejected. The warrant for the next town-
meeting contained an article for the townsmen “ to
consider of, debate upon and agree about an answer
to the petition of Edmund Quincy, Esq.,” relating to
a driftway through his land. And now a committee
was appointed. Six months later, at a meeting held
on the 28th December, Col. Quiney was chosen
moderator, and this committee made its report.
brief, but significant. They “were of opinion That
the Records on the Town’s Book Relating to an high-
way or Town driftway through the Lands of the said
Quincy, etc., as may appear on Record baring Date
February the 15th, 1714-15 be erased, made void,
and be as tho’ it had never been.
It was
And it was then
voted that the report of said Committee should be
accepted with the Town.” Subsequently, March 17,
1731, this way was regularly laid out and accepted.
Other questions, which through this period contin-
ually occupied the attention of the town in a mild
way, related to the six thousand acre grant, the unau-
thorized taking of stone from the commons, the
_ growth of the timber upon them, a political division
pounds ; in 1750 it was in the neighborhood of one |
hundred and sixty pounds; and when the Revolution-
ary troubles began it had grown to two hundred and
fifty pounds. The minister’s salary was not in-
cluded in any of these levies, as after an early period
the precinct rate was kept separate from the town
rate. Townways were now laid out more frequently.
The old coast road of 1639 was still the sole land |
route to Boston, but in February, 1715, “a Town
Driftway (not to by open) one rod and halfe wide”
was laid through Col. Edmund Quincy’s farm, on the
line of what nearly a century later became the direct |
This action of the
selectmen, though requested by Col. Quincy, seems
to have led: to a question between him and the town.
He was then the leading inhabitant of Braintree,
serving as delegate to the General Court, acting as
moderator of the town-meetings, and referred to in
turnpike road across the Neponset.
of the town, and, above all, the obstruction caused to
the passage of alewives up into the Braintree ponds
by the dam in the Monatiquot at the old iron-works.
The freemen seem never to have been able to agree
as to what should be done with the land grant, so they
wrangled and debated over it, never reaching any
definite conclusion. It was their land question of the
day ; but, like most such questions, it is devoid of in-
terest now. As respects the stone on the commons,
there is an entry in the record of a special town-
meeting held to consider the subject, on the 30th De-
cember, 1728, which is characteristic, and has in it a
touch almost of humor. The meeting came together
and chose a moderator. The record then proceeds as
follows :
“ After which they proceeded to act upon the first article or
clause in the warrant, and after sundry votes were passed Pre-
liminary or Introductory to an order or by-law concerning the
stones, which seemed by those votes to be the thing designed, a
vote for confirmation of what had passed was called for; but it
passed in the negative, and so the whole affair was brought to a
non pluss. The other articles in the warrant were discoursed on
but no vote passed thereon. After which some persons declar-
| ing their judgment that it was improper or at least unneces-
the records as the Hon. Col. Edmund Quincy, Esq. |
He now made a claim against the town, and at a meet-
ing held on the 25d of March, 1719, it was “ pro-
pounded by the moderator whether the town would
choose a committee to treat” with him as to compen-
sation for any damage he might have sustained on
account of the way laid out through his lands.
The !
sary to Record the votes that had passed, seeing the things
could not be effected ; a vote was asked whether the votes that
had passed should be put on record, and it passed in the nega-
tive.”
One Capt. Peter Adams had acted as moderator of
this meeting in the absence of Major John Quincy,
and it is apparent that he had not proved equal to the
position. At the next town-meeting, held a month
later, the question of dividing the town was brought
328
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
up. It was voted to appoint a committee of eight to
consider the subject, and to report at an adjourned
meeting. Of this committee Major John Quincy was
chairman, and upon it were several other prominent
They presented their report on the 25th
It was unanimous and consisted
men.
February following.
of eight articles, looking apparently towards the pro-
posed division. The reception it received was, con-
sidering the names that were attached to it, quite
singular.
The townsmen had evidently come to the |
meeting prepared to take the matter into their own |
hands.
meeting, the record proceeds as follows :
The report having been read before the
“After which, upon a motion made, the question was put
whether the agreement of the committee should be voted arti-
cle by article, and it passed in the negative.
“The question was then put whether all the articles thereof
should be voted upon at once; it passed again in the negative.
Col. John Quincy at this time became Speaker of
the provincial House of Representatives, which was
engaged in its long and tedious dispute with Governor
_ Belcher over its right to audit public charges before
money which had been appropriated should be paid
out of the treasury. That Braintree fully sympathized
in the stand taken by the representatives on this sub-
ject became manifest the following year, when the
advice and direction of the several towns to their
members was desired. At a special town-meeting
held on the 27th of September, 1731, it was
“Then Voted, that the thanks of this meeting be Returned
| to the honorable House of Representatives for their faithful
| service in asserting and defending the Just Liberties of this
“ The question was then again put whether they would ac- |
cept of the Report of the said Committee. It passed again in
the negative.
“After this, upon a motion made, the Question was put
whether they would Reconsider their last vote, viz., of non-
acceptance, and it was voted in the affirmative.
“Then again the Question was put whether they would
accept of the Report of the Committee, and it passed in the
negative.
“Upon which, the meeting was dismissed.”’
At another town-meeting held in the following
May the report was again brought up, and the ques-
tion was put whether the town would reconsider its
former action; and again it passed in the negative.
It is almost needless to add that nothing more was
heard on the subject of dividing the town.
people had emphatically shown that they were not
ready for it, and the leaders, who seem to have worked
the plan up, were obliged to abandon it. It was more
than sixty years before the project was revived in a
In
an article to see whether the town would “ comply
practical form.
with a motion or desire of the House of Represent-
atives (Recommended to all such as have a Regard
to New England’s welfare) to raise money for the
The |
this committee, its chairman, Lieut. Joseph Crosby,
1730 the warrant contained |
| ever.
supply of Francis Wilks and Jonathan Belcher, |
Ksqrs., agents for the said house in the Court of
Great Britain; to enable them to sollicite the affair
and perpetuate the peace and tranquility of this
country and prevent the mischief that is likely to—
ensue on the want thereof.” The action of the town
upon this matter showed that the leaders of public
opinion bad not lost their heads. The article was
“ discoursed upon and the meeting being sensible that
they could not (as a town) Raise money upon that
Head the thing was Dismissed and the Inhabitants
left to subscribe as they pleased.”
Province (as we esteem they have hither done and which we
highly approve) and Desire that they would continue strenu-
ously to endeavour the maintaining and defending the same.’’
But the matter which alone during this period
seems to have stirred the town to its lowest depths
was a controversy with Mr. Thomas Vinton, who in
1720 had purchased the land on which the Monato-
The attempt to manufacture
there had some time before been finally
The dam which fur-
nished water-power was still standing, and it seems
now to have obstructed for no sufficient cause the
passage of fish up the river during the spawning
season. At the May town-meeting of 1736 the sub-
ject was brought up, and, aftera warm debate, a com-
quit Iron-works stood.
iron
abandoned as unprofitable.
mittee was appointed to treat with Mr. Vinton for the
surrender of his rights in the river. At a_ special
meeting called a month later to receive the report of
stated verbally
“That they had been with Mr. Thomas Vinton and had
asked of him on what terms he would quit his Claim to the
River aforesaid; To which (they said) he made no answer.
And Mr. Vinton being present at the meeting the moderator
[Benjamin Neal] put the Question to him whether he would
part with his Right in the River. To which he made answer
that he would not sell his Right therein on any tearms what-
The moderator then put the Question to the meeting
whether they would defend their Rights in said River against
It passed in the affirm-
ative; against which John Hunt entered dissent. Then the
Question was put whether they would raise money to defray
It passed
the claims of all persons whatsoever.
the charge that may arise in defending their Rights.
in the affirmative; against which Ensign John Hunt and
Benjamin Ludden dissented.
“Then voted that One Hundred Pounds shall be assessed on
the Town (if need be) to defray the charge of defending their
Rights abovesaid.
“Then the Question was put whether they would chuse a
Committee to Take care that the River be kept clear of all
obstructions to the passage of the Fish and to prosecute in the
Law all such as shall hinder or obstruct their passage in said
River. It passed in the affirmative.”
QUINCY.
329
The committee now appointed was especially au-
thorized to submit the whole matter in dispute to a
reference of ‘indifferent men,” if Vinton would con-
sent to so doing. He would come to no terms; and
apparently the committee was afraid to do anything.
1
!
|
|
|
In any event, their action certainly was not energetic |
enough to meet the views of the townsmen, and
another meeting was held on the 23d of August. A
vote was then passed that ‘all such things as obstruct
the Passage in Monaticut in any part thereof be re-
moved.”
former committee, nor to add to it other ‘meet per-
sons,’ but a wholly new committee was chosen, at the
Tt was further voted not to continue the |
head of which was “The Honble. Leonard Vassal, |
Esq.”
at once to high-handed measures.
This committee appears to have had recourse
dam down.
In consequence of this action another
They pulled the |
meeting was held on the 14th of September, at which |
Mr. Benjamin Neal, a member of the committee, was —
chosen moderator.
It was then voted that the com- |
mittee should be empowered to defend all individuals |
against any action which Mr. Vinton might bring, |
“excepting any charg Mr. Vinton shall or may re- |
cover of any person or persons by making out a Riot.”
Three weeks later still another special meeting was —
called, and a vote was passed offering Vinton three |
hundred pounds in bills of credit if he would quit-
claim to the town all his right in the river, and dis-
continue legal proceedings against those who had been |
concerned in the pulling down of the dam. “ Mr.
Vinton being present, declared his acceptance of the
Town’s offer, and promised to comply with their de-
mands concerning a Deed of his Right in said |
River.”’ It was then voted that, after the committee
had done what they should see cause to do about
clearing the river, Mr. Vinton should be at “liberty”
to take away the remainder of the stuff at any time at
his leisure.
Yet another meeting was held before this matter
was fully disposed of.
strong feeling that the town had dealt too liberally
with Vinton.
come to order and chosen its moderator when ‘“ Peter
There seems to have been a
Marquand appeared and declared that he had no
warning to the meeting, and therefore desired his
desent might be entered against the meeting and all
that might be therein transacted.”” Nevertheless, the
town proceeded to tax itself to the amount of the
three hundred pounds which it had agreed to pay Mr.
Vinton. But its action did not pass without a
strong protest from the minority. No less than
twenty-four persons insisted upon having their names
recorded in opposition.
Not content with thus removing obstacles in the way
of the passage of fish, the town a few years later tried
its hand at the artificial development of an infant in-
dustry, thus foreshadowing the national protective
policy of a century later. At the March meeting of
1755 a formal vote was passed for the encouragement
of the ‘‘ Bank Codfishery to be sett up and carried on
Those concerned in this business,
whether inhabitants of Braintree or elsewhere, were
to have their poll-taxes remitted to them for the space
of three years. A proviso was added that all such
persons from other places should be subject to the
within this town.”’
approval of the selectmen; and, if not approved by
them, might be “ warned out of Town according to
Law.”
offered does not seem to have been sufficient to build
up an artificial industry. Accordingly, as the years
went by, the people were not drawn on from point to
point in the singular process of taxing profitable indus-
try to keep alive some industry which is not profitable.
In the record for the year 1757 there is a passage
which shows in a curious way how thoroughly the
Fortunately for the town, the bounty thus
parliamentary system had become a part of political
habit.
much respect for precedent as was shown at West-
In the rough town-meeting they evinced as
minster. They had their customs, with all the force
of law. The question was on the election of select-
men. ‘The record is as follows:
‘The votes being called for, brot in and examined, it appeared
that Col. Josiah Quincy, Mr. Jonathan Allen, Mr. Benjamin
Porter were chosen by a majority of votes. Capt. Richard
Brackett and Capt. Eben Thayer, Junr., were chosen according
to the usual custom of said Town as having more votes than
any others, and were Declared Selectmen by the Moderator
according to the custom of said Town. Upon which and much
Dispute Respecting the Legality of the aforesaid choice, Messrs.
William Penniman, Samuel Bass, Peter Adams, Jonathan Raw-
| son, Ebenezer Adams, John Adams, John Hunt, Samuel Bass,
| Junr., Josiah Capen, and John Clark entered their Dissent
Accordingly, the meeting had hardly |
against the proceedings of the said meeting. After much De-
bate Respecting the Legality of Capt. Brackett and Capt.
Thayer’s choice as selectmen, the Question was put by—the
Modr.
Voted and passed in the affirmative.”
whether the Town would then confirm said choice.
The last struggle with the French and Indians was
at this time already two years old. Braddock had
been defeated before Fort Duquesne in July, 1755,
and in May, 1756, war between Great Britain and
France had been formally declared. Pitt was in
office. The massacre at Fort George occurred in
757; in 1758 Cape Breton was captured by the Eng-
lish, and on the 17th of September, 1759, Wolfe and
Montcalm both fell on the Heights of Abrabam. The
next year the conquest of Canada by the English was
complete. John Adams was then a young man, keep-
330
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ing school at Worcester. He describes how Amherst |
with his little army of four thousand men passed |
through the town on his way from Louisburg to |
Crown Point. ‘‘ The officers were very social, spent |
their evenings and took their suppers with such of the |
inhabitants as were able to invite them, and entertained
us with their music and their dances. Many of them |
were Scotchmen in their plaids, and their music was
delightful ; even the bag-pipe was not disagreeable.” |
Then came the siege of Fort William Henry, during |
which almost every day couriers came down from the —
frontier bearing earnest appeals for men and supplies.
While the colony thus resounded with warlike
preparations, Braintree pursued the absolutely even
In the records of the town |
The usual |
town-meetings were held, but even less than the usual
tenor of its ancient ways.
there is no trace of these great events.
interest attached to them. (Questions of commons and |
ways were discussed, fines were imposed or remitted,
schools were provided for, and from £60 to £150 was
annually ordered to be levied to meet the current ex-
penses of the town. Butof the stress of war in the
form of calls for men, supplies, and money there is no
b] p)
indication. Yet these
felt, and that severely.
must have come and been |
A partial examination of |
the provincial muster-rolls has shown that between |
1756 and 1760 more than two hundred Braintree
men did military service. Some were impressed; the
greater number volunteered.
Twenty-eight took part
in the unfortunate Crown Point expedition of 1756,
serving during that season only. Hutchinson says
that “when the main body of the enemy went back
to Canada, the provincial army broke up and returned
to the government in which it had been raised.
Many had deserted and more had died while they lay
encamped. Many died upon the road, and many died
of the camp distemper after they were at home.”
Upon the rolls Joseph Blanchard, of Braintree, ap- |
pears as a deserter. |
The next year the capitulation of Fort William |
Henry spread a panic all through New England. |
Those living west of the Connecticut were ordered to |
destroy their wheel carriages and to drive in their |
eattle. The authorities hoped to hold the line of the
Nearly the whole military force of the colony
was called to arms. From Braintree, Capt. Peter |
Thayer’s company was marched as far as Roxbury.
They lay there in camp for some days, and then, the
alarm having subsided, returned home.
river.
Some seven |
or eight Braintree men are known to have been in |
the garrison at Fort William Henry at the time of the |
surrender.
The next year, in response to the strong, personal |
| and restrict their number.
appeal of Pitt, Massachusetts put forth what she then
supposed to be her utmost efforts. A levy of seven
thousand men was ordered. Forty-five hundred only
could be raised by voluntary enlistment, and the re-
mainder had to be drafted. They composed part of
the force which operated against Ticonderoga, and
at their head Lord Howe was killed. Among them
were at least thirty men from Braintree ; and during
the same season twelve more enlisted on the ship of
war “ King George.” The next year (1759) witnessed
the fall of Quebec, and brought the war to a practical
close. While Wolfe, with his regulars, moved against
Quebec, the provincial levies relieved the garrisons
of Nova Scotia. To this foree Braintree contributed
a quota of some forty men, while more took part in
the operations under Amherst which resulted in the
_ fall of Ticonderoga and Crown Point.
The terms of enlistment during this war were short,
and the name of the same man often appears more
than once on the rolls. But during these three years
it is probably safe to say that Braintree furnished,
apart from the promenade of Capt. Thayer's com-
pany in August, 1757, one hundred different men for
actual service. The population of the town was then
about two thousand, of whom some five hundred were
males above sixteen. From this it would appear that
at least one man in each three capable of bearing arms
was put into the field.
With the close of the French war a new generation
came on the Braintree stage. The last recorded ap-
pearance of John Quincy at the town meetings was in
September, 1758. The rebuff he then met with at
the hands of his fellow-townsmen has already been
noticed. Deacon John Adams, though a selectman
in 1758, was not again chosen to that office, and he
died two years later. But this year, though his name
does not appear on the records, the younger John
Adams has asserted that he was chosen surveyor of
highways. From this time forward his presence in
Upon the
the town made itself most distinctly felt.
_ smaller stage it was just as it was on the larger one a
little later.
impelled by all the nervous energy of youth.
The active, inquiring mind was at work
Ac-
cordingly, in the town-meeting of May, 1761, we find
him engaged in his crusade against intemperance,
persuading the town to regulate its licensed houses
Then in 1765 he induced
it to abandon the old system of repairing highways,
A committee, of
which he was a member, made a report outlining the
and to do it by means of a tax.
new system. The old question about the commons
is still undecided, and comes up in dreary shape
before each succeeding town-meeting. A few years
QUINCY.
331
later he takes hold of it, and then at last the matter |
An apparently interminable discus- |
is disposed of.
sion is brought to an end, and all the commons are
sold.
Meanwhile a new set of questions begins to loom
up. The report in favor of selling the north commons
was presented at the town-meeting of April 1, 1765,
just ten days before Parliament passed the Stamp Act. ©
When the news reached New England it caused pro-
digious excitement everywhere. In Braintree John
Adams took the matter up at once. He says,—
“T drew up a petition to the selectmen of Braintree, and
procured it to be signed by a number of the respectable inhabi-
tants, to call a meeting of the town to instruct their representa- | render us the most sordid and forlorn of slaves?
’
tive in relation to the stamps.’
Magna Charta, laying down the principle as “ grand
and fundamental,” that ‘‘no freeman should be sub-
ject to any tax to which he has not given his own
consent in person or by proxy.” The courts of admi-
ralty were then arraigned :
“In these courts one judge presides alone! No juries have
any concern there! ... What Justice and Impartiality are we
at Three thousand miles distance from the fountain to expect
from such a Judge of Admiralty. We all along thought the
Acts of Trade in this Respects a grievance. But the Stamp
Act has erected a vast number of sources of New crimes which
| may be committed by any man and cannot but be committed
| by multitudes and Prodigious Penalties all annexed and all these
What can be
wanting after this but a weak or wicked man for a Judge to
to be tryed by such a Judge of such a Court.
We mean the
slaves of a slave of the Servants of a Minister of State.”
The town met in the Middle Precinct meeting- |
house on the 24th of September. Norton Quincy
was chosen moderator. Mr. Adams then goes on,—
“T prepared a draught of instructions at home and carried
them with me. The cause of the meeting was explained at some
length, and the state and danger of the country pointed out; a
committee was appointed to prepare instructions, of which I was
nominated as one. We retiredto Mr. Niles’ house; my draught
was produced, and unanimously adopted without amendment,
reported to the town, and accepted without a dissenting voice.
These were published in Draper’s paper, as that printer first ap- |
plied to me for a copy. They were decided and spirited enough. |
5D ”
They rang through the State and were adopted in so many | hearing.
words, as I was informed by the representatives of that year,
by forty towns, as instructions to their representatives.”
These instructions were printed in the Boston Ga-—
zette of October 14,1765, and in comparing them |
with some of an opposite nature coming at the same
time from the town of Marblehead, a correspondent
of the Hvening Post picked out at the time one para-
graph as ‘“ worthy to be wrote in lettersof gold.” It
was the following :
“We further Recommend the most Clear and explicit assertion
and vindication of our Rights and Liberties to be entered on
the Public Records that the world may know in the present and
all future Generations, that we have a clear knowledge and a
just sense of those Rights and Liberties and that with submission
to divine Providence, we never can be slaves.”
Accordingly, these instructions are spread upon
the Braintree records.
it is unnecessary to repeat them here, though the
As they have been reprinted
form in which they appear in the works of John
Adams! is quite inaccurate when compared with the
original.
It was certainly a vigorous, stirring production,
well calculated to attract the public eye. There was
The authorship of this paper brought the young
Braintree lawyer into great popular prominence.
Accordingly, it was upon the 18th of the following
December that the town of Boston retained him to
appear with Gridley and Otis before the Governor
and Council in support of the memorial praying that
the courts of law might be opened. It was a week
later, on Christmas day, that he and his wife “ drank
tea at Grandfather Quincy’s” at Mount Wollaston,
and found the “old gentleman inquisitive about the
A few days after, referring to the dangers
of the times, he wrote in his diary, ‘‘ Let the towns
'and the representatives renounce every stamp man
and every trimmer next May!” He probably felt
some anxiety at the time in regard to the action of
(S
Braintree. The North Precinct, he afterwards de-
_clared in a letter which has been printed, was at that
time ‘a very focus of Episcopal bigotry, intrigue,
intolerance, and persecution.” The church influence
there was certainly very great, and one of its promi-
'nent members was onthe board of selectmen.
So
intense was the popular feeling, that politics had now
fairly taken possession of the pulpit. For instance,
the Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Hingham, had preached
_a Thanksgiving sermon in which he inculcated-dis-
in it an easy reference to the principles of English |
constitutional law which showed that the man who
tinctly submission to authority and a recourse to
“prayers and tears, not clubs.” This discourse
greatly disturbed the Hingham people, who got so
far as to believe that their worthy pastor had the
stamps in his house, and they even threatened to go
and search it for them. This feeling was not allayed
when, the next Sabbath, Parson Smith, of Wey-
mouth, preached a sermon in the Hingham pulpit in
which he recommended obedience to good rules and
a spirited opposition to bad ones, interspersed with a
good deal of animated declamation upon liberty and
| the times.
A month later Parson Wybird alarmed
his parishioners by announcing the following as the
332
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
text of his discourse :
ear, O earth!
children, and they have rebelled against me.”
I have nourished and brought up
Adams goes on :
“T began to suspect a Tory sermon on the times from this
But, I
expect, if the tories should become the strongest, we shall hear
text, but the preacher confined himself to spirituals.
many sermons against the ingratitude, injustice, disloyalty,
treason, rebellion, impiety, and ill policy of refusing obedience
to the Stamp Act.
eloquent.
The church clergy, to be sure, will be very
The church people, are, many of them, favorers of
the Stamp Act at present. Major Miller, forsooth, is very fear-
ful that they will be stomach/ful at home (England), and angry
and resentful. Mr. Veasey insists upon it that we ought to
pay our proportion of the public burdens.
fully convinced that they, that is the Parliament, have a right
to tax us; he thinks it is wrong to goon with business; we
had better stop and wait till Spring, till we hear from home.
o« . Litter
equally so.
is another of the poisonous talkers,
Cleverly and Veasey are slaves in principle; they
are devout, religious slaves, and a religious bigot is the worst
of men.”
Major Miller was then one of the board of select- |
men.
nent churchmen, and their names will presently be
found as those of political ‘suspects’ in the town
records.
As the day in March approached when town officers _
were to be elected, Braintree was alive with excite-
ment and intrigue. The church party was anxious
not to lose the degree of influence it still had, and its
members accordingly professed to have seen new light.
Mr. Cleverly, for instance, was not so clear as he had
been that Parliament had a right to tax the colonies ;
indeed, he was inclined to think it had not. For
selectmen he proposed a combination ticket,—Col.
Josiah Quincy and Major Ebenezer Miller, the
former being a stanch patriot. At last the day for
the town-meeting came, and John Adams, who long
afterwards spoke of it as “the first popular struggle
“ Hear, O heavens, and give |
but not |
He and all the others mentioned were promi- |
|
Mr. Cleverly is |
This was the meeting at which the popular party
_ achieved only a partial victory, owing to the fact that
John |
‘the north end people,” after voting for ‘ Cornet
Bass” once, “withdrew for refreshment,” and during
their absence in the bar of Ebenezer Thayer’s tavern,
just across the road, another vote was taken and their
candidate defeated. A fortnight later, on the 18th of
March, the newly chosen selectman met Major Miller,
who, though a Tory then and afterwards, was a worthy
man and useful member of his church and town. The
successful candidate gave this account of the inter-
view :
“Went to Weymouth;
Mr. Jo. Bass’s for the papers.
centre of the North Precinct.]
came in, and he and I looked on each
- on my return
[This
Major
stopped at
was the tavern at the
Miller soon afterwards
other without wrath or
great degree of either,
though I must own I did not feel exactly as I used to in his
company,and I am sure by his face and eyes that he did not in
mine.
shame or guilt, at least without any
We were very social, ete.”
Six weeks later Mr. Adams wrote:
“May 4.
Sunday. Returning from meeting this morning,
| I saw for the first time a likely young buttonwood tree, lately
planted on the triangle made by the three roads, by the house
of Mr. James Bracket.
has on it an inscription, ‘The Tree of Liberty, and cursed is
... I never heard a hint of it till
T saw it, but I hear that some persons grumble, and threaten to
The tree is well set, well guarded, and
he who cuts this tree!’
| girdle it.”!
On the 16th of May, 1766, news of the repeal of
the Stamp Act reached Boston and was the cause of
general rejoicing. For some reason the event was
not noticed in Braintree, which John Adams pro-
nounced “insensible to the common joy,” declaring
that a duller day he did not remember to have passed.
Yet there was a town-meeting held, and Ebenezer
of the Revolution in the town of Braintree,” thus at |
the moment described what took place :
““My brother Peter, Mr. Etter, and Mr. Field, having a
number of votes prepared for Mr. Quiney and me, set them-
selves to scatter them. The town had been very silent and still,
my name had never been mentioned, nor had our friends ever
talked of any new selectmen at all, excepting in the South Pre- |
cinct; but as soon as they found there was an attempt to be |
made they fell in and assisted, and although there were six dif-
ferent hats with votes for as many different persons, besides a
considerable number of scattering votes, [ had the major vote
of the assembly the first time. Mr. Quincy had more than one
hundred and sixty votes. I had but one vote more than
half. .. . Etter and my brother took a skillful method... .
Many persons, I hear, acted slyly and deceitfully ; this is always
the case... . Mr. Jo. Bass was extremely sorry for the loss
of Major Miller; he would never come to another meeting.
Mr. Jo. Cleverly could not account for many things done at
town-meetings.”
|
Two more town-
meetings were held that year, at each of which the
Thayer was chosen representative.
question of granting compensation from the treasury
of the province to the sufferers by the August riots
Like
many other towns, Weymouth for instance, Braintree
of 1765 in Boston came up for discussion.
at first instructed its representative to vote against
the proposed indemnity. The inhabitants desired ‘“ at
all times to bear their testimony against such unlaw-
ful and abusive practices, but as they were in no wise
accessory to the mischief committed they did not
judge that they could be justly charged with the
damages.” At another meeting, held in December,
Mr. Thayer was instructed to vote for indemnity. The
1 Apparently this tree was planted in a vacant grass-plot
which then stood where the roads united diagonally opposite to
where the Episcopal Church now is. Dr. Pattee (p. 378) says
that it died a natural death eight years later.
QUINCY.
333
{
record of this meeting would also seem to indicate diers were to be brought from Halifax and Ireland to
that the new method of repairing the ways by tax had
not yet worked a full measure of reform; for the
!
town petitioned to be relieved from a fine of ten —
pounds imposed upon it by the Superior Court “ for
not keeping their roads in repair.”
In the following March, Norton Quincy and John
Adams were again elected selectmen, and Major Miller
appears at the head of the fence-viewers and surveyors
of highways; but the next year John Adams, who
was then in active law practice in Boston, asked to
be excused from further service. Not only did the
town excuse him, but it passed a formal vote thank-
ing him “for his services as selectman for two
years past.’” There is no other case of such a vote
of thanks, and the occasion for it does not appear.
Mr. Adams may have declined to receive pay for his
services, but if he did, the fact was not stated.
Though fast rising into professional eminence, he was
at the time a man of only thirty, and there seems no
reason why a town which for generations had seen
colonels and judges and counselors serving it as
selectmen should have been especially grateful to the
son of Deacon Adams because he filled for a brief
period the office to which his father had been thirteen
times elected. It would seem probable, therefore,
that, for reasons which do not now appear, his ser-
vices were known to have been of peculiar value.
After the repeal of the Stamp Act there was a lull
in the agitation. Yet the troubled waters did not
grow wholly calm before, in 1767, Parliament passed
the Import Act. The popular alarm over that
measure is next reflected in the record of town-meet-
ings. The warrant, for instance, for that in Braintree at |
which John Adams declined re-election as selectman,
contained an article for the town to agree upon “‘ some
effectual Method to promote Economy, Industry, and
Manufactures, thereby to prevent the unnecessary im-
portation of European commodities, which threaten
the country with poverty and Ruin.” This article of
the warrant was referred to a committee which reported
at once that, in view of the decay of trade, the scarcity
of money, and the heavy public debt, the town should
use its utmost endeavors towards the suppression of
extravagance, idleness and vice, and to promote indus-
try, economy and good morals.
“And in order to prevent the unnecessary exportation of
money, of which this Province has of late been so much
drained, it is further voted, that this Town will, by all prudent
overawe the Massachusetts Colony. Boston again
took the lead in agitation, and a formal committee from
its town-meeting waited on Governor Barnard, asking,
in view of the well-authenticated character of the
rumor, that the General Court shouid be called to-
gether. It was not supposed that this request would
be complied with ; but the refusal to comply with it
gave the popular leaders a pretext for taking the next
step to which they now saw their way. The town of
Boston by circular letters invited all the other towns
As Hutchinson
said, this act “ had a greater tendency towards a revo-
lution in government than any preceding measure in
The inhabitants of one town
alone took upon them to convene an assembly from
to choose delegates to a convention.
any of the colonies.
all the towns, that, in everything but in name, would
This was the exact
The appeal was direct to the New
England town system. In that system, acting through
town-meetings called in a perfectly legal way, the
be a house of representatives.”
state of the case.
popular leaders saw the material for perfect political
organization. The units being of one mind, the way
The slow
growth of a hundred and thirty years was now to
Was open to a reorganization of the whole.
produce its results. Without having recourse to any
suddenly improvised political machinery, with no noise
or confusion, but acting quietly through their accus-
tomed local organizations, the people of Massachu-
setts were in the most natural manner conceivable
about to take the management of their affairs into
their own hands.
In this work Braintree only did its share. John
Adams had removed to Boston, and was now busy
with his law books. Yet both this year and the
year after he drew up the Boston instructions to its
representatives. When the Braintree town-meeting
was held, on the 26th of September, Col. Josiah
Quincy and Ebenezer Thayer were chosen to repre-
A_letter
of instructions to them was at the same meeting read
and approved and ordered to be spread on the rec-
sent the town in the proposed convention.
ords, two pages of which are covered by it.
means, discontinue the use of foreign Superfluities, and encour- |
age the Manufactures of this Province, and particularly of this
Town.”
This was in March, 1768, and a few months later _
the rumor crept abroad that regiments of British sol- -
These instructions
and during this period many
of them are to be found in the records of the towns
—are no longer interesting reading. They relate
to issues long since decided, and set forth princi-
ples which few now care to dispute ; but historically,
they are of the utmost value. Generally well written,
though in the somewhat turgid style of the day, they
almost always show a clear idea both of what was
wanted and of the means through which it was pro-
posed to get it. That such papers should have ema-
334
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
nated at once from so many towns in the province |
shows more clearly than anything else the generally
high standard of political thought which then pre-
vailed. Nor were these papers the work of a few
leaders in advance of the people. The whole popular
column was moving together. The instructions, pre-
passed more than two years before the fight at Con-
cord bridge. They were in these words:
“We, your Committee, &e., report,—
“Ist. That we apprehend the state of the rights of the colo-
nists, and of this Province in particular, together with a list of
the infringements and violations of those rights, as stated in the
| Pamphlets committed to us, are in general fairly represented,
pared by committees, were read and understood in |
town-meeting.
same mould as those of Braintree. It was one voice,
It was the voice
of an intelligent people moving by an accustomed
path towards a given end which they distinctly saw.
Hence there was nothing strange, irregular, or mob-
like in their action. Even when engaged in a revo-
lution they elaborately argued every measure, and
and it emitted no uncertain sound.
and precedent.
Between September, 1765, and September, 1776, |
| ever nation or government the one is crushed the other seldom
there are seven of these state papers, as they may
properly be called, entered at length on the Braintree
records, filling eighteen closely-written folio pages. |
First are the town instructions to its representative
in relation to the Stamp Act; last is the Declaration
of Independence.
tions to Col. Quincy and Ebenezer Thayer, delegates
Between these come the instruc-
to the Boston convention of September, 1768; the |
resolutions of March 1, 1773, in response to the cir-
cular report of the committee of correspondence of
mmo.
the Boston town-meeting of Oct. 28, 1772;
port and resolves on taxation without representation
the re-
and that the town of Boston be hereby thanked for this instance
z | — 4 0 - x : fs
Those of Weymouth were cast in the ! of their extraordinary care of the public welfare.
“2d. That all taxations, by what name soever called, im-
posed upon us without our consent by any earthly power, are
unconstitutional, oppressive, and tend to enslave us.
“3d. That as our Fathers left their native Country and Friends
in order that they and their Posterity might enjoy that civil and
religious Liberty here which they could not enjoy there, we, their
descendants, are determined by the grace of God that our con-
sciences shall not accuse us with having acted unworthy such
pious and venerable Heroes, and that we will, by all Lawful
took each new step in careful conformity with law | ways and means, preserve at all events all our civil and relig-
ious rights and priviledges.
“Ath. That by the divine constitution of things there is such
a connection between civil and religious Liberty, that in what-
or ever survives long after. Of this History furnishes abundant
evidence.
“Sth. That all Civil officers are, or ought to be, Servants to
the people, and dependent upon them for their official support;
and every instance to the contrary, from the Governor down-
ward, tends to crush and destroy civil liberty.
“6th. That we bear true loyalty to our Lawful king, George
the 3d, and unfeigned affection to our Brethren in Great Brittain
and Ireland, and to all our Sister Colonies, and so long as our
mother-country protects us in our Charter rights and privileges,
| so long will we, by divine assistance, exert our utmost to pro-
of March 11, 1774; the brief instructions of Jan.
23, 1775, to Deacon Joseph Palmer, town delegate
to the Provincial Congress held at Cambridge ; and,
March 15th, the full covenant for non-importation,
non-consumption, and non-exportation then recom-
mended by the Continental Congress.
Of these several papers, the resolves of March 1,
1773, are the most noticeable.
been drawn by Gen. and Deacon Palmer, an active
They appear to have
freeman of the town, who then and for several years |
after was prominent in the North Precinct. Though
born in England, and emigrating at thirty years of
age, Gen. Palmer was an ardent patriot, and in
1774 represented Braintree in the Provincial Con-
gress.
which the Boston report was referred.
says that the responses of “some of the towns were
Hutchinson
very high and inflammatory.” Perhaps he so classed
those of Braintree.
ured way, they were certainly explicit, and clearly re-
vealed the advance of public opinion.
a declaration of political independence was but one
step, and not along one. Yet these resolves were
Though they began in a meas-
He was at the head of the committee to |
From them to_ body of six, at the head of which was Norton Quincy,
mote the welfare of the whole British Empire, which we earn-
estly pray may flourish uninterruptedly in the paths of right-
eousness till time shall be no more.
“7th. That Mr. Thayer, our Representative, be directed, and
he hereby is directed, to use his utmost endeavors that a Day of
Fasting and Prayer be appointed throughout the Province for
| humbling ourselves before God in this day of darkness, and
imploring divine direction and assistance.”
Events now moved rapidly. On the 18th of De-
cember of this year (1773) the tea was thrown into
Boston Harbor, Deacon Palmer’s son from Braintree
aiding in the work. On the Ist of the following
June, Governor Hutchinson sailed away from Boston
into his life-long exile, and the same day the Port
Bill went into effect. During June also the General
Court appointed five delegates to represent the prov-
ince in the first Continental Congress; and August
10th, John Adams set off with his colleagues for
Philadelphia, having previously moved his wife and
family back to Braintree from their home in Queen
Street, Boston. On the 22d of August Braintree
appointed Deacon Palmer, Col. Thayer, and Capt.
- Penniman its delegates to the county convention, and
likewise its committee of correspondence; a larger
' was likewise instructed to act as a sort of committee
of public safety.
QUINCY.
For this latter committee there was then supposed
to be special need in Braintree. The town powder
was stored in a small building on the common in the
North Precinct, and some anxiety was felt as to its
safety. Owing to the presence of the Church of Eng-
land people, the North Precinct was looked upon as
a Tory hot-bed. Party feeling there certainly ran
high, ‘(and very hard words and threats of blows
upon both sides were given out.” In the course of the
month of September, Gen. Gage sent two companies of
soldiers over to Charlestown, and secured some ammu-
nition stored there.
ering next day at Cambridge, and the excitement soon
spread through the neighboring towns. Mrs. John
Adams then tells the story of what occurred in Brain-
tree:
This led to a tumultuous gath-
“The report took here on Friday, and on Sunday a soldier
was seen lurking about the Common, supposed to be a spy, but
most likely a deserter. However, intelligence of it was com-
municated to the other parishes, and about eight o’clock Sunday
evening there passed by here about two hundred men, preceded
by a horse-cart, and marched down to the powder-house, from
whence they took the powder, and carried it into the other
parish, and there secreted it. JI opened the window upon their
return. They passed without any noise, not a word among
them until they came against this house, when some of them,
perceiving me, asked me if I wanted any powder. I replied,
‘No, since it is in such good hands.’ The reason they gave for
taking it was that we had so many Tories here they dared not
trust us with it; they had taken Vinton! in their train, and
upon their return they stopped between Cleverly’s and Etter’s
Upon his
producing them, they put it to vote whether they should burn
and called upon him to deliver two warrants.
them, and it passed in theaffirmative. They then made a circle
and burntthem. They then called a vote whether they should
huzza, but, it being Sunday evening, it passed in the negative.
They called upon Vinton to swear that he would never be in-
strumental in carrying into execution any of these new acts.
I
They were not satisfied with his answers; however, they let him |
rest. A few days afterwards, upon his making some foolish
speeches, they assembled to the amount of two or three hundred,
and swore vengeance upon him unless he took a solemn oath.
Accordingly, they chose a committee and sent it with him to
Major Miller’s to see that he complied; and they waited his
return, which, proving satisfactory, they dispersed.
appears as high as you can well imagine, and, if necessary,
would soon be in arms. Nota Tory but hides his head. The
1 The Vinton here mentioned was Capt. John Vinton, of
Braintree Middle Precinct. He was then deputy sheriff, and
as such had in his hands a number of the newly-issued war-
rants for summoning juries, in pursuance of the act of Parlia-
ment for new modeling the government of Massachusetts.
This town |
Though an official under the colonial government, John Vinton |
was at a later time an earnest patriot, and held a commission in
the Revolutionary army. (Vinton
Joseph Cleverly and Peter Etter were both members of the
Braintree Episcopal church, and they lived on the old Plymouth
road, near Penn’s Hill, and were accordingly neighbors of Mrs.
Adams. It has already been seen (ante, p. 332) that Etter was
a warm political friend of John Adams.
Memorial,
pp. 57-61.) |
Church parson thought they were coming after him, and ran up
garret; they say another jumped out of his window and hid
among the corn, whilst a third crept under a board fence and
told his beads.”
The powder was removed on Sunday, September
4th, and the alarm caused among the church people
by such proceedings was naturally great. Their sym-
pathizers were almost wholly confined to Boston, and
accordingly exaggerated rumors soon began to get
currency there of the dangers to which Mr. Winslow
and the members of his society were exposed. Lex-
ington and Concord were still six months in the future,
and public feeling had not yet reached the pitch of
These
rumors accordingly scandalized the law-abiding senti-
ment of Braintree, and early in October the matter
was brought to the notice of an adjourned town-
meeting. The following preamble and vote were then
passed :
intolerance to which it subsequently rose.
“WHEREAS, a report has been spread in the Town of Boston
and other places that a considerable Number of People in this
Town had entered intoa combination to Disturb and harrass the
Reverend Mr. Winslow and other members of the church of
England, with a letter to oblidge them to leavethe Town. And
no evidence appearing to support the charge, Therefore
“Voted, That said report is Malicious, false and injurious, and
calculated to defame this Town, and that we protest against all
such combinations as being subversive of good Government.
We being as ready to allow that right of private judgment to
others which we claim for ourselves.
“Voted, The relation Mr. Peter Etter made respecting his
conduct is satisfactory to the Town.”
Peter Etter was a German by extraction, and one
of the company that undertook the development of
glass-works in Braintree in 1752. He continued to
be an inhabitant of the town after that enterprise
failed, and took an active part in public affairs.
Though apparently a churchman, he seems to have
been on excellent social and political terms with John
Adams, who used, with his wife, to take tea with him ;
and apparently it was well known in the town that on
public issues he did not sympathize with his rector.
It was not so with all. Major Miller evidently stood
He had served acceptably
in many offices, and was on the board of selectmen as
late as 1772. But he belonged to the church and
the gentry,—the class of the Apthorps, Borlands,
and Vassalls,—and at the very meeting which passed
the votes just quoted all persons in the town who
felt “ aggrieved by the conduct of others respecting
well with his townsmen.
our public affairs’ were enjoined to go to a com-
mittee of observation, then appointed, who were “ de-
sired, if possible, to remove the grounds of uneasiness
(if real), and direct all inquiries.”
Three years passed away before the persecution of
336
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the Tories in Braintree became open and pronounced.
Meanwhile they were certainly treated with no little |
the old Vassall house, in which he passed the last
forbearance. Even after the Declaration of Inde-
pendence had been read from the North Precinct |
pulpit and entered in the records of the town, Mrs.
Adams, on the 29th of September, 1776, wrote to
her husband: “The church is opened here every
Sunday, and the king prayed for, as usual, in open
defiance of Congress.”
surprise at ‘‘ prayers in public for an abdicated king,”
and declared that nothing of the kind was heard any-
where in the country except New York and Brain-
In reply, he expressed his
tree.
the State, and cannot be long tolerated.”
and in other respects, Mr. Winslow was probably
more discreet, but it has already been observed that
he felt bound by his ordination oath to conform
literally to the ritual, and he did so until at last the
long-suppressed popular feeling found open expression.
‘This practice,” he added, “is treason against
purpose of agreeing upon a list of those persons
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outwardly, ©
ship, but it belonged chiefly to non-residents. In conse-
quence of one of these seizures John Adams bought
twenty-five years of his life, and from which both he
and his wife were buried. But the Tory persecution in
Braintree, though it doubtless made the lives of those
suspected miserable enough at the time, seems, so far
us actual residents in the town were concerned, to
have resulted only in the expatriation of Samuel
Quincy, the Borlands, and the Rev. Edward Winslow.
The other suspects quietly accepted the situation.
Returning to the autumn of 1774, after the seizure
of the powder on the 4th of September Braintree
Re-
turning from a visit to Salem, Mrs. Adams stopped at
was alive with rumors and military preparation.
ber house in Boston, and thence wrote to her husband
on September 24th :
dwelling in Braintree who were “esteemed inimical” |
The selectmen presented the
Edward Winslow, Maj.
to the popular cause.
Rev.
following names:
Oliver Gay, and Nedabiah Bent. The following
names were then added: Joseph Cleverly (second),
William Veazie, Jr., Henry Cleverly, and Thomas
Brackett. All of these persons it was then voted
were ‘esteemed inimical,” and William Penniman |
was chosen to procure evidence of their disloyalty and
lay it before the court.
The coming event had cast its shadow before, and
“The
Church doors were shut up last Sunday in consequence
on the 2d of April, Mrs. Adams wrote:
of a presentiment; a farewell sermon preached and
much weeping and wailing; persecuted, be sure, but
sake.’ The
town two months later was in the nature of a formal
not for righteousness’ action of the
indictment of the whole society, for among the names
of those recorded as “ inimical” were its rector, its
Yet Mr.
alone would seem to have left the town,
wardens, and all its leading members.
Winslow
following the British army to New York.
In any
event his occupation in Braintree was gone. Against
the other members of the society proceedings do not
seem to have been pressed, and afterwards they all
of them become good citizens of the United States,
their names again appearing in the Braintree and
Quincy records, and, at last, on the stones in the
graveyard. Later a certain amount of property in
Braintree was seized and sold because of Tory owner-
“Tn time of peace prepare for war’ (if this may be called a
time of peace) resounds throughout the country. Next Tuesday
im June, 1777, a town-meeting was called for the | they are warned at Braintree, all above fifteen and under sixty,
to attend with their arms; and to train once a fortnight from
that time is a scheme which lies much at heart with many.”
She then goes on to speak of a conspiracy among
the negroes in Boston, which, it was supposed, had
Ebenezer Miller, John Cheesman, Joseph Cleverly, eee been’discovered;, andi she adds
James Apthorp, William Veazie, Benjamin Cleverly, |
“There is but little said, and what steps they will take in
consequence of it I know not. I wish most sincerely there was
not a slave in the province; it always appeared a most iniqui-
tous scheme to me to fight ourselves for what we are daily rob-
bing and plundering from those who have as good a right to
freedom as we have. You know my mind on this subject.”
Inthe form of covenant “ very unanimously” adopted
in the Braintree town-meeting of 15th March follow-
ing the date of this letter there appears this clause,—
“We will neither import, or purchase any slave imported
since the first day of December last, and will wholly discon-
tinue the slave trade; and will neither be concerned in it our-
selves, nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our commodities or
manufactures to those who are concerned in it.”
The two utterances taken together are significant,
for Mr. Adams had returned from Philadelphia in
October, 1774, it was he, doubtless, who
draughted the covenant. Immediately on his getting
back to Braintree the town had chosen him as an ad-
ditional delegate to the Provincial Congress, Messrs.
Thayer and Palmer having been previously elected.
He had passed the winter at home, and as soon as the
covenant was adopted he came forward with another
report as chairman of a committee on minute-men.
It was voted to raise three companies, one in each
precinet, to be composed of forty-one men each, includ-
ing officers. Provision had already been made in
January for military drill, and payment for attendance
thereat ; and now the minute-men in prompt attend-
and
QUINCY.
337
ance were to receive “one shilling and four pence per
day for one day in every week, and the selectmen
|
were directed to supply the officers of the three com-_
panies with money to pay off said men day by day ;’ |
and if there were no funds in the treasury they were
to borrow on the town’s credit. On the 19th of April
occurred the affair of Lexington and Concord, and on
the 24th the adjourned town-meeting directed the se-
lectmen to “dismiss Mr. Rice, their Grammar School
master as soon as their present engagements are ex-
pired.” It was evidently thought that there was no
money for anything but men and munitions; and ten
flocking over the Plymouth road and down Penn’s
Hill to Braintree. The wildest rumors were cir-
culated. Three hundred men had been landed!
They were marching into Weymouth village! They
Meanwhile the com-
panies of minute-men came rapidly in, showing sufh-
ciently well what a hornet’s nest the region was.
were coming to Germantown !
They came from distances of twenty miles and more.
Those from Braintree were naturally among the first
on the ground. Young Elihu Adams, also a son of
Deacon John Adams, and who afterwards died of
days later Mrs. Adams wrote to her husband: “ Mr. |
Rice is going into the army as captain of a company. |
We have noschool. I know not what to do with John.”
This John was her oldest son, John Quincy, then a
boy of seven, who, eighteen months later, she again
refers to as having ‘“‘ become post-rider from Boston |
to Braintree.”
It was the general belief, after the affair of Lexing- |
ton and Concord had tightened the lines around
Boston, that the need of supplies would oblige Gen.
Gage to send out parties along the shore.
the salt-water neighborhoods, the North Precinct was
accordingly in great and perpetual terror of forays.
On the 4th of May, Mrs. Adams wrote: ‘“ There
has been no descent upon the sea-coast.
regularly kept.”
Guards are
who had died only a few weeks before, was then at the
house of her father-in-law in the North Precinet,—the
house, already referred to, in which President Josiah
Quincy, of Harvard College, subsequently lived and
died.
to see her there, “ and in the afternoon, from an alarm
they had she and her sister with three others of the
family, took refuge with [Mrs. Adams] and tarried
all night.”
Deacon Holbrook, of the Middle Precinct, for a place
of retreat, if he needed one; and Mr. Cranch, who
lived at Germantown, did the same with Maj. Bass.
As one of |
The widow of Josiah Quincy, Jr., |
On Saturday, April 29th, Mrs. Adams went |
A little later Col. Quincey arranged with |
dysentery contracted in camp during the siege of
Boston, was in command of the Braintree company,
and also one of the party which went out to drive the
marauders away from Sheep Island, where they were
foraging. This they succeeded in doing without loss
to themselves.
Through all these events Mrs. Adams wrote that
her house, being on the main road, was a scene of
lasting confusion. ‘‘ Soldiers coming in fora lodging,
for breakfast, for supper, for drink, etc. Sometimes
refugees from Boston, tired and fatigued, seek an
asylum for a day, a night, a week.’ Meanwhile her
husband was writing: ‘“ Let me caution you, my dear,
to be upon your guard against the multitude of
affrights and alarms which, I fear, will surround
you;” but a little later he exclaims, ‘ Oh, that I were
a soldier! I will be! I am reading military books.
| Everybody must, and will, and shall be a soldier !”
All this was in May. At last, on the morning of
Saturday, June 17th, a heavy cannonading to the
The
British ships of war in Boston Harbor were firing at
the breastwork which had been thrown up the night
before on the crest of Bunker’s Hill. The only records
which have come down to us showing how that day
was passed by those dwelling in Braintree are found
northward awoke the town at early dawn.
ina letter from Mrs. Adams to her husband and in
Mrs. Adams herself secured a refuge at the house of |
her husband’s brother.
So things went on from day to day, the now inev- |
itable conflict drawing always nearer. At last, on
Sunday morning, May 21st, Braintree had a veritable
alarm,—the enemy was actually at its door. Three
sloops and a cutter had come out from Boston Harbor
and dropped anchor in Weymouth fore-river, not far
from Germantown. Before six o'clock alarm-guns
were heard, and shortly after the bells began to ring.
Then the minute-men fell in at tap of drum on the
training-field. The panic was great, especially in
Restless with ex-
citement and suspense, unable to shut out the noise of
the later recollections of her son.
the distant cannon, the mother, then a woman of a
little more than thirty, taking with her the child of
eight, went out to the neighboring Penn’s Hill, and,
climbing to its summit, looked towards Boston. It
was a clear June day of intense heat, and across the
blue bay they saw, against the horizon, the dense
black volume of smoke which rolled away from the
burning houses of Charlestown. Over the crest of the
distant hill hung the white clouds which told of the
_ battle going on beneath the smoke. There was withal
Weymouth, and men, women, and children came
22
| something quite dramatic in the scene; for, as the
two sat there silent and trembling, the child’s hand
clasped in that of the mother, thinking now of what
338
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was taking place before their eyes, and now of the
husband and father so far away at the Congress, they
dreamed not at all of the great future for him and for
the boy to be surely worked out in that conflict, the
first pitched battle of which was then being fought
before them.
The next day the mother wrote,—
“The battle began upon our intrenchments upon Bunker’s
Hill Saturday morning, about three o’clock, and has not ceased
yet, and it is now three o’clock Sabbath afternoon. Charles-
town is laid in ashes. It is expected they will come out over
the Neck to-night, and adreadful battle must ensue. Almighty
God, cover the heads of our countrymen, and be a shield to our
dear friends! How many have fallen we know not. Thecon-
stant roar of the cannon is so distressing that we cannot eat,
drink, or sleep. My bursting heart must find vent at my pen.
‘The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong ; but the
God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto his
people.
hearts before him; God is a refuge for us.’ ”’
There were no services held that Sunday in the |
North Precinct church, nor had there been on the
Sunday before. “They delight in molesting us on
the Sabbath,” wrote Mrs. Adams. But at last, on the
25th of June, “we have sat under our own vine in
The good man was
earnest and pathetic; I could forgive his weakness for
the sake of his sincerity.” Nor did her own pastor
fully meet the spiritual needs of this lady, for pres-
ently she speaks of him as “ our inanimate old bache-
quietness; have heard Mr. Taft.
lor,’ whom she “ could not bear to hear ;”’ and then
says that he ‘made the best oration (he never prays,
you know) I ever heard from him.” Two companies
of soldiers were now stationed in the town,—that
of Capt. Turner, at Germantown, and that of Capt.
Vinton, at Squantum. Presently they were engaged
in small affairs in the harbor; but, before this, their
presence led to a town-meeting episode which showed
how the lessons of history were ingrained in the peo- |
ple. The descendants of the Puritans bore freshly in
memory the fact that Cromwell had with his soldiery
dispersed the Long Parliament. The town was to
Col.
Thayer, dwelling in different precincts, were opposing
choose a_ representative. Palmer
candidates, and Captain Vinton’s company was largely
composed of men from Mr. Thayer’s precinct. The
Trust in him at all times, ye people, pour out your |
and Mr. |
|
meeting was held on the 12th of July, and again Mrs. |
Adams tells what took place:
“There was a considerable muster upon Thayer’s side, and |
Vinton’s company marched up in order to assist, but got sadly
disappointed.
vote who was in the army. He had no notion of being under
the military power; said we might be so situated as to have the
Newcomb insisted upon it that no man should |
' of terrible trial.
greater part of the people engaged in the military, and then all |
power would be wrested out of the hands of the civil magistrate.
He insisted upon its being put to vote, and carried his point
immediately.”
During the night of the 9th of July a body of
three hundred volunteers put out in whale-boats from
Germantown, and crossed over to Long Island, where
they seized some cattle, sheep, and prisoners, and
brought them off without being discovered from the
vessels lying near. Their emulation being fired by
this achievement, a few days later another party put
off from the Moon Island, opposite Squantum, in
open day, and fired the house and barn which the
previous party had spared. Though exposed to a
sharp fire from the enemy’s ships, the whole force re-
turned in safety, and only one of the,covering party on
the Moon was killed. Then all the companies guard-
ing the south side of the bay were ordered to go to
Nantasket, and cut and bring away the ripened grain.
While there, and under the eyes of several men-of-
war, they crossed over in their whale-boats and set fire
to the light-house. Returning, they were fired upon
and pursued, but got back without loss. Gen.
Gage thereupon sent a force of carpenters, under
_ guard of thirty marines, down to repair the building,
and caused a new lamp to beset up. In consequence
of this, on Sunday evening, the 29th, a body of men
went off from Squantum in the whale-boats, surprised
and overcame the guard, killing the lieutenant in
command and one man, and completely destroyed the
buildings. Returning with their prisoners they were
_ hotly pursued, but escaped with the loss of one man
killed. Two days after he was buried from German-
town. These were the only military operations un-
dertaken during the siege of Boston from Quincy Bay ;
and though, as Mrs. Adams wrote, they were in
themselves but trifling affairs, yet they served “to
inure our men and harden them to danger.”
The summer was hot and dry. There was meat
to be had in abundance, but at one time it seemed
probable that the corn crop would prove a failure, and
famine might thus be added to war. Tea, coffee,
and sugar became very scarce, but ‘‘ whortleberries
and milk we are not obliged to commerce for.” The
camps about Boston, swarming with raw, untrained
levies, were not properly policed, nor were the food and
mode of life such as the men were accustomed to. As
a matter of course sickness ensued. The state of con-
tinual excitement and alarm in which the people of
the neighboring towns had long been living naturally
predisposed them to disease, and when the camp sick-
ness took the form of dysentery it soon became epi-
demic and spread rapidly. Then followed some weeks
It was a time of pestilence. In
Braintree Mr. Wibird was stricken down, and all
through August and September the Sabbath services
were not observed. There was almost no house
QUINCY.
339
which did not count some dead, and two, three, and
even four funerals would take place in a day.
‘The small-pox in the natural way was not more mortal than
this distemper has proved in this and many neighboring towns.
.. Mrs. Randall has lost her daughter. Mrs. Bracket
hers. Mr. Thomas Thayer his wife. I know of eight this week
who have been buriedin this town.
count five of my near connections laid in the grave...
|
|
|
|
. - - In six weeks [I |
And such is the distress of the neighborhood that I can scarcely |
find a well person to assist in looking after the sick.
bird lies bad, Major Miller is dangerous, and Mr. Gay is not
expected to live. ... We have fevers of various kinds, the
throat distemper, as well as the dysentery prevailing in this and
the neighboring towns.
most every family. I have no more shocking and terrible idea
of any distemper, except the plague, than this. . . So
mortal a time the oldest man does not remember.”
So wrote Mrs. Adamsto her husband. His brother
Elihu, who had just taken a commission in the army,
was among the earliest victims. Returning home at
that time, John Adams had started back to Philadel-
phia on the 26th of August, and between that day
and the 8th of September there were eighteen per-
sons buried in the Middle Precinct alone. The disease
was supposed to be contagious, so that watchers and
nurses could be obtained only with difficulty, and the
sustained physical strain upon the well soon made |
them sick. Mrs. Adams’ own house was a hospital. |
A servant was first taken down; she herself was
then seized; another servant followed, and then one
of her children; a third servant fell sick, and had to
be moved to Weymouth, where she afterwards died.
Mr. Wi- |
... Sickness and death are in al- |
Thither Mrs. Adams followed her to be by the bed- |
side of her own mother, and from thence, on October |
1st, she wrote, in an agony of grief, to her husband,—
“Have pity upon me! have pity upon me, O thou my be- |
Yet will I be |
loved, for the hand of God presseth me sore.
dumb and silent, and not open my mouth, because Thou, O Lord,
hast done it.
my dear mother has left me! After sustaining sixteen days’
severe conflict, nature fainted, and she fell asleep. At times I |
was almost ready to faint under this severe and heavy stroke,
separated from thee, who used to be a comforter to me in afilic-
tion; but, blessed be God! his earis not heavy that He cannot
hear, but He has bid us call upon Him in time of trouble.”
Ten days after this letter was written Col. Josiah |
Quincy watched, from an upper window of his house,
the ship that bore Gen. Gage down the harbor on his
way home to England. The pane of glass is still
preserved on which he then scratched a record of
the incident. But six months more were to pass
before the evacuation of Boston.
the apprehension of attack along the Braintree shore
was continual; but those dwelling there had become
accustomed to it, and took the alarms more quietly.
Col. Quincey wrote,—
How can I tell you (O my bursting heart!) that |
During that time |
“ Although we have five companies stationed near us, yet the
shells thrown from the floating batteries and the flat-bottomed
boats which row with twenty oars, carry fifty men each, and
are defended with cannon and swivels, keep us under perpetual
apprehension of being attacked whenever we shall become an
object of sufficient magnitude to excite the attention of our en-
emies. Our circumstances are truly melancholy, and grow
rather worse than better.”
Towards the end of October the sickness abated,
and as the winter came on the situation became in
every way more endurable. Money, it was true, had
already become scarce. Paper currency was at a
discount of ten per cent., and a silver dollar was a
great rarity. Prices had begun to rise. Those of
foreign goods had doubled. Molasses was an article
in common household use; its ordinary price had
risen from twenty-five cents a gallon to forty. Of
the domestic products, corn was sixty-five cents a
bushel, rye eighty, hay twenty dollars a ton, and
wood three dollars and a half a cord.
abundant.
Meat was
The condition of the people was, there-
_ fore, in no way unbearable, and though Boston was in
a state of siege only ten miles away, with the exception
that the greater part of the able-bodied men were away
in camp, life went on in Braintree much as usual.
This continued until March, the war and its
incidents being, meanwhile, the great subject of dis-
cussion. Rumors of what was going on in camp
and in Congress were abundant. Among others,
there came a story, which was industriously briited
about, that Hancock and John Adams had both left
Philadelphia, and sailed for England from New York
on board an English man-of-war. In other words,
In the morbid condition
of the public mind, even this absurd story gained
credence. Angry disputes took place in Braintree
taverns, and ‘some men were collared and dragged
out of the shop with great threats for reporting such
scandalous lies.” Norton Quincy, then one of the
selectmen, seems to have been especially excited over
they had proved traitors.
the calumny. Though a man of indolent temper, he
went so far as to offer his own life as a forfeit for
that of the husband of his niece, should the report
prove true. But, a mere war rumor, it was soon
forgotten. Indeed, the beginning of new military
operations soon drove all such wild ideas out of the
people’s heads. .
On the 3d of March the sound of heavy cannon-
ading from the direction of Boston warned the peo-
ple of Braintree that new movements were going on.
The militia were all mustered, and marched away
with three days’ rations. Scarcely a man was left
in town, and the place of those serving as sea-coast
guards was filled by others from the interior.
340
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“T have just returned,” wrote Mrs. Adams, “ from Penn’s
Hill, where I have been sitting to hear the amazing roar of
cannon, and from whence I could see every shell which was
thrown. I went to bed about twelve, and rose again
a little after one.
the engagement; the rattling of the windows, the jar of the
house, the continual roar of twenty-four pounders, and the
About six this morning there was quiet. I
I hear we got possession of
I could no more sleep than if I had been in
bursting of shells.
rejoiced in a few hours’ calm.
Dorchester Hill last night.”
Three days later, she speaks of the militia as all |
returning, and of her great disappointment that noth- |
ing more was effected than the occupation of Dor-
chester Heights. ‘I hoped and expected more im-
portant and decisive scenes. I
suffered all I have for two such hills.” A fortnight
later the evacuation of Boston had been decided
upon. ‘Between seventy and eighty vessels of
various sizes are gone down and lie in a row in fair
sight of this place, all of which appear to be loaded.”
The fear of marauding parties was so great at this
time that the shores had to be guarded nightly.
Under date of the 18th of March, when an adjourned |
town-meeting was to have been held, the following
entry appears in the records:
“The inhabitants being obliged to guard the shores to pre-
vent the threatened damages from the ships which lay in the
harbor with the troops aboard, the meeting was adjourned to |
25th instant, at one o’clock P.M.”
Three days later, Col. Quincy reported as follows
to Gen. Washington :
“ Since the ships and troops fell down below, we have been
would not have |
|
| three hundred fire-rafts prepared.
think of nothing but fortifying Boston Harbor. I want more
cannon than are to be had. I want a fortification upon Point
Alderton, one upon Lovell’s Island, one upon George’s Island,
several upon Long Island, one upon the Moon, one upon Squan-
I want to hear of half a dozen fire-ships, and two or
I want to hear of row-gal-
leys, floating batteries built, and booms laid across the channel
I wish to
tum.
in the narrows, and Vaisseaux de Frise sunk in it.
| hear that you are translating Braintree commons into the
| channel.”
Though the body of the English fleet took its de-
parture for Halifax during the month of March, a
| few vessels lay at anchor in the outer harbor or
cruised about the bay for several weeks longer. They
seemed reluctant to give up all pretence of maintain-
ing a hold on Boston. At the end of May, Mrs.
Adams wrote: ‘“ We have now in fair sight of my
uncle’s [ Norton Quincy’s house, at Mount Wollaston]
the ‘ Commodore, a thirty-six gun frigate, another large
vessel, and six small eraft.” At last military move-
ments were made under orders from the patriot au-
thorities looking to the occupation of the islands. In
consequence of these the last remnant of the fleet,
““¢ Commodore’ and all,’’ put to sea upon the 14th of
June, and ‘‘ not a transport, a ship, or a tender [was
next day] to be seen.” Braintree, in common with
her sister-towns on Boston Bay, was thereafter allowed
to rest in peace.
So far as Massachusetts was concerned, the war of
independence now entered upon a new stage. Neither
_ any longer was the enemy on the hearth-stone, nor
apprehensive of an attack from their boats, in pursuit of live |
stock; but yesterday, in the afternoon we were happily relieved
by the appearance of a number of whale-boats, stretching
across our bay, under the command (as I have since learned)
of the brave Lieut.-Col. Tupper, who in the forenoon had been |
cannonading the ships, with one or more field-pieces, from the
east head of Thompson’s Island, and I suppose last night can-
nonaded them from the same place, or from Spectacle Island.
This judicious manceuvre had its genuine effect ; for, this morn-
ing, the Admiral and all the rest of the ships, except one of the
line, came to sail, and fell down to Nantasket Road, where a
countless number is now collected.”
At the same time Mrs. Adams wrote,—
“From Penn’s Hill we have a view of the largest fleet ever
seen in America. You may count upwards of a hundred and
seventy sail. They look like a forest. ... To what quar-
ter of the world they are bound is wholly unknown; but it is
generally thought to New York. Many people are elated with
their quitting Boston. I confess I do not feel so. ’Tis only
lifting a burden from one shoulder to the other, which is per-
haps less able or less willing to support it... . Every foot
of ground which they obtain now they must fight for, and may
they purchase it at a Bunker Hill price.”
And in reply, John Adams exclaimed,—
“We are taking precautions to defend every place that is in
danger, the Carolinas, Virginia, New York, Canada. I can
|
|
|
|
|
| presence of trial assumed an unknown charm.
was the struggle a novelty. The glow of excitement
which stimulated and made easy the first patriotic
movement had passed away. In its place came a con-
sciousness of the drag and drain of aseemingly endless
war. In this respect the experience of one genera-
tion is but a repetition of that of another. The
ugly details of the past are forgotten, while whatever
there was of heroic about it stands out clean cut and
prominent. On the other hand, the selfish, venal spirit
of the present makes itself painfully apparent, and is
supposed always to be of recent development,—one of
the characteristics of a race degenerate. <A careful
examination of the record reveals a different story.
The years between 1860 and 1865 will lose nothing
by contrast with those between 1776 and 1782. In
each case the conflict opened on a people wild with
All were burning to do something ;
many could not do too much. Money was poured out
like water; regiments formed as if by magic. Self-
sacrifice was the order of the day, and life in the
For
the time being a whole people had become heroic.
Then came the reaction. The realities of war be-
patriotic ardor.
QUINCY. 341
gan to be felt. nlistments fell off in 1776, as they
did in 1862.
proportion to the more pressing need of men. Values
were unsettled. Prices rose. The poorer and more
selfish natures began to show the baseness of which
they were capable.
It grew harder to procure men just in |
Those above forty years of age, and the halt, the lame,
and the blind must be exempted. During the years
1776 to 1782, therefore, the whole arms-bearing popu-
lation of Braintree did not exceed 475 at the outside.
The voice of the croaker was loud |
in the land. The contractor grew rich; the patriot |
poor. It seemed as though the war would never end;
not a few were forward to express the wish that it had
never begun.
longed for quiet and the flesh-pots.
The weak, the craven, and the mean |
Even while the town clerk of Braintree, in obe- |
dience to the mandate of the Provincial Council, was
|
entering the Declaration of Independence on the |
records, “there to remain as a perpetual memorial,” —
only three months after the last British ship had been
' some furniture.
|
driven from Boston Harbor,—even thus early Mrs.
Adams wrote as follows to her husband:
“T am sorry to see a spirit so venal prevailing everywhere.
_town like Braintree a few exceptions.
When our men were drawn out for Canada, a very large bounty |
was given them; and now another call is made upon us.
one will go without a large bounty, though only for two months,
and each town seems to think its honor engaged in outbidding
the others. In addition
to that, this town voted to make it up six pounds. They then
drew out the persons most unlikely to go, and they are obliged
to give three pounds to hirea man. Some pay the whole fine,
—ten pounds. Forty men are now drafted from this town.
More than one-half, from sixteen to fifty, are now in the ser-
The province pay is forty shillings.
vice. This method of conducting will create a general uneasi-
ness in the Continental army.”
She then goes on to speak of the rage for privateer-
No | ception to it.
It probably fell considerably short of that number.
As respects available wealth, it is far more difficult
to fix on any safe basis for estimate. This subject
has already been considered. It has been stated that
the Braintree people during the colonial period had
substance, but very little of what would now be called
quick capital. In other words, they had nothing
which could readily be turned into money. They
owned the houses in which they lived, their farms,
farm buildings, and stock. They had clothes and
A few had money out at interest ;
and others were in debt. To this general rule of
no available means there were, of course, in an old
Such were
Col. Quincy, Major Miller, Gen. Palmer, and, possi-
bly, Mr. Thayer. John Adams was not an ex-
He had nothing except his house in
' Queen Street, Boston, and the farm at Penn’s Hill.
The farm his wife tried to manage. Hew men were
more capable, and yet in September, 1777, she wrote
to him, “ Unless you return, what little property you
possess will be lost. . . . As to what is here under
my immediate inspection, I do the best I can with
it. But it will not, at the high price labor is, pay
its way.’ This was the common experience. The
-Penn’s Hill farm also affords a basis on which to
ing which prevailed, and adds that ‘‘ vast numbers” |
_ were employed in that way. Before entering further
into the burden which the war then imposed on
Braintree, it will be well to try to form some idea of |
the strength which was there to bear the burden. |
What was the population of the town during the
Revolution ?—and what was its wealth ?
of 1765 gives the population at 2433, that of 1776
at 2871, and that of 1790 at 2771. During the war,
therefore, taken as one period, Braintree must have
numbered a population of close upon 2800 souls. Of
| was £440, or $1465.
The census |
these, 700 would have been males above sixteen years |
of age; for the war lasted eight years, and in the
course of it a new arms-bearing generation grew up.
Experience has always shown that, for the practical
purposes of war, men above forty years of age are |
_ mulated wealth of Braintree in 1776.
useless. As members of a home-guard and during
short periods of service, they can be made more or less
effective. But the bivouac, long marches, and unac-
customed fare break them down.
to campaign exposure.
They are not equal
Consequently not more than
make an approximate estimate of the wealth of the
town. One part of that farm consisted of thirty-five
acres of arable land, with a house, barn, and other
With this part went eighteen acres of
Bought in 1774, the cost of the property
In 1765 there were 327
houses in Braintree, occupied by 357 families. At
the time of the war the number of houses may have
increased to 400. That bought by John Adams
was one of the better sort. Judging by the sum
paid for it, an estimate of $300 to a house and a
family would seem to be liberal, for in the town there
were some paupers aud many poor people, who, living
The owners of
The sum of
buildings.
pasture.
only, never accumulated anything.
farms were accounted the rich men.
$400,000 would thus represent the aggregate accu-
Such being the strength,—450 men capable of
bearing arms, with an accumulation of $400,000 be-
hind them,—it remains to consider the burden. This
is no less difficult correctly to estimate than the other.
two-thirds at most of the men above sixteen in any | The rolls show, for instance, that Braintree furnished
community are properly capable of bearing arms.
1600 men for military duty in the course of the war,
342
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
i : | ‘ :
besides a large number (of which there is no record) | But the figures are apt to be expressed in Continental
who served on the water.
year (1781) it assessed itself $600,000 to buy beef
for the army and pay the town expenses. But the
And, again, in one single |
$600,000 were paid in paper currency, and the term |
of service of the men was apt not to exceed three days.
Such figures only serve to falsify. During the Revo- |
lution Braintree did not contribute either 1600 men
or a million dollars, for the simple reason that her in- |
habitants did not number the one or have the other.
The drain was doubtless heavy enough, but it was at |
least limited by the total resources.
In considering, then, the Braintree enlistments,
those for short periods must be left out of the ac-
count. <A service of one or two days in guarding
currency. There was no financial, as there was no
military, folly which the New England people did not
commit during the Revolution. Throughout they
showed that the town-meeting is ill adapted to war.
They tried to make patriotism a substitute for the
provost-guard. They issued false money. They
They mobbed those who preferred
not to exchange good merchandise for worthless
paper. It was not in them to do what Frederick IT.
did in Prussia,—take the men they needed and the
regulated prices.
supplies they needed and finish up the work in hand.
the shore may have been a summer picnic, with an |
agreeable spice of danger, but in no sense was it
war. The men engaged in that service were not
soldiers.
itatus. The shorter enlistments also were of not much
more value. Indeed, experience has shown that in
They were mere members of a posse com- |
actual war there is no more cruel way of wasting |
blood and treasure than sending to the field men en-
listed for a few weeks or months. Almost never are
they of any real service. ;
A Mr. Partridge, of Duxbury, one of a committee
who waited on Washington in October, 1776, asked
him whether enlistments for one year would not suf-
fice. He exclaimed in reply, ‘“ Good God! gentle-
men, our cause is ruined if you engage men for only |
a year. You must not think of it. If we hope for
success we must have men enlisted for the whole
term of the war.” This course was too Spartan;
the weaker, the more wasteful, and more murderous
one of short enlistments was pursued.
Accordingly,
That would have been war. What they did was to
campaign interminably under town-meeting inspira-
tion. /
As regards the actual money contributions of
Braintree to the war of independence, the records are
suggestive, but exasperatingly vague. They are full of
votes alluding to reports and statements at the time
made, but since lost. There are almost no exact fig-
ures. Even when supplemented by the State archives
they fail to piece out the story. One thing is appa-
rent: the zeal of the early 1775 soon vanished. Not
only in the years which followed could few recruits
be obtained from among the townsmen, but they
would not submit to a draft. In September, 1777,
and again in June, 1780, the Braintree town-meeting
formally voted to indemnify the militia officers for
any fine they might incur by omitting to draft men
when required so to do by the General Court. Commit-
| tee after committee was then appointed to fill up the
quota by going out to hunt up men in other towns.
The inhabitants were finally divided into classes, and
_each class was called upon to somewhere secure its
men were enlisted in Braintree for the Canada expe- |
dition in 1776, for the Rhode Island expeditions in
1777 and 1778, and for the Penobscot expedition of
1779; others went down to garrison the castle in the
harbor. Furnishing and equipping these men went far
toward exhausting the town ; but it was playing at war.
It was the three-year Continentals who did the work.
They were at Long Island, and they were at Stony
Point ; they forced Burgoyne’s intrenchments, and
captured Rahl’s Hessians; they bore the heat of
Monmouth, and stormed the redoubt at Yorktown.
This was war. The question is always,—How many
of these men did the town put into the field? Pic-
nics and summer promenades do not count.
That the
stress on the towns during the Revolution was great
is indisputable.
So also as regards taxes and supplies.
They were called on for money and
they were called on for men, for clothes, and for meat.
recruits. The poorest and worst material in the com-
munity was thus collected together and swept into
the ranks. A large portion of the heroes of 76 were
men of this stamp. In 1781, for instance, Capt.
Joseph Baxter, one of the town recruiting committee,
had a long wrangle with the selectmen of Boston over
Both
parties claimed him as one of their quota. The Bos-
a wretched bounty-jumper named Williams.
ton agents had given him fifteen guineas, and Capt.
Baxter ‘‘ was drove to the utmost extremity to prove
the justness of his claim to said Williams, but finally
obtained him.” The records of the year 1780 indicate
the most severe stress. They read as follows, the
meeting being held in the Middle Precinct meeting-
house on the 27th of June. The motion was
“To make an offer to such persons as will engage to go into
the service.
“ After a considerable debate on the matter, it was
“Voted, To give each man One Thousand Dollars as a
QUINCY.
343
Bounty, also Half a Bushel of Corn for Every Day from the
Time they march to the time they are discharged or leave the
army; and also half a bushel of Corn for every Twenty miles
they shall be from home when discharged ; and also
“ Voted, That the town will pay them the forty shillings per |
month promised by the State, in hard money, if the soldiers en-
able the town to Receive the said 40/ from the State. Unless it
will best sute the soldiers to Receive it from the State them-
selves.
“Voted, The Selectmen should give Security to the persons
that shall engage pursuant to the foregoing vote; and also the
Selectmen Procure the Corn at Harvest, and Store it for the
men until they return.
“ General Palmer generously gave into the hands of the mod-
erator One Thousand and Eighty Dollars, to be equally divided
among the thirty-six men that shall first engage in the six
months’ service as a Reinforcement to the Continental Army.
For which the thanks of the Town were voted him.
“The Familys of such men as shall engage for the Term of
six months shall be supply’d by the Selectmen with Corn,
wood, or such other articles as they stand in need of, which is
to be charged and Reducted from the wages of that person,
which is to be paid him in Corn upon his Returning home.”
At an adjourned meeting held the next day it was
further voted to exempt from tax all notes issued by
the town for money loaned it to procure men. Two
days later the town again met, and then
“The Committee Reported that they had Inlisted thirty-one
men, and that there was a prospect of Inlisting the other five
men which is wanting to complete the first 36 men called for,
and likewise a part or all the nine men Required.
“General Palmer generously made the same offer to the nine
for which the Thanks of the Town was again Voted him.”
At an adjourned meeting, held on the 5th of July,
it was,
“after a Long Debate, Voted that the officers’ pay, including
the State’s pay, be made equal to a Private.”
At another adjourned meeting on the 10th,
“the Votes that was past on that day (5th) Concerning the
officers’ pay being all disannul’d and void, Voted, To give |
each officer that shall go from this Town for the three months’
service Four Hundred Dollars, being the same sum as was
voted the soldiers as a Bounty; also Voted the officers the same
pay from the town, Exclusive of their other pay, as the Soldiers
receive. Cap. Newcomb appeared to go upon the encourage-
ment.”
The calls for men were incessant until 1782. A
new crop of fighting material had then matured, for
the boy not yet twelve when the skirmish at Concord
bridge took place was eighteen at the surrender of
Yorktown. Between 1775 and 1782, as nearly as
can now be estimated, Braintree sent into the field
about 550 men, enlisted for periods of six months or
over. The number of men, as well as the length of
enlistment, varied with the different years. In 1775, |
in this same way.
town sent not less than 150 men, enlisted to the close
of the year, into Washington’s army about Boston. In
1776 about 120 men were furnished. In 1777 some
seventy were enlisted for three years. In no year were
less than forty sent, except in 1781, when the enlist-
ment appears to have been for four months only. Under
this system the same men in the course of a seven-
years’ war may have enlisted several times. It is im-
_ possible, therefore, to even estimate the portion of
| Braintree’s 650 arms-bearing men who actually served
in the Continental army, though it is probably safe to
say that the number did not fall below 300. For
shorter terms and in the militia every man in town
capable of bearing them bore arms. The average
force of Continentals which the town kept in the
field would seem to have been about seventy men.
There is no record of the number of those who
were wounded, or who died in battle or in camp.
Neither do the figures which have been given
Indeed, it
is only through incidental mention in the letters of
Mrs. Adams that we even know that privateering
was all the rage among the young men of Braintree.
Yet not only did she so describe it in 1776, but five
years later, in December, 1781, she sent to her hus-
band at the Hague the names of no less than twelve
include those who served on the ‘sea.
| Braintree boys captured in the British Channel on
§ ; | the privateer ‘“‘ Essex,” from Salem, and then con-
men as he did to the 36 men,—that was thirty dollars each; |
| fined in Plymouth jail.
“Ned Savil,” “Job Field,”
and ‘“‘ Josiah Bass” were unmistakable North Precinct
names, and doubtless many score of others saw service
Nor was it a service lightly to be
spoken of. The supplies and munitions of war picked
up by the Yankee privateers went far toward keep-
_ing Washington’s army in the field.
So far, therefore, as men were concerned, it seems
probable that the Revolutionary land and sea service
combined kept at least a fourth part of the effective
arms-bearing force of Braintree continually employed
from 1775 to 1782. They were drawn away from all
peaceful occupations, and, in place of being producers,
they became consumers. What the consumption of
the war amounted to now remains to be considered.
During the three years prior to Lexington and Con-
cord—that is, between 1772 and 1774—Braintree
raised annually by taxation the sum of £150 pro-
for instance, besides militia to guard the coast, the |
vincial money, or $500, to meet current town ex-
penses ; the precinct or church levy being a distinct
In 1776 the sum of £1176 was raised under
This, too, was in hard money,
charge.
three separate votes.
for even as late as December of that year silver was
but ten per cent. premium. The next year the
amount raised was £1500. Indian corn was still
344
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
only five shillings a bushel, its ordinary price being
four shillings ; but rye had doubled, selling for twelve
shillings, while ram had gone up from three to eight
shillings, and molasses was not to be had.
1778, the sum of £4000 was ordered to be assessed
immediately, for in April a requisition in kind of
shirts, shoes, and stockings had been made on the
town. <A similar requisition for blankets had been
made in January, 1777.
requisition of shirts, shoes, and stockings was made,
the town to furnish “a number of these articles
equal to one-seventh Part of the Male Inhabitants
above the Age of sixteen years;” from which pos-
sibly it might be inferred that Braintree then had —
some ninety men in service. In January the select-
men had been ordered to procure one thousand
= : |
bushels of grain for the town, and in November a_
levy of £6000 was voted “toward defraying the
charges of the same.” The currency was now fast
losing its value,—how fast may be inferred from the
fact that in place of the former allowance of two
pence a head for killing old blackbirds, in May,
1780, the sum of thirty shillings was voted, while
the three shillings a day for labor on the highways
Indeed, there
Calico was from
thirty to forty dollars per yard, molasses twenty dol-
In May,
1780, the selectmen were ordered to secure corn,
became seven pounds ten shillings.
were no longer any quotable prices.
lars a gallon, sugar four dollars a pound.
so as to be prepared to give those who enlisted half
In July a
requisition came for shirts, shoes, stockings, and blan-
kets, and another for horses; in September a third
for 23,400 pounds of beef, and in December yet a
fourth for 44,933 additional pounds of. beef.
a bushel of it a day instead of money.
In June, 1779, another |
The cases of individual hardship must have been
|
|
In May, |
| Many.
In view of these requisitions in kind, and the
utter confusion of the currency, it is impossible to
say what the real money cost of the Revolution was.
When peace at last came Braintree was heavily in
debt. But its notes had shared the fate of the paper
currencies in which they were payable. Some of
them were paid; some were compromised; some
were repudiated. The annual tax levy, which be-
fore the war was only £150, after it became £1000.
Fortunately there were in those days few
who lived on fixed incomes. Indeed, the minister
was almost the only such person who could be sug-
All others were dependent on their labor
Taxes and the in-
creased price of labor more than used up the whole
During the entire Revolutionary
period the people were eating into their accumulated
substance. Braintree, it has been seen, kept an
average of seventy men in the Continental army,
besides militia, and practically, of course, had to
pay and supply them. This could not have been
done at less than three shillings per day for each
Consequently, at the lowest computation, the
war of independence could not have cost the in-
habitants of Braintree less than $100,000 in money.
gested.
or the produce of their fields.
profits of industry.
man.
It has been seen that $100,000 was probably equiva-
lent to at least one-fourth part of the entire accumu-
lation since the settlement of the town. That one-
fourth part of the whole substance of the community
should have been thus consumed in distant military
operations seems incredible; and the statement of
In>
August it was voted to raise £120,000, and in Octo- |
ber £60,000 more. At the same time the selectmen
were directed to “wait on Col. Quincy and know of him |
whether he will lend the Town a sum of hard money.”
He apparently did so; though exactly how it was
used or what became of it was subsequently a matter
of curious inquiry and repeated investigation.
But the paper money delusion was now over.
The issues were discredited, and but half of the
£200,000 assessment of 1780 was ever collected. |
In 1781 the sum of £1400 in specie was raised,
and the town as usual was called on for beef and
clothing in kind.
but the requisitions for men and supplies still came
In March, 1783, the old record-book, which had
served for fifty-two years, was full, and when he
In 1782 only £700 were raised,
in.
bought a new one the town clerk noted on its first
page that its price was “ Five Silver Dollars.”’
the fact should cause in subsequent generations a
realizing sense of the obstinate spirit of independence
In 1786 the popula-
it had been ten years
period of terrible de-
of peace. The stress
which nerved the patriot side.
tion was not yet so large as
before, in 1776,
pression followed the return
had indeed been great and the loss of men and
means oppressive; but none the less Braintree had
and a long
been fortunate,—the war had never once crossed the
boundary of the town.
The military contribution of Braintree to the war
of independence was limited to men and supplies.
She furnished no officer who rose to high command,
or evinced marked soldierly qualities. Deacon
Joseph Palmer was commissioned brigadier-general,
but, though a man of active nature and full of enter-
prise of a certain sort, Palmer was then sixty years
of age. His campaigning days were past. Full of
zeal, he was at Bunker Hill, and subsequently very
active during the siege of Boston, but his largest
experience was as commander of the Massachusetts
QUINCY.
345
contingent in the unfortunate “ secret expedition” of
September, 1777, planned to drive the British from
Rhode Island. It is claimed that the wretched failure |
of the expedition was not to be laid at Gen. Palmer’s
door; but Mrs. Adams could not refrain from saying
in a letter to her husband,—“‘I know you will be
mortified, but if you want your arms crowned with
victory, you should not appoint what Gen. Gates |
calls dreaming deacons to conduct them.” |
During the later years of the struggle John
Adams was absent from the country. In November,
1777, he had come home and then, while still at |
Braintree, been selected to represent the Congress in
Europe.
frigate ‘“‘ Boston” reported in Boston Harbor to carry |
|
All arrangements having been made, the |
him abroad, and in February it lay at anchor in
Nantasket Roads. On the morning of the 13th, Mr. |
Adams left bis house at Penn’s Hill, and accom- |
panied by his son John Quincy, now a boy of ten,
drove down to Norton Quincy’s, at Mount Wol-
His wife did |
not accompany him; most probably she did not feel
equal to so doing. Hardly had he got to Norton |
Quincy’s when a boat from the frigate pulled up
to the beach. In it was Captain Tucker, of the |
“ Boston.” Coming up to the house he joined Mr.
Adams, who, after writing a few hurried lines to his
wife, walked down to the shore, and, bidding good-by
to Norton Quincy, the party was rowed across the
laston, on the Germantown road.
bay to the frigate. As the father and the young lad
drew away from the familiar land, they could not but
have cast homesick glances back to it; for it was mid-
winter, and the British were masters of the sea. But |
“ Johnny,” his father wrote, behaved ‘like a man.” |
Mr. Adams returned home the next year, reaching |
Braintree on the 2d of September. <A week later a
town-meeting was held for the purpose, among other
things, of choosing delegates to the convention which |
was to meet at Cambridge, on the 1st of September, for
the purpose of framing a State Constitution. It was
voted to send only one delegate, and ‘the Honble. |
John Adams, Esq., was chosen for that purpose.” |
While yet engaged in the work of drafting the Con-
stitution Mr. Adams was again sent abroad, and left
Braintree on the 13th of November. On the 22d of |
the following May “ the freeholders and other inhab-
itants of Braintree qualified to vote in the choice
of a Representative’—so the record ran—met in |
the Middle Precinct meeting-house and made choice
of Richard Cranch to the General Court ; at the same
time “the male Inhabitants of said Town of the age
of Twenty-one Years and upwards” were assembled
to consider of the form of government agreed on by |
| ject.
the convention. ‘‘ The Form being Read, The Town
thought proper to choose a Committee to take the
same under consideration and Report upon the ad-
journment.”’ A committee of fifteen was accordingly
selected, with Gen. Palmer at its head. This was by
no means the first time in recent years that the in-
habitants of Braintree had met to consider questions
of fundamental law. And, indeed, nothing could be
/ more characteristic than the formal and deliberate
manner in which they uniformly approached the sub-
They seemed fully impressed with its import-
ance. In February, 1778, the Articles of Confedera-
tion and Perpetual Union then drawn up by the
Continental Congress had been submitted. The
Braintree record states that in the town-meeting these
‘articles were “distinctly and Repeatedly read and
maturely considered.” They were approved except in
one point. The action of the town upon this was
significant, as showing how jealous the ordinary New
Englander was of his local independence, and what a
vast educational work then remained to be done be-
| fore a stable Federal Constitution had any chance of
adoption. It was provided in the Articles of Con-
federation that Congress should “have the sole and
exclusive right and power of determining on peace or
war.” For this necessary provision the town of Brain-
tree formally submitted the following absurd substi-
tute: “The United States in Congress Assembled
shall first obtain the approbation of the Legislative
Body of each of the United States, or the major part
of them, before they shall determine on peace or
war.
At this same time the General Court submitted a
draft of a State Constitution which had been prepared
by it for approval by the people. It was considered
in a Braintree town-meeting held on the 135th of
April. Having been read, it was referred to a com-
mittee of fifteen to take the same “ under Consider-
ation and Report upon the adjournment.” — Capt.
Peter B. Adams, a younger brother of John, was
chairman of this committee. A month later it re-
ported that those composing it “did not approve” of
the proposed government, and “it being put to the
members present, thirteen was in favor of the form,
seventy-four against it.”
Gen. Palmer’s committee had the Constitution of
1780 under consideration for two weeks. It then re-
ported “sum alterations and amendments, which being
read to the Town was Voted and axcepted.” Gen.
Palmer was then chosen a delegate, in place of John
Adams, to attend the convention which was to perfect
the draft. The first election under the Constitution
was held on the 4th of the following September, and
346
]
1 a , |
in Braintree 106 votes were cast for Governor, of
which John Hancock received 95, and James Bow- |
doin 11.
the first representative.
Richard Cranch was four weeks later chosen
The following year only 62
In the last-
named year the vote between Hancock and Bowdoin |
votes were cast, and in 1782 only 94.
was a tie; but in 1783, Benjamin Lincoln received
87 votes to 14 cast for Hancock.
over, and the people of Braintree, in common with the
The war was now |
rest of the State, were feeling the full effects of the |
reaction which followed it. There had been a com- |
plete financial collapse ; business and enterprise were
dead, and labor was in comparatively little demand.
The utmost discontent prevailed, and an inferior set
of political leaders made their appearance. It was the
Yet, so
far as the record shows, the town of Braintree had
The
regular town-meeting was held, and the usual action |
taken at it. The great question of the day related to
finances. The
valuation for work done on the highways had fallen
from £7 10s. a day in 1780 to three shillings now,
and in the collection of taxes a dollar in silver was
ordered to be accepted in lieu of $120 in Continental |
currency.
time which preceded Shay’s insurrection.
now fallen back into the old accustomed ways.
They were in extreme confusion.
The schools had been reopened, and
though the Committee of Safety was still in existence, —
its work had ceased. But there was one subject, be- |
sides the town debts and the badness of the times,
The General Court |
had passed an act determining the legal limits of the |
Sabbath. Accordingly the warrant for the March
meeting of 1783 contained an article “ that the town
may advise thereon and act as they shall think most
agreeable to the Sacred Law of God.” When the
meeting had assembled, Deacon Holbrook, of the Mid-
dle Precinct, was chosen moderator, and a vote was
passed “ that it should be deemed a disorder for any
person to go upon the seats in the meeting-house with
their feet.”
Day was referred to a committee of seven, of which
which now worried Braintree.
Finally the article relating to the Lord’s |
Joshua Hayward was chairman. The report of this
committee was presented at an adjourned meeting, and,
No |
As the criticism of a
after two readings, was accepted and approved.
extract can do justice to it.
town-meeting upon a solemn legislative act, it is |
unique and characteristic :
“That it is the humble opinion of your Committee that a |
strict and religious observation of the Lord’s day is one of the
greatest caracteristicks of a Christian People, that the supreme
monarch of the Universe hath an indisputable Right to ordain
Laws binding all his rational beings in an absolute Sovereign
manner, that this Great Governor of the world hath revealed to
man, that he hath made a special Reservation of one whole
natural day out of seven for himself, which (according to the
sacred Scriptures and the confesion of the most Learned part of
the world) consists of twenty-four hours, wherein all our secu-
lar consearns ought in the most desent and devout manner be
folded up to give way to the more important service of divine
worship and adoration, and all our Laws and conceits of things
ought to be regulated by scripture and not according to the Phil-
| osiphy of the heathen or the supersticious opinions or traditions
of man, and when the Laws of any Kingdom or State co-operate
with and areagreeable to the Commands of the great Law giver,
then and only then may such communetees expect to enjoy di-
vine favours and blessings, prosperity in this and eternal hap-
piness in a future state of existance; your Committee acknowl-
edge it was surprizeing to them that our honourable Court should
at this day when we are just amerging from the horrors of a most
barbarous and unparraled war curtail a part of the forth Com-
mendment by tolerating secular concerns or servile Labour to
be carried on six hours of the same to the great disturbance of
every sober and Consciencious Person in this State for no other
Reasons saith the Honourable Court than that because their
are defirant opinions among the sober and Consciencious Per-
sons of the same Concerning the commencement of the sabath
and lest they should be thought to lay unnecessary restrictions
on the subject.
‘A very slender excuse indeed to whom ought we to hearken
to the Great Governor of the world or to the Voice of the sober
and consciencious People, a semmilar excuse once was given by
a King of Gods antient People for his disobedience of a special
command because he feared the people but the inspired Profits
Introgative was hath the Lord as great dilght in burn offerings
and sacrifice as in obeying the Voice of the Lord behold to obey
it better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of Rambs.
We cannot conceive that the diference of opinion or the fear of
the People ought to cause an abolition of that sacred command
ye fourth Commandment but that it ought to have it due extent
at one end or the other, perhaps in some future day this sober
and Consciencious party may request an other part of six hours
more to be abolished and so on, untill that Great and most In-
| teresting command becomes null and void, not by the traditions
of men, but by the Law of the State, to draw to a close in as con-
cise a manner as a thing of so great weight and Importance will
admit of your Committee are of opinion that a Remonstrance be
preferred to the aforesaid honourable Court when assembled
that there may bea revision of and amendment of the above
cited Law that their be no part of the fourth Commandment
abolished by Law but that it may have its full extent as re-
vealed to us in the Sacred Scriptures that thereby the Blessings
of him who hath ever held an holy jealousy over his Sabath
may decend on this Continent and on every State of the same
is the sincere wish of your Committee.”
The next formal instructions approved by the town
were three years later, when, in the summer of 1786,
the State was seething with that spirit of discontent
which a few months afterwards culminated in Shay’s
rebellion.
There can be no question that individually the
Those who
could had borrowed at usurious interest to pay taxes,
people of Braintree then felt very poor.
_and now no one had any ready money. The town
debt apparently was not large. A few thousand
dollars in hard money would have discharged the
whole of it. There was, for instance, an amount of
QUINCY.
347
£150 due to the estate of Col. Quincy, which ran |
along for sixteen years, from 1775 to 1791. There
was another of £84 due to Capt. John Vinton,
which was adjusted, in 1786, only after
ordinary trouble and expense.” Another
£84 was in the hands of Deacon Moses French.
In 1791 the treasurer was authorized to borrow a
sum not exceeding two hundred pounds for the pur-
pose of discharging the town debts. Each of these |
settlements was attended with much vexatious liti-
gation. The lenders had first taken the select-
men’s security for the repayment of their loans, and
afterwards time-notes of the town treasurer. The
currency had then depreciated. The collectors had
been unable to get the taxes in, and had defaulted.
One owed the town a balance of nearly two hundred
and fifty pounds. This was in 1785. Again, in |
1791, John Vinton, as one of the bondsmen of Gaius
Thayer, then collector, came forward in town-meeting
“ extra-
note of |
and announced that Thayer was likely to fall short in
his payments, and he was then in the hands of an
officer on two executions issued by the town treas-
urer ; and the town thereupon voted that the assessors
should ‘‘ consult any gentleman learned in the law
respecting the aforesaid difficulty.” Under these
circumstances Braintree seems to have shared to the
full in the general discontent, and in May, 1786,
after choosing its representative, a committee of nine
This
committee was further directed to present these in-
structions to the town “for their approbation pre-
vious to their being delivered to the representative.”
Accordingly, at the adjourned meeting three weeks
later the instructions were submitted, and, in the
words of the record, ‘“‘were debated upon untill it
was dark in the house, and the inhabitants Dispersed
without passing any Vote whatever.”
was appointed to prepare instructions for him.
Ten days |
later a special town-meeting was summoned to further
consider the instructions, and a new committee of
five was appointed. The town was now clearly bent
on action, for it gave its committee thirty minutes
only in which to consider the subject. At the end
of that time the moderator called the meeting to
order, and the committee submitted its report. The |
town’s representative was thereupon instructed to use
his efforts to secure the following results :
Ist. To remove the Court from Boston.
2dly. To Tax all Public Securities. |
3dly. To Tax money on hand and on Interest.
4thly. To Lower the Sallery of place men.
5thly. Make Land a Tender for all debts at the Price it |
stood at when the debts were contracted.
6thly. To take some measure to prevent the growing Power |
of attorneys or Barristers at Law. ;
| out.
This was in July. In September following, three
months before Shay’s outbreak, these instructions
were more fully matured at another town-meeting.
In their final shape they breathed the full commun-
istic spirit of the time, and contrast singularly with
the better papers of ten years before. A new set of
men had come forward in town affairs who could
neither write English nor grasp principles of political
action. They accordingly now indulged in the fol-
lowing rhetorical bombast :
“The clouds are gathering over our heads pregnant with the
most gloomy aspects, we abhor and detest violent measures.
To fly to Clubs or Armes, to divert the impending Ruin the
| consequences of which would render us easy victims to foreign
and inveterate foes. Noas Loyal Subjects and Cytizens inflamed
with true Patriotism we feel ourselves chearfully willing to
lend our aid at all times in supporting the dignity of Govern-
ment, but in as much as there are numerous Grievances or in-
tolerable Burthens by some means or other lying on the Good
Subjects of this republic. Our Eyes under Heaven are upon
the Legislature of this Commonwealth and their names will
shine Brighter in the American annals by preserving the in-
valuable Liberties of their own People than if they ware to
Cary the Terror of their Armes as far as Gibralter.”’
Then followed in ten specifications a statement of
the grievances complained of, and the remedies sug-
gested therefor. ‘These it is needless to repeat.
What the people peculiarly objected to was paying
their debts.
were collected was consequently peculiarly obnoxious
to them.
The machinery through which debts
In regard to it they expressed themselves
_ as follows:
“9dly. That the Court of Common Pleas and the General
sessions of the Peace be removed in perpetuam rei Memoriam.
“6thly. We humbly request that there may be such Laws
compiled as may crush or at least put a proper check or restraint
_ on that order of Gentlemen denominated Lawyers, the comple-
tion of whos modern conduct appears to us to tend rather to the
distruction than the preservation of this Commonwealth.”
Yet in this matter, also, the town-meeting would
The dis-
content, for which some ground did exist, there
found expression, and the people felt better for it.
The spirit of dissatisfaction at least had its say.
seem to have served as a safety-valve.
_ Afterwards, when the time for decisive action came,
In Decem-
ber came news of the disturbances in the western
the town arrayed itself on the right side.
counties and the adjournment of courts confronted by
bayonets and hickory clubs. On the 12th of Jan-
uary Governor Bowdoin’s appeal to law-abiding citi-
zens was issued, and the Suffolk militia were called
In a few hours a company was organized at
| Brackett’s Corner, in Braintree North Precinct, and
on the 19th of January it marched away, as part of
Col. Badlam’s regiment, towards the Connecticut.
348
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY,
MASSACHUSETTS.
It was Pr roned of eee gehen men tonnes the oft |
cers, and upon the roll are fourld all the old Braintree
names. On the 22d of the following February these
men were disbanded at Northampton, and the expense
incurred by the State on their account was £154
9s. 4d.
The vigorous action of the authorities had put down
the rioters; but the depth of discontent may be in-
ferred from the popular odium which seems to have
Take Brain-
In April, 1786, Governor Bowdoin
had received there 41 votes,—all that were cast. One
year later, having in the mean time actually saved civil
government to the State, he received 40 votes, and
Gen.
suppression, 3, while his opponent, Hancock, had 181.
Yet time, in which to let matters adjust themselves,
was all that now was needed.
attached to the authorities for so doing.
tree, for instance.
Lincoln, his military agent in the work of
Twelve months later,
when John Adams returned from England, after nine
years of absence, he spoke of the increase of population
as “wonderful.” As compared with what he had seen
in Europe, he was amazed at the plenty and cheapness
of provisions, though the scarcity of money was cer-
tainly very great. The industries of the country he
found in a much better condition than he expected.
Politically the state of affairs was less to his taste, and
he wrote that ‘‘ the people in a course of annual elec-
tions had discarded from their confidence almost all
‘the old, staunch, firm patriots who conducted the
Revolution, and had called to the helm pilots much
more selfish and much less skillful.” The Braintree
records bear testimony to the correctness of his judg-
ment.
For the next few years no matters of considerable
importance would seem to have engaged the atten-
tion of the town. The people were hard at work
repairing the losses of war. The question of the
hen of the town were there present. This was a new
_ principle introduced into the conduct of town business.
No such restriction on the power of a town-meeting
had ever been attempted before, and it is a matter of
surprise that no one recorded his dissent to it now.
But under this vote the almshouse was built and
the town poor moved into it, the overseer receiving
£3 10s. for his services the first year, and his sue-
cessor £6 for the second year.
The need of a reorganization of the schools ae
began to make itself felt. In 1790 an attempt was
made to divide the town into districts. A committee
was appointed to consider the matter, but its re-
port, when it made one, was rejected, and the town
decided to go on in the old way. It accordingly ap-
propriated £150 for “ schooling” during that year, and
ordered
“that there be a Gramer School keept nine months, three in
each precienct beginning in the North and so on to the Middle
and South, which will include all the time to next march, such
a Master to be agreed with as will be willing to Teach english
as well as Latten, and also to teach wrighting and Cypering.”
That at this time the town felt unusually poor may
be inferred from the fact that the warrant for the
| March meeting of the following year contained an
annexation of Squantum and that portion of Dor- |
The
division of Suffolk County was agitated. How best
to take care of the poor was a standing subject
for debate. One party wished to build a poor-house
and provide for them in it.
chester south of the Neponset again came up.
In 1785 this party car-
ried their point, and the town ordered that an alms-
house should be built “in the form of a Barrack, to
be thirty-three feet in length and sixteen feet wide.”
But the other party succeeded in having this vote
reconsidered at another meeting, held during the
same month.
found themselves again a majority, and they not only
/and this was what the vote really meant.
The next spring, the almshouse people |
voted the building but clinched the matter by adding |
that this vote should not be reconsidered at any future |
meeting unless one hundred and seventy-three mem- :
article ‘‘to see if it be the minds of the Town that
all Town Officers that may be chosen this year serve
Though the tenth
and last article in the warrant, this was first taken
up, and, ‘after a considerable debate,”
called for. Whereupon, the record says, “ the House
divided. 98 against paying and 99 for paying; so it
without any pay from the Town.”
a division was
85
_ was Voted that the Town officers should be paid.”
The action of April, 1790, adverse to the division
of the town into school districts, seems to have caused
Those living
there felt that they were numerous enough and sufh-
great discontent in the North Precinct.
ciently prosperous to have a school of their own.
They naturally did not like sending their children,
during three of the nine months’ yearly schooling,
two miles away to the Middle Precinct, and, during
another three months, four miles away to the South
Precinct. Yet the only alternative to so doing, under
the arrangement which the town had voted, was to
give the children but three months’ schooling a year ;
Accord-
ingly, the question of political separation, first agi-
tated eighty years before and which had now slept
There
was an article relating to it in the town warrant for
May 10, 1790. After considerable debate, it was
then dismissed. In the latter part of that year one
hundred and twenty inhabitants of the North Pre-
for over thirty years, was again discussed.
QUINCY.
349
cinct, and fifteen inhabitants of that portion of Dor-
chester and Milton lying immediately south of the |
Neponset, joined in a petition to the General Court |
that the regions in which they lived might be incor- |
porated together as a distinct town. The petition ©
came before the Senate for its action in January,
1791. While it was still pending a Braintree town-
meeting was called to consider it.
The struggle between the precincts took place over
the choice of moderator, and the record says that
“after a long dispute it was finally voted to chuse the
moderator by ballot and Maj. Stephen Penniman was
chosen by 93 votes out of 152.” In other words,
the Middle and South precincts were united against the |
North, and outnumbered it. A committee of six was
then chosen to appear before the Legislature by |
counsel to oppose the division of the town, and its |
representative was instructed to use his influence to
the same end. Nor did the other precincts desist |
from their opposition to the inevitable so long as
opposition to it could be made. The dislike to any- |
thing which looks like political dismemberment seems
ingrained. In the case of New England it is diff-
cult to say which the people most objected to—the |
surrender of local independence through consolidation |
or the supposed loss of local influence through sepa-
ration. Action towards either has never failed to
awaken a conservative feeling, which saw nothing but
political disaster in not keeping things exactly as they
then were. This was the experience of Braintree in
1791; and in September of that year another town-
meeting was heid which voted to put forth one last
effort before the legislative committee in behalf of
On the 22d |
of February, 1792, one hundred and fifty-two years
lacking only three months, after its original incorpo-
ration as Braintree, the North Precinct was set off,
and ordered to be called by the name of Quincy. The
act, also, was signed, as Governor of the State, by
John Hancock, who had himself been born, brought
up, and married in the territory thus made a town.
It has already been explained how the name of
Quincy chanced to be selected. At the time the |
choice was not wholly satisfactory. Governor Hancock
was then at the height of that personal popularity |
which he enjoyed in Massachusetts to a degree which
no other public man has since equaled, and there
were those who did not forget that he was a native of
the North Precinct. They wanted the new town to
be named after him. Richard Cranch, who, it will |
be remembered, had selected the name of Quincy, was |
at this time, and in the absence of John Adams, the |
the ancient limits. It was unavailing.
leading citizen of the town, for Gen. Palmer had been »
overtaken by financial disaster, and was now dead.
Born in England in 1726, Mr. Cranch came to Mas-
sachusetts before he had yet attained his majority.
In 1851 he became interested in the Germantown
land speculation, and nine years later he married
the eldest daughter of Parson Smith, of Weymouth,
whose sister, Abigail, two years later, in 1764, be-
came the wife of John Adams. Consequently, Mr.
Cranch and John Adams were brothers-in-law, and
their wives were granddaughters of Col. John
Quincy. Hence, probably, the selection of the
name. Mr. Cranch, after representing Braintree
repeatedly in the General Court, had been in the
State Senate. Subsequently he was a judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, as well as Quincy’s first post-
master ; but his name is now chiefly remembered
through his son and among lawyers, in connection
_with that series of reports which contain the early
decisions of Marshall.
Mr. Cranch was the justice of the peace designated
by name in the act incorporating the new town to
It was held on the 8th
of March, 1792, and the usual officers were chosen.
Maj. Ebenezer Miller was put at the head of the board
of selectmen, showing that his former Church and
Tory proclivities were not remembered against him. At
the meeting in May for the choice of a representative
warn its first town-meeting.
the question of the town name was brought up, and
After
what is reported to have been a long and somewhat
a strong effort made to have it changed.
_ heated discussion, it was voted by a narrow majority
not to take up the article in the warrant relating
This settled the question; and the
name of Quincy, thus preserved, has since been multi-
to that matter.
plied and made familiar in connection with other and
larger towns in regions which had then been hardly
explored.
The political history of Quincy as recorded in the
town-books during the thirty-eight years which next
lt
The people had ina great degree
waa
wus
ensued shows few points of general interest.
a period of peace.
made good the losses of the war, and they were in-
tent on bettering their condition. Year after year
the town offices were filled, the regular appropriations
made, new roads laid out, and local questions dis-
cussed. One generation went off the stage; another
came upon it. Richard Cranch and Ebenezer Miller
| gave place to Benjamin Beale and Thomas Greenleaf.
_ An almshouse was built on the old Coddington farm
in 1815 at a cost of $1973.18; and when in the
same year the town hall and school-house was burnt
down, it was presently rebuilt at a cost of $2100.
Through long years the question of where the new
350
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
building should stand—whether “ adjoining the bury-
ing-ground,” or “adjoining Mr. Quincy’s sheds,” or
“north of Mr. Burrell’s house,” or “ opposite the en-
gine-house’”—was earnestly discussed. Finally it was
It was then only
In it lay
placed next the burying-ground.
eight years since this had been inclosed.
the bones and dust of four generations that had lived |
and died in the North Precinct. It stood by the side
of the Plymouth road, an open and uncared for com-
mon, in which the swine ran at large and cattle grazed.
Nor was there in this apparent desecration anything
offensive to New England eyes. The gravestones
were rooted up by hogs and trodden down by cows;
the children played among them: but it had been so
from the beginning, and that it should be so now
On points such
as these the fathers were the reverse of refined, and
another generation had to grow up with a nicer sense
At
last, in 1809, a number of the inhabitants bought up
the rights of passage, herbage, and pasturage on the bit
wronged no one’s sense of fitness.
of decency before the graveyard was fenced in.
of ground in which their ancestors lay, and, through |
John Quincy Adams and Josiah Quincy, deeded it to
the town to be thereafter “set aside as exclusively a
place of human burial.”
But incidentally the records of eighty and ninety
years ago are apt to be suggestive. They reveal con-
ditions which seem to have a middle-age flavor. For
instance, in 1792 it was voted “ to have Hospitals in
town for the purpose or benefit of those who chuse
to have the smallpox.” And again, in 1809, at a
special town-meeting, the subject of vaccination was
discussed, and, after prolonged debate, the majority
decided against it. Piracy, or, as it was more deli-
cately called, privateering, had strong attractions then
for the more adventurous spirits. The United States
was at peace with the world, but England and France
were at war; accordingly, on August 12, 1793, just
as the French reign of terror began, Benjamin Beale,
Richard Cranch, and Moses Black were made a stand-
ing committee “ to see that there be not any privateers
fitted out from this place by any of the Citizens of
the United States or others against any of the belig-
erent powers, in order that a strict neutrality be kept
between us and them.” Having thus disposed of
international questions, local affairs next occupied the |
attention of the town, and the hours were fixed at
which “for the future the Bell tole on Sunday for
beginning divine service.” A few years later, in 1804, |
the singers are granted twenty-five dollars “to pro-
cure a bass viol for the use of the congregation ;” and |
in 1818, Mr. Daniel Hobart is “ authorized and di-
rected to keep the boys in order in the meeting-house
on Sundays.” All, be it remembered, by formal votes
of the town-meeting.
The separation of the precincts had thus once more
united town and parish, and the political and religious
organization fell naturally back to just what it was
a whole century before. The town again regulated
every detail of church management. In 1810 the se-
lectmen were “ authorized to appoint a sexton and to
mark out his duty ;” and two years later it was made
a part of the sexton’s duty “ to ring the bell at twelve
o'clock at noon and nine o’clock at night.” The bell,
by the way, gave the town a great deal of trouble, and
was long a matter for town-meeting debate and inves-
tigation. In 1810 the old bell was discarded, and a
new one ordered of Col. Paul Revere. The result was
not satisfactory, and in August a town-meeting was
warned to consider the matter. A committee of three
was then appointed “for the purpose of examining
the new bell to see if they can find out where the
fault is in it respecting the sound.” Another and
larger bell was then ordered; but when it was cast its
weight became a matter of grave alarm, and yet an-
| other committee had to be appointed to ascertain if
the belfry was strong enough to support it. Not until
| 1817 was the subject finally disposed of.
The church singing was also matter of grave dis-
cussion. The introduction of ‘“ the bass viol” in 1804
had only led to new demands from the choir, and in
1821 the question was agitated whether it would not
be well to have the selectmen hire a “ professed Mas-
ter of Sacred Musick.” A committee was appointed
to consider the subject, at the head of which was
T. B. Adams, son of John Adams, then a man of fifty
and a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Presently
this committee made a report, in which occurs the fol-
lowing quaint and suggestive passage :
“The Association [of singers] is voluntary and not exclusive
of any who belong to the Town, and no one has authority
to select and discriminate between the qualified, or such as by
instruction might become so, and such as have neither capacity
This is ad-
mitted to be an embarrassment and an obstacle to the advance-
ment of the Singing Society in improvement, which they all feel,
without being able to apply the needful remedy; and as that por-
tion of the services and solemnities of the Sanctuary which de-
pends on their performance is considered by many not merely an
act of devotion which may be done indifferently or any how so that
the Psalm be sung, but as a very delightful exercise, calculated
to impose solemnity, and to excite or inspire sentiments becom-
to learn or voice to execute in a choir of singers.
ing the temple of worship, they are peculiarly desirous that an
opportunity be given of calling to their aid the talent and abili-
ties which are liberally possessed by the youth of both sexes in
our Congregation.”
This presentation of the case seems to have been
decisive. The town accepted the report, and voted
two hundred dollars for the purpose in question, the
QUINCY.
301
same to be expended by a special committee composed |
of the selectmen and ‘“ Capt. Josiah Bass, Thomas B.
Adams, Esq., and Edward Miller, Esq.” Edward |
Miller was the son of Maj. Ebenezer Miller, and the
family had for the time being, under pressure of the
“suspect” vote of 1777, abandoned the ancestral |
place of worship, wisely identifying itself with the
people among whom its lot was cast.
The salary of the minister also engaged the atten- |
tion of the town hardly less during this period than
it had a century and a half before, in the days
of Parson Tompson. Mr. Whitney had always re-
ceived five hundred dollars a year, to which the town |
by annual vote had been in the custom of adding a _
In 1808 |
Mr. Whitney asked to have his salary increased to
further sum of one or two hundred dollars.
eight hundred dollars, but the request was not com-
plied with. In April, 1811, he addressed another
letter to his parishioners on the subject, which is in- |
teresting in several ways. It will be remembered that |
in 1657 a committee appointed to inquire concerning
the maintenance of ministers in the towns near Bos-
ton had reported that in Dorchester Mr. Mather was
allowed one hundred pounds per annum; in Dedham,
Mr. Allen was allowed sixty pounds; in Roxbury, |
Mr. Elliot and Mr. Danforth were each allowed sixty
pounds; and in Braintree, Mr. Flynt and Mr. Tompson
each fifty-five pounds. There were then eighty fami-
hes in Braintree. In 1811, one hundred and fifty-four |
years later, Quincy numbered about two hundred and
fifty families. Mr. Whitney then wrote to them as
follows :
“Taking the two parishes in Dorchester, one in Dedham, the
Town of Milton, two parishes in Hingham, and the offer they
have made in Braintree, the average amount of the sallaries
they give is nine hundred and twenty-seven dollars per annum. |
... The sum [ propose is eight hundred and sixty dollars |
paid punctually at the end of every quarter; or eight hundred
and eighty dollars at the close of the year. It will be recol- |
lected that the proposition I made to the town three years |
since was only eight hundred dollars. In exceeding that sum }
at the present time I have been influenced by two considera-
tions. One is, as has been already observed, the information I
have received from some of my brethren, whose salary is nine
or ten hundred dollars per annum, that they can but barely live
on their annual income. The other is that you may have an
opportunity of exceeding Braintree in the salary you give your |
minister; for I think no inhabitant of Quincy would deem it |
respectable to be surpassed in this respect by that town.”
The last argument was ingenious, but the town
failed to respond. The committee to which Mr. |
Whitney’s letter was referred reported in most affec-
tionate language that the pastor’s request was wholly |
reasonable, and that his “ sallary was inadequate to
his suitable maintenance ;”’ but in view of “ the uncer-
tain and fluctuating state of our public affairs, the |
great embarrassment, under which we at present suffer,
and the threatening prospect of still greater,’ a
postponement of the question was recommended. A
vote of three hundred dollars additional salary for the
current year was then passed.
The ‘threatening prospect’’ in public affairs here
alluded to was the impending war with Great Britain
of 1812-14. Quincy was a Federalist town. John
Adams, true to his old patriotic and Revolutionary
instincts, was an earnest supporter of the Madison
administration, which his son, John Quincy, was then
representing at St. Petersburg; but his townsmen
were on the other side. Warm passages used to
occur. Nearly seventy years afterwards a Quincy boy
of that time gave the following entertaining account
of one such passage. Jt is merely necessary to premise
that the gentleman referred to in it was a near neigh-
bor of Mr. Adams’, and in his time the most useful
citizen of (Quincy. Of him more will be said
presently :
“T remember very well at a social dinner-party in time of the
war, when the political element ran perhaps as high as ever it
did, that I had the honor as well as pleasure to stand behind
the President’s chair as waiter. Directly on his left was seated
Thomas Greenleaf, a violent Federalist, who was bearing down
The
President bore it as long as he could, when he raised his left hand
upon the old gentleman with more zeal than discretion.
and, instead of bringing it down on Mr. Greenleaf’s head, which
he might perhaps have done with as much propriety, he brought
it down upon the table near him with a force that made the
plates and glasses rattle, and exclaimed in a voice that could
not be misunderstood, ‘Tom Greenleaf, hold your tongue! you
The
scene which followed reminds me of that passage which says,
are always down on me when there is no occasion for it.’
a9
‘There was silence in Heaven for half an hour.
But at this time Mr. Greenleaf represented much
more nearly than the old ex-President what was the
| prevailing political sentiment in Quincy. At every
annual election from 1812 to 1815, Governor Strong
His
smallest majority was in 1812, when he had one hun-
polled nearly three votes to his opponent’s one.
dred and twenty-seven votes to fifty-nine cast for
Elbridge Gerry.
The second war with Great Britain
_ accordingly left no more marks than the old French
wars on the town record-book ; and, indeed, owing to
_ the disloyal and almost treasonable action of the State
| government, the local militia were called out but twice,
marching once to South Boston and once to Cohasset.
An absurdly large town bounty, in addition to the
State pay, was voted to those called into service in
June, 1814; but one short experience sufficed, and in
December this vote was ‘‘so far repealed as not to
Yet at this time the uneasiness
The British ships
operate in future.”
was great in the seaport towns.
of war were always hovering on the coast, and in the
352
autumn a flotilla ascended the Connecticut, destroying
more than ascore of vessels. Edmund Quincy, in his
life of his father, has vividly reproduced the sensa-
tions in those days of the dwellers on Quincy Bay :
“A general sense of personal insecurity prevailed all along
the sea-board. . . . In these apprehensions the family at Quincy
For the estate bounds on the
ocean, and the fears of boat attacks and foraging parties which
had haunted the roof thirty years before returned again to dis-
had good reason to share.
turb its repose. Every ship enters and leaves the port of Bos-
he was elected captain. ;
ton in full view of the windows of the house, and it may well be |
helieved that a sharp lookout was kept up in the direction of
the light-house. ‘The first naval spectacle discerned from that
post of observation, however, was a memorable and an auspi-
cious one. It was the entrance of the ‘Constitution’ into the
harbor, on the 29th of August, 1812, after the capture of the
‘ Guerriere.’ . . . Toward evening the frigate (recognized as the
‘ Constitution’) came in under full sail, and dropped her anchor
beside Rainsford Islund,—then the Quarantine Ground. The |
next morning a fleet of armed ships appeared off Point Alder-
ton. As they rapidly approached, the ‘Constitution’ was ob-
served to raise her anchor and sails, and go boldly forth to meet
the apparent enemy; but, as the frigate passed the leader of the
fleet, a friendly recognition was exchanged, instead of the ex-
pected broadside.
led the way to Boston. It was the squadron of United States
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
escape from the assaults of their enemies; though it may have
been after some more real and nearer danger. But the cireum-
stance made a deep impression on my young mind by the de-
lightful variety it gave to the usual monotony of Sunday.
“My father, too, opposed as he was to the war, yielded to no
one in determination to defend the soil of Massachusetts should
it be invaded by an enemy. He assisted in the formation of a
fine troop of volunteer cavalry, called the Boston Hussars, con-
sisting chiefly, if not entirely, of Federal gentlemen, of which
. . He used to be concerned lest
the enemy might land between Quincy and Boston, and thus
cut him off from his command.”
It was at this time that the town appointed a com-
mittee to confer with similar committees of the towns
of Hingham and Weymouth, to devise “some meas-
ures for the safety and protection of this and those
But the
enemy did not come, and the actual contribution of
Quincy to the burden of the war of 1812 was prac-
tically limited to the sum paid in bounties and a spe-
One coasting
towns against the assaults of the enemy.”
cial State tax of nine hundred dollars,
_ schooner also, owned in the town, while on her way
They joined company, and the ‘Constitution’ |
ships, then commanded by Commodore Rodgers, unexpectedly |
returning from a long cruise.
“A few daysafterwards, Hull, who had just taken the * Guer-
riere,’ came with Decatur to breakfast at Quincy. . .. This |
breakfast is one of the earliest of my own recollections.
a very little child, but I remember perfectly well sitting on
Decatur’s knee, playing with his dirk, and looking up at his
handsome face, the beauty of which struck even my childish
eyes, and which [I still seem to see looking at me from out the
far past... . There was a current belief that the British,
should they propose making an attack on Boston, would land
on my father’s estate or thereabouts, and so take the town in
flank. . . . The opinion was sufliciently prevalent with the au-
IT was
from the Penobscot to Quincey, was boarded off Glou-
cester from an ambitious privateer out of that port,
and, after some “ ferocious conduct” on the part of
the captors, was carried into Marblehead. | What indi-
viduals from among the youth of Quincy may have
served on the Niagara frontier or fought in the naval
battles of Hull, Decatur and Bainbridge nowhere
appears. The official record of the town in this war
is unpleasantly meagre. :
The sum raised by taxation for town expenses in
1815 was $4000, and this included the expenses of
thorities to induce them to station a body of militia on the Jeft |
bank of the river Neponset, separating Quincy from Dorches- |
ter, which was selected as the first point of defence should such
an invasion be attempted. This circumstance materially in-
creased the uneasiness inseparable from the exposed situation
of the family at Quiney. As I have already related, every ship
that enters or leaves the harbor can be seen from the windows
of the house. Andas the triumphant entry of Hull in the ‘Con-
cerned from that post of observation, so was the departure of
Lawrence in the ‘Chesapeake’ on his fatal quest of the ‘Shan-
non,’—doomed to ‘ give up the ship,’ but only with his life; and
with the telescope ‘the meteor-flag of England’ could be seen
I g g
from time to time flying at the masthead of men-of-war that |
prowled about the mouth of the harbor, so that it was no idle
fear which suggested the probability of 1 midnight visit from a
party of foragers or pillagers to that solitary shore.
“One Sunday there was an alarm that the enemy had landed
at Scituate, a dozen miles away. The news was announced in
the meeting-house during Divine service. The congregation
was dismissed at once, and the village was all astir with excite-
ment.
teer companies marched to meet the enemy.
to say that they did not find him. .
the Sunday following this false alarm that the militia com-
. . L suppose it was on
panies, in uniform, attended service to return thanks for their
The bell rang, the drums beat to arms, and the volun- |
It is unnecessary |
| $3300 in 1810.
stitution,’ after his victory over the ‘Guerriere,’ had been dis- |
the church. The growth of the appropriation was
very slow. In 1792 it had been £350, or $1160,
of which £75 had been on account of the schools.
Of these there was now one,—the grammar school at
the centre,
while the germs only of outlying district
schools were to be found. By 1800 the annual ap-
propriations had increased to $2100, and thence to
In 1820 they were $4000. Four
years later the town was separated from the parish,
and accordingly the appropriation for that year fell to
$2800. In 1829 it was $3500. Perhaps a fourfold
increase in forty years.
Up to 1824 the great items of expense were the
church, the schools, and the town poor; after 1824
they were the schools and the poor. These have both
It has been seen that
the cost of maintaining the town poor then was out
of all proportion to what it has been since. In 1812,
for instance, $1000 was raised for that purpose, while
only $785 was raised for the schools and $800 for
the church. In 1813 the poor cost $1665, or as
much as both the schools ($800) and the church
been elsewhere referred to.
QUINCY. \
353
($850) combined. A reform was then instituted,
and in 1819 the schools cost $1000, while the church
cost $850, and the poor had been reduced to $770.
In 1824 their cost had been still further reduced to |
$628, while that of the schools had risen to $1150; |
but the poor yet occasioned one quarter part of the
whole tax levy. Meanwhile the highway tax did not
appear in the estimates at all, for it was still, as in
1766, paid in kind, or, as the vote of April, 1825,
read, For each Day’s work one Dollar, for each
2200 in 1830.
yoke of oxen one dollar per Day, for each Horse and |
Cart one dollar per Day, for each plow fifty cents per |
Day, and for each ox-Cart twenty-five cents per day.” |
In 1829 the total assessment was $3668. Of this,
$1563 was on account of the schools, the master at the |
centre grammar school receiving $500, for which sum
regularly paid he had, it has already been seen, agreed |
four years previously to “ give up all other business and —
devote his whole time to the school.” The school com-
mittee was further allowed $5 for “ink and brooms,”
which were all the “ incidentals” then recognized, and
$60 for fuel. The district schools were allowed from
$30 to $120 each.
assessors, and overseers of the poor, Messrs. Souther, |
For their services as selectmen, |
|
Wood, and Taylor received respectively $70.28, |
$30.14, and $25.68. For the repair of highways
$600 was deemed sufficient.
or nearly a fourth part of the whole, was appropriated
to the support of the poor.
Such were the simplicity and economy of a town
One thousand dollars,
which now counted a population of 2200 souls, and
which was at last rapidly growing in wealth, for its
assessed valuation in 1830 exceeded $800,000. The
burden of taxation, when compared either with popu-
lation or wealth, was scarcely a sixth part of what
it afterwards became, and the amount appropriated |
for the education of each child in the public schools,
which half a century later was sixteen dollars a
year, was then but three.
apy comparison of the schools or the roads of 1830
with those of 1880, it may confidently be asserted
Without entering into
the people were the children of the soil. They still
followed the old, simple vocations. They were either
the tillers of the soil, or the citizens and tradespeople
who did the work and supplied the wants of those
who tilled the soil.
ciety, and worshiped in one meeting-house.
They were a single religious so-
Kach
knew the others ; they were almost members of the same
family. The political family had not become too nu-
merous. It numbered about 1300 in 1810, and about
As respects worldly condition those
composing it were not far separated. No one was rich,
and most of those who took any part in town affairs
were well to do. There was no alien element ; that is,
no one lived in the town and had interests outside of it.
The town partook also of the spirit of that era of good
feeling which followed on the war of 1812. The old
Federal party was then absorbed in the party which
supported the administration of Monroe, until at last
during the six years 1825-30 the opposition in Quincy
never threw more than nine votes on election day, and
in 1828-29 it was limited to a single vote. The largest
vote the town ever threw before 1831 was 217 in 1824,
when Governor Eustis was chosen. It then gave a
heavy majority to the defeated Federalist candidate ;
a parting salute, as it were, fired over the grave of
Then followed the Presidential
election of 1825, and every vote cast (140) was for
the Adams electoral ticket. Nor did the Jackson De-
that political party.
_mocracy obtain any foothold in the town during the
|
that the years between 1810 and 1830 were in |
Quincey the golden period of the old Massachusetts
town government. Never before
had it been so.
strong, so pure, and so systematic as then; never had |
it done its work so well. It was, in fact, an absolutely |
model government ‘of the people, by the people, for
the people.”
of the town itself, and partly to the influence of one
man. In 1810 the population of Quincy was still
thoroughly homogeneous ; and it had not ceased to be
next four years, for in November, 1828, the electoral
ticket defeated in the country at large had 140 votes
in Quincy out of a total of 143, and in the following
April, Governor Lincoln had 142 votes to one solitary
ballot cast for Marcus Morton.
These circumstances were all favorable to a good
administration of affairs. The people were well to
do; but they looked closely to their taxes, and they
had a traditional horror of waste. Corruption in
The scale of
town expenses was so limited that no item was-too
The sum of five dollars un-
necessarily spent, or spent for an unaccustomed pur-
public office was practically unknown.
small to escape notice.
pose, might lead to a town-meeting discussion. Prior
to 1810 all business had been done in a loose, unsys-
tematic way. The annual appropriations were made
by viva voce vote; the treasurer received the money
which the constable collected ; and the selectmen drew
it out and paid it over to the minister, the schoolmas-
That this was so was due in part to the condition |
| on file.
ter, and those who acted for the town’s poor. No re-
ports or estimates were made; no papers were placed
Everything was done on a general under-
standing. A cruder, less organized system could not
so in 1830. It was the original Massachusetts stock ; | be imagined. All that could be said was that it was
23
B54
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
natural, and, like most natural things, it worked well |
under the circumstances. As the town increased
some one was needed to organize such a degree of
system as the new condition demanded. That some
one appeared in Thomas Greenleaf.
Mr. Greenleaf was Boston born, and graduated at
Harvard in 1790 ; he came to Quincy to live in 1803,
and remained there until his death in 1854. He speed-
ily began to take an active interest in town affairs, and
he showed how useful in a local way a man of charac-
ter, fair parts, and good business capacity can always be.
He belonged to the class of colonial country gentry ;
and, indeed, he and his neighbor, George W. Beale,
both dying at much the same time, were the last
representatives of that class in Quincy. Mr. Green-
leaf was a man of property, and, it has already been
seen, a strong Federalist. In 1808, and for thirteen
consecutive years thereafter, he was chosen to repre-
sent the town in the General Court. He then became a
leading man in Quincy, and so continued until towards |
1840, when the growth of the Democratic element
superseded him.
business, and he did it admirably. Everything was
systematized. The change began about 1812. The
charge of the town poor had then grown to be a scan-
dal. Mr. Greenleaf took hold of the matter, and
caused an almshouse to be built. He was chairman
of the building committee. The sum of $2000 was
appropriated for the purpose, and when the building
was completed Mr. Greenleaf reported, with a pride
which he did not attempt to conceal, that though no
In his day he organized the town’s |
found to be necessary as the work went on, and that
allowance had been made for omissions in the estimates |
and much extra work had been done,—amounting to
twenty per cent.,—yet, notwithstanding this, the new |
almshouse was completed, and every bill paid, with |
tree farm-house had died in 1818; and the son who
$84.48 of the appropriation still unexpended. Under
his close business management the cost of maintaining
the poor was then reduced by more than one-half, and
his reports on the subject are as interesting to-day in
presence of that still unsolved problem of pauperism
as they were seventy years ago.
Having reduced the care of the poor to a system,
Mr. Greenleaf turned his attention to other matters.
Insensibly, but steadily, the method of conducting
the town business in all its branches was brought into
_ Adams was then closing his long life.
were in writing, and entered into every detail. They
were all spread on the record. Another adjournment
was then had, and in May the appropriations were
voted. Kverything was thus made public and of
record ; and everything was open to criticism and de-
bate. As a system, under the conditions then exist-
ing, it did not admit of improvement. The so-called
democratic system which later succeeded it was a
degradation of government.
It is needless to say that under the regime which
has been described the town prospered greatly. <A
| debt of some $2000 was incurred on account of the
_war of 1812 and for building the almshouse in 1814,
but it was speedily paid off out of the surplus which
a better management saved from the regular appro-
priations for the care of the poor.
town hall and school-house was burned down. The
amount appropriated for a new building was $2400.
Mr. Greenleaf was chairman of the building com-
mittee; and again be in due time reported, with over-
flowing pride, that the work was done, all the bills
paid, whether included in the original estimate or
an unexpended balance of $362.61 remained in the
hands of the treasurer. In doing this work a new
town debt had been incurred; but good financial
| management soon paid it off without increase of tax-
ation.
Thus, as the end of the provincial period drew near,
there was in Quincy a condition of general good feel-
ing and prosperity such as the town had not before
It showed itself in various ways. John
The wife who
had watched the smoke of Bunker's Hill from the
heights on the Plymouth road beyond the old Brain-
known.
then stood, alittle boy, by her side was at the head of
the national cabinet and soon to be chosen President.
The meeting-house of 1732 still stood on the train-
ing-field; but it was old and out of repair. The
townspeople began to talk of a new church edifice
'more in keeping with their increased numbers and
wealth. Under these circumstances, John Adams, in
_ June, 1822, moved, as he expressed it, ‘ by the ven-
eration he felt for the residence of his ancestors and
order. In March the annual town-meeting took
place. Over this Mr. Greenleaf presided as modera- |
tor. The full list of town officers was then chosen,
and the various articles in the warrant were referred
to special committees. ‘The meeting then adjourned.
In April another meeting was held, and the commit-
tees on the almshouse, the schools, the town lands
and the town finances presented their reports, which
the place of his nativity, and the habitual affection
he bore to the inhabitants with whom he had so
happily lived for more than eighty-six years,” —
thus moved, he deeded to the people of the town a
tract of quarry-land, from which the material for
the building they wished might in part be derived.
A special town-meeting was called in July to take
action on this matter, and a committee was appointed
In 1816 the
ee a oe
J. 2. Adarns.
ry
QUINCY.
355
to wait on the ex-President and express to him the
gratitude with which his townsmen received his gift.
They were instructed to say that, highly as the inhab-
itants of Quincy estimated the advantages that would
result from the gift itself, they valued it more as
coming from one who by his patriotism had shed
honor on his native place, and “ to whom, under the
smiles of Providence, we are so largely indebted for
our independence and prosperity as a nation.” So
gratified was the old man by this cordial expression
of kind feeling that he at once added to his former
gift not only a deed of further lands, but the whole
of his private library, consisting of some three thou-
sand volumes. Again the town met and spread upon
its records further and even warmer expressions of |
| hairs and furrowed cheeks, two or three of them with families of
gratitude and veneration.
Immediate steps were taken towards building the
new church, but not until April, 1826, were arrange-
appointed. Thomas Greenleaf wasits chairman. But
during that summer, and before any work of con- |
He was |
over ninety, and his life thus covered one-half of the |
whole settlement of the town, lacking only two years. |
The old order of things, like the old church which
was symbolical of it, was about to passaway. A new
struction was begun, John Adams died.
generation, with other customs and modes of thought,
was fast coming to the front, and it was fit and proper |
that the transition should be strongly marked. It was _
strongly marked. On the 4th of July, 1826, the |
town celebrated with special rejoicings the fiftieth an-
niversary of independence. It was celebrated, as its |
sturdiest supporter had fifty years before predicted it
would be, as “‘a day of deliverance, with pomp and
parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bon-
fires, and illuminations.” On that fair, glad day—
in the midst of peace and prosperity and political kind
feeling, with the sound of joyous bells and boom-
ing guns ringing in his ears, with his own toast of
‘* Independence forever” still lingering on the lips of
his townsmen—the spirit of the old patriot passed
away. But he had lived to see with his own eyes |
that “ravishing light and glory” the distant rays of |
which had reached him in 1776, and he had found |
that the end was indeed “ more than worth all the
means.” |
Warned of the approaching event, President John
Quincy Adams had left Washington on the morning —
of the 4th of July, and at Baltimore he received word |
of his father’s death. He reached Quincy on the |
morning of the 13th, the funeral having taken place
on the 7th, in the presence of a great concourse of |
people. The following Sunday when the church bell |
| a succeeding generation around them.
| the year 1830.
rang he went to the old North Precinct meeting-house,
and a few hours later he thus recorded his feelings :
““T have at no time felt more deeply affected by [my father’s
death] than on entering the meeting-house and taking in his
pew the seat which he used to occupy, having directly before me
the pew at the left of the pulpit which was his father’s, and
| where the earliest devotions of my childhood were performed.
| The memory of my father and mother, of their tender and af-
fectionate care, of the times of peril in which we then lived, and
of the hopes and fears which left their impressions upon my
mind, came over me, till involuntary tears started from my
eyes. I looked around the house with inquiring thoughts.
Where were those I was then wont to meet in this house? The
aged of that time, the pastor by whom I had been baptized, the
deacons who sat before the communion table, have all long since
departed. Those then in the meridian of life have all followed
them. Five or six persons, then children like myself, under
the period of youth, were all that I could discern, with gray
The house was not
crowded, but well filled, though with almost another race of men
|
| and women.”
ments so far perfected that a building committee was |
CHAP MER XxX X.
QUINCY—( Continued).
MODERN QUINCY.
THE original migration from Old to New England
ceased before 1840.
of population across the Atlantic again set in until
No steady westward movement
the beginning of the present century, nor, even when
it did set in, did it gain any great volume until after
It was accordingly remarked by Pal-
frey in his ‘‘ History of New England” that probably
there was no county in England where in 1825 the
strain of English blood was so free from all foreign
admixture as it was among the people of Cape Cod.
Up to the year 1800 the same thing might have been
said of Quincy. The original settlers bore all of
them English names. There were scarcely any ex-
ceptions to this rule, and such exceptions as there
were—some eight or ten in two hundred and forty
—indicated a French and possibly a Norman origin.
Such were Decrow, Durant, Despard, and Deza;
Lamont and Lagaree; Marquand and Quincy.. All
A few
Scotchmen, the prisoners of Dunbar, may have been
landed in Boston in 1651, and been sent out to the
iron-works; but, if such was the case, they did not
of these names are recorded before 1728.
leave a single “ Mac” behind them in Braintree. In
1752 there was a small infusion of German blood,—
‘poor, suffering Palatines.’”’ But these people
mostly went away ten years later to join more pros-
perous communities of their own race at the eastward,
356
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and the Hardwicks (Hardwig), Brieslers (Briesner),
and a few more only remained to perpetuate the
German face under Anglicized names. ‘There were a
certain number of negroes in the town,—sixty-six,
according to the census of 1765,—the descendants of
slaves owned by the Quincys, Vassals, Apthorps,
and Borlands; and in 1800 the vacant space made by
the removal of an old stairway in the church was:
by vote “appropriated for the use of the black
people to sit in.” In a few years more they had
wholly disappeared. When, in 1792, the North
Precinct of Braintree was set off as Quincy, the
names appended to the petition were all English
names,—names, nearly every one of which have ap-
peared in the town-book for a century,—Cleverly,
Newcomb, Brackett, Adams, Crane, Vesey, Spear,
Savill, Bicknell, Quincy, Marsh, Beale, Glover, Crosby,
Baxter, Sanders, Field, Faxon, Hayden, Bass, Tirrell,
and Nightingale. They were Johns, Samuels, Ben-
jamins, Fredericks, Daniels, and Ebenezers.
wives were Marys, Anns, Elizas, with here and there
a Mehitabel, a Patience, and an Abigail. Old, fa-
miliar English patronymics all. An Irishman or an
Irish name was as strange and as much a matter of
wonderment as a Frenchman or a German, and more
than an African or Indian. No mass was ever cele-
brated in Old Braintree; and it may well be ques-
tioned whether from the day when Sir Christopher
Gardiner took flight in March, 1631, down to the
year 1800 a single Roman Catholic ever dwelt in the |
town. Indeed, when John Adams was writing his
‘‘ Dissertation on the Canon and the Feudal Law in |
Their |
{
|
Braintree” in 1765, he referred to a certain thing as |
being “as rare an appearance as a Roman Catholic,
—that is, as rare as a comet or an earthquake.”
Nor had there as yet been anything to cause the |
influx of a new population. Even down to 1825 the
industries of the town had not multiplied. It was
still the old farming community already described, |
—a community made up of those who tilled the
soil, and those who supplied the tillers’ wants.
than a century and a half before an iron foundry
had been established in ‘‘ the Woods,”
now West Quincy was called, but it had soon col-
as what is
More
|
|
| Bunker Hill Quarry.
then there was but small demand; and this attempt
soon shared the fate of the iron-works. The little
capital ventured in it was lost.
But these were premature attempts at the intro-
duction of strange industries. It was not so with
ship-building. The dwellers along Quincy Bay, in
common with all other sea-board Yankees, took nat-
urally and kindly to the water, and from an early
day the ship-yards throve at Braintree. In 1696
the ‘“ Unity” was launched at what is now Quincy
Neck, and later the Haydens, Southers, and Josselyns
were noted shipwrights. Their yards were at Bent’s
(now Quincy) Point, and there, in September, 1789,
was launched the ‘‘ Massachusetts,” pierced for thirty-
six guns, and intended for the Canton trade. This was
supposed to be the largest ship, up to that time, built
in the State. Her company for her first and only
voyage from Quincy numbered seventy hands all
told, forty-two of whom were seamen ; but her voyage
was not a success, and she was sold in China to go
under the Danish flag. But none the less, the Bent’s
Point yards in 1825 were prospering, and they con-
tinued to prosper down to the days of Deacon George
Thomas, who built clippers the names of which were
Indeed,
from force of habit apparently, Deacon Thomas went
famous in the California and China trade.
on building great wooden ships until he was more
than fourscore years of age, and his country had
ceased to boast a commercial marine.
The stone deposits of the town had, up to 1825,
not been developed at all; but from that year the
On behalf of the Bunker Hill Monu-
ment Association, Gridley Bryant, of Scituate, then
change dates.
bought a quarry in West Quincy, the stone of which
had already been examined and approved by Solomon
Willard, and which has since been known as the
The fame of Quincy granite
Not that the exist-
ence and durable character of the stone had not long
was now to spread far and wide.
been known; but up to this time it had only been
worked on the surface. The coarse, rough, glacier-
' tumbled boulders which lay scattered over the north
and south commons had alone been used.
lapsed, and only beds of cinders and slag and old |
bits of petrified foundation on the banks of Furnace |
Brook marked where the experiment had failed.
Even the tradition of it had died away, and as late
as 1710 the region thereabout was the haunt of deer
and the bear. Again, shortly after 1750, the poor
refugees who settled at Germantown had sought to
gain a living by making glass. But such glass as they
made was of the coarsest description, for which even
King’s
Chapel was built of this material between 1749 and
1752, and later the famous old Hancock mansion on
Beacon Hill. At that time they had so little con-
ception of the extent of this syenite formation,
that in Braintree much alarm was felt lest the use
of the stone for buildings in other towns would
For years the subject was
discussed at each town-meeting, and new measures
exhaust the supply.
of ever-increasing stringency were devised to avert
the threatened dearth. In 1753, immediately after
QUINCY.
357
King’s Chapel was finished, a vote was passed for- |
bidding the removal of any more stones at all from
the commons until otherwise ordered. If the drain |
went on unchecked there would not be encugh stone
in Braintree for the township’s own use! The |
difficulty seems to have been that, with the tools
then in use, they were unable to work into the
rock. The King’s Chapel stone, it is said, was
broken into a degree of shape by letting large iron
balls fall upon the heated blocks. At last, upon one
memorable Sunday in 1803, there appeared at New-
comb’s Tavern, in the centre of the North Precinct,
three men, who called for a dinner with which to
properly celebrate a feat they had just successfully
performed. The fear of the tithingman had not re- |
strained them, and they had split a large stone by
the use of iron wedges. Their names were Josiah |
Bemis, George Stearns, and Michael Wild. It was
indeed a notable event, for the crust of the syenite
hills was broken.
Quarries were then opened, but at first only slowly
and in a small way.
The men did not yet know how |
to work the rock, nor had they the necessary tools and |
appliances. |
dressed for use as door-steps, foundations, and gable |
walls. There were two problems still unsolved: one
related to handling and dressing the rock, the other |
to its carriage. Both of these problems Willard and |
Bryant solved. Neither of these two remarkable men
were Quincy born. Willard came of Maine stock
transplanted to Petersham, in Worcester County ;
and Bryant was of that Scituate family which seventy-
five years before had furnished Braintree its active-
minded minister. While Willard laid open the quarry
and devised the drills, the derricks, and the shops,
Bryant was building a railway.
Such stone as was taken out was roughly
This famous structure was an event not only in the |
history of Quincy, but in that of the United States, |
and in every school history it is mentioned as the |
most noticeable incident in the administration of the |
younger Adams. In Braintree a feebler effort in a |
similar direction had already been made, but without
success; for in 1824, Joshua Torry, an enterprising |
citizen of the town, had planned a canal from the
neighboring tidal basin nearly to the centre of the |
town. A committee reported strongly in its favor,
and work was even begun upon it; but it proved too |
expensive an enterprise for that time, and had to be |
abandoned. Still the idea bore fruit; for the next
spring another and more feasible project was devised |
of converting the old Town River, as it was called,
into a canal up to the point where John Adams, as
surveyor of highways, had, in 1760, built across it |
| cation was decided upon.
his historical bridge. It was an attempt at slack-water
navigation. <A charter fora joint-stock company was
secured, and the people went into the project with
spirit. In 1826 the work was finished at an outlay of
ten thousand dollars. The scheme did not prove a
success. The canal, it is true, was used ; but the busi-
ness afforded no profit, and years afterwards the affairs
of the company were wound up with a total loss of
| its capital.
The Granite Railway was both a more famous and
a more successful scheme. Its projector, Gridley
Bryant, has given his account of how he came to
construct it and of the obstacles he had to over-
come:
“JT had, previous to [the laying of the corner-stone of Bunker
Hill Monument] purchased a stone-quarry (the funds being
furnished by Dr. John C. Warren) for the express purpose of
This
quarry was in Quincy, nearly four miles from water-carriage.
This suggested to me the idea of a railroad (the Manchester and
Liverpool Railroad being in contemplation at this time, but was
procuring the granite for constructing this monument.
not begun until the spring following) ; accordingly, in the fall
| of 1825 I consulted Thomas H. Perkins, William Sullivan, Amos
Lawrence, Isaac P. Davis, and David Moody, all of Boston, in
reference to it. These gentlemen thought the project visionary
and chimerical; but, being anxious to aid the Bunker Hill
Monument, consented that I might see what could be done. I
awaited the meeting of our Legislature in the winter of 1825-26,
and after every delay and obstruction that could be thrown in
the way, I finally obtained a charter, although there was great
opposition in the House. The questions were asked, ‘ What do
we know about railroads? Who ever heard of such a thing?
Is it right to take people’s land for a project that no one knows
anything about ? We have corporations enough already !’ Such
and similar objections were made, and various restrictions were
imposed ; but it finally passed by a small majority only. Un-
favorable as the charter was, it was admitted that it was ob-
tained by my exertions; but it was owing to the munificence
and public spirit of Colonel T. H. Perkins that we were in-
None of the first-named gen-
tlemen ever paid any assessments, and the whole stock finally
fell into the hands of Colonel Perkins. . .
routes from the quarry purchased (called the Bunker Hill
Quarry) to the nearest tide-water, and finally the present lo-
debted for the whole enterprise.
. [surveyed several
I commenced the work on the first
day of April, 1826, and on the seventh day of October foliuw-
ing the first train of cars passed over the whole length of the
road.”
At the time Bryant’s work excited an almost un-
equaled interest throughout the country. It was, in
fact, a pioneer American undertaking, the originator
of which had closely studied that English railway
literature which was then coming into existence.
Although Stephenson had already, in a rude way, in-
troduced locomotive steam-power on the Stockton and
Darlington road, Bryant made no attempt at anything
of that sort. Indeed, had he done so he would have
ruined his enterprise. His views were confined to
horse-power, and he built an improved tramway rather
358
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
than a modern railroad. The really memorable thing
about it was his ingenuity in devising the appliances
These were
very remarkable, including as they did the switch,
necessary to its successful operation.
the portable derrick, the turn-table, and the movable
All these
contrivances subsequently passed into general use ;
truck for the eight-wheel railroad car.
and the movable truck having six years later (in
1834) been patented by other parties, became the
subject of a litigation which occupied the courts for
five years and cost, it is said, some $250,000. Though
the claim of Bryant as its inventor was sustained, |
he had no legal right to royalty on its use, nor did he |
ever receive anything from it.
in 1867.
The Granite Railway, including its branches, was
four miles in length, and cost fifty thousand dollars.
It began at the quarry end with an inclined plane, by
means of which eighty-four feet vertical fall was here
accomplished in three hundred and fifteen feet of |
gradual descent. The road then dropped gently down
to tide-water level by grades of sixty-six, thirteen,
and twenty-six feet to the mile. As the traffic was
all in the direction of these grades, single horses could
of course move with ease just as heavy loads as the
structure would bear; the only difficulties being to |
retard the loaded cars going down and to draw the
unloaded cars back. The road was constructed of
stone sleepers, or ties, eight feet apart, upon which
were laid longitudinal wooden rails, protected by
strap-iron plates three inches wide and one-fourth of
an inch thick. The wooden rails were subsequently
replaced by stone.
At last, it
having then been for a time in disuse, its franchise
by horse-power, for about forty years.
was purchased by the Old Colony Railroad Company. |
The ancient structure was completely demolished and
a modern railroad was built on the right of way. |
This was formally opened for trafic on Oct. 9, 1871,
forty-five years and two days after the original open-
ing in 1826. ‘There is a certain historical fitness in
the fact that, through the incorporation of the Gran-
ite Railway into the Old Colony Railroad, the line
which connects Plymouth with Boston has become the
original railroad line in America.
After 1825 the granite business of Quincy devel-
oped rapidly. Three years later the old 1732 meeting-
house in Quincy gave place to that more modern struc-
ture which is still the central building in the town,
the large monolith columns of which mark the ad-
vance which the Quincy stone-cutters had then al-
ready made. In the same year the Tremont House
in Boston was built ; the present United States Court-
He died quite poor |
This railway was operated, always |
House, then the Masonic Temple, followed in 1831,
and the Court Street Court-House four years later ;
then came the Boston Custom-House, begun in 1837
and completed in 1849, with its thirty monolith col-
umns, each forty-two tons in weight. As they were
finished these were carried to Bosten over the Plym-
_ outh road, for the turnpike bridges would not support
the weight ; and as the carts made specially to carry
_them, drawn by a long train of oxen and _ horses,
_ passed slowly through the town, they were for years
objects of deep popular interest and local pride.
It is needless to go on enumerating the buildings
thereafter constructed of Quincy granite. For years
it was regarded as the best known material for con-
struction, and it was chiseled into the most delicate
shapes. A new school of taste then grew up which
saw that the stone was not only hard and cold, as well
as durable, but that it was wont to outlive its useful-
The great Boston fire of 1872 showed also
that, growing brittle when exposed to heat, it would
shatter under streams of water.
ness.
A change accord-
The stone passed out of use for
architectural display, and was adopted in monumental
work.
ingly came about.
At the present time nearly three-quarters of
the Quincy granite dressed is used in cemeteries ; and
there is something about it, whether it be harduess or
durability or its coldness of color, which seems to make
it specially appropriate for these modern cities of the
dead.
Meanwhile, the quarry business speedily revolu-
_tionized the town. Its influence was everywhere
| felt,—in habits, and modes of life and thought, and
One by one the old traditions gave way.
Business was no longer done as formerly. Firms
in polities.
| grew up possessing large means and employing many
laborers, and a steady tide both of wealth and popula-
‘tion set in. As compared with the figures of similar
growth which has gone on during the same time at
the great commercial centres of the country, the fig-
ures representing the growth of the Quincy granite
business are not large. Boston and St. Louis, New
York, Chicago, and San Francisco have accustomed
the minds and eyes of modern Americans to indus-
trial strides of a wholly different scale. These cities
| deal in workmen by the thousand and in products by
the million. Against such exhibits no New England
town can have anything to show which would cause
_ surprise. The figures amount at most to the modest
It is so with Quincy
In the hard, slow work of producing it no
statistics of a prosperous trade.
oranite.
large fortunes have been made, no crowded commu-
nities have grown up. On the eastern slope of the
' Blue Hill range, where in 1825 the Milton and
QUINCY.
359
Quincy woods still stood, there is now a village con-
| four hundred hands.
taining a population larger than was the population of |
Quincey then. The creaking of the derrick, the blows
of the sledge, and the click of the hammer are every-
where heard from the week-day morning to its night ;
and from year’s end to year’s end the blocks of split and
chiseled syenite pass out in a steady stream. Yet in
the great aggregates of modern life it all represents
but the labor of a few hundred men, and the well-
earned return on the not large capital of a dozen en-
terprising firms.’
But stone working was not the only new industry
which about 1830 began to make its influence felt in
Quincy. For more than a century and a quarter
there had then been one tannery in the town, and at
The earlier tanneries
The vats
were oblong boxes sunk in the ground close to the
a later day there were several.
were strange, primitive establishments.
edge of the town brook at the point where it crossed
the main street. They were without either covers or
outlets.
which old, worn-out horses circled round while the
bark was crushed at the rate of half a cord or so a
day by alternate wooden and stone wheels, moving in
In the
early years of the last century the prices were as
a circular trough fifteen feet in diameter.
primitive as the methods; for while green hides sold
for three pence and dry hides for sixpence, the man-
ufactured article brought but twelve pence. Then
and long afterwards the dress, especially of the work-
ing classes, was largely composed of leather, out of
which as a material leggings and breeches, coats and
shirts, were made, as well as shoes and gloves.
Working in leather was therefore one of the common
vocations in all New England towns.
Consequently, as markets and means of communica-
tion developed, it was natural that the Quincy people
They did so as mat-
ter of course, and as early as 1795 the business had
taken root.
should drift into shoemwaking.
For a time it seemed not im-
probable that Quincy might vie with Brockton, Lynn,
or Marlborough as a great centre of this industry ;
but the war of the Rebellion dealt a heavy blow to its
trade, and the rapid development elsewhere of ma-
chine-made work left the old-fashioned Quincy meth-
ods far behind. Accordingly, after 1860 the business
as a whole did not grow in Quincy as it grew else-
where.
Nevertheless, the presence in the town of this in-
dustry, together with that of stone-cutting, greatly
a radical change.
The beam-house was an open shed, within |
| Episcopals in 1838.
Noah Curtis was its founder, and in that ©
year he made nine hundred and fifty-one pair of shoes, |
paying for such as were hand-sewed two dollars a
dozen pair. Not until 1822 was the Southern trade
opened. By 1830 the Curtises had built up a large
and profitable business, and the census of seven years
later showed that in 1837 no less than forty-six
thousand pair of boots and shoes were manufactured
in the town. In 1856 the Curtises alone made forty-
eight thousand pair of boots, giving employment to
1 By the State census of 1875 there appeared to be thirty-
seven establishments in Quincy in the granite business in all
its branches. They represented a capital of $588,200, a yearly
product valued at $775,884, and employed 617 men.
influenced its character. The population underwent
A new race, of different blood and
religion, had come in. The native New Englander
seemed to pass out of the fields into the shops, and
men of foreign blood took his place. In 1830 the
Congregational meeting-house, though then called
“the Stone Temple,” and the Episcopal Church were
still the only buiidings in the town in which religious
Mass had once or twice been
observed in dwelling-houses. In 1831 a Universalist
society was organized, and in 1832 they built a church,
In 1834 another church was built by an Evangelical
Congregational society ; and a third by the Methodist
The Roman Catholics were still
without a building. There were now many of that faith
in Quincy, but they were emigrants and they were poor;
the narrow but traditional prejudice against them and
their faith, also, was strong and hard to be outgrown.
About the year 1839 an occasional Mass was cele-
brated in the small West Quincy school-house; but
those were the years when, under the combined Native
American and anti-Catholic feeling, Massachusetts
was in a dangerous mood. The Mount Benedict
Monastery in Charlestown had not very long before
been destroyed by a mob; and now in West Quincy
those of the district who held other religious views
expelled the Catholics from the school-house. For-
tunately, better counsels and a kinder feeling prevailed,
,
services were held.
and after a short time the services were renewed
there; nor were they again disturbed. In the autumn
of 1842 St. Mary’s Church in West Quincy was con-
secrated, and eleven years later, in 1853, St. John’s
Church was finished, standing almost on the spot
where the Episcopal Church, removed twenty-one
years before, had stood for a century. Another
Catholic chapel was erected in the North District
of the town in 1874. In 1842 there were about
one hundred Catholics in Quincey; in 1884 there
were more worshipers in the three Catholic churches
than in all the other eight churches of the town com-
bined.
If the multiplication of sects and churches after
360
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1830 was considerable, that of schools was still more
so. Inthe matter of education the state of things
had, indeed, then become such that it was obvious a
change of system must be made. The old centre
grammar school could no longer be made to suffice.
Its condition and methods have already been de-
| ve
school-houses. The neighborhood school system was
scribed, and in 1827 the school committee, of which |
Thomas Greenleaf was then chairman, reported the |
whole number of children in all the schools as four
hundred and sixty-one.
Of these, twenty-five only— |
nineteen boys and six girls—were over fourteen years |
of age, so early even at that late period did the
schooling stop.
In order to relieve the centre of an
excessive attendance, two winter schools under mas- |
ters—called in the reports ‘men’s schools,” to dis-
tinguish them from the old dames’ schools for chil-
dren
the South District, the other at Bent’s Point, or the
Oldfields District. This measure had failed to bring
the wished-for relief. The increase of scholars from
the other districts was such that the centre school
|
had been opened, the one at Penn’s Hill, or |
|
|
|
{
|
throughout the winter had an average attendance of |
one hundred and forty. Crowded into a single school-
room, these seven-score children of all ages were |
taught by one master, who was paid five hundred
dollars a year, aided by one female assistant, who was
Under these
circumstances the committee of 1827 suggested, not
‘for immediate adoption, but for deliberate consid-
paid one hundred and twenty dollars.
eration,’ the idea of building a second school-house. |
That, it stated, would “afford an immediate and ef-
fectual relief for many years.”
two years of ‘ deliberate consideration,’ the town, in
1829, voted to build three new school-houses, one at
the North, or Farms District, one at the East, or
Oldfields District, and one at the South, or Penn’s
Hill and Woods District ; the last, being a combined
arrangement, was to be of stone and cost as much as
the other two together. In the spring of 1830 the
new buildings were finished, and the committee re-
ported that, including the land on which they stood,
Accordingly, after |
they had cost respectively $1142.59 for that of stone, |
and $523 and $422.02 for the others of wood. This
failed to satisfy the town. A pernicious idea had
gained footing that it was desirable “to bring the
school to every man’s door;” and instead of concen-
- schooling
trating children so that they might be divided ac-
cording to age and taught by several teachers in
graded schools, the mistaken policy of neighborhood |
schools of all ages under one teacher was adopted.
Accordingly, the next year, after a sharp struggle,
in which the town divided by a vote of eighty-four
thus definitely fixed upon.
That this should have been so was in some respects
unfortunate, but it was probably necessary. It was
a mistake naturally incident to government through
town-meeting. Town-meetings are not inspired.
Having fortunately no infinite wisdom to guide and
dwarf them, they go stolidly on, working their way
in perfectly human and commonplace fashion through
almost infinite waste and failure to a certain degree ot
Ac-
cordingly, the policy as respects its schools fixed on
by Quincy in the town-meeting of March 8, 1831,
From an
educational point of view it was altogether wrong.
The school was near the child’s home, but at the
school the child learned the least possible. The
erading of scholars was out of the question, and in-
success. The process is slow and expensive.
remained its policy for over forty years.
competent teachers wasted their time trying to im-
part a little knowledge to many children of various
A more wasteful system could hardly have
From the money point of view it did
the annual appropria-
ages.
been devised.
not cost much, for in 1827
tion was $3 for each scholar, and the neighborhood
system only increased it in 1831 to $3.67. In 1840
it had fallen to $2.89, and it was only $3.81 in 1850.
Not until 1868 did the annual cost per scholar in-
crease to over $10. The town had then grown up
to the neighborhood system, for its population was
about 7000, and there were 1534 children in the
schools. They had for years been more or less
graded, and a somewhat better instruction was pos-
sible.
Yet even then the teaching in the public schools
It was almost wholly con-
fined to verbal memorizing, and that singular mental
had little to commend it.
exercise known as parsing, or the mechanical applica-
tion of certain rules of grammar to words and sen-
tences.
scholars, nor did the knowing how to parse in any
These rules never had any meaning to the
way affect the scholar’s mode of speaking or writing
his mother-tongue. It was the same with arithmetic.
It was taught by rule. This was that old-fashioned
g, so called, which is still commonly supposed
to have been simple, but, in some unexplained way,
peculiarly thorough. Accordingly there are not a few
who lose no opportunity to refer to it with respectful
In point of fact, in no true sense of the
By force of
regret.
word was it either simple or thorough.
constant iteration, emphasized by occasional whippings,
to seventy-eight, it was decided to build two more '
the child did indeed have certain rules and formulas
so impressed on the memory that they never afterwards
faded from it; but so did the horse, thejdog, and the
QUINCY.
361
parrot. One and the same method of instruction was _
_ applied to all, human and brute. It was purely a_
matter of memorizing and imitation ; the observing
and reasoning faculties, it was supposed,—if, indeed,
any thought was given to them,—would develop —
themselves. Since the days of the ‘‘ Learned School- |
master,’ Benjamin Tompson, school methods in
Quincy had become more elaborate and far more ex-
pensive; the child learned more, such as it was, be-
cause it went to school more hours, and there were
more teachers and better text-books. But, so far as
intelligence of method and system was concerned,
there had been little change and no considerable im-
provement. Nor were the results anything to be
proud of. The average graduate of the grammar |
school could not read with ease, nor could he write an
ordinary letter in a legible hand and with words cor-
rectly spelled.
Nor in these respects were the schools of Quincy
worse than those of its sister-towns. This was at one
time confidently asserted, and the friends of every
system which breaks down under investigation always |
assert that such system was notoriously defective at the
precise point where the investigation took place. In
the case of the Quincy schools it was nothing of the
sort. They were quite as good as the average of
Massachusetts town schools.
clearly as the result of careful inquiries made by |
agents of the State Board of Education in 1879. |
It was then found that in a very large proportion of
the towns in Norfolk County the educational methods
in use in the schools were the same that had been
immemorially in use. They were quaintly primitive.
Children were still taught to spell orally and in
classes, and the writing was limited to what was done
in the copy-books. Accordingly, when told to write
a letter of a few lines, many pupils showed at once |
that they had never been taught even the mechanical
part of a written exercise, while certain of the |
teachers actually would not permit their schools to be
subjected to so unheard-of a test.
were taught to parse, and say the multiplication table.
Out of
eleven hundred scholars in two hundred and twelve
Their scholars
Writing letters was no part of school work.
schools who used in composition the adverb “too,”
no less than eight hundred and fifty-nine spelt
the word incorrectly. The three words ‘“ whose,”
“which,” and ‘“ scholar” were given out for written
spelling, and while there were fifty-eight different
wrong spellings of ‘“ which,” there were one hundred |
and eight of ‘“‘ whose,” and two hundred and twenty-
one of “scholar.”
these examinations were probably never surpassed. —
For thoroughness and magnitude
| then composing the Quincy school committee.
_ provement in its quality.
| schools had been humanized.
This appeared very |
They included the schools of twenty-four towns, re-
turning five thousand scholars. The tests, of the
simplest and most ordinary description, were confined
to showing the results actually obtained in reading,
writing, and ciphering. There was no escape from
the conclusions reached, for the fac-similes of the ex-
amination papers spoke for themselves.’
In 1873 doubts as to the value of the results ob-
tained through the methods then in use had for some
_ time been forcing themselves on the minds of those
They
referred in their reports to the condition of “immo-
bility’ which seemed to prevail. There were now
twenty-seven schools in the town, in which thirty-two
teachers were at work on twelve hundred scholars.
The annual cost of teaching each scholar exceeded
fourteen dollars. Since 1830 the number of those
taught had thus increased much less than three-fold,
while the cost of teaching them had increased over
fifteen-fold.
vious that a great waste of public money was steadily
Under these circumstances it was ob-
going on. ‘The cost of the article purchased had been
immensely increased, without any corresponding im-
It was perfectly true the
Boys were no longer
forced as a punishment to clasp hands across the top
of an over-heated stove until holes burned in their
clothes ; nor were they made to whip each other,
while the master stood over them and himself whipped
that one who seemed to slacken in his blows.’ Scenes
like these, worthy of Dotheboys Hall, were remi-
niscences of the past. But there was no reason
to suppose that the children when they left school
read more fluently, or wrote more legibly, or computed
with more facility than had their fathers and mothers
before them. Under these circumstances the com-
mittee came to the conclusion that if the town was not
spending an undue amount on its schools, yet certainly
not more than fifty per cent. of what it did spend was
spent effectively. The whole thing needed to be re-
formed; but the members of the committee did not
feel themselves qualified to reform it. They therefore
stated the case to the town, and asked for authority to
employ a specialist as a superintendent.
In the spring of 1875 the desired authority was
given. The result was that reform in school methods
which, known as the “Quincy system,” within the
_ next few years excited far and wide an almost unpre-
cedented interest and discussion. It was the work of
1 See Report of Examination of Scholars in Norfolk County,
in the Forty-third Annual Report (1880) of the Massachusetts
Board of Education.
2Quincy Patriot, Feb. 21, 1874.
362
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the superintendent then employed, F. W. Parker.
Mr. Parker was by birth a New Hampshire man, who
had taught school in Ohio before the war of the Re-
bellion, and during it served in the army, attaining
the rank of colonel. He had then gone to Germany
in order to study the most improved educational
methods. Returning to America, he fell in with
James H. Slade, then one of the Quincey school com-
mittee, and was by him suggested as superintendent.
The choice was a most fortunate one. There were
many qualifications of a superintendent which Mr.
Parker did not possess. He lacked business method.
He could not always accommodate himself to cireum-
stances in dealing with men.
He was apt to try to do the right
thing at the wrong time.
His practical judgment
was often bad.
He was impatient of oppo-
sition. But, on the other hand, he was possessed
with an idea, and he was indefatigable in his efforts |
to put it in practice. He knew how to infuse his own
spirit into his teachers, and he possessed in a marked
degree the indescribable quality of attracting public |
notice to what he was doing. ‘The essence of his sys-
It
tem was simple, nor was it in any respect new.
was a protest against the old mechanical methods. |
There was to be something in the schools besides
The
child was no longer to be taught on the same princi-
memorizing and the application of formulas.
ples that dogs and parrots were taught. The reason-
ing and observing faculties were to be appealed to.
The object always to be kept in view was a practical
one. <A race of men and women were to be produced
who might indeed not be able readily to commit
_ building was placed, as the founder directed it should
things to memory or to repeat rules out of a grammar ;
they would not be disciplined in the ancient way, but
they would be accustomed to observe and think for
themselves, and at least to read and write English
with ease and decently.’
Mr. Parker’s labors attracted almost at once the
notice of educators. He was, of course, severely
criticised by the adherents of the old system, who —
vigorously asserted that what was good in his |
methods was not new, and that what was new was
not good. The assertion that the results produced
by the old system were not satisfactory was angrily
denounced as a slur on the well-earned fame of Mas-
sachusetts,
said, they ought not to be published to the world, for
they gave comfort to the enemies of common schools.
| The leading features of the so-called Quincy system were
set forth at the time in a paper entitled “‘The New Departure
in the Common Schools of Quincy,’ which was printed in
pamphlet form, and passed rapidly through six editions, ex-
citing much public discussion.
The educational journals referred to the arguments
of Mr. Parker’s friends as “monumental displays
of ignorance,’ and it required the unanswerable
facts of the Norfolk County investigation to sat-
isfy them that the earlier condition of affairs in
the Quincy schools was both correctly stated and not
exceptional. All this noisy discussion did but spread
far and wide the fame of Mr. Parker’s efforts, and
strangers soon began to come to Quincy to see what
the thing amounted to. ‘hen they came to study it.
Finally, the town schools became an educational cu-
riosity for the display to the world of the new system.
Visitors trooped to Quincy by hundreds, and at times
It became, indeed, a
serious hindrance to instruction, and had to be regu-
they crowded the school-rooms.
lated by the committee.
For five years Mr. Parker held the position of super-
intendent. In the spring of 1880 he was chosen one
of the school supervisors of Boston, and subsequently
he became the head of the Cook County Normal
School of Lllinois. But he did not leave Quincy
until the reforms he had instituted there had become
He was succeeded by one of
the grammar-school teachers whom he had himself
educated in his system. ‘The schools of Quincy were
then full of life and promise, and the educational ad-
vantages of the town were considerable. A high
school had been established in 1852, and the Adams
Academy had been opened in 1872. The last was
the institution endowed by John Adams half a cen-
tury before. During the intermediate time funds
had been slowly accumulating, and the academy
firmly established.
be, on the exact site of the house in which John
Hancock was born.
Nor were the means of acquiring a higher education
in Quincy now limited to its schools and academies.
The way to self-culture had been thrown wide open to
every one who wished to tread it, for a free access
to books was no longer the exclusive privilege of
the rich or the educated. In 1871 the sum of two
thousand five hundred dollars was voted towards the
establishment of a free public library, provided an
Even if such things were true, it was
equal sum could be raised by private subscription.
At that time the town practically had no collection
The Quincy
of books in it which was open to all.
_ Lyceum, which dated from 1829, and after it the
Adams Literary Association, had, to a limited extent,
supplied the need; but their means were small and
their organization incomplete. Accordingly, as it
had been in the beginning so it remained down to
the year 1846, when, for those who could afford to
buy, the railroad made the bookstores of the city
QUINCY.
,
303
accessible. But, so far as the bulk of shaban
were concerned, they neither had any books within |
their reach, nor did they know how to use them.
The purpose of John Adams in giving his library
to the town had wholly failed of accomplishment.
When he did it he had his own youth in mind. He
had been brought up in the Braintree of former days,
|
|
|
a country lad wholly cut off from the means of a |
larger education.
break out his own way to success, and his wish in old
age was to remove the obstacles which had impeded him
from the path of future generations of his townsmen.
Out of narrow means he accordingly endowed an
He had thus been compelled to |
academy, and he gave to it his own library, the col-_
lection of a lifetime. His motives were generous,
but he could not foresee the changes of the future.
The books were, many of them, most rare and valu-
able ;
they wanted more easily elsewhere. For popular use
the collection was almost ludicrously inappropriate.
The scholar and the public man would feel at home
in it, but to the average frequenter of the modern
public library it was much what a rare edition of
Shakespeare or of Milton is to one as yet untaught to
read.
This the town did not realize at the time the gift |
but students were few, and they found what
was made, and votes were passed for the appointment
of a librarian, and the arrangement of the books so
that all who wished so to do might consult them.
The collection then remained uncared for, and accessi-
ble to every one for nearly thirty years.
time it suffered irreparable injury. Not only were
many volumes taken from it and never returned, but
it was freely robbed of the autographs which gave a
peculiar value to it. Whole title-pages were torn out ;
and that copies of some of the choicest works ever |
issued from the press remained unmutilated was pure
good fortune only.
Such was the situation in 1871 when the move in
behalf of a modern public library was made. The
two thousand five hundred dollars from private sub-
Academy, but in 1874 the rapid growth of the
school under Dr.
removal necessary.
Dimmock’s management made a
The Second Congregational so-
ciety had some years before outgrown that first
church building of theirs which stood close to the site
of the original stone meeting-house of 1666, and
To it
the library was removed, and there it remained until
being vacant it was now leased by the town.
the Crane Memorial Hall was ready to receive it in
1882.
The gift of this building to Quincy was one of
those incidents, both interesting and peculiar, which
It
In one of their
are somewhat characteristic of New England.
came in a wholly unexpected way.
annual reports the Library trustees had called atten-
tion to the fact that of the several modern divisions
of the original town, Holbrook, Randolph, and Brain-
tree each had buildings for their libraries given to
them as memorials, and a hope was expressed that
sooner or later “ private munificence may supply a
public need,” and Quincy would enjoy the same good
This was in February, 1879, and there was
then no reason to look for such a gift either imme-
diately, or, indeed, from any particular quarter. No
one had intimated a disposition to do anything of the
kind.
A few months later, but within the year, a gentle-
fortune.
man with whom he then had no acquaintance came
_ into the Boston office of the chairman of the trustees,
During that |
_moved away from Massachusetts.
and, after introducing himself, opened the conversa-
tion by asking if Quiney would like to have a public
library building.
turned to his visitor and asked if any one thought of
The other replied
that he was not authorized to say who he represented,
Very much surprised, the chairman
giving the town such a building.
further than that it was the family of one Quincy
born, but now dead, who many years before had
Nothing further
was then said, nor was anything more heard of the
matter for several months. Meanwhile some reports
_ of the Library and its catalogue were sent to the repre-
scription necessary to secure the town endowment was |
soon raised, and in the autumn of 1871 there was
opened in Quincy one of those institutions, undreamed —
of in former times, which may without exaggeration
be called the universities of the poor. The crying
need which existed for something of the kind at once |
became apparent. The public library was thronged
with young people, and during the next twelve months |
nearly forty-five thousand volumes were borrowed.
Accordingly, it at once assumed a foremost place among
the educational influences of the town. For over
two years a room was provided for it in the Adams
sentative of the unknown family, and early in the
following winter he again came to the office of the
chairman of the trustees. He now said that the fam-
ily in question lived in New York, but that they dis-
liked to have the matter discussed, or to be mentioned
in connection with it, until their minds were fully
made up as to what they proposed to do. In reply
Mr. Otis, the gentleman who appeared for them, was
assured that the matter should not be mentioned, but
the chairman, Mr. Adams, said that business often
called him to New York, and he would be glad to
meet there the parties in question, if they cared to see
364
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
February, 1880, a gentleman called on Mr. Adams in
New York, and, giving his name as Crane, said that
|
|
|
|
|
he had come to see him in relation to the proposed |
memorial building in Quincy. He then explained
the connection of his father’s family with Quincy, and
the desire his widow and children had, though they
had never lived in the town, to there erect some last-
ing memorial to him. The result of the interview
was that Mr. Adams the next day carried back to
Quincy the formal offer of a memorial library hall,
which a fortnight later was acted upon and accepted
at the annual town-meeting.
Steps were at once taken to secure as a site for the
proposed building that lot of ground which Mr.
Crane had pointed out as in his opinion best adapted
for it.
matured, and the corner-stone of the new edifice was
laid on the 22d of February, 1881.
dedicated on the 30th of May, 1882.
During the following summer plans were
It was formally
It commemo-
rates in a typical way a man who was himself singularly |
typical of New England and of Quincy. Born of
old Braintree stock, Thomas Crane had gone to the
centre grammar school, and worshiped in the old |
North Precinct meeting-house until he became a man.
He had then in the year 1827 gone away, as so many
A
stone-cutter by trade, he settled in New York City,
and there married and had children. A plain, straight-
forward, energetic man, he gradually amassed a for-
others went then and later, seeking his fortune.
him. No name had yet been given. At length, in-
There is a degree of individuality in the business
history of Quincy since the year 1830, and conse-
quently a certain interest attaches to it, owing to the
fact that it centred mainly in that granite which un-
derlaid the soil. The town dealt in its native stone.
The religious development had also a certain char-
acter of its own. It was liberal. Indeed, the utter
absence of Calvinism, or strong orthodoxy, in the
tenets of those inhabiting the North Precinct and
Quincy is so marked, and so unusual for a Massachu-
setts community, that it cannot escape notice. When
the Unitarian movement took place under Channing’s
lead, it has already been seen that it excited no sur-
prise among those who recalled the teachings of Lem-
uel Briant. On the contrary, the tendency in Quincy
then was towards Universalism. Thomas Crane, for
instance, feeling a strong religious craving which the
teachings of Mr. Whitney did not satisfy, found what
he needed, not in the Braintree church, where Dr.
Storrs still held up the rigid belief of the fathers, but
in the broader Christianity of ‘“ Father” Hosea Bal-
lou. The young stone-cutter would walk twenty miles .
No
orthodox church ever struck root in Quincy. In mat-
of a Sunday to listen to his favorite preacher.
ters of education the individuality of the town was
less marked.
tune, and at last died in New York, April 1, 1875, |
in his seventy-second year. Though he often came
back to Quincy as a visitor, he never was an inhabi- |
tant of the town from the time he left it in 1827.
The members of his family had few associations with |
it.
thoughts turned. to Quincy as the place where he
Of
all the many young men who early and late had gone
It seemed proper also that it should stand there.
successful. Dealing all his life in the granite which
underlaid Quincy, his success had been due to the pos-
session of those qualities which made New England.
He was honest, he was religious, he was energetic and
enterprising and patient. His life was wholly unas-
suming, and when he died few in Quincy remembered
that such an one had ever lived there. His name
is now and will long be a household word in the place
where he passed his youth, and from which he went
forth ; nor could a better example of native strength
and homely virtues be held up before its children for
imitation.
Yet when the husband and father died, their |
The schools were much like the schools
elsewhere, and the sudden development of the
“Quincy system’’ came from without, and was largely
a matter of chance. None the less, it was something
that such a movement was possible. It showed a men-
tal receptiveness, a faculty of accepting new ideas and
responding to them, which was in keeping with the
whole religious and political record of the community
which John Wheelwright had first taught. The soil
was kindly to the reformer, and his labors brought
forth speedy fruits. Politically, also, the later history
_of Quincy was not without its individuality and sig-
would most have desired to have his memorial stand. |
nificance. The old and new elements were always at
work in it. Sometimes the one would attain a mas-
_ tery, and its influence would forthwith appear unmis-
out from the town, Thomas Crane had been the most |
takably in town-meeting, and stamp itself on the rec-
ords ; then the other would by degrees assert itself,
and the ancient order of things would, to a certain
The old political habits and
traditions could not be destroyed; and yet the rapid
extent, be restored.
infusion of foreign elements would through long
|
|
periods of time seem to obliterate them. Absorption
and education went on continually; the new affected
the old, and the old gradually influenced the new. In-
deed, the process which upon the large scale was
working itself out all over the continent, might in
Here was one of the in-
dividual units of which the other was the aggregate.
Quincy be studied in detail.
QUINCY.
365
After the formation of the United States govern-
|
ment, all through the administrations of Jefferson —
and Madison, including the war of 1812, it has been
seen that Quincy politically was a strong Federalist
town. Down even to the year 1824 it stood firmly
out. In 1823, Dr. Eustis was elected Governor over
Harrison Gray Otis, the candidate of the old Feder-
alists ; but Quincy none the less gave Mr. Otis a ma-
jority of sixty-six in a total vote of two hundred and
four. Nor did it change under defeat, for the next
year it gave sixty-three majority against Governor
Eustis, though his election in the State was a fore-
gone conclusion. Then came the Presidential cam-
paign of 1825, and the Federal party disappeared for-
ever. In Quincy all were Adams men, and they so re-
mained until long after the election of Gen. Jackson.
Then the Jackson democracy began to make its pres-
ence felt. Its growth at first was very slow. In
November, 1830, ex-President J. Q. Adams was
brought forward as a candidate for Congress in the
Plymouth district to succeed Mr. Richardson, of Hing-
ham, who declined re-election. In Quincy Mr. Adams
received seventy-six votes to ten cast for the Jackson
candidate. At the next State election Marcus Morton,
the Democratic candidate for Governor, had fourteen
votes, while Governor Lincoln received two hundred
A new
The old
agricultural interest was no longer the only interest.
In 1837 more than five hundred hands were em-
ployed in the quarries.
and eleven. Then gradually a change came.
element had found its way into the town.
The greater portion of these
were not Quincy born. Many of them were foreign-
ers, especially Irish, and Catholics.
Americans, from New Hampshire.
More yet were
These last were
a sturdy, rough, floating population, with no knowl-
edge of town traditions, and a strong general disposi-
tion to vote the Democratic ticket. They did not live
in Quincy, but came down from the North in the
spring to get a summer’s work; and at the season of |
their coming stage-coach after stage-coach from Boston
would be loaded down with them and their baggage.
In March they voted for Isaae Hill, or his Democratic
nominee, in New Hampshire, and in November they
voted for Marcus Morton in Quincy. They were a
foreign voting element; but there was also a new
domestic voting element which had now to be taken
into account. The shoemaking population had
greatly increased. This was of a wholly different type
from the stone-working population. The day of
great shoe-factories and machine-made work was yet
distant. The men and women who made shoes as a
trade worked mainly at their homes. As an occupa-
tion this lacked the manliness and robust, out-door -
vigor of stone-cutting. The shoemaker worked day
in and day out in the little ill-ventilated cobbler’s
room attached to the dwelling, which in winter was
heated by a stove and smelt of burnt leather. He
stuck to his last ; and, in doing so, he talked a great
deal of politics and political issues, thoroughly can-
vassing all men in public life from President Jackson
down to Mr. Greenleaf, the traditional moderator at
town-meeting. ‘The shoemaker was, as a rule, not a
Federalist ; but he did not vote the Democratic ticket
in the same way the quarryman voted it. His was not
that rough and somewhat turbulent independence.
Intellectually he was of a finer, keener type; physi-
cally he did not sustain the comparison well. He
was apt to be round-shouldered and hollow-chested,
thin and long-limbed. He lacked the muscle of the
stone-cutter. In politics he was inclined to admire
what he called “smartness” rather than grasp, and
though he would not vote for a convicted knave, he
felt a good deal of inner kindness for the successful
rascal, and an absolute contempt for the well-inten-
tioned dolt.
nation, and could be depended upon by the wire-
He loved political intrigue and combi-
puller; though he soon saw through the merely
loud-voiced demagogue.
Such were the political elements which between
1830 and 1840 began to mingle and contend for mas-
tery in the Quincy town-meeting. First were the old
colonial, native stock, living by agriculture, slow, con-
servative, and generally disposed to show much defer-
Next came the
quarry-men, composed of noisy, muscular, hard-living
Then the
foreign-born Catholics who instinctively sided against
ence to the opinions of the gentry.
native Americans, with small reverence.
all settled political traditions. Lustly, the shoemakers,
mainly Americans, but disinclined to the old ways
and the old leaders, and disposed to manage things
by intrigue and combination without much regard
to precedent.
presence of such elements as these the downfall of the
local gentry influence was a mere question of time.
It is almost needless to say that in the
The spirit of democracy was afloat in the land, and
the movement which had carried Jackson into the
Presidency on the larger theatre, on the smaller was
destined soon to drive Thomas Greenleaf out of the
management of town affairs. The growth year by
year of the vote cast for Marcus Morton marks the
advance of the tide. In 1829 he received one ballot
only, and in 1832 he had but twenty. In 1835 he
had got up to forty-two, and the next year to one
hundred and forty-eight. Two years later the revo-
lution in public opinion was complete, and Marcus
Morton polled two hundred and sixty votes to one
366
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
hundred and seventy-two for Governor Everett. The
size of the vote showed also the rapid increase of the
population under the new business development. In
1830 only one hundred and thirty-six ballots were
cast in the election for Governor; in 1840 the num-
ber had inereased more than five-fold, aggregating
seven hundred. ‘This, it is true, was a Presidential
election, and a very exciting one,—the famous hard- |
But the Presi-
dential election of 1828 was also an exciting one, in
Yet in 1828
only one hundred and twenty-three votes were cast,
cider and log-cabin campaign.
which a Quincy man was a candidate.
or scarcely a sixth part of those cast in 1840.
In the town, as in the nation, the process of absorp-
tion and amalgamation were now to be gone through
with.
rapid.
it soon stop.
the farm-hands—had been mainly Americans.
The inrush of foreign elements had been too
Nor did
Up to this time the agriculturalists—
The
Trish now began to take the place of these men in the
It tended to unsettle everything.
fields, while the new generation of Americans either |
found employment in shops and mechanical pursuits
or became shoemakers. The more adventurous and
enterprising went to the cities, or sought their for-
tunes in the West.
complete change in the character of the town.
was a change also for the worse. The old order of
But the result of it all was a |
It |
_ the worse is reflected in the reports of the school com-
things was doubtless slow, conservative, traditional, |
but it was economical, simple, and_ business-like. |
The new order of things was in all respects the re-
verse of this.
on their enterprise, their lack of reverence for tra-
dition, their confidence in themselves; but they were
noisy, unmethodical, in reality incompetent, and
altogether too often intemperate.
Accordingly, neither the business record nor the
moral record of the town were now creditable. There
tive.
The leaders in it prided themselves |
was, as respects the first, no absolute corruption; the —
The
It was a small affair,
method of doing business was simply loose.
town debt was an illustration.
amounting to only a few thousand dollars, when, in
1837, Congress passed an act for the distribution of
the surplus national revenue. Under the operation
of this act no less a sum than $5148 fell to the share
of Quincy, and was regularly appropriated to the
payment of the town debt.
to extinguish it; yet the very next year the debt was
larger than ever.
It should have sufficed |
The surplus was muddled away. |
The expenses exceeded the appropriations; the de- |
ficiencies were not provided for, the treasury was
falling into a system of yearly arrears, So also as
In 1835, and again
in 1836, a movement was made in the direction of
respects the moral question.
There was an article in the
warrant of each of those years to see if the town
would instruct the selectmen not to license places for
the sale ‘of Rum, Brandy, Gin, or other Spirituous
liquors.”
temperance reform.
There was a sharp struggle, and the prop-
osition was rejected by a majority of two only in a
total vote of 158. At the election of that year
138 votes were thrown for Governor Everett to 42
for Marcus Morton. The next year Morton’s vote
increased to 148, and the proposal not to license was
defeated by 32 majority; nor was it again renewed.
The growth of sentiment, on the contrary, was dis-
tinctly in the other direction, Three years later, in
1839, Morton received 326 votes to 231 cast for
Everett ; the Jackson Democracy were in full ascen-
dancy. And now the seventeenth article in the
warrant for the annual meeting was “to know if
| the Town will allow a temperate use of ardent spirits
to the Paupers when they work on the road or farm,”
and by a vote of 86 to 76 it was so ordered. The
same year the mysterious disappearance of the con-
tents of a cask of rum stored at the almshouse was
made the subject of a jocose paragraph in a formal
report made to the town by one of its committees.
The schools also felt this influence. A change for
mittee. This committee dates from 1827, when the
law passed the year before took effect, and from that
time to the present the annual reports are consecu-
The first was signed by Mr. Greenleaf, as
chairman, and was a well-expressed, sensible paper.
The following is an extract from a report made
some ten years later :
“The school in the Centre District has been less satisfactory.
The Committee think well of the literary qualifications of the
Master, and were satisfied with the course of instruction pur-
sued in the School and believe that a large portion of the
Scholars have made improvement, but the behaviour of a part
of the School very
About half a dozen of the largest Boys distinguished them-
at the examination was unbecoming.
selves not for their good behaviour, but for their bad behaviour,
for which conduct they received the unqualified censure and
disapprobation of the Committee.”
But the slow phase of transition through which
Quincy was now passing is marked more distinctly on
the record in the support it accorded to John Quincy
It is hardly
necessary to repeat that the phase referred to was not
Adams than in any other one thing.
peculiar to Quincy. It was a popular movement
which originated in the West, and spread all over the
country. Andrew Jackson was its political exponent.
His methods were its methods. ‘The nation was its
field, therefore ; but its spirit and peculiarities can be
most closely studied in the town. It is needless to
QUINCY.
367
say, also, that J. Q. Adams was no less obnoxious to
the new spirit than the new spirit was to him. He
|
had met it before in the country at large, and been —
forced to succumb to it. He was now to meet it in
his own town. Unlike his father, Mr. Adams had
never been closely identified with his birthplace. In-
deed, from the time he sailed to Europe, in Novem-
ber, 1779, to the time when, in 1829, he came home
a defeated President,—a period of half a century,
—he was an almost complete stranger in Quincy.
Yet he had a strong hold on the old native population.
They saw in him one of themselves. Accordingly,
in 1825 the town gave the Adams electoral ticket a
unanimous vote, and in the campaign of four years
later his victorious opponent received only three bal-
lots in Quincy. Between 1830 and 1836, Mr. Adams
Democrats maintained their ascendancy, though “ con-
sisting,’ as Mr. Adams wrote, “of transient stone-
Mr. Bancroft re-
But
this time Mr. Adams had the satisfaction of running
cutters from New Hampshire.”
ceived eight votes more than Governor Briggs.
considerably ahead of the Presidential ticket, receiv-
ing 345 votes to 312 cast for Isaac Hull Wright, his
Democratic opponent. The election of 1846 was the
last in which Mr. Adams was concerned. That was
a year of Whig triumph, and even in Quincy the
Whig candidate had a large majority. As for Mr.
Adams, he seemed to have outlived the opposition to
him, and his parting majority from Quincy was a
eratifying one. It spoke of earlier times. He re-
ceived 232 votes to 213 cast for five different oppo-
was four times elected to Congress from the Plymouth |
At each
election he had almost the entire vote of the town.!
district, of which Quincy was then a part.
In 1833 he was the candidate of the Anti-Masonic |
party for Governor, and in Quincy he had 149 votes
to 97 for the two other candidates.
change began, and two years later Morton, for Gov-
ernor, had 98 majority over Everett in a vote of 432.
Notwithstanding this, Mr. Adams still held the town,
In 1836 the |
receiving 183 votes to 76 cast for three other candi- |
oO
dates. Two years later, in the Harrison campaign,
Quincey was closely contested. Mr. Adams, owing to
his anti-slavery course in Congress, was peculiarly ob-
noxious to the Democrats. The Harrison ticket had
a majority of five votes in the town out of a total of
695, but Marcus Morton for Governor ran 48 votes |
ahead of John Davis. Mr. Adams, though receiving
more votes than Governor Davis, yet fell three behind
his own opponent, William M. Jackson, who had 349
votes. In 1842 there was a general collapse of the
Whig party. John Tyler was President, and the De-
mocracy were altogether in the ascendant. In Quincy
Morton had a majority of 29, and Mr. Adams was
again beaten, Ezra Wilkinson receiving 289 votes, or
four more than he Philosophizing over this result in
his diary, he remarked that ‘ the people are a wayward
master.’ In 1844 took place the exciting struggle
which preceded the Mexican war, and Polk was
elected over Clay.
two opponents, and as the election drew near he looked
forward “ with scarcely doubting anticipation” to his
own defeat. In Quincy the vote was close, but the
1 The exact votes at each election were as follows: Nov. 1
1830. Adams, 76; Baylies, 2; Thompson, 10.
Adams, 164; Lincoln, 39; Doan, 11.
125; Brewer, 1. Nov. 14, 1836.
Burrell, 1.
April 1, 1833.
Noy. 10, 1834. Adams,
Adams, 175; Lincoln, 9:
ulated.
In his district Mr. Adams had |
nents.
Like the others, this last vote in Quincy was sig-
nificant. To a certain degree only was it personal.
The town was entering upon a new and distinct phase
of transition which already began to show itself in the
In November, 1845, the Old Col-
ony railroad was opened to travel, and from that time
election returns.
Quincy became a suburb of Boston. Not, of course,
that the change made itself felt at once. The people
went on in their accustomed ways; but none the less,
from the beginning of 1846 the country village (for
it still was a country village then) and the city were
in quick and easy connection. ‘The rest was a mere
question of time; and, indeed, it was twenty-five
years before the transition was complete. The suc-
cessful organization of a suburban land company in
the northern part of the town in 1870 marked the
event. Boston had again, just two hundred and
forty-five years later, had enlargement at Mount
Wollaston, and Quincy became a species of sleeping
apartment conveniently near to the great city count-
ing-room.
In 1875 the population was returned at 9155, or
a little more than fourfold what it was (2201) in
1830, and the order of change from the agricultural
village to the suburban town can be briefly recapit-
Upon the original yeoman and farm-hand
basis the quarry-men had first: came in from outside ;
while at the same time the young townsmen had
gone out of the fields into the shop, abandoning the
Then
came the Irish laborer, working in the quarries, on
plow and the scythe for the awl and the last.
the roads and as farm-hand, bringing with him the
Catholic Church, and combining with the stone-cutter
Last of all appeared
to vote the Democratic ticket.
| the dweller near the city, having store, office, or
counting-room in Boston, and regarding Quiney sim-
ply as a place convenient, at which his family lived
368
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and he slept. This last class to a very great degree
absorbed the descendants of the original settlers, and
the whole mass gradually resolved itself into the
modern town community.
from Parson Tompson and teacher Flynt and Judge
Quincy and Deacon Bass to the modern stone-cutter,
clerk, and merchant was noticeable. Nor as an his-
torical study were the characters of the several periods
devoid of interest, though the stage was small.
The final change in the character of the town thus
began with 1846.
Quincey Adams died. The annexation of Texas had
|
while the Democratic, except in its foreign vote, was
honey-combed with The
anti-slavery sentiment.
_ Free-Soilers, as they were called, held the balance of
But certainly the change |
Less than two years later John |
then been effected, and the war with Mexico was _
over. A new political question had forced its way to
the front, and slavery was the impending issue.
Quincy was never a pro-slavery town. The quarry-
men and the Irish voted the Democratic ticket ; but
the old native element had always sympathized with
Mr. Adams during his long struggle in Congress, and
among his townsmen his teachings had not been lost. |
Many of them were Democrats ; but they were the
old Jackson Democrats, who had grown up opposed to
the local Federalist and gentry rule of men of the
Thomas Greenleaf type, and once they were satisfied
power. So things went on until 1854. Then the
general collapse came, and in Quincy it was complete.
As usual, the result of political disintegration was at
first in no way what those who had been engaged in
bringing it about either anticipated or desired. For
more than a dozen years they had been working to
break up the old parties, reither of which could in
the least be depended on when any question of slavery
Both were afraid of it, and the Demoe-
To break up the
old organizations and form a new one on an anti-slavery
basis was the darling wish of the agitators. Promi-
was at issue.
racy were at heart false upon it.
_nent among these was Charles Francis Adams, who,
that Democracy meant the spread of African slavery, |
But they
their revolt was a foregone conclusion.
were slow in coming to that conviction, for these men |
were closely identified with the leather interests, and _
the Quincy boot-makers dealt largely with the South. |
The break came in 1848. The conscience Whigs of |
Massachusetts then refused to vote for Gen. Taylor, |
and the Barn-burners of New York refused to vote |
for Lewis Cass. The two factions met at Buffalo in
August of that year,and nominated a separate ticket
with Martin Van Buren at its head. The political
effect of this in Quincy was singular, and showed how
the Congressional action of J. Q. Adams had sunk —
into the minds of the people there, though the major- |
ity of them had twice voted against him. In Novem- |
ber, 1848, the Democratic party practically disappeared
in the town. The Whig party, which had always sup-
ported and elected ex-President Adams, for the time |
being retained its strength. It cast 246 votes for
Gen. Taylor, having cast 314 for Mr. Clay four years
before. But the Democratic strength fell from 324
to 212, while the new liberty party rose from 68 to _
170. Horace Mann, Mr. Adams’ successor in Con-
gress, received a majority of 458, in a total vote of |
558.
Democratic vote fell to 34, while the Free-Soil ran up
to 250, just failing of a plurality.
The work of political disintegration had now fairly
A week later came the State election, and the
begun. The Whig organization was crumbling away,
|
}
}
)
all his earlier life a resident in Boston and one of its
representatives in the Legislature, had upon his
Mr.
Adams _ in 1848 broke away from the Whig party, and
was a candidate for the Vice- Presidency on the ticket
father’s death become a citizen of Quincy.
with Van Buren. He was now laboring to build up
the Free-Soil party, and in 1853 he had in Quincy
been made the victim of a wretched political in-
trigue among the foreign Democratic voters of the
town.
A convention was then to be held to revise the
Constitution of the State. Quincy was entitled to
two representatives, and it was understood in the
would
The Free-
Soilers were true to their part of the agreement, and
on the first ballot a Democrat was chosen. Mr. Adams
was the candidate of the Free-Soilers; but the Irish
faction had been worked upon by certain utterly false
town that the Democrats and Free-Soilers
unite, each party naming one delegate.
stories as to his course in the Legislature, and they
refused to vote for him. It was simply a case of bad
faith and village intrigue. Mr. Adams was accord-
But in the town this act of the
foreign voters excited deep feeling; nor was it for-
ingly defeated.
gotten.
The incident occurred in March, 1853. The fol-
lowing November the proposed revision of the Consti-
tution was rejected in Quincey by an overwhelming
majority, and eighteen months later the town was
swept from its moorings by the Native American up-
rising of the year 1854. The old party lines disap-
peared. In Quincy the Know-Nothing (as it was
called) candidate for Governor, a man never before
heard of in politics, received 549 votes to 130 for
three other candidates. The foreign vote stood help-
less and alone. The old party leaders were not so
much sent to the rear, as they were left out of sight
QUINCY.
369
and mind in the senseless rush. The slavery issue
was forgotten in the presence of race prejudice. It
was but one phase of political disintegration. The old
collapsed ; the new crystallized. But for the moment
it seemed to the anti-slavery workers as if their labors
had resulted in chaos; they had endeavored to inspire
the popular mind with the spirit of liberty, and instead
they had evoked a demon of hate.
Nowhere did this spirit of intolerance rage more
strongly than in Quincey. It required four whole
years to allay it, and now in 1857, when the Know-
Nothing candidate for Governor was overwhelmingly
defeated in the State at large, in Quincy he had more
than one hundred plurality. The quarrymen and
the shoemakers were united against the Irishmen.
At last, in 1858, the anti-slavery issue asserted its su- |
premacy.
ilated constituency, came but slowly back to its moor-
ings. The foreign, as distinguished from the local
element, still preponderated, though they could not
act together. Accordingly, in the great Lincoln
campaign of 1860, when the Republican ticket re-
Even then Quincy, reflecting its unassim- |
_bellion was in no way remarkable.
ceived a majority of forty-four thousand in the State, |
in Quincy it had only a plurality. Again in 1862,
the year of deepest discouragement during the war,
Quincy was one of those towns in which Governor
Andrew fell behind, his Whig and Democratic op-
ponent receiving eighty-four more votes than he. Yet |
in the State Andrew had over twenty-eight thousand |
majority. This did not happen again, and in the cru-
cial election of 1864 Quincy at last squarely ranged
itself on the loyal side, the Lincoln ticket receiving a
majority of two hundred and thirty-four in a total
Indeed, all the other
elements were then united against the foreign vote
vote of less than a thousand.
and that large faction, composed of the croakers, the |
fault-finding and the otherwise-minded, which never
fails to make its presence felt under the wearisome |
pressure of war.
of educating New England and the North up to the
It
point of facing and overcoming the Rebellion.
also was not wanting later.
re-elected on the Lincoln ticket... In March, 1861,
his first Congressional term was just completed. He
was then nominated by Mr. Lincoln as minister to
Great Britain. In May he left the country, and he
remained abroad until the summer of 1868. His ser-
vices in London are part of the Quincy war record,
but they do not belong to local history.
In other respects the record of Quincy in the Re-
The town did
It freely contributed money and supplies,
and it sent out men. But of the men it sent out,
whether to the army or the navy, there were none who
At the close of the Rebellion as
before it, Deacon Joseph Palmer, the Revolutionary
its share.
rose to distinction.
brigadier-general, was still Quincy’s ranking officer.”
During the war, that is, between the years 1861 and
1865, the population of the town was about 6750,
while its valuation was returned at a little less than
It could number probably
First and last it
sent into the field almost one entire regiment, or 954
men, 757 of whom enlisted for the full term of three
years. Of the whole number, 39 were killed in battle
and 18 died in rebel prisons.
four millions of dollars.
2200 men capable of bearing arms.
In all 105, or one in
every nine who went out, lost their lives. Still others
were maimed. But a Quincy lad, a member of one of
the families the name of which is wost often found in
the more recent records of the town, fell in the very
first action of the war. On the 10th of June, 1861,
occurred the affair at Big Bethel, Va., and young
Theodore Winthrop was killed. For days after the
country rang with his name; nor is it yet forgotten.
At the same time Francis L. Souther, of Quincy, was
mortally wounded. A mere boy, he was a member
of the Hancock Light Guard, as the Quincy company
was called, and had gone with it when the Fourth
Regiment of Massachusetts militia was rushed off to
Fortress Monroe. His companions presently sent his
_ body home, and it was buried in his native town.
First and last Quincy did its full share in the work |
Yet, as in the war of |
independence so now, the largest contribution of the |
town was neither in men nor in money, though as re- |
spects both the calls were honored. As John Adams
was the great contribution of Braintree North Pre-
cinct to the Revolution, so his grandson, Charles
Francis Adams, was the great contribution of Quincy
in the Rebellion. When the war broke out Mr.
Adams represented the Quincy district in Congress.
He had been elected in 1858, on the final subsidence
of the Native American flood, and in 1860 he was
24
Afterwards many others were killed or died, and war’s
But it was the
sudden tidings of young Souther’s death, coming in
mortality became a thing of course.
1Tn neither of these elections did Mr. Adams receive a ma-
jority vote in Quincey. In both he received more votes than
any one else on the ticket with him, but while in the election of
1858 he had a plurality of fifty-nine votes, in that of 1860 his
opponent, Leverett Saltonstall, had seventeen votes more than
| he, 465 to 448, with 7 scattering.
2 The highest commission issued to a Quincy man in the Re-
bellion was that of colonel. There were three colonels, Packard,
Walker, and Adams, the two former of infantry and the last
of cavalry. The service of Col. Adams was the longest, covering
three years and a half. At the close of the war he was among
the large number who received the brevet of brigadier-general.
370
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
those early days of June, 1861, which first caused the —
people of Quincy to realize that their young men had
gone out to actual battle.
The money cost of the Rebellion to the towns of
Massachusetts, apart from what their inhabitants
then or later contributed in national taxes, was not |
large. In the case of Quincy it amounted to less
than $50,000, including the subscriptions of citizens
to bounty funds. In 1861 the town owed $35,000; |
in 1865 it owed $57,000. The whole increase of |
debt due to the war was not equal to one per cent. of
the valuation. Neither was the rate of taxation be-
tween 1861 and 1865 peculiarly high, or the increase
of it rapid. Indeed, the era of extravagance and |
heavy expenditure followed the Rebellion rather |
Nor was the excessive
than marked its progress.
taxation subsequently imposed the result of an effort
to clear off burdens due to the war. On the contrary,
the debt yearly grew larger, so that while between
1861 and 1865, the war period, the rate of taxation |
increased but one-third, and the debt but $35,600, |
in the four years of peace which followed the rate —
of taxation increased eighty per cent., while the debt
was $16,000 larger in 1869 than it had been in 1865.
Indeed, compared with that of the Revolution, the
burden of the Rebellion, whether in men or in money,
was for Quincy light and easy to be borne. In the
Revolution there was no general government or system
of national taxation to fall back upon. The States had
to meet the requisitions directly ; and the States made
their calls upon the towns. Accordingly, it has been
already seen that Braintree then sent into the field |
first and last two men out of every three capable of
bearing arms, while a fourth part of the whole wealth
accumulated through a century and a half was con-
sumed in the struggle. During the Rebellion not
two men in five did military duty, nor was the ac-
cumulated wealth diminished at all. On the contrary,
even allowing for an altered standard of value, in
1865 the town was unquestionably richer than it was
in 1860.
The close of the Rebellion left Quincy a town of |
nearly 7000 population, and from that time forward
the increase both and in wealth was
The last vestiges of village life now passed
This
change could not take place without bringing up new
The first and most important
It was
in numbers
rapid.
away, and the suburban town assumed shape.
problems for solution.
of these related to municipal government.
one thing to manage the affairs of a small village
community through the machinery of town-meetings ;
it was quite another to manage those of a place num- |
bering a population of 12,000. In 1830 the annual |
simplicity had become a tradition.
' contained the names of more than two thousand
appropriation for necessary town expenses was $4500.
It has been seen how this sum was voted by a small
body of men, all knowing each other well, having a
community of interest, and acting under a usage
which had the force of law. Forty-five years later,
in 1876, the annual appropriation was $116,000,
and the articles in the warrant had swollen from
half a dozen in number to nearly forty. The char-
acter of the town-meeting also had changed. In place
of the few score rustics following the accustomed
lead of the parson and squire, and asserting them-
selves only when they thought that their traditions or
equality were ignored,—in place of this small, easily-
managed body, there was met a heterogeneous mass
of men numbering hundreds, jealous, unacquainted,
and often in part bent on carrying out some secret
arrangement in which private interest overrode all
sense of public welfare. To maintain in these meet-
ings that degree of order which is necessary for trans-
acting business in a methodical way was not easy.
The multifarious affairs of a year were to be at-
tended to in a single day. Town officers were to be
elected ; the appropriations were to be considered and
voted; the policy of the town on all disputed points
was to be decided. These points also included every-
thing,—education, roads, health, temperance; for in
the course of growth the functions of municipal
government had expanded and branched out until
The poll-lists
voters. For these to come together as one legislative
body and pass upon numerous and difficult questions
in a few hours would at first seem impossible. The
suggestion of such a scheme of municipal government
as a new idea of his own would cause any political
thinker to be looked upon as a foolish theorist. The
thing is deemed practical simply because it is habit-
ually done. But to adapt the old village system to the
new town conditions was the problem which Quincy, in
common with many other Massachusetts towns still
clinging to the ancient ways, found forced upon it. Nor
is the town-meeting in its actual working fully under-
stood. Since De Tocqueville fifty years ago made it the
fashion, much has been written and said of this New
England institution. It has been often described and
infinitely lauded ; but it may well be doubted whether
one in ten of those who have philosophized over town-
meetings ever attended one, much more ever took part
in one. Yet without having done so itis as difficult
to understand the practical working of the system as
it is to describe war without ever having served in
an army or seen a battle. The ideal town-meeting
is one thing; the actual town-meeting is apt to be a
as. an a
QUINCY.
371
very different thing.
rude dispelling of a fanciful delusion. He would
come away from it rather amazed that civilized gov-
ernment was possible through such a system than
understanding how New England was built up by it.
That the town-meeting, asa practical method of con-
ducting municipal affairs, should break down under
the stress to which a dense city population must sub-
ject it, isa matter of course. It did so in Athens
and in Rome before it did so in Boston; for Demos-
thenes and Cicero as well as James Otis and Josiah
Quincy were town-meeting orators. Just in the de-
at last it has to be laid aside as something which the
community has outgrown. It becomes a relic, though
always an interesting one, of a simpler, and possibly
better past. Moreover, the indications that the system
is breaking down are always the same. The meet-
ings become numerous, noisy, and unable to dispose
of business. Disputed questions cannot be decided ;
demagogues obtain control; the more intelligent
cease to attend. In all these respects, the experience
of Quincy has afforded interesting matter for study.
Between the years 1840 and 1872 the town-meet-
ing there fell to its lowest point of usefulness. It
has already been said that prior to 1840 it might
have been seen in its most perfect form. But during
the later Jacksonian period Thomas Greenleaf, and
the class of men of which he was a type, lost their
hold. They were supplanted by others altogether
inferior. The business of the town had then for
years been done in an orderly and intelligent way.
Everything of importance was at the annual meeting
referred to committees for consideration; and these
committees made reports upon which the town acted
at its adjourned meetings. No. method of govern-
ment could have worked better, for the townsmen
were accustomed to it. This it was which De
Tocqueville lauded so highly. But there was an-
other and far from uncommon phase of the system
which might at any time have been studied in
Quincy during the score of years between 1850 and
1870. Had De Tocqueville then visited the place
on a town-meeting day he would have gone into a
large hall the floor of which, sprinkled with sawdust
and foul with tobacco-juice, was thronged by a mass
of noisy men, standing in groups or moving inces-
santly to and fro, and in and out. There were no
rows of seats in the room, and but one bench, which
ran along its sides. The men al! wore their hats,
and many of them had pipes or cigars in their
To the historical theorist who
should attend one, it would not improbably be the smoke being among the least objectionable.
mouths; while the air reeked with odors, tobacco-
Quite
a number of those present had plainly been drinking.
On a platform at the further end of the hall was a
desk, behind which were the moderator and the clerk.
The town business for the whole year was being dis-
posed of and the appropriations voted. Amid a con-
tinuous sound of voices and moving feet the moderator
would bring up in succession the articles in the war-
rant. The custom of referring them to committees
_had fallen into disuse, and been abandoned in 1852.
_ day and on the spot.
gree in which civic population increases, therefore, the
town-meeting becomes unwieldy and unreliable, until |
After that year everything was disposed of in a single
It was supposed to be a more
prompt, more energetic, more popular way of deal-
ing with business. Accordingly, the disposition which
might be made of any subject was very much matter of
chance. Certain questions the town, or individuals
These
had been discussed outside, and were or were not to
pass unchallenged. But orderly debate was impos-
sible. Now and again some one would uncover and
address the moderator.
be silence.
in the meeting, might be on the watch for.
For an instant there would
If the speaker then knew what he
wanted to say and how to say it, he would be lis-
tened to, always provided he spoke briefly and to the
point. If he told a funny story or made a broad
joke he would be uproariously applauded. The
comic performer was a dangerous antagonist in town-
meeting. If, on the other hand, the speaker was
long, or dull, or pointless, his voice was soon lost in
the hubbub of those moving and talking about him.
For the moderator to preserve order and quiet was
simply impossible. The audience was numerous,
and almost no one was seated. Tired and restless,
those composing it were also excited and noisy.
Many of them wanted what they called “fun,” and
The
Dutch auction in the choice of tax-collector was in
this respect the episode of the occasion. The office
Was put up to the lowest bidder. Some one would
offer to make the collections for five cents on the
dollar, and then would follow bid upon bid, each
lower than the other, until at last, amid shouts of
laughter and applause, the prize would be struck off
at three mills on the dollar or less.
there was a great deal of horse-play going on.
Finally the war-
rant would be disposed of, the appropriations voted,
and the meeting stand adjourned. Then at last the
moderator and the clerk would get together, and
from their notes and memories manufacture a record.
A few days later the town would for the first time
know what it had done at its annual meeting.
Such a meeting as that described would also be
looked upon as a usual and orderly one. The busi-
372
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ness would have been transacted in a regular way.
All meetings were not so. Occasionally there would
be an organized faction there bent on putting through
some job. For instance, in 1844 the town was pro-
foundly agitated over the great question of where the
new town hall should stand. Should it, moreover, be
built of wood or of Quincy granite? After numerous
town-meetings and many reconsiderations, the party
in the Centre came to a quiet understanding with the
quarrymen that, if the site of the hall was fixed in the
Centre, the building should be of stone. The quarry-
men would have the contract. Accordingly a town-
meeting was held on the 18th of April, and this pro-
All previous action was
29.9 —
rs
gramme was carried out.
reconsidered, and then by a vote of 325 to
the questions of site and
numbers unprecedented
material were decided. The wrath of the Point and
the South at this political bargain and sale was in-
tense; nor did it fail to find speedy expression. Two
days later another town-meeting was called. And
now the Point, the South, and the West combined
in revenge against the Centre and the North, and
voted themselves three fire-engines, with hose com-
plete, and directed the town treasurer to borrow
money to pay for the same. <A debt of forty years’
duration was due to that town-meeting episode.
When the affairs of any community are managed
in this way, it scarcely needs to be said that they soon
fall into confusion. Want of method may be demo-
cratic, but it is not business-like.
In 1879 government by town-
Quincy proved no
exception to the rule.
meeting was there plainly breaking down.
laxity in ways of doing public business had crept into
all the departments. The school committee, the sur-
veyors of highways, the overseers of the poor, the en-
gineers of the fire department were in the custom of
asking for such appropriations as they thought suffi-
cient.
were voted, it was well and good. ‘Those who had
the disbursements to make would then keep within
the sum allotted them, provided they were under no
special temptation to exceed it. If the whole amount
asked for was not voted, it would be spent all the
same; and the town found itself liable for the bills its
agents had contracted.
of jobbery and scarcely any corruption, except in the
small and more contemptible way; but the soil was
being rapidly prepared both for jobbery and corrup-
tion. The growth of a municipal “ring,” the mem-
bers of which would live on taxpayers just as par-
asites live on dogs, was a mere question of time.
A general |
There was no great amount |
man who supplied the pensioned poor, all began to
feel a direct interest in the growth of bad govern-
ment. As yet the evil had made no great headway,
but the sense of official responsibility and obedience
Officers were
disposed to do what seemed in their own eyes “ about
right,” regardless of rule; and the town good-na-
The result was that
Every year a liberal
appropriation would be made to reduce the town
debt, but each year saw that debt grow larger. It
rose in this way from $8000 in 1844 to $112,000 in
1874, and a committee then reported that it repre-
to instructions was already relaxed.
turedly condoned the offense.
the finances fell into confusion.
sented an outlay incurred neither for educational
It was a pure de-
The money time and again raised to
or war or other special purposes.
ficiency debt.
pay it off had been regularly diverted, and applied to
those ordinary purposes, the amount spent on account
of which regularly exceeded the sums appropriated
by the town.
Such were the facts.
edy. This remedy was found not in a representative
city government, but in a return to the old and cor-
It remained to find a rem-
rect town-meeting methods; and in this matter the
experience of Quincy might be of value to her sister-
towns, for many of them have already found them-
selves, and others yet will find themselves, in the same
position. The younger John Quincy Adams had
then for years been chosen by common consent as
the moderator of all town-meetings at which he
was present. Mortified at the way in which busi-
ness was done and at his own inability to preserve
In 1870, when the
town came together at the annual meeting, after the
polls for the choice of officers were closed the hall
was ordered to be cleared and seats brought in. Then,
order, he announced a reform.
_ after the vote was declared, the articles in the warrant
If in the hurly-burly of town-meeting these |
were taken up, but not until every voter was uncov-
ered and seated, and pipes and cigars extinguished.
Order was thus established, and deliberation became
possible. This wasa great step gained ; but more was
necessary. ‘The warrant had now grown to thirty, and
even forty articles, all of which were acted upon in the
single evening of a day which had been occupied with
voting. The townsmen were tired, excited, noisy,
and in no mood to do business. Accordingly, in
1874 a new step was taken, and the town went fairly
_ back to that old system which had been abandoned
The |
laborer who worked on the roads, the pauper who |
lived at home while the town paid his rent, the trades-
more than twenty years before. When at the annual
meeting officers were elected, it was also voted to refer
all the business articles in the warrant to a large com-
mittee, which was to subdivide itself, investigate
everything, and at au adjourned meeting report its
QUINCY.
373
« conclusions in the form of votes properly drawn up.
These the town would then consider.
The result of this return to business-like methods —
was remarkable. The town-meeting at once showed
After 1874 every ques-
tion was again fairly considered and acted upon intel-
ligently, with full opportunity for debate ; the appro-
priations were carefully made, and all officers required
itself equal to the occasion.
to keep the expenses within them; a responsible gov-
_ Republican ticket.
ernment was established. Then, as if by magic, the |
finances assumed shape.
The debt which for nearly |
half a century had defied every effort to extinguish ©
it, now fell in nine years from $112,000 to $19,000,
and then shortly disappeared. Deficiencies were met
by special appropriations ; exceptional outlays were
distributed over a series of years ; rigid accountability
was established. This was done through an intelli-
gent development of the ancient village system; and
it is probably safe to assert that never in the two-
centuries and a half of town history had that system
worked so well, or to such general satisfaction, as
during these years when Quincy had grown in wealth
and population to city limits.
Nor did the reform in town methods stop here. It
extended itself into other fields. The work done at
this time in the schools has already been described.
But while Mr. Parker was busy in one way there, an- |
. . |
other man was busy in a very different way elsewhere.
In the days of John Adams it has been seen that
Braintree did not enjoy a reputation for temper-
His labors in that field of reform, and the
poor results derived from them, have been referred to.
As time passed on the state of things hardly seems to
ance.
have improved; and the large foreign element which
the working of syenite brought into the town tended
The Washingtonian
movement made some headway before 1840; but,
even then, when a temperance convention was to be
held in Quincy, the use of the stone church was re-
fused it.
dress before that convention, accepted; and then, to
their dismay, the parish authorities found that they
had shut the ex-President out of his own church.
It was too late to retract, and the address on tem-
perance was delivered elsewhere. It was at this time
that the town voted (117 to 81) ‘to discontinue the
use of ardent spirits at the almshouse ;” but still, and for
several years to come, the post-office was in the bar-
room of the principal tavern, and thither, among drink-
to make it distinctly worse.
Mr. Adams being invited to deliver an ad-
ing men, daily went women and little girls and boys to
have letters and papers handed to them across a coun-
ter which reeked of rum. Then came the period of
anti-slavery education, and the minds and thoughts of
At last, when the Rebellion
was suppressed, it is not too much to say that, through
all were absorbed in that.
its peculiarities of position, population and labor,
In-
deed, peace was scarcely established, and the wave of
Quincy was a stronghold of the liquor interest.
sectional feeling had not yet begun to subside, before
the town was again Democratic. In 1867 it gave
J. Q. Adams 650 votes, to 348 which it cast for the
For a town to be Democratic on
State issues and Republican on national issues—and
that was the position of Quincy—meant then but one
thing. It meant intemperance. The foreign vote
combined with the Democratic vote, and, having the
ascendency, decreed that unrestrained sale of spirits
against which John Adams had so manfully contended.
Where such an evil exists, some man is very sure
In Quincy
that man appeared in the person of one descended
from the oldest of North Precinct stock, for the name
of Faxon is met with on many pages of the town
soon to rise up and protest against it.
records, and can be found on not a few head-stones
in the old graveyard. Henry H. Faxon was a man
of many peculiarities. Into these it is not necessary
It is sufficient here to say that he became
Per-
haps it would be more correct to say in the cause of
to enter.
deeply interested in the cause of temperance.
total abstinence; for in the virtue of temperance,
whether in drink or speech, he had but limited faith.
Very imperfectly educated, Mr. Faxon was not con-
spicuous for dignity of bearing; and as a public
speaker his deliverances were more noted for direct-
ness and frequency than for eloquence or correctness of
speech. He was known to address the audience forty
times at a single annual town-meeting, and hardly
once in those forty times did his remarks fail to elicit
laughter, cheers, or hisses. That he was deficient in
judgment it is hardly necessary to say. Yet, though
often exciting unnecessary opposition and ridicule by
his methods and the way with which in place and out
of place he advocated the reform he had come to have
at heart, he clung to it with a tenacity sure to produce
results. Many at first doubted his sincerity, but he
showed that he was in earnest by the freedom with
which he contributed his labor, bis time, and his
money. His attacks on individuals were so open,
public, and fearless that from the mouth of any one
else they would have been sure to lead to blows.
Once they did so in his case ; and he was often threat-
Much of his security lay probably in the fact
that he was not malignant. Indeed, he was good-
natured in his enmities. He did not lose his temper,
and become ugly and bitter under defeat ; nor did he
follow up wrongs or slights in any spirit of revenge.
ened.
374
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
He had apparently none of that brooding desire to
‘“oet even,’ as it is expressed, with a successful op-
ponent, which is always the characteristic of small, |
Under these cir- |
vindictive, and sour-tempered men.
cumstances, while in town-meeting, and not without
cause, his opponents laughed and jeered at him and
hustled him, yet he laughed and jeeredin return. So
Yankee met Yankee; but his work went on. It was
a long, hard fight. Not only was a sentiment of re-
form to be roused, but a strong business and political
combination had to be broken down. The town had
become in a certain way a liquor-selling centre, and,
as usual, the thing had worked its way into local poli-
Jobn
Adams noted down in 1760 that to be “as litigious
tics. The reputation of the place suffered.
as Braintree’ had become a common expression ; so |
now it was said that other towns were ‘as intemper-
ate as Quincy.” It was spoken of as “a hard place,”
and the stone-cutting population was held accountable
for it.
in many households.
The evils of the thing also were keenly felt
Mothers and fathers saw their
young sons falling into drunken ways.
always been so, and the political combination which
favored the continuance of the system was very strong.
The Democratic leaders controlled the foreign vote, |
and the liquor interest had a complete understanding
with the Democratic leaders. The foreign vote was
thus juggled into perpetuating a system under which
those whom it represented suffered more than any
others in the community.
So things went on year after year. But as wealth
and population increased it grew plain that it was not
only a question of temperance. The cause of good
and honest municipal government was also involved.
The condition of affairs in this respect already de-
No
reform in town-meeting methods would suffice unless
Then
Mr. Faxon found new and potent allies, and suddenly
the town In March, 1881, a
Democratic and liquor licensing board of selectmen
scribed was rapidly growing from bad to worse.
the dominant combination was broken down.
was revolutionized.
was, as usual, chosen. That same year, largely
through the efforts of Mr. Faxon, the law of the State
was changed so that the question whether “licenses
be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this | and Randolph now?
The
result was astonishing. In 1882 there were 1057
who voted “ No,” to 475 who voted “ Yes.” When
the thing was presented in this plain way the issue
town” was presented squarely to the voters.
was understood, and the foreign vote broke from
Democratic control. At the same time the friends of
good government and temperance came together. The
town-mecting had been reformed, and now the bar-
But it had |
room was closed. But the length of the struggle
against the last is worthy of record. It largely ex-
ceeded a century ; for in 1760, John Adams described
himself, to use his own words, as discharging his
venom “against the multitude, poverty, ill govern-
ment, and ill effects of licensed houses, and the tim-
orous temper, as well as criminal design of the select-
men” who licensed them; but not until 1882, one
hundred and twenty-two years later, did his local
successor in that crusade close, at least for the time
being, the last of those houses in Quincy.
In the “ Memoirs of John Quincy Adams” there
is a striking passage wherein he records his boding
thoughts as he wandered about his native town one
day near the close of October in the year 1844. He
was then an old man, for it was hard upon seventy
years since he had, as a boy, served as_post-rider
between Braintree and Boston. Anxious, despond-
ent, overworked, he at this time had just received
the tidings of those earlier elections which indicated
the choice of Polk as President, foreshadowing the
He;
looked upon his own re-election to Congress as im-
annexation of Texas and the spread of slavery.
probable. Engaged in bitter political controversy,
nearing his own end, he foresaw more clearly than
others the terrible trials which did indeed then re-
motely impend over the country. It was the month
of October, and the time and the solitude quickened
his feelings. He thus described them:
“T took a walk round the garden, nursery, and orchard. The
desolation of the season cast a gloom on my spirits. The fruit
The ground is strewn
with sere red and yellow leaves; it is wet and gathered in clods.
has been gathered from all the trees.
Most of the large trees are mere stems, stripped of all their
leaves. I hastened in from this prospect. Again, as the sun
went down, I,walked up the hill to Charles’ house,! to see the
sunset. But, although it was not quite five o’clock, the sun
was already behind Mount Ararat. I went further over the
hill, and surveyed the village, the surrounding country, the
harbor and bay of Boston, the State-House of Boston itself,
and the shaft of Bunker Hill Monument; and memory re-
| turned to the fact that this day eighty years ago? my father
| and mother were united in marriage.
|
What an ordo sxcu-
What was then the
condition of the people who constituted the town of Braintree ?
Jorum commenced for me from that day!
What is the condition of the three towns of Quincy, Braintree,
And what will be the condition of the
occupiers of the soil of these three towns in eighty years from
this day? The recollection of the past is pleasing and melan-
1 This was the house, still standing, on President’s Hill,
built in 1841 by Charles Francis Adams, and in which he lived
It was the custom of President Adams
when at Quiney to watch the sun rise and set from the piazza
for several summers.
of this house every fine day; but when he wrote it was vacant,
his son having moved to his winter residence in Boston.
2 Oct. 25, 1764.
QUINCY.
choly; the prospect of the future—oh, how gloomy it is!
Not a soul now lives who was then in the bloom of life. Not
a soul now living will be here in 1924. My own term—how
soon it will close! And to whom will all this belong in eighty
years from this day?
branches and shoots from my father’s stock ?”
One-half of the allotted period thus sadly forecast
is already gone. Nor was it without reason, in the
autumn of 1844, that to the trained eye of the old _
statesman the future seemed gloomy, for over it
clouds both thick and black were then already
gathering. His were no idle forebodings, for better
than any one else he realized what those clouds por-
tended. What he feared came about. At last that
slavery question on which his whole mind was
intent ripened into war,—a civil war which involved
his native place and his family, even as it and he had |
been involved in his own early youth. But all in
good time each new danger was met and overcome |
by those who succeeded him, just as he and his had
And
met and overcome their dangers in the past.
now that forty years have elapsed, it may fairly and |
truthfully be said that Quincy has not before met |
There is also a stability and perma- |
nence in the town which in America is not always
The inhab- |
better days.
seen. It adheres to the ancient ways.
itants yet meet in their own hall and manage their
own affairs as did their fathers for generations before.
And just as, a century and a half ago, John Quincy
by common consent presided over each town-meeting
that was held, so now does a descendant five gener-
ations removed, but still bearing his name. Never
in the history of the town were those meetings more
orderly, more intelligent, or more prone to do right.
Never was the town so populous, so rich, or so tem-
perate. It is now more than two hundred and sixty
years since Miles Standish first set foot on the Squan- |
tum beach, and six years only are wanting to com-
plete a quarter of a millennium of continuous munici-
pal life.
of recorded history, and there are few forms of human
government to which a longer existence is given. It
is hardly to be expected that the old simple village
system, even in its most developed shape, can in
Quincy long outlast that period. But none the less,
whatever the future may have in store, it may fairly
be said that never did the town contain within its
limits so many prosperous, well-to-do, contented, self-
governed, and well-governed human beings as are con-
tained within them to-day. Never was the standard
of virtue, temperance, education, and public spirit so
high. Never did Quincy face the coming years with
such confidence in its own ability to master each new
Will prayer to God preserve the |
Two centuries and a half is no small portion
375
_ difficulty as it shall arise. As in 1844, “the recol-
lection of the past is pleasing ;” but in 1884 “the
prospect of the future” cannot be said to be “ gloomy.”
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THOMAS ADAMS.
Thomas Adams, for many years sheriff of Norfolk
County, was born in Quincey (then Braintree), April
19,1804. He had but the educational advantages of
the farmers’ boys of the period of his youth, but what
they supplied him was retained and used with profit
during his life. He married Mehetabel, daughter of
| Joseph and Relief (Baxter) Field, April 4, 1826.
(She was born Jan. 3, 1804.) He early became
identified as a political worker with the Whig party,
and received the appointment of deputy-sheriff, for
which office he possessed great qualifications, and
whose duties he discharged to the perfect satisfaction
of the people. He was continued a long time as
deputy, and so much were his services demanded, that
he relinquished all other business, removed from
Quincy to Roxbury in 1842, and was prominent in
official relations. Marked and decided in his char-
acter, positive and energetic in his nature, he showed
such adaptability to the duties devolving upon him,
that when placed in nomination for high sheriff he
was elected by a very flattering vote, which also con-
tinued him for many years in this office. Probably
no resident of the county was better fitted for this
"position than Mr. Adams. He was popular, quite
| humorous, could both tell and enjoy a good story, had
a large circle of friends among the best men of both
_ political creeds, and united with a gentlemanly bearing
and fine personal presence undaunted courage and
rapidity of execution. He felt all the dignity of his
office and sustained it well, but ever softened the
sharp edges of his duty by his kindness and human-
ity toward those upon whom he was forced to execute
_his power. To this end he often took responsibilities
' from which weaker men would have shrunk. Ex-
_ Governor Gaston relates the following instance of his
kindness of heart: ‘‘ One Saturday a man was re-
_manded to his custody until Monday. Mr. Adams
_ turning to him, asked, ‘Do you want to be with your
| family over Sunday?’ The man answered ‘ Yes.’
© Go home, then, and be here when court opens,’ said
| Mr. Adams. The man went joyfully, and was prompt
in his attendance at the opening of court on Monday.”
|
376
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Such characteristics as these did not fail to give him
a large personal following of friends.
official duties, he was an able business man, a valued
member of the Sagamore Club, an excellent citizen, |
and acquired wealth. He was very hospitable, and
was noted for his kindness in aiding young men both
by his counsels and monetary assistance.
Outside of his |
During the |
Rebellion he filled numerous contracts for horses for |
the government. For this he was well qualified, as
he had a great love for and skill in selecting fine
horses. He was the original inceptor, and became
one of the incorporators and directors of the Rock- |
land Bank, now Rockland National Bank, Roxbury,
with which he was identified until his death, which
occurred Jan. 2, 1869.
him, is an amiable lady of gentle and unassuming man-
ners, possessing the same kindness of heart toward the
poor and unfortunate as Mr. Adams, and is noted for
her benevolence and charity.
JAMES A. STETSON, M.D.
Mrs. Adams, who survives |
Politically Dr. Stetson was a Democrat, and at one
time he was elected to represent the town in the Gen-
eral Court, but aside from that, we believe held no
public office.
Unitarians.
His religious belief was that of the
As a physician, citizen, and friend, Dr.
Stetson won all hearts by his unpretentious goodness,
unassuming manners, fidelity, and probity. Probably
no man ever lived in Quincy who had a larger circle
of strong personal friends. He was a highly respected
member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and
kept himself well versed in everything pertaining to
He was
well read in the current literature of the day, and
the advancement of his chosen profession.
_always deeply interested in the progress of art and
James A. Stetson, M.D., son of Maj. Amos Stetson, |
was born in Braintree, Dec. 28, 1806. He acquired
a classical education and was graduated at Columbia
College, New York, and afterwards studied medicine
at the Harvard Medical School. He came to Quincy
about 1830, not long after his graduation, and estab-
lished himself as a physician. His agreeable manners
and well-founded medical knowledge soon made him
popular among all classes, and at the time of his mar-
riage he had built up a fine practice.
Nov. 10, 1842, Abigail F., oldest daughter of Josiah
Brigham, of Quincy.
He married, |
|
Their children are Josiah B. |
and James H. Josiah B. is a teacher of vocal and |
instrumental music in Boston.
man and commercial traveler, and is in the employ of |
a Boston wholesale firm.
As a physician Dr. Stetson was skillful and suc- |
cessful, possessing great judgment and decision which
always inspired confidence in him ; kind, charitable,
James H. is a sales-
and faithful, he was ever ready to attend the calls of |
the poor, and never required a fee if he thought they
were unable to pay for his services.
15, 1880, he was the oldest practicing physician in
His
vision gave strength to all his convictions.
clearness of mental
His
opinions were not hastily formed, but were tena-
discoveries of science.
ciously held, and, when occasion offered, fearlessly
expressed, whether upon social, political, or religious
subjects. If his prejudices were sometimes strong,
they were not invincible, for he was open to argu-
ment, and candid in weighing the reasons of his
opponents.
superior to the love of popularity and to the pursuit
of it, and kept him through life (with one exception)
from taking public place or official position.
His independence of nature made him
He was
impatient of all that was vulgar and pretentious, in-
tolerant of deception, prevarication, and meanness.
His dislike of ostentation led him to veil beneath a
somewhat cold exterior a generosity of character and
a tenderness of feeling which were among his most
striking traits, and which will be borne witness to by
all who were admitted to the intimacy of his friend-
ship. He was a sincere Christian, one of the firmest
of friends, and one of the most thoroughly honest
and upright of men.
HENRY HARDWICK FAXON.
Henry Hardwick Faxon, son of Job and Judith
B. (Hardwick) Faxon, was born in Quincy, Mass.,
Sept. 28, 1823. He is a descendant in the eighth
generation of Thomas Faxon, who came, with his
wife, daughter, and two sons, from England to
At the time of his decease, which occurred March |
Norfolk County, having been the representative phy- |
sician of Quincy for about half a century. He had a
very extensive practice, and not until failing health,
some ten years before his death, warned him that his
labors were too engrossing and fatiguing, did he com-
mence to relinquish his work to younger physicians.
America previous to 1647, and settled in that part
of Braintree now Quincy. He consequently repre-
sents one of the oldest New England families in this
section.
Job Faxon was quite an extensive farmer, owning
and managing, in connection with his farm, a stall in
Quincy Market, Boston, for many years, and leaving
‘at his death an estate of forty thousand dollars.
a
YY yf
QUINCY.
377
Henry passed his youth on the farm, with merely
commonschool advantages for education. He was
apprenticed to learn the shoemaker’s trade when
Mr. Faxon was chosen to represent Quincy in the
State Legislature, as a Republican, in 1864 and 1871.
about sixteen, and during his five years’ experience
became thoroughly conversant with the manufacture
of all parts of a boot and shoe. In 1843, in company
with his brother John, he began manufacturing boots
and shoes principally for the Boston and Baltimore |
markets. About 1846 he changed his business,
opening a retail grocery and provision store in
Quincy, which he conducted for about seven years. |
During the last three years of that time he carried —
on a bakery, and also was a real-estate and merchan-
dise auctioneer. His temperament was too active,
however, to be confined within the comparatively
narrow limits of country trade, and he became a re-
tail grocer at the corner of South and Beach Streets,
Boston, the firm-name being “ Faxon, Wood & Co.”
Two years later he, with his brothers, moved to Com-
mercial Street, changing the title of the firm to |
“ Faxon Brothers & Co.,’ and the business to whole-
sale transactions exclusively. In 1861, retiring from
the firm, Mr. Faxon went to New Orleans and made
large purchases of molasses, shipping it to his former —
partners. Returning to Boston the next year, he
engaged in speculating on Chatham Street, and subse-
quently located on India Wharf. Here he operated
largely in chicory, kerosene oil, raisins, spices, and
everything in the way of staple merchandise upon which
At this time Mr. Faxon had
given no special thought to temperance matters, and
he could realize a profit.
was not himself a “total abstainer.” Anticipating
the rise in the price of liquors on account of an in-
crease of duty, he purchased several hundred barrels
of whiskey and rum, and held them for the expected
advance. The result proved the accuracy of his
This is the transaction upon which Mr.
Faxon’s bibulous opponents have founded the essen-
judgment.
; tially false charge, so often heard, that he ‘“‘ made his
money selling rum,’ the intention being to convey
the impression that the temperance campaigner was
at one time in his life distinctively a liquor-seller.
Relinquishing speculation, he dealt in real estate
on a large scale, and it was in this that he made the
bulk of his fortune.
at auction, and through careful management cleared
great amounts of money. He is now the largest
real-estate owner in Quincy, where he has about one
hundred tenants, besides having nearly the same
number in Boston and Chelsea. He married, Nov.
He purchased for the most part |
18, 1852, Mary B., daughter of Israel W. and Pris- |
cilla L. (Burbank) Munroe. They have one child,
Henry Munroe, born May 22, 1864.
With these exceptions, Mr. Faxon has never held
public office, save his present peculiar one of ‘ Special
Police,” to enforce the laws relative to the sale of in-
toxicating liquors in Quincy. A man of rare judg-
ment, of irrepressible energy, he has “‘ hewed to the
His life is of a type
rarely found elsewhere than in America—a_ note-
line” of an unshaken purpose.
worthy manifestation of that tireless, ceaseless, sleep-
less effort, ending only at death, which seems to
characterize our people, and which strikes thoughtful
foreigners with astonishment. As a business man,
Mr. Faxon seemed to know intuitively the state of
future as well as current markets; and the boldness
of his operations, and the manner of his purchases,
though unerringly clear to himself, seemed to others
audacious, even wild and reckless, and astounded his
associates by their successful issues. As a legislator,
Mr. Faxon looked keenly to the best interests of his
constituents. His attention was first attracted to the
temperance question while a member of the Legisla-
He voted for all measures tending to restrict
the sale of intoxicating liquors.
This action on his part was met with fierce denun-
ture.
ciation by the advocates of license, which caused Mr.
Faxon to thoroughly investigate the liquor traffic in
all its phases.
and its destructive effects upon society.
diately adopted the principles of prohibition, and has
since devoted himself untiringly to the temperance
He soon saw the enormity of the evil,
He imme-
cause. It is in connection with this movement that
he has become so widely and prominently known.
He became at once one of the acknowledged leaders
of the temperance forces of Massachusetts, and in-
augurated a bold, aggressive policy of active and
vigorous war on intemperance wherever intrenched.
“Through the pulpit, the Sunday-schools, the press,
the conventions, the polls, he has assailed the traffic
in intoxicating liquors with an uncompromising spirit.
He has treated with defiant scorn that political policy
which has so often betrayed the friends of prohibitory
legislation. Consequently he has encountered much
opposition, personal abuse, and misrepresentation of
motives ; but his courage, consistency, and persever-
ance are unyielding. His entire freedom from sec-
tarian bigotry, and his Christian integrity, place the
purity of his motives beyond question, and render in-
effectual the attacks of those who find his sincerity
unsuited to their political purposes.”
Mr. Faxon has applied the same methods to his
temperance work that were so successful in his busi-
ness career. He has never attempted to use his
378
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
principles as levers to elevate himself to office, but has |
persistently refused to be a candidate for any position.
He has no
affiliation with any third-party movement, holding the
ing what I consider my political duty.”
Republican party as the most reliable medium for re-
form, and constantly endeavoring, through it, to ac-
complish the reforms so imperatively demanded by |
the interests of society ; but he has often been severely
He
says, ‘‘I do not care for parties, but only for the
censured by its leaders for ignoring party lines.
principles which govern them; and [ have been free
in the past to condemn the action of the party to
which I am allied, and to bolt nominations, and defeat |
its candidates, when the good of the people demanded
it. I am content to stand between the two great
political parties, with my prohibition club, and, in
case of an emergency, knock the life out of one or
both, unless they accept the issue.”
Mr. Faxon has used his wealth without stint in
aiding the temperance cause, and this has sustained
the Reform Clubs in various parts of Massachusetts.
During the year when the Reform Club movement
was at its height his gifts averaged fifty dollars per
day. In Quincy, his home, he has done a noble work.
Faxon Hall, a permanent memorial to his name, was
erected in 1876, for the Reform Club of Quincy.
This, with its furniture, cost eleven thousand dollars,
of which he paid more than four-fifths. His zeal and
independent political ability have placed him at the
head of the prohibitory forces of Massachusetts, and
A
made him a prominent factor in State politics.
State Republican Convention without him and his |
prohibitory resolutions would be a grateful surprise to
politicians. He keeps a keen eye on the legislative pro-
ceedings, and is personally in attendance at nearly every
day’s session, working with unremitting zeal to advance
He is the béte noire of the
politicians of both political parties, who have pretty
temperance legislation.
“Nay” votes (which form the basis of the report)
_ taken during the legislative session of 1883, My. Faxon
To use his own words, “I want it distinetly under- |
stood that it is not for office or honor that I take so |
active a part in politics, but for the satisfaction of do-
was forced to suspend its issue.
Mr. Faxon has formulated his political creed in
the following :
“Tt may appear presumptuous in the writer to dictate, as
| some express it, to the great party of the State and Nation;
well settled it that Mr. Faxon is a disturber of the |
peace, often upsetting the calculations of machine |
politicians.
ever dropped in their ranks was the tabulated position
of each member of the State Senate and House of
Representatives on the temperance question, which
was published by him first in 1880, in the Boston |
Herald, and in numberless pamphlets, as a guide for
temperance voters. This was a keen stroke of policy,
and resulted so well that it was continued, with the
regularity of an almanac, for three years, when, in |
consequence of the small number of ‘“ Yea’ and
Probably the most effective bombshell | te Republican party.
| but if the Republican party hopes for success in the future, it
has got to adopt certain principles, and carry them out without
fear or favor.
“Ist. The colored voter in the Southern States must be pro-
tected. For every negro hung, shot, or deprived of his rights,
hang or shoot the white rebel guilty of depriving him of such
rights.
“ Having given the negroes the right of suffrage, it is the im-
perative duty of the government to see that they are defended,
if it takes astanding army to do it.
‘““T do not believe that any person, with very rare exceptions,
should have the right to wield the ballot until he or she can read
it, and understand its importance.
“Thousands of politicians in the country admit this fact, but
they dare not express it from the platform or over their signa-
tures, for fear it will hurt their political futures.
“2d. The naturalization laws must be enforced and obeyed,
| so that the rights of native-born and honest naturalized citizens
shall not be trodden upon by foreign-born tramps and criminals,
who have cast odium and reproach upon those who are up-
right.
“Tf I understand it correctly, there are many foreigners
made voters through the instrumentalities of false oaths, and
other devices, who have not the requisite qualifications entitling
them to the right of citizenship. The laws, if enforced, will
protect the honestly-naturalized equally with the native-born
citizen. No man can find fault with that doctrine.
“3d. The payment of poll taxes. The power to procure by
purchase the votes of a low class of bummers and drunkards,
ought to be stopped by legal enactments.
“Tt is dangerous for the welfare of any community to be
controlled by a class of voters who have not ambition enough
I will venture to make the asser-
tion that nine-tenths of those whose poll taxes are paid by
charity spend yearly for rwn and tobacco thirty times as much
as their taxes amount to.
to pay their own poll taxes.
“Ath. The Republican party must adopt the principles of
There
are more than seventy thousand voters in this Commonwealth |
temperance, however heavy the burden may be to bear.
who are in sympathy with the cause, and are determined to
press it, in some form or another, into their political creed ;
and there is a proportionate number in many other States in
the Union.
“5th. Women must have the power to wield the ballot; and
that privilege will have to be advanced and obtained through
The mothers and daughters of Massa-
chusetts have the undeniable right to a voice in this matter,
and it will be an honor to any organization or party that shall
| aid women in their desire to help control the affairs of gov-
ernment.”
Mr. Faxon considers the press a powerful agent in
temperance work. In the campaigns of the past three
years he has sent out an average, for each working-
day, of over one thousand printed documents contain-
ing facts, statements, and appeals to temperance voters.
He has compiled, and scattered broadcast, many copies
QUINCY.
379
of a volume which has cost him much labor, entitled |
“Extracts from the Public Statutes: containing all
legislation relating to the liquor traffic, with a digest
of the decisions of the Supreme Court bearing upon
these matters, with full table of contents and indexes.”
This is a most valuable work. He uses the columns
of newspapers unsparingly, and often occupies the
ance broadsides.” His headquarters for “Temperance
Republican” work is at No. 36 Bromfield Street, Bos-
ton. He receives far more editorial attention than
any other temperance reformer,—bitter denunciations,
slurs, misrepresentations, as well as commendations
and approvals,—and he is probably more hated and
feared by professed politicians than any other man in
the political arena. Their attacks never disconcert
him, however, but are received with perfect good na-
ture and unruffled temper. He keeps a number of
serap-books, in which he methodically and carefully
preserves all criticisms pro and con, all sorts of infor-
mation concerning politics and politicians, proceedings
of conventions and legislative bodies, and other arti-
cles, from which to draw ammunition in the future.
As a speaker, Mr. Faxon is ready, outspoken, and
blunt, never falling in line with any “ cut-and-dried”
policy or plan, but speaking freely, and directly to the -
point, under all circumstances, even when silence
It has
been said frequently by his political enemies, as well
would seem to others the more advantageous.
as friends, “If Faxon only knew better when to talk
business.” “In turning the thumb-screw of political
sentiment, great care should be exercised in applying
the power.” ‘‘ Place very little faith in the thief who
steals your watch, and says he has repented, unless he
returus the watch.” ‘Out of the grog-shops come
misery, woe, poverty, and death.” ‘“ The power that
_ commands votes is the power which politicians re-
supplement to the Boston Herald with his “temper-
and when to hold his tongue, with his ability as a_
peep alent, backed by his wealth, he might easily | dispensers of the ardent were selling in defiance of the law. By
ask and receive from the Republican party of Massa-
chusetts any office in its gift—even that of Governor.” |
He
says, ‘I don’t care a straw for any office; I won't
take one. It would tie my hands to be an office-
holder, and I want to be left free. As for talking, I
propose to speak my mind when and where I please,
Mr. Faxon, however, prefers his independence.
and if any one doesn’t like it, he needn’t stop to
listen.”
As a writer, Mr. Faxon has an earnest, direct
style. He keeps his object well in view, and never
digresses except to add precept to precept, and to
spect.” ‘* Laws are never enforced by those who
break them.” “If you want political purity to pre-
vail, prayers and teaching must be the rifles, and un-
remitting work the ammunition, handled by men of
unflinching integrity, who will fire into political sin at
short range.” ‘ The grog-shops make bad voters, as
“ Catering
to a mob never advanced the interests of any class or
surely as the churches make good ones.”
institution inaugurated to benefit the community.”
Mr. Faxon’s benefactions are by no means confined
to the State Temperance Alliance, Reform Clubs,
and other temperance organizations.
A few words must be said about the much-talked-
of “ Quincy system” of dealing with liquor selling,
and Mr. Faxon’s connection therewith, as its author
In March, 1881, Mr.
Faxon caused this article to be inserted in the war-
“To see if
the town will appoint, or instruct the selectmen to
and ‘ policeman” under it.
rant calling the annual town-meeting:
appoint, special police officers to enforce all laws
bearing upon the sale of intoxicating liquors, and ap-
propriate money therefor.” This was adopted by the
town, and we continue in Mr. Faxon’s language:
“Tn 1881 there were forty-two licenses granted, while several
a nearly unanimous vote at the adjourned meeting, held in
April, the selectmen were instructed to appoint the writer, asa
policeman, to enforce all laws pertaining to the sale of intoxica-
ting liquors. The appointment was made after some delay, and
the arduous duties of the ‘rural policeman’ commenced. I
was appointed, as I supposed, to do my duty; but soon found
that the honorable board which made the appointment thought
IT was doing too much duty, and I was accordingly displaced.
| At the next March election the board of selectmen was voted
In May, 1882,
I was reappointed by the newly-elected selectmen, and com-
I knew that it would be an ardu-
out of office, and an entire new board elected.
menced my duties at once.
| ous task; but having ‘put my hand to the plow,’ I had no
more completely and forcibly round out his argument. |
Many of his expressions are epigrammatic combina- |
tions of strength, terseness, and philosophy. We
extract a few, at random, from various published ar- |
ticles: ‘‘ A man cannot override instinct.” ‘ Human
nature will stick out strongest wherever the dollars
are the thickest.” “ Prayers avail bnt little in con-
verting rum-sellers, but the law-gun, fully charged,
put in the hands of honest officials, will do effective |
intention of ‘looking back.’”
The obstacles thrown in his way by his opponents
were numberless. Everything was done to evade the
law. False swearing was resorted to in the courts,
and Mr. Faxon was arrested for assault and battery ;
but, with his great personal courage and untiring
energy, these actions only infused greater zeal into
his operations. He made a vigorous fight, employed
detectives, spared neither pains nor money, made mid-
night raids on suspected places, fearlessly discharging
380
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
his sworn, and to him sacred, duty, and pursued all
illegal dealers with a rod of iron.
eminently satisfactory.
been complained of and prosecuted, each case being
carefully worked up by having the testimony of wit-
nesses taken at the trial in the lower court, and re-
corded, with all attendant circumstances, for use in
the upper court in case of need. Owing to the per-
fect system adopted in their management, Mr. Faxon
is very successful in securing convictions. Quincy is
not now a wholesome place for rum-sellers, and shows,
by its vastly improved condition, the value of Mr.
Faxon’s services as a police officer, in which position
he is still continued. It is generally admitted that
very little intoxicating liquor is now being sold in the |
town, while the traffic is surrounded with great dangers
and difficulties. During the time that Mr. Henry
H. Faxon has served the town of Quincy as a special
been many inquiries made as to whether he was in-
tending at any time to charge the town for his ser-
vices. To set the matter at rest Mr. Faxon has sent
the following letter to the selectmen :
“To tHE HonoraBLE Boarp or SELECTMEN :
“* Gentlemen,—For several years I have served the town as
policeman, specially appointed to enforce the laws relating to
the sale of intoxicating liquors.
made each year to pay for such duties. In order to relieve the
town of any embarrassment as regards my compensation, I will
state that I have made no charge whatever. I did not accept
the position, with its many perplexities, for a money consider-
ation, but for a higher reward—that of benefiting the citizens
IT have also derived the
satisfaction of knowing that the laws of prohibition ean be car-
ried out if officials are honest and earnest.
in their business and social relations.
fellow-townsmen have fully realized the blessings resulting from
the enforcement of the law, I trust that in the coming cam-
paign they will not be indifferent in advancing every principle
which pertains to good government. Yours truly,
“Henry H. Faxon.
“ Quincy, Jan. 28, 1884.”
Mr. Faxon has contributed to the cause of prose-
euting illegal liquor selling in Quincy about five thou-
sand dollars in money, in addition to unremitting toil
He has
and attention to the prosecution of cases.
The results were |
Many violators of law have |
Appropriations have been |
keeps in good health, and will doubtless continue to
be a potent factor in the temperance politics of Massa-
chusetts for many years. With his positive nature, he
has strong friends as well as bitter enemies. The
Boston Herald editorially says this of him:
“There is no denying that Mr. Faxon is a very live man.
We have frequently had occasion to class him with the political
humorists; for when he is not stirring up the wicked Demo-
crats he is pretty likely to be making himself troublesome to the
Republican machine politicians. As an independent political
campaigner, the gentleman from Quincy is a success. He has
| a party of his own, is hampered by no committee, and when in
Confident that my |
police officer to enforce the liquor laws, there have | °¢ bas found it.
need of the sinews of war he can draw on a bank which had not
failed up to latest advices. We have had occasion to approve
Mr. Faxon’s persistency in urging upon citizens of every party
the need of diligently attending the primary meetings, if they
wish to defeat incompetent and corrupt candidates for office. In
one respect the Bromfield Street campaigner is phenomenal
among politicians: he wants no office, and seems actuated by
no hope of reward except that satisfaction which comes from a
conscientious endeavor to make the world a little better than
Mr. Faxon backs up his talk by his money,
and is liberal where many of the extreme prohibitionists are
penurious. .. . Mr. Faxon makes a very keen point when he
says that ‘a good record never sends a man into oblivion, but
hundreds haye been buried beyond hope for want of one;’ and,
further, ‘the obituaries of dishonest men need a liberal amount
of whitewash.’ There is a pithiness about a genuine Faxonian
sentence that appeals to the ‘plain people’ to whom the saga-
cious campaigner addresses his many circulars and documents.
He never loses an opportunity to fire into the ‘wicked Demo-
crats,’ and the readiness with which he goes for an opponent’s
scalp is in refreshing contrast to the timidity of most politicians.
A few more such independent, aggressive, caucus-attending
politicians scattered through the State would do much to break
up the rule of the machines. Faxon is right in continually re-
minding the voters that they have a duty to perform, as citi-
zens of a self-governing community, in attending the primary
meetings, where selfish but practical politicians are always to
be found. That is where he isa genuine civil service reformer.
Campaigner Faxon’s documents are compiled with remarkable
accuracy. His sincerity is shown by the fact that, although
doing much for the political advancement of other men, he
never asks of his beneficiaries offices for himself or ‘soft’ places
for his friends. To politicians who have weak spots in their
records which they wish to conceal, Faxon is as annoying as an
Taken altogether, Faxon is an in-
dependent, energetic, go-it-alone politician, who will leave no
electric light is to a burglar.
| successor to carry on his peculiarly successful methods of cam-
paid all his own counsel fees, and, whenever he has |
been assisted by brother officers, has invariably com-
pensated them for special duties performed.
Mr. Faxon is never idle. He keeps his own books,
looks after his large real-estate holdings, has a very
extensive correspondence, and drafts, and often en-
paigning. There is but one Massachusetts and but one
Faxon.”
AMOS CHURCHILL.
Amos Churchill was born at West Bolton, Canada,
Dec. 31, 1816, of American parents temporarily re-
tirely prepares, his temperance articles; yet such is |
his system and method that there is no delay, but
siding there. His father, Amos Churchill, was born
in Connecticut, Oct. 19, 1770. He came of an old
family of high repute across the Atlantic, the English
. e : ~ | ? 3 6 .
everything receives prompt attention. Not of a very | Churchills, who have often stood high in the councils
strong physique, by his care in avoiding excesses he | of royalty, and various members of which have been
QUINCY.
381
knighted for deeds of valor. He was a tanner by
trade, married Deborah Thornton, a native of Rhode
Island, and settled first in Fairfax, Vt., afterwards in
Canada, where he resided some years engaged in farm-
ing and shoe manufacturing. He returned to Fairfax,
where he died at the age of eighty-six. He had ten
children, of whom Amos was the youngest. He was
a hard-working man, honest, industrious, and a worthy
member of society. Amos, his son, had but limited
educational advantages, such as were given to farmers’
sons in the early part of the century, but faithfully |
and dutifully he remained at home working on the
farm until he was of age. He then went to Medford,
Mass., and learned the trade of stone-cutting, pur-
suing it as a journeyman for three years in Medford.
He married Sept. 27, 1842, Lucretia, daughter of |
Alexander and Sally (Bean) Rowe, of Camptown,
N. H. (Alexander Rowe was born in Moulton-
borough, N. H., Feb. 17, 1780, and attained the age
of eighty years. His wife, Sally Bean, was born in
Sandwich, April 9, 1787, married Mr. Rowe in
1805, and died at Camptown, July 28,1840. Lu-
cretia was born Jan. 4, 1824, being their youngest
daughter and seventh child.)
commenced housekeeping in Westford, Vt., where
The young couple |
they resided for two years engaged in farming. |
About 1845 they came to Quincy, Mass., and for
twenty years consecutively Mr. Churchill worked at
his trade of stone-cutting in the employ of others,
being for the last few of these years in charge of
Williams & Spellman’s Granite-Works. He was
industrious and prudent, and saved money. About
1865 he formed a partnership with Charles R.
Mitchell, to quarry and manufacture granite, under
the firm-title of ‘ Mitchell Granite-Works.”
partnership continued four years, when Mr. Churchill
purchased the whole interest of the firm in the quar-
rying, cutting, and polishing departments, which he
has continued to carry on, either alone or in partner-
ship with others, until the present. His productions,
whether in the rough or finished work, stand high in
the esteem of dealers, and are to be found in all sec-
tions of the country ; but they principally go to New
York, some shipments, however, having been made to
England.
to the diversified and expensive machinery now used,
Mr. Churchill has been prompt to avail himself of
every mechanical and other appliance as auxiliaries to
improve the quality or expedite the labor, and steam-
In the gradual advance from hand labor
engines, hoisting-engines, lifting-jacks, polishing ma-
chines, bush-hammers, ete., have been purchased,
together with all kinds of machinery required in his
trade. By diligence and steady devotion to business,
This |
applying himself to labor from early morning to long
after the close of the day, through a succession of
years, Mr. Churchill has been the architect of his
own fortune. He has loved his chosen field of labor,
and he still may be found attending to all details of
his extensive business, which has far outgrown the
expectations if not the ambitions of bis early man-
hood. He stands high in public esteem ; his word is
unquestioned in all business transactions; he owes
nothing of his wealth, position, or business standing
to extraneous causes or hereditary possessions. It
has been the work of his own hands, of his industry,
energy, and frugality, and his life is an example to
the rising generation of what may be accomplished
by them if they give the same determination, energy,
and labor to accomplish success.
Mr. Churchill is a social companion, does his part
in all matters of public improvement, is Republican
in politics, is a member of Rural Lodge, F. and A.
M., of Quincy, and of South Shore Commandery, of
Kast Weymouth, and is to-day one of Quincy’s
highly valued and representative citizens. He has
one child, Ellen B. (Mrs. J. H. Emery), who resides
in Quincy and has two children, Alice J. and Flor-
ence R.
WILLIAM FIELD.
William Field, son of Guilford and Nancy (Howard)
Field, was born on Common Street, Quincy, Mass.,
July 11,1807. The Field family is an early colonial
one of well-established standing in old New England
days. The various branches of this family are occu-
pying positions of responsibility, trust, and honor in
many localities at the present day. Guilford Field,
born probably in Quincy, died suddenly in August,
1819, when William was but twelve years old. He
married Nancy Howard, of Braintree, whose parents
died when she was young, leaving her to be brought
up by her grandparents. On her mother’s side she was
descended from Nathaniel Wales, who settled in Dor-
chester in 1635 (see biography of Hon. Nathaniel
Wales, Stoughton).
her a bag of gold if she would lift it, which she could
Her grandfather once offered
not do. She died, at the advanced age of eighty-two,
Nov. 3, 1853.
his parents being poor, and used to work at a very
After
his father’s death he lived with Jonathan Beals, on
William was early inured to labor,
early age, “doing chores” at different places
Adams Street, for one year; then in 1821 he began
to work in the granite quarries, then commencing to
attract attention, and has from that time until the
382
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
present been identified with every step of the devel-
opment and growth of this truly gigantic industry.
For over sixty years has Mr. Field been connected
with the ledges, the men, the machinery, the labors,
and the successes of the granite industry. He has
seen the associates of his early toil fall one by one
into the long sleep of death, and is to-day, hale and |
vigorous despite his years, the oldest granite man in
Quincy, the sole survivor of the pioneer quarrymen.
He learned stone-cutting, which he followed for eight
years, working during this period on stone for the
Bunker Hill Monument, New York Exchange (from
“ Wigwam quarry”), and for various other places and
works of note. The last seven years of this time he
was engaged as foreman in the cutting and quarry de-
partments for William Packard, and was also his
paymaster. Having a thorough familiarity with all
departments of the granite business and having accu-
mulated some property, in 1839 he, with others,
formed the “ Franklin Granite Company,” he to su-
perintend the work which was done in Quincy and
send it to their yard, which was in New York City.
After eighteen months Mr. Field formed a partner-
ship with Eleazer Frederick (the company ceasing to
do business), and purchased its Quincy works, and
has ever since conducted business on his own ac-
count. He did a large amount of building in Boston
for fifteen or twenty years, and afterward made a spe-
cialty of monumental work. This partnership con-
tinued until the death of Mr. Frederick in 1879.
The firm has always been and now is “ Frederick &
Field,’ the present members being William Field,
Mrs. Frederick, E. Frederick Carr, and William | Henry, married Mary J. Emerson ; resides in Quincy,
A. Field.
hundred workmen, and from small beginnings and |
work done by hand the business has now attained large
proportions, amounting to from seventy-five thousand
labor-saving machinery, run by steam-engines of ex-
pensive character, for hoisting, polishing, cutting,
drilling, ete.
note that they furnished material for the New Or-
leans Custom-House, the foundation of Plymouth
memorial monument, the canopy over Plymouth
Rock, basement of Custom-House, San Francisco, Cal.,
which was freighted around Cape Horn, soldiers’ mon-
uments at Holyoke, Mass., monument for the great
wine merchant, Nicholas Longworth, Cincinnati, Ohio,
and are now constructing the monument on the site
of the battle of Monmouth, Freehold, N. J., soldiers’
They employ from seventy-five to one |
| Daniel T. and Rebecca (Smith) Dickerman.
| born in Easton, Mass., Oct. 27, 1811.
the esteem of those who know him best.
tery), and many other large family monuments and
vaults.
Mr. Field's business career has been very success-
ful, and justly so. He has spared no pains to pre-
serve the reputation, so long ago acquired by him, of
furnishing honest material and excellent and artistic
workmanship. He has been president of the Quincy |
Contractors’ Association since its organization, Mr.
Field married (Feb. 15, 1829) Louisa, daughter of
She was
For more
than half a century have they walked life's pathway
hand in hand, and lived to see generation after gen-
eration of descendants rise up to do them honor, and
reflecting credit upon the instructions and pleasant
life of Mr. Field’s home. Their children were Wil-
liam Q., died in infancy. Louisa R., married, first,
William Carver, who became sergeant in Company
K, Eighteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry, and was shot through the body, living ten
weeks after being wounded, in November, 1862, while
crossing the Potomac River; they had two children,
| William Oscar and Maria L. (Mrs. William Ross, of
Braintree) ; second, Charles A. French, and resides in
| Brockton. William H. died, aged two years. William
Augustus, now in business with his father, married
Electa EK. Burnham, and has two children, Ida Bell and
Maria Louise Field. Elizabeth Ann, married Daniel
Vining, of North Weymouth, and has one son, Elmer
E. Vining. Harriet Amanda, married Henry Arnold ;
has one child, Harry Field Arnold. Daniel Howard,
deceased. Emma Helen, died unmarried. Charles
and has one child, Edgar Howard Field. Arthur
Kingsbury, deceased.
Mr. Field is Republican in politics, but is content
to remain outside of official honors and preferment.
to one hundred thousand dollars per annum, and using
He is of sanguine temperament, and is honored by
Having
- amassed sufficient wealth for his old age, he is pass-
We mention as worthy of special |
monuments in Manchester, N. H., Lawrence, Mass., |
vault for late John Anderson, the great tobacconist,
of New York (said vault is in Greenwood Ceme-
ing on towards the “twilight” in a home cheered by
an intelligent and agreeable wife and the ministration
of devoted children.
ELEAZER FREDERICK.
Eleazer Frederick was born in Tyngsborough,
Mass., April 9, 1806, the tenth child of George and
Rhoda (Reed) Frederick, the parents of twelve
children.
tanic, and educational advantages those of a district
school, the boys working on the farm between school
Their early training was rigid and puri-
ST
QUINCY.
383
terms. His father was a man of sterling integrity
and great perseverance, whose life was passed quietly
on the farm, with the exception of enlisting in the
war of 1812, when he walked from Tyngsborough to
Boston.
The subject of this memoir learned his trade of
stone-cutting in his native town, which he left at his
majority, walking to Charlestown to work on Bunker
Hill Monument, and paying the requisite sum to be-
come a member of that association. He afterwards |
worked in Boston and Quincy. Having mastered his |
calling of journeyman, he began to look for a broader
field in which to work, taking charge of stone-yards
in Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Md., South Boston,
Mass., and other places.
He settled in Quincy, Feb. 1, 1838, and with
Horace Beals, William Field, and others formed the |
Franklin Granite Compavy, Mr. Frederick investing
one thousand dollars, part of what he had saved by
the exercise of the most rigid economy.
This company had two yards, one in New York,
and one in Quincey. Horace Beals managed the New
York, and Mr. Frederick the Quincy business.
Owing to various causes the business did not prove a
success, and the company dissolved in eighteen
months, Mr. Frederick and the others losing the —
capital invested.
Undaunted by this reverse, in 1839 he started |
business again, taking William Field as partner, he
being a superior quarryman and having charge of
that part of the work.
Mr. Thomas Greenleaf, which was worked a number
of years.
The first quarry was hired of
The second (being the present quarry
owned and worked by the firm) was hired of Capt. |
Josiah Bass, and purchased from his heirs in 1854.
The partnership thus formed, under the name of
Frederick & Field, continued nearly forty years. Mr. |
Frederick brought to bear on the business the
qualities which, sooner or later, command success, |
namely, a clear mind, indomitable courage, and prac-
tical knowledge of all departments of his business.
His contracts, financial management, and personal
supervision formed much of the basis on which the
firm built its prosperity. His early training and
strong constitution stood him in good stead in the
arduous duties to which he was called, as press of |
business in the daytime and frequent absences from |
home, traveling for the firm, compelled him often to
work far into the night writing and estimating. He
supplied his early lack of advantages by making him- |
self educated in his special calling. Ably seconded |
by Mr. Field, Frederick & Field’s small business of |
1839 grew in size and importance.
Machinery of all '
kinds was added to facilitate the working and hand-
ling of stone, abler artists and artisans employed, the
granite of other States purchased and worked,
Scotch granite, marble, and bronze figures furnished
when required by contracts, till at the time of Mr.
_ Frederick’s death, Sept. 12, 1878, their work had
found its way into most of the States of the Union.
Mr. Frederick always kept in the van of the march
of improvement in tools and machinery used in the
business, and was always among the first to adopt any
such, though not prone to waste time and money on
He always kept abreast of the
times in which he lived, and though in the course of
his long career the methods of doing business, tools,
useless inventions.
_ machinery, etc., used changed greatly, he never al-
lowed himself to cling to old methods and appliances
which he had become accustomed to when his judg-
ment showed him that the new methods and appliances
of to-day were better.
His death was not only a great blow to his family,
but a heavy loss to the firm and business, which owed
so much of its financial success and high reputation
to his persevering industry and ability.
The business, consisting at first of building work
only, gradually changed its character, till now monu-
mental work forms a chief part of it.
Among the buildings now standing we mention C..
F. Hovey & Co.’s store, part of State Street Block,
Boston, part of stone for San Francisco Custom-
House, and basement of Zribune Building, New York.
Many granite fronts furnished by the firm went down
in the Boston fire, and many more are now standing
we have not space to mention. Among the monu-
mental and other work furnished by the firm we may
remark the entrance posts, ete., and curbing around the
pond, Public Garden, Boston, soldiers’ monuments at
Leominster and Holyoke, Mass., Springfield, Ohio,
and Manchester, N. H. (which latter was the last
contract of note entered into in Mr. Frederick's life-
time, and which he did not live to see completed),
and private and public vaults and monuments in
great number. The Lovejoy monument is worthy of
note as being the largest all-polished monument ever
furnished in Quincy.
Since the death of Mr. Frederick the business has
been continued by William Field, E. F. Carr, W. A.
Field, and Mrs. E. Frederick, under the old firm-name
of Frederick & Field.
Eleazer Frederick married, Oct. 25, 1825, Mary
Gould, of Tyngsborough, Mass., and had two daugh-
ters,—Mary Maria, born Jan. 15, 1827, and Sarah
Jane, born Oct. 26, 1828.
Mary Maria Frederick married Horace Baxter
384
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Spear, the present cashier of the National Mount
Wollaston Bank of Quincy, and has three children,— |
Horace Frederick, born Jan. 20,1863; Lucy Maria, |
born Sept. 7, 1864; Joseph Gould, born March 8,
1867.
Sarah Jane Frederick married Joseph Carr, dry-
goods merchant, and has had four children,—Mary
Jane, born Dec. 22,1850; Alice Maria, born Jan. 26,
1853; Eleazer Frederick, born Aug. 8, 1855 (nowa
member of the firm of Frederick & Field) ; Joseph
Gould, born July 26, 1860, died March 7, 1861.
|
Mary Jane Carr married John Lyman Faxon, arch- |
itect, Nov. 9, 1882, and has one child.
Oct. 22, 1879, and has had three children, two now
living.
In politics, Mr. Frederick was a Democrat. He
was a public-spirited citizen; every enterprise for
PATRICK McDONNELL.
It is surely well to record for the encouragement of
others a brief synopsis of the life of one who, a for-
eigner, far from the land of his nativity, constantly
surrounded by more than ordinary temptations, has
_ resisted them successfully, accumulated wealth, a firm
| position in society, and who may be justly considered
one of the best representatives of the land of his
birth.
Patrick McDonnell, son of Thomas and Mary
(Cunniff) McDonnell, was born at Loobanroe, County
Roscommon, Ireland, June 10,1817. His father, a
farmer in comfortable circumstances, died when Pat-
E. Frederick Carr married Alice Maria Taylor, |
the public good found in him an earnest and liberal |
support. In 1860 he was one of three who ap-
plied to the Legislature for an act of incorporation for
the introduction of gas into Quincy, to be known as
rick was six years old, and Patrick remained with his
Then, after a year’s
visit to a sister in Birmingham, England, he was
mother until he was eighteen.
apprenticed by his mother to her brother, Patrick
Cunniff, to learn the carpenter’s trade, she paying
seven pounds for five years’ service. This service was
not given, however, for in a few months Mr. Cunniff
the Citizens’ Gas-Light Company, of which he acted |
as president and treasurer for several years. Soon
after the Mount Wollaston Bank was established, Mr.
Frederick was chosen one of the directors, and con-
tinued a member of that board till his death.
was a Mason of high standing, belonging to Rural
concluded to emigrate to America, and Patrick told
him, ‘Give me the money my mother gave you and
I will go with you.” Mr. Cunniffdid this, and June
10, 1835, they landed at Perth Amboy, and came to
New York City. Seeing a kindly looking old gentle-
_man on the street, young Patrick asked him, ‘‘ What
He |
exile from Erin,’ do the best in?”
Lodge, Quincy, and Boston Commandery, Knights |
Templar. He also belonged to the Ancient and
member of the Odd-Fellows.
He was of a genial, social temperament, and retained
the happy faculty of entering into the spirit of the
part of the country could a poor emigrant boy, ‘an
The old man an-
swered, “If he was industrious, and careful, and
temperate, there was no doubt that Massachusetts
Honorable Artillery Company, the National Lancers, |
and Mechanics’ Association, and was at one time a_
young, with whom he, always delighted to mingle even |
to his last illness.. His scope of interest was large,
allowing him keen enjoyment with the merrymakings
of young and old. He always took great interest in
his employés, some of whom were with him over
thirty years.
He was an indulgent, affectionate husband and
father, and his loving devotion to his grandchildren
was remarkable.
The most fitting memorials to his worth and ability
are the respect and affection with which his memory
is cherished by those he left behind him, and the
business which his efforts did so much to raise from
obscurity to prosperity and success.
presented one of the best places for success.” Pat-
rick started for Massachusetts, taking packet for Al-
bany, where he arrived with one pound in gold in his
possession. While walking along he met a gentle-
man who said, ‘ Halloo! young man, do you want to
Patrick was soon engaged at
He worked one month, be-
work?" 1" Ves" ‘sir:7
ten dollars per month.
came lonesome and started for Boston, where some of
his native townsmen were resident. After crossing
the ferry he walked to Hartford, looking steadily for
work on the way in vain. From Hartford he reached
Worcester by walking and short rides on the stages.
There was a railroad from Worcester to Boston, and
he availed himself of it, and on reaching Boston was
welcomed heartily by a friend. For nine days he
made his stopping-place with this friend, while he
diligently canvassed the adjacent towns for employ-
ment. He went on the first day to Dorchester, and
was told by Capt. William Clapp, a large tanner and
farmer, that if a young lad who had been at work for
him and had gone away did not return in ten days,
he would employ him. When the nine days’ search
~1In Roxbury, Quincy, ete., was of no avail, he returned
=)
Tory RS wre
QUINCY.
385
to Capt. Clapp, who said he would take him on trial,
and pay him what he was worth. At the expiration
of the month, Capt. Clapp engaged him for five years
at twelve dollars per month. At the end of his first
year’s service Capt. Clapp invited him to his parlor,
and presented him with a Bible, which Mr. McDonnell |
still preserves with care, and at various times thereafter
he received tokens of his regard. The five years
passed in this good Christian family, which gave him
truly a home, impressed the teachings of morality and
temperance indelibly on the young man’s mind. He
attended faithfully to his religious duties at St. Pat-
rick’s Church at Roxbury, and was during these five
years a teacher in the Sunday-school.
In 1841, Mr. McDonnell came to Quincy, where he
has since made his residence, and worked two years for
John Mulford in his tan-yard; then he learned the
stone-cutter’s trade, working for various persons.
After finishing his trade he began work for New-
comb & Chapin, Quincy Point, cutting stone, receiv-
ing a dollar and a quarter per day for four months, |
and ten shillings sixpence per day for eight months
(the highest price then paid). He was industrious
and temperate, did his work well, remained with them
eleven years, walking three miles every day to and from
work, carryiug his dinner, and saved about five thou-
sand dollars which he, as it accumulated, invested in
village lots and erected tenements thereon. He then
went to work for Thomas Drake, with whom he had
|
finished his trade, but in three months entered into |
partnership with him.
This partnership continued |
about a year, when, in 1857, Mr. McDonnell went into |
business in a small way, with only one apprentice, in |
a little shed on the common near where his sons are
now established.
he leased the ground now occupied by his sons for
Here he remained six years, when
twenty years from the town of Quincy and increased |
his business rapidly, so that when he retired in 1881
he employed seventy hands and probably did a more
thoroughly in stone-cutting. Thomas H. and James
S. are graduates of Commercial College, Boston.
Ellen G. attended the normal school at Bridgewater for
two years, became quite proficient in music, attending
the Boston Conservatory of Music, and for the past
three or four years has been organist in St. John’s
Church, Quincey. She is a young lady of superior tal-
ent and ability, and has decided to enter upon a relig-
ious life. She is to take the veilin Europe. Margaret
F. attended Notre Dame Academy, Boston, for two
years. When Thomas and John Q. were of age they
were admitted partners with their father, and the firm
became McDonnell & Sons, in 1871. In December,
| 1883, they established a branch of their business in Buf-
falo, N. Y. They are enterprising men, and are doing
well. Asan illustration, we quote from the New York
Scientific Times and Mercantile
1883: “ Quincy leads any town or city in the country
vegister of May,
in the quarrying and working of granite, and pro-
duces an article of a nature that is unequaled by any
in the world. There are many large concerns in this
town engaged in quarrying, but none are more worthy
of selection as a representative house than McDonnell
& Sons. This house was established in 1857, and its
present members are T. H. McDonnell and J. Q.
McDonnell.
quarries in the place, and are wholesale dealers in
They own and work one of the largest
Quincy granite. Their operations include every
branch of the granite-working trade, including the
manufacture of monuments, curb-lots, posts, ete.
Polishing is also an important part of their business,
Tn all,
they give employment to a hundred men and over,
and their work of this character is very fine.
many of whom are as well-skilled workmen as money
The work done by this house bears
the highest reputation everywhere, and in many quar-
Their
can procure.
ters gives them the preference over all others.
| cemetery work is of unusual excellence, and your cor-
profitable business than any other man in his line in |
Quincy. His economy, incessant devotion to busi- |
ness, and strict business habits have secured him a_
handsome property. He owns and rents twenty tene- |
He married, June 1, |
ments in Quincy and Milton.
1843, Mary Hughes, who attended school with him
in Ireland. Their children are Emily EK. (Mrs. Wm.
Garbarino), Thomas, John Q., Mary A., James S.,
Ellen G., and Margaret F.
Mr. McDonnell has taken great pains in the educa-
tion of his children.
school for three years, and his father wished him to
go to college, but as he had not that inclination, Mr.
McDonnell took him into his yard and instructed him
25
respondent was shown a specimen of it in the lot of the
McDonnell family, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Ceme-
tery, that would not be out of place in the best art
museum in the land. This is a monument of dark
blue Quincy granite, surmounted by a statue of the
Virgin Mary, of Westerly granite. The whole is in
the purest Corinthian style, and about forty feet in
height. The bas-relief of the statue is a full Corinth-
/ian cap of intricate design, and elegantly carved,
| while the statue itself is beautiful in expression, exe-
cution, and design.
John Q. attended Quincy high |
The attitude is a peculiarly
graceful and devotional one, and would excite admi-
ration anywhere. The entire monument is without
blemish, and its finish and polish of a most artistic na-
ture. It is acknowledged by all to be the best piece
386
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of work ever done in Quincy, and were it located in
Mount Auburn or Greenwood it would attract uni-
versal attention.”” This monument was designed and
executed by Mr. McDonnell before his connection with —
the firm ceased, and is well worthy of the praise be-
stowed upon it. We mention some other especially
fine works of this firm. During 1857, his first year
in business, they furnished one front of State Street
Block, Long Wharf, Boston. In 1858, the coping
for the cemetery lot of Dr. Bigelow (president of
Mount Auburn Cemetery Corporation); since then
they have furnished the monument for Mr. Jared
Sparks, at Mount Auburn ; the Birchard monument,
erected by ex-President Hayes, Fremont, Ohio;
monument and coping for T. W. Parks, Greenwood
Cemetery, Brooklyn, N. ¥.; coping for Marshall O.
Roberts, Woodlawn Cemetery, New York; monu-
ment for the Seventy-seventh New York Regiment,
in square opposite Congress Park, Saratoga Springs ;
vault for J. C. Buckman, Mount Auburn; Bates
monument, Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati; and
the largest monumental cross ever made in the United
States (weight twenty-five tons), for R. M. Shoe-
maker, also in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati.
Mr. McDonnell began housekeeping in Quincy in
a small house, for which he paid six hundred dollars
out of the savings of his Dorchester life.
years since he purchased the lot and dwelling where
he now resides, and has expended several thousand
dollars in reconstructing it, and to-day has one of
(Juincy’s most attractive residences, with spacious sur-
roundings and costly appurtenances, which affords
him a pleasant home.
Mr. McDonnell was a Democrat in politics until six
or eight years ago, when his devotion to temperance
drove him from that party, and he is now an inde-
pendent voter.
ners, Mr. McDonnell is popular with all classes.
true son of [reland, he has never forgotten the fact,
as is manifested in the attachment felt for him by his
fellow-countrymen, to many of whom he is adviser
and friend.
identified in sympathy and principle with the land of |
his adoption.
cerity of character is exhibited in his support of the
religious principles of his fathers and his strict ad-
herence to the Roman Catholic Church.
ing received at Capt. Clapp’s, his strictly temperance
habits (never allowing himself to go to a rum shop, |
or to keep liquor in the house), and the influence of
his religion.
Some |
Through his frank and affable man- |
}
A
Yet he is an American, and thoroughly |
While tolerant in his views, his sin-
>) |
He attrib- |
utes his success to the good lessons and moral train-
in Ireland in 1870, and since then California,
Canada, and other parts of America. Everywhere
and in all places he has put himself on the strong
temperance platform, and by voice, example, and pub-
lished newspaper articles he has warned his country-
men against the use of liquor as their most terrible
enemy.
While in Europe Mr. McDonnell made a three
months’ tour through England, Ireland, and Scotland.
His townsman, Charles Francis Adams, gave him a
personal letter to Mr. Motley, then minister to Eng-
land, which caused him to take much interest in Mr.
McDonnell, to whom he extended many courtesies,
but would not allow him to go to Rome or Paris on
account of the war then raging in France.
Mr. McDonnell ascribes his success in life largely
to the fact that he never incurred debt of any kind,
being always prepared to cancel all liabilities.
WILLIAM ALLEN HODGES.
William Allen Hodges is of good Puritan stock,
both parents descending from old Plymouth Colony
families, his paternal ancestor, William Hodges, set-
tling in what is now Taunton about 1640, and enrolled
among the inhabitants subject to military duty there
in 1643. He was a land proprietor and prominent in
local affairs. He died April 2, 1654, leaving two sons,
John? and Henry. Both of them are mentioned
as proprietors of land in Taunton in 1675 (see his-
_tory of Hodges family elsewhere in this volume).
This John’ married Elizabeth Macy, May 15, 1672.
| Of their numerous children, John’*, the oldest, was
born April 5, 1673. He married and became a resident
His son Hdmund* married and had thir-
teen children. He always resided in Norton, where
his wife, Mary, who survived him, died April 30,1800.
Their son, Tisdale’, was born in Norton, Mass., Dec.
7, 1753. He was a man of well-to-do circumstances,
was a captain of “ Troopers,” and during his latter
years moved to Petersham, Worcester Co., where
he died. He married Naomi, daughter of Capt. Jos.
Hodges, of Norton (who was killed in an Indian
| fight near Fort Schuyler, in the old French war).
Capt. Tisdale Hodges was a man of advanced opin-
ious and liberal ideas. He had seven sons, to whom
he gave a better education than was usual in those
days, sending some to college. Jerry®, son of Capt.
Tisdale and Naomi Hodges, was born in Norton in
1787. He received a good education, both literary and
| medical; held a commission as surgeon’s mate in
of Norton.
He has been quite a traveler, visiting his old home | the United States army, and was a man of marked
Samuel Tucker, was one of the first settlers of Milton,
an energetic man, of great courage, quiet and unos-
tentatious in his ways, and who served his day and
generation well.) They had eleven children. Dr.
Hodges died in March, 1858. His widow, born in
1793, resides in Petersham, being now over ninety
years old.
William A. Hodges’, son of Dr. Jerry and Mary
(Tucker) Hodges, was tenth in a family of eleven
children, and born at Petersham, Mass., May 15,
1834. His youth, until fourteen, was passed with
his parents, with common-school advantages. In
February, 1848, he commenced life for himself, going
first to Boston, and afterwards to Milton, where he
has always followed, that of a baker. After his appren-
ticeship he worked as journeyman at Milton, Rox-
bury, and elsewhere until 1858. In that year he
went to California, where he remained two years, en-
gaged in mining and baking. Returning to Massa-
chusetts, he again engaged with his former employers
at Roxbury, continuing with them until 1862, when
he took a trip to the West in search of a location
wherein to establish himself. He remained in Mc-
and his former employers.
served au appenticeship of three years at the trade he |
QUINCY.
ability. He married Mary Tucker. (Her grandfather, |
to Quincy, and purchased an interest in the business |
of a baker, which was carried on in the shop which
he now occupies.
After eighteen months he became |
sole proprietor, and by energy, attention to business, |
and care in producing good articles he has much in-
creased it, enlarged the buildings and capacity of pro-
duction, and made money. As a citizen, Mr. Hodges
is enterprising and public-spirited ; as a friend, strong,
warm, and faithful; as a man, he is held in the high-
est esteem. Believing in the principles of his fathers,
and which were given by Thomas Jefferson and enun-
ciated in the Constitution of the United States, Mr.
Hodges has been a Democrat of the most unswerving
order. His devotion to principle, coupled with his
personal popularity, has brought him into prominence
in local politics. In this field he is a sharp fighter,
’
“takes off his gloves,’ and gives as hard blows as he
In every year since 1872 he has been
nominated for some official position, and has nearly
always obtained an election. In 1872 he was elected
selectman of Quincy. In 1873 he was chairman of
the board. In 1874 again elected selectman (with-
out opposition). He resigned his office six weeks
after his election, with the full determination of devot-
ing himself entirely to business, but in the fall (1874)
receives.
387
represent Quincy in the State Legislature, and was
elected. The next spring (1875) he was elected
selectman. In 1876 he was “alternate” to the Dem-
ocratic National Convention at St. Louis which nomi-
nated Tilden for President. In the fall of 1876 he
was nominated by the Democratic Senatorial Conven-
tion of the First Norfolk District as its candidate
_ for senator, and was the first candidate placed in the
_ field after the State had been redistricted.
The dis-
trict was so strongly Republican that the nomination
was merely complimentary, no Democrat having a
possible chance ofan election. In 1877 he was elected
selectman by a very large majority, and became chair-
man. In 1878 he was again elected selectman, and
was chairmap. The death of Mr. Barker, senator
elect, caused a new election for senator. In this con-
test Mr. Hodges was the Democratic nominee, and
was elected (April, 1878) to fill the vacancy. In
1879 he was not in candidacy for selectman, but in
the fall of that year was nominated by the Democrats
of the Second District as their candidate for coun-
cilor. This was also a complimentary nomination. In
the spring of 1880 he was again elected selectman
and chairman. In the fall of 1880 he received the
_complimentary nomination of county commissioner
Gregor, Lowa, five months, then returned to Roxbury |
In May, 1866, he came |
from his party. In the spring of 1881 he was again
In the fall of
1881 the Democratic State Convention made him its
candidate for State treasurer. In 1882 he was again
nominated for State treasurer. In 1883, under the
bright outlook for Democracy, Democratic political
managers were looking for a man strong enough by
force of character, experience in office, and personal
popularity to make a successful campaign in this
senatorial district, and Mr. Hodges was the one de-
re-elected selectman, and was chairman.
_clared to be the most advisable to select, and he was
he was placed in nomination by the Democrats to |
placed in nomination by the Senatorial Convention
and elected.
Mr. Hodges married, Sept. 15, 1868, Anrie M.,
daughter of George F. and Maria (Stetson) Wiison,
of Quincy. They have three surviving children,—
Francis Mason, Mabel Stetson, and Edward Tisdale
Quincy.
Mr. Hodges is a member of Rural Lodge, F. and
A. M., of Quincy, St. Stephen’s Lodge of Royal
Arch Masons, and a life member of the Boston Com-
mandery. In all official relations he has discharged
his duties fearlessly and to the best interests of his
constituents according to his best judgment.
385
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
DANIEL BAXTER.
comb) Baxter, was born in Quincy, Mass., Jan. 24,
1803, and on his eighty-first birthday slept within
twenty feet of the spot where he was born.
place where he now lives was formerly owned by his
father, a native of Quincy, who was a butcher, store-
keeper, etc. William Baxter moved from Quincy to
Paddock’s Island, Boston Harbor, about the Ist of
May, 1809, and remained there until the fall of 1812,
when he removed to Quincy, and continued his busi-
ness as a butcher.
|
| Spent.
He married, Jan. 22, 1829, Abigail, daughter
| of Noah Curtis, and has had fourteen children, the
Daniel Baxter, son of William and Abigail (New- |
lain, resides in Quincy), Daniel W., Ann W. (Mrs.
The |
following now living: Abigail (Mrs. John Chamber-
John Wood, lives in Quincy), Caroline (Mrs. George
H. Tobey, lives in Chicago), Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles
A. Follet, resides with her father), Wm. Henry,
Mary F. (Mrs. Parker Hayward, lives in Braintree),
Adeline W. (Mrs. Frank C. Waterhouse, lives in
Wollaston). Mrs. Abigail C. Baxter died July 3,
| 1879. ‘
While on the island Mr. Baxter |
engaged in butchering, ran a sloop in the coasting
He died in
Quincy, June 8, 1829, at the age of sixty-one years.
Mrs. Abigail Baxter died July 4, 1819, aged forty-
seven years.
trade, and was an active, energetic man.
Daniel’s education was confined to
very limited attendance at the schools of that early
period, boarding at Hull for three winters and attend-
ing school, and he tells interesting stories of the dan-
Mr. Baxter commenced housekeeping at Quincy
Point, and lived there six years, when his desire
to occupy the old home of his father in Quincy in-
duced him to remove thither, and he built the house
where he now resides in 1858. Mr. Baxter has filled
_many positions of public trust ; was for fourteen years
gers he and his sister experienced in crossing from and
When
he was sixteen he carried the meat which his father
to the island in the inclement winter weather.
had butchered to Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset, and
Scituate to sell. He remained with his father until
he was twenty-one, when he commenced business for
himself, going to Brighton market, purchasing cattle
and butchering them, and for nearly forty years
continued this and the sale of the meat on the same
route in Weymouth, Hingham, etc., that he had sold
for his father.
prudent, and a hard worker.
Mr. Baxter has been economical,
He laid up money
which he carefully invested in land and other good
investments, and to-day is one of the large real-estate
owners in Quincy, and the only capital he has ever in-
herited was seven hundred and fourteen dollars left
him by his father. He early in life showed his aptitude
for trade, when but a lad of twelve years, by buying
a quart of molasses, making candy and peddling it,
making a profit of seventeen cents, which was not ill
selectman, and chairman over half of the time; has
served on school committees, as assessor, surveyor of
highways, and overseer of the poor. When the
Quincy Stone Bank was organized he was the young-
est one of the incorporators and directors. He was a
director for over forty years, and is now the only sur-
viving member of the original board. He has been
connected with the Quincy Savings Bank as director
for more than a quarter of a century, and is a stock-
holder in various corporations. He has always been
conservative, believing in conducting public affairs as
he would his own business, owing no man anything ;
in all positions he has been careful, prudent, and
saving, and has so managed his means that in his old
age he has a handsome competency, and the satisfac-
tion of having discharged all duties, public and pri-
vate, to the best of his ability and with honest intent.
He has been a busy man all his life. He is an ex-
ample of what industry, common sense, and care will
do for any one in the battle of life. He has just
passed his eighty-first birthday, and it is well to note
in connection therewith, that his youngest sister and
her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wild, celebrated the
sixty-first anniversary of their marriage in. 1883.
STOUGHTON.
389
CHAPTER XXX 1
STOUGHTON.
Stoughton—Named in Honor of Governor William Stoughton—
Territory allotted to Dorchester in 1637—Known as the “‘ New
Grant’’—Dorchester South Precinct—A Part set off to Wren-
tham in 1724—Incorporation of Stoughton—Original Terri-
tory—Second Precinct set off in 1740—Incorporation of Third
Precinet in 1743—The First Town-Meeting—Incorporation
of Stoughtonham—The Revolution—Votes of the Town in
1723, 1724, 1725, 1726—Committee of Correspondence—Rey-
olutionary Bounties, etc.
Amrpst the pealing of bells, the roll of drums, the
thunder of cannon, and the inspiring strains of mar-
tial music the one hundredth anniversary of Ameri-
can independence is ushered in, the most memorable
day of the nineteenth century. A whole country
from the rugged shores of Maine to the golden sands
of California, multitudinous cities born since the
day we celebrate the centennial of the Republic you
can also pause midway between the first and second
centennial of your town to commemorate its history
and dwell upon its associations. Taking its name
from Governor William Stoughton, it included origin-
ally a much larger section than it at present com-
prises. The territory embraced at the time of incor-
poration, together with a part of Wrentham, had in
the year 1637 been allotted to Dorchester, and was
| known as the ‘‘ New Grant’’ from that time until Dee.
event they to-day celebrate, prosperous towns created |
with astonishing celerity, small villages remote from
the whirl and excitement of business, all join in
celebrating the occasion. The anthem of liberty
wakes echoes in the hut of the squatter in Western
wilds not less than in the luxurious homes of crowded
cities.
This universal commemoration is not solely because
the Revolutionary fathers by their immortal declara-
tion just one hundred years ago trampled the British
yoke beneath their feet, not alone because the heroic
struggle they carried on against fearful and almost
hopeless odds was finally crowned with success, but
for the reason that the Union has survived until all its
founders have mingled their dust with the soil many
of them had stained with their blood; because the
country has grown and prospered year after year as no
other country has ever grown and prospered ; because
15; 1715.
From that date until December, 1726, it was called
the Dorchester South Precinct, a part having been set
off to Wrentham in the year 1724. The town of
Stoughton was incorporated on the 22d day of Decem-
ber, 1726.
of the Revolution, was four years old, and John
It included
the present towns of Canton, Sharon, and Stoughton,
At that time Samuel Adams, the pioneer
Adams was not born till nine years later.
and nearly if not quite all of Foxborough and about
one-quarter of Dedham. In those days the law of
subtraction rather than annexation prevailed. The
act of incorporation is entitled an “‘ Act for dividing
the towns of Dorchester and erecting a new town
there by the name of Stoughton.” The preamble sets
forth that “ The town of Dorchester within the county
of Suffolk is of great extent in length, and lies com-
modious for two townships, and the South Precinct
within the bounds of Dorchester is competently filled
with inhabitants who have made their application to
_ the said town and also addressed this Court that the
_ ship.”
said lands may be made a distinct and separate town-
Then follows the act of incorporation, to
which is attached a condition, making it incumbent
upon the inhabitants to procure within the space of
it has withstood and risen triumphantly from that su- |
preme shock and trial of nations, a desperate civil war, |
in which the sons of those sires who, then united,
hurled the British invader from our shores, now, ar-
rayed against each other, fought the one side to de-
valor, for when Greek meets Greek then comes the
tug of war.
Fifty years before the birth of the nation the Great
and General Court of the Colony of Massachusetts
Bay enacted a law for the incorporation of the town
of Stoughton. It is, therefore, felicitous that on the
1 The following chapter was contributed by the Hon. Halsey
J. Boardman, of Boston, being an address delivered by him at
Stoughton, July 4, 1876. It is an invaluable contribution, and
fittingly forms the first chapter in the history of the town.—
Epiror.
twelve months from the publication of the act a
learned orthodox minister of good conversation, and
make provision for his comfortable and honorable
support, and likewise to provide a schoolmaster to
instruct their youth in writing and reading. And it
_is further enacted that they shall pay such taxes as are
stroy, the other to uphold the old flag with ancestral | assessed to Dorchester which properly belong to the
/ new town.
The Second Precinct, constituting what is
now Sharon and Foxborough, was incorporated July
2, 1740, leaving what is now Canton and Stoughton,
the Old Dorchester South Precinct, or First Parish.
The Third Precinct, or Parish, represents what is
now Stoughton, and was incorporated Nov. 9, 1743.
| The chief reason set forth in the petition for an act of
incorporation is the remoteness of a place of worship,
it being nearly seven miles. The first town-meeting
was held in Stoughton, Jan. 2, 1727, to choose town
officers, and I notice that George Talbot was chosen
390
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
one of the selectmen and assessors.
June, 1765, the present towns of Sharon and Foxbor-
ough were incorporated under the name of Stough-
tonham. The town of Canton was incorporated by
an act passed Feb. 23, 1797, which contained among
other provisions that, whereas in consequence of the
division only one selectman will remain in said
Stoughton, “ Be it enacted that Jabez Talbot, the
selectman remaining within said town be, and he is
thereby invested with all the powers which a majority
of said selectmen would have had so far as relates to
certain purposes specified.” I doubt not the trusts
confided to Jabez Talbot were well administered, as
a thorough knowledge of administration affairs has
been conspicuous in this family.
A classified list of the persons taxed in the an-
cient town of Stoughton for the year 1776 shows
that one hundred and forty-two lived in what is now
called* Stoughton. Samuel Capen, Samuel Paul,
Robert Swan, and Nathaniel Wales are familiar names
in the list.
In the year 1773 the dawning of the spirit of in-
dependence became manifest. The custom prevailed
of having the wishes of the people expressed at the
town-meetings recorded by the town clerks and trans-
mitted to the General Court or Continental Congress.
At atown-meeting March 1, 1773, a letter from the
Boston Committee of Correspondence sent to the
town was received and read, and the town sent in re-
ply a lengthy communication, setting forth that in
their judgment their rights as men, as Christians,
and as British subjects have been greatly infringed
upon and violated by arbitrary will and power, and |
they are apprehensive that in future time this may
prove fatal to them and their posterity, and to all |
that is dear to them, reducing them not only to pov-
erty but slavery. They remonstrate against it, and
propose to unite in all constitutional methods to re-
gain the rights that have been ravished from them.
They further instruct their representative to exert
On the 20th of |
himself for these ends, and that a petition be pre- |
sented to the king for redress, at the same time ex-
pressing unswerving loyalty to him and invoking the
Divine blessing upon him.
At a town-meeting on the 26th of September, 1774,
choice was made of Thomas Crane for representative
to the Great and General Court to be holden at
Salem. He was instructed by vote to adhere firmly
to the charter of the province as granted by their Ma-
jesties William and Mary, and to do no act acknowl-
edging the validity of the act of the British Parlia-
ment for altering the government of Massachusetts
Bay.
They then state that, as they have reason to
I
believe a conscientious discharge of his duty will pro-
duce a dissolution of the House of Representatives,
they therefore instruct him to meet with other mem-
bers in a General Provincial Congress, to act upon
such matters as come before them in a manner most
conducive to the true interests of the town and prov-
ince, and most likely to preserve the liberties of all
North America.
At a town-meeting, Jan. 9, 1775, the town made
choice of Thomas Crane to represent them in a Pro-
vincial Congress to be held at Cambridge the 1st of
the February following. At the same meeting the
town voted not to lend their town moneys to Henry
Gardner, of Stowe; but at an adjourned meeting, Jan,
16th, same year, their patriotism increased to such a
degree that they reconsidered their former vote and
voted to lend all their province money to Henry
Gardner, of Stowe, as is recommended by the Pro-
Among other votes passed at this
meeting was one to the effect that they approved of
the resolves of the Continental Congress and their as-
sociation ; another to appoint a committee of inspec-
vincial Congress.
tion of nineteen persons, and that this committee use
their interest that the resolves and the association of
the Continental Congress be closely adhered to. At
town-meeting, May 25, 1775, the town voted that
Messrs, Peter Talbot, Christopher Wadsworth, and
Benjamin Gill be a committee of correspondence, to
correspond with the several towns in this province,
the six following months.
It is evident by the frequency of the meetings and
the vigor of the proceedings during the years 1775-76
that they fully believed the “price of liberty was
eternal vigilance.” They even foreshadowed the
Declaration of Independence and promised in advance
their co-operation, for at a meeting on the 22d of
May, 1776, forty-two days before the Declaration of
Independence was proclaimed, they voted “ that if the
Honorable Continental Congress should for the safety
of this Colony declare us independent of the Kingdom
of Great Britain, we, the said inhabitants, will sol-
emnly engage with our lives and fortunes to support
them in the measure ;” and believing that faith should
be accompanied by works, they voted on the 8th of
July following to raise a sum of money to be levied
upon polls and estates to give to each man, to the
number of thirty-eight, that shall enlist in the service
of the northern department against Quebec, “ the sum
of six pounds, six shillings, eightpence, as an addi-
tion to their bounty,” or what we called in the late
war a town bounty. Col. Gill, Capt. Endicott, Sam-
uel Tucker, Ezekiel Fisher, Capt. Billings, Aaron
Wentworth, Esquire Crane, Dr. Holmes, John Hart-
STOUGHTON.
391
well, John Withington, Capt. Swan, William Shaller,
Wm. Capen, and Lieut. Johnson each offered to pay the
poll-tax for two men that would enter the service as
aforesaid. July 22, 1776, it was voted to assess six
pounds, six shillings, eightpence for each non-com-
missioned officer and soldier that shall enlist and
march to join the army against Canada; but if they
render service at or near Boston, then they are not to
have said sum or any part thereof.
On the 30th of September, 1778, action was taken |
relating to the formation of a new Constitution of the |
State. A resolution was passed sturdily declining to
empower the House of Representatives to enact a
plan of government, alleging as reasons that they were |
totally unacquainted with the capacities and patriot-
ism and character of the members that compose the
said House and Council, excepting our own member ;
also because they were not elected for that purpose,
and the present embarrassed state of public affairs calls
for the steady attention of every member of said
House.
They resolved to choose one or more mem- |
bers to unite with representatives from other towns |
for the sole purpose of adopting a plan of government.
They further resolved that it appeared to them abso-
lutely necessary for the liberty and safety of this
published, should not be established till the people of
this State have time and opportunity to thoroughly
examine the same, and shall consent that it be estab-
lished by the said State Convention.
On the 18th of February, 1777, it was voted to
give fourteen pounds to each soldier enlisting for
three years or the war.
held during this and the following year.
of May, 1778, most elaborate instructions were given
|
The history of nations shows that republics are a
short-lived family. The republics of Greece and
Rome, of Holland and France, of South America and
Mexico, have chiefly been conspicuous in their failure.
Our country is so large that, whatever superiority of
race on the part of early Anglo-Saxon settlers there
. may be, the rapid immigration invited from all parts
In the face
of the long list of failures, so unvarying that they
of the world would largely neutralize it.
seemed inevitable, what gave the founders of this re-
public courage to make another experiment ? Liberty
is seductive ; but liberty without law is merely license ;
the result is chaos ; and any attempt at self-government
ignobly fails when laws are not strictly enforced. A
small population in a compact territory affords the
most favorable chance for self-government ; but how
difficult to govern in the same way is a mighty nation,
extending over a large territory, pursuits divers, in-
terests conflicting, no intimate interchange of senti-
But even the small
population in a compact territory has failed to per-
ment one section with another.
petuate a republican form of government; how much
less likely to succeed would the large nation be.
Granted that the framers of the Constitution were
| wise, that they gave most careful research and study
State that the plan of government, when formed and |
to the great problem before them; granted that their
work was as admirable as human skill could make it,
still that would not have insured success. The reason
must be found elsewhere, and is this: that the de-
_ velopment of the people has kept pace with the foresee-
Numerous meetings were |
On the 28th |
to Thomas Crane, their representative, but as the cry |
among the ancient Romans was that Carthage must —
be destroyed, so the central purpose in all their in-
structions was a vigorous prosecution of the war. Es-
quire Crane was also directed to oppose the Constitu-
tion then offered, because it had no bill of rights for
its foundation, and was therefore inconsistent with the
happiness and safety of the public. The citations I
have made give but a very imperfect idea of the spirit
of patriotism and of self-sacrifice that is so conspicu-
ous in your town records of the Revolutionary period.
The intelligent comprehension of the principle of gov-
ernment, the jealous guardianship of liberty, their
self-reliance, the stern determination to resist oppres-
sion on the one hand and to secure and enforce all
proper restraints on the other, are remarkable. Stead-
fast purpose and unfaltering will breathe forth upon
every page.
ing wisdom of the fathers. This country has existed
as a republic largely because of the general diffusion
of education, the enlightenment of the masses, and
the circulation of the press; so that it is possible for
every citizen to become acquainted with current
events, and daily watch the progress of national
affairs. He is enabled to take a comprehensive view
of public questions, and thus overcome tendencies to
bigotry and prejudice. In this way the grard con-
summation has been reached, and in the words of ihe
martyr Lincoln, “a government by the people and for
the people” has become possible. It has been de-
monstrated that it can endure the trying ordeal of
success and prosperity. It has successfully encoun-
tered the enervating tendencies of wealth and luxury.
It has resisted effectually the disintegrating influ-
ences of conflicting interests, showing a cohesive
power without a parallel ; and in our late civil war, a
devotion hitherto apparently dormant, and therefore
unsuspected, was displayed pre-eminently; bravery
and self-sacrifice in the field, courage on the toilsome
and weary march, and heroic endurance in rebel
| prisons. How fully were realized and exemplified the
392
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
memorable words of Sir Philip Sidney, “ glorious is it
in a noble cause to bear its suffering and misery.”
And the bones of Northern men that have whitened
on battle-fields along the Mississippi, upon lonely
mountain sides on the low lands where the magnolia
blooms, “grieving if aught inanimate ever grieves
wT
over the unreturning brave,” and in the gloom of the |
wilderness where thousands, like the “ Light Brigade
at Balaklava,’ rushed into the very jaws of death,
bear testimony to the priceless value of our national
life.
One grand element that has contributed to the ex-
ample of self-government we present is the race to
which we belong.
come, and still are coming, from across the ocean
through our open gates constitute no small part of
I confess the multitudes that have —
the forty-four millions that to-day live under the na- |
tional flag. Yet Plymouth Rock receives homage
from every State, and the nucleus there formed has
assimilated in no small degree to itself the foreign
elements that have clustered around it. The Puritans,
of whom so many of you are lineal descendants, had —
ingrafted upon their robust natures and strong wills |
a love of liberty, and what they esteemed a pure re-
ligion, that no danger could appall nor sufferings
lessen. With rare fortitude they endured hardships
cheerfully that lay in the pathway of achievement.
I have too much respect for their judgment to sup-
pose that they courted hardships. I do not for a
moment presume they voluntarily chose the sterile
They
showed the good sense to elect the fertile valleys of
lands of Cape Cod for agricultural purposes.
the Hudson ; but a chance breeze and a bribed cap-
tain landed them on the icy shore of Plymouth.
Grim winter extended its cold arms to receive them ;
thirty savage tribes and an unbroken wilderness |
offered an impassable barrier to any overland route to
their place of destination ; but their courage never
faltered, for
“Amid the storms they rang,
And the stars heard, and the sea;
And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang
To the anthem of the free.’
And their religious enthusiasm inspired them in dan-
gers, in disease and death. How marvelous was the
courage of the early reformers !
When Martin Luther was summoned before the
Diet of Worms, and friends told him—what he well
knew—that if he went, it would be at the peril of his
gaged.
to the immortal words that rather than suffer it they
would tear up the dikes and give Holland back to the
ocean. Theodore Parker will not be suspected of
fondness for Calvinism; yet he declared that out of
the rugged doctrine of John Calvin had developed the
And what sol-
I claim that the army of
Oliver Cromwell was the finest the world ever saw;
an army that was always successful, so that upon sight
of the enemy they raised a shout of joy, for battle
to them meant victory.
grandest virtue of the human race.
diers its disciples made!
Uniting perfect discipline
with religious zeal, they fought under a firm convic-
tion of duty.
of a true soldier when he learned that it was the
Marshal Turenne expressed the delight
fashion of Cromwell’s pikemen to rejoice greatly when
they beheld the enemy; and the banished cavaliers
could not repress an emotion of national pride when
they saw a brigade of their roundhead countrymen,
_ outnumbered by foes and abandoned by allies, drive
before it in headlong rout the finest infantry of Spain,
and force a passage into fortifications pronounced im-
pregnable by the ablest marshal of France,—snatch-
ing victory from the very jaws of defeat. To such
men liberty to act according to their own conscience
was dearer than life; and the qualities that made them
eminent in war also made them conspicuous in peace.
According to Macaulay, when they were disbanded,
the royalists’ confessed that in every department of
honest industry these warriors prospered beyond other
men ; that none was charged with theft, that none
was heard to ask an alms, and that if a baker, a ma-
son, or a wagoner attracted notice by his diligence and
sobriety, he was in all probability one of Cromwell’s
old soldiers.
War is demoralizing, and in no respect more
strikingly than in its effect upon the soldiers en-
Moral firmness alone can transform the in-
mates of camps and the veterans of battle-fields into
the peaceful and industrious citizen, and our own
soldiers, both in the Revolution and the late war,
clearly betrayed their ancestral traits in their return
to the vocations of daily life.
The Puritans and their descendants, by virtue of
this quality of courage, of fortitude, of intelligent in-
dustry, prospered in spite of sterility of soil. Their
thrift prevailed over natural disadvantages. They
_ grappled with the forests, and with brawny arms
life, he answered, “Were there as many devils as |
And when
Catholicism combined to crush out Protestantism from
tiles upon the housetops, I would go.”
the Netherlands, William of Orange gave utterance ©
overthrew them, and such was their persuasive en-
ergy that they converted sand and rock into fertility.
And when the West disclosed its vast superiority of
soil, instead of deserting the homes of their fathers
for the fairer promise towards the setting sun, they
supplemented the sinewy arm by the active and in-
er SN ef Se
oe:
STOUGHTON.
393
'
ventive brain, and manufactories sprang up filled
with cunning machinery, so that the hum of indus-
try filled the land.
nodded in the wind and the wild fox dug his hole
unscared,” evidences of civilization appear on every
side.
While race has contributed to the permanence of
our institutions, education, as I have before indicated,
in the broadest sense is the great bulwark.
the primeval rocks to the sea, it underlies and over-
tops them. By it the experience of the past has been
‘Where once the rank thistle |
|
|
floated again and again upon a sea of blood. We
remember with sorrow the misfortunes of Lafayette,
Kosciusko, and Kossuth ; we admire individual gal-
lantry like that of Arnold von Winkelreid, of glorious
memory, who threw himself on the spears of his
_ country’s enemies,—
Like |
fully utilized and an approximation to the true stand-
ard of self-government been reached, for, as it means
a government by the people, therefore whatever |
broadens their knowledge increases their capacity
for statesmanship.
come to us in life take deeper root; they widen
We learn to use that which
otherwise would be valueless, as the best appliances in
By education all things that
their significance.
tools and machinery are valueless without the skill
to detect and employ them. Instances are recorded
of self-taught men who have, unaided, forced their
way into the laboratory of nature, who read the un-
written language of things, who discover truths in >
the melody of birds, in the sighing winds, who read
it in the beauty that trails along the tall grass, and is
radiant in leaf and flower; men who go beyond the
surface of things, beyond the defined limits of human
knowledge into untrodden space, and, as has been
said, sharpen their eyes until they see into the earth
and lengthen their arms until they reach the stars.
But these exceptions are rare; few of us have time
or inclination to investigate. We act upon what is
told us, what we read, what we learn. The tables of
education must be spread for us, or we are likely to
lose our intellectual nourishment. Our fathers rec-
ognized its importance. After providing for their
spiritual welfare by securing a good orthodox minis-
ter, they gave next their attention to the schoolmas-
ter, and the modest school-house found place wherever
the early settlers dwelt.
The third element that secures to us a republican
form of government is a love of liberty, freedom to
manage our national affairs whether they relate to
civil or religious questions, and by common consent,
since our fathers recovered from the mania of hang-
ing Quakers and drowning witches, religious toleration
has prevailed.
the spirit is to the body, animating and inspiring it.
Not stronger among Americans than among othe:
races. We cannot forget the frantic struggle of
Poland and Hungary to be free. We cannot forget
how France in her ill-fated but heroic efforts has
Love of liberty is to the republic what |
“Make way for liberty !’ he cried;
“Make way for liberty !’ and died.”’
And we are inspired by the burning words of Roger
De Lisle,—
“Oh, liberty, can man resign thee,
Once having felt thy glorious flame ;
Can tyrants’ laws or bolts confine thee,
And thus thy noble spirit tame 7”
words which not only kindled the torch of freedom
in France, but wherever the spirit of independence
dwelt.
or literature have created the sensation that other
races have, yet they have been eminently practical ;
their success has been due to the fact that they have
But while Americans may not either in deeds
never lost their head in their struggles for liberty.
Victories did not unreasonably elate nor defeat unduly
depress. '
I am mindful that your anniversary and the
nation’s anniversary occur at a season of depression
and want; that while commercial gloom settles over
our large cities, in the country villages the wheels of
manufactories are stopped and labor begs in vain for
employment, but we realize to-day how much greater
trials our fathers endured and how bravely they en-
dured them, and we know that they received their re-
ward in blessings that crowned their days. We know
that behind the black cloud that overhangs us the
imperial sun walks in splendor, and we know that we
dwell in a country that has all the elements of success
and prosperity, and therefore the future must be se-
cure. And over your past it is fitting that you should
rejoice; that you should have accomplished so much ;
that such energy has been displayed; that religion
and education should have received such generous
support from your hands. Splendid promise so often
results in splendid failure, that when a great work or
a good work is fairly accomplished congratulation is
in order, and not tillthen. And it is said the ancients
wisely praised not that ship that started with flying
colors from port, but only that brave sailor that came
back with torn sheets and battered sides, stripped of
her banners, but having outridden the storm. Doubt
not that in days of disaster relief is at hand. Judge
the future by the past. Distrust not humanity be-
cause man is false and shouts for reform while he
practices knavery, for if the heart of the people was
not right and honest, professions of virtue would not
394
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
be necessary and successful in securing trusts only to
betray them.
The season is auspicious for your festivities. The
benediction of a summer sky bends above our heads,
and the perfection of midsummer splendor lies at our
feet. All nature is in harmony with the occasion.
Her deep green and rich bloom lend us the choicest |
decorations.
we believe that our national life is but just begun ;
Though one hundred years have gone,
that the republic shall endure when the very stones
over our graves have crumbled to dust; that the flag
that waves above us to-day shall float as long as the
earth bears a plant or the sea rolls a wave; and when
a century hence the people of this ancient town meet
to celebrate their own anniversary, the second centen-
nial of the republic, while they proclaim the valor and
the patriotism of the fathers of freedom in this land,
they will also remember with pride this generation,
and your children’s children will be cheered and in-
spired by your deeds and your memories ‘as after
sunset the dew revives the world.”
OR APT ER XX XOLT
STOUGHTON—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History—Universalist Church—Congregational
Church—Methodist Episcopal Church—Roman _ Catholic
Church—Methodist Episcopal Church, North Stoughton—
Baptist Church, East Stoughton.
Universalist Church.'—There are tablets in the
church belonging to the parish in Stoughton, one on
either side of the pulpit, which present its history in
brief. Perhaps these tablets may be a sufficient his-
tory for some; they at least suggest all that need be
said in a more extended account as may properly be
presented at the beginning of this article. The one
on the right of the pulpit reads as follows:
“ Virst Parish.
Church organized Aug. 10, a.p. 1744.
First Church, completed May 23, a.p. 1745.
Second Church, dedicated June 2, a.p. 1808.
Altered a.p. 1848.
Xemodeled and enlarged a.p. 1870.”
On the left of the pulpit appears the ministerial
succession of the church:
** Pastors.
Rey. Jedediah Adams.
Ordained Feb. 19, a.p. 1746.
Died Feb. 25, a.p. 1799.
1 By Rey. C. R. Tenney.
Rey. Edward Richmond, D.D.
Ordained Dee. 5, A.p. 1792.
Resigned Jan. 15, a.p. 1817.
Rev. Ebenezer Gay.
Ordained Jan. 7, A.p. 1818.
Resigned Julv 9, a.p. 1822.
Rev. William L. Stearns.
Ordained Noy. 21, a.p. 1827.
Resigned March 30, A.p. 1831.
Rey. M. B. Ballou.
Settled April 17, a.p. 1831.
Resigned April 1, A.p. 1853.
Rey. James W. Dennis.
Settled April 1, a.p. 1854.
Died Dec. 12, a.p. 1863.
Rey. A. St. John Chambré.
Installed April 1, a.p. 1864.
Resigned April 1, A.p. 1872.
Rey. Joseph K. Mason.
Ordained Dee. 10, A.p. 1873.
Resigned Dee. 25, a.p. 1875.” 2
Rev. H. B. Smith.
Settled April 24, a.p. 1876.
Resigned Nov. 30, a.p. 1879.
Rev. C. R. Tenney.
Settled Sept. 1, a.p. 1882.
The history of the parish antedates that of the
church. It begins Nov. 9, 1743, with a petition to
“his Excellency, William Shirley, Esq., Capt"-Gen-
eral and Governour-in-Chief in and over his Majesty’s
Province, to the Honorables, his Majesty’s Council
_and Representatives, in General Court assembled,”
for a division of the First Precinct of the town of
Stoughton. This petition was urged by George
Talbot, Simon Stearns, and Ralf Pope, the reason
for it being, as set forth by the petitioners, “the vast
difficulties both with regard to the public worship of
God and the management of the affairs of the Precinct
to which we belong, on account of the great distance
_ many of us live from the place of public worship, it
being almost seven miles.” The “place of public
worship” here referred to was what is now the Uni-
tarian Church at Canton Corner.
petitioners was granted on the day on which it was
The prayer of the
_ preferred, and thus—what is now Canton being the
first, and what is now Sharon being the second—was
the Third Precinct in Stoughton incorporated. The
| first meeting of the new precinct was held Dee. 12,
1843, at the house of Capt. George Talbot.
| George Talbot was elected clerk, and he, with Simon
Capt.
Stearns and Ralf Pope, constituted the first prudential
committee. At this meeting a vote was passed to
raise forty pounds for preaching ‘the present year
and the year ensuing as far as it will go.” Ata
meeting held December 26th it was voted to build a
2 The tablet is not lettered from this point. When complete
' what follows will be the history.
STOUGHTON.
395
meeting-house, forty-five by thirty-five, on land given
for the purpose by Daniel Talbot. The church was
incorporated Aug. 10,1744. About a month later
a call was extended to Mr. Thomas Jones to become
pastor. The precinct seems to have concurred with
the church only so far as to hire Mr. Jones for three
months. When the church was completed does not
appear, but it was ready for a service of baptism May
23,1745. On the 6th day of September following it
was unanimously voted to call Mr. Jedediah Adams,
of Braintree (now Quincy), to the pastorate of the
church, three hundred pounds old tenor being al-
lowed “for his settling with us, as also for a salary,
yearly, of one hundred and eighty pounds.” Later
twenty cords of wood per year were added to the
salary, and it was voted that the pay should vary
with variances in the price of corn and meat in the
Boston market. Mr. Adams’ pastorate began Jan.
5, 1746, though the ordination did not take place
until February 19th.
There is not very much to be noted during the pas- |
torate of Mr. Adams except the general and very
even prosperity of the precinct. In 1765 the Third
Precinct became the Second, the Second having be- |
come a separate town—Sharon. At a meeting held
April 10, 1782, move was made for another division
of the town, and Thomas Crane, Maj. Robert Sevan,
Capt. Jedediah Southworth, Capt. Peter Talbot, and |
Capt. James Pope were appointed a committee to
consult as to the necessary measures to be taken. By
their recommendations petitions were presented to the
town and to the General Court, but were refused. At
the same meeting a committee was appointed to “ in-
spect y° conduct of y° people on y* Lord’s days, and
call those by name in time of divine service, that pro-
fane the Lord’s day.” If the precinct could manage the
Court it could manage its own members. The money
with which the people now had to deal was perplexing
to them ; one treasurer's report they were not able to
understand until it was translated into silver currency.
Then a balance of over twenty-four hundred pounds
became only thirty-two pounds, one silver dollar being |
| chosen deacons of the church.
worth seventy-five of those in circulation. In 1785 the
precinct received a bequest of land, enlarging the
church lot from Christopher Wadsworth. At about
this time a committee, consisting of Samuel Talbot, |
Jedediah Southworth, and Joshua Morse, recom- |
mended that for the future the town raise all the |
ance upon divine service. Now denominational difficul-
money for the purpose of schooling and that none be
raised by the precinct.
Adams’ health began to fail, for it was voted at the
March meeting of the precinct ‘to be in a way to_
On May 28th it was voted to give | buttonwood-trees still standing on the chureh green.
settle a minister.”
: |
It seems that in 1792 Mr.
' ments and feeble health.
Mr. Edward Richmond a call to the work of the
gospel ministry. Mr. Richmond’s letter of accept-
ance shows him to have been a man of pious senti-
He invokes the blessing of
God upon himself and people, and the indulgence of
frequent exchanges in his ministry. The ordination
was appointed to take place on the 28th of November.
Thanksgiving being appointed on the next day, the
ordination was postponed until December 5th, when
Rev. Edward Richmond became the colleague of the
aged Mr. Adams. Final settlement was not made
with Mr. Adams until 1795, when forty pounds were
offered him for a discharge in full for his services as
a minister.
more than this, yet, “‘ consulting ye best interest of ye
parish, and wishing to have them in peace and har-
mony,” he satisfied himself with the offer. Mr. Adams
lived, and was practically senior pastor of the parish,
until Feb. 25, 1799. Then, in his eighty-ninth year,
and the fifty-third of his pastorate, occurred his death.
Having received the honors of Harvard University in
1733, and having constantly added by “ natural inquis-
itiveness”’ to his store, he must have served his charge
Though the amount due him was much
with a large knowledge, as well as with a pure char-
acter.
death, ‘‘ Constitutionally mild and benevolent, he was
easily formed to a candid and liberal mode of think-
His colleague wrote of him at the time of his
ing. His manners soft, modest, and unassuming, re-
ceived the finishing touch of genuine politeness. It
may be truly said of him that he was learned without
pedantry, polite without affectation, moral without
austerity, pious without superstition, and devout with-
out enthusiasm.”
It is a pity that during the pastorate of Mr. Adams
no church record was kept so as to be now available ;
only the incorporation of the church, and the first
church covenant, the covenant of the Congregational
Churches in general, with the names of twenty-four
signers, are in the old church book. The church
record, as preserved, really begins with the call o
Rev. Mr. Richmond, dated May 28,1792. In 1795
Lieut. Roger Sumner and Lieut. John Holmes were
In 1799, probably on
the incorporation of Canton, the second precinct be-
came the parish in Stoughton. In 1797 the treas-
urer’s report is for the first time in dollars and cents.
The church is looking after absentees, and clothing
those unable suitably to clothe themselves for attend-
ties begin to arise, the Methodists claiming the money
of some taxables in the regular precinct church. A
movement is made for the protection of the ancient
396
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Thus early the spirit of the “ Improvement Society” | 1808, Rev. Nehemiah Coye (Methodist) demanded the
appears. A church member, Jeremiah Vose, is dealt
with mercifully for intoxication and profanity. At
the parish meeting a man is chosen “ to see that the
women stow clost in the seats in the meeting-house on
Sunday.”
In 1798 and 1799 resort was had to law by other
denominations, Methodists and Baptists, to secure the
money of some taxes in the parish church. Dr.
Peter Adams, Capt. Samuel Talbot, Capt. John
Pope, Mr. Shephard, and Lieut.
Atherton were chosen to defend the parish.
defense seems to have been successful, only as
Samuel
Their
much
taxes of members of the parish. It was finally voted
that the taxes of Stephen Briggs and Jacob Monk be
paid over to said Coye, and that the taxes of these
gentlemen be remitted, and they be left out of the
parish bills in the future so long as they remain steady
members of the Methodist society, and help support
aregular Methodist minister. In this year the church
passed a vote inviting the sisters to stop when any
_ business was to be transacted after divine service.
John |
!
being allowed these other denominations as the com-
mittee on public worship was willing to allow. In
1800, Mr. Richmond, reminding the parish of the de-
preciation in the value of money since his settlement, |
asks with manliness and modesty for an increase in |
his salary.
not permanently advanced until 1816, though from
year to year money was voted him in addition to it.
about. It was difficult for the parish to agree as to
In spite of this request the salary was
This courtesy seems almost to have been induced by
service rendered. The ladies had made a generous
contribution toward furnishing and trimming the new
pulpit. The church was formally accepted by the
parish May 23d, and dedicated June 2d. Before the
dedication it was desirable that the green should re-
ceive attention. It was voted that the people be
notified when to work, that the work be done gratis,
and ‘that the parish be at the cost of their grog.
About this time it was voted ‘to give up the pews
_ over the westerly stairs to the blacks or people of
In 1801 a new meeting-house began to be talked |
the house, and before 1805, when the job was given |
into the hands of Mr. Richmond, builder, of Middle- |
borough, the pews were sold three times. The fourth
sale stood, and plans were made for a house fifty-
eight by fifty-eight feet, to be built at a cost of seven
thousand five hundred dollars. A quarter of an
acre of land was now given the parish by Mrs.
Abigail, widow of Lemuel Drake.
main body of the church now stands, the most
of the former bequest by Lieut. Daniel Talbot
being included in the yard in front of the church.
The church lot, containing one acre and twenty-
In 1802 the sing-
ing of the psalm. or hymn, “in separate parts,”
three rods, was now complete.
continued, and the regular singers—the present
musical society—were invited to assist at such service.
and received from Mr. Ephraim Copeland, of Boston,
“an elegant quarto Bible for the use of the sanctuary.
It was then voted that in future a portion of sacred
Seripture be read as a book of publick worship.” In
Lemuel Drake. This property is still held by the
In 1806,
July 2d, 3d, and 4th, the meeting-house was raised.
In 1807 the bell and clock were placed, and it was
voted that the bell should be rung, as now, at nine
society, and is known as the Chemung lot.
o clock Sunday mornings for regular church services,
and tolled on the death of members of the parish. In
color until March.” For several years, now, things
go on pleasantly and prosperously. In 1813 a sermon
of Mr. Richmond’s was asked for publication, and a
committee was appointed to ask him not to preach
politics in the pulpit either on Sundays or days of
_ thanksgiving or fasting.
In 1815 Watts’ Hymn-
Book was displaced by Belknap’s. In 1816 the
| society seems, for the first time, to have a stove for
_the church,—a present from William Austin.
Upon this the
In
December, 1816, difficulties growing beyond hope of
adjustment, Mr. Richmond sent in his letter of resig-
nation. The reason for this action was, he said, that
it had “long been evident that the labors of others
were more acceptable.” It is doubtless true that some
_of his parishioners desired a change in the pastorate,
_ yet this desire cannot have been as general as he
by the deacon at the service of communion was dis-
imagined. Buta short time before twenty pounds had
been permanently added to his salary, and now his
_ resignation was accepted reluctantly,—at the first vote
In 1803 the church stopped after sacramental lecture, —
it was not accepted. Finally a committee, appointed
to consult with Mr. Richmond, “ with great reluct-
_ance’’ advised the acceptance of his resignation, and
_ he was dismissed.
The council which was called to
ratify his dismission, expressions. of the society re-
1805 the parish received a farm, the bequest of |
corded and traditionary, together with such works of
his as are now available, bear testimony that he was a
Whatever dissatis-
faction existed was not on account of these things.
Neither was it on account of Mr. Richmond’s the-
ology, though in the unsettled condition of opinion
in those times there may have been some who objected
to him on this score.
man of character and ability.
The opposition was chiefly
eee es
STOUGHTON.
397
political, without doubt, and had been growing since present Congregationalist society in this town. Mr.
the time when he was asked not to preach politics. | Gay carried the church records with him to his new
January 15th Mr. Richmond’s pastorate came to an
end. In September of the same year, Mr. Ebenezer
Gay, of Walpole, was called; after some discussion
and variation of the conditions of the case, Mr. Gay
accepted it, and was ordained Jan. 7, 1818. The
church voted that strangers of regular standing in
any denomination be invited to stay to communion.
In May, 1819, the church voted it ‘‘ inexpedient any
longer to require of candidates for admission a par-
There
was an article in the warrant this year to “see if it
is the will of the parish that Mr. Thaddeus Pomroy be
debarred from preaching again in the meeting-house
in Stoughton until he makes acknowledgment for
once and again insulting and disturbing the society in
said house.”
In 1820 dissatisfaction with Rev. Mr. Gay begins
to appear. Repeated endeavors were made to have
him dismissed until 1822, when conditions were made
with him and his pastorate immediately terminated.
ticular confession of antecedent immoralities.”’
The reason for dissatisfaction was his strict Calvinism.
Opposition to liberal views was carried so far under
him that formal complaints were made against those
who revealed sympathies for Methodism, and a Uni-
versalist, Mr. Samuel Bird, was excommunicated.
The church was not used to such severe interpreta-
tions and applications of theology. According to
those whose opinion is of worth in the matter, it had
inherited no such theology from the mother church,
now the Unitarian in Canton. The first pastor, a
member of the liberal Adams family in Quincy, and
predisposed, as Dr. Richmond has shown us from his
very make up, ‘to a candid and liberal mode of
thinking,” did not certainly cultivate in the church
any such views. And Dr. Richmond himself was
liberal, becoming afterwards, if he was not now, a pro-
fessed Unitarian. The church had not been used to
such theology as that presented by Mr. Gay. That
was the reason, doubtless, why he was dropped so
quickly. And that he was thus dropped is another
evidence that the church had not been schooled to
such views. In 1821 seventy-eight members were
reported as in good and regular standing in the church. —
On July 3, 1822, nine of these were present at a
meeting at which a majority of seven voted to sepa-—
rate themselves “and hold public worship in such
places as Providence may from time to time direct.” |
These, with others who were gathered to them, and
led by Rev. Mr. Gay, first held their services in a hall
over what is now Swan’s store, corner of Washington
and Wyman Streets, and were the beginning of the
movement. ‘They were recovered some years after-
wards by the First Church. It was some time after the
separation before the parish settled upon a pastor.
There seems to have been a short pastorate, beginning
in 1824 and continuing a little past the annual parish
meeting, in 1825, which bas found no mention on
our tablet. The minister was Mr. Ephraim Randall.
During this time some who had gone away showed a
disposition to return, and a committee was chosen to
confer with them. A vote was passed in 1825 to
raise three hundred dollars for the ensuing year, three-
fourths to be for Unitarian and one-fourth for Univer-
salist preaching. In 1826 it was voted to have eight
Unitarian and four months Universalist
In 1827 it was voted to inform the Uni-
tarian association of ‘ the penniless condition of the
church,” and ask for help. October 8th, Mr. Wm.
L. Stearns was invited to settle over the parish for
five years, at four hundred and fifty dollars per year.
Mr. Stearns accepted the call, and was ordained No-
vember 21st. The next year the parish received help
to the amount of one hundred and fifty dollars from
the Evangelical Missionary Society. For the first
time apparently the church was insured this year,—
amount, three thousand dollars. On Dee. 13, 1830,
a vote was passed to dismiss Rev. Mr. Stearns from
the pastorate, ‘‘ his religious sentiments not agreeing
with the majority of the society.”
months
preaching.
Mr. Stearns was
Unitarian, the prevailing sentiment was Universalist,
and Rey. Massena B. Ballou, who still lives in town,
and who had been invited to the pastorate before Mr.
Stearns’ settlement, was again called, and immediately
became pastor. The Unitarians now separated them-
selves from the parish, and started a society of their
own. It was not long, however, before they were
back in the old church. The history of the parish
under Mr. Ballou’s administration shows steady pros-
perity. In 1832 a new bell was purchased, Lemuei
Gay, Jonathan Linfield, and Wm. 8. Belcher being
In 1834, voted that the
inhabitants of East Stoughton have their proportion
of the preaching. April 23, 1835, a new and dis-
tinctively Universalist covenant, or ‘“‘ church agree-
ment,” was adopted, and shortly after a constitution
for the government of the church. Brother Robert
Porter, Jr., and Brother Albert Johnson were elected
deacons.
In 1830 the church devotes the interest of its
funds to the purchase of a Sunday-school library. At
this time fifty-three members had joined the church
In 1840 the church gave
the committee to obtain it.
and signed the covenant.
398
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
its fund of two hundred and forty-four dollars to help
pay a little parish debt.
Capen was elected in his place.
motion of Amasa Southworth, a vote was passed open-
ing the house to temperance meetings when it should
be sought for them.
to General Convention, and the church began to feel
the strength of membership in a larger organization. |
In 1848 the parish found itself strong enough to re-_
model the church, at an expense of fifteen hundred |
dollars.
meetings in, and the vestry, called from that time |
This year the pews be- |
Chemung Hall, was created.
gan to be let at auction. In 1853, as he writes at
the time, “after an agreeable and happy connection
of twenty-two years,’ Mr. Ballou closed his pastorate |
The reason for his withdrawal was |
with the parish.
poor health. The committee appointed to draw up
resolutions in view of Mr. Ballou’s resignation bore |
unqualified testimony to his usefulness in the minis- |
try, and his manly, Christian conduct everywhere.
In their loss of a pastor, they had the best comfort
possible to them, in the fact that the friend would re-
main with them,—their neighbor still and fellow-
worker. LHighty-four years old, Mr. Ballou is still a
valued member of the parish, interested as ever in its
work, and comforted by its faith.
W. Dennis was called to the pastorate. Brother Al-
bert Johnson was chosen deacon, and it was voted to |
celebrate communion the first Sunday in each month. |
:
In 1855, Mr. Dennis seems to have been kept from
his pulpit by sickness. A record in the parish book
is something of an index to the feeling which existed
toward him at the time.
rant “‘to see if the parish will authorize their treas-
urer to pay Rev. J. W. Dennis his salary for the quar-
ter ending June 30th. Voted ‘yes’ unanimously.”
In 1856 movement was first made for an organ.
The organ was not procured until the next year, and
the final report of the committee, rejoicing in the
liberality of the parish and exulting chiefly in the fact |
“that now the organ speaks for itself,’’ was not made |
until 1858.
rially, nothing of particular note took place until 1863,
Steadily gaining, spiritually and mate-
when Mr. Dennis, on account of sickness, banded in
his resignation. Though willing to grant all neces-
sary time for the treatment of his troubles, the parish
was not willing to accept his resignation.
In 1841 Deacon Johnson |
requested dismission from the deaconate, and Thomas |
In the next year, on |
In 1843 candidates were elected |
The upper part was finished off to hold |
In 1854, Rev. J. |
An article was in the war- |
On |
the committee appointed over this business were |
Jesse Holmes, James Hill, Jr., Alanson Belcher, |
James Atherton, Luther Leach, James Swan, Albert |
Dickerman, S. W. Hayden, and Wm. 8S. Belcher. |
They did |
not accept it. Hven though they buried him before
the end of the year, they never accepted his resigna-
tion. They hold him among them now, and he works
for them, making them better when they think of
him. In 1864 Rey. A. St. John Chambré became
pastor. In 1865 the afternoon service was dropped
and the Sunday-school was held at the hour devoted
to it. The success of Mr. Chambré’s pastorate at this
stage appears in the improved state of the finances of
the parish. From twelve hundred dollars the first
year the minister's salary was easily advanced to two
thousand the third, and in the sixth (1870) the par-
ish was able to remodel its church at a cost of over
This amount was paid
within a little over two thousand dollars when the
work was done, and the parish found itself in posses-
sion of a most comfortable, appropriate, and beautiful
The committee who had this
work in charge were composed of the following gen-
tlemen: Luther 8. Leach, Horace N. Tucker, Robert
Porter, Jr., James Atherton, J. F. Ellis, Henry
Ward, Rev. Mr. Chambré. In 1872, by the death
of the clerk, the parish lost its organization, and ap-
eleven thousand dollars.
temple of worship.
peal had to be made to a justice before a meeting
could be called.
April 1st of this year, after nine years of able and suc-
Mr. Chambré resigned his pastorate
cessful service. In highly eulogistic resolutions the
parish has put on record its appreciation of him and
In 1873 Joseph K. Masson, while yeta
No event of par-
ticular moment marks the period of his stay. Young,
his service.
student, was called to the pastorate.
inexperienced as the new minister was, his ability was
yet equal to holding the society up to the high stan-
dard to which it had been raised, until, in 1875, he
was reluctantly surrendered to a persistent society in
In April following Rev. H. B. Smith
With
good ability and the hearty co-operation of the people,
Connecticut.
was unanimously invited to the pastorate.
the promise of Mr. Smith’s success seemed bright.
By his efforts, apparently, the parish membership was
He rendered the society
good service in raising the debt of about three thou-
sand dollars in 1879. On account of domestic trouble,
however, he was obliged to resign in November of this
year. ‘he troubles of the minister were the misfor-
tune of the society as well, and this, with two years
considerably increased.
of candidating and the loss of a few strong men by
With good
congregations and a large Sunday-school, it is yet
strong, however, and hopes for further growth. The
pastor is Rev. C. R. Tenney, settled Sept. 1, 1882.
Among names prominent through all the history of
death, materially depleted its strength.
the society, and still connected with it, are Atherton,
resort
STOUGHTON.
399
Monk, and Talbot. The first clerk of church and |
parish was a Talbot. The present clerk of the parish, —
who has held the office with one short break since |
1845, is Jabez Talbot, of the same family. Very |
early other names appear, among which are Capen, |
Southworth, Gay, Bird, Drake, Swan, Johnson, Wales, ©
Belcher, Holmes, Crane, and Paul. These names have
given the parish its prosperity. It surely shall not |
want prosperity while they remain.
The records of the parish are the main source of |
this sketch. These records have been remarkably
well kept by the following list of clerks: George Tal-
bot, succeeded in 1746 by Capt. Preserved Capen ;
succeeded in 1758 by David Capen; succeeded in
1769 by Benjamin Bird; succeeded in 1770 by
Robert Capen ; succeeded in 1771 by David Capen ;
succeeded in 1790 by Andrew Capen; succeeded in
1793 by Peter Adams; succeeded in 1797 by Seth
Morton; succeeded in 1800 by Abram Capen; suc-
ceeded in 1805 by Jedediah Atherton; succeeded
the same year by Seth Morton; succeeded in 1807
by George Monk; succeeded in 1808 by Richard
Talbot; succeeded in 1810 by Jonathan Battles ;
succeeded in 1812 by Solomon Talbot; succeeded in
1814 by John Toy; succeeded in 1816 by Elijah
Atherton ; succeeded in 1818 by Abner Drake; suc-
ceeded in 1821 by Jeremiah Capen; succeeded in
1822 by Israel Guild; succeeded in 1823 by Elijah |
Atherton ; succeeded in 1826 by James Swan; suc-
ceeded in 1830 by Ahira Porter; succeeded in 1831
by Enos Talbot; succeeded in 1845 by Jabez Talbot,
Jr.; succeeded in 1867 by F. B. Upham; succeeded
in 1871 by Luther Leach ; succeeded in 1875 by Jabez
Talbot, Jr.
Congregational Church.'—The present church
organization is the result of a division in the old
church, which occurred in 1822. At this time a
majority of the society and a minority of the church
became interested in Unitarian and Universalist doc- |
trines. The majority of the church holding to the
orthodox faith withdrew, and thus left the property
We find the
early records filled with the account of this separation
This,
however, is now only a matter of historical interest to
either society, and they exist side by side with the
utmost good feeling.
The following is a list of pastors of the old church
before the separation in 1822:
Rev. Thomas Jones, of Dorchester, was called to
the pastorate Sept. 1, 1744.
in the possession of the other party.
and the controversies that grew out of it.
His stay could not have
1 By Rev. C. L. Rotch.
been over one year, and it does not appear that he was
ever installed.
Rev. Jedediah Adams was called to the pastorate
Sept. 6, 1745, and installed Jan. 31, 1746.
Rev. Edward Richmond was called to the pastorate
May 28, 1792, installed Dec. 5, 1792, and was dis-
missed, at his request, Jan. 5, 1817.
Rev. Ebenezer Gay was called to the pastorate
Sept. 21, 1817, installed Jan. 7, 1818, continued in
office until the separation, in 1822, when he was regu-
larly dismissed, and then ministered to the orthodox
party for some time.
There were seventy-eight members of the church
in 1821, one year before the separation, twenty-seven
males and fifty-one females.
Nathan Drake and Samuel Tolman were deacons of
the church, and remained with the orthodox party
after the separation.
The church met July 1, 1822, and appointed a day
of “ fasting, humiliation, and prayer” on account of the
difficulties of their situation. It was also voted at
this time to call a council to advise in regard to the
dismission of the pastor and the settlement of the diffi-
culties which threatened such evil to the church. At
the close of the public religious services of this day
of fasting, a meeting of the church was called at the
house of the pastor, at which the following motion,
brought forward by Deacon Drake and laid upon the
table at a former meeting, was passed, seven voting
in the affirmative and two in the negative:
‘“* In consequence of the exertions which have been
made of late, by certain persons in this place, to de-
prive us of the enjoyment of gospel privileges and the
dispensation of those doctrines which are according
to our belief and profession, in separating from us our
present pastor; and this with the proposed design to
substitute in the room thereof a more liberal and
loose kind of preaching! Be it voted by this church
that it is expedient for us to associate and form our-
selves into a religious society, with certain other per-
sons in this place who may be disposed to unite with
us for the purpose of maintaining the gospel accord-
ing to the principles and practices of our forefathers,
who came to this country for the sake of establishing
a church founded upon Christ and Him crucitied ;
and of maintaining and defending the doctrine of
grace, and that we henceforth hold public worship in
such places as Providence may from time to time
direct.” A council was called which approved the
action of the church, while regretting that difficulties
had arisen rendering the division necessary. We
find at this time that Dr. ‘* Watts’ Psalm and Hymns”
| were reintroduced.
400
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The church first met for worship at the house |
of Mr. Daniel Hayward, now Mr. Swan’s store.
‘There in an upper room the church held their first |
communion after the separation, and there their be-
loved pastor preached to them his farewell sermon
from Acts xx. 25.”
worship in “a commodious hall” in the store belong-
ing to Mr. William Holbrook. Here they continued
until their new church was built and dedicated June
1, 1825.
After a few months they met for
and spiritual, we do as a church hereby solemnly re-
solve that we will abstain wholly from the use of
them, except as a medicine; that we will not provide
them either for company, or for those who may be
engaged in our employment, and that we will make
exertions to suppress both the use and the traffic of
them throughout the community.”
Dr. Park resigned the pastoral office May 24, 1840,
but at the request of the church he continued with
The dedicatory sermon was preached by
Rev. Ebenezer Gay, the church never having been in |
a condition to settle a new pastor.
The church re- |
cord their gratitude to the neighboring ministers and |
churches, and also to the Domestic Missionary Society
for financial aid. They were blessed with the labors
of a number of devoted ministers. Among these was
Mr. Job Cushman, during whose labors the church
was blessed with ‘a small revival, but however small,
a greater one than was ever known in the town be-
?
fore.’
| to the pastor.
Rev. Calvin Park, D.D., was invited to supply the |
pulpit in May, 1825, and in October of the same year
was called to the pastorate, which invitation he ac-
cepted. A council was called for his installation, and
convened Dec. 13, 1826. This was an exceedingly
large and able council, consisting of eighteen churches. |
In this installation Rev. John Ferguson, of Eust At-
ard S. Storrs, of Braintree, made the installing prayer ;
Rey. Elisha Fish, of Wrentham, gave the charge to
the pastor ; Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, of Dedham, gave
the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. William Cogs-
well made the address to the people.
The weekly prayer-meeting, to be held in different |
parts of the society, was instituted by vote of the
church March 25,.1827. On May 13th of the same
year the Sabbath-school was opened and Mr. Samuel
He hay-
Tolman chosen as the first superintendent.
ing declined to serve, the pastor was elected Oct. 15, |
1829. The church adopted the articles of faith and
covenant of the church of Dedham instead of that
under which they were originally organized.
The church voted, Nov. 20, 1831, to hold a pro- |
tracted meeting. Those mectings were well attended,
and resulted in great good. ‘Thirty persons seem to
have united with the church as the result of those
meetings. The church took the following action on
temperance July 19,1832: “ As the friends of God
are at the present time making great efforts to pre-
them until his successor was chosen.
At a council held Nov. 4, 1840, Dr. Park was dis-
missed, and Rev. Henry Eddy, who had been called
by the church, was installed. Seven churches united
in this council. In the installing services, Rev. Paul
Couch, of North Bridgewater, made the introductory
prayer. Rev. R. 8S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree,
preached the sermon. Rey. Calvin Hitchcock, D.D.,
of Randolph, made the installing prayer. Rev. Eb-
enezer Burgess, D.D., of Dedham, gave the charge
Rey. Edward Cleveland, of Stoneham,
gave the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. D. A.
Grosvener made a concluding prayer. Friday, Jan. 1,
1841, was observed as a day of fasting, on account of
the low state of religion. These days of fasting were
often appointed by the church.
Some difficulty having arisen in regard to Rev.
| Henry Eddy’s dismission, he requested the church to
tleboro’, made the introductory prayer; Rev. Dr. Em- |
mond, of Franklin, preached the sermon ; Rev. Rich- |
These
matters were afterwards satisfactorily adjusted, and
he was regularly dismissed by a council held Aug.
unite with him in calling a mutual council.
| 13, 1844.
At a meeting of the church held June 11, 1846,
Rev. Wm. W. Cornwell was called to minister to
them as acting pastor, and he seems to have served
the church for at least one year.
The Monthly Foreign Missionary Concert was insti-
tuted June 11, 1846.
The church met Sept. 26, 1850, and voted unani-
mously to call the Rev. Albert Perry, of New Ipswich,
to become their pastor.
The council called for the installation of the Rev.
Albert Perry, consisting of eleven churches, met Jan.
8, 1851.
The following persons participated: Invocation
| and reading of the Scriptures by Rey. L. R. Phillips,
of Sharon ; introductory prayer by Rev. Paul Couch,
_ of North Bridgewater; sermon by Professor Edwards
vent the use of distilled liquors, and believing the use |
of them as a drink is a sin against God and essentially
hurtful to the best interests of man, both temporal |
A. Park, D.D., of Andover Theological Seminary ;
charge to the pastor by Rev. Samuel Lee, of New Ips-
wich ; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Horace James
Wrentham ; charge to the people by Rev. D. Hunt-
ington, of North Bridgewater. Concluding prayer by
Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton.
STOUGHTON.
401
The new church was dedicated Wednesday, June bers received from other churches shall publicly as-
28, 1852, a large number being present. The fol-
lowing were the principal participants in the services:
Invocation and reading of Scriptures by Rev. L. R.
Phillips, of Sharon, Mass.; introductory prayer by
Rey. S. R. Eastman, Berkley, Mass.; sermon by Rev- —
Albert Perry, pastor, text 1 Thess. v. 21; dedicatory —
prayer by Rev. Luther Sheldon, D.D., of Easton ;
closing prayer by Rev. D. Huntington, of North
Bridgewater.
The church, fifty-eight by seventy-five feet, will
seat five hundred people, and cost about twelve thou-
sand dollars.
sent to the covenant of this church.
At a meeting of the church, held on fast day, |
April 8, 1852, it was voted to hold the annual meet-
ings on such day as the pastor might designate. Their
custom had been heretofore to hold such meetings on
the day of public fast.
12, 1854, it seems that the church was then using
unfermented wine at the communion.
On account of failing health the Rev. Albert Perry
resigned his pastorate June 21, 1856. The church,
with much regret, felt compelled to accept his resig- |
nation. The following is found among the resolu- |
tions passed at the time:
“ Resolved, That an acquaintance of five years has |
added to our respect for his superior intellectual en-
dowments, a strong love for the peculiar sympathy,
kindness, and Christian charity of his heart, and that
as it is our earnest wish, so it shall be our fervent
prayer, that a gracious Providence may yet. restore
him to health, and spare him for much useful service
to the church.”
At a meeting of the church, held Feb. 17, 1856, |
Rev. Thomas Wilson was called to the pastorate of |
the church. He having accepted the invitation of |
-the church, a council was called which should act in |
the dismission of Rev. Albert Perry and in the in-
stallation of his successor. ‘The council, which met |
March 13, 1856, represented eleven churches.
The installation services were as follows: Invoca-
tion and Scriptural reading, Rev. Lyman White, of |
Easton; sermon by Rey. Leonard Swain; installing
prayer by Rev. L. R. Phillips, of Sharon; charge
to the pastor by Rev. Amos Blanchard, D.D., of |
Lowell; right hand of fellowship by Rev. James H. |
Means, of Dorchester; address to the people by Rev. |
Charles L. Mills, of North Bridgewater; concluding |
|
_ ballot.
| 1, 1871, it was voted to substitute, on trial for six
The “ penny
contribution” in the Sabbath-school was inaugurated
at the annual meeting April 16, 1857. By vote of
the annual meeting, April 15, 1858, the time of such
meeting was fixed at the close of the preparatory lecture
before the January communion.
A communication was received from the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Stoughton, at the annual meet-
ing in 1866, returning thanks for providing them
with a place of worship for some months while they
were “houseless,’ and praying that the blessing of
God might rest upon both societies in their individ-
ual labors and common sympathies and interests.
The week of prayer was first observed by the church
in 1868 by vote of the annual meeting. By vote of
the church, at a meeting held after communion ser-
_ vice, March 7, 1869, it was voted to introduce “Songs
By a motion and discussion in a meeting held Oct. |
of the Sanctuary” instead of the ‘Church Psalmody,”
that congregational singing might be cultivated
thereby. By a vote of the church, May 26, 1870,
| the use of the church was granted to the Universal-
ist society while they were remodeling their house.
It was voted by the church that fellowship meet-
ing be held at the the close of preparatory lectures as
recommended by the Norfolk Conference of churches,
Noy. 13, 1870. The church received a communica-
_tion from the Universalist society, returning thanks
for the use of the church during the previous six
months. This letter was most kindly written.
At the annual meeting held Dee. 30, 1870, it was
voted that the officers of the church be chosen by
At a meeting held after the communion, Jan.
months, a “‘ Bible Service,” instead of the afternoon
preaching,—yeas 23, nays 6. At this time the pas-
tor was chosen superintendent of the Sabbath-school
upon the resignation of A. H. Drake. The church
voted April 30, 1871, to observe the communion at
the close of the morning service. It was voted May
| 5, 1872, to continue permanently the “ Bible Service.”
) ) p y
By vote of the annual meeting, Jan. 9, 1873, the
pastor was authorized to issue a pastoral letter to each
member of the church as recommended by the several
conferences.
Feb. 15, 1874, the church voted Monday, the
16th inst., as a day of fasting and prayer for the pres-
ence of the Holy Spirit in His converting and sane-
tifying power. A petition was also drawn up, and
prayer by Rev. Paul Couch, of North Bridgewater. | signed by all persons present, requesting Rey. A. B.
At the annual meeting of the church, held April | Earle to come and hold a series of meetings in union
10, 1856, the “ prudential committee of the church”
was first instituted. It was also voted that all mem-
26
with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
July 3, 1874, the church voted that the pastor and
402
deacons take what measures they may think advisable
towards obtaining unfermented “fruit of the vine”
for use at the communion. Oct. 31, 1875, Rey.
Thomas Wilson resigned his pastoral relation over the
church, to take effect March 13, 1876, the completion
of the twentieth year of his ministry to the church.
Noy. 11, 1875, the church invited the B. B. M.
©. Association to hold a series of meetings in connec-
tion with the church. :
On Feb. 11, 1876, the church accepted the resig-
nation of their pastor. We find this among the reso-
lutions passed at the time: “ Fesolved, That we rec-
ognize in him a faithful disciple of the Master
whose gospel he has so long preached among us; a
man zealous in the discharge of the duties of his
sacred office, firm in his convictions of right, quick
and constant in his sympathies with those who suffer
in body or in mind; a safe counselor and a true
friend, an open and decided enemy of wickedness in
places high as well as low; and while preaching in
all purity the doctrine of salvation through repent-
ance and faith in God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,
exemplifying the power and excellence of that faith in
his own daily walk and godly conversations before
men.”
A council met by call of the church March 7,
1876, and in a regular manner approved of the action
of the church in accepting the resignation of their
pastor and most cordially recommended him to the
churches.
The church received, June 1, 1876, the revision
of their committee on revision of constitution, ar-
ticles of faith, etc.; this report was finally com-
pleted and accepted June 22d of the same year.
was voted at a meeting of the church, held June 22,
1876, to call Mr. John Herbert, of Peacham, Vt., to
become their minister,—this was unanimous.
At a meeting of the church, Feb. 14, 1877, it was
voted to receive members from other churches upon
vote of the church.
Ata meeting held March 14, 1877, a new creed
and covenant, reported from a committee previously
appointed, were adopted, and with slight alterations |
have been used by the church since.
At the annual meeting, 1878, committees were
chosen for the following purposes: Visiting the sick,
on charity, and on spiritual condition of the people.
At a meeting held soon after this a committee on
singing was appointed. They reported a diversity of
opinion. It was finally voted to have congregational
singing, led by a choir of young people.
mittee on calling was raised at a meeting held March
27, 1878.
Ee:
A com- |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
. Ata meeting held Jan. 9, 1879, L. M. Flint was
made a committee to invite the B. B. M. C. Associa-
tion to labor with the church, and Deacon Clapp a
committee to invite the Methodist Episcopal Church
to unite in this work.
The pastor resigned on account of trouble with his
throat. At a council called to advise in regard to
Rev. Z. Herbert’s dismission, the action of the church
was approved, and the following resolution was passed :
‘We find Brother Herbert to be a wise counselor, a
faithful and efficient pastor, and a sincere and earnest
Christian.”
At a meeting of the church held Dee. 18, 1879, it
was unanimously voted to extend a call to Rev. D. O.
Clark, who had supplied the pulpit for three months.
This call was not accepted, but Rev. D. O. Clark con-
tinued to act as pastor for two years longer. Ata
meeting held Jan. 8, 1880, the deacons and pruden-
tial committee were instructed to meet with the pastor
the first Monday of each month, to attend to any busi-
ness which may come before them.
At the annual meeting, 1881, it was voted to in-
crease the number of deacons to three, and that they
should be so elected that one should retire each year.
The church renewed their call to Rev. D. O. Clark
to become their pastor ; but he was still unwilling to
accept. Jan. 19, 1882, the church, by unanimous
vote, extended a call to Rev. P. B. Wing to become
their pastor.
At a meeting of the church held April 27, 1882,
it was voted to call Rev. C. L. Rotch, of New Sharon,
Me., to become their pastor. This call was accepted,
and he has continued in office since, being installed by
council the following October.
The following is a list of deacons, and when elected,
so far as appears on the records: Nathan Drake, Sam-
uel Tolman, in office at the time of separation, 1822 ;
Ebenezer Drake, Dec. 25, 1832; Fisher Gay, Jan. 4,
1833; Benjamin Clapp, Feb. 1, 1854; Ezekiel Dick-
erman, Sept. 1, 1865; Nathaniel Gay, 1873 ; Samuel
Clapp, 1878; HE. M. Norton, Jan. 19, 1881; Nathaniel
Gay, Jan. 19, 1882, re-election; Samuel Clapp, Jan.
19, 1883, re-election.
The Sunday-school superintendents, so far as they
appear on the records, and time of election, have been
as follows: Deacon Samuel Tolman, 1827; Rev.
Calvin Park, D.D., 1827; Mr. Edwards A. Park,
1828; Mr. Stilman Drake, 1829; Mr. Joseph Gates,
1829; Mr. Fisher Gay, 1830; Mr. Francis Sumner,
| 1832; Mr. D. Hayward; Deacon Ebenezer Drake,
1839; Dr. Cyrus S. Mann, 1852; Mr. S. Gardner
| Pettee, 1861; Mr. Albert H. Drake, 1870; Rev.
| Thomas Wilson, 1872; Mr. Levi M. Flint, 1876;
STOUGHTON.
403
Rev. John Herbert, 1877; Mr. L. M. Flint, 1878;
Mr. E. M. Norton, 1880; Mr. L. M. Flint, 1880;
Rey. D. O. Clark, 1881 ; Deacon E. M. Norton, 1882.
Methodist Episcopal Church.'—Methodism in
Stoughton dates back to 1810. Occasional services
were held about that time by Rev. John Tinkham, a
local preacher, resident in Haston. Mr. Tinkham
made frequent visits to the sick in this vicinity, and
his labors in this direction were so appreciated that
he was invited to hold regular preaching services at
the house of Mr. Hezekiah Gay.
The first Methodist class was formed Jan. 30,
1812, by Rev. Artemas Stebbins, preacher in charge
of the Mansfield and Easton Circuit. The class con-
sisted of five members, viz.: Atherton Belcher, James
Smith, Rebecca Gay, Deborah Leonard, and William
Smith. With the organization of this class, Stough-
ton (Factory Village) was added to the list of appoint-
ments on the Mansfield and Easton Circuit. In 1818
the membership had increased to forty, and a church
building was erected at Factory Village (now West
Stoughton) at a cost of about seven hundred dollars.
In 1827 another class was formed at North Stough-
ton. In 1834, Stoughton became a station by itself,
but was united to North Stoughton in the list of ap-
pointments, and one preacher supplied both places.
The preaching services at North Stoughton were
usually held at the house of Mr. Elijah Gill.
In 1835 it was decided to build a new church at
the centre of the town. Some of the North Stoughton
society did not concur, and the result was the erection
of a new church building in each place. The church
at the centre cost about two thousand two hundred
dollars, and was dedicated Sept. 16,1835. The North
Stoughton society failed to receive a preacher from
Conference the following year, and became a Protes-
tant Methodist Church.
In 1866 the present church-edifice was erected.
It is finely located on one of the principal streets,
and is every way suited to the uses of the society.
A parsonage is also owned by the church, subject to
a small annuity during the lifetime of the donor, and
otherwise both church and parsonage are free from
debt.
There is alsoa Roman Catholic Church in Stough-
ton, a Methodist Church at North Stoughton, and a
Baptist Church at East Stoughton, but we have been
unable to secure any information concerning them.
1 By Rev. C. H. Ewer.
Cie Ase keke CE
STOUGHTON—( Continued),
The Press—The Stoughton Sentinel—Masonic—Rising Star
Lodge, F. and A. M.—Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter—
Stoughton Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F.—The Boot and Shoe
Interest—Civil History—Representatives and Town Clerks
from 1731 to 1884—Military Record—Number of Men Furn-
ished—Amount of Money Expended for War Purposes.
SATURDAY morning, Nov. 10, 1860, there ap-
peared the initial number of a newspaper, published
and edited by William H. Jewell, and called The
Stoughton Sentinel. This issue was printed in the
neighboring town of Canton. It was quite an ambi-
tious start, and its first numbers indicated interest and
Born in times of great national troubles,
The editor be-
lieved in the right of secession, and this fact doubt-
less had much to do with the early demise of the en-
terprise. Saturday morning, Nov. 7, 1863, Messrs.
William W. and C. A. Wood, again taking the name
of Sentinel, issued a bright, entertaining sheet, its ob-
ject ‘to entertain, to instruct and improve.” This
enterprise continued until the 15th of October, 1864,
when the paper appeared as a half sheet, with the fol-
lowing notice at the editorial head: “ Both of the
editors of the Stoughton Sentinel having gone to war
for 100 days, the paper will be published in its pres-
ent shape during their absence.’ The paper ap-
peared until Sept. 9, 1865, when it yielded to death’s
call, not being sufficiently supported to pay. Messrs.
Pratt & Hasty, of Randolph, again took up the
broken thread in 1870, and printed it in Randolph.
Mr. H. E. Wilkins was identified with this move-
ment and lent it substantial aid. Soon Mr. Hasty,
becoming alarmed for his precedence with outsiders,
removed to Stoughton. Mr. Hasty continued the
paper until 1877, when he died. Mr. A. P. Smith
then became editor and proprietor, and couatinued
until August, 1883. In September, 1882, Mr. L. W.
Standish, a Stoughton boy, came from. Wakefield,
where he had served apprenticeship as a printer, and
where he had evinced ability as a writer, and took
Under his
well-directed efforts the circulation of the paper was
enterprise.
their echo is seen in its columns.
charge of the editorial work of the paper.
doubled in a few months, and it soon became well
known and quoted in these parts. In August, 1883,
Mr. Standish purchased the paper and office of Mr.
Smith, and is now at its head. The paper has about
one thousand circulation weekly and a large advertis-
ing patronage. The Sentinel is now known as hay-
ing an opinion on all matters relating to Stoughton’s
welfare, and its position carries weight. It occupies
404
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
a high place among the list of country papers, and is |
widely quoted.
Rising Star Lodge’ was instituted Dec. 10,1799,
with the following charter members: Peter Adams,
Benjamin Capen, Joseph Richards, Nathan Guill,
Abraham Capen, David Wadsworth, William Capen,
Amos Upham, John Atherton, Jr., and Consider
Southworth.
The first regular meeting after the charter was |
obtained was held at the house of Lemuel Drake, in
|
|
Stoughton, on the eve of the 9th of January, |
| Leonard A. Thayer, Sec. ; Henry A. Standish, Chap. ;
1800, and the following officers were chosen: Peter
Adams, M.; Benjamin Capen, S. W.; Joseph
Richards, J. W.; Nathan Gill, Treas.; Abraham
Capen, See.; David Wadsworth, Sr. D.; William
Capen, Jr. D.; Amos Upham, First Steward; John —
| Present membership, eighty-two.
Atherton, Jr., Second Steward.
Permission was given by the Grand Lodge to re- |
move the lodge to Canton, March 15, 1810. It was
thence removed from Canton to Sharon, June 13, |
1814, and then back to Stoughton Dec. 27, 1817.
The first time the lodge appeared in public was on |
the 22d of February, 1800, on which occasion they
joined a procession composed of militia, visitors, and
school-boys, ‘‘to pay funeral honors to their late
brother, George Washington, late general of the
armies of America.”
The procession moved to the |
burying-place in this town, then back to the meeting- |
house, where an oration was delivered by the Rey.
Edward Richmond, D.D., suitable to the occasion.
It has always been said with pride by the old
members that while many lodges surrendered their
charters during the Anti-Masonic excitement of 1831,
this lodge never missed a meeting, as the records will
show.
The Masters of Rising Star Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons from its organization to the present
follows: Peter Adams, 1800
Capen, 1805-6; Amos Upham,
Crane, 1809-11; Thomas Kol-
Consider Southworth,
time have been as
—5; Benjamin
1807-8 ; Elijah
lock, 1812-13;
1814-15; |
William Dunbar, 1816; Elijah Atherton, 1817-20;
Willard Gould, 1821; Joel Talbot, 1822; Thomas
Crane, 1823; Lemuel Gay, 1824-25, 1852; Jon-
athan Reynolds, 1826-27 ; Nathaniel Blake, 1828-
1830-31, 1851; Azel
1832-34, 1850; Ansel Capen, 1835-36; Samuel
Chandler, 1837-39; Consider A. Southworth,
1840-41; John H. Wales, 1842-43; Simeon T.
Drake, 1844-46; Ebenezer W. Tolman, 1847-48 ;
Rey. Benjamin Huntoon, 1849; George Talbot,
29; James Swan, Capen,
1 Contributed by Mr. Leonard A. Thayer.
1853-57; Enos Talbot, 1858-60; George B.
Blake, 1861-62; Jonathan R. Gay, 1863-64,
1868; Benjamin Ward, 1865-66 ; Bradford Kinsley,
1867 ; George F. Walker, 1869-70, 1874; Joshua
Britton, 1871-73; Leander G. Britton, 1875-76 ;
Elmer W. Walker, 1877-78 ; James H. May, 1879-
80; Robert Jackson, 1881-82; Albert E. Standish,
1883.
The following are the officers for 1884: Albert
K. Standish, M.; Ewen Boyden, Jr.,S. W.; Gurdon
Southworth, J. W.; Washington Tower, Treas. ;
George F. Walker, M.; Ira F. Burnham, S. D.;
George O. Wentworth, J. D.; H. Augustus Monk,
Sr. Steward; William Curtis, Jr. Steward; William
Atherton, Organist; James W. Richardson, Tyler.
Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter, F.and A. M.’—
The membership of Rising Star Lodge of Freemasons
in Stoughton comprised very many of the leading men
in the vicinity, and its reputation for good Masonic
work was well known. Many of its leading members
had become Royal Arch Masons, and their love of
the craft culminated in a meeting at the Masonic
Hall in Stoughton on Oct. 12, 1820. The meeting
was opened, as all great and good undertakings
should be, by first invoking the divine blessing. This
was done by Rev. Thomas Rich. The petition
for the charter was then read, and it was decided to
present the same tc the Grand Chapter in December.
The following were selected as officers: H. P.,
John Edson ; K., Elijah Atherton ; 8., Thomas Tol-
man; ©. of H., David Manley; P. S., Timothy
Dorman; R. A. C., Jonathan Reynolds; Treas.,
Royal Turner; Sec., Arternas Kennedy; M. 3d
Veil, Joel Talbot; M. 2d Veil, Consider South-
worth; M. 1st Veil, Luther M. Harris; Ist
Steward, Leonard Kinsley; 2d Steward, Leonard
Alden; Chap., Rev. Thomas Rich. No Tyler was
selected. Among the petitioners were also Abram
Capen and Benjamin Capen, of Stoughton, and Wm.
Dunbar, of Canton.
a committee to get the approbation of Adoniram
Consider Southworth was chosen
Chapter, and Thomas Tolman to obtain the approba-
tion of St. Andrew’s and St. Paul’s Chapters, and
John Edson, Elijah Atherton, and Thomas Tolman
were appointed to present the petition to the Grand
Chapter, and the same were appointed to call the first
meeting, if the petition was granted.
The dispensation was issued Dec. 13, 1820, and was
signed by Jonathan Gage, Grand High Priest, John
2 By Samuel Wales Hodges.
STOUGHTON.
405
J. Loring, Grand Secretary. The chapter immedi- | which was judiciously selected, and well adapted to
ately went to work with the officers as named above,
and its first candidate was Maj. Lemuel Gay, for many
years postmaster, and a leading citizen of the town;
closely followed by Nathaniel Blake, the leading |
owner in the stage line from Taunton (through
Stoughton) to Boston; Richard Talbot and Mather
Holmes, whose names frequently occur on the town
records; Abel Wentworth, of Canton; Robert L.
Killan, of Hanson; and others from Bridgewater,
Randolph, and other towns in the vicinity. Among
the first officers were John Edson, a man of charac-
ter; Elijah Atherton, for many years the leading trial
justice of the vicinity: Thomas Tolman, a lawyer, for
a long period treasurer of the Grand Lodge F. and A.
M. of Massachusetts ; Timothy Dorman, of Randolph,
whose initials, T. D., will be long remembered in con-
nection with the old-fashioned clay tobacco-pipes;
Royal Turner, of Randolph, many years president of
Randolph Bank ; Consider Southworth, the pioneer
manufacturer of Southworth sewing-cotton and loom- |
harness twine; Capt. Jonathan Reynolds; and Joel
Talbot, ever to be remembered as good citizens and
active townsmen ; and Benjamin Capen and his brother
Deacon Abram Capen, the owner of the hotel, and
who furnished the hall for the Masonic fraternity.
The work of the chapter was continued with “ fer-
vency and zeal,’ so that about twenty were added
during the following six months, rendering the suc-
cess of the chapter beyond question.
On the
Grand Chapter of Massachusetts.
day for the craft, and the citizens of the town.
This was a gala
The
record says, ‘“ The officers of the Grand Chapter were |
received by the committee of the chapter, at the |
,house of Rev. Mr. Gay, resident clergyman, and es-
corted to the Masonic Hall. - A procession, consisting |
of nearly four hundred members of the order, and a |
large number of ladies, was formed, and all marched
to the meeting-house of Rev. Mr. Gay, where the |
ceremonies of consecration and installation were per- |
formed, agreeably to the ancient forms and usages of |
Freemasonry.
Companion Joseph Richardson; prayer was offered
by Richard Carraque ; music by the Stoughton choir, '
1 This Stoughton choir was the “ Musical Society in Stough-
ton,’ organized about 1762 to furnish music for church service,
in which they were remarkably successful.
existence to-day, and in a very flourishing condition.
and is confined to citizens of Stoughton. In about 1786 another
society was formed out of this, called the ‘ Stoughton Musical
The society is in
It was
An address was delivered by Rev. |
the occasion. After the close of the services in the
meeting-house, the procession was reformed, and they
proceeded to the bower, and partook of a dinner pre-
pared by Companion Abram Capen. The total ex-
penses of the occasion, except the dinner, were twenty-
eight dollars and fifty-five cents.
The first death of a member was that of Leonard
Alden, of Randolph, in August, 1822, and Royal
Turner, of Randolph, was elected to prepare and deliver
the eulogy. This was subsequently carried out at the
meeting-house. Prayer was offered by Rev. Benja-
min Hunton, of Canton, and the singing was by
the Stoughton choir, who were thanked for their
services.
On the 24th of June, 1825, the chapter partici-
pated in the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of
the new court-house in Dedham. Nov. 8, 1824, the
chapter gave its consent to the formation of a new
| chapter in Medway; Nov. 17, 1828, for a new chap-
22d of August, 1821, a charter having |
been granted, Mount Zion Royal Arch Chapter was |
duly consecrated at Stoughton by the officers of the |
i}
ter in Dedham; May 4, 1860, for a new chapter at
Foxboro’ ; Oct. 18, 1861, for a new chapter in Bridge-
water; Feb. 25, 1870, for a new chapter in Hyde Park.
The charter members of the above new chapters were
largely from Mount Zion Chapter.
One episode of the old Anti-Masonic political times
may be recorded. During the great excitement, in
1831, feeling ran high in Stoughton, and Anti-Ma-
sonry was triumphant. At a town-meeting held in
Stoughton April 4, 1831, the selectmen presented a
This list was referred
A second list was dis-
posed of in the same way, when the third revise was
presented to the town. They voted to accept it after
striking off the names of Leonard Hodges, Elijah
Atherton, Jonathan Reynolds, and Benjamin Capen,
and substituting therefor Ruel Packard, Thomas
Capen, Daniel Hayward, and Eliphalet Gay. Al-
though nothing is said in the record of the question
of Masonry, the people of the town and the Masons
understood that these names were stricken off because
they were Masons, and the substitutes were elected
because they were Anti-Masons. In the light and
intelligence of the present age it seems impossible
that such a thing could have occurred. At the next
meeting of the chapter, held April 25, 1831, three
applications for the degrees conferred by the chapter
were received.
June 21, 1831, the chapter voted a donation to
the Seamen’s Friend Society of Boston. This is but
list of persons to act as jurors.
back to them for revision.
Society,” which drew membership from the surrounding towns
These two are supposed to be the oldest musical so-
(See page 4 of this work.)
as well.
cieties in this country.
406
one of a series of donations to charitable objects by
the chapter, they having cheerfully accepted and
honestly carried out the benevolent instructions of
Masonry.
Mount Zion Chapter has, during more than sixty
years of life, contained within its membership some >
of the brightest lights of Freemasonry, and its own
star has never been dimmed during any of the years
of the crusade against the craft. Its roll of member-
ship contains the names of those who have been the
most active in their localities in all good works, and
its own large charities have been administered with-
out ostentation. No stain has marred the purity of
the banner it threw to the breeze at its birth, and no
doubt its future life will be a repetition of its past
with the good even more abundant.
Stoughton Lodge, No. 72, I. 0. 0. F.,! was insti-
tuted May 5, 1845, with the following charter mem-
bers: Elisha Page, Elbridge Jones, Ezra Stearns,
Williams W. Hawes, Luther Hayden, Josiah Adkins,
William Hayden, John F. Craig, Hosea Osgood, Jr.
The following are the names of the Past Grands
who are members of this lodge at the present time:
R. Warren Jones, George W. Hussey, Samuel Capen,
)
Francis M. Ellms, Warren P. Bird, Henry W. Dar- |
ling, Robert Burnham, Henry W. Mead, Henry
Drake, Thomas W. Bright, Joseph D. Jones, Charies
H. Drake, Jr., Chester Clark, Philip B. Whiting,
Abraham F. Lunt, Wilbur F. Fuller, Daniel P. Gray,
A. St. John Chambré, Lysander Wood, Edward W.
Stevens, Nathan R. Lothrop, Newell S. Atwood, W.
Holmes, Clarence W. Mead, Albert E. Standish,
Henry H. Waugh, Hiram Smith, Melvin O. Walker,
F. Walker, Albert H. Whiting, Charles Tenny, Oscar
A. Marden, J. W. Richardson, Edwin M. Norton,
Benjamin F. Pierce, Henry A. Standish, Charles S.
Young.
The present officers are: N. G., H. I. Wood; V.
G., Frank F. Smith; Rec. Sec., Wilbur F. Fuller;
Per. Sec., James W. Richardson ; Treas., Charles R.
Seaver; Trustees, N. S. Atwood, Charles Tenney,
Abram F. Lunt.
Number of members at present time, one hundred
and twenty-eight.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1848.—Jan. 3, Hosea Osgood, Jr.; July 3, Ahira Porter.
1849.—Jan. 1, Jedediah Tucker; July 2, William Tozer.
1850.—Jan. 7, Elihu Withington; July 1, Obadiah Jenkins.
1851.—Jan. 6, George W. Hayden; July 7, Jeremiah L. Capen.
1852.—Jan. 5, James Ingham; July 19, N. Withington, Jr.
1853.—July 7, George Marden.
1854.--Jan. 5, Samuel W. Hodges; July 6, George W. Hayden.
1855.—Jan. 1, William H. Hardin; July 5, Abraham F, Lunt.
1856.—Jan. 7, E. 8. Anderson; July 1, W. H. Anderson.
1857.—Jan., Charles R. Hill; July, Henry Drake.
1858.—Jan., Henry W. Mead; July, R. Warren Jones.
1859.—Jan., Joseph A. Foster; July, A. E. Richardson,
1860.—Jan., Leonard Drake; July, Wilbur F. Fuller.
1861.—Jan., George B. Blake; July, Samuel Capen.
1862.—Jan., George W. Hussey; July, Ezra T. Upham.
1863.—Jan., William H. Hardin; July, Samuel Capen.
1864.—Jan., E. S. Anderson; July, Thomas W. Bright.
1865.—Jan., Joseph D. Jones; July, J. M. Bird.
1866.—Jan., Henry W. Mead; July, A. St. John Chambré.
1867.—Jan., F. A. Stevens; July, A.St. John Chambré.
1868.—Jan., Warren P. Bird; July, Charles H. Drake, Jr.
1869.—Jan., Frank M. Ellms; July, Henry H. Bromade.
1870.—Jan., Henry W. Darling; July, M. A. Linfield.
1871.—Jan., Daniel P. Grey; July, N. R. Lothrop.
1872.—Jan., Chester Clark; July, Lysander Wood.
1873.—Jan., Edward W. Stevens; July, James W. Richardson.
1874.—Jan., N.S. Atwood; July, C. Farrell.
1875.—Jan., Philip B. Whiting; July, Charles Tenney.
1876.—Jan., James H. May; July, Melvin O. Walker.
1877.—Jan., Wadsworth Holmes; July, Benjamin F. Pierce.
1878.—Jan., Albert E. Standish; July, Albert H. Whiting.
1879.—Jan., George F. Walker; July, E. M. Norton.
1880,—Jan., Clarence W. Mead; July, Henry H. Waugh.
1881.—Jan., Oscar A. Marden; July, Charles S. Young.
1882.—Jan., Henry A. Standish; July, Hiram Smith.
1883.—Jan., Robert Burnham; July, H. I. Wood,
1884.—Jan., Frank F. Smith, the present Noble Grand.
Past Grand Samuel W. Hodges is Past Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and Past Grand George W. Hay-
den is the present Grand Herald of the Grand Lodge of Massa-
chusetts.
The Boot and Shoe Interest.’"—The principal in-
dustry of Stoughton, for the past fifty years or more,
has been the manufacture of boots and shoes.
The business was begun by John Linfield in 1816,
who started the manufacture of shoes in the building
afterwards owned and occupied by Robert Porter, and
which was removed, in 1880, to make room for the
erection of the town-house. A somewhat remarkable
incident in connection with this fact is, that Jesse
Holmes, the present postmaster of this village, worked
at stitching shoes for Mr. Linfield more than sixty
The following is a list of the Past Grands of | years ago, on the same site where he now daily dis-
Stoughton Lodge, No. 72, I. O. O. F., with the date
of their installation as Noble Grands:
1845.—May 5, Elisha Page; July 7, Elbridge Jones; Oct. 6, |
Ezra Stearns.
1846.—Jan. 2, W. W. Hawes; April 5, Luther Hayden; July 6,
Ezra Stearns; Oct. 5, William Page.
1847.—Jan. 4, Jefferson Fitts; July 6, Eliab Pratt.
tributes the mails.
In 1821, Isaac Beals moved from the east part of
the town to the centre, and commenced the manufac-
ture of boots. The building in which he began was
| afterwards occupied as a dwelling by Luther and Rob-
ert Swan, and was destroyed by the fire of 1880,
1By Wilbur F. Fuller.
2 By C. Farrell.
STOUGHTON.
407
which consumed nearly half of the business centre
of the village. Mr. Beals remained but a few years
in the business, during which time there was associ-
ated with him Simeon Drake, who afterwards became |
a prominent manufacturer.
The apparent success of this firm encouraged many
of the young and enterprising men of that day to
embark in the same enterprise, nearly all of whom
Among the most
prominent of these were Nathaniel Morton, Martin
became successful business men.
Wales, L. & W. Belcher, Beals & Holmes, Hill & |
Drake, George R. Monk, and James Littlefield & Co.
To these men is due not only the credit of estab-
lishing the business as a permanent industry, and the |
building up of the town, but also the acquiring of |
that reputation for the superior quality of boots and
shoes which Stoughton has for so many years justly
enjoyed.
Up to 1860 the largest demand for fine goods was
from the South, consequently the manufacturers of
Stoughton bent their energies principally towards the
Southern trade. It was owing to this fact that the
late civil war was peculiarly disastrous to the greater
number of these manufacturers, some of them never
recovering from the effects of their heavy losses.
The men doing the largest amount of business at
the beginning of the war were Atherton, Stetson &
Co., James Hill, G. & S. Wales, S. Pettee & Son, N. |
Morton, Bradford Kinsley, Monk & Reynolds, L. &
W. Belcher, Samuel Savels, J. W. Jones & Co., J.
Swan & Co., J. & D. French, J. E. Drake, F. N.
Littlefield, and E. Tucker. The amount of business
done in 1860 by the above-named firms was about
one million three hundred thousand dollars, and they |
employed very nearly twelve hundred hands, many of |
those employed coming from surrounding towns.
Previous to 1860 no shoes of any amount had been
made here, but after the loss of the Southern trade,
the manufacturers, being obliged to find a new market
for their goods, turned their attention more fully to
this branch of the industry, in order to supply the
local trade, and for some years after the war Stough-
ton’s principal market was the New England States.
In 1872 a corporation was formed, to be known as
the Stoughton Boot and Shoe Company, with a capi-
tal stock of thirty-five thousand dollars. This cor-
poration for eight years did a large business in the
manufacture of boots and shoes, employing about one
hundred and fifty hands, and doing a business of two
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars annually
during the best years of its existence.
the first manufacturers to introduce steam into the
shoe-factories of the centre of the town.
They were |
| Jesse Pierce, 1833.
There are now (December, 1883) engaged in the
manufacture of boots and shoes in Stoughton the fol-
lowing firms, doing a business annually of about nine
hundred thousand dollars, and employing about seven
hundred hands: D. French & Son, J. & H. Fitzpat-
rick, Henry Tucker, E. Littlefield, Upham, Brothers
& Co., Farrell & Marston, Charles Tenney, J. H. May
| & Co., F. Capen & Co., Reynolds Brothers, Alanson
Belcher, Samuel Savels, and H. Folsom & Co. The
business is annually increasing, and the most of it is
in the hands of young and enterprising men, who are
trying to make the annual product more than it was
in the palmiest days before the war.
Civil History.—The following is a list of repre-
sentatives from Stoughton, taken from the town
records by Henry C. Kimball, Esq. The omissions
in certain years indicate that the town voted “not to
send,” either from motives of economy,—the pay of
the representatives being formerly defrayed by the
town,—or from the difficulty of obtaining a majority
vote for any candidate, the town having in one in-
stance voted eighteen times unsuccessfully, on suc-
cessive days:
Moses Gill, 1731-33, 1737.
William Royall, 1784-36, 1738.
William Crane, 1739.
Ralph Pope, 1740-41.
John Shepard, 1742-48, 1750-—
Jesse Pierce and Martin Wales,
1835-36.
Martin Wales and Massena B.
Ballou, 1837.
Jesse Pierce and Consider
51, 1754. Southworth, 1840.
Joseph Hewins, Jr., 1749, | James Swan, 1841.
1753. Enos Talbot, 1842-43.
Joseph Hewins, 1754 to com-
plete term, 1761-63.
Richard Baily, 1755-60.
Daniel Richards, 1764-65.
Hezekiah Gay, 1766-74.
Thomas Crane, 1775, 1777-78, |
Nathan Drake, Jr., 1844.
Charles A. French, 1846.
Albert Johnson, 1849, 1851.
Isaac Smith, 1850.
Samuel W. Curtis, 1852.
Charles S. Richardson, 1853.
1780-81. | Abel T. Upham, 1855.
Thomas Crane and Benjamin | Charles A. French, 1856.
Gill, 1776. Elisha C. Monk, 1857.
Elijah Dunbar, 1779, 1782,! Cyrus S. Mann, 1858.
1793. William H. Tucker, 1859.
Elijah Dunbar and Frederick
Pope, 1787.
John Kenny, 1783.
James Endicott, 1784-86, 1790. |
Frederick Pope, 1788-89, |
1791-92, 1794-96.
Elijah Crane, 1795.
Jonah Dean, 1799.
Elmer H. Capen, 1860.
Frederick Capen, 1861.
Jesse Holmes, 1862-63.
Albert Dickerman, 1864.
Nathan Tucker, Jr., 1865.
Jonathan R. Gay, 1866.
| Thomas Wilson, 1867.
| Orlando B. Crane, 1868.
Lemuel Gay, 1800-1, 1803-| Henri L. Johnson, 1869.
9. | George H. Goward, 1870.
Samuel Talbot, 1810-12, 1815— | Samuel L. Crane, 1871.
16. | Henry Jones, 1872.
Benjamin Richards, 1813-14. | Adam Capen, Jr., 1873.
John Drake, 1821, 1825. | Ezra Stearns, 1874.
Abner Drake, 1828-31. Leonard A. Thayer, 1875.
Warren P, Bird, 1876.
Jesse Pierce and Jabez Talbot,
1834.
a
408
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
in 1876, Stoughton, Randolph, Sharon, and Wal-
pole were combined to form Representative District
No. 7, of Norfolk County, and since that time Stough-
ton has had only the following representatives :
Newell 8. Atwood, 1880-81. | David H. Blanchard, 1882.
The town clerks of Stoughton from its incorpora-
tion in 1726 to 1884 have been as follows:
Joseph Tucker, 1726-28, 1733.
Joseph Hewins, 1729.
William Crane, 1730-32, 1734-
37, 1739.
Seth Morton, 1807-11.
Abner Drake, 1830-32.
James Swan, 1832-33, 1838-
Benjamin Savell, 1738. 40.
Joseph Hewins, Jr., 1740-43. | Martin Wales, 1834-37, 1841-
William Royall, 1744-59,1766.) 45.
Nathaniel May, 1760-65. Jabez Talbot, Jr., 1845-55.
George Crosman, 1767-87,| Charles Upham (2), 1855-66.
1789. | Luther §S. Leach, 1866-68,
Joseph Smith (4), 1787-88. 1872-75.
Elijah Crane, 1790-94.
Peter Adams, 1795-96.
John Atherton, Jr.,
1804. |
Jedediah Atherton and Rich-
ard Talbot, 1805.
| Augustus A. Leach, 1869.
Mark 0. Wheaton, 1870-71.
Henry C. Kimball, 1875, pres-
ent incumbent.
1797, |
Military History.—Stoughton furnished five hun-
dred and twenty-two men for the war, fifteen of whom
were commissioned officers.
money expended by the town, exclusive of State aid,
was seventy-nine thousand eight hundred and seventy-
two dollars and fifty-five cents.
pended thirty-nine thousand six hundred and fifty-two
dollars and twelve cents, which was repaid by the
The town also ex-
State, for aid to soldiers’ families.
The selectmen during the war were as follows:
1861-63, Jedediah Adams, Samuel Capen (2), Clif-
ford Keith; 1864, Jedediah Adams, Clifford Keith,
William H. Tucker (2); 1865, Jedediah Adams,
Clifford Keith, Samuel Capen (2).
The military record of Stoughton during the war
of the Rebellion, embracing a list of soldiers’ names,
etc., was destroyed by fire a few years since.
DhUGnat nT OAL SKETCHES,
THE PIERCE FAMILY.
The first
American ancestor of the Stoughton branch was John
The name Pierce is variously spelled.
Pers, a man of good estate in England, and who came
from Norwich, County Norfolk, to America, and settled
in Watertown, Mass., about 1637, where his son An-
thony had previously become a resident. The heraldic
description of the coat of arms borne by this family
Richard Talbot, 1806, 1812-29. |
in England is “ Three Ravens rising sable.
hummette. Motto, Dixit et Fecit.
olive branch in beak.”
Anthony (2) was a large landholder in Water-
town in 1630, and is the ancestor of nearly all the
families bearing the name of Pierce in Watertown,
Waltham, Weston, Lincoln, Lexington, and Concord.
His estate inventoried over three hundred pounds.
Joseph (3) was also a resident of Watertown, where
he was admitted a freeman April 18, 1690. He had
numerous children, and left an estate inventoried at
three hundred and sixteen pounds, ten shillings.
John (4) was also a resident of Waltham ; his oldest
son, John (5), born Sept. 1, 1703, married Rebecca
Fenno, daughter of John Fenno, of Stoughton. He
He purchased twenty-seven acres of
Fesse,
Crest, dove, with
was a weaver.
land in Stoughton for seventy-five pounds, whither he
removed about 1751. This land is within the present
limits of Canton, and it passed to his son Seth, then
to his grandson, Jesse, great-grandson, Col. Jesse,
| great-great-grandsons, Hon. Edward L. and Hon.
The whole amount of |
Henry L. Seth (6) was always a resident of Stough-
ton ; Their second child,
Jesse (7), married Catherine Smith, had twelve chil-
dren, resided on the old homestead in Stoughton, and
died March 5, 1832.
Cou. JESSE PIERCE (8),—Jesse (7), Seth (6), John
(5), John (4), Joseph (3), Anthony (2), John (1),—
born Nov. 7, 1788; married, Sept. 9, 1824, Elizabeth
8. Lillie, born July 30, 1786, died Nov. 1, 1871.
He died Feb. 3, 1856.
Col. Jesse Pierce was born in Stoughton, Nov. 7,
1788.
which a few years later was incorporated as Canton,
married Angelette Clark.
His birthplace was in that part of the town
his father’s home being then in what is now South
Canton. From the age of seven to twenty-one he
lived with his maternal uncle, Lemuel Smith, a Rev-
olutionary soldier, upon a farm on the Bay road, in the
western part of Stoughton. In youth he showed an
earnest purpose to gain knowledge, and having learned
all that could be taught him in the public school of
his district, he took in 1807, while yet a minor, the
charge of a school, and from that year to 1814 served
as the teacher of public schools in Stoughton and
South Dedham (now Norwood), teaching during the
winter and working on his uncle’s farm at other sea-
sons. Tor the purpose of learning better modes of in-
struction, he attended for a short time Taunton
Academy, then under the charge of Simeon Doggett.
From 1814 to 1819 he taught public schools in Mil-
ton,—one at Brush Hill, and another at Milton Hill.
He was the first to establish a Sunday-school in
Dorchester, which he opened in the winter of 1817-
/. Cc LED CO
STOUGHTON.
409
18, at Mattapan, in the school-house (where his brother
John was then the teacher) situated near the home
of Edmund Tileston. The school was intended par-
ticularly for the children of persons working in the
factory of Smith Boies. One of the pupils was
Newell A. Thompson, afterwards prominent in the
business and municipal affairs of Boston. Col. Pierce
continued his connection with Sunday-schools after
his removal to Stoughton, both in that town and at
the Methodist Church at North Easton, where he
worshiped for many years.
In 1819 he opened a private school at Milton Hill,
which he kept for five years. Some who attended it
have become well-known citizens, among whom were |
Robert B. and John M. Forbes and Fletcher Web-
ster. At this period he took an active part in the
militia, serving in the Second Regiment, Second Bri-
gade and First Division, and was commissioned as an
ensign in 1810, captain and major in 1813, lieuten-—
ant-colonel in 1815, and colonel in 1816. This last
commission he resigned in 1818. Traditions of his
fidelity and success in the instruction and drill of the |
officers and men under his command are still pre-
served. Marrying, in 1824, Eliza S., daughter of
Capt. John Lillie, who was the aid of Maj.-Gen.
Knox in the Revolutionary war, he returned to
Stoughton and became the owner of his uncle’s farm,
on which he had been brought up.' He opened at
once at his house a private boarding-school for boys, |
chiefly of Boston families, and receiving also day
scholars from the neighborhood.
made a lasting impression on his pupils for his earn-
estness, thoroughness, and fidelity, and particularly
As a teacher he |
his patience in teaching those who. had less than the |
average gift for acquiring knowledge. He had a gen-
uine sympathy with the young, which he kept fresh
In 1829 he gave up the occupation of
teacher, which he had followed for twenty years, and
from that time was occupied with the care of his
through life.
farm and miscellaneous work, such as conveyancing,
the settlement of estates, the administration of town
offices, and the education of his two sons, which he
personally directed for some years. His advice was
often sought in a community where his good sense
He
represented his town in the Legislature for six years,
viz., 1832-36 and 1840, serving also the last-named
year on the State valuation committee.
and practical knowledge were highly valued.
He was a
sheriff for Norfolk County, which he declined.
candidate for the latter office in 1848. Governor
Morton offered him (in 1843) the appointment of
In
the Legislature he engaged in debates upon important
questions, and his remarks were in some instances re-
ported at length in the public journals. He spoke in
favor of restricting the sale of spirituous liquors, and
upon the appointment of representatives, favoring
a reduction in the number, and a town rather than a
district system. His most elaborate speech was made
Feb. 26, 1840, upon the militia system, which, as then
existing, he thought injurious to public morals and of
He urged a reduction of the
force, a better discipline, and the discontinuance of
no public advantage.
encampments.” He was, as legislator and citizen, a
strenuous supporter of the causes of education and
temperance.
Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, who was Speaker
in 1840, wrote in 1876: “Col. Jesse Pierce, of
Stoughton, comes back vividly to my remembrance as
one of the five or six hundred over whom I was
privileged to preside nearly forty years ago. He was
a most intelligent and estimable person, whom I was’
glad to count among my friends. At the period of
1835-40 he became much interested in the anti-
slavery cause. He voted for James G. Birney in
1844, although sustaining at that election the State
nominations of the Democratic party, and joined four
years later the Free-Soil party, then first organized.
He was in sympathy with the anti-slavery secession
from the Methodist Church which took place in 1840.
He was an active member of that church for many
years, Joining it while a teacher in Milton, but during
the later years of his life he attended the services of
an orthodox Congregational Church. He was a de-
_ vout person, and his reading was largely in religious
books, as Clarke’s and Scott’s Commentaries. He was
_ often sought to perform the services which peculiarly
_ the chambers of the sick.
Democratic candidate for Presidential elector in 1840 |
and for State senator in 1844, and also a Free-Soil
1 See Drake’s “ Memorials of the Mass. Society of the Cincin-
belong to clergymen at funerals and weddings, and in
He took a deep interest in
the religious instruction of the young, and while a
3)
teacher gathered children for this purpose in his
school-house on Sunday.”
Col. Pierce was a person of average height, five
feet and eight or nine inches. He had no self-asser-
tion, but while gentle in manner was firm in purpose,
particularly where a question involved any moral
element. In conversation, while very genial, he
weighed well his words, and was in a marked degree
considerate of the feelings and reputations of others.
| His tenderness to neighbors who were in grief, his
nati,” and “ Bradford’s New England Biography,” for sketches
of Capt. Lillie.
2 See Norfolk Democrat, March 28, 1840.
410
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
--
kindness to the young, to domestics of his household,
and laborers on his farm, and to all less fortunate in
life than himself, are still freshly remembered. He
was widely known, and bore through life with all who
knew him the character of a thoroughly upright and
just man.
Removing in 1849 from Stoughton to the Lower |
Mills Village, or Dorchester (now Boston), he passed
the rest of his life among those who had known him
in his youth as a teacher, occupying the house which
is now the residence of his eldest son. The news-
paper of his county noting his death, which took
place Feb. 3, 1856, wrote of him, “ He was for
many years a distinguished teacher, and numbers
among his pupils many men who now occupy promi-
nent positions in public life. He was a man of strict
integrity, high-minded and honorable, and universally
beloved and respected in all the various relations of
life.’ Children,—Hon. Henry Lillie, born Aug. 23,
1825; George S., born June 20, 1827, died Sept.
28, 1827; Hon. Edward Lillie, born May 29, 1829,
married Elizabeth H. Kingsbury.
Hon. Henry Livuie Pierce (8) was born in
Stoughton, Mass., on Aug. 23, 1825. He received
a good English education at the public schools of that
town, and at the State Normal School in Bridgewater.
Ill health made it necessary for him to leave school
much sooner than his inclination would have prompted;
but the condition of health which obliged him to cut
short his studies, and to abstain for some years from
all manual labor, developed in him a taste for reading,
and gave to his mind a thoughtful cast which has had
a most important influence upon his later life. In
1849 the family removed to a house in Dorchester,
near Milton Lower Mills, and there the subject of
this sketch has ever since resided. In 1850 he en-
tered the chocolate manufactory of Walter Baker &
Co., which was established on the Neponset River,
near his home. After serving in a subordinate po-
sition for a number of years and seeing no prospect
of advancement, he determined to try his fortunes in
the new country atthe West. He spent some months
in traveling through that region, and although he |
failed to obtain that for which he sought, namely, a |
more remunerative employment, he returned with |
greatly improved health, and with enlarged ideas as
to the extent and resources of his country. He again
entered Mr. Baker’s establishment, on an improved
footing, and on the death of the owner, in 1854, he
took charge of the business, and from that time to |
this has been the sole manager. At an early age he
took a lively interest in public affairs, and while still |
a school-boy he contributed articles for some of the
country papers. His father being a Democrat, and
of the Jefferson and Jackson school, he imbibed the
same political ideas and continued to hold them until
the nomination of Martin Van Buren, in 1848, gave
to the Free-Soil party a national candidate and a na-
tional platform. He joined with enthusiasm in the
new movement for equal rights; and through good
| report and evil report he stood by the anti-slavery
party—aiding it by his voice, his pen, and his money
—until the purpose for which it had been organized
was triumphantly established.
In 1859, when the general statutes of the State
were revised, the action of the General Court in strik-
ing out the word “ white’ wherever it occurred in
the laws authorizing the organization of the militia
was defeated by the exercise of the veto power by the
Governor. Mr. Pierce was elected a member of the
House the following year (1860), and was instru-
mertal in getting the two branches of the Legislature
to pass another bill striking the word from the militia
laws. But the act was again defeated by the Gov-
ernor’s veto; and it was not until the year 1864 that
success attended the efforts of those who wished to
have this obnoxious discrimination on account of race
removed from the statute-book. Being elected to the
session for the following year, Mr. Pierce inaugurated
the movement, in which he was sustained by a ma-
jority of the House, for cnstructing our senators, and
recommending our representatives in Congress, to
favor such a change in the national laws as would
authorize the enlistment of colored men into the
| United States army. Re-elected again in 1862, Mr.
Pierce was appointed chairman of the committee on
finance, and in that capacity reported and carried
_ through the House two measures of great importance,
namely, the act providing for the payment of the
State bonds in gold (this was after the legal tender
act had been passed by Congress), and the act taxing
At the end
Mr. Pierce withdrew from the
He does not
appear as the special champion of any important meas-
savings-banks and insurance companies.
of his third term
House, but was chosen again in 1866.
ure during that session.
In 1867 he visited Europe, passing several months
in traveling through France, Italy, and Germany.
On the annexation of Dorchester to the city of Bos-
ton, in 1869, he was elected to represent that section
of the city in the Board of Aldermen.
ing two years (1870-71) he declined a re election,
and in the following year visited Europe again, partly
After serv-
for business and partly for purposes of recreation. In
the latter part of that year he was nominated as a non-
partisan candidate for the office of mayor. The lack of
ee ged
STOUGHTON.
411
efficiency which had been exhibited by the executive
departments of the government during the great fire
of the 9th of November, and the neglect to take any
effective measures for the suppression of the small-
pox, which was then spreading through the city with
alarming rapidity, caused great dissatisfaction, espe-
cially among business men. On the other hand, the
personal honesty and good intentions of the mayor
then in office, his high standing in the Democratic
party, and his earnest desire to secure an indorsement,
gave him a large if not an enthusiastic support, and
the contest, although conducted with great courtesy
on both sides, was unusually close and exciting. It
resulted in the election of Mr. Pierce by a very small
majority. His address at the organization of the new
government was calculated to inspire confidence in his
To improve the effi-
ciency of the government radical changes were needed
abilities as an executive officer.
in some of the departments, and such changes he not |
only recommended, but proceeded resolutely to carry
out. He reorganized the health department by ap-
pointing a new Board of Health, and took measures
for the suppression of the smallpox, which were im-
mediately attended with the most gratifying results.
He also succeeded, against strong opposition, in se-
curing the reorganization of the fire department by
removing it from the personal and partisan influences
to which it had long been subjected, and placing it
upon a business basis. In October of that year he
received the Republican nomination for representa-
tive in Congress from the Third Massachusetts Dis-
trict, to fill the vacancy in the Forty-third Congress
occasioned by the death of Hon. William Whiting. |
The success of his municipal administration is shown
in the fact that the Democrats failed to nominate any |
candidate to oppose him, and his election was substan-
In order to take his seat at the
beginning of the session, in December, he retired
tially unanimous.
from the mayor’s office a month before the expiration |
Having been for many years on terms |
of personal friendship with Charles Sumner, and |
of his term.
having a large acquaintance with the public men of
the day, he was from the start in a position to exert a
powerful influence upon the councils of the govern-
ment. Imbued with the same spirit which led Sum-
ner and Andrew and Wilson to favor a conciliatory
policy towards the South in the legislation which fol-
lowed the war, he threw his influence against the
harsh and unconstitutional measures by which a por-
tion of the leaders of the party to which he belonged
sought to perpetuate their political ascendency over
the States lately in rebellion. He was thus placed in
the unpleasant position of being obliged to oppose
many of the measures which were openly or secretly
favored by President Grant’s administration. But it
is evident that his course was in accordance with the
sentiments of the people of Massachusetts, from the
fact that in the elections to the Forty-fourth Con-
gress, which occurred in the autumn of 1874, he was
re-elected by a handsome majority, while in six out
of the ten other districts in the State the regular
Republican candidates were defeated for the first time
since the beginning of the war. Near the close of
the second session of the Forty-third Congress (Feb-
ruary, 1875) the “force bill,” so called, giving the
President extraordinary powers to interfere in the
internal affairs of the States, and in his discretion to
suspend the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus,
was introduced into the House, and an attempt made
by the administration leaders to force it through with-
out giving sufficient opportunity for discussion. The
Republicans had control of the House by a large ma-
jority, and as a political measure intended, as many
of them avowed, to give their party an advantage in
the Presidential election to occur in the following
year, they were substantially unanimous in its sup-
port.
On the 27th of February, Mr. Pierce made a short
speech in opposition to the bill, which was highly
commended by all the leading newspapers through-
The conclusion is worthy of being
“Tn opposing this bill,” he said,
out the country.
transcribed here.
“JT am in strict accordance with all my past political
action. Local self-government and the equality of
all men before the law are the cardinal principles of
my political faith. By these principles I stand or
fall. I resisted the fugitive slave bill because it
trampled upon the principles of civil liberty and the
rights of human nature. The bill now under consid-
eration is permeated with the spirit which gave life
Of the supporters
of the fugitive slave bill the: most conspicuous were
Jefferson Davis and John C. Breckinridge. ‘ ‘The
whirligig of time’ presents to us to-day a most re-
markable spectacle. Some of the most blatant and
pretentious supporters of Jefferson Davis and Jobn
C. Breckinridge in conventions and before the people
are here to-day the especial champions of this bill. I
shall be the last man in the world to question their
consistency or dispute their motives. Mr. Speaker,
I know Massachusetts, and I have spoken her senti-
ments here to-day. She has always interposed a firm
resistance to the approach of arbitrary power. She re-
sisted unto blood the stamp act, writs of assistance, and
all the force bills which were enacted by Parliament
to compel her submission to the British crown. She
and vigor to that odious measure.
412
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
will be true to her traditions and to her history, and
will resist by all constitutional means every attempt, |
by whomsoever made, to impose similar measures
upon any portion of the people of our common
country.” At the close of the Forty-third Congress
(March, 1875), Mr. Pierce visited Europe for the
third time, spending some six months in traveling
with friends through England, Scotland, and on the
continent.
During the session of the Forty-fourth Congress
Mr. Pierce was at the head of the Republican mem-
bers of the Committee on Commerce. He made an
elaborate report on the subject of relieving vessels
engaged in the coasting trade from the unjust and
discriminating legislation of some of the States with
regard to pilotage fees, and he made speeches on the
proposition to amend the Constitution so as to limit
the term of office of the President, on reciprocity with
Canada, and on counting the electoral vote of Louisi-
On the last question Mr. Pierce and President
Seelye (then representative from the Tenth Massa-
chusetts District) stood alone among the Republicans
in opposing the counting of the electoral vote of
Louisiana for either candidate, on the ground of
The London Times
published Mr. Pierce’s speech at length, and referred
to it as a ‘very able” one.
ana.
fraud in making up the returns.
Some time previous to the elections for the Forty-
fifth Congress, Mr. Pierce announced to the electors of
the Third District, through the public press, his de-
termination to retire from public life at the expira-
tion of the term for which he then held office. This
decision was made after due deliberation, and with the
firm determination of adhering to it. It was with
The call for his services was signed by some two
thousand five hundred tax-paying citizens, represent-
ing all classes and all parties.
against the administration then in power was its par-
tisanship in the interest of the Democratic party and
its inefficiency. The contest which followed was the
The
number of votes cast largely exceeded those at any
most remarkable in the annals of the city.
previous election, municipal, State, or national, and
The charges made |
|
resulted in the election of Mr. Pierce by about two |
thousand three hundred majority. In his inaugural
address, Mr. Pierce dwelt at some length upon the
powers and purposes of municipal corporations, taking
the ground that “they are created and exist for the
public advantage and not for the benefit of their offi-
cers or of particular individuals or classes.”
He also |
considered some of the schemes which had been de-
vised for improving our local governments, and denied
the propriety or expediency of attempting to raise
the standard of municipal government by a limitation
of the suffrage, or by giving up to the State powers
which from time immemorial have been exercised by
the cities and towns. His clear and business-like
exposition of the true theory upon which local gov-
ernments are founded and maintained in this country
was referred to in high commendation by the leading
newspapers of the day.
The most important act of his second administra-
tion was the reorganization of the police department,
which had become ill-disciplined and inefficient under
the old system of appointment and management by
the mayor and aldermen. Through his efforts an act
was passed by the General Court, authorizing the ap-
pointment of commissioners, for a term of years, to
take charge of the department, and also to execute
the laws concerning the sale of intoxicating liquors.
During the year a reduction of nearly nine hundred
thousand dollars was made in the tax levy, and a more
rigid system of accountability was established in the
several departments of the city government.
At the conclusion of his term, Mr. Pierce declined
a re-election, and has since given his attention mainly
to the management of his large manufacturing busi-
ness. During his absence in Europe, in the summer
of 1885, there was a very general demand from those
opposed to Butlerism for the use of his name as can-
didate for Governor, and a large majority of the dele-
_ gates elected to the Republican convention were un-
doubtedly in favor of his nomination. But, adhering
_to a determination formed some time before, he de-
extreme reluctance, therefore, that he consented, in |
the autumn of 1877, to allow his name to be used as |
a citizens’ candidate for the office of mayor of Boston. |
clined the use of his name, and strongly urged the
nomination of Mr. Robinson as the candidate upon
whom the opponents of the then administration could
best unite,—with what result is too well known to need
comment here.
HON. NATHANIEL WALES.
Among the families that for generations have given
the impress of strong, steady character to this section
Nathaniel (1),
the immigrant, came from England with Rev. Richard
Mather, in the ship “ James,” from Bristol, in 1635,
and settled in Dorchester, where he was made a freeman
Noy. 2, 1637. His wife, Isabel, daughter of Humph-
must be mentioned the Wales family.
_rey Atherton and Mary Wales,’ outlived him but
|
two weeks. He had children,—Timothy, John, and
1 See Atherton family.
STOUGHTON.
413
having removed thither in 1654. Nathaniel (2), born
in England, was a ship-carpenter, settled in Boston,
where he died May 20, 1662, leaving Nathaniel (3),
Samuel, Mary, and Jonathan. Nathaniel (3), born
1659, settled in Braintree with his wife, Joanna, about
1675, and had fifteen children, of whom Thomas was
one. Mr. Wales was a deacon in the church at
Braintree, and ordained ruling elder Feb. 27, 1700.
He died March 23,1718. His wife died May 11,
1704. Thomas Wales (4th gen.), born April 19,
1695, was a deacon in the church, a man of good re-
pute, married Mary Belcher, Jan. 13, 1719, and lived —
in the South Precinct of Braintree (now Randolph),
where he died in 1775. They had twelve children,
Nathaniel being seventh. Mrs. Wales died Jan. 30, _
q 1741. Mr. Wales married, second, Sarah (widow of
Samuel) Belcher, Dec. 7,1742. By her he had three
children. Nathaniel Wales (5th gen.), born Oct. 26,
1729, married Sarah , settled in Stoughton, and,
like his father, was a deacon in the church. He was
a farmer, and had eleven children. He lived a quiet
and useful life, and died, esteemed, at a good old age. |
His son, Joshua (6th gen.), was born Feb. 21, 1752,
in Stoughton, where he always resided. He was a
marketman and farmer, was three times married, was
an active, energetic man, marked for his sound sense
and sterling honesty, and closed a long life in the full-
ness of years, leaving a large family of children. By
his first wife (a Porter) he had five children, the old-
est being Nathaniel (7th gen.).
This Nathaniel, born Sept. 11, 1788, in Stoughton,
married, Jan. 1, 1815, Phebe, daughter of Capt. Wil-
liam French and Mary Perkins, his wife. (Capt.
French was a descendant in direct line from John
French, the emigrant, who came from England to
Dorchester, where he was admitted freeman in 1639.
He was a well-to-do farmer of East Stoughton, and
died about 1820, leaving one son, Alpha, and several
daughters.) She was born Jan. 30, 1789. Mr.
Wales was a manufacturer of shoes and lasts, and, in
connection with that business, kept a grocery. Active
in militia service, immediately after the war of 1812
he served in the various grades to captain with accept-
ability and credit, and resigned his commission as
captain April 28, 1820. He was one of the first in
this section to adopt the religious doctrines of Eman-
uel Swedenborg and enter the “ New Church.”
moved from Stoughton to North Bridgewater in 1817,
where he died of consumption Feb. 8, 1826. He left
two children who attained maturity,—Harriet G. and
Nathaniel (8th gen.),—and a business fairly success-
ful.
He |
His wife was a woman of great strength of |
Nathaniel (2),—and died at Boston Dec. 4, 1661, | character, quiet dignity, and practical judgment, and
added to the property left by her husband, and
brought up her young children (Nathaniel being but
six years old at his father’s death) with great credit
to herself. She died Dec. 25, 1855. From the ele-
gant “Souvenir” of “ The Government of the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts,’ published in 1880, we
extract this graphic sketch of Nathaniel (8th gen.) :
“Hon. Nathaniel Wales, of Stoughton, represents
the First Norfolk Senatorial District. He was born
in North Bridgewater (now Brockton) Nov. 25,1819,
and received his education at the public academic and
When
quite a young man he engaged successfully in teach-
normal schools of that town and Bridgewater.
ing in his native town and in other towns in that vicin-
ity. He afterwards taught as principal in the high
school in Pawtucket, R. I. As a young man he
showed great enterprise and energy. Being the only
son of a widow, he was in early life solely dependent
In 1845 he en-
gaged in trade in Stoughton, resigning his position in
Pawtucket for this purpose, and continued in mercan-
tile business, with others or by himself, for a period of
twenty-eight years. During this time he was post-
master at Stoughton from 1860 to 1867, when he re-
signed, being then appointed United States Assessor
on his own efforts for advancement.
of Second District of Internal Revenue, the duties of
which office he discharged acceptably till its discon-
tinuance. He also held commissions of more or less
importance under Governors Banks, Andrew, Wash-
burn, and Bullock. He was appointed commissioner
to superintend the drafting of militia for Norfolk
County by Governor Andrew in 1862, and afterwards
was appointed by President Lincoln United States
commissioner of the Board of Enrollment for the
Second District of Massachusetts from 1863 to 1865.
Since 1872 he has been associated with the Stough-
ton Boot and Shoe Company as treasurer, and has
held several other positions of public and private
trust.”
He was a member of the Massachusetts Senate of
1879, and served on the Committees on Towns,
Labor, and Prisons; also in 1880, when he was
chairman of the Committee on Roads and Bridges,
and also a member of Committee on Military Affairs
and State-House.
Always interested and active in politics, he has
been a member of the Republican party from its
commencement, and it is not too much to say that
during the entire period the party has had, in his
section of the State, no more zealous and efficient
supporter than he. The natural bias of his mind has
always kept him familiar with the legal questions and
414
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
decisions of the day, and developed in him habits of
thought and judgment that would not disgrace the
legal profession, and f{eaused his opinion and advice
to be much sought after in those controversies and
knotty questions usually referred to members of the
bar. His religious. views are those of the “ New
Church.”
In 1881, Mr. Wales was elected member of the
Executive Council from the Second District of Mas-
sachusetts, which position he now holds. He has
been twice married, first to J. Montgomery, daughter
of Newton and Jane (Montgomery) Shaw, of North |
Bridgewater, June 4, 1848. They had one son, Na-
thaniel S. Wales, now a resident of Des Moines, Lowa.
Mrs. Wales died May 3, 1849. Mr. Wales married,
second, in 1851, Susan Kingsbury Reed, daughter of
Timothy and Susan P. (Kingsbury) Reed, of Barn-
stable. (He was a lawyer, and for a long time regis-
ter of deeds and clerk of the court for Barnstable
County. He held both offices at the time of his
death. This Reed family is not only an old New Eng-
land family, but can be traced back to Saxon England
over a century before the Norman conquest. Every
generation in Hngland has held responsible and prom-
inent official positions. )
The children of this truly fortunate union were
Susan R. (born in 1853, married W. O. Faxon, M.D.,
resides in Stoughton, and has one child, Nathaniel
Wales) and Timothy Reed (born 1856).
an active and promising youth, but met an untimely
death by drowning while striving to rescue some com-
panions who were capsized with him in a sailboat at
Martha’s Vineyard, in 1870.
Mrs. Wales died Jan. 31, 1882.
tellectual and highly educated woman, of rare accom-
He was
She was an in-
plishments and culture. An indefatigable and accu-
rate genealogist, she expended months in tracing the
Reed, Wales, and other families in which she was
interested, and her work is a marvel of neatness,
system, and convenience. She gave freely of her
time and means to relieve suffering, was beloved by
all, and left to her family the recollections of a model
wife and mother.
Mr. Wales is a genial companion, a kind neighbor, |
Casting his lot with those who |
and a strong friend.
advocate the higher education and progress of human-
ity, he has never swerved from action in accordance
with his belief.
ranks among the representative men of this section of
_ marked love of justice.
A good citizen, he is justly popular, |
Massachusetts, and enjoys a handsome property, the |
result of his financial ability and business acumen.
MARTIN WALES.
Among the men of strong character, who stood
high in the esteem of the people of Stoughton, and
was by virtue of his originality and the wishes of the
people a truly representative man in many ways,
must not fail to mention Martin Wales, son of Joshua
Wales. He was born in Hast Stoughton, Feb. 22,
1802, and died March 6, 1874, aged seventy-two years.
His childhood was passed on his father’s farm. He
had the opportunities for education given by the
public schools of that period, and at an early age
began to show the independence and industry so
marked in his whole life by learning to make shoes.
After a time he was hired by his father to butcher
animals for the Boston market, receiving for his labor
one dollar per day. He was about eighteen, and after
two years’ service here, he engaged with Oliver Bel-
cher, of Stoughton, as butchers of beef cattle. From
this time (1822) he was connected with Stoughton,
After a few months passed in working for others, he
engaged in the same business for himself. | Continu-
ing this a few years, he found much of his capital
absorbed in debts due him, and he began to manufac-
ture shoes in the upper part of Holbrook’s (now
Swan’s) store. This was in a small way, and intended
only to help him out in collecting his meat bills, but
the business proving profitable, and there being a good
demand for his goods, he entered into co-partnership
with Ira Linfield, and added bootmaking to that of
This partnership did not last long, each con-
tinuing to manufacture. Mr. Wales’ business in-
creased, and became very large for those days, reach-
ing to the Southern and Middle and Western States.
For many years he continued manufacturing alone,
shoes.
and, in company with others, accumulated wealth. In
connection therewith he conducted a mercantile busi-
ness from about 1840 to 1852, when he disposed of
his stock to his nephew, Nathaniel Wales, whose
biography is on another page. In financial matters
Mr. Wales was shrewd, cautious, and conservative,
and was a valuable counselor, whose advice was often
sought. He was president of the Stoughton Boot
and Shoe Company during its existence, and director
and president of the North Bridgewater Bank from
its organization until it ceased to do business. One
of the strong characteristics of Mr. Wales was his
A prominent business man
of Stoughton, who knew him well, says, ‘‘ When he
promised to do anything he would do it. His word
was as good as his bond.” He never sued a man
during his long business life, and never wanted any
trouble with any one. He was a strong Anti-Mason
in the days when Masonry was a political issue, and
_umeren se
es ae a ee
Le
STOUGHTON. 415
as the leader of that principle, was elected twice
representative from Stoughton in the General Court,
and to all the prominent public offices of the town.
At one time he held nearly every office of importance
in the town. He was chairman of selectmen many
years, town clerk many years, treasurer several years, ©
to say nothing of minor trusts. With all this, he was
a modest, unpretentious man, caring nothing for offi-
cial honors and only accepting them as the representa-
tive of a principle. He wasa kind and accommo-
dating neighbor, a good citizen, a loving husband and
father, and had a large circle of acquaintances in sur-
rounding towns and in Boston, who enjoyed his quaint
and original conversation. He married Rebekah
Parker, daughter of Elisha and Jerusha (Wentworth)
Parker, who was born Sept. 18,1807. Their chil-
dren were Mary R. (Mrs. Caleb H. Packard), Martin
(deceased), Lucy M. (Mrs. Fisher Copeland), George,
Seth, and Adelaide F., a young lady of great amia-
bility, who married William Neale, and died Dee.
31, 1882. Her death was deeply felt by the entire |
community. Mr. Wales was an earnest and liberal
Christian. He was in full harmony with the doctrines |
of the ‘‘ New Church,” and a large contributor to its
enterprises. He gave two thousand dollars towards
the erection of the church of that society in Brock-
ton, where he held a membership, and left a legacy in |
its behalf of five thousand dollars. He was always
ready to do his part in all matters of public interest,
and was sincerely mourned by a large circle of
friends.
Mrs. Wales was a worthy companion for Mr.
Wales, and in advanced years, holds much of the
vivacity of early life, enjoys the esteem of the best
portion of the community, is endeavoring to carry
out the wishes of her husband in all things, and is
passing on to the twilight of life with a sincere trust
in rejoining her companion of so many years on the |
“‘ other side.”
JAMES ATHERTON.
One of the wealthiest portions of Lancashire is
confined in the area bounded thus: Beginning at
Liverpool, the southwest boundary of Lancashire,
and following the coast line of the Irish Sea twenty
miles north, we reach the river Ribble;
there going eastward fifteen miles, thence south to
Manchester and down the river to Liverpool. This |
section is rich in coal-mines, quarries of useful stones, |
|
iron-works, and is the wealthiest cotton-manufacturing |
}
district in the world. Through the centre of this |
territory the Athertons for nearly one thousand years ’
from
| of John, Lord Conyers, of Hornby Castle.
have had immense possessions, which were increased
by marrying heiresses, until it became one of the
richest families of the great commoners of England.
In their manorial estate the town of Atherton lies ten
miles northwest of Manchester ; here the family origi-
nated, and Robert de Atherton (1) lived (1199-1216)
as the shreve (high sheriff) of the county under
King John, and held the manor of Atherton of the
barons of Warrington. William de Atherton, his son,
held the manors of Atherton and Pennington (1251).
(By intermarriage with the Derby family the title is
now vested in that line.) William Atherton (3), of
Atherton (1312), had wife Agnes (1339), whose son
Henry Atherton (4), of Atherton (1316-30), married
Agnes (1387), and had for second son Sir William
Atherton (5), of Atherton (1351), knight. He mar-
ried, first, Jane, daughter of William and sister of Sir
Ralphe, Woberly, knight; married, second, Margerie,
a widow (1396). In the private chapel of the Ather-
tons, in the parish church of Leigh, is a family vault,
and the arms of the family hang there. As entered
in the Visitation of Sir William Dugdale Norrey,
King of Arms (1664-65), they are: Gules, three spar-
rowhawks, argent crest ; a swan, argent, another crest ;
on a perch a hawk billed, proper. By first wife,
William (5) had Sir William Atherton (6), knight ;
born 1381; died 1416; his wife was Agnes, sole
daughter and heiress of Ralphe Vernon, Baron of
Shipbroke. Their third child, Sir William Atherton
(7), knight, married, first, Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
| John Pilkinton, knight; by her had Margaret and
| Sir William Atherton (8), who married Margaret,
daughter of Sir John Byron, knight, and died in 1441.
| Among their children was John Atherton (9), whose
_son George (10), born 1487, by first wife, Anne
Ashton, had Sir John Atherton (11), knight, born
1514; died 1513; married, first, Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Sir Alexander Ratcliffe, knight. his marriage
was recorded in the Visitation of 1533, where the
arms were also entered; he married, second, Marga-
ret, daughter of Thomas Caterall. He was high
sheriff under three sovereigns, in 1551, 1555, and
1561, and commander of the Military Hundred in
1553. Among his children was John (12), Esq.,
born 1556; high sheriff 1585, who was*twice mar-
ried ; first, to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Byron,
knight ; second, to Katherine, daughter and co-heiress
By each
wife he had ason John ; the first John Atherton (13),
of Atherton, who had John (14), died in 1646 ; mar-
ried Kleanor, daughter of Sir Thomas Ireland, of
Beansey, knight. They had numerous children ; one
John (15), high sheriff, died in 1655; the second,
416
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
John Atherton, of Skelton, was heir to his mother’s |
large estate and title. We have thus far followed the
line of heirship, the scions, all worthy representatives
of the name, being found in different parts of the
country. As the American branch deflected at this
period, we have no need of further tracing the English
family.
In 1613, Edmund Atherton did in Wigan, Lanca- |
shire, his son and next heir, Humphrey, being at this
time four years old, thus giving his birth in 1608. |
_ whose son John (5), married Mary, daughter of Rev.
This Humphrey is referred to by Mr. Brown in an
article on ‘“‘the Atherton family in England,” “‘ New |
England Historical and Genealogical Register,” Jan-
uary, 1881, as perhaps being the identical Humphrey |
Atherton, major-general of Dorchester, progenitor of
the American line. That they are different persons is |
Nathan. Samuel (6), born Sept. 19, 1784, was a man
clearly shown by the fact that Gen. Atherton was killed
in 1661, when only thirty-six years old. The other |
Humphrey would have been fifty-three years old at
this time. Humphrey Atherton, born in Lancashire,
perhaps son of above, married Mary Wales, probably
daughter of John Wales, of Idle, England, and, with
three children, Jonathan, Isabel (married Nathaniel
Wales, Jr.), and Elizabeth came in the ship “ James”
from Bristol to America in 1€35. Rev.
Mather, in his journal of the voyage, names but few
of the one hundred passengers, among them Nathan-
iel Wales, whose will was witnessed by Humphrey
Atherton, who was styled in it “loving brother-in- |
| kindness and benevolence), Col. Frederick (5) (he
His first child was born |
/ ment on the Canada frontier in the French and In-
”
law.” They settled in Dorchester. Humphrey was
married when an infant.
when he was fourteen years old, and his wife thirteen.
They had twelve children, those mentioned above and
the following nine born in Dorchester:
Richard |
Consider, |
Mary, Margaret, Rest, Increase, Thankful, Hope, |
Watching, and Patience. Appleton’s ‘ American En-
cyclopeedia” says this of him, ‘“‘ Atherton, Humphrey,
a military officer whose name is mentioned with much
honor in the early annals of Massachusetts.
came from England about 1636, when he signed the
covenant of the church of Dorchester. He was ad-
mitted as a freeman in 1638, and was deputy in the
He |
“ Here lies our Captain & Major of Suffolk was withall ;
A godly magistrate was he, and Major General ;
Two troop horse with him here comes, such worth his love
did crave.
Ten companies of foot also mourning march to his grave,
Let all that read be sure to keep the faith as he has done
With Christ he lives now around his name was Humphrey
Atherton.”
Consider (2 American gen.), son of Humphrey, mar-
_ried Anne Annably, Dec. 14,1671. Hisson Humphrey
(3), had a son John (4), who became “deacon,” and
Jedediah Adams, the first settled pastor of Stough-
ton, where he ministered with great acceptability for
many years (see ‘‘ History of First Parish,” on another
page). They had nine children, John, Jedediah,
Humphrey, Mary, Rachel, Elijah, Samuel, Mary, and
much esteemed, possessing good sterling qualities.
He was a farmer, owning about eighty acres of the
_ homestead of his father near Stoughton Centre, on
_ which he was born and lived his long life of over
He married Feb. 28, 1811, Abi-
gail, daughter of Ralph and Abigail (Soran) Pope, of
Stoughton. She came of an old New England family
of repute, the first American ancestor, John Pope,
coming about 1653 from the neighborhood of London,
England, and settling in 1640 in “ Dorchester New
Grant,” now Stoughton, the line being John (1),
John (2), Ralph (3), Ralph (4) (a physician of great
ninety-two years.
was a justice, colonel, serving in 1756 with his regi-
dian war; was State representative .from Stoughton.
In the Revolution, when the summons came to take
the field he was plowing. Taking the harness from his
_ horse he at once made ready, and with his two eldest
sons, Ralph and Samuel Ward, joined the army. He
served in several campaigns, his sons acting as his
aids. His third son, Alexander, then but sixteen,
fulfilled faithfully the task of carrying on the farm
General Court from Dorchester for that year, and also |
in 1639-41, and in 1853, from Springfield, when he
was chosen Speaker.
The next year he was chosen |
assistant and soon after Major-General. He was much |
employed in negotiations with the Indians, and made
use of his influence with them in a great purchase in
the colony of Rhode Island. He died by a fall from |
his house, at Boston, Sept. 17, 1661. The manner
of his death is made matter of comment by Hubbard
as oneof the judgments of God.” His wife died in
1672. In the old Dorchester cemetery is this epitaph :
| fun.
and supporting the family), Ralph (6) (he was born
in Stoughton, 1759, and died 1797. He served
through the Revolution; married Abigail, daughter
of Maj. Robert and Rachel (Draper) Swan, born 1761,
died 1852, aged ninety-one.
(7), who married Samuel Atherton, was born in
Stoughton, Mass., Dec. 5, 1785, dying March 19,
1868, aged eighty-two years, three and a half months).
Their daughter, Abigail
Samuel Atherton was of energetic temperament, cheer-
ful disposition, eminently social, enjoying humor, and
always ready with some bright remark, pointed with
He was honest, straightforward, prudent, sav-
ing, and perfectly just in all the relations of life. He
STOUGHTON.
417
had musical tastes, was a great singer, and when pre-
vented sometimes from talking by an impediment (stam-
mering) which afflicted him, he would sing clearly
the words he wished to speak. He and his brother
Nathan were among the originators of the “ Stoughton
Musical Society.”
days, and held other positions of trust.
He was selectman in his younger
Although a
great sufferer from rheumatism in his later years, he
continued cheerful even to the time of his death. He
was very fond of his brother, Nathan, four years his
junior ; they lived all their lives a few rods apart;
both attained great age, and died within three months _
of each other; Nathan’s death occurring Nov. 13,
1876, at eighty-eight. A short time previous to his
death, Nathan walked to and from church for morn-
ing service, a distance of two and a quarter miles.
the largest land-holder in town.
cast for the Hayes electoral ticket.
Samuel and Abigail Atherton were six,—Mary (Mrs.
William Belcher), Vashti (Mrs. James Swan), Sam-
uel, Abigail (Mrs. Joseph Swan), James, and Wil-
liam. James Atherton (7)—(Humphrey (1), Con-
sider (2), Humphrey (3), John (4), John (5), Sam-
uel (6)—was born on the homestead mentioned
above May 6, 1819. He had common-school and
academic education; remained with his father on
several terms of winter schools.
May 5, 1853, Phebe, daughter of John and Phebe
Reed, born in Boston, Feb. 9, 1831, died March
11, 1868. Her father was a civil officer of Bos-
ton for many years, and was strong, fearless, and
uncompromising in the discharge of duty. His an-
cestors trace their origin through early New England
from a period anteceding the Norman conquest by
over a century, and which has, in each successive
generation, held places high in the counsels of royalty.
He voted at every |
election from 1805 till 1876, when his last vote was |
The children of |
all by his first wife, are James (8), born July 26,
1854; William (8), April 30, 1859; and Walter (8),
March 18, 1863. Mr. Atherton married, second,
Mary B. Marshall, of Boston, June 1, 1869. She
died Feb. 5, 1880. Always in delicate health, Mr.
Atherton was a man of energy, and accomplished
much. In early life he was fond of discussions, and
took an active part in debating societies. He was a
quick and ready speaker, a clear logician, and there
showed the sound judgment which distinguished him
in later life. He was a great reader, and kept abreast
of the current of the world’s affairs, and always liked
to discuss matters of thought and moment. He en-
gaged but little in public life, devoted himself wholly
to his business, which rewarded his attention with a
| liberal competency. This was not obtained by any of
Samuel was a successful farmer, and at one time |
the fraudulent devices so common in business life, but
the motto, dated 1855, which, worn by long use, was
found in his pocket-book after his death, furnishes the
motive which actuated him through all life’s changes,
and is a better delineation of his character than any
_words of ours: “Do unto others as you would that
others should do to you under like circumstances.”
He sympathized with the Universalist creed, attended
its services, and was active and liberal in all church
matters.
A good citizen, aiding much in building up the inter-
He was systematic and orderly in all things.
ests of Stoughton, his counsel was often sought in
the farm until he was of age, teaching, however, |
He married, first, |
critical and important affairs. He was Whig and
Republican in politics.
SAMUEL ATHERTON.
Samuel Atherton (7), son of Samuel and Abigail
_ Atherton, was born Jan. 26, 1815, in Stoughton;
to one of England’s most honored families, dating |
| the
After marriage, Mr. Atherton continued on the old —
place, and there began the manufacture of boots with |
his brother William, under the firm-title of J. & W..
Atherton. This firm continued in business some
years, and was prosperous. It was finally merged
with the firm of Atherton, Stetson & Co., a solid
Boston house, the Athertons being Samuel, James,
and William. James’ health not being robust, after
his business energies had been rewarded with a suffi-
cient competency, he retired from active labor. This
was in 1867, his connection with Atherton, Stetson & |
Co. ceasing in 1861.
the house now occupied by his sons.
27
His children,
About 1838 he removed to |
was educated at the common schools; passed the
early part of his life (until twenty years of age) on
homestead farm. He then went to Boston
(1835) as clerk for William Capen, shoe and leather
dealer, and remained with him about two years.
Then taking a position as book-keeper with the
firm of Prouty & Co., Commercial Street, wholesale
hardware, he stayed with them for one year. He
next established himself in business, as a retail boot
and shoe dealer, on Washington Street, in company
with Edwin Battles, under the firm-name of Battles
& Atherton. After one year the connection with
Mr. Battles was dissolved, and Mr. Atherton was
employed by Caleb Stetson, wholesale shoe and
leather dealer, corner of Broad and Central Streets,
whom he served as clerk until Jan. 1, 1842, when he
' became partner, the new firm being C. Stetson & Co.
418
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
This partnership lasted about three years. Then |
Mr. Stetson retired from active business, remaining, ©
however, special partner, but the business was con-
ducted as “Samuel Atherton.” This relation con-
tinued three years, when Mr. Stetson again resumed
active connection, and the firm-name became 8. Ather-
ton & Co., to be changed two years later to Atherton,
Stetson & Co., on the admission as member of A. W.
Stetson, now president of the State Bank. From
that time to 1861 the firm-name was unchanged.
On the retirement of Caleb Stetson, in 1852, James
and William Atherton were admitted as partners, and
they continued the Stoughton manufactory as their
portion of the firm work. In 1861, Samuel and
James Atherton withdrew from the firm, it, however,
retaining the old name of Atherton, Stetson & Co.
Soon after George E. Atherton, son of Samuel, was
admitted as partner. This business was one of the
most successful in this department of trade in Boston, ©
five or six of the partners retiring in succession with |
wealth.
Mr. Atherton married, Sept. 16, 1841, Tempie H., |
daughter of Col. Joseph and Mary (Rich) Holbrook, |
of Boston. Their children were George Edward,
Charles Francis, and Sarah Ann, who married George
P. Sewal, of Boston.
were Atherton and Mabel A. Mrs. Tempie Ather-
ton died Feb. 24, 1849.
The children of this marriage »
Mr. Atherton married, July
31856, Susan B., daughter of Capt. Richard and |
Jerusha (Rich) Baker. Their children were Helen
L. (married Edward H. Hawes, of Boston) and |
Susan M. (married W. Morton Robinson, of Lynn).
Mrs. Susan Atherton died May 18,1858. Mr. Ath-
erton married, Oct. 6, 1869, Mrs. Susan M. Holton,
daughter of Joseph Bassett and Margaret Richardson.
Mr. Atherton passed some years of his married life
in Charlestown. He purchased the beautiful place in
Dorchester where he now resides in May, 1856, and
has made his home there ever since.
is a director in the New England Bank, Prescott In-
surance Company, Massachusetts Loan and Trust
Company, president of the Dorchester Gas-Light Com-
pany, and connected with various other corporations.
He is a man of great executive ability, clear intellect,
By his
enterprise, sagacity, and integrity he won the confi-
sound practical sense, and force of character.
dence and esteem of the leading business men of
Boston, and has a high rank in financial circles.
Whig and Republican in political belief, he took hold
way, the weaving being done by hand.
Mr. Atherton |
|
of politics with the same enthusiasm and energy |
which characterized him in business life, and has
He
could have won political honors, and worn them grace-
always taken an active part in the “ primaries.”
fully and with distinction, but, aside from represent-
ing Dorchester in the State Legislatures of 1867,
1870, and 1877, he has not accepted political position.
In private life Mr. Atherton is marked for his emi-
nently social qualities, his courtesy to all, his warm
and strong friendships, kindness, and liberality to the
unfortunate and to charitable objects. He is Unitarian
in religious belief.
LEONARD HODGES.
Leonard Hodges, for so many yearsone of Stough-
ton’s leading manufacturers, was born in Taunton,
Mass., July 8, 1794. His father, Samuel Hodges,
was a man of solidity and good repute, and for many
years an “innkeeper” (a position of consequence in
those days) in Taunton and Easton. He married
Lucinda Austin, of Dighton, and had several children,
among whom were Samuel, Lucinda, and Leonard.
| Samuel was one of the incorporators of the Gay Cot-
ton Manufacturing Company, established in Stough-
ton in 1813, on the site where afterward stood Leonard
Hodges’ Satinet Mills. In the war of 1812 he
rendered distinguished services as an officer in the
army, and in 1819 was appointed United States con-
sul at the Cape Verde Islands, where he died about
1825, aged thirty-four. Lucinda married Rev. Cal-
vin Park, a Congregational clergyman of reputation,
who was at that time pastor of the church in Stough-
ton.
Leonard Hodges lived in Taunton till 1820, when
he removed to Stoughton, and established himself as
a working jeweler and merchant of jewelry. About
1822 he began the manufacture of satinets in a small
This busi-
ness, conducted with care, diligence, and unswerving
industry, grew steadily in importance, and after a few
years, with new and improved machinery, he began
to make hosiery-yarn, employing at first about twenty-
five hands. Under his shrewd management the busi-
ness assumed large proportions, and in 1851, after
accumulating a large property, he retired from active
labor, letting his mills to his nephew, Samuel W.
Hodges, who, with Calvin Tuck, founded the firm of
Tuck & Hodges. After five years Mr. Tuck retired,
and in 1857, Mr. L. Hodges sold the mill to Charles
H. French, of Canton, thus closing his connection
with manufacturing.
Mr. Hodges married, Jan. 12, 1848, Jane, daughter
of Elijah and Ruth (Tisdale) Atherton, of Stoughton,
Their children are Anna A., born Aug. 20, 1855,
married Claude Wilson, M.D., of Waterville, N. Y.;
STOUGHTON.
419
and William L., born July 13, 1858, inherited the
old homestead in Stoughton, and married May 10,
1883, Lillie Gray, daughter of David M. and Lydia
A. Simmonds, of Boston.
Mr. Hodges was a diligent, hard-working man, not
given to boasting nor display ; but by patient industry
was truly the architect of his own fortune, attending
closely to business and caring not for public honor or
office. He was a careful counselor in all practical
matters; for many years a director of the Neponset
Bank of Canton, and possessed great strength of char-
acter and steadfastness of purpose. While quiet and
reserved in his intercourse with others, he had a large
circle of attached friends, and was considered one of
Stoughton’s representative men, and when he died,
March 1, 1871, in the fullness of nearly seventy-seven
years, the community lost a valuable member, and
business circles an honest man.
ASAHEL SOUTHWORTH.
Asahel Southworth—Constant (1), Nathaniel (2),
Edward (3), Constant (4), Jedediah (5), Con-
sider (6), Asahel (7)—was born in Stoughton, July
17, 1814; he was the youngest child of his parents,
and received the education imparted at the common
schools of those days. One of the features of his at-
tending winter schools was to start with a fire-brand in
the morning and go to the school-house, a distance of |
a mile, and with this brand kindle the fire. He, like
all his father’s family, was early taught the value |
and necessity of labor. When he was twenty years
old (1835) he, with his brother Jedediah, hired the |
mill of his father, which in 1837 they bought ; built
a new dam on the site of the present one. The same
year they added fourteen feet to the length of the
factory and constructed a water-wheel. Their busi-
ness increased until their water-supply was unable to
furnish them with sufficient power. So in August,
1847, they moved to the mill in Canton, since occu-
pied by the Net and Twine Company, where they
Mr. Jedediah South-
worth suddenly dying, Asahel, who while doing busi-
ness in Canton had suffered extreme ill health from
neuralgia, sold all the machinery of the business ex-
cept that for making cords, with which he returned
to Stoughton.
machinery was put into the factory by Mr. South-
manufactured for two years.
In the spring of 1858 a set of woolen |
worth and B. L. Morrison, they commencing business |
under the name of Morrison & Southworth.
this partnership was formed, it was a condition that
when Consider Southworth, Asahel’s son, should be-
When |
come of age, and understand the business, he should
take his father’s place. This partnership continued
until 1861. Feb. 1, 1861, from some unknown cause,
the dam gave way, leaving a hole forty feet wide and
fourteen feet deep, and shortly after this firm was dis-
solved. In the spring of 1861 the dam was rebuilt,
a new and larger water-wheel put in, and fifteen feet
added to the width of the mill, in which business was
resumed by Asahel and Consider Southworth under
the firm-name of A. Southworth & Son. The pro-
duct of the new mill was about seventy-five pounds
of yarn per day. In 1866 a brick stack was built, a
boiler and engine put in, and the factory enlarged.
The building is now two stories in height, with French
roof, and thirty-nine by fifty-four feet on the ground ;
the basement and floors affording about eight thou-
In 1868, the
old machinery was sold, and new of the most approved
kind substituted. In 1867, printed or chinchilla
yarns came into use, and the new machinery that is
necessary to make this kind of goods was added. In
1872, when chinchilla yarn was most demanded, they
manufactured over one hundred and thirty thousand
In 1875, Mr. Asahel Southworth retired
from the business. He was thrice married, first, to
Harriot, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Wild)
sand five hundred feet of floor surface.
pounds.
| Kinsley, of Easton; she was born Nov. 27, 1813;
died Oct. 9, 1853. Their children were Consider,
Mary H. (died young), Mary KE. (Mrs. J. D. Taber,
of Quincy), and Harriot E. (Mrs. W. R. Blake, of
Stoughton). Mr. Southworth married, second, Mrs.
Sarah D. Fellows, née Rowe, of Rockport; they had
one child, Elmer Kinsley ; third, to Mrs. Lydia Swift.
Mr. Southworth devoted himself to business, refusing
office, only accepting those of school committee and
road surveyor. He was a successful and prosperous
man. He was energetic, of nervous temperament,
active, and cautious, social, yet unassuming, and fond
of home. His moral qualities placed him ia accord
with the highest society, and he was universally es-
teemed. With the exception of his two years’ resi-
dence in Canton, he lived all his life on the home-
stead of his father, in Stoughton. He was a member
of the Universalist Society and of the Independent
Order of Odd-Fellows. He was the first to build an
ice-house and start the ice business in Stoughton.
His death occurred Sept. 26, 1880.
ConsIDER SouTHWORTH (eighth generation), son
of Asahel and Harriet (Kinsley) Southworth, born in
Stoughton, March 7, 1840. Like many of New Eng-
land’s successful men, he had but common-school ad-
vantages of education, yet this was supplemented by a
thorough practical knowledge of his father’s manufac-
420
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
He married, March 7, 1861, Anne J., daugh-
turing.
ter of Pelatiah and Myra (Wales) Stevens, of Stough- |
ton.
in 1865, Mr. Southworth formed a partnership with
George A. Cooper to manufacture bonnet wire, and
since 1870 has supplied the inhabitants of Stoughton
with ice. From the retirement of his father from
the business of A. Southworth & Son, in 1875, Mr.
Southworth continued it until Jan. 1, 1880, when
his brother, E. Kinsley Southworth, became his
partner, and is now associated with him. They
built soon after a “ picker’-house, thirty by thirty
feet, and put in They could
then make about three hundred and fifty pounds of
yarn per day, of which one hundred was printed. In
the spring of 1882 a brick addition was made to the
mill, an eighty-horse steam-boiler put in, and also an
additional engine, A disastrous flood in the fall of
1882 carried away a portion of the dam and injured
the foundation of the mill. Owing to the general
stagnation of the woolen interest, no improvements
have since been made except to repair the damage of
the flood. The specialties they manufacture are such
yarns as are used for Cardigan jackets and by fancy-
goods knitters. In about three months after marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Southworth commenced housekeeping
in part of the homestead dwelling of his grandfather,
Col. Consider Southworth, where they resided until
they removed, in 1878, to the pleasant residence now
In politics Mr. Southworth is a
a small steam-engine.
occupied by them.
temperance Republican.
ous.
ceived largely of his time and attention during its
construction, and every bill connected therewith was
examined and audited by him. As an evidence of
He has been elected three |
years successively selectman and chairman of the —
board, and during his administration the duties of |
the office have been extremely responsible and ardu- |
The elaborate and beautiful town hall has re- |
|
|
Their surviving children are Harvey K. (born |
Jan. J6, 1867) and Martin O. (born Nov. 14, 1869). |
In addition to the firm of A. Southworth & Son, |
"quiet and simple, and he much prefers the society of
the estimation in which he is held by the citizens of |
ton, of Newton, Walton Lane: children,—Sir Thomas,
Christian, and Richard Southworth.’
Stoughton, and his business ability, we give the lan-
guage of one of its substantial farmers: “ The town
hall would have cost ten thousand dollars more had
it not been for Mr. Southworth.” He has only been
identified with town affairs during the last ten years,
previously devoting himself to his business, in which
he has been fairly successful. He is Universalist in
his belief, and was parish treasurer for several years,
until increasing cares caused him to decline serving
longer. He joined the Sons of Temperance when
fourteen years of age, and has never violated his ob-
ligations or broken the pledge he then took. He is
| Mynne, of Norfolk.
a man of positive character and convictions, yet un-
obtrusive and unostentatious. He seeks no public
duties, but when called to perform them is faithful
to the command,—‘ Whatsoever thy hand findeth to
do, do it with thy might.” His manner of life is
his home and family to parties or clubs, and enters
with reluctance public gatherings. Enjoying rural
_ life, he takes pleasure in cultivation of the soil and
horticulture, and has a fine orchard of five hundred
trees. Perhaps no man in Stoughton has been more
earnestly devoted to its welfare than he, and surely
none holds a higher place in the regards of its people.
COL. CONSIDER SOUTHWORTH (1).
The romantic history of Lady Alice Southworth,
who married Governor William Bradford for her second
husband in the infant Plymouth Colony, has been told
over and over again during the last two hundred and
fifty years, and of equally proud and noble descent as
any of the English peerage is the Southworth family.
Its transatlantic genealogy is thus given in Winsor’s
“ History of Duxbury:” ‘It was procured by Mr.
H. B. Somerby, from the Herald’s college, London,
for Nathan Southworth, Esq., of Boston. It is not
known whether the first named are to be understood
as in regular lines of descent, or collateral branches
of the family. [It is evidently direct line of descent. ]
Sir Gilbert Southworth, of Southworth Hall, Lancas-
ter, Knt., married Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas
Dayes, of Salmsbury, in Lancashire. Sir John South-
worth, of Southworth Hall, married Jane, daughter
of John Booth, of Barton, Esq. Richard South-
worth, of Salmsbury, Esq., married Klizabeth, daugh-
ter of Edward Molineaux, Esq., of Segton, in Lan-
eashire. Sir Christopher Southworth, of Southworth
Hall, married Isabel, daughter of John Dutton, of
County Chester. Sir John Southworth, of Salms-
bury, Knt., married Ellen, daughter of Richard Lang-
Richard Southworth, of London, merchant, mar-
ried Jane, daughter of Edward Lloyd, of Shropshire :
children,—Henry, of Somersetshire, married Eliza-
beth, daughter of John Pillsant, of London, merchant;
and Thomas, who married Jane, daughter of Nicholas
Constant Southworth (if Lou-
| berly’s table is understood correctly), who married
_ Alice Carpenter, afterwards Mrs. Governor William
| Bradford, of Plymouth Colony, New England, was son
of Thomas and Jane (Mynne) Southworth. Their
(he
o
Witte 7
STOUGHTON.
421
children were Thomas M., Elizabeth Rayner, and Con- |
stant, who married Elizabeth Collier. According to the —
“ Pilgrim Memorials,” Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, stands
on “a part of the extensive estate of Mr. Thomas
Southworth, in 1668, and is probably comprised within
the four acres given bim by his mother, Mrs. Alice |
Bradford, relict of Gov. Bradford.” Thomas South-
worth, ‘“‘a magistrate and good benefactor to both
church and commonwealth,” died in 1669.
According to old colonial records, ‘‘ on the 26th day —
of March, 1670, Mistress Alice Bradford, senior,
changed this life for a better, having attained to four-
score years of age, or thereabouts.
She was a godly >
matron, and much loved while she lived, and lamented, |
though aged, when she died, and was honorably in-
terred, on the 29th of the month aforesaid, at New
Plimouth.”
her sons Thomas and Constant some time later, in
1628.
Constant Southworth had by his wife, Elizabeth
Collier, Edward, Nathaniel, Mercy (married S. Free-
man), Alice (married Col. Benjamin Clark), Mary
Alice came over in the ship “‘ Anne,” |
| for traitors.
(married David Alden), Elizabeth (married William |
Fobes, of Little Compton), Priscilla, and William. |
Nathaniel, born at Plymouth, 1648, married Desire, |
daughter of Edward Gray, in 1672; had Constant, |
born 1674; Mary, born 1676; Ichabod, born 1678 ; —
Elizabeth, married James Sproat; Nathaniel, born
1684; and Edward, who settled in Middleborough
and married Bridget Bosworth, of Hull, in 1711, and
riod, and, it is said, bought the right to peg shoes
(then a new invention) in the town of Stoughton.
He was prominently connected with the interests of
Stoughton. As colonel of the militia, he was called
into active service with his regiment in the war of
1812, but was not called into action. He held a
high position in the Masonic fraternity ; was a member
of the First Parish Church ; was well developed phys-
ically, of strong positive character, lived in the west-
ern part of Stoughton, and was especially fond of good
horses, always owning one or two fine specimens. He
was a valuable citizen, generous and hospitable in all
the relations of life, and made a strong impress on
the local history of his day. He was a life-long Dem-
ocrat, a true patriot, and while he deprecated the agi-
tation that led to the Rebellion, had it not been for
his fourscore years he would have been found at the
front battling for the Union. He had no sympathy
Up to the time of the free-soil agita-
tion his sons were in political accord with him, when
Asahel became an active worker in that cause. He
died June 6,1863, much lamented. His wife was
born July 22,1777, and died Dec. 6, 1856. Col.
Southworth commenced in 1823 a cotton-thread fac-
tory, which was finished in 1824, and was a wooden
building twenty-four by thirty-eight feet, with eight
feet posts and a stone basement story. His son,
| Consider A., who had learned the business in Paw-
died in 1749, leaving four sons, Constant, Edward, |
Lemuel, and Benjamin, who, as stated by Judge |
Michell, all settled in North Bridgewater.
Constant |
married Martha, daughter of Joseph Keith, in 1734; |
to them were born Betsey, in 1735; Nathaniel, in
1737; Ezekiel, 1739; Martha and Mary, 1741;
Desire, 1742; Jedediah, 1745; Constant, 1747;
Sarah, 1749, and Isabel, 1751.
North Bridgewater, married Mary, daughter of Capt.
Consider Atherton (see biography of James Ather-
ton). She was born in Stoughton, where they set-
tled and had children,—Jedediah, Consider, Polly,
Betsey, and Constant.
Consider Southworth was known as colonel, and
married Mary Hixon, Jan. 24, 1799, and had nine
children,—Lyman, born June 6, 1800; Jarvis, born
Aug. 20,1801; Lemuel D., born Sept. 7, 1802,
Consider A., born May 14, 1805; Amasa ; Mira, born
Nov. 3, 1810, married Alva Morrison, of Braintree ;
Jedediah, born April 27, 1812; Asahel, Paul D., |
born May 27, 1820. Col. Consider Southworth was
born April 8, 1775, probably in Stoughton. He was
one of the primitive shoe manufacturers of that pe-
Jedediah, born in|
tucket, R. L., took charge of the manufacturing depart-
ment for some time, being succeeded by his brother
Amasa. Work was begun on this mill July 15,
1824, and forty-five pounds of thread were spun by
August Ist. In August ninety-eight and a half pounds
were spun ; in September one hundred and ten pounds.
The total product to Jan. 1, 1825, was eight hundred
and fifty-three pounds. In 1825 two thousand four
hundred and fifty-three and a half pounds were _pro-
duced. About 1826 Consider A. Southworth built a
cord-twister, and he began to make cotton cord of
various colors, used at that time to finish the tops of
boots and shoes. These colored cords were made in
the Southworth family until the advent of the sewing-
machine changed the style of finishing, and the man-
‘ufacturing of cording was given up in 1857, as there
was no demand for the goods. ‘‘The Southworths
made the first cotton cord ever manufactured in Mas-
sachusetts by water-power.”
Amasa Southworth (2) was born March 4, 1807,
in Stoughton; had a meagre, common-school edu-
cation; was early inured to labor, and for most of
his life worked diligently with both head and hands,
His youth was passed assisting his father in farming
and in the mill. On becoming of age, in 1828, with
422
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
his brother, Consider A., he formed the manufacturing |
Lydia (Keene) Dorman, of Rockport, Mass., Dee.
copartnership of C. A. & A. Southworth. Their mill
was built on the site now occupied (1883) by the mill —
About 1829 |
they added a mill on the site of the present mill of |
In 1857, |
Amasa purchased the interest of his brother in this |
of Consider Southworth & Brother.
A. Southworth & Co., West Stoughton.
mill, and took as partners his son, Massena B., and
son-in-law, Edwin 8S. Henry, forming the firm of A.
Southworth & Co., under which name business is still |
conducted, and manufactures Sea Island and fancy cot- |
In 1859, |
ton, harness twine, line twine, threads, ete.
Mr. Southworth sold his interest to his son, William S8.,
who then became of age.
Mr. Southworth married, |
March 4, 1829, Abigail, daughter of Asa and Polly |
(Kent) Sherman, of Marshfield. From Marcia A.
Thomas’ “ Memorials of Marshfield,’ we copy this:
“ William Sherman had a garden place at Duxbury,
1637, and lands towards Green Harbor, 1640. He
early settled on the north side of the highlands, called |
_man, whose promises are kept and whose credit is
on early records, White’s Hill, near Peregrine White’s.
He had John (born 1646), William, and perhaps
others.” From its location and the family name,
y
this was written of Mrs. Southworth’s ancestors, as |
Her |
this describes the old homestead of her birth.
father, Asa Sherman, born April 12, 1773, was a
farmer of Marshfield, and owned and commanded a
coasting vessel. He was a militia captain, an active
and energetic man, well acquainted with many people,
and held in high repute by his townsmen. He mar-
ried Polly Kent, and had Polly, born Sept. 15, 1799;
Asa, born Feb. 28, 1801; Wealthy, born Feb. 22,
1803; Abigail, born Aug. 15, 1806; Alice W., born
Feb. 24, 1810; and William, born May 25, 1813.
Social, honest, patriotic, and upright, he died April
26, 1870, aged ninety-seven. His wife, born Dec.
28,1775, died Jan. 10, 1878, aged one hundred and
two years and thirteen days. She was a lady of the
old school, of sweet disposition and courteous man-
ners, and much beloved. The children of Amasa
and Abigail Southworth are A. Malvina, born Dee.
10, 1830, married E. 8. Henry, has three living
children; Walter E., born July 16, 1864; Alice S., |
born June 29, 1867; and Ella S., born Jan. 14, 1871.
Massena B., born Jan. 7, 1834, married Ellen K.,
daughter of Albert G. and Hannah Vose (Gay) Eaton, |
March 12, 1866.
April 2, 1871; Fred. W., born Sept. 25, 1874; and
Inez M., born Feb. 26,1880. William I., born June
|
Their children are Grace K., born |
9, 1839, married Martha E., daughter of Orin and |
Polly (Hayden) Belcher, Jan. 6, 1861.
dren are Edith G., born Sept. 26, 1869, and William
B., born Nov. 9, 1871. Amasa E., born March 9,
Their chil- |
|
|
1844, married Abbie M., daughter of Charles and
25, 1866. Their children are Edwin W., born Sept.
22, 1867; Abbie D., born Feb. 10, 1877; and
Chester Dean, born March 5, 1882. Amasa HE. re-
sides in Kast Somerville, and is a member of the firm
of Hyde & Southworth, wholesale grocers, Boston,
Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Amasa Southworth commenced
housekeeping in a small house near the present mill
of A. Southworth & Co., and, after several removals,
they finally occupied, in 1836, the house which was
Mr. Southworth’s home till death, and now the resi-
dence of his widow. This house was separated by a
driveway from one built exactly like it by his brother,
Consider A., which has been destroyed by fire.
Amasa Southworth was liberal in all things of a
social nature, fond of home and domestic circle, of
good judgment, strong character, firm principle, suc-
cessful in business ; in politics a Democrat, and in re-
ligion a Universalist. The life of a private business
good, is apt to be uneventful, as far as the purposes
Such a life is
so because good credit accompanies or follows correct
of a biographical sketch is concerned.
business habits, and such habits mean the smooth
running of affairs, when each day, though it brings its
work and obligations, leaves its obligations complied
with and its labor performed. Such lives are the
foundation and superstructure of society, and such a
life was Amasa Southworth’s. The famous and
eventful lives may well be considered the architectural
embellishments, but they must have the solid strue-
Life is not a dream
is the assertion of more than one experience, and the
ture to form themselves upon.
lives of great events are rendered possible only by
Mrs. South-
worth, his companion of many years, with unusual
just such lives as the one in question.
activity of mind and body, surrounded by her chil-
dren, is “only waiting” for the coming of the “ twi-
li
ht” to join her beloved husband.
oO
5
HON. ELISHA C. MONK.
Hon. Elisha Capen Monk, son of George R. and
Sarah (Capen) Monk, was born in Stoughton, Mass.,
April 25, 1828. From Hon. Ellis Ames, of Canton,
the noted genealogist, we gather the following infor-
mation: “The ancestor who came to this country
was probably Christopher Monk. In past generations
there have been several Christopher Monks in Boston,
and several of the same name in Stoughton, one of
whom was born Jan. 14, 1733, anotherin 1757. At
STOUGHTON.
the ‘Massacre’ (so called), March 5, 1770, when
the British troops fired upon the inhabitants of
Boston, one Christopher Monk, of Boston, an ap-
prentice, seventeen years old, stood next to Gen.
Joseph Warren, and was shot down by a bullet
through one of his lungs. Gen. Warren, who
was a skillful physician and surgeon, attended him —
every day for several years, without fee, until he
finaily recovered. What relation
Monks, of Stoughton, is not now known. George
Monk kept a‘ famous tavern’ on what is now Park
Street, in Boston, in 1686. Another George Monk
had his will proven Oct. 10, 1740. He was a shop-
keeper in Boston. There were four Elias Monks, one
of whom, great-great-grandfather to Elisha C., came
to Stoughton about 1720, and since then the family
has been quite numerous there. He settled in the
southeastern part of Stoughton, was a farmer, and
died in 1750. He left at least two sons,—George and
William. William was a soldier in both the French
and Indian wars of 1756, and the Revolution, and
was at the battle of the Plains of Abrabam, at the
taking of Quebec, under Gen. Wolfe. George was
born Feb. 10, 1734, in Stoughton, and died about
1814. He was a farmer.
His son Jacob was a farmer also.
father to Elisha Capen Monk.”
George, father of Jacob, was a volunteer in the
Revolution, receiving a bounty from the town, and
Jacob married Milly Ran-
I knew him very well.
He was grand-
served through the war.
dall, of Easton, whose mother lived to the advanced
age of one hundred and four years. Their children
were Nathan, George R. Stillman, Jacob, Almira
(married Isaac Blanchard), Eliza (died single), and
Caroline (married Charles Stone, of North Bridge-
water).
The Stoughton home of the family was in the
south part of the town, near the “ Old Colony” line,
and has been held by the family from the first occu-
pant until now. Jacob Monk was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, a large man of fine
presence, quiet and unostentatious, and although very
modest, was of sterling worth. He lived to be sixty-
George Randall Monk, son of Jacob, born
about 1799, had the educational advantages of the
public schools of his day, became a manufacturer of
boots and shoes in Stoughton about 1825, and con-
tinued about ten years in that business, when he re-
moved to West Troy, N. Y., and established himself
in manufacturing, but after a four-years’ stay he gave
seven.
up business in consequence of a fall which produced
paralysis of both legs. He then returned to Stough-
ton, where he died Oct. 9, 1843, aged forty-four years.
he was to the.
He married Sarah, daughter of Deacon Elisha and
Milly (Gay) Capen. (Milly Gay, previous to her
marriage, spun and wove cloth from flax raised on her
father’s farm at Dry Pond, and herself carried it to
Boston, and sold it for money to purchase her wedding-
dress. Her father, Timothy Gay, was a minute-man in
the Revolution, and was called out to aid in the defense
of Roxbury. She wasa woman of remarkable strength
of character and physical endurance, and taught
school before her marriage. She lived to be ninety-
seven years of age.) They had five children who
attained mature years,—George H., Elisha C., Harriet
(deceased; married Ephraim W. Littlefield, of Hast
Stoughton, and left three children), Adelia A.
(married, first, William H. Curtis, had one child ; sec-
ond, A. A. Lamb; they have had two children, and
now live in Stoughton), Eliza F. (married D. 8. Tol-
man, lives in Brockton, and has two children).
Elisha C. Monk was fifteen years old at his father’s
death. He had a good common-school education,
_ supplemented by the private teaching of Rev. Wil-
_make a good boot when eighteen.
liam Cornell (a successful teacher and pastor of the
Congregational Church in Stoughton) in Latin, rhet-
He learned the bootmaker’s trade, and could
He continued at
the trade ten years, and alone and with others con-
ducted manufacturing of boots for twelve years, and
was fairly successful financially. He became one of
the incorporators, in 1872, of the Stoughton Boot
and Shoe Company, and was its agent. This con-
tinued eight years, doing an annual business of nearly
oric, ete.
a quarter of a million dollars, and although not a
financial success, sti]l it gave much employment to
residents of the town, distributing large amounts of
money, and benefiting the community by the conse-
quent increase of its business. In 1870, Mr. Monk
went West as one of the original corporation (‘* Union
Colony”) which established the town of Greeley, Col.
He was one of the trustees the first year of the
colony, and erected the first building in the new town.
This colony was one of the most successful ever un-
dertaken, and will ever be historic from the sagacity
and shrewd wisdom of its founders. Mr. Monk has
been financially interested in Greeley until the present
year. For the last ten years, and until within a few
months, he has been the senior member of the firm of
Monk & Ingalsbe, transacting a mercantile business
in Greeley and at Colorado Springs.
Mr. Monk has ever been in the foremost file of
political progress. He was a member of the organiza-
tion of Sons of Temperance in Stoughton for twenty
years, and until the dissolution of the lodge. He
early became connected with the Free-Soil movement,
424
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
: 4 |
and was elected on that issue and ticket to represent —
Stoughton in the Massachusetts Legislature in 1856.
As this movement gathered strength, and the great
civil war was forced upon the country, Mr. Monk
chusetts Colonies, he was representative to the General
Court of Massachusetts fourteen years. In many
other and important ways, he served his town and
_ colony with zeal and fidelity, and died at an advanced
gave his heartiest efforts to the maintenance of the |
He
gave much of his time in filling the quota of Stough-
Union and the success of the Republican party.
ton in the numerous drafts made upon her for soldiers
in the field, and the promptitude with which she re-_
sponded to them was largely due to his exertions.
As a Republican he represented his district in the
Senate of Massachusetts in 1866—67, and served with
credit on important committees.
he is a Universalist.
In religious belief
Mr. Monk married, Jan, 15,1851, Sally B., daugh- |
ter of Ethan and Sarah (Wentworth) French. She
was born in Stoughton, Aug. 23, 1835. Their chil-
dren are Bertha L., George, and Eunice ©. Bertha
turing house of Farrell & Marston, Stoughton, and
has one child,—Isaac Bertram.
worthily proud. Conservative, yet actuated by con-
victions, he has never been a hindrance to true prog-
Pleasant
and unrestrained in social intercourse, faithful in all
the relations of life, those who have known him
ress, but one of its most earnest assistants.
longest are his strongest friends.
LUCIUS CLAPP.
Thomas Clapp (1), the first American ancestor
of Lucius Clapp, was born in Dorchester, England, in
1597, and came of an old Devonshire family of Danish
extraction. He came to this country probably in
1633, as in 1634 his name appears on the town
records of Dorchester, in which town he was admitted
a freeman in 1638.
Mr. Monk ranks ©
among the successful men of whom Stoughton is |
age. He had ten children, of whom Joseph (3) was
second, and was born Dec. 14, 1668. He married
and lived all his days in Scituate, where he owned
land. He had twelve children. His son Joseph (4),
born July 15, 1701, was deacon, inherited his father’s
estate ; married, first, Hannah Briggs; second, Sarah
Perkins, and reared a family of fifteen children. His
eldest son, Joseph (5), born in Scituate, Feb. 21,
(7) and Lydia (married Daniel Holbrook).
married Isaac V. Marston, a member of the manufac- |
| tled in North Easton as a farmer.
1734-35, married there Eliza Turner, and spent the
latter portion of his life elsewhere. He had six chil-
dren, one of whom, Barnard (6), born in Scituate,
married Lydia Packard and settled in Braintree,
where he died in 1803, leaving two children,—Charles
Charles,
born in Braintree, Jan. 10, 1795, was early an orphan,
his mother dying when he was scarcely two years
old, and his father when he was about eight. He was
taken by his uncle, Nathan Packard, a farmer of
North Bridgewater, with whom he remained until his
majority. He acquired sufficient education to enable
him to teach several terms of school in early life, and
He married
Sally, daughter of Nathaniel and Betsey Manley, who
was born in North Bridgewater, and shortly after set-
In 1821, he came
to Stoughton, purchased seventy-five acres of land,
in which he gave great satisfaction.
which, with additions, now is the farm occupied by
his son Lucius, and was ever after a resident there.
He died Jan. 16, 1838, a quiet, unostentatious man, of
good repute. He held the various town offices of im-
portance with credit, and was called out to defend the
coast in the war of 1812. His children were Lucius
| (8), and Charles, who died, aged nineteen, in 1846.
He afterwards removed to Wey- |
mouth, next to Scituate, where he was deacon of the
church in 1647.
and useful man; was deputy in 1649, and overseer
He was an enterprising, energetic,
of the poor in 1667, serving the first term of the ex-
He married
, had nine children, and died April 20,
His third child, Samuel (2),
married June 14, 1666, Hannah, daughter of Thomas
Gill, of Hingham.
dence ; was a distinguished man, and notably so in
istence of those offices in the town.
Abigail
1684, greatly respected.
He inherited his father’s resi-
Scituate, his native town, which speaks well for his
ability, as it then contained some of the ablest men in
the colony. He was eight years deputy of Plymouth
Colony.
After the union of Plymouth and Massa- -
He was a young man of more than ordinary ability,
quiet and unassuming in his manners, honorable and
upright in his life, making friends of all who came in
contact with him. He was a good scholar, having,
beside his common-school education, studied several
terms at an academy, and was engaged in a course of
studies at the normal school in Bridgewater, prepar-
ing himself for future usefulness, of which he gave
ereat promise, when he was prostrated by consump-
tion.
Lucius Clapp is the eighth in direct descent from
Thomas, the emigrant, and was born in North Bridge-
He was educated at
commov and private schools; was reared a farmer ;
water (now Brockton), Mass.
took pride in agriculture, and has always followed
that avocation, and is to-day one of the representative
ELE
aie eee a Ze
Bie sep? oe z
\
\t
\
\
STOUGHTON. 425
farmers of this progressive age. He has always re-
sided on his father’s homestead ; has been successful |
in business, and has used the funds Providence has
given into his care wisely, and done much to make
him remembered as a liberal and kind-hearted man-
He married Emily, daughter of Lewis Waters, July
14, 1847. Formerly a Whig, Mr. Clapp has been
identified with the most progressive political creeds.
He was one of the original Free-Soilers, and chairman
we write, is Richard (1), John (2), Samuel (3),
Samuel (4), Joseph (5), Robert (6), Robert (7),
Robert (8). John Porter (2) is mentioned in the
Porter genealogy as one of the most enterprising men
of his time. He had many land grants, and was a
large purchaser of lands in ancient Bridgewater. In
1693 he built the first saw-mill in what is now South
| Abington, at ‘ Little Comfort,” and was a useful,
of the first Free-Soil meeting held in Stoughton. |
Since its organization he has supported the Republi-
can party.
tees several years, and selectman of Stoughton seven
years, and now (1883) holds that position.
always been pronounced in advocacy of temperance,
He has been member of school commit-—
honored citizen, holding all the various town offices
Joseph (3), born June 10,1730,
lived in Bridgewater and Stoughton, moving from
Bridgewater to Stoughton in 1777. He and his wife
at different times.
| were admitted to the North Bridgewater Church, of
He has |
1780.
and has been connected with every movement for the |
He
betterment and advancement of his native town.
is an attendant and supporter of the Methodist Epis-_
copal Church.
We might write much of the esteem in which he
is held by the better element of the community in
which he has passed his entire life, but we forbear,
fearing that we might wound a modest, retiring na-
ture, when we only sought to do justice. We must,
however, give the remark made by a prominent citi-
zen concerning him, “ He is a se/ectman in the fullest
and highest sense of the term, an able man, and
honest and faithful as able.”
ROBERT PORTER.
Robert Porter is (eighth) in direct descent from |
Richard Porter, who with others came over from
Weymouth, England, in 1635, and settled at Wey-
mouth, Mass. In the years 1648, 1654, 1663, and
1668 grants of land were made to Richard Porter.
He was continually in office as selectman, constable,
and upon committees ; was a member of the original
church,— Brother Richard Porter” often occurs on
the old records.
Ruth, and he was doubtless married after arriving in
He died between Dec. 25, 1688, the
The name of his wife was probably
this country.
| Ch):
date of his will, and March 6, 1689, the date of the |
inventory of his estate. The commencement of this
will is quaint, and worthy a place in this history.
“‘T, Richard Porter, of Weymouth, in New England,
being apprehensive of my near approaching departure
out of this world, and being through the mercy of
which his uncle, John Porter, was the minister in
He was a lieutenant in the militia in the time
of the Revolutionary war. Robert Porter (6), son of
Joseph and Elizabeth (Burrill) Porter, born in
Bridgewater, March 30, 1762, was a farmer, and re-
sided in Stoughton ; married Elizabeth Gay, June 5,
1794; he had several children, among them Robert
Mr. Porter was an active, energetic man, was
captain of militia, and served his day and generation
He died Aug. 18, 1835.
Robert, father of the present Robert Porter. He was
born in Stoughton, Dec. 19, 1798; married first,
Fannie B., daughter of Uriah Capen, of Stoughton,
Aug. 20, 1822 ; second, Eunice Freeman, of Orleans,
June 24, 1832; third, Mrs. Caroline P. Ames, of
Milton, June 5, 1875. His children numbered thir-
teen, Robert being the oldest. He died Nov. 9,
1876, aged seventy-eight. He was a farmer and large
well. We come now to
real-estate owner, and for more than fifty years owned
and lived upon the land where the town hall now
stands. He laid out and built Porter and Canton
Streets as far as the Catholic Church, also School
Street from Pearl to same point, thence westerly over
his land nearly to Water Street. He also extended
Canton Street to the line between him and his son
Robert (8), being nearly a mile in the whole, selling
the lots to the first builders and dwellers thereon. He
was a “road-builder’” from his early days, having
built the road through Ames’ Pond about 1830, also
the road through the old mill-pond at the head of the
present Brockton reservoir, in 1838. In the latter he
had a partner, Mr. Samuel Capen. His trade was that
of stone-masonry, and he used to say that he ‘“ had
He
stoned wells enough to measure three miles.”’
got out hardwood timber, and inaugurated the wood
God of a short memory and disposing mind; trust-_
ing in the mercy of God through ye Lord Jesus Christ |
for eternal life: Do make this my last will & testa- |
' with the Congregationalists.
ment.” The line from Richard to Robert, of whom
and lumber business now carried on by his son
Robert. He held several town offices, such as col-
lector, constable, etc., was at one time deacon of the
Universalist Church, but afterwards connected himself
426
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Ropert Porrer (8) was born in Stoughton, on
the Uriah Capen (his grandfather’s) place on Pleasant
Street, Dee. 6, 1823, married Mary Holmes Drake,
daughter of Luther Drake and Catherine (Pope)
Holmes, his wife, Nov. 16, 1848.
born in Sandwich.
(1), died young; Mary Emma (2), born Dec. 26,
1850, died Dec. 25, 1877; Theresa Jane, born
March 17, 1853; Robert D., born July 29, 1855;
Ellis B., born April 28, 1860; and A. St. John
Chambré, born Sept. 27, 1867.
Mr. Porter had only the advantages of the common
schools, and as he was early put to labor, his oppor-
When four
Mrs. Porter was
tunities for education were very limited.
years old, in the summer of 1828, he rode and drove |
horse to plow, continuing this for his father and
others until his next younger brother was old enough
to supersede him. When about eight years of age
he began to accompany his father on his trips to
Boston and drive team, and from that time to the |
present has been an active laborer in various depart-
ments of business. As soon as he was old enough to
ride, he was set to ride horse in plowing out corn, and
when nine years old “held plow and drove for him-
self.” He remained with his father on the farm and
doing stone-mason work until he was twenty-one.
He established himself in business in 1845, by pur-
chasing a timber lot in Kaston, from which he removed
He
has dealt in wood and timber ever since, about forty
years.
the timber and wood and also made charcoal.
He did everything that came in his way to
make an honest day’s work, drove team, stoned cel-
lars, dug wells, laid stone walls, and has always been
proficient. Among other things, selling and carting
(with some aid in loading) fifty cords merchantable
Their children are Mary Emma |
_ dreds of rods of drainage, open, stone, and tile.
_ sixty cents on the dollar.
oak and chestnut wood four miles, on twelve and one- |
half consecutive days, the loads, many of them, being
This was
hauled on an eight-foot wagon, and one load of heavy
divided between three and four purchasers.
oak contained nineteen and _ five-twelfths cord feet,
and was so high that sometimes a hind wheel would
rise upon the road. This was in 1847 or 1848, and
when fifty years of age cut seven cords of pine wood
in one day; at another time, one and three-eighths |
cords in seventy-four minutes, of which witnesses are
now living. When thirtcen years old he practiced
tending windlass for well-digging, and lowered tubs
of stone into wells for his father to lay.
when near the bottom, the tub got the start, overbal-
ancing him, as he weighed less than one hundred
He shrunk
pounds, throwing him over the windlass.
At one time, |
from no productive employment, but never strove to |
make a dollar dishonestly.
He purchased the place |
where he now lives June 15, 1852. This was origi-
nally forty-five acres, and to this he has added by pur-
chase until he now has in this place one hundred and
two acres, and altogether about three hundred acres.
When Mr. Porter purchased this place it was much
run down, having scarcely a rod of good fence and a
few ‘“tumble-down” walls, and he could only cut three
tons of English hay on the entire place. From this
_unpromising beginning, Mr. Porter, by expenditure
of great time and labor, has changed it from a barren
waste to a rich, productive farm. It has been said
that ‘““he who made two blades of grass grow where
only one grew before, was a public benefactor.” How
much more applicable is this term to Mr. Porter.
The farm was almost covered with wood, through
which one could scarcely see a house. He cleared
off the wood, extirpated the stumps, and laid out a
private road across his farm, along which and the
public highway he has set out fine shade-trees, being
He has constructed hun-
One
drain, a rod in width, is over eighty rods in length.
Also stone walls of great beauty and solidity, and
developed a charming scene of pastoral beauty from
the primitive wilderness by his energy and taste.
Mr. Porter is a model farmer, cuts more than sixty
about a mile of distance.
tons of fodder, follows no specialty, but engages in all
departments of agriculture applicable to this section.
He was the first to establish the coal business in
Stoughton, which he has carried on for more than a
quarter of a century. In this he disposes of from
By the
stringency of the panic times, in 1877, Mr. Porter
was compelled to compromise with his creditors at
three to four thousand tons per annum.
That his honesty and in-
tegrity was not impeached by this is evidenced by
the fact that, immediately after settlement, his cred-
itors offered to advance him funds to continue his
In public and private life Mr. Porter
takes a high moral and religious stand, and holds the
His political life has had
three stages, Free-Soil, Republican, and Prohibition.
business.
most advanced positions.
Having no aspiration for office, he has only accepted
that of chairman of selectmen, one term (1854).
He has, however, allowed his name to run in connec-
tion with senatorial and other offices on Prohibition
tickets, merely as the representative of a principle,
and enjoyed the satisfaction of running ahead of his
ticket.
and enjoys the esteem of the community.
He is an industrious, hard-working citizen,
HOLBROOK.
427
CHAPTER XX xX<TYV.
HOLBROOK,
BY A. E. SPROUL.
ELSEWHERE in this volume Holbrook is alluded
to as the daughter of Randolph. Technically, this is
correct enough ; practically, however, the distinction
between the West and East villages of the present
town—now respectively the towns of Randolph and
Holbrook—was as marked for many years previous to
the division as it has ever been since.
although there was a well-built highway extending al-
most ina straight line between them, the communities
did not grow together, and to this day the street al-
luded to is but scantily settled for the greater part of its |
length.
General History.—The division of the town of
Randolph, by a line running in the vicinity of the
Cochato River, had been a topic of conversation, es-
pecially in East Randolph, for many years previous to
the autumn of 1871, when the first really decisive
steps were taken.
to consider the subject were held, at which it was
evident that a majority of the citizens of Kast Ran- |
| immediately voted that the Legislature be petitioned
dolph were in favor of the formation of a new town
east of the Old Colony Railroad line ; but there was
not the harmony and unanimity which seemed desir-
able, and the matter was dropped. Early in the au-
tumn of 1871, however, it seemed to some that the |
time fora successful effort in that direction had come,
and preliminary work was begun, culminating in a citi-
The centres |
of the two villages were nearly two miles apart, and |
In January, 1867, two meetings |
' with which they were for so many years identified.
meeting, held on Saturday evening, December 9th, was
made noteworthy by reason of the proposal by Mr.
K. N. Holbrook, there advanced, to give to the new
town, in the event of its incorporation, the sum of
fifty thousand dollars—of which twenty-five thousand
dollars were to be expended for a town hall and library
building, ten thousand dollars fora public library, and
the remaining fifteen thousand dollars for the pay-
The
idea which still remains current to a considerable ex-
ment of the town debt, or some kindred object.
tent, more particularly outside the borders of the
present town, that Mr. Holbrook made his munificent
gift conditional upon the proposed town being named
for him, deserves emphatic contradiction at the hands
of the present writer, based upon the most reliable
At the meeting where the
generous proposal was made, the citizens assembled at
once brought forward the name “ Holbrook” for the
new town, and it received almost unanimous approval
by the townspeople. The name was adopted not so
contemporary testimony.
/ much in honor of any one man, as in recognition of a
family of old residents, who had become wealthy in
_the prosecution of legitimate business, and who had
|
zens’ meeting held on the evening of Tuesday, Decem- |
ber 5th. This meeting was largely attended, and great |
enthusiasm prevailed. It was called to order by Mr.
William Gray, and organized by the choice of Mr. L. |
S. Whitcomb as chairman, and Mr. KE. Frank Lincoln,
secretary. The following resolve, offered by Mr. Frank
W. Lewis, was, after a full discussion by several of
the most prominent citizens, accepted and adopted by
a rising vote, only one negative vote being recorded:
“ Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that it is ex- | ; . k
| town, and to instruct the representative to the Legis-
pedient that the portion of Randolph lying east of the Old Col-
ony and Newport Railroad be set off from the main town and
incorporated as a new town.”
always shown themselves enterprising and_public-
spirited, and alive to the interests of the community
At the meeting of December 9th, therefore, it was
to name the new town Holbrook, if incorporated, and
three cheers were given for the name, and three more
and a vote of thanks for Mr.. Holbrook. Petitions
and subscription papers were actively circulated, fre-
quent meetings of the executive committee were
held, and the Hon. E. W. Morton, of Boston, was en-
gaged to act as counsel for the advocates of’ division.
About Jan. 8, 1872,
sented to the Senate by Senator Carpenter, of Fox-
boro’. Upto this time the project had been regarded
by the citizens of West Randolph as visionary ; but
the first petition was pre-
they now saw that it must be met in a serious spirit.
On January 18th a town-meeting was held in Stetson
Hall, West Randolph, ‘‘ to take action on the petition
of E. N. Holbrook and others,” at which it was voted
to appoint a committee to oppose the division of the
lature, Mr. Ludovicus F. Wild, of Hast Randolph, to
_ carry out the expressed wish of the town, or resign.
Executive and other committees were chosen and set |
towork. On the following day (December 6th) a formal
petition was signed by Mr. E. N. Holbrook and thir-
teen others and recorded in the office of the Secretary |
of State, and on the 8th it was served upon the town |
' for the petitioners, and the Hon. B. W. Harris (now
of Randolph by a deputy-sheriff. A second citizens’
All this was done in the face of the vigorous opposi-
tion of the citizens of East Randolph, but they were
outvoted, as often before. The hearings before the
legislative Committee on Towns were begun on Janu-
ary 24th, Mr. Morton, as previously stated, appearing
428
of East Bridgewater) for the remonstrants. Before |
!
|
their close an event occurred which filled the hearts |
of the people of East Randolph with profound sad-
ness. This was the sudden death, on Feb. 5, 1872,
of Mr. Elisha Niles Holbrook, the benefactor of the
future town. Though a digression from the subject
immediately in hand, perhaps no more appropriate
place than the present may be found in which to
allude to Mr. Holbrook’s career.
He was born in East Randolph, Oct. 31, 1800, and
was the second son and fifth child of Deacon Elisha
and Anna Holbrook, of Randolph. His opportunities
for an early education were not limited, judged by the
standard in vogue at the period of his birth. For
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was a liberal supporter of religious institutions. . . .
When a friend or a neighbor was known to succeed
and prosper, he was pleased, and never withheld the
expression of his satisfaction. No bitter sarcasm ever
fell from his lips against a neighbor or an acquaint-
ance, or anything that wore the aspect of a calumny
or slander. . . He was courteous, refined in his
tastes, modest, unassuming. and never obtrusive in the
statement or defense of his opinions. . . . Nature had
gifted him with an elegant person, with a pleasing
some time he was a pupil of the Rey. Dr. Strong, his |
first pastor, who, besides the labors of the pulpit and |
the parish, conducted the studies of many of his |
youthful parishioners, and fitted numerous young men
for college.
elsewhere. At the age of twenty he entered upon a
business career, as a partner in a boot and shoe man-
ufacturing firm, with a capital of one thousand dol-
He soon left
the firm and conducted business alone, and in his own
way.
than fifty years, to the last four days of his life.
With scarcely an exception, every day’s toil in that
life of fifty years was a success. He gave ten thou-
sand dollars toward the Winthrop church edifice (the
original building), from whose Sabbath services he
was absent but one day during the last fifteen years
of his life.
lars, and with the world before him.
For defraying the current expenses of
thirteen hundred dollars, and during the fifteen years
immediately preceding his death he gave away the
sum of eighty-five thousand dollars. He intimated a
wish to do more, and named the objects on which he
expressed a willingness to bestow his benefactions.
Had his life been longer spared, or the premonitions
of its sudden close been earlier given, unquestionably
more would have been done in the execution of pur-
poses which he cherished. His generous gift of fifty
- thousand dollars to the new town has been already
alluded to. The Rev. Ezekiel Russell, D.D., in an
appreciative sketch of Mr. Holbrook, says of him,
presence, a genial countenance, a black and sparkling
eye. . . . He was the faithful, the affectionate hus-
band, the kind, the tender father, the loving grand-
parent, and the sympathizing brother. . . . He was
a firm believer in the Christian Scriptures as the in-
spired Word of God, and in all the fundamental doc-
trines of the living oracles. He kept a copy of them
in his counting-room and on his centre-table, and few
He was also a pupil in an academy |
This he did in one form or another for more
town were in no respect suffered to abate.
_ mittee alone dissenting.
were the days that were allowed to pass without his
perusal of them, either at his fireside or at his place
of business.”
Though the death of Mr. Holbrook came with a
sudden shock to his fellow-townsmen, it was no time
for faltering in the prosecution of the work in hand,
and the efforts of the advocates of a division of the
On Feb-
ruary 8th the Committee on Towns reported in the
Senate a bill for the incorporation of the town of
Holbrook, two of the House members of the com-
On the following day the
_ bill passed to its second reading, and on the 13th it
passed the Senate by a vote of twenty-five to ten.
the society he paid annually from one thousand to
“There was no taint of sloth in his composition. |
Ltaca. Lites
conceded that he never failed to fulfill a promise or
Action, industry, enterprise were his life.
redeem a pledge, and that he never resorted to un-
lawful expedients or doubtful methods for the purpose
of adding to his wealth. On the contrary, his career
-was ever one of stainless rectitude and honor... .
Like his honored father, Deacon Elisha Holbrook, he
But the decisive battle was to be fought in the House ;
and from that time until the bill reached its debatable
stage, on February 19th, both petitioners and remon-
strants were unremitting in their efforts to secure leg-
On the last-mentioned date a
debate of six or seven hours, lasting through that day
and the next, resulted in a vote of one hundred and
Another contest
was waged upon the engrossment of the bill, but an
engrossment was ordered on February 24th by eighty-
six to seventy-one.
islative supporters.
thirteen to ninety-one for the bill.
Then the sturdy remonstrants
attempted to secure a reconsideration, but in this en-
deavor they were unsuccessful, and after passing the
several remaining stages the bill received the Gov-
ernor’s signature on February 29th, and the town of
Holbrook became an accomplished fact. Following is
a copy of the more important portions of the act of
incorporation :
“ Be it enacted, ete., as follows:
“Sper. 1. All the territory now within the town of Randolph,
in the county of Norfolk, comprised within the following limits,
ar a a oe ae
HOLBROOK.
429
that is to say: beginning at the stone monument in the line be-
tween said Randolph and the town of Braintree, on the easterly
side of Tumbling Brook; thence taking a southwesterly course,
in a straight line to a point six feet westerly from the north-
westerly corner in range of the northerly side of the so-called
East Randolph station-house of the Old Colony and Newport
Railroad Company; thence the same or other southwesterly
‘course to a point on the town line dividing Randolph and
Stoughton, one hundred and fourteen rods southeasterly from
|
|
the town stone monument in said last-mentioned dividing line, |
at the southerly terminus of Main Street in said Randolph;
thence southeasterly, northeasterly, northerly, and westerly as
the present dividing line between said Randolph and Stough-
ton, North Bridgewater, Abington, Weymouth, and Braintree
runs, to the first-mentioned bound, is hereby incorporated into
a town by the name of Holbrook; and said town of Holbrook is
hereby invested with all the powers, privileges, rights, and im-
munities, and is subject to all the duties and requisitions to
which other towns are entitled and subjected by the Constitu-
tion and laws of this Commonwealth.
“Secr. 2. The inhabitants of said town of Holbrook shall be
holden to pay all arrears of taxes which have been legally as-
sessed upon them by the town of Randq@ph, and all taxes here-
tofore assessed and not collected shall be collected and paid to
the treasurer of the town of Randolph in the same manner as
if this act had not been passed; and also their proportion of
all county and State taxes that may be assessed upon them pre~-
viously to the taking of the next State valuation, said propor-
tion to be ascertained and determined by the last valuation in
the said Randolph.
“Sect. 3. Said towns of Randolph and Holbrook shall be re-
spectively liable for the support of all persons who now do or
shall hereafter stand in need of relief as paupers, whose settle-
ment was gained by or derived from a settlement gained or
derived within their respective limits; and the town of Hol-
brook shall also pay annually to the town of Randolph one-
third part of all costs of the support or relief of those persons
who now do or shall hereafter stand in need of relief or support
as paupers, and have gained a settlement in said town of Ran-
dolpb in consequence of the military services of themselves or
those through whom they derive their settlement.
“Srcr. 4. The corporate property belonging to the town of
Randolph at the date of this act, and the public debt of the said
town existing at said date, shall be divided between the towns
of Randolph and Holbrook according to the valuation of the
property within their respective limits as assessed May first, in
the year eighteen hundred and seventy-one; and said town of
Holbrook shall receive from said town of Randolph a propor-
same year, various appropriations for town purposes
were made, by-laws adopted, ete.
One of the earliest business transactions to demand
attention from the officers of the new town was the
division of town property. For this purpose the se-
lectmen of both Randolph and Holbrook were ap-
pointed committees with full powers by their respect-
ive towns; and according to a document dated
“ Randolph, March 19, 1873,” and signed by both
boards, it was agreed and certified “that there has
been paid by the town of Holbrook to the town of
Randolph the balance of indebtedness as within
stated, amounting to $14,988.94, and interest on the
same from Feb. 1 to March 1, 1873, of $74.94,
making $15,063.88,” etc. In 1873 a town hall was
built only a few feet south of the Winthrop Church,
on Franklin Street, at an expense of about $35,000.
It was of wood, two stories high, with French roof
and brick basement, and was ninety by forty-eight
feet in dimensions. The public library occupied
rooms on the first floor. Early on Christmas morn-
ing, 1877, fire broke out in the town hall building,
and both it and the church were wholly consumed.
After the fire the citizens held their town-meetings in
Library Hall, in the rear of the burned structure; but
early in 1879 a new brick town hall, with stone trim-
mings, was completed on the site of the former one,
and was dedicated on the evening of March 26th of
that year.
The building is in plan a parallelogram, measuring
_ fifty-three by one hundred feet, with projections forty-
tionate part of whatever amount may hereafter be refunded to |
_ by fifty feet and twenty-five feet in height, and with
said town of Randolph from the State or United States to re-
imburse said town of Randolph for bounties to soldiers, or State
aid paid to soldiers’ families after deducting all reasonable ex-
penses; and said town of Holbrook shall bear the expense of
making the survey and establishing the line between said towns
of Randolph and Holbrook.”
[Sections 5, 6, and 7 have no present interest. |
The first town-meeting in Holbrook was held
March 11, 1872, ‘‘in the East Parish meeting-
house.”’
French, and after prayer by the Rev. Ezekiel Russell,
D.D., Mr. Lemuel Whitcomb was elected moderator,
and the meeting proceeded to the election of town
officers.
It was called to order by the Hon. Zenas |
At another meeting, held March 21st of the |
four feet wide on front and rear, flanked at the corners
on the front with projections thirteen feet wide. It
contains four stories—basement, street floor, public
hall, and roof story. The former contains the steam
and gas apparatus. The street story is thirteen feet
in height, containing two stores, apartments for town
officers, and commodious quarters for the public
library. The main hall, on the second story, is ninety
its paneled walls and ceilings, long arched windows,
and tasteful frescoing forms one of the most striking
interiors of the kind in the State. It will seat, in-
cluding the gallery at the northerly end, nine hundred
persons.
dressing-rooms adjacent.
There is a large stage, with commodious
A stone tablet set {in the
front of the edifice bears this inscription :
“€ Holbrook
Town Hall.
Erected
1878.
The Gift of °
E. N. Holbrook.”
4350
The total cost, including furniture, fixtures, etc.,
was nearly twenty-eight thousand five hundred dol-
lars. On the left of the stage, in the hall, is a finely
executed portrait of the late donor of the building;
and in a corresponding position on the right of the
platform is a marble slab inscribed as follows :
“Holbrook Town Hall.
Erected 1873.
Destroyed by Fire
Dec. 25, 1877.
Rebuilt, 1878.”
The dedicatory exercises consisted of prayer by
Rev. Z. T. Sullivan, of Brockton ; song by the Mozart
Quartette (male); address by Prof. J. B. Sewall, prin-
cipal of Thayer Academy, South Braintree ; presenta-
tion of the keys of the building by Mr. J. T. South-
worth, chairman of the building committee, to Mr.
Henry Newcomb, chairman of the board of selectmen,
who responded appropriately ; song by the quartette ;
remarks by Hon. Seth Turner, of Randolph; reading
of letters, and brief speeches by invited guests from —
Dancing closed the festivities of
neighboring towns.
the occasion.
In view of prevalent incendiarism, the following
significant vote was passed at a special town-meeting
held Nov. 5, 1881:
“Voted, That the selectmen offer $500 reward
each for the arrest and conviction of the party or par- |
ties who set fire to the barn of 8. L. White, house of
the late Ebenezer Alden, barn of James Holbrook,
barn of Mrs. Prudence D. Holbrook, and $1500 for
the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who
set fire to the house of the late C. 8S. Holbrook; and
in no case shall a double reward be paid for the arrest
and conviction of any one party.”
Ecclesiastical History,— Up to the year 1818 the |
residents of both the Hast and West villages of Ran- |
dolph worshiped in the First Church, which was located |
In this |
year, however, the question of repairing the old house
in the latter village, and formed one society.
or building a new one was raised. The church edifice
was then fifty-four years old, it being the second
building erected by the society. It having been voted
to build rather than repair, most of the residents liv-
ing east of the Cochato River petitioned to the Gen-
This |
movement on the part of the citizens of Kast Ran-
eral Court to be set off as a separate parish.
dolph excited an opposition which was fully on a par
with that created by the proposition to divide the town, |
made more than half a century later. The petition |
was granted, however, and the “Second Church in |
Randolph”’ was organized Dec. 15, 1818. [It may
here be remarked that the action of the Legislature in |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
dividing the parish put a quietus for several years
upon the project of rebuilding the edifice occupied by
the First Church in West Randolph, and it was not
_ until Nov. 2, 1825, that the third meeting-house of
that parish was dedicated. |
The original members of the Second Church were
as follows :
Deacon William Linfield.
Deacon Elisha Holbrook.
Bailey White.
Josoph Holbrook.
Jacob Whitcomb, Jr.
Samuel Whitcomb.
Abner W. Paine.
Benjamin Paine.
Tsaac Whitcomb.
Deacon Silas Paine.
Caleb White.
Col. Simeon White.
Daniel Faxon.
David White. ’
Silas Paine, Jr.
Lucius Paine.
Otis Thayer (2d).
Isaac White.
Nathaniel Belcher.
Hannah Linfield.
Cassandana White.
Rachel Wild.
Sarah Belcher.
Lydia Whitcomb.
Phebe Whitcomb.
Zerniah Faxon.
Hannah Hobert.
Sally Whitcomb.
Mary Paine.
Sarah Holbrook.
Relief White.
Alse White.
Abi Newcomb.
Hannah Hunt.
Alse Thayer.
Mary White.
Mary Whitcomb.
Sarah White.
Lucinda Whitcomb.
A meeting-house for the Second Church was built
_ immediately after the organization of the parish, and
the first pastor, the Rev. David Brigham, was ordained
Dee. 29,1819. He was dismissed Nov. 22, 1836,
and was succeeded by the Rev. Dennis Powers, on
Dec. 5, 1838. The latter clergyman remained only
until April 15, 1841, his successor being the Rev.
Wiiliam A. Peabody, who was settled March 2, 1843,
and was dismissed Oct. 2, 1849. The Rev. Ezekiel
Russell, D.D., became pastor on May 8, 1850. Six
| years later dissensions arose in the church, and a
division of the society occurred, resulting in the
organization, on Dee. 30, 1856, of the Winthrop
Church, named in honor of Governor John Winthrop
of colonial fame. The circumstances immediately
attending the formation of this society were these:
Deacon Elisha Holbrook and fifty-eight others—
members of the Second Congregational Church in
Randolph—presented a request to the church, at its
stated and regular meeting, Dec. 5, 1856, for letters
of dismission and recommendation to such ecclesiasti-
cal council of sister churches as might be called for
the purpose of organizing them into a separate and
independent church of Christ. The petition sub-
mitted was as follows :
“ To the Second Congregational Church in Randolph :
“The undersigned, members of said Second Church, having
become unalterably convinced, by a train of circumstances now
1 The only living member.
HOLBROOK.
431
of long continuance and known to all, that our peace and har-
mony as members of the church of Christ require an entire
change of our relations, and a new organization into a distinct
and separate church, do, therefore, request letters of dismission
and recommendation from the said Second Church in Ran-
dolph, to such ecclesiastical council from sister churches as
may be called to act on their request.
“East RanpotpH, Nov. 28, 1856.”
It having been moved and seconded that the above
request be granted, the motion was carried by a ma-
jority of ten votes. There were five negative votes
cast, and five persons did not vote. Letters of dis-
mission and recommendation were immediately placed |
in the hands of the petitioners, signed in due form by
the pastor and clerk of the Second Church in Ran-
dolph. The persons who had thus been dismissed
met Dec. 18, 1856, in the hall of E. N. Holbrook, |
Esq., and voted, unanimously, to call a council to act
on their request for organization, and adopted, also, a
confession of faith and covenant, to be submitted to
the council for its approval. The council thus in-
vited to convene assembled in conformity with the
invitation, and left behind the following record of its
doings :
“ RanpoupH, Dee. 30, 1856.
“Pursuant to Letters Missive from Deacon Elisha Holbrook
and sixteen others, holding letters of dismission and recommen-
dation from the Second Congregational Church in Randolph,
and from other churches, to such ecclesiastical council of sister | years, in connection with the Second Church in Ran-
voted to be by themselves. It was then moved that the prayer
of the petitioners be granted, and that we proceed to organize
a distinct and separate church of Christ, under the name of the
Winthrop Church of Randolph. This motion, after full and
free discussion, was unanimously adopted. Arrangements were
then made for the public services of the occasion, as follows :
“1, Sermon, with the Introductory Prayer, Rev. David
Brigham.
“2. Reading the Confession of Faith and Covenant, with the
Consecrating Prayer, Rey. Jonas Perkins.
«3. Charge to the Church, Rey. Paul Couch.
“4, Right Hand of Fellowship, with Concluding Prayer,
Rev. R. 8S. Storrs, D.D.
** After attending public services as above arranged, council
dissolved.
“R.S. Srorrs, Moderator.
‘‘Davip BrigHam, Scribe.
“A true copy of the doings and result of council.
“ Attest : “D. BrigHam, Scribe.”
The whole number of members composing the
Winthrop Church on the day of its organization was
sixty—males, 17 ; females, 43. On the evening of
the same day a society in the same place was organ-
ized in connection with the church, the legal steps
for this purpose having been previously taken. The
church, January 8th, and society, Jan. 20, 1857,
| with entire unanimity, extended an invitation to the
Rey. E. Russell to become their pastor, he having
already sustained to them this relation nearly seven
churches as may be called for the purpose of organizing them |
into a distinct and separate church of Christ, an ecclesiastical
council assembled this day in the hall of E. N. Holbrook. The
following-named churches were present by their pastors and
delegates, viz.:
First Church in Braintree, Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., pastor ;
Deacon David Hollis, delegate.
Union Church of Braintree and Weymouth, Rey. J. Perkins,
pastor; Deacon J. P. Nash, delegate.
First Church, North Bridgewater, Rev. Paul Couch, pastor ;
Brother J. Kingman, delegate.
Trinitarian Congregational Church, Bridgewater, Rev. David
Brigham, pastor; Deacon G. N. Holmes, delegate.
“The council was organized by the choice of Rev. R.S. Storrs,
D.D., as moderator, and Rev. David Brigham, scribe. After
prayer to God for divine wisdom and direction in the business
before them, in which the council was led by the moderator, a
document, properly authenticated, was laid before them, show-
ing that the petitioners referred to in the letters missive had
been regularly dismissed and recommended, as therein stated.
dolph. To this invitation a favorable response was
promptly made, and the clergyman was dismissed
from the Second Church on Feb. 3, 1857, and on the
same day he was installed over the Winthrop Church,
the sermon on that occasion being preached by the
Rey. Dr. Storrs.
The church and society met for the first time for
public worship in the hall of E. N. Holbrook, Esq.,
on the first Sabbath in the year 1857. Here all the
assemblies for public and social worship were held
till the 17th of January, 1858. The new house of
The moderator here inquired if any persons present had objec- |
tions against the petitioners being formed, according to their |
request, into a distinct and separate church of Christ. As no one
appeared to offer objections, the council now listened to the
confession of faith and covenant adopted by the petitioners,
with which they voted entire satisfaction. The petitioners at
this point, by request of the council, presented their reasons for
withdrawing from the churches with which they had hitherto
been connected, and for wishing to be organized into a separate
church. After attending to these reasons, the moderator again
inquired if any persons present had objections to make, or re-
marks to offer upon the document now presented to the council
by the petitioners. No one appearing to respond, the council
worship being then complete, it was dedicated with
the usual solemnities on the 20th, and opened for the
first time for public worship on the Sabbath, the 24th
of January, 1858. It was of the Romanesque style
of architecture, eighty-four feet in length by fifty-
three in breadth, and with a spire one hundred and
forty-seven feet in height. It contained a bell and an
organ, and its interior was tastefully frescoed. The
cost of the edifice, including the land, was twenty-two
_ thousand dollars, and its bills were all canceled on the
day of its dedication. The names of the twenty-three
persons who originally contributed to its erection are
as follows: Elisha Holbrook, E. N. Holbrook, C. 8S.
Holbrook, Lewis Whitcomb, Elijah Howard, John
' Holbrook, Calvin French, Erastus Wales, Apollos
432
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Wales, Newton White, Edmund White, Simeon
Whitcomb, Daniel Faxon, Theophilus Wood, M.D.,
William W. Linfield, Samuel Baker, Charles French
(2d), Zenas French, Stephen Chesman, Nathaniel B.
Thayer, David White, Caleb Harris, William EK. |
_ditorium and vestry by Mrs. C. V. Spear, and silver-
Linfield.
After the separation of the churches the Second
Church had no settled pastor, and relinquished the
The
church building ultimately became a shoe-factory, for
holding of public services in April, 1864.
Meanwhile, how-
The Rev. Dr.
Russell was dismissed from the pastorate on May 14,
which purpose it is now occupied.
ever, the Winthrop society prospered.
to $200 each. The family of the late C.S. Holbrook
gave a piano for the vestry ; a bequest of $330 from
the late E. N. Holbrook was employed in the purchase
of pulpit furniture, etc.; the tower-clock was given
by Mrs. Mary W. Holbrook, clocks in the main au-
ware by Mrs. EH. Everett Holbrook, who also gave
| $200 to the Ladies’ Sewing Circle.
1872, and on Jan. 29, 1874, there was a merging of |
the old Second society with the Winthrop Church
under the name of the Winthrop Congregational |
Church of Holbrook.
1877, occurred the disastrous conflagration which —
destroyed both the new town hall and the Winthrop
Church.
ciently near together for the flames, which originated
in the town hall building, to communicate to and en-
velop the church. The latter had been extensively
repaired, not long previous to its destruction, at an —
| W. Thayer.
expense of several thousand dollars.
Immediately after the fire the members and friends
of the Winthrop society took the initiatory steps
looking to a rebuilding of the edifice. Their efforts
were crowned with abundant success, and on the
evening of Wednesday, Feb. 25, 1880, a commodious
and handsomely finished new church was dedicated in
the presence of a large congregation. The invocation
prayer by Rev. P. B. Davis, of Hyde Park ; sermon
by Rev. L. H. Angier, acting pastor of the Winthrop
Church, who took his text from Exodus xiv. 14 and
15; dedicatory prayer by Rev. George W. Blagden,
D.D., of Boston.
Early on Christmas morning, |
The edifices stood side by side, and sufh- |
|
|
|
|
|
At the conclusion of the ceremo- —
nies an opportunity to inspect the new structure was |
afforded to those in attendance, which was embraced |
very generally. The total cost of the edifice was
$28,327, of which $15,790 was subscribed by citizens,
and the church was substantially free from debt when
dedicated. ‘The more important subscriptions were:
Ladies’ Sewing Circle, $1000; George N. Spear,
$1000; E. Everett Holbrook, $1000; Hdmund
White, $750 ; Sabbath-school, $600 ; Thomas White,
$500; Mrs. EK. N. Holbrook, $500; HE. Newton
Thayer, $500; George T. Wilde, $300; J.'T. South-
worth, $300; Charles H. Paine, $300; Seth C.
Sawyer, $300; Charles V. Spear, $250. One hun-
dred and seventy-four other persons donated from $5 |
There was no pastor settled over the church after
the discharge of the Rev. Dr. Russell, until May 10,
1881, when the Rev. Herbert A. Loring was settled.
During the interim the pulpit was occupied succes-
sively by Revs. S. C. Kendall, Albert Bryant, H. C.
Crane, George W. Blagden, D.D., D. W. Kilbourn,
William Adams, L. H. Angier, and George C. Gor-
don. The Rev. Mr. Loring was dismissed Nov. 23,
1882, and on June 19, 1883, the Rev. Oliver 8S.
Dean, the present pastor, was settled.
Methodist Episcopal Church.'—An informal meet-
ing of a few persons interested in the formation of a
Methodist class was held Friday evening, July 26,
1878, when it was decided to organize a weekly class,
_ which should meet for the first time the next Wednes-
day evening, July 31st, at the residence of Mr. Jos.
On that evening, July 31, 1878, the
first class-meeting was held, twelve persons being
present. The Rev. Joshua Monroe, of West Abington,
acted as leader. On the following Wednesday eve-
ning the class met at the residence of Lewis Alden,
who was chosen as the regular class-leader.
Three months afterwards it was thought wise to
hold a prayer-meeting on one evening of the week.
was by Rev. J. C. Labaree, of Randolph; reading of |
the Scriptures by Rev. Z. T. Sullivan, of Brockton ; |
| twenty-five.
Such a meeting was held for the first time at Joseph
W. Thayer’s residence, with an attendance of about
These prayer-meetings, held regularly on
Monday evenings during the autumn and winter, had
an increasing attendance, until on one occasion
More than half of these,
however, were from the Winthrop Congregational
seventy-two were present.
Charch, and others still were from out of town—
South Braintree, West Abington, Brockton, ete.
Thus these meetings from house to house were kept
up under the lead of a few persons of the Methodist
persuasion and preference, until a strong desire was
felt that, in order to make the movement already be-
gun a more permanent one, there ought to be a formal
organization of a society under the discipline of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The preliminary steps
having been taken, and the necessary arrangements
made, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1879, Rev. D. A. Whe-
don, D.D., presiding elder of the Providence District,
1 By Rev. Howard E. Cook.
HOLBROOK.
433
Providence (now N. E. Southern) Conference, visited
the town and formally organized the Holbrook Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, with seven members and two |
probationers. Truly a very small beginning! These
original members were Lewis Alden, Mrs. Hattie |
S. Alden, Elmer F. Reynolds, Mrs. Georgiana Rey-
nolds, Mrs. Emma OQ. Thayer, Mrs. Naney A. Nick- |
erson, and Edward Brewer. Probationers: Mrs.
Abbie C. Hollis and Sarah W. Bates.
A desire for preaching services on the Lord’s day
soon prevailed, and on April 27, 1879, under the di-
rection of the presiding elder, Rey. C. M. Comstock
came to Holbrook and preached to the first congrega-
tion ever assembled in the town under the auspices of
a Methodist Episcopal Church. Library Hall had
been engaged, and the services were held therein.
Highty were present at this first preaching service. |
The Rev. B. L. Duckwall preached May 4th and 11th,
after whom the Rev. D. C. Stevenson acted as preacher
and pastor from May 18th to August 2d. In this brief
time he made many friends in Holbrook, who were
sadly pained, the past year, at the news of his death
in the South. The pulpit was supplied August 9th and |
16th by the Rev. A. M. Osgood, and the 23d and 30th
by the Rev. W. C. Helt. Next came the pastorate
of the Rev. Nelson Edwards, for six months—Sep-
tember 7th to March 7, 1880. During this time an
attempt was made toward building a church. The
Rev. Mr. Edwards succeeded in getting about six
hundred dollars pledged, and sufficient collected to buy
|
a lot for four hundred and fifty dollars, located on Ply- |
mouth Street, also to pay for the laying of a trench-
work foundation for a church, thirty-one by forty.
Here the work stopped. The first regularly-appointed
preacher sent by the bishop was the Rev. E. M. Dun-
ham, April 13, 1880.
Hall was burned. Severe illness of his wife compelled
him to resign his work in September, 1880, and the
On the Saturday night on |
which he arrived in town, April 17, 1880, Library |
Rey. W. C. Endly was sent to fill out the remainder |
The Rev. F. J. Ward was
of the Conference year.
sent as the supply in 1881, and remained until ill |
health compelled him to resign in August ensuing.
The Rev. Howard E. Cook, of Boston University
School of Theology, succeeded to the vacancy. Unit-_
ing with the N. EK. Southern Conference as a pro-
bationer in April, 1882, he was sent by the bishop as
Methodist Episcopal Church.
he was reappointed to a third year’s pastorate.
The membership of the church has been increased
as follows: The Rev. Mr. Edwards received two “ by |
letter,’ the Rev. Mr. Dunham one “ from probation,” :
28
' months the house was ready for dedication.
the second regularly-appointed pastor of the Holbrook |
Again in April, 1883, |
| ten members on probation.
| move all debt.
the Rev. Mr. Ward one “by letter” and one ‘“ from
probation,” and the Rey. Mr. Cook twenty-six “ from
probation” and nine “by letter.” Thus the total
One, Otis Thayer,
aged eighty-seven, is deceased; two have removed to
Hopkinton without letter, one has been dismissed by
letter to the South Braintree Methodist Episcopal
Church, and one has been excluded for flagrant neg-
lect of the means of grace.
number received is forty-seven.
The present nominal
membership is therefore forty-five. There are, besides,
Other Christians not for-
mally united with the church are regularly associated
with these in the religious work.
After Library Hall was burned, preaching services
and other services on the Lord’s day were held in the
committee-room in the town hall building. Week-
day services were continued from house to house.
The loss by fire was considerable for this young, weak,
There was no insurance.
All was lost except the contribution-boxes and
hymnals, which were found among the ruins, and
such Sabbath-school books as were in the hands of
scholars.
and struggling church.
A few weeks after the present pastorate
began, the pastor initiated a movement towards build-
ing achurch. He called a meeting of the stewards
and trustees, and moved that the board of stewards
This
was carried, and the committee consisted of Lewis
Alden, Wm. B. Crocker, and Edward Brewer. The
preparations for building were then at once begun,
and trustees serve as a building committee.
and a subscription-book was started by the pastor,
who also drew up some plans and specifications for a
church, which were accepted by the committee, who
gave him authority to solicit and receive bids thereon.
This done, the carpenter’s contract was given to Ed-
ward Brewer at two thousand two hundred and sev-
enty-five dollars. An additional cost was incurred by
putting in Scotch cathedral glass, and other extras,
amounting to about one hundred and twenty-five dol-
lars.
The church is thirty-one by fifty feet, with front
projection six by twenty-three feet, and rear projec-
tion six by twelve feet, with a rear covered entrance
Six weeks after
the building committee was chosen the lumber was
hauled on to the church-lot, and in about three
The
dedicatory services occurred Feb. 8, 1882. About
fifteen hundred dollars was pledged in a day to re-
The interior of the church is divided
and stairway to the pulpit recess.
up as follows: main audience-room thirty-one by
forty feet with pulpit recess six by twelve feet ; lec-
ture-room fifteen by twenty feet connected with former
434
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
by ground-glass windows; hallway eight by fifteen
feet; library-room four by six feet ; ladies’ kitchen
over lecture-room and hall, and connected with
lower floor by stairway and dumb-waiter; seat- |
ing capacity of whole church three hundred and
fifty.
consisted of grading in front and also the con-
Some improvements since the dedication have
creting of walks, improving the library-room, and ele- |
vating and railing off a section for the choir.
The |
whole church property is valued at about four thou- |
sand dollars. The parsonage property at present is
about two hundred dollars. The Sunday-school was
organized the third Sunday on which meetings were
held, in Library Hall (May 11, 1879), with a
membership or attendance of fifty-two. The present
membership is one hundred and thirty, and the super-
intendent is Lewis Alden. There have been two special
revival seasons during the present pastorate, in which
nearly one hundred persons have taken a public stand
for Christ.
verted, and are now in the church.
sient residents and gone from town.
members of the Winthrop Sabbath-school, while
others are turned back into the world.
The above facts show a marked and rapid progress
for the Holbrook Methodist Episcopal Church, especi-
ally during the present pastorate. Death has not
broken into its ranks, and there have been steady
Some were tran-
accessions. In four years this church has acquired
a property worth nearly forty-five hundred dollars, has
become a regular appointment in the N. E. South-
ern Conference, and pays a salary of seven hundred
and fifty dollars per annum. The parsonage tene-
ment, of six rooms, is convenient, pleasant, and com-
fortable.
The church is doing a good and needed -work, and
its past success is felt to be the harbinger of far
greater growth and power for good.
The officers of the church are as follows:
ards, Lewis Alden (recording secretary), Wm. B.
Crocker, Samuel C. Curtis, Alexander H. McGaw,
Josiah W. Chamberlain, Chas. B. Boynton, Winslow
P. Wilbur, Chas. C. Webster, and Franklin Z. Phil-
lips ; Trustees, Lewis Alden, Wm. B. Crocker, John
Many of these have been soundly con- |
Some were |
1869.
\
|
brethren of North Bridgewater (now Brockton). As
a result of the work the people wished a church or-
ganization, and in May the choice was made in favor
of a Baptist society. On May 30th the church was
constituted under the labors of the Rev. Benjamin I.
Lane, with four members, viz., Paul Hollis, A. L.
Russell, Emily F. Russell, and Sarah E. Belcher,
and the Sabbath-school was given formally to the
At the close of the year the membership
The church was recognized by a
church.
was twenty-nine.
council of Baptist Churches convened at South Ran-
dolph in a pine grove, on land of Mr. Thomas West,
Sept. 14, 1868. On Dec. 10, 1870, the ground was
broken for a church edifice by Samuel Ludden (age
eighty-two) and Daniel Faxon, Jr., son of the donor
of the land, Rev. J. K. Chase, pastor at East Stough-
ton Baptist Church, officiating.
The meagre records afford but little information for
the years from 1870 to 1873, but they note the dedica-
tion of the church June 25, 1872, with a sermon by
the Rev. William Lamson. The Rev. Mr. Lane con-
tinued to supply the pulpit until about November,
After three years of supply by students and
laymen, the church called the Rev. Benjamin Wheeler
to be pastor, Nov. 1, 1872, who by faithful ministry
greatly built up the society, twenty-two being added
during his pastorate, which ended with his death,
Aug. 25, 1876. Following him came the Rev.
Richard M. Nott, who became a stated supply (re-
_siding in Wakefield) until his death, in December,
1879. Although but three were added to the church
during his ministry, the fruit of his and others’
labors was gathered in by his successor, the Rev.
Clifton Fletcher, of Melrose, who still continues as a
stated supply. Fifteen members were added during
October and November, 1883. During the years
1882 and 1883 a debt of one thousand dollars was
canceled and improvements made in the church, in-
Stew- |
cluding furnaces, at an expense of nearly three hun-
dred dollars.
Business.—Holbrook is emphatically a ‘“ shoe
town.” How completely this business overshadows
all others is shown by the fact that in the census of
I. Glover, Samuel C. Curtis, Franklin Z. Phillips, and |
Chas. C. Webster; Class-Leaders, Lewis Alden and
Wn. B. Crocker.
On the first Sabbath of July, 1861, a few members
of the Winthrop Congregational Sabbath-school or-
ganized a mission school in the engine-hall in South
Randolph, which continued under their care until
the spring of 1868. During the winter of 1867-
1880, out of a total value of manufactured products
of two million thirteen thousand seven hundred dol-
lars, all but six thousand dollars was in boots and shoes.
The business dates back to the beginning of the cen-
tury. Kphraim Lincoln was one of the pioneers, and
others of the early manufacturers bore the character-
istic names, known and honored in the town to-day,
68 a revival was commenced by the Methodist
of Paine, Blanchard, Holbrook, White, Whitcomb,
The sires laid the foundations, and the
To-
Faxon, ete.
sons have proved themselves worthy successors.
HOLBROOK.
435
|
day three of the largest firms do ninety per cent. of
the entire business.
The house of Thomas White & Co. was founded in
1839 by the senior member of the present firm, Mr. |
Thomas White. In 1865, Mr. Edmund White,
brother of Thomas, formed a partnership, under the |
style of T. & EK. White, which continued until 1870, |
when the firm dissolved, Mr. Edmund White retiring,
and a new partnership was formed consisting of
Thomas White, T. Edgar and Henry M. White (his |
sons), which was known under the firm-name of
Thomas White & Co. In 1873, Mr. M. Walker
was admitted as a partner, but no change was made
The firm manufactures men’s and
women’s kip, calf, buff, and split boots and shoes, and
occupies a four-story building one hundred by thirty-
in the firm-name.
six feet, with an L seventy by seventy-five feet.
factory is supplied with the latest improved machinery,
and at all times presents a busy scene, as there are
some four hundred and fifty people engaged in vari-
ous ways.
six hundred thousand dollars per year, the goods
going all over the United States. The firm also has
a large manufactory at Great Falls, N. H., where, in
a three-story building one hundred and seventy-five
The sales for the last six years averaged
by thirty feet, employment is given to about one hun-
dred and seventy-five hands.
tions of that establishment amount to about three
hundred thousand dollars per year.
The boot and shoe business of Mr. Edmund White
was established by him in 1848. The building oceu-
pied as a factory is one hundred and thirty by twenty-
five feet, and three stories in height, with two wings,
measuring one hundred and forty by thirty and one
hundred and forty by thirty-five feet. About four
hundred and fifty hands are employed, who manufac-
ture on an average two thousand five hundred pairs
per day, which are sold throughout the New England |
and Western States.
of age, is a native of Holbrook.
Mr. White, who is sixty years |
Messrs. Whitcomb & Paine, manufacturers of men’s
and boys’ calf boots, pegged and standard screw, oc-
cupy two buildings--the main structure being a four- |
story and basement building, one hundred and seventy
by thirty feet, and the other eighty by twenty-five
feet, containing three floors. About two hundred
and twenty-five hands are employed, who turn out one
hundred cases per day. ‘The firm is one of the oldest |
in the town, having been established in 1861. The
members are L. S. Whitcomb and C. H. Paine.
The firm of R Thayer & Son, manufacturers of
leather shoe-strings and dealers in leather remnants,
was established about 1845 by Mr. Ezra Thayer. At
his death he was succeeded by his son, Royal Thayer,
who later admitted his own son, Mr. HE. Newton
Thayer, to a partnership, thus constituting the present
firm. Two buildings are utilized as factories, and
from twenty-five to thirty hands are employed. The
business is prosperous and increasing under its present
intelligent management.
The following statistics of boot and shoe manu-
facture in the town are taken from the census of
1880:
Numberiof testablishments’.:.c..--cc-sessadscssdccsscrscees 16
Hmiploy és) (male) (Over Ube cc ccnn-cosedecnacsloccoccoceineeesos 950
ee (Heraile) psc isn econ sensldnesesasaisscesaeameccineacese 202
| Total wages paid during the year...............csse00e - $445,000
Capital invested.......... Pocantenl-coceteschescacescesslececeons 487,600
LOCKS USediesscccjesceccenciecceseccclecoscciesececisecscisessseivsesus 1,360,652
Waltesote produChencocsscsincesccosslonenesunclecesecccclessseneeries 2,007,700
The |
The business transac- |
Miscellaneous.—The only secret organization in
the town is Holbrook Lodge, No. 1753, Knights of
Honor, which was instituted Sept. 5, 1879. The
charter members were R. P. Chandler, Dr. J. B.
Kingsbury, J. T. Southworth, J. W. Hayden, Walter
K. White, H. N. Clark, Z. A. French, W. R. Norton,
H. F. Thayer, R. T. Pratt, C. H. French, Lewis Al-
den, George M. Patten, S. D. Chase, J. E. Daniels,
T. P. White, E. F. Hayden, Charles Hayden, and
Elihu A. Holbrook. The Dictators have been J.
T. Southworth, George M. Patten, Z. A. French, and
Lewis Alden. The present officers are: P. D., Lewis
| Alden; D., H. N. Clark; A. D., F. P. Butman; V.
D., E. P. Rice; Chap., George M. Patten; R., J. E.
Daniels; F. R., John Adams (2d); T., W. E. White ;
Guide, E. E. Paine; Guard, A. W. Pratt; Sent., C.
W. Staples.
The village in the southern portion of the town,
about two miles from the centre, is known as Brook-
ville. Its former appellation was “ Faxon’s Corner.”
It has a post-office and a Baptist Church, of which a
sketch has been previously given in this article.
Holbrook’s fire department consists of one steamer,
one hand-engine (the latter located at Brookville), and
a hook-and-ladder truck.
George W. Wilde.
Statistics.—The following table shows, under the
appropriate headings, the most important statistical in-
formation relative to the town of Holbrook since its
incorporation, compiled from official sources :
The chief engineer is Mr.
1872.
Town Officers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, John Adams, E. Wales Thayer, Lemuel S. Whitcomb;
town clerk and treasurer, Frank W. Lewis; school committee,
Frank W. Lewis (three years), Barton Howard (two years),
Charles H. Paine (one year); auditors, Ludovicus Wild, New-
| ton White, Nathaniel E. Hobart ; constables, Samuel L. White,
S. R. Hodge, Z. P. Jordan; fence-viewers, Hiram Belcher,
436 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
Thomas West, Royal Thayer; sealer of weights and measures, | Appropriations (including $5000 for schools, $1600 for
Warren Thayer; engineers of fire department, Edward Belcher,
Samuel D. Chase; collector of taxes, Jacob Whitcomb.
Appropriations.—Schools (including repairs and incidentals),
$4300; highways, $1300; general town expense, $5200; State
aid, $1000; State and county tax, $3500; total, $15,300.
Valuation, May 1.—Personal estate, $722,060; real estate,
- $647,490; total, $1,369,550.
Tax Rate, $10 on $1000.
Net Indebtedness, $14,038.21.
Town Oficers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
; poor, E. Wales Thayer, John Adams, Charles H. Belcher;
town clerk and treasurer, David Blanchard ; road commissioners,
E. Wales Thayer (three years), Thomes West (two years),
Washington L. Bates (one year). (Minor officers here omitted.)
Appropriations (including $5436.08 for schools and $1800
for highways), $19,236.08.
Net Indebtedness, $12,446.70.
1874.
Town Officers. —Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, same as 1873; town clerk and treasurer, David Blanchard.
(Minor officers here omitted.)
Appropriations (including $5645.16 for schools and $1800 for
highways), $20,845.16.
Net Indebtedness, $8575.05.
1875.
Town Oficers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the |
poor, same as 1873; town clerk and treasurer, John Underhay.
(Minor officers here omitted. )
Appropriations (including $5643.94 for schools and $1500 for
highways), $21,593.95.
Net Indebtedness, $16,277.86.
1876.
Town Officers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, C. H. Belcher, Newton White, W. F. Gleason ; town clerk
and treasurer, John Underhay. (Minor officers here omitted.) |
Appropriations (including $5000 for schools and $1000 for
| clerk and treasurer, J. T. Southworth.
| town clerk and treasurer, same as 1880.
highways), $23,000.
Net Indebtedness, $13,065.51.
Town Ofjicers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, Newton White, W. F. Gleason, R. T. Pratt; town clerk
and treasurer, John Underhay.
Valuation.—Real estate, $769,435 ; personal property, $185,-
550; bank and corporation stock owned by residents of Hol-
brook and taxed by the State, $577,500; total, $1,532,485.
Tax Rate, $11 on $1000.
Appropriations (including $5250 for schools and $1600 for
(Minor officers here omitted.)
highways), $19,250. (At the close of the fiscal year there was |
a balance due the town, over all indebtedness, of $10,100.61, of
which $10,000 was due from the Franklin and Boylston Insur-
ance Companies—$5000 each.)
1878.
Town Officers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the |
poor, Henry Newcomb, E. Frank Hayden, Samuel D. Chase ; |
town clerk and treasurer, John Underhay. (Minor officers here
omitted.) |
Valuation.—Real estate, $809,845 ; personal estate (not in- |
cluding bank and corporation stock), $185,750; total, $995,595. |
Tax Rate, $16.50 on $1000.
| town clerk and treasurer, J. T. Southworth.
highways, and $6000 for fire department), $24,600.
Orders Drawn on Treasurer (including $7116.24 for fire de-
partment, and $21,783.92 for town house and fixtures), $44,-
596.71.
Net Indebtedness, $19,780.62. (An itemized report of the
town hall building committee gives the entire cost of the new
hall, to replace the burned structure, as $28,499.81.)
1879.
Town Oficers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, J. T. Southworth, Samuel D. Chase, E. Frank Hayden ;
town clerk and treasurer, John Underhay. (Minor officers here
omitted.)
Valuation.—Real estate, $829,550; personal (not including
stock), $182,145; total, $1,011,695.
Valuation of Town Property, $53,750.
Tax Rate, $14 on $1000.
Appropriations (including $5000 for schools, $2200 for
highways, $4000 for paupers, and $2000 for fire department),
| $19,400.
Net Indebtedness, $18,156.11
Miscellaneous Statistics.—Number of voters, 551 (an increase
of 47 over 1878) ; number of polls assessed, 653 (increase of 63
over 1878); houses, 385 (inerease of 38 over 1878).
1880.
Town Officers.-Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, Samuel D, Chase, John Adams, E. Frank Hayden; town
(Minor officers omitted
here.)
Valuation.—Real estate, $834,740; personal estate (not in-
cluding stock), $230,125; total, $1,064,865.
Tax Rate, $15 on $1000,
Appropriations (including $5000 for schools, $2000 for high-
| ways, and $3500 for paupers), $24,475.
Net Indebtedness, $11,480.83.
1881.
Town Officers.—Selectmen, assessors, overseers of the poor,
(Minor officers here
omitted.)
Valuation.—Real estate, $836,765; personal (not including
| stock), $219,670; total, $1,056,435.
Tax Rate, $16 on $1000.
Appropriations (including $5000 for schools, $4000 for.
steamer-house, and $3500 for new school-house), $33,475.
Net Indebtedness, $17,631.80.
1882.
Town Ojficers.--Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, John Adams, Samuel G. Chase, Abram C. Holbrook ;
town clerk and treasurer, J. T. Southworth. (Minor town
officers here omitted.)
Valuation.—Real estate, $831,490; personal (not including
stock), $152,805; total, $984,295.
Tax Rate, $19 on $1000.
Appropriations (including $5500 for schools, $2000 for high-
ways, and $3800 for paupers), $27,015.
Net Indebtedness, $20,942.99.
1883.
Town Ofgicers.—Selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the
poor, Abram C. Holbrook, Willard F. Gleason, Samuel D. Chase ;
(Minor town
officers here omitted.)
Valuation.—Real estate, $855,120; personal (not including
stock), $164,211; total, $1,019,331.
HOLBROOK.
437
Tax Rate, $16.50 on $1000.
Appropriations (including $5800 for schools, $2000 for high-
ways, and $3500 for paupers), 525,550.
Net Indebtedness, 320,000,
1884.
Town Officers —Moderator, Francis Gardner; town clerk and
treasurer, J. T. Southworth; selectmen, assessors, and overseers
of the poor, Willard F. Gleason, Abram C. Holbrook, C. H. Bel-
cher ; road commissioners, J. W. Paine, Charles W. Paine; trus-
tee public library, John Underhay ; school committee, M. Anna
Wood; constables, 8S. L. White, W. 0. Crooker, C. W. Wilde,
Newton Hollis, S. A. Allen, Patrick Reardon, G. F. Nickerson.
Vote on License.—Yes, 103; no, 212.
Appropriations.—Schools, $6500; highways, $3200; State
tax, $1300; county tax, $1000; poor, $4000; interest, $1500 ;
town debt, $2000; cemeteries, $100; library, $800; town offi-
cers, $1000; general expenses, $800; State aid, $500; fire de-
partment, $1000; memorial day, $100; new roads, sidewalks,
ete., $875; enforcing the liquor laws, $500; school supplies,
$300; night police, $500.
long course of his business life it has been remarked
_ of him that he seldom, if ever, failed in any of his un-
dertakings. For a period of nearly half a century he
conducted a boot- and shoe-manufactory, always alone,
until within a few years of his death he admitted his
son, E. Everett Holbrook, as partner.
During the last twenty years of his life his interests
outside his manufactory had grown to be so extensive
as to demand most of his attention, and much of his
_ time was spent as a dealer in stocks in Boston.
His methods of business were straightforward and
direct; scorning subterfuge and finesse, he met all
issues squarely as they arose, and by his life’s work
and its results he furnished indubitable proof of the
truth of the old adage, ‘“‘ Honesty is the best policy.”
He possessed in an eminent degree those qualities
It was voted that there be a vigorous enforcement of the |
liquor laws, and that the appropriation for the same be put in
the hands of the Law and Order League.
The selectmen and |
Messrs. J. T. Southworth and George W. Paine were appointed |
a committee to investigate the subject of water supply for the |
town.
Population.—In 1875, 1726; in 1880, 2130.
Of the latter 1092 were males and 1038 females.
By the census of 1880 there were in the town 11
white males and 12 white females, aged 21 and over,
who could not write, and 23 persons aged 10 and
over, who could not read.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
E. N. HOLBROOK.
E. N. Holbrook was bern in East Randolph (now
Holbrook), Mass., Oct. 31,1800. He was the second
son and fifth child of Deacon Elisha and Anna Hol-
brook. He came of an ancestry distinguished for
energy of character, piety, devotion to principle, and
character those traits in a high degree. His oppor-
tunities for an education in his youth were fair, and
were well improved.
that command success, and to his infinite credit, be it
said, he applied the results of that success to no selfish
end. Not only the town hall, the beautiful Win-
throp church edifice, to the erection of which he was
so liberal a contributor, not only the public library
which he endowed, but even the town itself stands as
a monument to his memory, bearing as it does his
name in token of the munificent donation of fifty
thousand dollars to the new town (in event of its es-
_tablishment), in order, as he said, “that the people
might be permanently benefited and begin their his-
tory as a municipality free from debt, and in more
propitious circumstances than most of the other debt-
incumbered towns of the Commonwealth.”
He was one of the prime movers and most active
agents in securing the establishment of the new town,
_ but unfortunately he did not live to see his wish fully
consummated. His last visit to Boston, only a few
days before his death, was to confer with the com-
mittee appointed by the Legislature to determine as
to the advisability of establishing the new town. The
_ committee reported favorably, the town was set apart,
but Mr. Holbrook had ceased his earthly cares and
_ labors.
zeal in their religious faith, and he united in his own |
Instead, however, of pursuing |
his studies through a collegiate course he early de-
voted his attention to business, and at the age of
twenty he, in company with others, engaged in the
manufacture of boots and shoes. He soon withdrew
from the firm, however, and established himself alone
in the same line of business.
one of the pioneers in that branch of manufacture for
which Massachusetts has since become so famous.
He may be ranked as |
From the outset he was successful, and during the |
He died Feb. 5, 1872, in the seventy-second year
Nature had blessed him with a fine phy-
sique, a genial, pleasant countenance, and command-
View his character in what light we
of his age.
ing presence.
may, it was such as to command admiration not only
as a strong, successful man of business, as a philan-
thropic citizen, but as a loving, tender husband and
father. He married Relief, daughter of Samuel and
Relief Linfield. She died March 19, 18838, aged
seventy-nine years and seven months. Their childrca
were two daughters and one son,—Relief L. (after-
wards the wife of Rev. Charles V. Spear, principal and
proprietor of Maplewood Institute, at Pittsfield, Mass.
438
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
died April 26, 1883), E. Everett (married Mary J.,
daughter of Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Russell), and Mary W.
The son and last-named daughter are still living.
THOMAS WHITE.
Thomas White was born in East Randolph (now
Holbrook), Mass., April 30, 1816.
common schools of his town, and also the Pittsfield
(N. H.) Academy, graduating from this institution in
1836.
facturing industry, commencing that business in Hast
Randolph in 1810. At that early day very primitive
|
|
|
|
|
|
his Mr. White was one of the
few who successfully met and weathered the great
partner in the store.
financial storm of 1857-58. During those terrible
_ months there were hundreds of level-headed, far-seeing
_ business men unable, notwithstanding their most he-
He attended the |
His father was a pioneer in the shoe manu- |
methods were in use, machinery for the purpose was
unknown, and the unpretentious little shops where
affairs compared with the vast establishments where,
operated by steam, hundreds of odd-looking machines
roic endeavors, to breast the tide, but having his
business well in hand, and by the exercise of clear
foresight and good judgment, Mr. White passed the
crisis and met all liabilities dollar for dollar. The
war of the Rebellion following soon after, Mr. White,
in common with other manufacturers, lost all his
Southern trade, which had been quite extensive.
Taking advantage of the demands of the occasion,
however, he at once began making army boots and
shoes, dealing sometimes directly with the govern-
ment, but more largely with New York merchants.
shoes were made by hand were very insignificant |
shape, fashion, and finish the foot-gear of the present |
generation. At the time of which we speak there
were no railroads, and each manufacturer would make
| K. White.
up a load of shoes or boots, and with his team pro- |
ceed to cart them to market to dispose of them, and
having done so would return home to repeat the pro-
cess. During his boyhood, when not attending school,
Mr. White worked in the shop with his father, and
upon his return from Pittsfield, at the age of twenty,
he determined to follow boot and shoemaking as a
business.
For a few years ke worked for others, but |
in 1839 he commenced business for himself. It was
a very small beginning.
All that was required in the |
way of an outfit was a cutting-board, a few patterns, |
and a knife. Mr. White had, however, youth,
strength, energy, ambition and good business capacity, |
and all of these he put as capital stock into his busi-
ness. From the beginning he was successful, and so
rapidly did his business increase that in 1843 he
found it advisable to admit a partner, and Samuel
Whitcomb was admitted, the firm being White &
Whitcomb. This relation was soon terminated by
the death of Mr. Whitcomb.
man, Mr. White had come to hold a prominent place
Though still a young
in the community.
hands, and his factory became quite a source of reve-
nue to the little village. In the mean time he had
also established a general store in the village, having
for partners during the eight years he was connected
with it Mr. F. H. Keith, now a prosperous mer-
chant of Philadelphia, and Mr. Adolphus Clark,
who has since been successful in business in London,
England. In October, 1842, he married Miss Harriet
K. Keith, of Bridgewater, a sister of Mr. F. H. Keith,
He employed quite a number of
This branch of business was continued until the close
of the war caused a cessation of the demand.
In 1866, Mr. White took his brother, Edmund
White, into partnership with him, the firm being T. &
Up to about this time it had been the cus-
tom of manufacturers to dispose of their goods through
commission-houses or selling agents. Believing, how-
ever, it would accrue to their benefit to distribute
their own products, they opened a wholesale boot-
and shoe-store on Pearl, near Milk Street, Boston,
Thomas superintending the selling of the goods, while
Edmund had charge of the manufacturing at Hast
Randolph.
the leading business men of Boston.
Mr. White at once took rank as one of
Under his man-
agement the business during the next two years in-
creased so rapidly as to necessitate increased facilities
for production, aud they purchased the large four-story
steam-factory built by Spear, Sprague & Co., and
which admirably suited their requirements. The
firm had now become one of the largest and most in-
fluential houses in the trade.
In 1871, Mr. Edmund White withdrew from the
firm, and soon established a large business of his own
in the same village. Upon the withdrawal of his
brother, Mr. White admitted his two sons, Tl. Edgar
and Henry M. White, as partners, assuming the firm-
name of Thomas White & Co. In 1872 the great
fire in Boston left their store, like all others situated
in what is known as the ‘“ burned district,” in ashes.
Some of their stock was saved, but they experienced
heavy losses by the failure of the insurance compa-
nies. Although they suffered temporary inconveni-
ence by their inability to secure advantageous quar-
ters, yet their business continued to increase so
rapidly that during that year they took another
partner, Mr. Marcellus Walker, of Cambridge, who
for many years had been their salesman, and who
hss
)
MEDFIELD.
439
had proven himself an efficient business man. As soon
as possible they established themselves at the corner of |
Pearl and High Streets, near their old quarters, and,
in order to keep pace with the demands of their trade,
they purchased and fitted for their use the meeting-
house situated near their factory. At present theirs
ranks among the largest factories of Eastern Massa-
chusetts, and they turn out weekly from six to nine
hundred cases of goods.
In 1880 they still further enlarged their business
by securing a factory in Great Falls, N. H., one hun-
dred and seventy-five feet long, three stories in height,
and capable of turning out fifteen hundred pairs of
shoes per day. In 1885 they secured a large factory
in Boston, where they can produce from two to three
thousand pairs of boots per day. The productions of
this firm rank as standard goods throughout the
United States.
Mr. White’s business career has been in many re-
spects an exceptional one. But few of those who
are referred to to-day as our “self-made men” have |
passed through so many severe ordeals, met with so
many heavy losses, and yet paid at all times and in
full all obligations. While phenomenally successful
from a business point of view, Mr. White has always
been liberal and public-spirited, and has found time
to fill honorably and creditably many positions of
public trust. He has held many town offices, and
twice represented his district in the State Legislature.
In politics he was a Whig in ante-bellum days, and
since the organization of the Republican party he has
always given his support to that party.
Mr. White has done much toward making Hol-
brook the beautiful village it is, and is justly regarded
by the citizens of that place as one of their benefac-
tors.
Cy As PAE iy Xe XV
MEDFIELD.
BY W. S. TILDEN.
TuIs region of country lying to the southwest of
Boston was, when first known to white men, the
home of several Indian tribes. Among these were
the Naticks, the Neponsets, and to the westward of
Norfolk County, the Nipmucks. These tribes were at
the beginning of their acquaintance with the English
settlers quite friendly to them ; indeed, when John
Oldham and three others, in 1633, went overland as
far as the Connecticut River, he found the same
friendly disposition existing among the Indians all
along his journey. It was only after the encroach-
ments of the whites upon their domain, and after
some wrongs committed by the English, that the tem-
per of the Indians toward them suffered a change.
The aboriginal tribes scattered over this part of the
country were known under the general designation of
‘“‘ Massachusetts; and Charles River was at first known
There
is no account extant of any exploration of Charles
River Valley during the first decade after the estab-
lishment of the Bay colony, though doubtless it was
not long before adventurous pioneers became ac-
to Englishmen as the ‘ Massachusetts River.”
quainted with the general features of this region.
The territory south and east of Charles River was
claimed by the tribe of the Neponsets, whose domain
included the river of that name. Their sachem, Chick-
atabot, was very friendly to the English from the
first, forming treaties and agreements with both the
Plymouth and Bay colonies. About 1632, William
Pynchon, of Boston, afterwards of Springfield, pur-
chased of Chickatabot the territory lying between
Charles River and Neponset River, The town of
Medfield was included in that purchase, together with
several other towns of Norfolk County as far south as
the Rhode Island line ; though the southern bounda-
ries of that purchase were very indefinite, and misun-
derstanding arose between the settlers and the Indians
many years afterwards. It is doubtful if the limits
were very clearly defined at the time of purchase,
as, in 1635, the colonial government called for any
persons who were present at the time of the purchase,
or who knew where the boundaries were, to come for-
ward and testify. There was no response, great num-
bers of the Indians having been swept off by the
smallpox in 1633, among them the sachem, Chicka-
tabot.
Dedham was incorporated in 1636, and included
‘all the lands on the easterly and southerly side of
Charles River not formerly granted to any Towne or
particular person.” Roxbury had been already set off
from the Pynchon purchase, and Dedham, when it was
founded, appears to have taken in all that was left of
it, or the territory of nine or ten of the present towns
of Norfolk County.
Medfield was a part of Dedham for fifteen years,
but this part of the town is seldom mentioned in the
early recordsof Dedham. Special attention seems to
have been first drawn to this region on account of
the wide expanse of meadows lying along Charles
River, and at the mouths of its tributary streams
near this place. The name given by the aborigines to
the valley of Charles River above Natick, for several
440
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
miles southward, was ‘‘ Boggestow,” variously spelled
’ oD p) b)
|
|
|
land belonging to the colony and lying on the west
as were most words in the ancient papers and records. | side of the river, so including the river and the wide
From all that we can gather, the name seems to have | meadows on both sides.
been more particularly applied to the meadows and up- |
lands lying on the west side of the river, which were not
in the Neponset lands, but belonged to the Naticks or
But the Dedham
people were accustomed to speak of all this west end
Nipmucks, probably the Naticks.
of their township as Boggestow ; sometimes desig-
nating it as “ lying near Boggestow.”’ In 1642, Ded-
ham granted to one of its citizens a farm of three
hundred and fifty acres, “to lie in or about that place
called Boggestow, or not far from thence.” This farm
A petition was sent to the General Court for a
grant of land on the west side, four miles north and
south by three miles east and west, which was granted
and laid out. This land, which was long called “ the
old grant,” corresponds very nearly to what is now
East Medway. After this petition was granted, the
_ town of Dedham set off a portion of its territory lying
_ on Charles River, about four miles north and south and
lay on the east side of the river and was afterwards |
bought in by the selectmen of Medfield, no settlement |
having been made upon it.
The meadows in those days being much dryer than
at present, and being kept clear of bushes by the an-
nual fires of the Indians, produced great quantities of |
grass of such quality that it was very highly valued |
by the early settlers, as it furnished an available sup-
ply of fodder for their cattle during the winter sea-
sons. This was probably one of the chief induce-
ments to men to look for a place of settlement in this
immediate vicinity.
There were several open plains hereabouts before |
the land had been cleared by white men, as, indeed,
there were in various portions of the Indian country.
They are often mentioned by the writers of those
days. The forests were quite open, and much grass
for pasturage was found in them. .
During the fifteen years above mentioned, prior to
the incorporation of the town of Medfield, there were
In all the earli-
est records there is not only no reference to any such
no actual settlers upon its territory.
fact, but everything indicates the contrary, though |
many persons have supposed that this part of Dedham
had been previously overspread by settlers, and these
“set off” as is the case now when new towns are
formed.
erected here in‘those days, except, perhaps, a cowpen
and a rude shelter for the keeper of the herds that
We are not to conceive of any buildings
found pasturage here during the summer ; as we read
in very early records of “herd-house plain,” which
was the level stretch of land lying along the Dedham
road a-mile east of the present village. It is also
spoken of as “ the cow-pen.”
Settlement.—The first known movement for the
formation of a new settlement here was made in 1649.
It was started by Dedham men, though they were
soon joined in the enterprise by people from other
towns. The scheme was to make a new town out of
a portion of Dedham and a corresponding portion of |
three miles east and west. This grant from Dedham
corresponds very nearly (perhaps exactly) with the
present extent of the town of Medfield. It is de-
scribed as being in the ‘‘ west end of the bounds: of
Dedham next Boggestow.” The men authorized by
the town of Dedham to lay it out accomplished their
work in the spring of 1650. The orders of the
court in regard to the laying out of the land on the
west side of the river were also obeyed about the
same time by Robert Kayne and Edward Jackson.
At the acceptance of their report by the General
Court, in May, it is stated that the court, in answer
to the request of the inhabitants of Dedham, “ doe
order that it shalbe called [Meadfield].” The brack-
ets seem to indicate that the name had not then been
decided upon, but that it was afterwards inserted.
Various conjectures have been offered as to the
reason for the selection of the name for the new
town. One is that the open field where the village
was afterwards built, lying on the way from Dedham
to the Boggestow meadows and very near them, was
called the ‘“ meadow field,” and hence ‘ Meadfield.”
Another is that, as there were open fields in the
north and south parts of the town, the plain where
the settlement was commenced, lying midway between
them, was called the ‘‘ mid field.” The most proba-
ble reason is that the towns of Medfield and Dedham
in Old England, lying near each other, and many of
the early settlers coming from that vicinity, the towns
were named by them in honor of their former homes.
We know that this was the case with Dedham, and
there is little doubt that the name of this town was
adopted for a similar reason.
It was decided at a Dedham town-meeting that “in
consideration of their town rights in the meadows,”
the settlers should pay that town the sum of one
hundred pounds. This was afterwards reduced to
fifty pounds, but it goes to show in what estimation
the meadows were held at that time. Nothing is
said of the value of the rest of the land that was set
off.
A committee was chosen by the inhabitants of the
MEDFIELD.
441
town of Dedham to manage all affairs relating to the
“erecting, disposing, and government of the said vil-
lage” of Medfield. It consisted of Ralph Wheelock,
Thomas Wight, Robert Hinsdell, Henry Chickering,
John Dwight, Peter Woodward, and Eleazar Lusher.
The first three were men foremost in the new settle-
ment; the next three were men who proposed to stay
in and act for the town of Dedham; and Eleazar
Lusher was clerk of the town and kept the record of
proceedings until the new town was fully recognized.
Those records, in his characteristic handwriting, are
still preserved among the town papers.
The “society for removing to Medfield” was organ-
ized by the signing of a curious agreement, probably
drawn up by Ralph Wheelock, the “ founder of Med- |
field.” This agreement provided, (1) That all per- |
sons receiving grants of land from the new town
should become subject to all rightful orders of town |
government; (2) that all questions or differences —
between them should be settled by reference or arbi-
tration without carrying matters into court; (3) |
that no person should be allowed to become a towns-
man but such as were honest, peaceable, and free from
scandal and erroneous opinions; (4) that none of
the inhabitants for seven years to come should let any |
piece of land received by grant from the town for the |
space of a year together, except by consent of the |
selectmen, unless it be to some member of the
society.
How many signed the agreement at this time is |
It is certain that some of those whose |
unknown.
names are appended signed it years afterwards, at the
time they were accepted as townsmen; and some who |
signed at the beginning never removed to the new |
settlement.
It was provided that no man’s house-lot should ex-
ceed twelve or fall short of six acres; its size, between
these limits, to be determined by his wealth and the
size of his family. Also, that all who received house-
lots should be settled at Medfield before the end of
May, 1651, and that no person should receive lands
but those who intended to become actual settlers.
The first highways were established preparatory to |
rendering the town capable of being suitably laid out
in house-lots ; but all records of those earliest high- )
There was a bridge built across |
ways are lost.
Charles River near the present town farm; a road
from it eastward through the town to Dedham. Itis
impossible now to tell on which side of Mount Nebo |
From this road, at the centre of |
the town, a road ran northerly, now North Street, and |
the first road ran.
another south, near what is now Pleasant Street.
The meeting-house lot and the cemetery were laid out |
| stands.
| Philip Street.
1653.
about the same time, though there is no record
extant.
The first thirteen house-lots were laid out June 19,
1650. These were scattered along Main, North,
Green, Frairy, South, and Philip Streets. The first
thirteen settlers were Ralph Wheelock, John Ellis,
Samuel Bullen, Daniel Morse, James Allen, Joseph
Clark, Francis Hamant, John Turner, John Frairy,
Timothy Dwight, Robert Hinsdale, Thomas Wight,
and John Wight.
near the village grew only along the brook, and strict
orders were made in regard to the use of them, they
having been reserved for the use of the town.
Dedham surrendered its jurisdiction to the settlers
above named Jan. 11, 1651, and in May of the same
year the town was incorporated by act of the General
Court, the forty-third in the colony in the order of
During these months accessions to
It appears that good timber trees
incorporation.
their number were being made and new house-lots
granted on North, South, and Bridge Streets.
The first minister of Medfield was Rev. John Wil-
son, Jr., who commenced his pastorate in December,
1651. He built his house where the town hall now
Public worship was conducted at the houses
of the settlers for the first two or three years.
The first family to remove to their Medfield home
was that of Samuel Bullen, whose house stood near
The first mill was built by George
Barber in 1652. It stood on Mill Brook, a little way
below where it is crossed by Elm Street. It was sold
the same year to Henry Adams, and a few years af-
_ terwards superseded by a mill above the bridge on Elm
Street, which was burned by the Indians and never
rebuilt.
The first meeting-house was commenced about
It was a small, plain building, with a thatched
roof, and stood where the Unitarian house of worship
now stands. It was not completed and furnished till
1656.
The meadows were laid out in grants to the owners
of house-lots in 1652, and the following year the
lands easily accessible to cultivation were also divided,
according to the rules of division,—that is, by persons
and estates, each member of the household being ap-
praised at ten pounds. The same year the town clerk
commenced his records of births, deaths, and mar-
riages, and the town has an unbroken record from that
year down to the present.
In 1653 Mr. Wheelock took up a contribution in
this town in aid of Harvard College. The same year
we have a record of certain men being chosen to burn
the woods. The custom of burning over all the waste
lands in November of each year, which was derived
442
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
from the aborigines, was continued for many years by
the settlers, in order that the underbrush on the pub-
lic lands might not prevent the pasturage of cattle
upon them.
The principal town business for the years preceding
1660 was granting house-lots to new-comers, the |
division of wood-lands, laying out roads in various |
sections of the town and on both sides of the river,
adopting orders in regard to fences and bounds, to
the yoking and ringing of swine, and providing the
town with a “ pair of stocks.”
A school “for the education of the children” was
established in 1655, at the town’s expense, and Mr.
In 1657
It had, also, an
The
Wheelock was appointed schoolmaster.
Medfield contained forty families.
“ordinary,” or place of public entertainment.
State tax was paid in eighteen and one-half bushels |
of wheat.
Our territory west of the river was enlarged in
1659 by what was called the ‘“ new grant,” two miles
east and west, and four miles north and south. It is
now included in the westerly part of Medway and |
Holliston. All owners of house-lots shared in this
land, it being mostly laid out in large parcels of from
fifty to one hundred and fifty acres each. Soon after
this date men began to settle on the west side of the
river.
The first school-house was built in 1666, eighteen |
It evidently stood |
feet long and fourteen feet wide.
: . i
on the meeting-house common, near what is now the |
corner of North Street and Janes Avenue.
The first emigration from this town took place |
|
i
about 1670, when the Hinsdales, Plimptons, and |
Frairys removed to the Connecticut Valley. At
about the same date a post-road from Boston to
Hartford was established, and a way laid out from
Medfield to Mendon; and the business of tanning
leather was commenced by Samuel Rockwood, near
the present railroad junction in the north part of the
town. A tax was levied upon the inhabitants of
| bridge on fire as they went.
tne Indian War.—The year 1676 is memorable
for King Philip’s war and the burning of the town.
In the hostilities of the previous summer Mendon
had been abandoned, leaving Medfield the frontier
town in this direction. After the great fight at the
Narragansett swamp in December, the Indians formed
themselves into small bands for the purpose of falling
upon remote and defenseless settlements. On the
10th of February they attacked Lancaster, burned
the town, and carried its inhabitants into captivity.
On the reception of the news, Mr. Wilson addressed
a letter to the Governor and Council containing an
urgent and pathetic appeal for aid. He states that
Capt. Oakes had just arrived from Lancaster, and
reported the Indians apparently bending their course
towards this place. In answer to this appeal the
Governor sent a hundred or so of soldiers during the
| week, who were quartered upon the inhabitants in dif-
ferent parts of the town. Signs of the approaching
enemy were discovered on the 20th, and a watch was
In spite of this precaution,
however, the savages stealthily secreted themselves
kept through the night.
about the houses and in the out-buildings, and when
the watch was taken off, at daybreak, they commenced
firing houses and barns in every direction. The sol-
diers, scattered as they were, could do but little against
the enemy for a time; but as soon as the people were
fairly aroused they fired the cannon as a signal to
Dedham, at which the Indians, taking fright, re-
treated over the bridge across the river, setting the
Across the river, ona
hill, in full view of the burning buildings, they hada
grand feast. Thirty-two houses, besides barns, two
mills, and other buildings were destroyed, about half
|
The houses
Four houses
of the entire number in the settlement.
in the centre of the village were saved.
burned were on the west of the river in what is now
| East Medway. The cattle and horses were generally
| lost with the barns.
Medfield, in aid of Harvard College, amounting to |
£2 As. 2d.
In 1672, John Awashamog (Indian), of Natick, laid
claim to our territory west of Charles River.
settled by the payment to him of twenty-one pounds.
It would seem by this that the region now Medway
was originally the possession of the Natick tribe.
Sixty-two persons at Medfield subscribed various
sums in money and produce towards the “ new brick
college.” In
now Sher-
The total amount was £25 1s.
they were joined by men at “ the farms,”
born.
prietors.
The loss of property was esti-
mated at more than two thousand pounds, and it is
said that ‘“‘ seventeen or eighteen person were slain or
mortally wounded, besides others dangerously hurt.”
_ Our records contain the names of seventeen who lost
It was |
this |
In 1675 Medfield had seventy-seven land pro- |
Hubbard relates that some
were taken alive and carried off captives, but we
their lives at this time.
have no certain knowledge of any who suffered this
terrible fate.
Notice of the attack was immediately sent to
the Governor, who at once dispatched another com-
pany of soldiers hither ; but not finding the enemy,
It is by no means
Philip was near this place at the
they pushed on to Marlborough.
probable that King
time of the attack, notwithstanding all the traditions
MEDFIELD.
443
about his having been seen on his black horse, career;
ing through the town, leaping the fences, ete. Those
who lived in those times, and who wrote a full account |
of the war, tell us that Medfield was destroyed by
Monaco, who boasted of the deed at Groton, and at
the same time threatened many other places. He was
executed at Boston the following September. Mr.
Wilson's house was open to care for the wounded sol-
diers who were obliged to remain here, some of them |
for three months, with the surgeon to attend them.
The Indians did not appear here again till the last
of April, when a fresh force of horse and foot was
sent out against them; and on the 6th of May they
were finally routed at Boggestow Pond, near Sher- |
born. They lingered in small force. around this vi-
cinity for some time afterwards, and small parties of
soldiers went out to hunt Indians during the summer.
But after Philip’s death, in August, they were seen no
more, though alarms were given for several years
afterwards, which caused the people here great uneasi-
ness, but no disasters followed beyond the burning of
a mill at Rockville.
The General Court granted some little relief to the
sufferers by this calamity, chiefly in the way of re-
mitting taxes. It was several years before the town
recovered from the stroke; but most of the houses
One of the
mills destroyed was that of Henry Adams, before re-
ferred to, and the other was a mill on Boggestow
Brook, now in Medway. »#
In 1680, the first resident physician of whom we
have any record, Dr. Return Johnson, built his house
on North Street. He practiced medicine here up-
wards of twenty years.
In 1685, Josias, grandson of Chickatabot, asserted
a claim to the land embraced within the limits of
Medfield ; the town settled with him by the payment
The land had been al-
ready paid for by Mr. Pynchon, but as no deed could
be found the matter was compromised.
Mr. Wilson, the first minister of Medfield, died in
1691, and it was not till six years afterwards that his
successor, Rev. Joseph Baxter, was settled. At that
date, 1697, the membership of the Parish Church was
A
were finally rebuilt on the original sites.
of four pounds ten shillings.
sixty-five ; twenty-five men and forty women.
few of the members lived in that part of Dedham |
which is now called Walpole.
The Black Swamp lands were laid out in 1702, to
the ‘“ proprietors,” of whom there were now one hun-
dred and twenty-three. Of these at least twenty-seven
lived west of the river.
The first meeting-house had become somewhat di-
_has been the western boundary of Medfield.
lapidated, and it was now insufficient for the accom- |
modation of the people ; it was removed in 1706, and
replaced by a new one on the same spot, which stood
eighty-three years.
of that house. We know that in it the men were
required to sit on one side, and the women on the
other.
Division of the Town.—The subject of dividing
the town began to be seriously agitated in 1712. In-
There is no definite description
deed, at the time the new meeting-house was built,
those living west of the river were promised a refund-
ing of half the amount paid by them in case a meet-
ing-house should be built in that part of the town
In 1713, the west side people
sent a petition to the General Court; a committee
was chosen to visit the place and report, which they
within twenty years.
did, and they reported in favor of a division of the
It was divided by an act of the Legislature,
passed October 25th. Since that date, Charles River
Those
set off at this time to form the town of Medway con-
town.
stituted about one-third of the householders, and they
possessed about the same proportion of the wealth.
Until 1720, but one school had been kept in town,
and that at the Centre. At this time it was ordered
that a school be kept a part of the time in the north
and a part of the time in the south part of the town.
In these days, when there was no artificial heat in
the meeting-houses, and those who came from a dis-
tance remained through to hear the two sermons, it
was common for neighbors to join together and build
what was called a ‘“ noon-house” near the meeting-
house, into which they could go between sermons,
eat their dinner, and make themselves comfortable.
Several of these noon-houses, in old times, stood on
the meeting-house common here. That kind of
building is described as being some fifteen feet square,
opening toward the south, with conveniences for build-
ing an open fire at the opposite end.
Medfield sent at least eleven soldiers into the army
to fight against the French and Indians in 1722. At
this date the town was held to answer for not main-
The law
required that every town having a hundred house-
holders should maintain a school capable of fitting
boys for the college. The selectmen replied that they
had but ninety-four families; but the school was es-
tablished.
The protest of the Medfield meadow owners against
the Natick Dam was first made in 1723. The owner
of the dam at that time was compelled to remove it
on account of its preventing the drainage of the
taining a grammar-school according to law.
meadows.
A movement for the division of the county of Suf-
444
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
folk was started in 1731. The division did not take
place till more than sixty years later.
Mr. Baxter’s health declining, the town settled
Mr. Jonathan Townsend as his colleague early in
1745; but Mr. Baxter dying in May of the same
year, Mr. Townsend became his successor in the old |
parish pastorate. A portion of the church was
dissatisfied with him, and there was much dissension |
for a long time. Several
about 1752.
ing the ministry of John Wilson. In 1738 Mr.
Baxter commenced a regular book of records for the |
church, copying into it, evidently from his private
papers, the list of members at the beginning of his
pastorate, as well as the admissions to the church
thereafter.
sors.
This record was continued by his succes-
Mr. Townsend built his house on a lot granted
The
him by the town opposite the meeting-house.
house was that long afterwards made into a straw-shop |
by Walter Janes.
In early times it is said that shad and alewives ran
up Charles River to their breeding grounds. About
the middle of the century complaint was made that
they were prevented by the obstructions in the river,
and this town took action in reference to their re-
moval.
same subject as late as 1785.
During the French and Indian war this town fur-
nished its quota of men to serve in the army. In
the rolls at the office of the Secretary of State are
found the names of forty-five men who served a
In 1756, when
the unfortunate Acadians were driven from their
homes and dispersed through the colonies, several of
them were quartered upon Medfield.
longer or shorter time in that war.
members withdrew; |
some united with a Baptist Church in Boston and |
commenced holding Baptist meetings in Medfield |
Further action was taken in regard to the |
Majesty’s arms, they protest that they have received
a most unkind return, and express the hope that the
remonstrances that were about to be made would
bring redress. At the same time, the representative
is instructed that he is by no means to express an ac-
quiescence, or even a willing submission to the acts of
Parliament. The instructions close with these words :
“ Honor the king, but save the country.”
It was voted that these instructions be put on file
‘as a memorial to ages yet unborn of the present gen-
eration’s high sense of the importance of our natural
| and charter liberties.”
There are no records of the old parish church dur-
In 1767, resolutions were adopted discountenancing
the use of imported articles, especially articles of
luxury, and recommending the encouragement of our
In addition, the representative
was urged to contribute his part to the “ entire abo-
own manufacturers.
_ ition of that standing reproach to the nations of
Some of them |
remained here until 1766, when the town made an —
appropriation “to enable the French neutrals to re-
turn to Canada.”
Three new school-houses were built in the town
about 1760.
The Revolutionary Spirit—Medfield entered |
most heartily into the struggle for maintaining the
rights of the people against the claims of the crown, .
and during the Revolutionary period we discover
many indications of a spirit that would hardly have
been expected of our quiet, steady-going citizens.
After the passage of the Stamp Act, in 1765, Seth
Clark, the
structions.
and their
representative, received very pointed in- |
Referring to the loyalty of our people, |
efforts to maintain the dignity of his |
Christendom,—the slave trade.”
Rev. Mr. Townsend resigned his pastorate in 1769,
and was succeeded, two years later, by Rev. Thomas
Prentiss as pastor of the old parish church.
The town voted, in 1770, that they “applaud and
| agree to, and will conform their conduct agreeable to
the non-importation agreement entered into by the
truly patriotic merchants of Boston, so far as it may
relate to themselves.” In 1773 voted that ‘“ the
representative of this town be and hereby is instructed
to use his best endeavors in the General Assembly to
have the full exercise of our just and invaluable rights
and liberties restored, secured, and established on a
just and constitutional foundation ; also that he use
his utmost influence to have a final period put to that
most cruel, inhuman, and unchristian practice, the
slave trade.”
In 1774, the town voted compliance with the agree-
ment and resolves adopted by the Continental Con-
gress which met at Philadelphia in October; also
voted that those resolutions be entered on the Med-
One hundred and fifty-three Medfield
men signed their names as personally complying with
The list embraces,
with scarcely an exception, the entire voting popula-
field records.
and indorsing those resolutions.
tion.
In accordance with one of the resolves, a committee
of seven was appointed to observe the conduct of men
toward the measures of Congress, and to publish the
names of all such as were found hostile to the interests
of American liberty.
During the exciting times of 1774-75, town-meet-
ings were held by adjournment from week to week. .
A committee of five was chosen as a committee of
correspondence. One-fourth of the able-bodied men
MEDFIELD.
445
were enrolled as minute-men, and put under drill, to
be compensated for their time by the town,—that is,
for three half-days a week.
By the rolls at the State-House we learn that at
the Lexington alarm, Capt. Sabin Mann and his com-
pany of twenty-seven minute-men marched from Med-
field, April 19, and were in service twelve days. Be-
|
|
sides these, another company of fifty-four officers and |
men marched at the same time, though their services
were not on that occasion retained. In all, eighty-two
men from Medfield took the field at the Lexington
alarm.
When the Bunker Hill alarm came, Capt. Chenery |
started for the scene of action; and though he with |
his men did not arrive in time to take part in that —
battle, they served in the siege of Boston.
In the instructions voted to the representative in
1776 is the following: ‘‘ Whereas, the King, Lords, |
and Commons of Great Britain in Parliament assem-
bled, have declared their right to bind us in all cases
whatsoever. We, therefore, if the Congress declare
the colonies independent of Great Britain, will sup-
port said declaration with our lives and fortunes.”
As the struggle of those seven years of war went
on, the citizens of this town bore their part with >
fidelity. They were constantly called upon to furnish
men, material, and provisions for the army. From
first to last, one hundred and fifty-four men are known
to have been in the Revolutionary service, of whom
forty-two were in the Continental army.
The first public library in this town was opened in
1786; it was called the “ Medfield Social Library,” |
It is
said to have contained about seven hundred volumes.
The parish meeting-house of 1706 was replaced by
a new one, on the same spot, in 1789. The principal
part of that building, with many changes, is still stand-
ing, and is included in the present Unitarian house of
worship.
Until the year 1789, from the settlement of the
town, Medfield had sent its own representatives. But
in that year Dover and Medfield were united in a
representative district, and so continued for forty-
seven years. With very few exceptions, however, the
and was owned in shares of four dollars each.
which time the population of Medfield was seven hun-
dred and thirty-one.
A New County.—The agitation which had com-
menced more than half a century before, and in which
this town had taken much interest, as is shown by the
action taken in town-meetings at various times, re-
sulted in the formation of Norfolk County in 1793.
It was proposed at one time, it is said, to make Med-
field the shire-town ; but some of our prudent towns-
men objected, on the ground that the practice of visit-
ing the court-room during the trial of cases would be
prejudicial to habits of industry in the citizens.
The last effort to levy ministerial taxes upon all
the inhabitants, irrespective of religious belief, was
made in 1794. Ebenezer Clark was arrested for non-
payment and committed to jail. The town authori-
ties discovered soon after that they had been over-
hasty in the matter, and went to Boston for the pur-
Mr. Clark, how-
ever, brought suit for damages, and the defense cost
the town sixty dollars.
pose of having him released at once.
The first guide-boards in this town were erected in
1795. They were five in number, and placed at the
corners of the principal thoroughfares.
At this period it was customary to tax men for any
special skill or faculties they possessed, either profes-
Twenty-eight men of this town
Doctors had to
pay fifteen dollars, then came employers, master
mechanics, and various craftsmen, including black-
smiths, who gave evidence of the value of their skill
by the payment of five dollars.
About 1798 a weekly meeting for reading and
conversation was held. It seemed to be a sort of
Certain books on political subjects,
approved by the society, were read aloud, questions
asked, and conversation had on the topics presented.
Other subjects might be introduced after the readings
sional or mechanical.
in one year paid a “ faculty tax.”
political lyceum.
at the discretion of the presiding officer.
representatives chosen during that period were Med- |
field men.
A very earnest petition was sent in from this town
to the General Court asking for the passage of a strin-
gent law for the apprehension of thieves. The reasons
given were that after the disbanding of the army the
country was overrun with vagrants and thieves, from
whom this town had suffered much.
At this period, also, there was much interest on the
part of our citizens in planting trees by the roadsides.
Many of the fine trees by the public highways in
various quarters of the town were planted during the
succeeding years asa result of this laudable enthu-
siasm. ‘The streets of our town owe very much of
their summer beauty to these early efforts in tree-
_ planting.
The first national census was taken in 1790, at |
The schools had been established in the different
parts of the town for many years, but the district
system was adopted, and the district lines drawn, in
the year 1800. They continued the same till the
abolition of the district system sixty-nine years after-
wards.
446
‘HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The straw manufacture, which has since grown to
immense proportions, and has been for many years the
principal manufacturing industry of the town, was
commenced ina small way by Johnson Mason and
George Hllis about the year 1801. They kept a
common country store on North Street, opposite the
head of Dale Street.
by sealding and bleaching, and
state, prepared
braided in families.
utilized, and many of our older people have grievous |
recollections of the long weary hours they spent, day
after day, in braiding straw when they were children.
This braid was purchased by Mason & Ellis and paid
for in goods from their store, put out to be trimmed
and pressed by other families, and yet again to be |
sewed into bonnets by those who had the requisite
skill.
York. After the death of George Ellis, Col. Mason
continued the straw business, and several years after- |
ward received a premium for straw bonnets manu-
factured by him from the Massachusetts Agricul-
tural Society.
The Turnpike and Post-office.—The Boston and
Hartford Turnpike was built in 1806; it was the
property of stockholders, who, though supposing it |
a paying enterprise at first, realized very little from |
it. A line of coaches was run through the town for |
the next thirty years. Toll-gates were erected at
several points along the way; those who traveled by
private conveyance were compelled to take the old
The
following year a post-office was established here, and
was kept at the store on the corner of North Street.
road or pay toll for traveling on the turnpike.
Prior to this time citizens of Medfield went for their |
mails to Dedham or Medway.
The business of brush-making, an industry new to
this part of the country, was started by Artemas
Woodward about 1808, in a shop near where the
orthodox parsonage now stands, and where he had |
previously carried on cabinet-making,
persons, among whom were John W. Adams, John
Harmstad, and George M. Smith, subsequently
engaged in the same business, which continued to be
carried on in this town for many years.
Several public-houses had been kept in different |
parts of the town for a long time. One was on
North Street opposite the head of Dale Street, com- |
menced by Samuel Sadey and continued by others ;
another was kept in the south part of the town, by
Sabin Mann, at the place now owned by W. R. |
Smith ; another was started by Seth Clark, continued
by his son, and by Partridge Holbrook, and was at
the place now owned by heirs of Warren Hartshorn,
Rye straw was cut in a green |
The children’s labor was largely _
The bonnets were sold in Boston and New |
Several other
on Main Street ; and still another, for a few years, was
kept by Moses Richardson in the east part of the
town, at the place now owned by Mr. Bussey. In
1810, David Fairbanks, who was for several years
_the prominent business man of Medfield, built the
tavern which stood on the site of the present town
hall, and which was for*half a century the only pub-
Fairbanks also carried on a store at the
corner of Main and North Streets, and did a large
business besides in manufacturing straw bonnets.
The old school-houses, built about 1760, proving
now inadequate, were replaced by new ones. The
north and south districts had been provided with
suitable buildings about 1803, and a new house was
built for the centre district in 1810. “ Academy
Hall” was added to it as a second story, and was
owned by a company who maintained a select school
in it for some dozen years or more.
lic-house.
The manufacture of cut nails was commenced about
The nail-factory
was on the stream a little way below the stone mill
1813, and continued several years.
_which stands on the Dedham road.
Rev. Dr. Prentiss died in 1814, and the following
year he was succeeded in the pastorate of the old
parish church by Dr. Daniel C. Sanders.
Town and parish affairs were separated in 1815.
Up to this date from the settlement of the place all
matters connected with the parish, the minister, and
the meeting-house were settled by vote in town-meet-
ing. The First Congregational parish was at this
| time incorporated as a religious society under the
laws of the State.
_ The first attempt, so far as known, to collect the
leading facts in early Medfield history was made by
Drs
sermon, in 1817.
A Sunday-school was started in 1818 by citizens
of Medfield, irrespective of church affiliations; and it
It continued in
that form but one year, after which each church car-
Daniel C. Sanders, in his well-known historical
was held at the centre school-house.
ried on a school of its own.
Freemasons.—‘ Cassia Lodge” of Freemasons
was instituted in 1823, and had an existence of
“Academy Hall” was purchased
The hall was after-
wards sold to the town for school purposes.
The second town library was started in 1828. It
was owned by stockholders, and contained about a
In the same year, Eliakim Morse
| twenty-two years.
and fitted up as a lodge-room.
thousand volumes.
commenced purchasing domestic straw and manufac-
turing it, a business in which he continued for several
| years.
The town purchased a farm for the use of the poor
MEDFIELD.
447
in 1837.
Up to this time paupers were put up at | time the interest in it declined, till the trainings and
public auction, and struck off to the lowest bidder for musters, which had been occasions of great enthusi-
their support.
by the town’s proportion (seventeen hundred and
sixty-three dollars) of the forty millions divided
among the States by the general government.
The same year the Boston and Hartford turnpike |
was laid out as a county way by the commissioners.
In 1838, Henry Partridge, of Sherborn, bought
the old nail-factory property in the east part of the
town, and commenced the manufacture of hay- and —
manure-forks and similar goods, which had a wide |
He continued the business |
In 1856 he, with others, |
reputation for excellence.
for some fifteen years.
The town farm was paid for in part asm, became a mere farce.
{
|
formed a company for the same line of manufactures, |
and the stone mill on the Dedham road was built, |
where the business was carried on till the company |
dissolved.
The old cemetery, which was originally laid out
when the town was settled, and which had been pe-
riodically cleared of trees and bushes, was in 1843
enlarged by an addition of land on the north and
The faced wall next the street was built, the
driveways and paths were made, lots laid out, and a
east.
large number of trees planted.
The school in the centre having become quite large, ©
and a better system of vrading being desired, as well
as more suitable accommodations being needed, in
1844 the Masonic Hall was purchased, and the entire
building was repaired and fitted up as a two-room
school-house. It remained at the same place where
the centre school-house had stood from the first, on
North Street, near the corner of what is now called
Janes Avenue.
A straw-shop was built in 1845 by Warren Chen-
ery, who had transacted business in a small way for
several years previously ; and from this date may be |
reckoned the modern development of that branch of |
manufactures in the town.
by Mr. Chenery was a branch of the Foxboro’ Straw
|
The business conducted |
Works, and the building proving inadequate to his —
wants, five years afterwards it was enlarged to double
its original size. Warren Chenery & Son carried on
the manufacture there till 1857, when the large three-
story building was erected, which was burned in
1879.
The old brick school-house in the north district was
removed, and the present building, corner of North |
and School Streets, was erected in 1849.
From early times, and especially from the times of |
the Revolution, the State militia, which included all |
able-bodied men between eighteen and forty-five, kept |
up a vigorous existence till about 1830. After that
(
'
Many towns then formed
what were termed “ independent companies,” com-
posed of those who had a taste for military affairs.
This town boasted such a company from 1839 to
1847. It was of efficient character and of consider-
able local note. Among its commanding officers were
F. D. Ellis, Isaac Fiske, Moses H. Johnson, John
Battelle, and Amos W. Shumway.
The voters were very much excited over the election
of a representative to the General Court in 1850.
After several ballotings, Jonathan P. Bishop, Esq.,
was chosen. He took part in the long struggle that
the choice of Charles Sumner to the
United States Senate, voting persistently for the suc-
cessful candidate.
Several citizens formed a company, in 1851, for the
purpose of introducing the boot and shoe manufacture.
The quality of the goods manufactured was excellent,
but the business was not successful enough financially
resulted in
to warrant its long continuance.
A Hunneman fire-engine was purchased in 1853,
at a cost of six hundred dollars. A little afterwards
an engine-house was built on North Street, and an
engine company was formed.
In the same year Walter Janes commenced the
manufacture of straw-goods in the old Townsend
house, which stood on North Street, nearly opposite
the Unitarian Church.
A new school-house for the south district was built
in 1855; it stood a few rods south of the original site.
The straw-manufacturing firm of Janes & Curtis
commenced business in 1858; the old shop of Mr.
Janes was enlarged to more than double its former
size. This business arrangement continued till the
death of Mr. Janes.
The manufacture of carriages had been commenced
by Jacob R. Cushman about 1835. For some time
he did all the work with his own hands; but enlarg-
ing gradually, he employed several workmen in the
different departments of the business. In 1852 the
copartnership of Cushman & Baker was formed, and
five years later they purchased the mill privilege on
Frairy Street, and erected a factory there with other
buildings. The factory was burned in 1868 but im-
mediately rebuilt. Business was continued under the
same firm-name until the retirement of the senior
partner, since which it has been conducted by J. H.
Baker & Co. The work of this firm has always had
a high reputation for thoroughness and general ex-
cellence.
The old school-house in the centre district was sold
448 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and fitted up for store purposes on the corner of |
South Street, and a new building erected for the |
schools on Pleasant Street at a cost of about five thou- |
sand dollars, which is the building at present occu- |
pied as a school-house. |
Various projects for a railroad through this town
had been proposed during the preceding twenty years, ©
but the first railroad communications were opened in
1861, when the Charles River Railroad, as it was
then called, was so far completed as to allow trains to
run as far as the station in the north part of Med-
field.
The War of the Rebellion.—Medfield took an
active part in the civil strife of 1861-65. The first
volunteer, Allen A. Kingsbury, started at daybreak
on the morning after the news of the attack upon our
soldiers in Baltimore. He enlisted from Chelsea, and
was killed at Yorktown, April 26, 1862. The fol-
lowing men enlisted from this town during the war:
Alexander Cameron.
Lucius W. Allen.
Perry Greenleaf.
George O. Metcalf.
Oscar B. Bussey.
George W. Hunt.
Edward E. Ellis.
John Proctor.
Gabriel Strang.
David Maney.
John D. Chenery.
Willard R. Holbrook.
Joseph Laguski.
Thaddeus M. Turner.
Edward U. Sewall.
George H. Bullard.
Joseph Clark.
George H. Shumway.
William H. Bullard,
George M. Fiske.
George H. Wight.
Albert S. Allen.
Curtis W. Jones.
Charles 8. Snow.
Frank E. Morse.
Eliakim Morse, Jr.
Asahel P. Clark.
Nathan F. Harding.
Bb. E. Hemminway.
Eleazer Johnson.
John H. Parker.
Watson Cooper.
Caleb Howard.
Lewis Goulding.
John A. Strang.
Joseph H. Morse.
Thomas E. Hunt.
Eugene Sumner.
Joseph Hardy.
Cyrus D. Strang.
James Griffin.
Ebenezer G. Babcock.
Michael Griffin.
Daniel McMahon.
William Vennon.
Lewis H. Turner.
Frank Rhodes.
George E. Clark.
George A. Morse.
Joseph Stedman.
Edmund L. Chenery.
Henry Fiske.
Jonathan G. Wight.
Martin Bailey, Jr.
James Ord.
John F. Harvey.
John G. Hutson.
Fuller M. Babcock.
George Miller.
Newell T. Hunt.
Stephen H. Berry.
Lowell J. Southland.
John Ord, Jr.
The following are the names of those Medfield
soldiers who lost their lives in the army:
Caleb Howard.
Allen A. Kingsbury.
Joseph Hardy.
Willard R. Holbrook.
William Vennon.
John A. Strang.
Eugene Sumner.
John B. Chenery.
Daniel MeMahon.
Frank E. Morse.
Curtis W. Jones.
William Dailey.
Gabriel Strang.
Eleazer Johnson.
The school-district system was abolished in 1869,
and the care of the schools thenceforth devolved upon
the school committee of the town.
A new railroad from Framingham to Mansfield was
laid out and built through the town, and trains com-
_menced running upon it early in 1870.
The Straw-Works.—During the same year the
copartnership of D. D. Curtis & Co. was formed, the
manufacture of straw goods was carried on in the
buildings hitherto occupied by Janes & Curtis, until
the fire of six years later, when they were destroyed.
| During this period machinery was introduced to a con-
siderable extent. The present ample building was
_ erected in the fall of 1876, and the proprietors fur-
_nished it with the most approved appliances in the
way of machinery, etc. The capacity of the factory
affords room for six hundred operatives within its
walls, and furnishes employment for four hundred
Forty thousand cases of goods, of the
value of more than a million dollars, are turned out
more outside.
in a year.
Chenery Hall.— By the will of George W. Chenery,
a bequest was made to the town of a sum of money to
be used in building a town hall. The trustees of that
fund allowed it to accumulate for several years, till,
| with the accumulation and some appropriation by the
town, a suitable building could be erected. The old
tavern site in the centre of the village was purchased,
Besides these, several men were procured as substi-
tutes, and at the close of the war it was found that |
Medfield had sent eighty-two men into the country’s
service, and had paid, on account of the war, five
thousand five hundred and seventy-one dollars, which,
added to the amount paid by individuals, made a total |
of about ten thousand dollars.
together with some adjoining land, on which the town
hall was built in 1872. In it a room was fitted up as
a public library, and by bequests from Deacon George
Cummings, and the generous aid of other citizens, a
good library was secured, which was thrown open to
the public the following spring.
J. H. Gould, afterwards Gould & Stevens, com-
menced business, in 1872, as dealers in grain, at the
Three
years later the steam-mill on Park Street was built by
D. D. Curtis, when Gould & Stevens removed their
business thither. The firm, since Gould & Co., has
developed a large wholesale as well as retail trade in
flour, grain, meal, and feed, as well as in coal. Their
business is among the largest in this line in the
Chenery Mills in the east part of the town.
' county.
MEDFIELD.
449
In 1873, Messrs. Clark & Marshall built a factory
on Frairy Street for the manufacture of bonnet-wire,
where they have since carried on a successful busi-
ness.
On the 8th of January, 1874, the new town hall was
totally destroyed by fire, with the exception of the
tower, some portion of which remained; among the
contents destroyed was the public library, the fire-
engine and apparatus, together with the hearse, which
was kept in the basement ; also a portion of the town
books and records. The safe containing all the most
valuable records was, kept, by the heroic exertions of a
few of our leading citizens, from falling into the cellar,
where its contents must inevitably have been de-
stroyed.
Immediate steps were taken for rebuilding the hall,
which was accomplished during the year; and the
new hall, though in some respects unequal to the first,
is believed on the whole to be more convenient and
available for town uses. The library was replaced by
gifts from Deacon Cummings, John J. Adams, and
many others ; and at his death, Deacon Cummings left
one thousand dollars to the public library, the income
of which is to be expended yearly for its benefit.
The rate of taxation in 1874 was the highest ever
reached in this town,—fifteen dollars on one thousand. | moe
|
The bi-centennial anniversary of the burning of
Medfield by the Indians was observed in 1876 with ap- |
propriate exercises. Addresses were delivered by Rev.
C. C. Sewall, Hon. R. R. Bishop, and others, and a
poem was read by its author, James Hewins, Esq.
The exercises of that occasion have proved the means
of awakening a lively interest in the subject of our local
history.
In 1877 a hook-and-ladder truck, with apparatus,
_ was purchased by the town and a company was formed.
During 1878-79 the records of the town were
copied, arranged, and rebound. It is safe to say that
no town in the county has its records in better con- |
dition than this.
Population of the town, according to the census of
1880, was 1365; number of polls, 375; number of
men liable to do military duty, 200 ; number of dwell-
ing-houses, 276; horses, 212; cows, 449; amount
of school fund, $3760 ; valuation of real estate, $770,-
559; valuation of personal estate, $294,291: total
valuation, $1,064,850.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT
Timothy Dwight, 1652. | George Barber, 1668-69, 1677,
Ralph Wheelock, 1653, 1663-| 1680, 1682.
64, 1666-67. | Samuel Bullen, 1681.
Henry Adams, 1659, 1665,| John Thurston, 1683, 1697,
1674-75. 1703.
29
! Edward Adams, 1689, 1692, |
Thomas Thurston, 1686. | Simon Plimpton, 1754.
Eliakim Morse, 1762, 1768.
1702. Moses Bullen, 1769, 1770, 1773,
John Harding, 1689, 1692-93, | 1774.
1695, 1701. Daniel Perry, 1776, 1777, 1779,
Benjamin Clark, 1693, 1699. 1780, 1784, 1785.
| Thomas Dudley, 1694. | Oliver Ellis, 1781, 1782, 1789-
Joseph Clark, 1696. | 92.
Samuel Barber, 1698, 1700,| John Baxter, Jr., 1783, 1787,
| . 1708; 1712-13. 1788, 1794-97, 1798, 1800-4.
John Metcalf, 1704, 1705. Ezekiel Plimpton, 1799.
Henry Adams, 1706, 1709-11, | Ephraim Chenery, 1805-7.
1717, 1719, 1721-24, 1728. Augustus Plimpton, 1808.
Samuel Morse, 1707. Johnson Mason, 1809-11, 1821,
Samuel Smith, 1714. | 1843.
Jonathan Boyden, 1715. | Daniel Adams, 1812, 1813,
John Fisher, 1716, 1720. 1814, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1820,
John Adams, 1718. | 1841.
Solomon Clark, 1725. William Felt, 1823, 1824, 1826-
George Barber, 1726, 28.
1735, 1737. Daniel C. Sanders, 1833-36.
Joshua Morse, 1727, 1732-33, William Peters, 1839. °
1736, 1744. Hinsdale Fisher, 1844.
Ebenezer Mason, 1730. Henry Partridge, 1846.
Joseph Plimpton, 1751. Charles C. Sewall, 1847, 1854,
Jonathan Plimpton, 1738-40. 1862, 1867.
John Dwight, 1741-42. Jonathan P. Bishop,
Samuel Morse, 1747-48, 1766- 1850.
67, 1771-72. | Isaac Fiske, 1855.
| Seth Clark, 1749, 1763-65. Jacob R. Cushman, 1860, 1871.
| Ephraim Chenery, 1751, 1752, Joseph H. Baker, 1875.
William 8. Tilden, 1879.
James Hewins, 1884.
1734,
1848,
1755-59.
Cooledge, 1753, 1757,
1758, 1760, 1761.
| First Congregational (Unitarian) Church.—
The first parish and the town were identical from
1651 down to 1815, and the history of the church
during that period has been already given in connec-
tion with that of the town. The members of the
church in 1815 numbered eighty-seven, and forty
were added during Dr. Sanders’ ministry.
The records of the church, commenced by Mr.
Baxter in 1738, and which had been missing for
many years, were discovered at Northfield and re-
turned to the keeping of the church by Dr. Sanders.
The use of artificial modes of heating was~first
known in the Medfield meeting-houses in 1826, when
large box-stoves were placed near the pulpit with
long “ Russia pipes” running back to the opposite
end of the building.
In 1827 several members of the old church asked
for dismission from that body for the purpose of
forming a new church of the orthodox Congregation-
| alist belief. A council was called, which reported
favorably for the petitioners, and they were dis-
missed.
Dr. Sanders resigned his pastorate in 1829, and
| was succeeded in the following year by Rev. James
A. Kendall.. During his ministry twenty persons be-
~ 450
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
came connected with the church. Some changes
were made in the church covenant. He resigned in
1837.
In 1839 the old meeting-house, built in 1789, was
completely remodeled.
face the south instead of the east. The old belfry
and porch were removed, and a spire erected about
ninety feet high, and a portico with columns added.
The interior was modernized, new pulpit and new
The house was also raised so that a ves-
Rey. Charles Robinson
pews built.
try was built underneath.
was installed as pastor the same year.
ministry twenty members were added to the church.
Mr. Robinson resigned in 1850.
Rey. Rushton D. Burr was ordained in 1853.
Five members were added during his stay. He hav-
ing received a call from Marietta, Ohio, he was dis-
missed from the pastorate here in 18957.
Rev. Solon W. Bush was installed in 1857. In
the eight years of his service as pastor twenty-three
persons united with the church. He was dismissed
in 1865, and became editor of the Christian Register.
Rev. James H. Wiggin was installed as pastor in
1867.
mons on a Sunday was changed to an afternoon ser- |
mon only, preceded by the Sunday-school, which was
enlarged and more perfectly organized at that time.
Meetings were also held on Sunday evenings.
Wiggin remained till 1873, when, having received a
eall to the church in Marlborough, he was dismissed
at his own request. While the church was under his
charge fifteen members were added to it, the interior
of the house of worship was somewhat improved in |
appearance, and a new bell purchased.
In 1874 the meeting-house was again remodeled, |
an addition was made to the height of the spire, the
vestry was much improved, the exterior appearance
of the house much changed, and the interior com-
pletely modernized and refurnished. The entire cost
of these improvements was upwards of six thousand
dollars.
For the next three years the pulpit was supplied
by the Rev. C. C. Sewall.
Pierce became pastor of the church.
ceeded in 1882 by Rev. J. N. Pardee.
Baptist Church.—A few persons of Baptist senti-
ments resided in Medfield at a very early date, and
out of the disaffection which arose in the parish
church after the settlement of Mr. Townsend sev-
eral of its members united with a Baptist Church in
It was turned around go as to |
During his ministry the old plan of two ser- |
Mr. |
when a meeting-house was built,—a small, plain
building, thirty-one feet square. That house is still
standing, and forms a part of the house and shop oc-
cupied by Mr. Hoisington. There was occasional
preaching in it till 1776, when a church was formed
and a pastor settled. The following are the names of
the original members: Ebenezer Mason, Dorothy
Mason, Asa Mason, Beriah Mason, Hannah Mason,
_ Priscilla Mason, James Morse, Maria Morse, John
Thebault, Abigail Morse, Susannah Reed, Benjamin
| Boyden, Elizabeth Baker, Edward Coffoa, Kezia
During his»
In 1877, Rev. Granville |
He was suc- |
| at Rhode Island College.
| to the church within the few years next following,
Plimpton, Mary Ellis, Kezia Cutler, Olive Cheney,
Taphath Chenery, Bathsheba Morse, Kezia Morse,
Mary Edwards, Lydia Lovell, Mary Harding, Abner
Bullard, John Bassett, and Grace, a slave.
The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Gair, educated
Many additions were made
largely from the surrounding towns. The prosperity
of the church declined when other churches were
formed in those places, and especially when a contro-
versy arose between the pastor and some of the lead-
ing members, resulting in the exclusion of one of the
In 1787 the church
could no longer support a pastor, and Mr. Gair re-
principal resident supporters.
signed to become pastor of the Second Baptist Church
in Boston.
a settled pastor for twenty-three years, and much of
At one
time the church numbered but two male members,
After this date the church was without
the time with only occasional preaching.
and it was thought that it would become extinct.
But the two male and ten female members were en-
couraged to continue, and by the help of West Ded-
ham people, who began to attend here in 1808, public
worship was not only sustained, but in 1810, Rev.
William Gammell was settled as pastor, preaching al-
ternate Sabbaths in Medfield and West Dedham for
the next thirteen years.
In 1811, the Baptist society was organized under
the laws of the commonwealth. In 1823, the original
house was enlarged and improved, and the same year
Mr. Gammell resigned, having received a call to the
church in Newport, R. I. After his resignation the
West Dedham portion of the church withdrew and
| formed a church there.
Boston, and commenced holding meetings in town, |
The
about 1752, as a branch of the Boston church.
In 1824, Rev. Joseph Ballard became acting pas-
tor, in which relation he continued until 1829. Forty-
one persons were baptized by him during his min-
istry.
The pulpit having been supplied for a short time
by Rev. J. A. Boswell, in 1830, Rev. Moses Curtis
became pastor and remained three years, during
meetings were held at private dwellings till 1771, |
which time twenty-three were baptized.
MEDFIELD.
451
Rev. Horatio N. Loring became pastor in 1834, and
remained till 1838, baptizing fourteen into the fellow-
ship of the church.
In the latter year the church erected a new house
of worship in a more desirable locality, on the corner
of Main and South Streets. It was supplied with a
bell, and a half-underground room, according to the
fashion of those times, for a vestry.
In 1838, also, Rev. D. W. Phillips was ordained
as pastor, who continued in that office for twelve
years.
added to the church during his pastorate.
He baptized forty-five persons, who were
In 1842,
the old Baptist parsonage, given to the church in
1778, was sold, anda cottage on Pleasant Street pur-
chased for the use of the ministry.
Rev. George G. Fairbanks was ordained in 1851,
who remained till 1855; during his stay ten members
were added to the church.
Rey. James W. Lathrop was installed as pastor in |
1856. Sixty-three members were added (fifty-one of
them by baptism) during the years of his ministry, |
which lasted till 1862.
Rev. Amos Harris was the next pastor, being
ordained in 1862. He remained till 1865, when he
resigned on account of ill health.
twenty-four additions in that time.
Rev. A. W. Carr assumed the pastoral charge at
the beginning of 1866, and retained it five years. He
baptized twelve. In 1869, the church cast off the
forms of a religious society, and itself assumed the
entire charge of the support of public worship.
Rev. A. M. Crane was ordained in 1872, and con-
tinued as pastor six years.
There were
Under his ministry the
additions were sixty-nine, thirty-eight of these by
baptism.
In 1874 the house of worship was completely re-
modeled, additions being made both front and rear, |
the corner tower and spire erected, a better vestry and
other rooms finished in the basement, and the whole
refurnished. The total expense of all these improve-
ments was twelve thousand five hundred dollars, one- |
half of which sum was paid by Deacon George
Cummings.
Rev. Mr. Crane resigned in 1878, and was imme- |
diately succeeded by Rev. I. H. Gilbert.
The Pleasant Street parsonage was sold, and the
present parsonage built in 1879.
The members of the First Church, whose petition for
leave to withdraw for the purpose of forming a new
church has been already noticed in the sketch of that
church, and which had been granted by the council,
organized the Second Congregational Church Feb. 6,
| one members were received.
1827. The constituent members were seventeen, as
follows: Moses Wight, Artemas Woodward, Obed
Fisher, Nathaniel Stearns, Stephen Turner, Elisha
Clark, Sarah Wight, Mehetabel Woodward, Mary
Stearns, Susan F. Turner, Esther Chenery, Esther
Chenery (2d), Olive Mason, Mary Smith, Waitstill
Smith, Martha Adams, Keziah Mason.
The same year a new religious society was organ-
ized under the laws of the State. During the first
four years of the existence of this church and
society, meetings were held in a small hall which was
over the store at the corner of Main and North
Streets.
Rev. Arthur Granger was installed as the first
pastor in 1831. Previous to this time the church had
received an addition of twenty-five members, and dur-
ing his ministry twenty-four more were added. His
pastorate terminated in 1832. The same year a
house of worship was built on the spot now occupied
by the society for the same purpose.
Rev. Walter Bidwell was installed in 1833, and
dismissed in 1836, having received twenty-two mem-
bers.
Rey. Charles Walker was installed in 1837, and
continued in that office about a year. He was fol-
lowed by Rev. John Ballard and Rev. Moses G.
Grosvenor, who supplied the pulpit during the next
three years, during which time ten members were
received.
Rev. Thomas T. Richmond was installed as pastor
in 1842, and continued thirteen years. Thirty-four
were added to the church membership.
Rev. Andrew Bigelow, D.D., was installed in 1855 ;
he remained till 1866 ; during his ministry seventy-
After Dr. Bigelow re-
signed, the pulpit was supplied for a year by Rey.
Chester Bridgman, who received ten persons to
fellowship.
In 1869 Rev. J. M. R. Eaton commenced his
labors as acting pastor. In 1873 the meeting-howse
was repaired, newly furnished, and a chapel built, at a
total expense of four thousand five hundred dollars, of
which sum about three-fourths was furnished by Mr.
F. D. Ellis.
In 1876, Mr. Eaton was succeeded by Rev. Wil-
liam H. Cobb, and the same year the church edi-
| fice with all its contents, together with the chapel,
Second (Orthodox) Congregational Church.— |
was totally destroyed by fire. The present house of
worship was built in 1877, its total cost, including
furnishing, being about ten thousand dollars. The
parsonage was built in 1879,
Rev. George H. Pratt became pastor in 1879; he
was succeeded in 1883 by Rev. Wilbur Johnson.
452
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DANIEL D. CURTIS.
Daniel D. Curtis, son of Bracey and Eliza (Day) |
Curtis, was born at Kennebunk, Me., Jan. 19, 1830.
His father was a farmer, and descended from an old and
honorable English family, but his means being limited,
Daniel, like most of the farmers’ sons of that time,
was obliged to go into the world and seek his fortune.
At the age of twenty-one he left the paternal home
and State and came to Billerica, Mass., where he
went to work on what was called the ‘“‘ Old Winning
Farm.” Here he remained two years, and then came
to Medfield and engaged to work for Walter Janes,
who was carrying on a very small business in a prim-
itive way, using his dwelling-house as a shop, manu- |
facturing straw goods.
prise and business tact which young Curtis displayed
induced Mr. Janes to take him into partnership, said
Three years later the enter- |
_ oats, barley, ete.
partnership continuing until the death of Mr. Janes, ©
twelve years later. Year by year the business had
steadily increased, and at the time of Mr. Janes’
death they were making about three thousand cases
of goods per year,
was the nucleus for what has since, through the skill
the largest of its kind in the world. After the death
H. A. Searle and G. F. Dailey, of New York City.
Messrs. Searle & Dailey took charge of the New York
department of the business, selling the goods, buying
stock, etc., while to Mr. Curtis was left the supervis-
ion and direction of the manufacturing itself. He
immediately took measures to increase the product,
and from time to time made additions to the works.
They made it a rule at the beginning only to do
business with their own capital, never to venture
beyond their means, but, however, to avail them-
selves of everything in the way of improved and
labor-saving machinery as
He also added the manufacturing of chip, lace, velvet,
plush, satin, beaver, and felt hats,—in fact, everything
in the line of ladies’ head-gear, as they make that a
specialty. They employ about two hundred men and
one thousand women in the different departments of
their work. A small part of their manufacturing,
particularly in felts and beavers, is done in New
York City.
thousand cases per year, averaging four dozen bon-
About nine months in the
They manufacture on an average forty
nets or hats to a case.
year they are turning out goods daily, the other three
months they are occupied in getting up new “shapes,”
a small business indeed, but it |
ete., and preparing for the coming seasons. The
sales amount to at least a million dollars per annum.
The firm-name at Medfield is D. D. Curtis & Co.; at
New York, Searle, Dailey & Co.
In September, 1876, their factory was destroyed
by fire. They immediately set to work erecting a
new and much larger establishment, and ninety days ~
after it was commenced it was ready for occupancy.
It is a model structure, built on the most modern
They
have new machinery throughout, and nothing is omit-
ted that could possibly facilitate their work or advance
In addition to the straw-works Mr.
plan, with all conveniences and improvements.
their interests.
Curtis has a mill, where he cuts up every year a mil-
lion feet of lumber, all of which he has made into the
boxes in which his goods are encased for the market.
He also owns a large steam grist-mill, where is ground
an average of two car-loads of corn per day, besides
He carries on agriculture on quite
an extensive scale, owning a beautiful farm on the
outskirts of the village of Medfield.
Mr. Curtis married, in the autumn of 1860, Ellen,
daughter of Jonathan and Clarissa Wight, of Medfield.
They have four children,—Blanche E., Maude A.,
Bracey, and Daisy EK. Mr. Curtis has proved him-
self to have in an eminent degree the characteristics
and management of Mr. Curtis, grown to be one of |
indispensable to a successful business career,—pluck,
|
| judgment, and enterprise, and united with these an-
of Mr. Janes Mr. Curtis formed a copartnership with |
ast aS it was invented. |
|
|
other quality not always possesssed by even successful
men, liberality. While he has built up a very large
and constantly-increasing business, he has at the same
time been the foremost man of his town in all things
tending to public improvement.
The impression that is made on the stranger as he
drives through the lovely village of Medfield is that
of a happy, prosperous, and thoroughly enterprising
community. It is not detracting from whatever spirit
of enterprise may have been exhibited by any other
citizen when we say that to Mr. Curtis more than
any other man thanks are due for this impression.
Mr. Curtis is noted for his genial disposition and
generous charity, and is liberal in his political views.
He has never held an office, and asserts that he never
His life has been one of steady devotion to
His success has been the natural result of _
will.
business.
his ability to examine and readily comprehend any
subject presented to him, power to decide promptly,
and courage to act with vigor and persistency in ac-
cordance with his convictions.
Osx
ty
MEDFIELD.
453
ISAAC FISKE.
The Fiskes of Massachusetts descended from an
ancient family of that name which for centuries and
until recently had its seat and manorial lands in Lax-
field, in the county of Suffolk, England.
Investigations by Somerby have traced its exist-
ence as early as the reign of Henry VI., when Simon
Fiske was lord of a manor and entitled to “coat
armor.”
Several of his descendants appear to have gained
repute for piety and liberal education, and in the
days of Queen Anne to have suffered persecution on
account of stanch adherence to evangelical principles.
It is recorded of one in particular that to escape being
burned at the stake he was concealed in a cellar,
where he wrought diligently such handicraft by can-
dle-light as sufficed for his support. Such was the
stock from which sprang at a later period the Puritan
Fiskes, of Suffolk and New England. Over one hun-
dred bearing the family name have variously attained
distinction as divines, authors, scholars, and public
men in the States where they have resided.
The first Americans of the Fiske family were
David, grandson of Jeffrey, and son of Robert and
Sibil, a lineal descendant of Simon mentioned above,
who, with his nephews, Nathan and John, settled in |
Watertown, Mass.,in 1642. His brother Nathanael, |
father of Nathan and John, probably died on the pas-
sage from England. Nathan Fiske (1) settled in
Watertown in 1642, admitted freeman May 10, 1643, |
was selectman in 1673. Lieut. Nathan Fiske (2),
born Oct. 17, 1642, died October, 1694, married
Elizabeth ; she died May 15, 1696. Deacon |
Nathan Fiske (3), born Jan. 3, 1672, died in 1741.
He represented Watertown for some years,—1727—_
29,1732. He was aman of judgment and “ much |
confided in by his townsmen.” He married, first,
Oct. 14, 1696, Sarah Coolidge, she died Nov. 27, |
1723; second, May 22, 1729, Hannah Smith, a
widow. Nathan Fiske (4), of Weston, born Febru-
ary, 1701, married, first, Oct. 9, 1730, Anne War-
ren; second, Mary Fiske, daughter of Deacon Jona- |
than and Abigail (Reed) Fiske. Jonathan Fiske (5),
born Dec. 15, 1739, married Abigail Fiske, born >
Aug. 16, 1739, daughter of Thomas and Mary |
(Pierce) Fiske, of Waltham. Jonathan Fiske (6), |
born Jan. 19, 1774, married April 7, 1799, Sally |
Flagg. Isaac Fiske (7), son of Jonathan and Sally
(Flagg) Fiske, was born Nov. 7, 1813, in Medfield.
His education was not confined to common schools.
He fitted for college at Concord Academy, but changed
his intentions and entered the store of Edwin War-
ren, of Framingham, as clerk, where he remained for
a few years, afterwards becoming partner in the firm.
Two years later he purchased the store of his brother-
in-law, Francis Ellis, of Medfield, giving up his in-
terest in Framingham, and moved to Medfield, where
he continued in active business as a merchant till
within a year of his death. Mr. Fiske was very
prominent in town affairs, having been town clerk for
fifteen years and town treasurer forty years, holding
that position at the time of his death; had also rep-
resented his town in the Legislature, and was post-
master in Medfield for twenty years.
was Whig and Republican ; orthodox in religious be-
lief. Oct. 2, 1836, he married Mary, daughter of
Loring and Klizabeth Manson, of Framingham.
They had but one child,—Elizabeth L., born June
5, 1846, who matured into a bright, accomplished
She died suddenly
Politically he
woman, the pride of her parents.
in the prime of her womanhood, of heart disease, May
9,1877. Mr. Fiske’s death occurred Jan. 18, 1883.
As a business man Isaac Fiske performed faithfully
and earnestly whatever he undertook, was careful and
successful, although liberal in his dealings with all,
and men with whom he had business relations in Bos-
ton and elsewhere speak of him in the highest terms
of praise.
hearted, charitable, and benevolent to a fault, a gentle
word for all, he always stood ready to condone the
faults of the weak and erring, and to encourage them
to better acts in the future.
of every one he came in contact with by his kindly
It has been remarked
As a neighbor and citizen he was kind-
He won the admiration
disposition and cheerful spirit.
of him that he was probably more universally loved
than any man who ever lived in Medfield. In the
family circle he was a devoted husband and kind
father, and the sweet tribute of praise from his loved
companion of many years should not be omitted here.
During the long period of their married life (forty-
five years) she says that not an act, a word, or look
could she wish changed, or that left behind a bitter
memory. In all his life Isaac Fiske kept in mind
and practiced the golden rule of Christ,—‘ Do ye unto
others as ye would that they should do unto you.”
454 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
(ONG 3 WSN ald bal hl oD Co.) (el
SHARON.
BY SOLOMON TALBOT.
Suaron, located seventeen and one-half miles
southwest of Boston, is on the line of the Boston
and Providence Railroad, and has two stations. It
is bounded on the north by Canton, east by Stough-
ton, south by Easton, Mansfield, and Foxboro’, west
by Walpole and Norwood. It occupies the height
of land between Boston and Providence, and is the
watershed of the Neponset on the north and the
stream that runs south into Canoe and Taunton
Rivers.
Sharon has an area of about fourteen thousand
acres, a little more than one-half of which is under
cultivation. In 1880 it contained 1492 inhabitants,
and its manufactures at the last State census were:
boots and shoes, $93,190; iron and steel goods,
$61,700; cotton goods, carriages, boxes, $125,820.
The surface of Sharon is diversified and uneven,
and increases in height from the level of the Neponset
River, on the northwest, until it reaches, at Sharon
This
Village, an elevation of several hundred feet.
village is drained by the Massapoag Brook on the |
east and Beaver Brook on the west side.
Lake Massapoag is a beautiful body of water, situ-
ated one mile south of the village, and was so named
by the aborigines of the country, and it signified to |
them ‘Great Water.” This sheet of water is sur-
rounded in many places by beautiful groves, on a
hard, dry, pebbly shore, with a carriage-drive of about |
four miles in extent around it.
attention has been given to the inland fisheries, and
this lake has been stocked with the following vari-
eties: the carp, land-locked salmon, black bass, and |
white perch.
Many beautiful residences have been built upon the
bluffs which overlook the lake by people from Boston,
who come from the city during the summer to enjoy
its romantic scenery and rural quiet. Upon the south-
east side is the Massapoag House, located in a grove
about thirty feet above the water,—a summer water-
Of late years much >
either in body or mind. Upon the west side of the
lake is Burkhardt’s Grove, which has a branch rail-
Here parties are brought from Boston
or Providence, and spend the day in agreeable recrea-
road station.
tion, sports upon the water, in the woods, or in the
buildings erected for their comfort and accommodation.
Southwest of Sharon Heights Station is a large
extent of prairie-like land of more than one thousand
acres. It was upon this extended plain, after the late
war, that the squadrons of the Massachusetts militia
were mustered and reviewed by Gen. Benjamin F,
Butler, in September, 1866. Here, during three
days, they went through the tactics of war, and
But now the scene is
changed, the swords are turned into plowshares, and
showed how fields were won.
this extensive plain has become one of the finest and
most famous vegetable gardens in the county.
There is a pond of pure, soft, spring water adjoin-
ing this plain, named by the Indians ‘‘ Wolomolapoag,”
or ‘deep pleasant water.” This is to be utilized for
irrigating the gardens. No doubt that it will double
their productiveness.
The waters of this pond are discharged in a south-
erly direction, and after passing a.mile or more, cross
the main road near where once stood the famous Bil-
lings Tavern. This was the earliest house known to
have been erected in this town, being located upon
the Bristol and Boston post-road. There was a house
here before 1660, although it is doubtful if Capt. Bil-
lings occupied it before 1675. But he died here in
1717, and has a monument to his memory in the
cemetery near this place. This stream continues on
into Foxboro’, where it assumes the name of Canoe
River, and finally empties into Mount Hope Bay.
Moose Hill.—This hill, upon the west side of the
town, is a high, rocky region, interspersed with some
It has a
gradual rise from the plain, and its summit is prob-
The
name given to this section is probably the name of the
fine farms, but mostly covered with wood.
ably six hundred feet above the level of the sea.
wild animals that once ranged its forest, fed upon its
nutritious grasses, and drank from its pure springs
_ and purling streams.
ing-place, large and roomy,—a pleasant resort during |
road leads to the top of the hill, where upon the
the summer for people of business or of leisure, or
those in quest of health. Here they can repose in a
quiet home, away from the dust and turmoil of a city
life.
surroundings, airy drives, cheerful outlook, all com-
The balsamic odors of the pines, the agreeable
bine to relieve and invigorate the weak and the weary,
It is uncertain at what period these animals disap-
peared from this town, but as late as 1765, deer-reeves
annually formed a part of the officers of the district,
for the protection of moose and deer. A rugged
rocks, in olden time, was lighted the signal-torch of
liberty. It now has an observatory, twenty feet in
height. From be seen Wachusett
Mountain and hills in New Hampshire, Boston on
the horizon, Blue Hill, and the valley of the Neponset
this tower can
SHARON. 455
below, interspersed by a landscape that embraces
towns and villages, farms and forests, lakes and
church spires, and railroad lines, until the view is
bounded by the hills in Rhode Island.
There are many smaller hills, as Bluff Head, Bald,
and Bullard’s Hill. From the southern part of this
last-named hill is seen Sharon village nestled among
the trees upon the horizon, while the new town house _
is a most conspicuous object upon the right. Below,
in the foreground, are seen dotted in the woods the
Mas-kwonicut meadows, and a little never-failing |
stream called by the Indians by the same name (now
known as Puffer’s Brook) passes near the base of this
hill.
Rattlesnake Hill is a high, rocky section in the
southeast part of the town, mostly covered with wood. |
There is a mountain road over its hills that passes by
the Tisdale mansion, the Bay Street Chapel (evangel-
ical), and coutinues on to North Easton.
The rocks in this town are mostly syenite, but there
are some excellent granite quarries in the east part of |
the town. In former times large quantities of bog
iron ore have been here obtained.
Early History.—In order to introduce the local
history of this town it is necessary to advert to the
circumstances and the condition of affairs when the
territory south of the Blue Hills was incorporated as
a town, in the year 1726, called Stoughton. This |
territory at that time extended from Readville, on the
north, to Mansfield (or perhaps Norton at that time),
on the south. This west line was nearly twenty miles
in length, while the east line extended from the Blue
Hills to Bridgewater and Easton on the south. This
tract of country was probably ten miles in width.
Now, in those times the colonial laws required the
support of and the attendance upon public worship on
Sunday, and the only Congregational meeting was |
held in the meeting-house at Canton Corner. Those
people who lived adjacent to other towns worshiped
where it was more convenient. But the people
mainly went to meeting at Canton. Sharon was a.
component part of this territory, which will account
for the following petition : |
“To His Excellency, Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Captain-General
and Governor-in-Chief in and over His Majestie’s Province of
the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, and the Honorable,
His Majestie’s Council and House of Representatives of the
General Court assembled at Boston, on the eighth day of June,
1739.
“The petition of John Hixson and Benjamin Johnson, com- |
mittee to prefer a petition to this court in behalf of the sub- |
scribers, inhabitants of the Southerly part of Stoughton, humbly |
sheweth :
“Whereas, by the Providence of the all-disposing God, our |
lots are fallen to us at so great a distance from the Publie '
worship of God, in the North part of the said town, that your
petitioners cannot ever, without great difficulty, attend the
public worship of God; Wherefore we have petitioned the
town once and again, to be eased of the great difficulties we
now labor under, but have been by them rejected, notwith-
standing the great length of way which some of your petition-
ers live from the public worship in the North Part, about eight
or nine miles; and in consideration of our great duty to attend
| the public worship of God, not only ourselves, but by our fam-
ilies and children, which, by the blessing of God, are greatly
| increased; Therefore, your petitioners have of late petitioned
this Honorable Court to be set off a separate Town or Precinct,
but this Honorable Court did not see cause to grant the peti-
tion. The reason, as we humbly conceive, was the answers to
the petition, which were wrong and erroneous.
“Therefore, your petitioners humbly pray that this Honor-
able Court, to see with your own eyes, by sending a committee
to view the circumstances, at the charge and cost of the peti-
tioners; that this Honorable Court may be rightly informed,
and see the unjust proceedings of the Honorable respondents,
and their fallacious answers to our former petitions; and as
your petitioners are obliged by conscience and law to attend the
worship of God, they have, by a free contribution, maintained
preaching among themselves for a considerable time. Notwith-
standing they bave paid their proportional part to the North
Part, where they can have but little or none advantage.
““We would beg leave to inform this Honorable Court that
since we have had preaching among us, it has encouraged some
well minded persons to come and settle within the limits herein
petitioned, and, if it should please the Honorable Court to grant
our petition, it would be a great encouragement to a great
many more, if your petitioners were in a capacity to have the
ordinances of God administered among them; and your peti-
tioners having had some experience, by their having main-
tained preaching among themselves, they look on themselves
as able to maintain the worship of God.
“Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray this Honorable
Court that they would please to send a committee to view our
circumstances, that so your petitioners may be put into a capac-
ity that they may have the ordinances of our Saviour settled
among them, in a regular order, by setting them off as district,
and separate town or precinct, viz.’
[Here are given the bounds of the towns of Sharon and
Foxboro’. ]
‘““We humbly beg leave here to say, that what we now offer
in respect to our being set off, is in sincerity for the promoting
| of the worship of God and religion in its purity among us.
“Wherefore, we pray your Excellency and Honors would be
pleased to hear our request, and grant our petition, and as we
in duty bound, shall ever pray.
“Benjamin Estey. Joshua Johnson.
Timothy Tolman.
Isaac Cumings.
Jobn Smith.
William Colwell.
Samuel Cumings.
William Richards.
Samuel Estey.
Samuel Dwelly.
Nathaniel Coney.
Pelatiah Whittemore.
Eleazer Puffer.
Joseph Ingraham.
Samuel Lovel.
Matthias Puffer.
Abraham Chandler.
Josiah Perry.
Eliakim Perry.
John Noyes.
Eleazer Hawes.
Job Swift.
Jacob Estey.
Daniel Richards.
Joshua Whittemore.
Ebenezer Hewins.
Edward Belcher.
Jeremiah Belcher.
Matthew Hobbs.
Clifford Belcher.
Ephraim Payson.
Samuel Bird.
456 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Thomas Randall.
Thomas Rogers.
Ebenezer Capen.
William Wood.
Nathan Clark.”
Ebenezer Estey.
William Webb.
Mayhew Tupper.
Stephen Holland.
Benjamin Perry.
The respondents to this petition say:
“The petitioners have used a great deal of craft in the course
they have pursued, inasmuch as the town now owes the min- |
ister about eighty pounds, and the town has just laid out nearly |
one hundred pounds, in building a road for the petitioners to go
to meeting
g, and now, not satisfied, they have built a church
near their own doors, and ask to be set off as a Town, or Pre-
cinct.”
The committee to whom the subject was referred
came upon the premises, examined the circumstances,
and reported the prayer of the petitioners ought to _
be granted. The report was accepted, and the Second |
Precinct was set off and received the signature of the
Governor, July 2, 1740.
It must not be supposed that everything had been
accomplished when the people had become a precinct. |
The meeting-house, although boarded and shingled, |
was not plastered, neither was it finished inside.
Ata meeting of the inhabitants of the precinct, held |
in 1740, Mr. John Hixson, Ephraim Payson, and _
Daniel Richards were chosen a committee, and Kben-
ezer Hewins, treasurer.
After hearing several candidates, among whom
were the Rev. John Ballantine, Rev. Noah Clapp,
Ebenezer Gay, and Philip Curtis, the people settled |
the Rev. Philip Curtis, Jan. 5, 1742, as pastor of |
the Second Precinct.
In 1744 the committee put out the work of build-
ing the galleries and their seats, two pair of stairs
and banisters, and the plastering of the inside of the |
church to the gables. This contract was taken by
John Hixson and Ephraim Payson.
The meeting-house was completed during the year.
Capt. Benjamin Johnson made the irons for the great
doors of the meeting-house, and everything appeared
so safe and secure that the committee ordered a place
in the gable prepared for the ammunition of the pre-
Capt. Johnson procured a ladder and brought
the ammunition and placed it in the repository made
for it.
life now rested from their labors and passed away,
cinct.
Many men who had been active in public
John Hixon, an enterprising mechanic, built a house
near the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, known as the “ In-
crease Hewins’ house,” where he resided.
ably gave the first land for the cemetery, and made
bricks from the clay in the meadow opposite. He
died May 13, 1751.
Elder Joseph Hewins occupied land on the oppo-
site side of the railroad.
|
there. He was deacon of the church at Canton Cor-
_ner in 1717, and when Stoughton was incorporated, in
1726, he was elected assessor and selectman, to which
He died Feb. 24,
1755, aged eighty-seven years, and left many descend-
ants.
Capt. Benjamin Johnson, a prominent man, carried
on the iron-works until his death in 1760, in his
sixty-fifth year.
Samuel Bird lived on a farm at the outlet of Masa-
poag, which he occupied in 1716, and died in 1742.
His son Samuel was afterwards deacon of the church.
William Tolman having bought a tract of land south
of Massapoag for the purpose of preparing a new
home, was assisted by his brother, Johnson Tolman, in
clearing off the forest and erecting a habitation. They
stopped at Samuel Bird’s, for the Birds and the Tol-
mans were formerly neighbors in Dorchester.
Here the boys seemed to be at home. Sharon was
in those days comparatively a wilderness. Beyond
was an almost interminable forest and swamp, and
yet the boys were two miles from their destination.
Being a young man of fertile invention and a good
office he was chosen many years.
share of perseverance, William procured a large horn-
beam log, which was common in those days, and soon
[=
_had the inside dug out and fashioned into a boat,
He prob-
He was very early settled |
/ men who navigated Massapoag Lake.
however rude it may have been.
Having made all ready and taking their dinner with
them, William and his brother started on a voyage of
discovery to find the new farm. It is supposed that
William and Johnson Tolman were the first white
In this man-
ner they continued their labors. Early morning and
twilight evening found them enjoying the cool refresh-
ing breezes of Massapoag, as they floated to and from
the scene of their daily toil.
and subdued the land, and when the adjoining prop-
erty came into market Johnson bought it, there being
In this way they cleared
about one hundred acres.
They now began to clear Johnson’s land, which
proved to be of a superior quality. They were both
One day, as they were quietly eating
their dinner, they were surprised to see a partridge
Soon,
however, it was followed by an enormous rattlesnake
pleased with it.
run past them exhibiting signs of great fright.
which, seeing the men, stopped pursuing the bird,
and, with head erect, eyed the strangers, while with
an oscillating movement of its tail it commenced a free
musical entertainment for their especial benefit. Not
appreciating the musical talents of the performer, nor
desiring the company of such visitors, they quickly
dispatched the snake with a musket which was near
them.
at
SHARON. 457
William built a house and brought home a wife, |
who proved a helpmate indeed.
The snake had produced a decidedly unpleasant im- |
pression upon Johnson’s mind. He did not fancy |
such unbidden guests in his garden, and soon after |
sold out his farm to his brother, and returned to Dor- |
chester. This farm proved afterwards to have the
most fertile soil, and became one of the most success-
ful farms in Sharon.
As had been anticipated, many worthy people be- |
came residents of the Second Precinct during the next |
quarter of a century. Among those who afterwards
became active in public affairs may be mentioned
Benjamin Gannett, William Billings, Jr., Nathaniel |
Morse, David Fisher, and Israel Smith, as well as the
descendants of the first settlers, who had now become |
active citizens.
The French and Indian Wars.—From 1750 to
1760 the Second Precinct furnished a large number |
of soldiers for the king’s service, although the call was
made for Stoughton; that town included the above
precinct. The soldiers whose names are annexed are |
presumed to be from Stoughtonham, and served at
Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and Fort William Henry: |
In Cou. MILuer’s REGIMENT.
Elkanah Billings, capt.
Samuel Billings, lieut.
Eleazer Robbins, ensign.
Elijah Billings, sergt.
Timothy Morse, sergt.
Ebenezer Billings, sergt.
Daniel Morse, corp.
Benjamin Rhoads, corp.
William Savage, corp.
Eleazer Fisher, clerk.
Ebenezer Bullard, drum.
Seth Lane, fife.
Privates.
John Patten.
Samuel Follet.
Jethro Wood.
Eli Wood.
Stephen Hawes.!
William Deverix.
William Billings.
Ebenezer Hill.
Elisha Partridge.
Uriah Atherton.
Benjamin Rogers.
Josiah Hodges.
Elisha Morse.
Nathan Clark, Jr.
Michael Woodcock, Jr.
David Wood.
Jonathan Billings, Jr.
William Coney.
Beriah Billings.
William Hewins.
Benjamin Bullard.
Mayhew Tupper.
Ezekiel Pierce, Jr.
Jacob Hawes.
Increase Hewins.
Enoch Hewins.
Elijah Hawes.
Eleazer Blackman.
Simeon Tupper.
Capt. Samuel Payson.
Solomon Gilbert.
Jeremiah Hixson.!
Lieut. Royall Kollock.
George Forrest.
John Hill.
Lieut. Ebenezer Tisdale.
Nehemiah Clark.
Reuben Tupper.
Samuel Comee.
Jobn Estey.
Samuel Cumings.
Ezekiel Pierce.
Samuel Blackman.
Benjamin Estey.
Nathaniel Clark.
Samuel Bradshaw.
Michael Woodcock.
William Wright.
Seth Boyden.
Nathan Clark.
Eliphalet Hodges.
1 Died in the war.
Capt. Ebenezer Mann, of Stoughtonham, went into
the war with a company, but as the soldiers are most
of them from Wrentham they are not included in the
Second Precinct.
The results of this campaign were of incalculable
citizens had been
taught a lesson in self-reliance, they had learned the
They had fought by the side of the
veterans of England, and, notwithstanding the pomp
and pride of war, they had found the army to be
composed of men like themselves. The precinct had
valuable religious privileges granted by the General
Court, and they could see no reason why their civil
benefit to the precinct. Her
tactics of war.
rights were not to them equally valuable and availa-
ble. Therefore, Joseph Hewins, Jr., William Richards,
and Jeremiah Fuller were ordered to present a peti-
| tion to the General Court from the inhabitants of the
Second Precinct, praying to be set off a separate town
or district.
In accordance with this petition, the following act
was passed :
“ Anno ReGni Reais GeorGII TERTII QUINTO.
“An act for incorporating the Second Precinct in the Town
of Stoughton, in the County of Suffolk (as it now is), into a dis-
trict by the name of Stoughtonham.
“ Whereas the inhabitants of the Second Precinct in Stough-
| ton labor under great difficulties, by reason of their distance
from the place where the town-meetings are held in said
town:
“ Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and House of
| Representatives, That the Second Precinct in the town of
Stoughton by the same bounds and limits which the said Sec-
ond Precinct now have, be, and hereby are, incorporated into a
| separate district, by the name of Stoughtonham; and that the
| inhabitants thereof be vested with all the powers, privileges,
and immunities, which the inhabitants of any town within this
province, do, or by law ought to enjoy: excepting only the
privilege of sending a representative to the General Assembly :
And that the inhabitants of said district shall have liberty,
from time to time, to join with the town of Stoughton in the
choice of a Representative.”
Joseph Hewins, Esq., was authorized by the afore-
said act, passed June 2, 1765, to issue a warrant to
some principal inhabitant in said district, to notify
and warn the freeholders and inhabitants therein,
qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the meet-
_ing-house for the choice of such officers as a town
_ might legally choose.
By virtue of the above act, Joseph Hewins, Esq.,
issued his warrant to Richard Hixson, inhabitant, who
warned the inhabitants of said district to meet for the
above-named purpose on the 8th day of July, 1765.
At a meeting held on the 8th day of July, 1765,
Daniel Richards was chosen moderator and clerk of
said district. Daniel Richards, Mr. Job Swift, and
458
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Mr.
assessors, and Daniel Richards, treasurer.
The district was now in a condition to divide its
poor with its sister-town, define its boundaries, and
Thomas Randall were chosen selectmen and
apportion the school money, all of which was amica-
bly done.
Although the inhabitants rejoiced in the accession
to their number of those that feared and worshiped
God, still it is hardly possible that some of the baser
sort should not have grown up or settled among
them.
There is no record of any sentences or punish-
ments inflicted upon evil-doers in these days, but the
following record would intimate the terror of the law
was before their eyes, for in 1772 the treasurer was
ordered to pay “ Wilham Price the sum of one pound
plank and irons, and
district, and carrying
ten shillings, for his providing
for making the stocks for the
them to the meeting-house.”
Very early in the troubles of the colonies with the
mother-country were the questions of public policy
discussed in the public meetings of Stoughtonham.
The inhabitants who had suffered the privations and
atrocities of the Indian wars for their sovereign, King
George II., had learned a lesson in the school of war
they were not soon to forget. They were not children,
to be intimidated by the acts of Parliament or the sol-
diers of King George III.
When the public meeting was held in Faneuil Hall,
Boston, Sept. 22,
the provinces, Stoughtonham was represented by Mr.
Job Swift.
At a meeting legally assembled at the meeting-
house, Feb. 23, 1773, the district took into considera-
1768, to consult upon the affairs of
tion the state of their liberties and privileges, as ex-
hibited in a pamphlet sent from Boston, which, after
being read, the following votes were passed, viz. :
“Ist. That under God, through our Forefathers, we have en-
joyed invaluable liberties and privileges, civil and religious,
and when we consider the worth of them, and how dear it cost
our forefathers to purchase these, for themselves and their pos-
terity, we cannot but esteem them highly, nor wonder to see the
people alarmed, when they behold their liberties and privileges
threatened and invaded.
“2d. That from what we have heard and seen, we cannot but
think that some of our liberties and privileges have been taken
from us, and others are threatened, and that it is an alarming
crisis with us, and we have a loud call in Providence to us, to
imitate the prudent man, who foreseeth the evil and hideth
himself,
“3d. That since we are bid to look to ourselves, not only in
spiritual but in temporal affairs, we look upon it as our duty,
and it shall be our practice, to use all constitutional measures to
remove the burdens we feel and prevent those we fear, respect-
ing our civil and religious affairs and concerns.
“4th. That our thanks are due to the town of Boston, for
espieing our dangers, and, like faithful watchmen, giving us
warning.
“Sth. That our deputy use his utmost interest and influence
in Court, in a constitutional way and manner, to recover what
liberties and privileges have been taken from us, and secure
those that remain, and that our clerk inform him of this action.
“6th. That we own King George the third to be our rightful
lord and sovereign, and promise allegiance to him, but at the
same time deny the parliamentary power of taxing us, being
without the realm of England, and not represented there.
“7th. That a copy of these votes be sent to the committee of
cerrespondence in Boston by our clerk.”
1774, August 29th. In a legal district meeting,
it was, on motion made to see if the district were
willing to comply with the late acts of the Parliament,
voted, unanimously, in the negative. This year the
treasurer was ordered to pay for a cask of powder and
one hundred flints.
At a meeting held Jan. 2, 1775, it was voted ‘that
Mr. Job Swift be a delegate to meet with the Con-
gress at Cambridge, on the 1st day of February next.
Voted, that the district strictly adhere to the re-
solves of the American Congress; and,
Voted, that a large committee be chosen for the
public good, and that they use their utmost endeavors
to suppress all disorders and outrages and disturbances
in this district, and that said committee consist of the
following persons: Messrs. Ebenezer Capen, Israel
Smith, David Fisher, Ebenezer Hill, Benjamin Gan-
nett, John Comee, Capt. Edward Bridge Savels,
Thomas Richards, William Paine (2d), Capt. Eben-
ezer Tisdale, Samuel Gould, Benjamin Fairbanks,
Elijah Baker, Josiah Robbins, Lieut. Richard Hixson.
1775, February 3d. Voted to raise twenty-eight
minute-men and two officers, and that they exercise
two half-days ina week. Also, that the committee
supply four guns for the men who have none, at the
cost of the district.
L775, April 19th:
sounded throughout the province, and Stoughtonham
The Lexington alarm was
responded with the following companies of soldiers.
Minute-Men.—In the company of Capt. Samuel
Payson, in Col. John Greaton’s regiment of minute-
men, on the 19th of April, 1775, were:
Samuel Billings, corp.
Matthew Hobbs Harlow, corp.
Lavet Billings, corp.
Hleazer Blackman, drum.
Enoch Bird, fife.
Privates.
Samuel Payson, capt.
Royall Kollock, first lieut.
John Paine, sergt.
Enoch Hewins, sergt.
Joshua Swift, sergt.
William Everton.
Solomon Gay.
Stephen Hawes.
Nathaniel Holland.
Caleb Johnson.
Spencer Lyon.
Benjamin Billings.
John Bird.
Samuel Capen.
Joshua Carey.
Jonathan Clark.
Jonathan Cobb.
Richard Cumings. David Forrest.
SHARON.
459
Daniel Rhoads.
James Rhoads.
Jireh Swift.
Levi Tuttle.
Samuel Tolman.
Joel Morse.
Amos Morse.
James Morgan.
The second company, Capt. Israel Smith, marched
on the 19th of April, 1775, as minute-men from
Stoughtonham.
These men probably intended to have served in
Capt. Samuel Payson’s company, but living most of
them in the south part of the district, or Foxboro’,
when they arrived Capt. Payson had left with his
company, and these men were mustered into a com-
pany under Capt. Israel Smith, of Moose Hill, and
proceeded forthwith to the scene of action.
Minute-men of the 19th of April, 1775, in Capt.
Israel Smith’s company :
Israel Smith, capt.
Daniel Morse, lieut.
William Savage, sergt.
John Forrest, sergt.
Nehemiah Carpenter, corp.
John Comee, corp.
Edward Paine, drum,
David Wood, fife.
Privates.
John Everett.
Josiah Morse.
Elijah Morse.
Elisha Morse.
Timothy Rhoads.
Josiah Robbins.
William Sumner.
Uriah Atherton.
Timothy Billings.
Beriah Billings.
Seth Boyden.
Amos Boyden.
Josiah Blanchard.
William Comee.
It is said that after the fight at Lexington there
were no able-bodied young men left at home, and very
few old men were away from the camp around Boston. —
In these old colonial times roads were trails or bridle- |
paths, and houses were scattered far between, and
many were located in the fields. The occupants of
these houses were some of them young women who
The bride had left father
and mother, and her wedding tour was a journey to
had just been married.
in the struggle for life, home, and liberty, and these
women felt in their hearts a glow of patriotism and
conscious pride that they had done what they could.
It was the morning of the 17th of June, 1775,
_when the stillness of the early hour was broken by
The
In
the afternoon the contest seemed to have redoubled
its fury. What were the thoughts of these women
as the horrors of war and bloody strife entered their
minds? What if their husbands or sons should be
slain in battle, and a revengeful, conquering enemy
should put in execution their threats to come with
fire and sword, burn the houses and kill the defense-
heavy cannonading in the distance, at Boston.
roar of heavy guns continued all the forenoon.
| less women and children ?
In their agony of spirit and despair they turned
their steps to Sharon Hill, the high ground near the
_school-house, where possibly they might behold the
fearful contest.
beheld before them on the horizon, twenty miles away,
in a fearful mass of smoke and flames, Charlestown,
with its six hundred buildings.
Night coming on, the tumult and voice of war was
hushed.
Anxiously awaiting some tidings from the terrible
strife before them they went into the school-house,
where they could sympathize with and console each
Others came in, and a goodly number were
gathered. Their minister, the Rev. Philip Curtis,
who had faithfully watched over them these many
years, was with them, with his prayers, exhortations,
Here on this eventful night was held
Here
these women, with aching hearts and tearful eyes,
They sank down in despair as they
other.
and watching.
the first watch-meeting ever held in Sharon.
_ beheld in the light of burning Charlestown the beacon
her new house, isolated though it might be, but here |
she had consecrated her life to new duties and her |
affections to husband and a new home. Now, when
the husband of a few days put on the armor of war,
and went away to battle for his country, the light and
love of the bride’s heart seemed gone forever.
But the occupants of some of these houses were
women who were past the meridian of life. Their
gray hairs and stern features told of a life of hard-
ship and toil, and they had hoped their declining |
years would have rested lightly in the bosom of the |
Yet they
could give up their tea and little luxuries of life, |
which they had loved so well, for the love they bore |
_ knowing their needs and necessities (in case of a con-
family that had grown up around them.
their country,—the cause of freedom.
with their counsel and their sympathy they cheered
and encouraged the hearts of their husbands and
Even more,
of freedom, the dawn of a nation’s birthday.
The following incidents are a part of the history of
Edmund Quincy, Jr., was the son of a
He came to this
this town.
retired merchant of Quincy, Mass.
town and married Hannah Gannett, April 30, 1767.
| He also bought a farm east of Massapoag Lake, where
_ he resided during the remainder of his life. The mem-
sons as they went forth from their homes to engage |
bers of this distinguished family were most of them
decided patriots. That was the case with Edmund
Quincy, Jr. One day while walking upon the beach
of Massapoag his attention was attracted by the large
amount of iron ore lying useless and neglected upon
the shore and extending into the water. Being much
interested in the affairs of the colonies, and well
flict with the mother-country) for the want of heavy
guns, he imparted the information to his friend, Col.
Richard Gridley, of Boston, who had been an engi-
460
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
neer in the colonial service, and was the only Ameri-
can in this country who knew anything in regard to
the manufacture of cannon.
right to take the ore from Massapoag of the “ Dor-
chester proprietors.”’ Quincy, also, in connection with
Gridley and Joseph Jackson, of Boston, purchased
the furnace of the Ebenezer Mann Company, for the
manufacture of heavy guns.
|
|
|
Quincy bought the
This furnace was located |
in the south part of this town, on the site now occu- |
pied by Deacon E. Clapp’s shingle-mill.
Col. Gridley came out to Canton in 1772, and, in con-
nection with his son Scarborough, commenced drain-
ing the pond and exposing the ore. Large quantities
of the ore were taken out in 1773, and yet the guns
were not completed until 1775. These were the first
Col. Gridley, who had be- |
come the chief engineer of the American army, with a |
number of men proceeded to Massapoag Pond to |
prove the guns.
Capt. Nathaniel Curtis, son in-law of the Rev.
Philip Curtis, who had acquired some knowledge of |
cannons cast in America.
gunnery in the French war with Col. Gridley, vol- |
unteered his assistance and accompanied the party. |
Previous to leaving the house he had deposited in a |
place of safety several bags of Spanish dollars, the
proceeds of a cargo of fish which he had just sold in
the West Indies. In the meanwhile an impostor rode —
through the town stating that the British had marched
out of Boston, and were near at hand destroying |
everything in their track. Capt. Curtis returned |
home to find the family had fled to the woods, except
the faithful negro, who had put out the fires, armed |
himself with a heavy club, and was determined, as he
said, to defend the house. The bags of money he
said were at the bottom of the well, and he pointed
out the hiding-place of the family. These guns hav-
ing proved satisfactory, were taken to Roxbury and
then to Dorchester Heights.
The Col. Richard Gridley Company continued the |
manufacture of heavy guns during the war of the |
Revolution for the United States.
The second call for soldiers came on the 4th of
March, 1776. In response to this order, the company |
of Capt. Edward Bridge Savels marched to Dor- |
chester Hills. |
The following is the muster-roll :
Edward Bridge Savels, capt. William Billings, corp.
Ebenezer Hewins, lieut.
Jacob Estey, lieut.
Thomas Richards, sergt.
t Ss
Zebediah Holmes, corp.
Samuel Capen, corp.
Ebenezer Pettee, corp.
Philip Withington, serzt. Elijah Capen, drum.
Solomon Gilbert, corp.
Privates.
Job Swift, Jr.
|
Solomon Gay. |
Benj’n Packard. |
Philip Curtis.
Joseph Randall.
Benj’n Randall.
Jeremiah Richards.
Benj'n Marshall.
John Lovell.
Gilbert Morse.
Benj’n Gannett.
Lichard Cumings.
Abijah Tisdale.
Samuel Gould, Jr.
Oliver Drake.
Oliver Everett.
Jeremy Hixson.
Daniel Richards, Jr.
Jacob Estey, 3d.
William Savels.
John Holmes, Jr.
Jireh Swift.
David Gould.
Ebenezer Gould.
Thomas Baker.
Ebenezer Tisdale, Jr.
Benj’n Puffer.
Enoch Hewins.
John Estey.
Samuel Holmes.
Matthew Hobbs Harlow.
John Johnson.
Nathaniel Cumings.
Joseph Hewins, Jr.
Benj’n White, Jr.
Jonathan Belcher.
Solomon Estey.
John Drake, Jr.
| Island.
William Richards, Jr.
Asa Clark.
Samuel Wood.
Asa Harlow.
Joseph Morse.
Samuel Bird, Jr.
Elijah Baker.
Ebenezer Holland.
Ephraim Payson, Jr.
Benj'n Gannett, Jr.
Edward Tisdale.
William Lewis.
The result of this expedition was the fortification
of Dorchester Heights, which gave the Americans
the control of the harbor and the town of Boston,
and caused the evacuation of the town by the British
army. Exasperated beyond measure by the daring
of the patriots, whom they pretended to despise, they
sought every means to be revenged. Among other
dastardly acts, they burned the light-house on Castle
From the proximity of the vessels of the
British army to the towns upon the coast, the inhab-
_itants were apprehensive that they too might be
attacked and their property destroyed or carried off.
Therefore a third call was issued. To this call Capt.
Savels, of Stoughtonham, promptly responded on the
22d of March, 1776. His company was now officered
as follows:
Edward Bridge Savels, capt.
Royall Kollock, lieut.
William Billings, lieut.
Levi Morse, sergt.
Ebenezer Richards, sergt.
Nathaniel Cumings, sergt.
William Bradshaw, corp.
Benjamin Hodges, corp.
Joseph Randall, corp.
Abijah Tisdale, corp.
Ebenezer Clark, fife.
Benjamin Bullard, drum.
The following new men, as privates, were added to
his company :
David Gannett.
Elijah Billings.
Stephen Morse.
Zebulon Holmes.
Levi Pratt.
William Rogers.
Timothy Billings.
John Coney.
John Smith.
Job Willis.
Joseph Harris.
Archippus Drake.
Edmund Quincy, Jr.
William Hart.
Jacob Hawes.
Samuel Hixson.
Joseph Cumings.
Jobn Cumings.
Thomas Clark.
Joseph Pratt.
Amos Morse.
Capt. Savels marched with his company for Quincy
on the 22d day of March, 1776. History informs us
SHARON. 461
that Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Tupper, a native of Sharon,
in Gen. Ward’s brigade, was ordered to take his men |
in whale-boats, with cannon, and fire upon the British
vessels from Thompson’s and Spectacle Islands. So
vigorously did he play upon the vessels, that they
were quite willing to weigh anchor and drop down to
Nantasket Roads, beyond the reach of the guns of
the American army. The object of the British hav-
ing been effectually prevented, the soldiers returned
home.
Three-Years’ Men.—At a town-meeting held on
the 3d day of March, 1777, it was voted to give each
man who shall enlist into the service of the United |
States of America for the term of three years the |
sum of £13 6s. 8d., to be paid by the town at the
time of their passing muster, and at the end of each
year, for the term of three years, if the war continue
so long.
“Under this vote the following men were enlisted
and received the bounty :
Lavet Billings.
Samuel Brown.
Ebenezer Capen, Jr.
Jonathan Clark.
William Everdean.
Jacob French.
Stephen Flood.
David Forrest.
Josiah Farrington.
Moses Howard.
‘Simeon Howard.
Jonathan Hawes.
William Hewins.
Elkanah Hixson.
Cato Johnson.
Benjamin Kingman.
Zebina Lyon
James Perigo.
Samuel Tolman.
Jacob Wellman.
Benjamin Westley.
The families of these men were supplied by the
committee of the town with such necessary articles
as contributed to their sustenance and comfort during
the absence of+the soldiers in the war.
Six- and Nine-Months’ Men in the Revolution.
—In the Third Suffolk Regiment, Col. Jacob Gill, of
Capt. Na-
Benjamin Fairbanks, Lieut.
Canton, was Company 7, whose officers,
thaniel Morse, Lieut.
Ezra Morse, were of Stoughtonham, as were the fol-
lowing men. They were not all in Capt. Morse’s
company, but most of them did duty out of the State,
at Fishkill or Claverack, on the Hudson River. The
General Court paid these soldiers two shillings per
mile as travel fees, the distance computed at two
hundred and ten miles.
Samuel Billings, 3d.
Jonathan Billings, 3d.
Eleazer Blackman.
Ebenezer Blackman.
Jeremiah Belcher.
Ebenezer Bullard, Jr.
Samuel Capen.
John Coney.
Melzar Drake.
Edward French.
Solomon Gilbert.
Matthew H. Harlow.
John Hewins.
Jacob Hewins.
Zebulon Holmes.
Samuel Holmes.
Benjamin Ingraham.
Elijah Johnson.
Oliver Johnson.
Elkanah Jordon.
|
{
Amos Richardson.
Joshua Swift.
John Tolman.
Francis Terrand.
Joshua Whittemore, Jr.
James Wood.
Isaac Jordon.
Joseph Morse.
Nicholas McKay.
Joseph Perigo.
Stephen Reed.
Timothy Rhoads.
William Robinson.
Mr. Job Swift represented the district in the Pro-
vincial Congress during one hundred days, for which
he was paid eighteen pounds.
The district paid first requisition of beef, 7210
pounds, £10,815; second requisition of beef, 14,845
pounds, £20,764. Total, £31,579. Stoughtonham
was required to furnish the support of thirty-one poor
persons who left Boston during the siege. Also the
district furnished 42 shirts, 42 pairs stockings, and
42 pairs of shoes for the soldiers in the army.
After the close of the war the soldiers returned
home to their families poor, with little or no money.
The taxes were heavy and their burdens hard to bear.
Many who were able sought relief in immigration,
and no doubt they prospered in the change.
Store.—The first store was opened in Stoughton-
ham about 1750 by Benjamin Hewins, Esq., near the
residence of his great-grandson, Mr. Lyman Hewins.
Many of his account-books are now in existence, and
are remarkable for the clearness and beauty of the
penmanship, as well as for the fact that there is no
record of the sale of spirituous liquors upon its pages.
Negroes.—It is from these account-books and other
sources that it is learned that the following negroes
were held as servants: Rey. Philip Curtis had Scipio;
Joseph Everett, Cato; Samuel Cumings, Czsar;.
Edmund Quincy, Jr., Cuffe; Benjamin Randall,
Boston, who is still remembered by the older members
of the community, although he died more than fifty
years ago. He was very punctual in his attendance
upon the meetings on the Sabbath, and outlived his
master, who left a maintenance for Boston during his
lifetime. Cato Johnson was probably a negro who
served three years in the Continental army, and
afterwards was cared for and supported by the town.
Civil History.—The enabling act, authorizing all
districts in the province of Massachusetts Bay to be-
come towns by a general law, was passed on the 23d
of August, 1775. Stoughtonham became a town on
that day, but it was nearly six months before the
_record of the clerk incidentally notices this fact.
The question naturally arises, Why was this long
circuit of measures required before the people could
enjoy their rights and privileges ?
It will be seen, as a precinct they only had the
| privilege of meeting together on the Sabbath and sup-
| porting public worship ; as a district, they were to be
462
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
vested “ with all the powers, privileges, and immuni-
ties which any town do have, or by law ought to
enjoy.” Still the fact is apparent that the English
government prefered to have good dependents rather
than good lawmakers. The laws passed by the prov-
ince were to be revised in England, and approved,
before they became the law of the land here.
Now the first thing, almost, to be done after the
declaration of independence was to invest the districts
with their natural rights by making them independent
corporate bodies or towns.
After Stoughtonham became a town the people
voted to have the General Court change its name to
Washington, but there is no account of any further
action on this subject.
On the 10th of June, 1778, the south part of the
town of Stoughtonham was set off and incorporated
as a town by the name of Foxboro’.
It will be seen by the following act that the name
of Stoughtonham is changed to the beautiful scrip-
tural name of Sharon:
“ CoMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
“In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-three.
“An Act for discontinuing the name of a town in the County of
Suffolk incorporated by the name of Stoughtonham, and
calling the same SHARON.
“ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That
the said town of Stoughtonham shall no longer bear that name,
but henceforth shall be called and known by the name of Sha-
And all
officers in said town shall hold and exercise their respective
ron, the aforesaid incorporating act notwithstanding.
offices in the same manner as they would have done had not
the name of said town been altered.
“Tn the House of Representatives, Feb. 24, 1783.
“This bill having had three several readings, passed to be
enacted.
“'TristRAM Daxron, Speaker.
“Tn Senate, Feb. 25, 1783.
“This bill having had three several readings, passed to be
enacted.
“ SAMUEL ADAMS, President.
“ Approved.
“ Joun HAncock.”
The Rey. Philip Curtis was born in Roxbury, Oct.
4,1717. He entered Harvard College in 1734, and
took his degree in 1738. He was admitted to church-
fellowship, and studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Bow-
man, of Dorchester, where he taught school. He
preached his first sermon in Sharon in May, 1741,
and was ordained to the ministry Jan. 5, 1742. His
salary was £60 13s. 6d. a year, with the use of the
ministerial meadow and wood from the precinct wood-
lot.
chester, by whom he had six children.
His
Samuel taught school, and graduated at Harvard
son
He married, in 1744, Elizabeth Bass, of Dor- |
College in 1766; studied medicine, and was a surgeon
on board a privateer during the Revolution. His
wife, Elizabeth, died May 24, 1752, aged thirty-two
years. On Oct. 31, 1754, he married Elizabeth
Randall, of Sharon, and by this marriage he had five
sons.
It was now 1787, and the faithful pastor and the
meeting-house had grown old together. Having seen
more than a half-century’s service, the people con-
The pastor
gave them an acre more land and relinquished a
portion of his salary to encourage them.
The new meeting-house was erected in 1787. Jo-
seph Hewins, Esq., procured a bell in London, which
was placed in the tower in 1790, at a cost of sixty-
two pounds. This bell became broken, and a new
bell was cast at Canton, which replaced the old bell in
1809. )
Mr. Curtis’ sight was remarkably clear, as he never
used glasses, and he preached until within a few
months of his death.
His last affectionate tribute of respect for his peo-
cluded to build a new meeting-house.
_ ple was in the following impressive words :
““Suaron, 2d October, 1797.
“ FRIENDS AND BRETHREN:
“T hereby signify that I release you from all lawful claims
upon me, after the completion of last year’s salary, relying on
your charity and generosity should I hereafter stand in need.
“T remain your Aged Pastor and Friend in Christ,
“* Puinip Curtis.”
22,
His death occurred Noy. 1797, in his eighty-
first year. During the fifty-five years of his ministry
| Mr. Curtis baptized nine hundred and twenty-six
_ couples.
and married three hundred and _ fifteen
There were four hundred and three deaths
persons,
in his parish, and two hundred and sixty-four were
added to the church.
Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis, his last wife, died March
11, 1823, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
At a meeting held Dec. 17, 1798, it was
“ Voted, to concur with the church-in giving Mr. Jonathan
Whitaker a call to the pastoral care of this church and congre-
gation.
“ Voted, that a committee of nineteen be chosen to take into
consideration what sum will be proper to propose to him for
his settlement and annual salary.”
The committee reported as follows, which was
“To give seven hundred and
Mr. Jonathan
Whitaker, provided he takes upon him the charge of
voted by the town:
fifty dollars as a settlement to
the church and congregation in Sharon, as a gospel
_ minister; which sum, in case he should leave the peo-
ple in said capacity without their consent, to be re-
_ funded to the town without interest.
SHARON.
463
“Voted to pay him semi-annually one hundred and
sixty-six dollars and sixty-six and a half cents, as a
salary, as long as he remains their minister.”
Mr. Whitaker in open town-meeting accepted the
invitation, and was ordained Feb. 27, 1799.
Never had there been a more auspicious settlement
in Sharon. The church was crowded with hearers,
and new pews were added in that already capacious
meeting-house.
Mr. Whitaker secured the house and estate of his |
predecessor in the ministry. He also taught school,
and entered into plans for the general interest of the
town.
it was not until political and sectarian questions came
He was highly appreciated by his people, and
up in after-years that there began to be differences of
opinion in regard to his usefulness as a public minis-
ter. Mr. Whitaker held to the old Puritan way of
his predecessor of baptizing children, and when in
after-years they desired to live in a closer com-
munion with God, they were confirmed upon assent-
ing to the covenant, and became members of the
church.
Mr. Whitaker had iow been the only preacher in
town for many years when the first Baptist meetings |
began to be held in this town, and he was no
Laban, to say to the itinerant, ‘‘ Abide in my house-
hold,” or to take the innovator into his field of labor. |
It is not necessary to discuss those questions of a past |
_ the pastoral office, continuing until July 9, 1856.
age ; the actors have long since closed up their record
and gone to their reward. Suffice it to say, that
things continued to grow more unpleasant between
submitted to and decided by the council, which ad-
vised, on account of the bad feeling existing between
the pastor and his people, that the connection be dis- |
solved. This result was secured by the society paying
Mr. Whitaker five hundred dollars, April, 1816. This
religious and political controversy in the town did not
cease with the withdrawal of Mr. Whitaker, but con-
tinued to be exceedingly bitter and relentless for
several years.
The third minister of the First Congregational
Church and society was the Rev. Thomas Rich, set- |
tled in 1817.
years, as the Rev. Samuel Brimblecom succeeded to
the pastorate of the society Dec. 3, 1821, and con-
tinued in office until March 13, 1826.
After this time the pulpit was supplied by different
ministers until the Rev. Jacob Norton was settled, in
1829.
pit was supplied for short intervals by different |
preachers until 1842, when the old church built in
He could not have continued many |
He preached about two years, when the pul- |
the year 1787 was taken down and the present church
erected.
The following are two stanzas from a poem written
at that time and occasion by Jeremiah Gould, Esq. :
“That old familiar desk,
Whose glory and renown
Is spread from east to west,
And wouldst thou take it down?
Workman, forbear thy blows,
Rend not its oaken ties,
Oh! spare that ancient house,
Now towering to the skies.
“When but a little boy
I trod its sacred shade,
In thankfulness and joy
There I oft have played.
My mother led me there,
My father pressed my hand,
Forgive this foolish tear,
But let that old house stand.”
The Rev. Samuel Pettes, Jr., became pastor Oct.
16, 1843, and continued to officiate in that capacity
until March 18, 1847.
The Rev. James L. Stone succeeded the former
pastor on Jan. 1, 1848, and continued in office until
| May 5, 1852.
The Rev. Thomas H. Pons was settled July 3,
1852, and continued until Oct. 1, 1853.
In June, 1854, Rev. Norwood Damon occupied
From Jan. 1, 1857, to Jan. 1, 1862, the Rev.
| Charles C. Sewall, of Medfield, supplied the preach-
pastor and people, until finally a council was held, |
and such grievances as the people labored under were |
ing. From this time there was no regular preaching
until Jan. 4, 1868, when the Rev. George W. Stacy,
of Milford, supplied the pulpit. . Mr. Stacy’s labors
ceased on May 2, 1870. The Rev. Mr. Tyndall sup-
plied the pulpit until September, 1870. After 1870
the church was supplied by candidates.
In April, 1875, the Rev. John Wills preached for
several Sabbaths, and for several months in the
summer the Rev. William H. Savary, of Cantor,
preached.
In 1878, Rev. W. G. Todd preached through the
summer months. From this time there was no regu-
lar preaching until the Rev. William O. White, of
Brookline, officiated as pastor from September, 1881,
until September, 1883.
The Rev. C. C. Carpenter supplied the pulpit until
January, 1884.
The Baptist Society.—The first meetings were
held at the houses of Mr. Leavitt Hewins and Mr.
Joshua Whittemore by the Rev. Mr. Gammell, of
Medfield.
flocked to hear him preach.
Soon an interest was created, and many
The first baptism took
464
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
. |
place at Billings’ Pond in 1812, when Joshua Whit-
temore and Leavitt Hewins were baptized.
The Baptist society was formed in 1813, when
Jeremiah Richards was chosen treasurer. On Oct.
26, 1814, the church was organized, and numbered
twenty-six members. The first deacons were Joshua
Whittemore and Leavitt Hewins. Barnabas D.
Capen was elected in 1845, and Charles D. Hixon in
1877.
In the early days of its existence the society held
its meetings in the hall of the parsonage.
The Rev. Mr. Gammell was succeeded by the Rey.
Henry Kendall, from Maine. In the year 1818, |
Samuel Wait was ordained as pastor, and he contin-
ued in office four years, when he was succeeded by
Rev. Thomas Barrett, who preached about two years.
Then, in 1823, Rev. Thomas Le Favour preached
one year.
In August, 1831, the Rev. Caleb Green was settled.
As the numbers had increased it was thought advisa-
ble to erect a church, which was built in 1833. The
next pastor was the Rev. Thomas Driver. In April,
1835, the Rev. Silas Hall filled the pastorate. He
was succeeded by Rev. George N. Wait. In the year
1841, Edward G. Sears was elected pastor and contin-
ued in office until 1843, when he was succeeded by
Rev. George W. Patch. He in turn resigned, and |
the Rev. Alfred Colburn took his place.
The Rev. Mylon Merriam became pastor in 1853,
and closed his labors in 1858.
Rey. Freeman B. Ashley succeeded Mr. Merriam
in 1859.
gation increased in numbers, and it was thought best
This pastor was popular, and the congre-
to enlarge the meeting-house by giving room for six-
teen additional pews.
In 1864, Mr. Ashley resigned his office as pastor,
and the pulpit was occupied by Mr. Tozier, who
preached one year.
The Rev. Benjamin A. Edwards was settled in
1865, and continued as pastor until 1872, when the
Rey. Lyman Partridge acepted the pastorate and con-
tinued to preach until 1882. “ During all these years,”
says Mr. Partridge in a printed discourse from which
these statistics are mainly taken, “‘ we have labored to-
gether in harmony, while my relations to the people
of the town have each year become pleasanter and
more intimate. I count it a privilege and blessing
to be able to make this last statement so near the |
close of a pastorate of almost ten years.”
Mr. Partridge is now settled at Westminster, Mass.
He was succeeded in 1883 by the Rev. Irving B.
Mower, the present pastor.
The Christian Society (Trinitarian ),—Ata meet-
ing held at the house of Mr. Philip Curtis, it was
voted that a committee be chosen to take measures
for forming a new society. Deacon Joel Hewins,
Deacon Benjamin Fairbanks, and Lemuel D. Hewins
were chosen, and at a subsequent meeting made the
following report :
“The practice of the primitive Christians, introduced into
this country by our pious ancestors, for churches to take the
lead in the settlement of their pastors, is, we believe, scriptural,
rational, and salutary; and a departure from this practice so
long preserved in this country, has doubtless been the principal
cause of the unhappy difficulties now existing between this
church and the Congregationalist society in this place ; and this
church having borne, as long as forbearance is conceived to be
a duty, and seeing no prospect of a restoration of harmony be-
tween them and the society, deem it necessary and expedient to
withdraw from said society, that they may independently of
any body of men whatever enjoy the ordinances of religion
agreeably to the practice of the primitive churches, and the
sentiment of this church.
“Wherefore this church do hereby constitute themselves into
a religious society, to be called and known by the name of the
‘Christian Society in Sharon.’ That in addition to the officers
of the church, there shall annually be chosen by the church a
clerk and treasurer, and also a committee of three persons to
procure preaching and give certificates of membership to all
who may wish to unite with this church for the support of
public worship, agreeably to a law of this commonwealth,
passed June 18, 1811, and generally to manage the prudential
concerns of this society.”
It was voted to accept the report June 16, 1821.
The Rev. Joseph B. Felt was invited to become
pastor of this church and society, which invitation he
accepted, and he continued in office until 1825.
In 1822 the society built their meeting-house.
The next minister was the Rev. Jonathan Curtis, who
was installed in October, 1825, and continued in office
until the year 1834, when he requested to be released
from the pastoral office, which was granted by the
society.
The Rev. Jacob Cummings was settled as pastor,
and continued in office until 1837. In the year 1835
this church received the legacy, bequeathed by Mrs.
Nancy Gould, of the parsonage of the former ministers
of Sharon.
Rev. Lucius R. Eastman was the next pastor in
1838, and on November 28th of that year the church
took fire from the stove on Sunday morning, and was
totally destroyed.
In the summer of 1839 the present house was
erected, and Mr. Eastman closed his labors with this
church and society in 1840.
In 1841 the Rev. Lebbeus R. Phillips was settled
as pastor. This was one of the most successful
pastorates enjoyed by the society, and was terminated
by the request of Mr. Phillips in 1860. The Rev.
Perley B. Davis succeeded Mr. Phillips, Jan. 29,
SHARON.
465
1862, and continued in office until April 8, 1867,
when he was dismissed at his own request. He after-
wards settled in Hyde Park, where he still preaches.
Rev. 8S. Ingersol Briant was settled April 22, 1868,
and continued in office until April, 1874, when he
resigned. He was succeeded by the Rev. Henry C.
Weston, who was born in Charlestown, Mass., May
9, 1844. After leaving the high school he entered
Amherst College, where he graduated in the year |
1866. He entered Andover in the class of the same
|
|
year, and afterwards preached at North Bennington, |
Vt.
Chelsea, Aug. 18, 1870.
Sept. 2, 1874. An excellent preacher, eminently
social in his character and his relations with his peo-
ple, a world of usefulness seemed to open before him.
He early became interested in the schools as a com-
mittee, and he also served the town as superintendent
of schools. But this continued but a short time.
His health soon became impaired and he was obliged
to abandon his labors, not only as superintendent but
also as pastor of his church and society. His interest
in the labors he had chosen never ceased, although it
top]
covery.
hope of a glorious immortality, and leaving many
sorrowing friends to lament his early departure. Mrs.
Weston and three children remain in Sharon.
The Rev. Edward G. Smith, who supplied the pulpit
for some time before the death of Mr. Weston, is now |
pastor of the Christian society.
The Catholic Chapel on Pond Street has a mission
service, and is connected with the church at Stoughton
of the same denomination.
The Bay Street Chapel (Evangelical) is located in
the southeast part of Sharon, on the Bay road, near
Easton.
The Methodist Church was organized in 1876, but
has no regular preaching.
Physicians.— How great is the influence of the med-
ical profession over the individuals in the community.
The patient who recovers from a serious malady is
ever likely to retain lively emotions of gratitude to-
wards the man who has rescued him from a bed of |
sickness, pain, or death.
Dr. Samuel Hewins was born in this town, Aug.
31,1734, He married, in 1760, Sarah, the daughter
of Dr, Nathaniel White, of Weymouth, his instruc-
tor. He settled in Sharon near the trowel-works.
He was an active and useful man, brought up a
family, and died in 1827.
Dr. Elijah Hewins, born May 23, 1747, studied
medicine with Dr. Young, of Boston.
30
While here he married Clara A. Loring, of |
|
He was settled at Sharon, |
| 1797.
geon in Col. Jacob Gill’s regiment in the Revolution.
He bought the place now occupied by Mr. Increase
Hewins, where, after his marriage with Lois Whiting,
of Wrentham, his children were born. His wife
died in 1795, and afterwards he married Irene Balch,
of Dedham. After the marriage of his son, Elijah
| Hewins, Esq., scribe and surveyor, the doctor sold
his place and resided with his son much of the time
until his death, which occurred May 21, 1827.
Dr. Samuel Capen, born in this town May 20,
1757, studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Hewins, and
finished his course of study at Randolph. He mar-
ried, Nov. 18, 1792, Sarah Savels, of this town, and
resided east of Massapoag, where his children were
born. After his daughter Sarah married he left
Sharon, and resided in Brockton, where he died Dee.
13, 1843, aged eighty-seven years.
Dr. Daniel Stone was born in Framingham, and
graduated from Harvard University in the class of
He then studied medicine with Dr. Willard,
of Uxbridge, and practiced some time, when he after-
wards came to Sharon. He boarded for a time with
| the Rev. Mr. Whitaker, who was his classmate in col-
became evident that there was little hope of his re- |
He died Feb. 24, 1883, rejoicing in the |
| life.
lege. Afterwards he built the house now occupied by
the Rev. A. P. Chute. Here he resided during his
He was town clerk in 1819, and filled many
offices in the town; was a respected member of the
Massachusetts Medical Society. He died in August,
1842. There are but two of his children living,—
Albert Stone, Esq., of Elgin, Ill., and Dr. Charles
Stone, of Marysville, Cal.
Dr. Norton Quincy Tirrell succeeded Dr. Stone in
Sharon. Dr. Tirrell was born in Weymouth in 1817.
At an early age he was by the death of his father thrown
upon his own resources. By his industry he man-
aged to acquire the means to attend the academy at
Willbraham, Woburn, and Gilmanton, N. H., where
he finished his early school days. He then went to
New York, and from there to Norfolk, Va. Here
he taught school and studied medicine ; afterwards he
attended lectures at Washington, D. C., where he
graduated. He was married in 1842, and the same
year located in Sharon. Here he was highly esteemed
as a physician and townsman, and an active member
of the Christian Church and society. In 1852 he
left Sharon for his native town, where he enjoyed a
highly successful and lucrative practice. He died on
Oct.. 19, 1882.
Dr. Amasa D. Bacon was a physician of experience
when he came to this town and succeeded to the es-
tate and practice of Dr. Tirrell. Naturally a man of
more than ordinary force of character, he was tender
He was sur- ! and assiduous in the care of his patients, kind and
466
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
obliging as a neighbor, an active citizen of the town
and the Christian society. He represented the town
in the Legislature and on the board of school com-
mittee. Well posted in the advancement of medical
science, he was an honored member of the Massachu-
setts Medical Society. He rode more to see patients
during the last winter of his life than any winter be-
fore. His sickness, caused by exposure and other
causes, terminated fatally on March 28, 1881, in the
seventy-sixth year of his age. He had by his first
wife, Clara Choate Bacon, two sons; by his last wife,
Nellie Choate Bacon, one daughter.
Dr. John Smithwick, of Williams College and
Pittsfield Medical Institution, is the present resident
physician.
Soldiers in the War of 1812.—Although the
people of New England were not generally in sym-
pathy with the war of 1812, yet Sharon contributed
her share of the State’s quota, as the following names
will show:
Ziba Plympton,
Aaron Platt.
James Packard.
Ebenezer Packard.
Jedediah Packard.
James Packard, Jr.
Linus Rogers.
Jedediah Snow.
Enoch Talbot.
Shepard Wood.
Zephaniah Washburn.
Amos Barden.
Ebenezer Capen.
Theodore Drake.
Ellis Drake.
John Delano.
Samuel Gilbert.
Charles Gay.
Ebenezer Henshaw.
Joel Harlow.
Ellis Johnson.
Matthew Johnson.
Samuel Mann
A part of these soldiers went to the lakes, near
Canada, and others were stationed at Boston Harbor.
Schools.— Coeval with the religious and secular
polity of the town was the appropriation of lands for
the support of public schools and for the instruction
of youth. ‘These privileges were so highly prized
and enjoyed by the youth of the early days, that in
after-years, when they became the actors upon the
stage of life, they resolved these benefits should not
only be continued, but they should be increased be-
yond what they had enjoyed.
The following letter gives the origin of the Sharon
Friends’ school fund:
“ To the Inhabitants of the Town of Sharon:
“ GenTLEMEN,—The undersigned being a committee from the
subscribers to the Sharon Friends’ School Fund, have the pleas-
ure to present to youa subscription paper for the purpose of
beginning a fund for the education of the youth of your Town.
. .. It is with pleasure we look back and remember the Land
of our Fathers,—the place of Our Birth.
“ Believing as we do, that to give the present and future gen-
erations a good, sound, practical education is the surest means
of preserving our most valuable privileges, both civil and reli-
gious, which we consider to be far greater than any other
1
cation and the instruction of youth.
| school,
nation enjoys. If this be the fact, how can money be better
appropriated ?
“This rand is now begun with a hope and expoetanen that
it will be increased, so that every child in your town will have
an opportunity to acquire a good practical education, and that
it may be the means of increasing Education, Peace, Harmony,
and the good feelings of every inhabitant of your place... .
“This is offered as a token of remembrance of the place of
our nativity, with our best wishes for your peace, your pros-
perity, and your happiness as a town and individually.
“We are Respectfully yours,
“Oris EVERETT,
“ ANDREW DRAKE,
“OxiverR FIsHER,
“ Committee.
“Boston, June, 1826.”
Otis: Everett, Boston .......:sscecscessscscsiecdvscsecicenecehorceteee $1000
Andrew, Drake; BOstOn...s.ssssccee\ccoccancieeesenants asocvoceerent 100
Oliver Fisher, Boston.. Sols lelcow aslo seeecendeneere 100
Moses’ Hiverett, Boston ....<+..200-s:cesescsscceisseinciucihicefoarenes eLOD,
Aaron Hiverett, BOStOnl.....ccsccecsssoscsressalceccsenctionmrestenenee 100
Mace Tisdale, Boston. .....01s.ce0ssesccieresec/stccuseccicenentinarees 50
Thomas Curtis; .BOStON s...ccccceescccceesiesceceleceresincstateeceres 50
Daniel Johnson, BoOstOn':....cccccoscececcsiecatescweisesece Seelecnees 50
HS G.Wiares “Boston... <c.c-coccccsiseses serie chins oenioctenctecateene 25
SS Ke tHewins, Boston s..:..cc0cccccccoscsececdnssesene Seccuacencans 25
Whiting Hewins, Boston........ sesices olen ccstes siccdavececvess sslees 25
Warren’ Hisher; Bostons.....cccccccsssoscle-cseseosnesesees So9000000 25
games: Hendley, Boston ...cssccccce-sloocostecsinoencste SasOC00009 25
Jbewis! Morse, ROXbUry)......2..+--ccscocesconsiseseosenctascassces a 25
Hizrac Morse, ROXDULY...<..0.200 <csesiccleeesisecnenlececsenesese eames 25
Tuther Morse, Roxbury <:....s.0cce cess secsecusecelscsnccivoceesens 25
| Oliver Hverett, Sharon\.s...:<..+sescccsecesejecseseisecsseteneeeeacners 50
| Hdward Richards, Cambridge........6..css-.cclnescoscsacsee oreee 25
Jabez Fisher, Cambridge...... Sevisisedecseselsanceinds sccneecemaenes 25
Johny Curtis) Bostons.....ces<sseies Sols sslealsicieci valsloceoctestsceete nee 10
$1810
The surplus revenue was, by a vote of the town, made a
| permanent fund for the use of school; the interest is
applied annually... seserasects 2690
The bequest of Mrs. “Anna "Hewins, “of ‘Roxbury, whose
husband, Abel Hewins, was a native of this town, the
SUIN (OL.stoss.vassessaasecleocecelcececelecves sie oesiecivacs cerecadeseeetrtee 500
Making a permanent investment of total............ $5000
The town’s appropriation was never to be lessened
on account of the fund. Still, many people felt the
importance of a higher grade of study than that fur-
nished by the public schools. This want was hap-
pily supplied by Sanford Waters Billings, A.M., of
this town, and a graduate of Amherst College, who
erected a school-house at his own expense, and gave
instruction in the classical and higher mathematical
studies. His school became popular, not only in this
but in the neighboring towns, and for seventeen years
Mr. Billings has devoted his time to the cause of edu-
When the needs
of the town required the establishment of a high
it was with the same generous feeling that
actuated those noble benefactors of a former age,
rather than the stern requirements of the law, which
led to the establishment of the Sharon high school.
This school is under the charge and instruction of
_ Mr. Billings, whose services and devotion to the cause
of education have a warm place in the hearts of his
pupils and the people.
SHARON.
Public Library.—The town has a well-selected
public library, which, although not so extensive, is
highly appreciated and well patronized by the com-
munity.
The Press.—The Sharon Advocate is a lively
weekly paper, edited by William B. Wickes, Esq.,
and is devoted mainly to the interest of Sharon in
local and general news, and the elevation of the com-
munity in social, moral, and philanthropic matters.
The Post-Offices.—The first post-office was estab-
lished at Cobb’s Tavern, on the Bay road, July 1,
1819; the post-office at Sharon Centre about 1828. |
The name of the office at Cobb’s Tavern was changed
to East Sharon, June 3, 1841, the other office to
Sharon on the same date.
The following are the representatives from Sharon
to the Legislature :
1776-77. Capt. Ebenezer Tis- | 1835. Ziba Plympton.
dale. | 1837. George H. Mann.
1778. Capt. Edward Bridge | 1838-39. Jedediah Morse.
Savels. | 1840. Capt. Charles Ide.
1779-80. Nathaniel Kings- | 1842-43. Erastus Richards.
bury. | 1845-46. Otis Johnson.
1782-83. Jonathan Eddy.
1785-86. Joseph Hewins, Jr.
1787-89. Benjamin Randall.
1790-91. Joseph Hewins.
1801. Jonathan Billings.
1851. Enoch Dickerman.
1854. Charles T. Howard.
1855. George W. Gay.
1856. Moses Richards.
| 1858. Amasa D. Bacon, M.D.
1804-5. John Drake, Jr. 1860. Asahel 8. Drake.
1806-7. Jonathan Billings. 1861-62. H. Augustus Lath-
1808. John Drake. rop.
1809-10. Jonathan Billings. 1865. Joel P. Hewins.
1811. Enoch Hewins, Jr. 1868. James Capen.
1813. Benjamin Raynolds. 1870. Bushrod Morse, Esq.
1815-16. Ziba Drake.
1823. Enoch Hewins.
1831. Jeremiah Richards.
Those years not designated this town did not send
a representative.
While Sharon furnished her quota of soldiers dur-
ing the war of the Rebellion, there were many
lings, A.M.
| 1883-84. Bushrod Morse, Esq.
| 1873-74. Sanford Waters Bil- |
patriotic citizens who contributed to the service a sol- |
dier from their own personal fortunes.
Andrew Adams. Alonzo Capen.”
William A. Barrows.
John E. Barrows.
Seth Boyden.!
Daniel W. Bright.
Warren M. Bright.
Edward E. Belcher.
Charles W. Belcher.
Joseph C. Blake.
Charles F. Bryant.
Albert Bullard.
William H. Burdick.
John Burkett.
William H. Bennie.
Lewis Breton.
Herbert E. Capen.
Lemuel Capen.
George W. Capen.!
Gardner W. Capen.
Edward Cobb.
William Cobb.!
James Conners.
James W. Clark.
Alonzo Clark.
Horace W. Clapp.
Leander Clapp.
Emil Conrad,
Silas Davenport.
John M. Davis.?
1 Died since the war.
2 Died in the war.
| to its rustic surroundings.
_by seventy feet, and is seventy-six feet from the
James N. Davis.
James Dellabaugh.
Patrick Doherty.1
Thomas Donegan.
Hugh Doran.
Patrick Doyle.
Edwin A. Dunakin.
Stillman A, Dunakin.
Charles H. Dunakin.
John M. Drake.”
Eugene Drake.
Horace F. Drake.
Lewis H. Duley.
Lawrence Dorgin.
Benjamin A. Fairbanks.!
Albert F. Fairbanks.
John Finley.
John Fox.
Carl Fabinan.
Nathaniel R. Fuller.
Amos A. Fuller.
John W. Godfrey.
Eleazer Greenleaf.
George H. Gay.?
George F. Gay.
Thomas Gray.
Charles Greenwood.
James H. Glover.!
Benjamin F, Gilbert.
George M. Gerrish.2
Thomas Houlton.
Moses Hall.
Norman Hardy.?
James T. Harradon.?
Frederick H. Holbrook.
Benjamin L. Hewins.
Alfred Hewins.
Henry Hewins.?
Charles E. Hall.
Charles H. Hill.
Edward R. Hixson.
Daniel Healey.
Addison H. Johnson.?
Obed P. Johnson.
Reuben F. Johnson.
Tra Johnson.
Warren Johnson.
John W. Kane.
Daniel Kane.
467
John R. Kelley.
George Lenk.
Jacob A. Morse.
Stilman H. Morse.
Elijah A. Morse.
Albert F. Morse.
Daniel Mahony.
Thomas Miller.
Michael Milligan.
Peter Mears.
Charles H. McGuire.
John Newman.
Isaac Mellen.
James F. Osgood.
John Parks.
John B. Parks.?
Henry Parks.
Josiah W. Perry.
Samuel E. Preble.
George W. Prescott.
Abram Poff,
Lewis F. F. Plympton.
Henry Peach.
Lovel K. Pickering.
George W. Parker.
Albert Pettee.
Henry J. Pickersgill.
John Phillips.
Lewis Pettit.
William E. Quiggle.
George W. Richards.!
Charles F. Richards,
Francis W. Read.
Daniel Shine.
Warren S. Skinner.
Ansel A. Smith.
Albert E. Smith.
John C. Strong.
Levi A. Talbot.
John D. Talbot.
Francis Tukalf.
Otis S. Tolman.
Davis L. White.
Adoniram J. M. White.
Thomas Williams,
George A. White.
Asa Wilson.
Charles Worby.
The Town Hall.—The style of this building is
“old colonial,” which appears to be peculiarly adapted
The building is forty-five
ground to the highest part of the cupola on the main
building.
At the right hand, in front, is a circular tower
| two stories in height, surmounted by a weather
vane.
The front doors open outward and give access to a
vestibule eleven by fifteen feet. From this is a cor-
ridor which leads to a school-room thirty-eight by
thirty-eight feet ; previous to reaching this room there
468
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
is a door that opens into a library-room, also into the
reading-room adjoining. The first room on the left is
the town clerk’s office, eleven by eighteen feet, and has
a brick vault for storing records. This vault is pro-
tected by double iron doors.
school committee room, eighteen by fourteen feet, and
connected with this by folding doors is the recitation-
room, twelve by eighteen. From this room is the
vestibule, from the side door of the building into the
school-room, and then the coat-rooms, with hooks, the
passage to the basement stairs, and the stairs to the
rear of the main hall.
The main stairway is on the right of the vesti-
bule, and is, like the tower in which it is located, cir-
cular or spiral in its course. Under this stairway is
an ample closet.
At the head of these stairs is a lobby twelve by
sixteen feet, from which a balcony over the front door
is reached by windows.
by twelve feet, and twelve by sixteen feet, on each side
of the lobby.
The main auditorium takes up the remainder of
this floor. This hall is forty-four by forty-five feet,
with a stage thirteen feet deep and three and a half |
feet high. It is reached by steps on either end, and
by stairs from the side entrance below.
On the wall in front of the stage is a handsome
clock presented to the town by Elijah A. Morse, Esq.,
of Canton. |
The hall is ventilated by a ventilator in the roof of
the building, and the room is twenty-four feet high.
The outside of the building is shingled half-way
down the sides and then treated with clapboards.
The finish inside the principal rooms is ash, as are
the heavy mortised doors, and the floors are the best |
of Southern pine.
The building has an ornamental heavy base water-
table, and is erected on a handsome foundation of
Sharon granite by John Moyle.
the building are L. E. and T. L. Barlow, and the
architect was Arthur H. Dodd, of Boston.
The building committee were J. M. Waston, A. B. |
Lovejoy, and C. C. Barney. The town hall was
dedicated Feb. 21, 1884.
The next one is the |
There are ante-rooms, eight |
| ministering to her relief. In the morning she crossed
The contractors of |
_ ment, Gen. Patterson’s brigade.
_talarmy. For this purpose she made a suit of men’s
clothes with her own hands, and at night put them
on, and started for Taunton, in hopes some one would
direct her to the army headquarters. In a few days,
however, she reached New Bedford, where she pro-
posed to ship on board a cruiser, but being informed
_ of the captain’s bad treatment of his men, she aban-
doned the design. She now resolved to make a tour
of several towns in Norfolk County, and afterwards
she enlisted into the service at Worcester for three
years, as a resident of Uxbridge, under the name of
Robert Shurtlieff. The muster-master was Eliphalet
Thorp, of Dedham. On May 13th she arrived at
West Point, on the Hudson, in company with fifty
soldiers.
The march of ten days was very fatiguing to her,
and at the close of a chilly, wet day, on approaching
the fire, she fainted and fell on the floor. Upon re-
covery she found herself surrounded by kind spirits
the river and was assigned for duty in Capt. Webb’s
company of Light Infantry, in Col. Shepard’s regi-
Here her garb was
exchanged for a uniform peculiar to the infantry. She
learned the manual exercise with facility. She was
about five feet seven inches in height. Her features
were regular, though they would not be called beauti-
ful. Her eye was clear and penetrating, and ladies of
| taste called her handsome in her masculine attire.
The Woman Soldier of the Revolution —De- |
borah Sampson was born in Plympton, in this State, |
Dee. 17, 1760, and was a lineal descendant of Wil-.
liam Bradford, for many years Governor of Plymouth |
Colony.
In early life, owing to the peculiar circum- |
stances of the family, she was put out in a family in |
Middleborough. Here she remained until she was
eighteen years of age.
Afterwards she taught school. .
In April, 1781, she resolved to enter the Continen- |
Massachusstts Regiment.
Her movement was erect and strong, gestures natural,
mild, and graceful. Her first experience in actual
warfare was in Capt. Webb’s company on scout duty
in the morning with a party of Dutch cavalry. The
ground was warmly disputed for some time; at
length, however, the infantry were obliged to give
way, but they were quickly reinforced by the Second
The Americans having
retired to their encampment, our fair soldier came near
losing her life by drinking cold water. She said she
underwent more from the heat and fatigue of the day
than from the fear of being killed, although the man
next her was killed by the second fire. While iu this
vicinity she was twice wounded, once by a sabre cut
on the face, and again bya bullet wound in the groin;
the wound in the face was healed by salves and plas-
ters, but the wound in the groin she dressed herself,
and endeavored to extract the ball herself rather than
have her sex discovered. In this, however, she suc-
ceeded, and was soon able to be on duty again.
In August, after eleven days of excessive travel-
ing, the forces under Washington and Lafayette en-
camped near Yorktown, Va. It is needless to men-
tion the hardships the common soldiers must have
SHARON.
undergone. Our heroine bore up with a good heart |
until the day on which the troops arrived, when she
was much indisposed. On the morning of the 23d
of September, Washington addressed his army, and
she was near and heard his impressive words. Miss
Sampson was among the advance of that day, and
labored with blistered hands in the redoubt and _
trenches before Yorktown. She aided in storming
the British redoubt under Lafayette on the 13th of
October, 1783, and witnessed with patriotic exulta-
tion the closing drama of the Revolution. Her per-
sonal purity of character was in keeping with her
bravery in action and duty. Such high qualities of |
_ several of the enemy’s boats; but with his field-piece
firmness and resolution were, perhaps, never known.
She came to her aunt's, who lived in Stoughton,
where she labored through the winter. It is pre-
sumed that her uncle Waters confidentially whis-
pered in the ear of some young man that she would
However that may be, Deborah
Sampson married Benjamin Gannett, at his father’s
house, April 7,1784. There were born of this union
one son and two daughters. By a resolve of the
General Court of Massachusetts, Deborah received
one hundred dollars and a monthly pension, as did
her husband after her death, which occurred April
29,1827. Her husband died Jan. 9, 1837. Her |
tombstone, in the quiet cemetery of Sharon, covers
the remains of the bravest woman of the Revolution.
Gen. Benjamin Tupper.—Benjamin Tupper was
born in Stoughton, now Sharon, on the 11th of.
March, 1738.
protection ; a father’s love never warmed and glad-
dened his heart, as his father died soon after he was
born. When a boy he learned the trade of a tanner
in Dorchester. Afterward, he served in several cam- |
paigns of the French and Indian war. Then he taught
While here he
became acquainted with Huldah White, whom he |
married, Nov. 18, 1762.
He removed to Chesterfield soon after, which was
make a good wife.
He never knew a father’s care and
school several winters in Easton.
at that time a frontier town. Here he became an
active citizen and a deacon of the first church.
He joined the army at Roxbury, as captain of a
company, soon after the Lexington alarm, and soon
He was
ordered, with his men, to prevent the rebuilding of the
light-house by the British in Boston Harbor.
Maj. Tupper marched his men to Dorchester, and
after was promoted to the office of major.
there informed them that he was about to proceed
down the harbor to drive the British troops off the
island. ‘ Now,” said the major, addressing his com-
pany, which consisted of about three hundred men,
“if there is any one of you who isafraid, and does not |
469
want to go with us, let him step two paces to the
front ;’ and turning to the sergeant he said, sotto voce,
‘if any man steps two paces to the front, shoot him on
the spot.” It is needless to add that every man kept
his position. The major, with his men, then pro-
ceeded from Dorchester, taking field-pieces with them
in whale-boats down the Neponset River. They ar-
rived at the light-house about two o’clock in the morn-
ing, attacked the guard, killing the officers and four
privates. The remainder of the English troops were
_ captured. Having demolished the light-house then
_in process of construction, the party were ready to
embark, when the major himself was attacked by
he succeeded in sinking one of the boats, and, hap-
pily, escaped with the loss of one man killed and one
wounded. He killed and captured fifty-three of the
enemy, among whom were ten Tories, who were sent
to Springfield jail. Washington, the next day in
general orders, thanked Maj. Tupper, and the officers
and men under his command, for their gallantry and
soldier-like behaviour. We have given this incident
to show the bravery of the man, as there were many
other such incidents that might be given. He was
appointed colonel of a Massachusetts regiment in
1776, was at Valley Forge camp in the memorable
winter of 1778, and wrote a letter to the General
' Court of Massachusetts, setting forth in strong, earnest
language the destitute condition of the troops. He
had a horse shot under him at the battle of Mon-
mouth. He served through the war, enjoying the
confidence of Washington and Lafayette, and was
promoted to the rank of general by brevet before the
close of the war.
Gen. Tupper entered enthusiastically into the
scheme of the settlement of the northwest territory.
Being selected as one of the surveyors to lay out the
ranges, he very early entered upon that work, but was
prevented by the warlike disposition of the Indians.
He, however, returned the next season, and the his-
toric seven ranges were completed. Returning home
again, at this time Shay’s insurrection broke out, and
he rendered valuable assistance. Then he assisted in
the formation of the Ohio Company. His son, Maj.
Anselm, was appointed a surveyor fur the company,
and with the band of pioneers left Massachusetts
| Jan. 1, 1788, and arrived at the Muskingum River
April 7, 1788. Gen. Tupper started, as soon as he
could build suitable wagons, with his family, passed
over the Alleghany Mountains in Pennsylvania, and
then sending his horses by land, took a boat and ar-
rived with the first families, Aug. 19, 1788, at Mari-
etta, after a journey of ten weeks. Soon after he was
470
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
5 : 3 |
appointed one of the judges of the court, which office
he held until his death, which occurred during the
Indian war. On his monument, in the Mound Ceme-
tery, is the following simple epitaph :
“General Benjamin Tupper,
born at Sharon, Massachusetts, in 1738 ;
died June 7th, 1792,
aged fifty-four.”
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE H. MANN.
George H. Mann was born in Medfield, Mass.,
Sept. 16, 1793, and was the fourth child of Rufus
Mann and Sybil (Allen), his wife, and was in the
fourth generation from the Rev. Samuel Mann, the
first of the name born in Massachusetts. Having a
desire to learn mechanism, he was apprenticed to Otis
and Oliver Allen, of Mansfield, to learn framing and
building. After serving his time with them, he con-
tracted with parties in Greenwich, Conn., to work at
machine-making, that he might perfect himself for
the business which he had laid out for himself, the
manufacture of cotton goods, and went there in the |
spring of 1814, and remained some two or three years.
The first year of his service there those employed
with him struck for higher wages and used every en-
deavor to have him join them, but he steadily refused.
His employers finding him alone in the shop, asked
him, ‘ How happens it you are not out with your |
mates?’ His reply was a characteristic one: ‘I in-
When
the parties came to terms, his pay was made as good
as the best. While here, at the call of the State au-
thorities for volunteers to throw up intrenchments
tend to abide by my agreement with you.”
against the threatened invasion of the British, he
joined the ranks, and with pick and shovel marched
to the tune of “ Yankee Doodle” to the service and
helped man the works they constructed until the |
threatened invasion was over. From Greenwich he
went to Medway Village and engaged in building |
t=} bo bets ta}
cotton machinery, and was associated with John |
Blackburn, Oliver Dean, Dean Walker, and others. |
While residing there he became acquainted with |
Rhoda Fisher, and they were married May 10, 1820. |
From there he removed to Hast Walpole in 1822,
and engaged in the manufacture of sheetings for the |
Neponset Manufacturing Company. There he re- |
mained until the spring of 1826, when he removed |
with his family to Amoskeag, N. H., where he put in
operation what was known in later years as the old |
| have been kindly furnished us by
Amoskeag factory for the Amoskeag Manufacturing
Company. Not being able to make satisfactory ar-
rangements with this company, at the end of his year
he returned to Massachusetts with his family in the
| same conveyance that he took there, a horse and
chaise. His family consisted of his wife and two
boys. The same year of his return he entered into
copartnership with Joshua Stetson, Jr., of Walpole,
and started a small factory for the making of bed-
ticking. He was anxious to establish himself inde-
pendently of others, and after about two years he
dissolved his connection with Mr. Stetson and removed
to Kast Walpole, having leased the factory there. His
services were sought by Messrs. Amos & Abbot Law-
rence to take charge of the Elliot Mills in Newton
about this time, but he preferred to establish himself
in business where he could carry out his own ideas.
In the spring of 1831 he purchased a mill-site and
privilege in Sharon of Joseph W. Revere, and moved
there with his family. Here he erected a factory and
commenced the making of ticking, of which he made
a specialty. He won a high reputation on that class
of goods, continuing in that business until March 10,
1840, when his factory was destroyed by fire. He
| represented the town in the General Court in the
session of 1838, and was president of the Harrison
and Tyler Club during that lively and interesting
He took an active interest in all things
relating to the town in its intellectual and moral
growth as well as its general prosperity. He was a
man of quiet mien, but of positive convictions, and
never hesitated to openly take a stand when occasion
The last few years of his life he suffered
from ill health and withdrew from active business,
In the spring of 1847
he sought the benefit of a warmer climate, and in the
campaign.
required.
yielding it to his two sons.
| summer returned to his home and died, October 25th,
the same year.
HEWINS.!
It is believed that all persons of the name of
Hewins in this country are descended from Jacob
Hewins, who was admitted a freeman and joined the
His son Jacob, born
in 1668, settled in Sharon, and was an important and
His
in many and distant
church in Dorchester in 1658.
useful man and one of the elders of the church.
descendants are now living
places, from Maine to Illinois.
1The following data concerning ancestry of Hewins family
Mr. Charles A. Hewins, of
Boston.
SHARON.
471
Of Jacob Hewins nothing is yet known previous
to his purchase of a house of Samuel Mason in Dor-
chester, 19th February, 1655-56. It has been sup-
posed that he came from England, but when Mr.
Amasa Hewins, the artist, was there in 1833, he
made many inquiries, but could find‘no trace or record
of the name. In 1871, however, his son, Mr. Charles
A. Hewins, of West Roxbury, found the family name,
Hewins, in Stratford-upon-Avon. There were several
families of the name in the immediate vicinity and at
Birmingham. Mr. Thomas Hewins, of Stratford-
upon-Avon, since dead, was an organ builder and the
organist of the beautiful and famous church in Strat-
ford where Shakespeare is buried.
In the late work of Mr. Halliwell Phillips, who has
spent the last thirty years in searching with great
diligence for every fact and record connected with
Shakespeare, we find the Hewins name in connection |
with the Shakespeare family.
The eldest daughter, Agnes Arden, married, previous
to 1556, her first husband, John Hewyns.
proves tat the Hewins name has existed in the heart
of England more than three centuries, and it appears
probable that careful research might connect Jacob
Hewins, the ancestor of the American branch, with a
parent stock in Stratford.
My great grandmother, Ruth (Cummings) Hewins, |
died in 1833, aged ninety-six. I well remember her,
and was at her funeral.
him as a tall, spare, grand, and dignified man, who
Thus I have
sat in the lap of one ancestor who knew one older one
This covers
stood in the pulpit with the minister.
born two hundred and sixteen years ago.
seven generations,
WHITING HEWINS.
Whiting Hewins was descended in a direct line
from Jacob Hewins, who about the middle of the
seventeenth century came to New England and settled
in Boston. He purchased about 1656, from Samuel
Mason, a dwelling-house and three acres of land in
Dorchester. This he made his homestead. He was,
it appears, a man of much thrift and energy, coupled
with business sagacity, as is evidenced by the fact
that he added from time to time to his landed posses- |
sions various lots and tracts of land, and became be- |
fore his death one of the largest real-estate holders in |
that section. Some of his acres are said to be still in
possession of his descendants. He was held in much
respect by the early colonists, as was shown by the
large cortége attending his funeral. His wife was
This |
She remembered Elder |
Joseph Hewins (born 1668, died 1755), and described |
{
|
Shakespeare’s mother |
was Mary Arden, the sixth daughter of Robert Arden. |
|
named Mary. They had seven children, of whom
Joseph, born in 1668, was sixth. It appears from rec-
ords that he settled on the farm of one hundred and
twenty-three acres assigned to his father in 1698,
and located in that part of Dorchester, now North
Sharon, near Pigeon Swamp. He was one of the
leading spirits of his day. He was fence-viewer in
Dorchester in 1715-16, tithingman in 1722-23, and
selectman in 1724-25. The town was then divided and
he thrown into Stoughton. At the first election for
town officers in the new town he was chosen select-
man and assessor, and re-elected in March following.
In 1728-29 he was first selectman, town clerk, and
assessor. In 1730-31 he was town clerk and treas-
urer, and in 1738 served for the last time as select-
He repeatedly acted as moderator of town-
meetings. He was deacon and ruling elder of the
now Unitarian Church at Canton, and frequently
served as moderator, ete. He was tall and erect of
stature, and of dignified bearing. He married, 1690,
Mehetabel Lyon, daughter of Peter Lyon, of Dor-
chester. They had seven children. He died in 1755;
his wife in 1733. His son, Lieut. Ebenezer, was born
in 1707, and was the youngest of his father’s family.
He settled in Stoughton, where he was constable in
1737, agent for the town in 1750, and selectman in
1751. He married Judith Porter, of Norton, 1730.
They had ten children. He died in 1751, and Mrs.
Hewins in 1755. Lieut. Enoch was the sixth child of
Lieut. Ebenezer. He was distinguished for his patriot-
ism ; he was the first man in his town to enlist in the
Continental army ; he enlisted as a private soldier, but
obtained the rank of lieutenant. He was sealer of
weights and measures in the town of Sharon fora period
of twenty years. He married, 1766, Sarah, daughter
of Benjamin and Sarah (Bacon) Hewins. They had
a family of thirteen children. He died in 1821, his
wife in 1803, having resided all their lives in Sharon.
Wuitine HeEwtns, born Aug. 13, 1789, was the
youngest of the thirteen children. He was broughtup
on the farm in Sharon, and received such instruction as
the common schools of his town afforded, and in addi-
tion the benefits of a short attendance at Framingham
man.
Academy. His constitution not being of that robust
character calculated to endure the hardships and toil
incident to a farm life in New England, he came to
Boston when a young man and engaged as clerk in
a store devoted to the sale of West India goods. He
remained here a few years until he had thoroughly
familiarized himself with the details of the business.
He then, in company with other parties, embarked in
trade for himself, continuing with this partner but a
short time, however; when, in copartnership with
472
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Warren Fisher, he opened a store in the same line of
trade at South End, Boston. The young men were
energetic, enterprising, and intelligent, and they suc-
eeeded in their enterprise. Boston was growing, and,
as is the case in all growing cities, the “ trade centre”
gradually changed; so, following the tide of busi- |
ness emigration, they removed their quarters, and
opened a store on State Street. After some years of
successful venture in West India goods, they changed |
the nature of their traffic and began dealing exclu-
sively and extensively in sperm oil. To facilitate
matters they fitted out a number of vessels for the
whale-fishery, and established a manufactory or re- |
finery for making whale-oil at Edgartown, Dr. Daniel
Fisher, a brother of Warren Fisher, having charge of
this branch
Messrs. Hewins & Fisher extended over a period of
thirty years ; and with such prudence, enterprise, and
foresight were their various undertakings conducted,
that at the end of that long period it was their proud
boast that they had never failed, had always paid all
debts contracted, and owed no man a dollar. How
very, very few of the great army of active business
of the business. The partnership of
men can say the same!
death, having accumulated a handsome competence
for that time, Mr. Hewins retired from active busi-
ness pursuits. He married, in 1817, Olive, daughter
of Lemuel and Hannah (Belcher) Eastey, of Sharon.
They had three children,—Olive Eastey, George
Whiting, and Horace Holley. Of these, the two sons
grew up to manhood, but died unmarried. The
daughter, Olive E., married Isaac Hayden, a manufac-
turer and inventor. They reside in Boston.
Mr. Hewins was a very genial, warm-hearted man ;
a conservative, honest, safe business man; a man upon |
Some years prior to his |
|
whose word the strictest reliance could always be—
placed, and whose judgment and counsel could be |
confided in with safety. In politics he was a Whig,
He died Aug. 16, 1855.
1867.
Mrs. Hewins, July 30,
MOSES RICHARDS.
The first American ancestor of Moses Richards
was Edward Richards, who—from the most authentic
in
data obtainable to
came America the ship
| five sons and three daughters.
and served nine years. He married Susan Hunting,
Sept. 10, 1638, and both he and his wife died in
1684. They had five children, two sons and three
daughters. Nathaniel, the second son and fourth
child, was born Nov. 25, 1648. He inherited his
father’s homestead in Dedham and a large share of
his lands, which were extensive. He was a man of
high standing in the community. He married, in
1678, Mary Aldis, by whom he had eight children,
He died in 1726-27.
Jeremiah, the second son and child, was born in 1681,
married Hannah Fisher, settled in West Roxbury,
He bore the
He lived to be over seventy years
and became a large landed proprietor.
title of captain.
of age, but no record is found of the exact date of
his death. He had eight children, of whom William
_ was second, born in 1707. He married, 1733, Eliza-
beth, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Pike) Baker, of
Roxbury, and settled on lands given him by his
father at Pigeon Swamp, in north part of Sharon,
about 1734. These lands are still in possession of
the family, and the house in which he lived is now
occupied by his great-grandchildren. These descend-
ants have a number of heirlooms which have been
handed down from this ancestor, among which are
his spear, and his commission as an officer under
King George II. This commission bears date Sept.
25, 1751, and is signed by Spencer Phips, Com-
mander-in-Chief and Jieutenant-Governor of the
He had six children,
the youngest of whom was Ebenezer, who was born
Feb. 27, 1744-45, and died July 6, 1811.
William died in 1797, in his ninetieth year.
Ebenezer married, Oct. 6, 1769, Elizabeth Lyon,
daughter of Benjamin and Ann (Dwight) Lyon, of
Roxbury. He was by occupation a carpenter and
farmer, and was a much respected citizen of Sharon.
Colony of Massachusetts Bay.
He hada family of eight children, of whom the elder
and was a great admirer and enthusiastic supporter |
of New England’s great statesman, Daniel Webster. |
| 27, 1770.
was Moses, whose portrait accompanies this sketch.
Moses was born atthe old homestead in Sharon, July
He was brought up on the farm, and his
life was spent in that avocation. He had the usual
- common-school education, nothing more ; but he wasa
“ Lyon” (1652), and resided at Cambridge until |
about 1636.
Dedham, 1636-37, and was the sixty-second signer
He became one of the proprietors of
of her “social compact ;” was chosen selectman, 1646,
man of strong intellect, and physically was of splen-
did appearance, large, commanding, strong, very ener-
getic and active. After he was eighty-four years
old, he on one occasion hoed two thousand one hun-
dred hills of corn and walked to Canton—two miles
distant—and back in one day.
He married, Nov. 24, 1799, Esther Hodges,
daughter of Benjamin Hodges. They had seven
children,—Esther (1), born Sept. 19, 1800; married
James Smith, of Stoughton ; died April 10, 1882; had
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473
one child, Erastus. Moses (2), born Sept. 6, 1802 ;
married Mary H. Sumner. Betsey (3), born Nov.
19, 1804; died Jan. 1, 1877, unmarried. Nancy
(4), born March 1, 1807; married John F. Randall.
William (5), born June 2, 1810; resides at the old
homestead in Sharon; is unmarried. Amy (6), born
Nov. 24, 1812; married Seth Pettee, of Boston ; died |
Feb. 18, 1840. Olive (7), born Aug. 5, 1818; she
resides with her brother William at the old home, and
has never married. She has always taken much in-
terest in matters pertaining to the family history, and
rendered very valuable assistance in the preparation
of the very elaborate “ History of Richards Family,”
which was published in 1861 by Rev. Abner Morse.
Moses Richards was a Unitarian in religious faith,
and in politics a Whig.
man, and could never be prevailed upon to offer him-
self for office.
Probably no man in Sharon was more universally
respected. He belonged to that class of sturdy,
honest yeomanry in whom are deeply grounded the
He was a very unobtrusive
principles of honor, equal rights, and freedom, and in
whose keeping the sacred trust of political and reli-
gious liberty confided by our fathers may safely rest.
He preserved in a remarkable degree all his faculties
to the time of his death, which occurred March 15, |
1857.
WARREN TALBOT.
_ Warren Talbot was born June 15,1798, in Sharon, |
Mass.
old and honorable families.
He was descended from two of New England’s
His father, Deacon Jo-
siah Talbot, was born in Stoughton, Mass., and when
a lad removed to Sharon, where, when he grew to
manhood, he married Susanna, daughter of Nathaniel |
Morse, one of the early settlers of Sharon, and who
was a native of South Dedham.
Warren Talbot’s youth was spent, like the sons of
most farmers of that period, attending school a few |
months during the year, and working on the farm the
remainder of the time. He chose farming as his life’s
work, and occupied the same spot whereon he was
born. On Nov. 6, 1828, he married Esther A.,
daughter of Daniel and Nabby Hodges.
four children,— Warren A., born Dee. 13, 1829; mar-
ried Angenette Stone, and has two sons, and is now
a floriculturist in Norwood, Mass. Edwin (1), born
March 17, 1831, died Aug. 15, 1832. Edwin (2),
born May, 1833.
died in infancy. Mrs. Talbot died Aug. 6, 1842,
aged thirty-four years.
Mr. Talbot married, as his second wife, Hannah,
They had |
| ways more than thirty years.
daughter of Benjamin Holmes (see Warren Holmes’
biography). Their children were Hannah Esther
(died in infancy), Etta F. (now resides in Newbury-
port), and Sarah Emma (died in infancy).
Warren Talbot lived the quiet, retired life of a far-
mer, and while he never sought or obtained office, or
took an active part in public affairs, yet he was not
wanting in public spirit, and was as benevolent as his
He was a very energetic and
industrious man, one who attended strictly to his own
He was
means would allow.
affairs, and meddled with no other person’s.
conservative in his ideas, and was a Unitarian in relig-
ious belief. He lived far beyond the threescore and
ten years allotted as the span of life, and was prepared
and resigned when the hour and the summons came
for him to pass to the other shore. He died Aug.
13, 1882.
WARREN M. HOLMES.
Warren M. Holmes was born in Sharon, Mass.,
Nov. 12, 1810. He is the son of Benjamin and
Sarah (Morse) Holmes, and grandson of Zebulon
and Abigail (Sable) Holmes. This Zebulon was a
soldier in the war of the Revolution, and was a native
of Stoughton, but came from there to Sharon in the
early settlement of that town. His children were
Zebulon, born June 26, 1758; Abigail, born Jan.
11, 1760; Olive, born July 10, 1763; Olive (2),
born Jan. 17, 1766; Jesse, born May 18, 1768;
Benjamin, born Sept. 7, 1770; Mary, born Dee. 25,
LUZ:
Benjamin married, Nov. 7, 1796, Martha Talbot.
Their children were Lewis, born July 26, 1797;
Benjamin, born May 16, 1799, died May 20, 1804.
Mrs. Holmes died June 14, 1799. Benjamin mar-
ried, as his second wife, Sally Morse, Feb. 11, 1802.
Their children were Joseph; Martha, born Dee. 3,
1803; Benjamin (2), born Nov. 26, 1806; Warren
M., born Nov. 12, 1810; Hannah, born Sept.13,
1813. Benjamin Holmes died June 1, 1842. His
wife, Sally, died in September, 1846.
Warren married Lydia Norris, Feb. 26,1866. She
died without issue. He married, as his second wife,
Mrs. Eliza Sears, Dec. 15, 1872. They have no
children. Mr. Holmes has been surveyor of high-
He is one of the quiet,
| unobtrusive yeomanry of Sharon.
Hervey, born Aug. 2, 1842, and |
LUTHER MORSE, OF DEDHAM, ROXBURY, AND
SHARON.
The ancestry of Luther Morse is traced only in
Massachusetts, and the first of the family in America
474 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was Samuel Morse, of Dedham, who was born in |
England in 1585, came to New England in 1636, |
and after about a year’s residence at Watertown be- |
came one of the company of original settlers of the |
|
|
town of Dedham.
Samuel Morse was a Puritan, and as such was re-
quired to get a permit from the government before he |
could emigrate from England to America.
His wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Joseph, accompa-
nied him, and six other children soon joined them in
the new home.
John, the eldest of these, had a family of ten chil-—
dren, two of whom were probably born in England. |
He died at the age of forty-six. |
The sixth child of John was named Hara, which |
name was borne by the eldest son successively in this |
line until the seventh of the name, who died without
issue.
The first Ezra, born 1643, died 1697, was but
fourteen years old when his father died, but he pos-
sessed those conspicuous family traits,—good abilities,
a strong will, great energy, and therefore self-reliance. |
His patrimony, about fifty pounds, was doubtless care-
fully husbanded for him, as we find him on attaining
his majority joining two others in the purchase of a
mill at Dedham.
interest within a year, but, with one partner, he was
For some reason he sold out that |
soon building another mill, and a dozen years later
was largely extending his mill facilities in other parts
of the town. A portion of this kind of his property
continued in possession of his descendants for two
hundred years or more.
He married Joanna Hoare, and, although we find |
but eight children of this union recorded in the
‘Memorial of the Morses,” there is a tradition in the
family that Joanna was but twelve years old when |
married, that she gave birth to twenty-four children,
and that eighteen of them attained majority.
The second Ezra, born Jan. 28, 1671, died Oct.
17, 1760, was a captain of militia, and for a period of |
twenty-four years was deacon of the Second Church |
in Dedham.
He attained the age of eighty-nine |
years, eight months, and nineteen days. He had
four children, three of whom became heads of
families.
The third Hzra, born Dec. 12, 1694, died Dec. 23
1789, like his father became prominent as a military
|
man. He received a commission as “ Captain of the
third foot company in Dedham in the first regiment
of militia in the County of Suffolk, whereof Francis
Brinley, Esqr., is Colonel.” So reads the commission
issued to him by “ William Shirley, Esqr., Captain- |
General and Governour-in-Chief, in and over His |
| triotism, and combativeness.
-
Majesty’s Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England, &c.” It bears that Governor’s signature,
and is dated March 3,1745. In the same year Capt.
Morse and his wife, Anna, were received into the
church at Dedham. He died in 1789, as stated
above, at the ripe age of ninety-five years and eleven
days. Although he had but five children, there had
been two hundred and sixty-two descendants born to
him, of whom two hundred and sixteen survived
him.
The fourth Ezra, born March 26, 1718, died June
14, 1755. At twenty-two years of age he married
Bethia Lewis. At his death he left a widow with
four children, to which number a daughter was added
a few weeks later.
Col. Ezra Morse, the fifth to bear this full name,
but the seventh generation of the line in New Eng-
_ land, was born at Dedham, Sept. 17, 1741, and proba-
bly passed his minority in that town. In 1764 he
was married to Susanna Guild, and in the same year
paid a poll-tax in Sharon. The next year he paid
taxes in that town on real and personal property, but
probably sold out that year and removed to Dedham,
which was his home during the next nine years or
In 1775 he was again at Sharon, where the
records show that Ensign Morse was one of a commit-
tee appointed, Feb. 23, 1775, in Sharon, to raise
minute-men. He was styled Maj. Ezra Morse on the
Sharon tax-lists of 1781, and Col. Ezra Morse in
1787. In 1764, he married Susanna Guild, by whom
he had four sons and one daughter, viz., Ezra, Jr.,
more.
| Luther, Amos, Susanna, and Harford.
‘He was distinguished for high-mindedness, pa-
When the Continental
| army was organized he enlisted for the war, at the
close of which he commanded a regiment, and, on
the disbanding of the army, was entitled to prece-
dence in marching from the field. This honor he
exacted with cocked pistol of another colonel, who
attempted to supersede him. On his return he settled
upon a farm in Sharon, but his military habits con-
tinued through life, and the support denied him by
the new government was mainly furnished by the in-
dustry of his sons. In his will he left his farm to
his youngest son, Harford, for the maintenance of
| his widow.” [‘‘ Memorial of the Morses :” by Abner
Morse. |
The leading traits of the father’s character were
inherited by his sons, as also were the persevering
industry and thrift which distinguished their mother.
They were also endowed with strong constitutions
and great power of endurance.
Luther Morse, of Dedham, Roxbury, and Sharon,
2 eee
SHARON.
475
the second son of Col. Ezra, was born at Dedham,
Feb. 3, 1770.
The family removed to Sharon probably in 1775,
and there the home of the parents continued as long
as Col. Morse lived. During all that time the farm-
work was done by the sons, who also obtained other
employment at times, thus securing an income from
which they accumulated some money for future needs
or enterprises.
remained until 1836, except that during the war of
1812, when Boston was menaced by British war-
ships, the children and their mother were at Sharon
for a shorttime. But his investments at Ludlow and
| Granby were not disposed of at once, perhaps not for
years. Indeed, he bought some seventy acres of land
in Granby, probably as an investment, as late as 1821.
His brothers, Ezra and Lewis, were residing at
_ Roxbury when he removed there, and his sister soon
Luther performed his full share of the homestead ©
labors, and continued to do so as long as he remained
in Sharon. :
On the 1st day of February, 1798, he was married
to Mary, daughter of Zebulon and Abigail Holmes,
of Sharon. The next day his brother Amos was
married, and the two couples went, together, to
Granby, Mass., where Amos had previously bought a
farm.
In March, Luther bought an undivided half
of the farm, and the brothers carried it on for a time. ©
In April, 1801, we find he is a resident of Ludlow, |
and in November of that year he bought a farm, a |
part of which was on each side of the line between
Granby and Ludlow; also a twenty-acre lot in|
Granby. He appears to have had a penchant for |
trading, and bought and sold both farms and outlying
lots. But he did not neglect the cultivation of his
lands, for he always seemed to have a surplus of vari-
ous crops to sell, and rarely bought such things as
could be raised on his farm.
A daughter was born to him in 1799, and in Oc-
tober, 1802, twins were added to the family. But
|
the mother died, and one of the twins also. The >
| on the lot adjoining the old burial-ground at the
surviving twin was a son, Luther Morse, Jr.
Dec. 8, 1803, Luther Morse married Miss Eliza-
She
had been his housekeeper several months, and taken
care of the children also.
ding contract is well worth recording, viz., a solemn
compact was made that if either became disturbed or
incensed by the other, that other was to abstain from
beth Holmes, a younger sister of his first wife.
One fact about this wed-
all retort or any other manifestation of irritated
feeling; and it isa still more interesting fact that,
during their long lives, no altercation between them
was ever known to acquaintance, friend, or child, and
yet both were persons of very strong feelings and
after married Timothy Gay, and located near them.
Their father, as before stated, died in 1807, and by
his will left each of his elder children twenty dollars
in money, but the rest of his estate, including his
farm and whatever other property he left, was be-
queathed to his youngest child, Harford, for the
maintenance of his widow during the remainder of
her life.
Harford was then about nineteen years old, and,
being the youngest of the family, had been reared
He had not
been put to work on the farm to an extent that quali-
more tenderly than the elder children.
fied him to carry it on after it came into his hands.
But he was a fair scholar, and had a natural bent for
business. and a desire to be near and with his brother
and sister.
posed to his brothers to turn in the farm as common
stock, to be himself taught the business, and become
a partner in their firm.
A satisfactory arrangement was made, and in time
the firm-name appeared as Harford Morse & Co., of
which, Luther, Harford, and Amos Morse were the
After a short trial of farming, he pro-
members. Their factory was on Washington Street,
corner of Eustis Street. Their business was a grow-
ing one, and their trade extensive, they having cus-
tomers in many of the States, and some foreign trade.
A statement of accounts, including six months’ trans-
actions with a single firm at New Orleans, amounted
to more than two thousand three hundred dollars.
There were several cases where accounts were settied
strong wills, but also possessed of a strong sense of |
later, the City Hotel, at Roxbury, was bought by the
honor.
Some time in 1806-7, Luther and Amos Morse
engaged in the manufacture of soap at Roxbury, and
the family of Luther was removed from Ludlow to
Sharon temporarily, but on Dec. 3, 1807, he bought
a house and lot on Union (now Taber) Street, Rox-
bury, where the family was soon established, and there |
by receiving deeds of real estate, not only in Massa-
chusetts, but also in other New England States.
In some cases they bought estates as investments
when a good bargain was offered. As an instance,
‘the Zeigler property, which had been converted into
a public-house known as the Roxbury Hotel, and
firm in 1826, and held until the firm was dissolved
by the death of Harford, in 1830, and when, in order
to settle his estate, it was sold at auction in October,
1831. Luther and Amos Morse purchased it, and
the former continued to hold a claim upon it until
1842-45.
476
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The firm continued in business until 1829, when, |
in April, they sold the stock and tools on hand, and
leased their works to Messrs. Ammon Rodgers and
Benjamin F’. Campbell for a term of five years.
From that time until 1836, Luther Morse was busy
taking care of property of his own, and also of other
Beside this,
he did some business as administrator upon estates.
In 1835, accompanied by his family, he spent
several months in Sharon, and in the spring of 1836
property of which he was part owner.
removed there permanently, locating upon the old
“Tom Randall Farm,” situated about a mile from the
village, on the road leading from Sharon to Foxboro’, |
over Sharon Plain.
Foxboro’ road to Massapoag Pond, was a part of the
original Randall purchase, and had been held by
members of the Randall family from the first white |
owner down to that time, when it was in possession
of Mr. Horatio Gates Ware, of Boston, a grandson
of Benjamin Randall, Esq., builder of the present
substantial and rather stately dwelling upon it, which
was erected towards the end of the last century, but |
was renovated and furnished with the French roof and
the piazza only a few years ago.
In 1842-43, Luther Morse—associated with his
son Harvey—bought this estate, and there, in peace- |
ful and comfortable retirement, he passed the remain-
ing years of his life.
Mr. Morse was a man of rather stately presence,
about six feet in height, somewhat portly, but exceed-
ingly well-proportioned in figure, and of erect and
dignified carriage. His features indicated the strength
While
of character which distinguished the man.
This property, extending from |
|
}
\
|
his eyes were dark, he was not a dark-complexioned |
person.
stood out from his head as if to show the strong in-
His hair was rather fine, very thick set, and >
dividuality of the wearer; but although it turned |
gray at an early date, it never grew thin in any part.
He enjoyed the pleasures of the table, and was
what is called a liberal provider. His wife was his
faithful supporter in all good works, and never failed
Their
“Thanksgiving dinners” were feasts, including nearly
to make his table command his approval.
all the standard dishes of the time, the turkey and plum
pudding merely crowning the glory of the occasion.
Liberal to himself, he was equally so to his family,
to his friends, and the community. He was ever
ready to subscribe for the promotion of any good
work, or to assist in defeating any project which he
believed to be wrong.
While he was living at Roxbury, a movement was
started at Sharon to establish a fund, the income of
vantages of that town. Mr. Morse and his brothers
contributed to that object, and thus assisted in estab-
lishing what is known as the “ Sharon Friends’ School
Fund.”
At some time between 1825 and 1830, the busi-
ness of conveying passengers between Boston and
Roxbury was in the hands of a single company, who
were charged with fixing too high a price for the
service. Luther and Harford Morse, with a few
others, united in establishing a competing line, which
wrought a wholesome and a welcome change in both
the cost and accommodation to the public.
Originally, his political affinities were with the old
Republican party. In 1828 he supported Andrew
Jackson for President, and from that time to the end
of his participation in public affairs his sympathies
and votes were given to and for the Democratic party
of his time. He had no taste for public office, and
so far as the writer has been able to learn, never held
one; but he exerted his influence to secure the adop-
tion of measures which he approved, and the election
to office of men whose character, ability, integrity,
and known sentiments gave assurance that they would
_ conduct public business in the way he believed to
be right.
In theology his views were more practical than
theoretical in character. He never made any public
profession of religion, but held decided opinions upon
such matters. Prior to 1819-20 he, with his brother
Harford, owned and occupied a pew in the church of
the First Parish (afterwards Dr. Putnam’s) at Rox-
bury. When the building of the Universalist Church
at Roxbury was projected, Mr. Morse at once took
shares in the stock, and, later, bought two pews, and
from the time of the completion and occupation of
that building until his removal from Roxbury, he was
a regular attendant at the services.
During his long life he was singularly free from
the oft-recurring terms of sickness which so gener-
ally afflict men, but, when a little past fifty years of
_ age, he was stricken with paralysis, which, however,
which was to be applied to extending the school ad- |
affected his limbs chiefly. He was soon able to walk
again, but was ever after liable to fall over even a
In the summer of 1846
another stroke of paralysis came upon him, after which
he rarely attempted to walk, but he could read and
converse, and enjoyed the calls of his friends until the
end of the summer of 1848. On the first of Decem-
ber of that year he passed away, at the age of seventy-
eight years, seven months, and twenty-eight days, and
slight obstacle in his path.
his remains were deposited in the family tomb in what
was called the “ New Burial Ground,” just off War-
ren Street, above Dudley Street, Roxbury.
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WELLESLEY.
477
As before stated, Mr. Morse was twice married.
The second wife survived him about five years.
His children were: Mary Holmes, Luther, Jr.,
and his twin, David Lewis, Ezra Dwight, Harvey,
Leprelette, and Elizabeth Holmes, of whom Luther,
Jr., and the last three survived their father.
Mary Holmes died Sept. 6, 1847; married Amos
Cheney, of Cambridgeport, and had Mary Elizabeth
(died early), Caroline Mason (now Mrs, A.S. Bunker,
of Lawrence, Mass.), Artemas Fuller (Boston High-
lands), and Amos Parker (South Natick, Mass.).
Luther, Jr., married Julia Stacy, of Belchertown,
Mass., where he died, Oct. 28, 1850, without issue.
His twin died at birth.
David Lewis married Meria’ Jordan, of Dorches-
ter, and had Luther David, who died at six months ;
Ammon Rodgers, now at Elmira, N. Y. Died at
Sharon, Oct. 29, 1842.
Ezra Dwight died at Roxbury, Sept. 25, 1817,
less than ten years of age.
Harvey died unmarried, at Sharon, Aug. 10, 1883.
Leprelette married Mrs. Eunice (Lowe) Nason;
and, second, Mrs. Matilda (Colburn) Clark ; and died
without issue, July 7, 1882.
Elizabeth Holmes resides at Sharon, unmarried.
CHAPTER, XXX VEL,
WELLESLEY.
BY J. E. FISKE.
THE history of the town of Wellesley is necessarily
brief, as the town was incorporated so late as April
6, 1881. It was until that time, from 1711, a part
of the town of Needham, and previous to that time
its territory was included within the limits of the
town of Dedham.
From 1711 to 1774 there was but one parish in |
the town of Needham, but upon the continued
growth of the westerly part of the town, and after a |
contest about the relocation of the meeting-house,
which had been burned in 1773, it was finally voted
to allow the people in the westerly part of the town
to be free from further support of the church, “ pro-
vided they do proceed in building a meeting-house
and maintain preaching among them.”’
Two hundred pounds were at once raised by sub-
1 She always wrote her name thus spelled.—A. P. C.
|
|
scription, and a meeting-house was “ builded,” though
not finished for several years, and preaching was
“maintained,” though a settled ministry was not
established for more than twenty years. In 1778
the West Precinct was incorporated by act of
General Court.
Freedom in religious matters did not, however,
entirely satisfy the inhabitants of the westerly part
of the town, as very early efforts were made to
obtain separate political rights. A strenuous effort
was made in 1801, another in 1820, and other later
and well-remembered attempts have been made at
short intervals. In 1880 an appeal was made, with
almost absolute unanimity, by the inhabitants of the
west side, now grown to be a large and wealthy com-
munity, to the Legislature, and with so great force of
reason and argument that the petition was granted,
and the town was incorporated and named Wellesley.
Under the act of incorporation, Solomon Flagg,
town clerk of Needham for thirty years, and a warm
advocate of incorporation, called a meeting for the
organization of the town, and the following officers
were chosen (April 18, 1881): Moderator, George
K. Daniell; Town Clerk, Solomon Flagg; Town
Treasurer, Albert Jennings; Selectmen and Over-
seers of the Poor, Lyman K. Putney, Walter Hun-
newell, John W. Shaw; Assessors, George K. Daniell,
Joseph H. Dewing, Dexter Kingsbury ; School Com-
mittee, Joseph KH. Fiske (for three years), Benjamin
H. Sanborn (for two years), Marshall L. Perrin (for
one year).
At a subsequent meeting (April 30th) appropria-
tions were made for expenses, among others, eight
thousand dollars for schools, three thousand five hun-
dred dollars for highways and sidewalks, and it voted
that no licenses to sell intoxicating liquors should be
| granted.
These town officers have been retained in the elec-
tions which have followed, showing a very desirable
harmony.
“Under the act of incorporation, certain matters
were left for adjustment and settlement between the
parent town and Wellesley, which have all been satis-
factorily arranged, except the provision with regard to
the support of schools, which is now in the hands of
a commission.
In the autumn of 1882 it was voted by the town
to petition the Legislature to pass an act to allow the
town to introduce water for domestic and other pur-
poses, and a committee was chosen to examine into
the matter of water-supply, and report to the town.
The Legislature passed the act asked for, and the
committee, of which Judge George White was chair-
478
man, reported a plan to the town, advising pumping
water from the borders of Charles River, near the
northeasterly limit of the town, on or near land of
Charles Rice, into a reservoir upon Maugus Hill, and
thence distributing it substantially over the whole |
town. This report was accepted and full effect given
to it at a subsequent meeting (Dec. 22, 1883), at.
which meeting Albion R. Clapp was chosen water
commissioner for three years, William 8S. Ware, for
two years, and Walter Hunnewell, for one year.
This brings the political: history of the town to the
present writing at the close of the year 1883.
The name “ Wellesley,” pleasant from its euphony |
and agreeable from its association, is derived from the
Welles family.
Samuel Welles, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. |
H. H. Hunnewell, bought the place at the corner of
Washington Street and Pond road, then within the
limits of Natick, possibly as soon as 1750. This
place was occupied by him for many years as a farm
and summer home.
the neighboring towns, and at one time the present
town-farm of Wellesley.
He was succeeded in ownership by his nephew
He owned much real-estate in
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was a pioneer in the importation of blooded stock
from England, giving attention especially to Durham
stock in cattle, being in this and other kindred ways
of great value to his neighbors. He is remembered
by the older natives of Wellesley and Natick asa very
kindly neighbor, loaning them money in their needs,
never pressing for payment nor charging them ex-
orbitant interest, and encouraging them in the pur-
chase of property, aiding them by his experience and
means, having great resources in both.
He was a graduate of Harvard College of the class
_ of 1782, and a clear writer in the field in which he was
John Welles, who married his eldest daughter Abi- |
gail, whose maternal grandfather was Chief Justice
Pratt, of New York, a native of Norfolk County.
John Welles was the lineal descendant of Thomas
Welles (of royal English descent), who came over
with Lord Say and Sele, as private secretary, in 1636,
and was afterwards chosen one of the magistrates of
the Colony of Connecticut, its treasurer, Deputy
Governor, and finally Governor.
Samuel Welles, a graduate of Yale College (1707), |
a descendant of Governor Welles, married Hannah
Arnold, and removed to Boston, where his wife in-
most interested,—agriculture. He died at the advanced
age of ninety-one, Sept. 21, 1855, surviving his wife
_and cousin eleven years. His son-in-law H. H. Hun-
newell, now owning the Welles’ place, the son of Dr.
Walter Hunnewell, a good and respectable doctor of
Watertown, a graduate of Harvard University, 1787,
was born in 1810, and very early went to Paris to
engage in business in the firm of Welles & Company,
of which firm he became a member, remaining in
Paris till 1839, when he returned to Massachusetts,
making his summer residence at Wellesley, in the
‘“¢ Morrill House,” till 1852, when he erected his pres-
ent house. His estate is so well known, and has been
a prominent object of attraction in the town for so
many years, especially with those who take an interest
in horticultural matters, that any extended descrip-
It consists of
over four ‘hundred acres of land, of which some
thirty acres about the Mansion House, with as many
more connected with the cottages, are under a high
state of cultivation, and have been laid out and
planted by the proprietor with such success as to at-
tion of it would seem unnecessary.
tract the notice and receive the commendation of visi-
tors from every part of the country. There will be
herited large property, in the vicinity of Boylston |
Market, and where the State- House stands.
sons of Samuel (Samuel and Arnold) graduated from
The two |
found in the plantations all the choice new trees and
shrubs that have been introduced of late years, both
native and foreign, which have been found on trial to
Harvard College in 1745 and 1744, and appear |
_ sinctum on the easterly side of the place contains a
first in the Triennial Catalogue of the college, indi-
eating their very high social position.
The son of Arnold, Hon. John Welles, of the
house of J. and B. Welles, of Boston, and Welles &
Company, of Paris, bankers, was well known on both
continents as a successful and honest business man,
holding in Boston many responsible positions in bank-
ing, trust, and insurance organizations. Aside from his
purely business pursuits he was interested in scientific
farming and stock-raising, and in general agriculture.
He was a member of the Massachusetts House of
- Representatives and the Senate, and was one of the
first presidents of the City Council of Boston. He
stand the rigor of our New England climate, and the
large and valuable collection of coniferse from Cal-
ifornia and Europe, some of which are of large size
now and whose future growth will be watched with
much interest by those interested in the introduction
of ornamental trees into this part of the country for
the improvement of private or public gardens. Much
attention has been given to the cultivation of azaleas
_ and rhododendrons, which have been grown most suc-
|
cessfully in great numbers for many years, and are a
marked feature in the place, attracting the attention
of visitors, especially in early summer, by their gor-
geous flowers.
“eIydlopepLy oawsuop ‘sTOAg HT
3 2)
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LS)
‘"H JQ FONAGL
“i
“TWEAMANNAN
i
"SSVN SAF TSAIIEA
“VLydapellyg osvisuy ‘sPOAg “HOT
WELLESLEY.
479
One of the most novel and interesting features of |
the place is probably the Italian garden, a very fine
view of which is obtained from the upper terrace as
seen in the illustration we give. The mode of treat-
ment here adopted in growing trees is rarely seen to |
any extent in this country, though often met with
in Europe, and can only be successfully used when
circumstances are favorable and appropriate for its in- |
troduction in the decoration of gardens or public
parks. , Trees formally trained and clipped do not
harmonize with those growing naturally,and when
they are mingled together on a lawn they most de-
cidedly mar any attempt to enhance the beauty of the
landscape, but when seen as planted in the Italian
garden at Wellesley, in connection with the grand
water view, some most striking and interesting effects -
are produced by this style of gardening. Standing
on the upper terrace, seventy feet above the lake, the
spectator looks down on a sharp sloping piece of
ground, of over two acres, thrown into six terraces four
hundred feet long, each reaching down to the water’s
edge and planted with a large number of evergreen
trees pruned into a great variety of forms and deco-
rated with vases, balustrade and parapet walls.
The garden was prepared in 1854, and the planting
has been going on ever since, as trees of the required ©
character cannot be procured at the nurseries, and their |
growth is necessarily very slow, being cut back once
or twice every season to give them a compact and
dense appearance ; but many of them have already
attained a height of twenty to thirty feet, and are so
high as to excite the interest and admiration of every |
visitor. The trees which have been used in this gar-
den consist of white pines, Norway spruces, junipers,
retinosporas, larches, hemlocks, and arbor-vitees, and
hedges of the two latter, one hundred and fifty feet
long and ten to fifteen feet high, have not suffered in
our coldest winters, though they have a northern
exposure and the full force of our northwest winds
over the lake.
The labor in pruning is very great,
stagings having to be constructed to reach the tops of
the highest trees, and it must necessarily be largely
increased when the next generation sees them double
their present height.
The kindly generosity which has thrown open for
so many years to an admiring and grateful people
these beautiful gardens has shown itself in a more
marked manner even in the gift to the town of a beau- |
tiful park, library building stocked with books, and a
town hall by an indenture, of which the striking
points may be briefly given, in which Mr. Hunnewell |
expresses his desire to “ promote the prosperity of the |
town of Wellesley and the welfare and happiness of |
its inhabitants, and at the same time to advance the
cause of sound learning, education, and letters,” and
therefore conveys to the inhabitants of the town of
_ Wellesley a parcel of land of ten acres for a park, with
buildings erected or to be erected thereon, to be used
as a town hall and a public library, with the conditions
that the grounds may be entered upon and improved by
Mr. Hunnewell and the Wellesley Free Library Corpo-
ration, that the town shall keep in repair the buildings
and the park in order, and that no additions or alter-
ations shall be made without the consent of Mr.
Hunneweli or the Wellesley Free Library after his
death. ‘There is a further provision that the inhabit-
ants of the neighboring town of Needham may have
access to the library under certain restrictions.
The library has been in operation through the year
1883; has now over seven thousand books on its
_ shelves, and a list of eight hundred takers.
Mr. Hunnewell has also provided by his indenture
a fund of twenty thousand dollars for the care of the
grounds and library.
The town of Wellesley is rectangular in shape,
though somewhat irregular, being about four and one-
half miles in length and about two and one-quarter in
| width.
Its neighbors on the south are Needham and Dover,
on the east the “ Garden City,’ Newton, on the north
| Weston, and on the west Natick.
Charles River flows along its entire eastern boun-
dary and for a short distance along its southwesterly
limit.
The Boston and Albany Railroad runs through the
town from east to west, with stations at Rice’s Cross-
ing, Wellesley Hills, Wellesley, and Lake Crossing,
and at the terminus of the Newton Branch at the
Lower Falls. The excellent service of this road, the
cheap fares and quick transit, with promised improve-
ments, combined with many natural attractions and
_ advantages, make this a popular residential town for
Boston business men and persons of literary tastes and
refined leisure.
The town, and more particularly the village of
Wellesley Hills, has a wide reputation for healthful-
ness, owing in great measure to its elevation, combined
with the dryness of its soil and freedom from all mala-
rial and other unhealthful tendencies, and has been
the resort for many years, by the advice of the best
physicians, for persons afflicted with pulmonary com-
plaints. The charm of the town of Wellesley consists
| in its refined rural atmosphere, its pleasant homes, its
delightful drives and its beautiful landscape scenery,
and no enlarged description of its enchanting outlooks,
its elegant residences, its public buildings, its hills and
480
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
vales, its calm waters and rugged ledges can be other-
wise than futile and unsatisfactory. The main strect,
named for our first President, and noticed with favor
by Washington when he made his tour, in 1789, as a
“ good road,” affords a notable drive, much of the way
arched with trees, passing through our three villages,
rising first to a view of the valley of the Charles,
which all admire and artists love, by churches of va-
rious architecture and varied beliefs, with hills near
and remote, crowned with villas of the wealthy, and
woods stretching interminably apparently to the west |
and north, with Nonantum behind and Maugus by
our side, to suggest to us romances of Indian life, and
excite our sympathy for the sufferings of the red
men, by the former home of W. G. T. Morton, the
discoverer of that greatest of boons to human sufferers,
sulphuric ether, by the colleges the monument more
enduring than brass, of Henry F. Durant, by the
beautiful Lake Waban, Lake of the Wind, named for
Eliot’s first convert, by the elegant villas of the Hun-
newells to the limits of the busy town of Natick.
Two conduits of the Boston Water-Works mar the
landscape in general, but in a few places, as the long
viaduct across Waban Brook, the gate-houses at either
end of the siphon on the new works, and the bridge
across the Charles on the old, add beauties of archi-
tecture to the natural scenery.
Loeal historic associations are not numerous, and are
mainly connected with Indian names and history.
Maugus Hill, named for an Indian called Magos,
of whom but little is known, save that he deeded
land about Mauegus Hill to the town of Dedham in
1681.
Wellesley Hills for a short time, was also the name of
an Indian who transferred his claim to the tract of
land of which Wellesley was a part to the inhabitants
of the town of Dedham, and many other names pre-
served in names of organizations and in names of
farms and country-seats.
The “ Hundreds,” already become the fashionable
location for residences, was named from the amount of
land in the divisions of the country, including the
present village of Wellesley Hills, the tract of wood-
land now known as the Hundreds, the school-farm of
Dedham, and Needham Leg, about three thousand
five hundred acres in all. What is now the village
of Wellesley Hills was included almost wholly in the
tract of land assigned to Capt. Daniel Fisher, of Ded-
ham, who took Sir Edmund Andros by the collar
and drew him from his place of refuge back to Fort
Hill in the Rebellion of 1689. This division of land
was made in 1699.
There are many local associations which in a town
Nehoiden, the name of the post-office at |
history would be in place as of interest which cannot
find room here.
The historical associations with the names of the
residents of Wellesley are numerous and interesting,
and should they be freely chronicled would embrace
in their narration the most important events in
American history.
Probably Andrew Dewing was the first settler with-
in the town limits of Wellesley, and erected a garrison-
house about 1660. This name we find preserved in
local and military history, the name is found in the
list of Revolutionary soldiers, and one of the family
was in the war of the Rebellion, the present assessor
of that name.
The Fullers, always one of the most influential
families of the place, derive their origin from Thomas
Fuller (a member of whose family very early built a
house near the town line), a representative to the
General Court as early as 1686, whose son was
wounded in the Narraganset war, and whose descend-
ants were conspicuous in the earlier and later wars
and in civil life as well,— William, Henry A., Warren,
and Andrew serving in the war of the Rebellion.
The Wares, another well-known family, have always
had their representatives in church, town, and military
matters, one of whom has left a very valuable journal
of his journey to Quebec under Arnold, in 1776.
The Kingsburys, descendants probably of Joseph
Kingsbury, of Dedham, furnished one of their num-
ber as captain of a company which fought at the battle
of Lexington, and a noble child of the house, Wil-
liam H., died in the last war, while Dexter .has held
town offices for many years.
The Mills, one of whom was killed (and the only
one living within the limits of Wellesley who was
killed) in the Lexington fight, and the Smiths freely
represented in the Revolutionary and Rebellion con-
tests; Daniel, the first deacon of the West Needham
Church, represented in all places of honor and works,
with a female ancestor captured and scalped by the
Indians and the last with us well known as legislator,
moderator, and assessor; the Flaggs, synonym for
town officer; Fiskes, old residents of the Leg, and
builders of our best old homes, now represented by
the present chairman of the school committee, and
a captain of artillery in the late war; the Stevens,
faithful and true, one of whom died in the wretched
Libby prison, at Richmond; the Jennings, ancestors
of our present town treasurer, whose first American
ancestor was killed in a Pequot fight, 1633; the
Slacks, later but influential through the influence of
Squire Benjamin Slack, the last generation repre-
sented by Capt. C. B. Slack in the war of the Re-
L. H. Everts, Engravy
, Philadelphia.
ITALIAN GARDEN
ON THE GROUNDS OF H. H. HUNNEWELL,
WELLESLEY, MASS.
nap re Lae)
“
eee
WELLESLEY.
481
bellion ; the Lyons, eminent as manufacturers and |
farmers, with two of the family on the muster-roll of
the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment ; the Hunt-
ings, descendants of John Hunting, the first elder of |
the Dedham Church, with three of the last generation
in the late war,—Willard dying in prison, all have
done their share in honest faithful work to enhance
the reputation of their town and make the world |
better for their living in it.
Though the town is not a manufacturing town, |
there are several factories of consequence from their
antiquity as well as from the amount of business
which they do. Aslong ago as 1704 Benjamin Mills
located a saw-mill about where the Dudley Hosiery
Mill now stands and below a natural dam which was
enlarged by rude additions. Hissons joined him, and
other mills followed. Below, at the site of the shoddy |
mill of Richard Sullivan, Ephraim Jackson first es- |
tablished his business, followed by William Hoogs.
The present larger manufactories are the hosiery |
mills, the paper mills of Mr. Rice, the shoddy mill |
of Mr. Sullivan, and the chemical factory of Billings
& Clapp at the Lower Falls, the shoe-factory of |
Tucker & Son at Wellesley, and the paint-factory of |
Mr. Woods, whose production of colors have increased
from six pounds to six tons per day.
The Educational Institutions.—The earliest
schools for many years were probably taught in pri-
vate homes whenever it was most convenient, but the
first house built for that purpose was probably erected
in 1728 by William Chubb, by subscription, costing
thirty-one pounds ten shillings, and stood about where
_ were Joseph Daniell and William Bigelow.
Mrs. G. W. Shaw’s house now stands, Wellesley |
Hills.
The first school-house in Wellesley Village |
stood near where Mr. Solomon Flagg’s barn now is, |
and several school-houses in succession have been |
built on the same site in the North District. At pres-
ent there is one high school with forty-eight scholars
S. Atwood, settled Oct. 23, 1856, dismissed Sept. 21,
and three teachers; three grammar schools, three in-
termediate, three primary, and one ungraded school at
Unionville, all containing about three hundred and |
seventy-five scholars.
There have been several private schools in the his-
Churches and Parishes.—After the incorporation
of the ‘“ West Precinct,” already alluded to, the pov-
erty engendered by the war proved a serious impedi-
ment in the way of church advancement ; and it was
_ not till after 1797 when eighteen families were added
to the parish by the annexation of a part of Natick
by act of the Legislature, that the inhabitants felt
strong enough to institute a church organization.
The church was formally ‘“ embodied” Sept. 6,
1798, with ten members. Mr. Thomas Noyes, a na-
tive of Acton, son of one of the Acton men in the
Concord fight, a graduate of Harvard College (1795),
was ordained July 10, 1799.
The only descendants of Mr. Noyes living in
Wellesley are a granddaughter, Mrs. F. M. E. White,
wife of Hon. George White, judge of probate of
Norfolk County, with their three children. He
was pastor till July 9, 1833. The first deacons
His suce-
cessor was Joseph W. Sessions, ordained Oct. 2, 1833,
dismissed May 31, 1842; succeeded, Oct. 6, 1842,
by Rev. Harvey Newcomb, dismissed July 1, 1846;
Andrew Bigelow, July 7, 1847, to Feb. 2, 1853; A.
R. Baker, Jan. 1, 1856, dismissed 1861; George G.
Phipps, Jan. 23, 1868, dismissed April 1, 1878; P.
D. Cowan, April 9, 1879, the present pastor.
The church building was renewed and dedicated
Jan. 1, 1835, and this building was sold and a new
one erected in 1868, the old building having been
moved and presented by Charles B. Dana to Wellesley
College, and named Dana Hall.
The church at Wellesley Hills (Grantville) was
built in 1847, and the church was organized Feb. 24,
1847, with thirty members. John Batchelder and
Reuel Ware were chosen deacons, and Rey. Harvey
Newcomb was installed as pastor Dec. 9, 1847, and
dismissed Noy. 8, 1849; Rev. William Barrows, set-
tled Aug. 22,1850, dismissed Jan. 22, 1856; Edward
1864; Charles H. Williams, settled July 25, 1867,
dismissed Dec. 29, 1868 ; James M. Hubbard, settled
Dec. 29, 1868, dismissed Jan. 13, 1874; J. L. Har-
ris, settled June 18, 1874, dismissed Dec. 21, 1875;
tory of the town, one kept by W. H. Adams, of more |
than local repute, about 1846 to 1852; one by Miss
Thayer about 1820.
The preparatory school of the |
Misses Eastman, with seventy scholars and a corps |
of fourteen teachers, with large accommodations, has
a most promising career before it. A small private
family school is kept at Wellesley Hills, by Miss |
Chesboro ; but, of course, the crowning educational
jewel and the pride of our town is Wellesley College, |
Jonathan Edwards, settled March 1, 1876, the pres-
ent pastor. The church was remodeled in 1877.
The Grantville Unitarian Society was gathered in
December, 1869, and engaged Rey. A. B. Vorse to
preach to them. He has continued as their preacher
to the present time.
In February, 1871, the society purchased Maugus
Hall, and have continued its use as their chapel.
The Catholic Church, near the Lower Falls, was
which deserves and receives an extended description. | opened for services April 18, 1875, and dedicated by
51
482
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Archbishop Williams May 8, 1881. Rev. Michael
Dolan has been its pastor to the present date. |
A Methodist Church was built on Pine Plain, now |
known as Unionville, in 1800, and preaching, largely ©
by circuit ministers, was had for over forty years.
George Pickering was the first preacher, a man of |
power and fame in his later ministry. There are |
many reminiscences of preachers, sermons, and reli-_
gious harmony and quarrels, which can find no room
here.
The first post-office in the town was established in —
1830, with Charles Noyes, son of Parson Noyes, as |
postmaster, in a little shop where the postmaster con-
ducted his business, that of an optician. The mail
was brought once in two days, by the Uxbridge stage, |
and known as West Needham Post-office. It is now |
known as Wellesley, and, with W. H. Flagg as _post-
master, has an average of one thousand letters per
day to deliver.
The post-office at Wellesley Hills was established as —
Grantville, in November, 1851, with W. H. Adams |
as postmaster, and was kept in his house, in which
was also a school. It is now kept by Miss Mary P.
Austin, with an average of two hundred letters dis-
tributed daily.
Meridian Lodge of Masons was organized at the
_ Lower Falls, in a hall in a building owned by John
Pulsifer ; declined in anti-Masonic days ; was removed
_ to Natick, where it is now a flourishing lodge.
- Sincerity Lodge of Odd-Fellows was organized in
1875 in Wellesley, and is now in excellent condition,
with (1883) Freeman Phillips as chief officer and
sixty-four members.
The Wellesley Soldiers’ Club, George H. Robbins
- commander, composed of soldiers who served in the
late war, succeeded Grand Army Post No. 62, and
has about twenty-five members.
Very much matter which would naturally be looked
for in a work like this respecting early history will
be found in the history of the town of Needham,
while numberless historical memoranda of great local
interest and of great interest to families and individ-
uals are necessarily shut out from want of space and
the general character of the work.
VIEW OF WELLESLEY
CHAPTERS XXXVITI
WELLESLEY— (Continued).
WELLESLEY COLLEGE.
BY REV. D. S. RODMAN.
As an illustration of one of the developments in
the intellectual life of our country Wellesley College
stands pre-eminent and worthy of note. It was
founded by a single individual for the higher educa-
COLLEGE.
tion of women. Its first corner-stone laid only thir-
teen years ago (1871), it already contains the largest
_ number of students in any college for young women
in the world.
It is in a location which, for suitableness and influ-
ence, it would be difficult to surpass; has buildings
unexcelled for convenience and beauty; a body of
trustees composed of some of the most prominent
WELLESLEY.
483
friends of education in the land; libraries containing
more than twenty-five thousand volumes, to which large
additions are constantly made; scientific apparatus
and other appliances of most approved construction ;
and what is far more important, an able corps of
professors and teachers; class-rooms affording illustra-
tions of great principles and methods in education,
God.
_ question.
and four hundred and eighty students eager to avail —
themselves of the highest advantages the institution
can offer.
The Founder.—Henry Fowle Durant, the founder —
of the college, was born in Hanover, N. H., Feb. 20,
1822.
fifteen, and was graduated in 1841. Having studied
He entered Harvard College at the age of
such business connections as might afford him means
for beneficent objects, confronting the question, ‘‘ How
can I best serve God in my day and generation ?”
In his wife he had a noble Christian inspirer,
helper, and friend. Their wealth was consecrated to
How best to use it in his service was the
He now carefully studied the various
forms of benevolent efforts, and moved among men
an observer of society and its many needs.
The decision was finally made to found an institu-
With
this new purpose Mr. Durant’s native gifts, intense
nature, energy of will, sound judgment, keen percep-
tion, persistency of purpose, his executive ability,
tion of Christian learning for young women.
EAST LODGE.
law, he was admitted to the bar in 1843. Eminently
gifted with the talents that insure success, he soon
became a lawyer of lucrative practice and fame. In
1854 he was united in marriage to Pauline Adeline
Fowle, daughter of Col. John Fowle, late of the
United States Army.
While in the prime of life and in a career of bril-
liant achievement, his son, a boy eight years old, of
fine promise and beautiful character, suddenly died
(1863). This event, under the influence of God’s Holy
Spirit, changed the governing purpose and direction
of his life. With characteristic decision he became
the man of Christian spirit and endeavor. He relin-
quished his practice at the bar, and retained only
literary and cultivated taste, all were brought into
requisition, and indicated the man for the work, the
work for the man. The magnificent institution at
Wellesley is the result.
‘“ Never,” says Dr. Howard Crosby, ‘“ was any great
institution more completely the work of one man.
To Mr. Durant belongs the credit of the plan and
the execution, as well as the pecuniary gift.”
Location.— Wellesley College is situated on the
banks of Lake Waban, in Wellesley, about one mile
from the railway station. The grounds comprise
three hundred and thirty-one acres of meadow and
wood land, of lawn and glade, with a mile of frontage
on the lake.
484
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The commonly-used entrance, one-half a mile from |
the station, is marked by a lodge and gateway of great |
beauty. The lodge is of the Elizabethan style, built
of irregular rubble work of granite in various colors, |
supported on the lowest floor by a colonnade of ten
with trimmings of Nova Scotia freestone. Passing
through the gateway, you enter an avenue bordered |
with elms.
by a circuitous way, you have glimpses of Simpson
Sweeping through an evergreen grove |
Cottage on an elevation upon the right; of Stone |
Hall, a massive pile of brick, upon the left. Skirt-
ing an old forest of oaks, you pass the College of
Music, and soon reach the main building on a rising
knoll, overlooking the waters of the lake.
On the 18th of August, 1871, the first stone of
these foundations was laid at the extreme northeast |
corner by Mrs. Durant. On the 14th of September,
Mrs. Durant also laid the corner-stone at the north- |
west corner. This was done without public ceremo-
nial, but in a manner characteristic of the spirit of
the founders, and significant of the principles that
actuated them and of the designs that were to be
carried out.
The Main Building.—This, the first in construc- |
tion, is in the form of a double Latin cross. The
leneth is four hundred and seventy-four feet. To
this is added a building containing gymnasium, laun-
dries, and kitchens, extending one hundred and twenty-
five feet. The width of the wings is one hundred and
seventy feet.
points extending into five, the whole crowned with a
mansard roof, and set off with spires, towers, bays,
porches, and pavilions. The architecture is in the
style of the Renaissance.
There are in the main four stories, at —
exhibition, but to place them where they would con-
|
place of intersection, opens loftily up seventy feet to
a glass roof that surmounts this central space, thus
distributing the cheery light through all the corri-
dors. Around this space at every story run galleries
polished Hallowell granite columns, which are sur-
mounted by foliated marble capitals, and on the
floors above by fluted iron columns with Corinthian
capitals.
Around this area at the several stories are balus-
trades of different ornamented patterns, and finished in
a varied and attractive style. From above the ob-
_ server looks down upon an immense jardiniére on the
The material is brick, laid in black mortar, with
Nova Scotia freestone trimmings. The main parti-
tion walls throughout the building are of brick, with
fire-proof floors in the library and chapel.
dows are varied in size and form; the window-heads
semi-circular, with flat arches. The ends of the arms
The win- |
lowest floor that rises from a mosaic of marble tilings.
This is of graceful, irregular outline, filled with earth
and planted with palms, tree-ferns, and tropical flora
in rich luxuriance.
This entrance hall and the many corridors to the
topmost story are enriched with paintings, engravings,
sketches, casts, and statuary. Among these are the
famous “Gibraltar” of R. Swain Gifford, a marine
painting by Arthur Quartley, a flower piece by Mario
Nuzzi (1603-1673), “The Cumeean Sybil” by Ved-
der, and other paintings and sketches by Kennett,
Bellows, Parsons, Magrath, Ellen Robbins, Edward
Frere, Otto Gunther, Zangower, Keith, Bristol,
Head, Smiley, Hart, Lambinet, and others.
It was the wish and good judgment of Mr. Durant
not to seclude these in an art gallery only for special
stantly educate taste, awaken thought, and render this
temporary home more beautiful and attractive.
The broad and central stairways with their carved
balustrades of ash and treads of oak, the floors of oiled
cherry, are examples of the thoroughness of the con-
struction of the whole building. The stairways in
the east and west wings are similar to the central.
The halls and corridors correspond on every floor.
|The whole arrangement is on the simplest plan and in
of the cross are carried up in pavilions and covered |
with French roofs, the whole producing an irregular
but harmonious exterior
finical, substantial but not unwieldy. Dignity, grace,
and repose are the general effect.
The main entrance is through a porte-cochere,
or portico of Nova Scotia freestone. This is sup-
ported by twelve massive pillars of the same material.
Over the portal is the monogram, “I. H.S.”
The central hall is one hundred and seventy feet in
length and sixty feet in width. This is crossed at right
angles by a corridor that extends a distance of four
hundred and seventy-four feet, meeting a like corri-
dor and opening in each wing.
that is beautiful but not |
the most convenient form for access.
The interior wood-finish is of western ash. The
students’ rooms are in suites of a bedroom and parlor,
occupying a space about twenty by fourteen feet, and
intended for two. They vary in form and size, are
cheerful and pleasant, more than half looking out
upon the lake and having a southern exposure, the
others fronting the avenue that approaches the col-
lege. A few larger parlors with two bedrooms accom-
modate three or four pupils. There are also a few
single rooms. Pretty carpets are upon the floors.
The furniture is of black walnut.
This hall, at the —
On the right of the main entrance is the ‘ Brown-
ing room,” and on the left are the “ reception-room”’
WELLESLEY.
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COLLEGE LIBRARY.
and the general office.
first floor, is the library.
seventy-seven feet in size.
beauty of proportions, convenience for study, and
wealth of material.
tractive room for treasures “‘ both new and old.”
In the eastern end, upon the
This room is fifty by
It is characterized by
To the scholar it is a most at-
It is estimated that there is shelf-room for fifty
thousand volumes. It already contains twenty-five
thousand, all easily accessible and well catalogued. |
The lower alcoves are furnished with chairs and tables,
Those above are reached by
The entire finish is in black
This room is intended to be fire-proof, and
as in the main room.
three spiral stairways.
walnut.
is separated from the main building by doors of iron.
The suite of rooms belonging to the president, and
the young ladies’ parlor, are at this end of the build-
ing.
The chapel is a fine audience-room, directly over
the library. There is seating capacity for six hun-
dred and fifty. A gallery extending the width of
the room is entered from third floor. This room
is finished in black walnut, and richly frescoed.
Ornamental trusses interlaced over the chancel sup-
port the roof. Transverse beams divide the ceiling
into panels, which are handsomely frescoed.
In the rear of the platform is a memorial window,
consisting of two pictures made by Berkhart, at
Munich, and presented to the college by Governor
and Mrs. William Claflin, in memory of a daughter
who died in Rome.
In the western end, on the first floor, is the dining-
hall.
fifty.
eighteen arched windows.
domestic hall that is specially fitted to facilitate the
This will accommodate three hundred and
It is finished in hard wood, and lighted by
It communicates with the
domestic work. The appointments in this part of the
building are of a complete and finished character.
The laundry is furnished for cleansing and drying
clothes by steam. Excellent facilities, in a separate
room, are provided for young ladies who wish to do
their own laundry-work.
The building is warmed by steam. Fresh air is
constantly admitted into the basement; heated by
contact with steam-radiators, charged with moisture
by the addition of a prescribed quantity of steam, it is
distributed through the building. Every study-parlor
has its separate flue, and the register enables the occu-
pant to regulate the heat at her pleasure. It is gen-
erally conceded that there is no public building in the
The building
country better warmed and ventilated.
‘
486 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
is lighted by gas, manufactured upon the college prem- | tion. Its fine proportions, exquisite symmetry, the
ises, and conducted into every room. German student- | response of the interior to the expectations awakened
lamps are also furnished for every study-parlor. Water | by the exterior, the excellence of its general plan, the
is supplied in great abundance from four artesian wells. refined nicety of its details, the elegance and sim-
Hot and cold water is provided in every part of the _ plicity that characterize it throughout the combination
building. Bathing-rooms are at convenient points in | of so many fine qualities make the adaptation to its
every story. A steam passenger-elevator is in use destined use almost perfect. It is justly considered
day and evening. The drainage, natural and arti- | the master-piece of Mr. Hammatt Billings, Boston’s
ficial, is faultless. ablest architect.
Four years were occupied in the erection of this On Sept. 8, 1875, this building was opened with
building. All was done under the constant and three hundred students. This faculty was represented
scrutinizing supervision of Mr. Durant. He spared by Miss A. L. Howard as president, associated with
neither expense nor effort to secure the utmost pos- twenty-nine professors and teachers.
sible degree of excellence in all its appointments. The A charter had been obtained, in 1870, from the
best materials and the most thorough workmanship | State. The establishment of such an institution in
were everywhere made a first consideration. this part of the country, unique 10 conception, high in
More than seven millions of brick, and twenty miles of | aim, Christian and progressive in spirit, reasonable in
steam, water, and gas-pipes were used in the construc- | expense, fully equipped by one individual, marked an
era in the history of
education. It proved
a great incentive
throughout the land,
and indeed throughout
the world.
The fifth year (1879-
80) opened with three
hundred and seventy-
five students, and the
sixth (1880-81) with
three hundred and
seventy-two. There
bs ie ie
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CH were more applicants
a
than could be received.
It was evident that
other buildings must
be erected.
Dana Hall, a build-
ing in the village that
had been presented to
the college by C. B.
Dana, was filled by members of the teachers’ class, and by graduates.
Stone Hall.—At this juncture Mrs. Valeria G. Stone, of Malden, Mass., gave
one hundred thousand dollars to the college, to be expended in the erection of a
building for teachers, to be called ‘ Stone Hall.”
The corner-stone was laid May 27, 1880; and in September, 1881, it was opened
'-/ to the reception of students. This building is of three stories, its walls of brick, and orna-
STONE HALL.
> mented with terra-cotta. The interior partitions are of brick without wood furrings. The
external walls are vaulted with eight-inch spaces; and the corridor walls are built with flues
for ventilation and heating ; the latter communicating with hot-air chambers in the basement.
It is arranged for a family of one hundred students, all having separate apartments. There are four din-
ing-rooms, a kitchen, and laundry. It has a parlor and reception-room, and is intended to provide all the
requisites of a home. Stone Hall occupies the entire summit of a knoll overlooking the lake.
College of Music.—The increasing demands for greater facilities in the study and practice of music
|
|
|
|
with four hundred and fifty students. The
WELLESLEY. 487
ae
led to the erection of Music Hall. The expense was
incurred by Mr. Durant. The corner-stone was laid
tages have been designed, in which those who prefer
may find quiet, and at the same time enjoy all the
June 10, 1880, and it was opened for use in Juue, advantages of the institution.
1881. It is of brick, contains thirty-eight
music-rooms for practice, with a hall for
choral singing. The floors are deafened :
double partition-walls, with double doors,
are designed to prevent the transmission of
sound between the rooms.
The seventh year (1881-82) opened
erection of Stone Hall and the College of
Music, with the occupancy of Wabau Col-
lege, rendered this number possible.
This year (1881) was rendered painfully
memorable in the history of the college by
the death of its founder. From the begin-
ning of the undertaking his cares had been
unremitting, his labors great and incessant.
With untiring energy he had devoted
himself night and day to the most minute
details incident to the foundation and
establishment of a great seat of learning. Not
only during all the work of planning and construc-
tion, but for the six years between the opening of
the college and his death, he gave the whole strength
of soul, mind, and body to it. The result was inevi-
table, that so putting his life into the college, he should
lay down his life for it. He died at Wellesley, Oct.
3, 1881, ten years after the laying of the first corner-
stone. He had lived to see, if not the full accomplish-
ment of his purpose, yet more than is given to most
men to see of the fruit of his labors. He had seen an
idea dear to him take root, gather material forces
around it, emerge from the darkness, make itself
known, recognized, felt, a power in the world for
good. His loss was deeply felt in every department.
The inspiration of his presence, his unwearied interest,
his constant thoughfulness are daily missed.
Miss Howard having resigned, Miss Alice E. Free-
man was appointed president.
Cottage System.—It being the aim of the college
to provide for its students the best environments as
well as the best instruction within its power, two
systems, each having peculiar advantages, were se-
lected. The founder erected at great expense one of
the most convenient and beautiful buildings for edu-
cation in the world, within whose walls can be col-
lected three hundred and fifty teachers and students,
and as many conveniences for study and improve-
ment as can well be grouped together under one roof.
But knowing that some find the strain and tension
incident to intercourse with so many too great, cot-
COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
Simpson Cottage was erected on one of the fine
sites within the grounds, at a cost of about twenty-
five thousand dollars. It was the gift of Mr. M. H.
Simpson, in memory of his wife, who was an earnest
friend, and one of the trustees, of the college. It
was opened in September, 1882; will accommodate
twenty-three students and a teacher.
It is the design to group around the main build-
ing or in its vicinity—as soon as means are furnished
—other similar cottages; each, as far as its home-life
is concerned, to be a distinct establishment, with its
dining-room, kitchen, and parlors; to be under the
care of a lady of refinement and culture; where stu-
dents will have even more than the quietness of an
ordinary home.
The eighth year (1882-83) opened with four hun-
dred and eighty-five students from thirty-nine States
and countries. -
The requirements for admission for the next year
were greater than in any previous year. The prepa-
ration of applicants has been of better quality year by
year.
The total number admitted this year (1883-84) is
five hundred and four.
The college, during these nine years, has given in-
struction to eighteen hundred and six students.
They have been from every State in the Union
except one (Nevada), and from Micronesia, Sand-
wich Islands, India, Turkey, Siam, Japan, Chili,
Mexico, Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Bruns-
wick.
488
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
There have been graduated in 1879, 18; 1880, | Tt is still the aim of those who control that here
41; 1881, 23; 1882, 28; 1883, 50; total, 160.
Twenty-four students have entered upon work in
the home and foreign mission fields, and many more
are engaged in teaching or are holding other positions
of influence in various parts of the world.
The price of board and tuition (including heating
and light), at first two hundred and fifty dollars per
annum, has been necessarily raised to two hundred
and seventy-five dollars. There are twenty-four
scholarships of five thousand dollars each, the income
from which is appropriated to aid-deserving students,
under the direction of the Students’ Aid Society.
More than ten thousand dollars were thus applied
during the past year (1882-83). The library has a
fund of fifty thousand dollars. Funds are needed to
retain the present low rate of board and tuition, to
endow professorships, to purchase apparatus, to erect
cottages for homes, a laboratory building, and an ob-
servatory.
The property of the college and its administration |
art, science, and religion shall do their utmost to
form Christian character, and impart to it wisdom,
the best Christian influences.
are vested in a board of trustees, chartered as a per-_
petual legal corporation, under the name of Wellesley |
College.
evangelical denominations, several universities, col-
leges, and theological seminaries, the leading foreign |
missionary societies in the country, laity and clergy,
ladies and gentlemen.
Rey. Noah Porter, D.D., LL.D., is president of
the board of trustees; Rev. Howard Crosby, D.D.,
LL.D., vice-president ; Mrs. Henry F. Durant, treas-
urer; Professor EK. N. Horsford is president of the
board of visitors.
three officers of government and instruction. There
are fifty-three resident professors and teachers. Alice
E. Freeman, Ph.D., is the president.
The plan and methods of education pursued are
based upon certain important features, the most
prominent of which are:
1. The supreme importance of the moral character.
2. Health.
3. The highest development of the intellect com-
patible with health.
4. The practical usefulness of the individual.
5. The inexpensiveness of the course.
Christian Influence.—It was the unswerving de-
termination of the founder that the college should be
distinctively a Christian college.
never have been laid by him if this object could not |
have been secured.
stone spanning the entrance, and that which rises
above the highest pinnacle of the noble pile, are only
slight evidences, among many, of this purpose.
The trustees are selected from the various
The faculty consists of seventy- |
| 1674 or 1675.
i
/ married Hannah Adams at Sherborn.
_ strength, and beauty.
The college therefore seeks Christian teachers, and
It has arranged its
curriculum so that, while it shall provide for the
highest intellectual acquisition, it shall at the same
time impart religious knowledge in a positive and
practical manner, that its students may have some-
_ thing more than a sentimental basis for religious con-
victions.
Prominence is given to the study of the word and
works of God as the true basis of the higher edu-
cation.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EMERY FISK.
Emery Fisk, born in Framingham, in the State of
Massachusetts, Feb. 27, 1803, was a descendant of
| Robert and Sybil (Gold) Fiske or Fisk, who lived at
Broad Gates, Loxfield, Framingham, Suffolk County,
England, whose son or grandson, David, with two
nephews and their mother, came to Watertown about
1636, and there settled. David went to Wenham,
and his descendants are to be found in Northeastern
Massachusetts and in New Hampshire towns.
Nathan, one of the nephews, married Susanna
He was one of the selectmen of Watertown in about
His fourth son, Nathaniel, was born
July 12, 1653, and in 1677 married Mary Childs.
Their son Nathaniel was born June 9, 1678, and
Their third
son, Moses, born June 29, 1713, married Mehitable
Broad, of Needham, April 11, 1745. Their son
Moses, born 1746, married (1775) to Sally :
settled in Natick (Needham Leg) upon their mar-
Their son Moses, the father of Emery, was
riage.
born Jan. 4, 1776, and married Sybil Jennison, of
Hillsborough, N. H., May, 1801, and settled in
Framingham, where they remained till Emery, their
oldest son, was fourteen, when they removed to Wes-
Its foundation would |
The cross carved into the key- |
ton, having purchased the Abijah Fisk farm. After
remaining here one year the family removed to
Natick, purchasing a farm, bordering upon Dug and
Long Ponds, of Calvin Fisk, a cousin of the head of
the family. When about eighteen years of age
Emery left home to carry on the farm of Chester
Adams, and, upon Col. Adams removing to Dedham,
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WELLESLEY.
489
he left him for the purpose of entering into a busi-
ness partnership with him. He remained in business
in Dedham for several years.
He married, April 16, 1828, Eunice Morse, of
Natick, daughter of Adam Morse, and great-grand-
He filled the office of town clerk and assessor for
several years.
His wife was a Brown, who was sister of Betty
Brown, who gave a large property to the West Need-
ham Parish.
daughter of John Bacon, of Needham, who, as lieu- |
tenant of a company, was killed near Menotomy,
April 19, 1775, in the battle of Lexington. They
removed to Needham (now Wellesley) in May, 1833,
having purchased a farm of two hundred acres of
Isaiah Fiske, a second cousin, and lived upon it the |
rest of his life.
of social, genial habits, of excellent judgment, cau-
tious in business, more given to comfortable enjoy- |
ment of what he possessed than engaged in the acquire-
ment of money, though his income always exceeded
his expenditures.
He was greatly respected and his opinions were
highly regarded by his neighbors and townsmen. He
was selectman and overseer of the poor for several
years of the town of Needham, and was representa-
tive of the town in the Massachusetts Legislature in
the years of 1840 and 1841.
served as delegate to the convention for revising the
Constitution of Massachusetts in 1853, and the ac-
quaintance he there formed with such men as Choate,
Wilson, Morton, Rantoul, Butler, Burlingame, and
others was a source of great pleasure to him so long
as he lived. He was a Democrat in politics, and
always attended the conventions of his party, State
and local.
He died May 17, 1868, leaving two children (six
He was an honest, reliable citizen, |
|
He was elected and
others having died in infancy),—the elder, Abigail
Burgess, who married Augustus Eaton, and resides
in Needham, and Joseph E., born Oct. 23, 1839, |
and living at the home place. He graduated at Har-
vard College in 1861, was in the war of the Rebellion
(1862-65), a prisoner of war ten months, and dis-_
of his seventy-fifth birthday, under the auspices of
| the musical club of which he was a member.
charged as captain of artillery. He has been for
many years a town officer; was a representative in
the Legislature in 1874, and a member of the Senate
of Massachusetts in 1876-77.
SOLOMON FLAGG.
Solomon Flagg,
| aggregate as Mr. Flagg, and it is
a true product of Puritan stock, |
was born in Boston, Aug. 24, 1804. The next spring
his father, who had kept one of the two victualing cel-
lars then known in Boston, removed to Needham, his
|
|
}
One of the early associates of Mr. Flagg speaks of
him “as a spruce young man, full of fun and frolic,”
and adds, “ he still retains these characteristics.”
He assisted his father in keeping store and tend-
ing bar, but under guidance of friends and their own
principles, himself and his brother totally abstained
from the use of liquors, and very early joined the
temperance movement championed by Hon. William
Jackson, of Newton.
The grandfather of Mr. Flagg, also named Solo-
mon, was present in the battle of Lexington, and
served at other points during the war of the Reyolu-
tion. He held offices in the town of Needham.
It is easy to trace the line of the family to Thomas
Flagg, who came over from England before 1643, and
settling at Watertown was selectman of that town in
1671, 1674-78, and died in 1697.
Mr. Solomon Flagg having married Eliza Hall,
had three children,—Charles Henry, who was killed by
a sad accident while very young; Charles Gay, who
died, 1860, at the age of twenty-five; and George H.
P., born March 12, 1830, who still survives, following
the profession of dentistry with such skill and success
that he has acquired an enviable reputation in his work,
and amassed a fortune which enables him to indulge
his father in every want and luxury in his declining
years, and to place his familiar features in this his-
tory.
In mature life Mr. Flagg united with the church of
which for over fifty years he has led the choir with a
voice familiar, not to his townspeople only, but to
the inhabitants of the neighboring towns, who turned
out by hundreds to do him honor on the celebration
He was school-teacher for thirty-eight years in
Needham, Dover, Natick, and Sherborn, and there
are few of the old natives of these towns who do not
know him and respect him.
Probably no person in Norfolk County, possibly in
the State, has held public office so many years in the
well to put on record
the facts of so remarkable a career in this respect.
Mr. Flagg presents in his life the peculiarity of a
man always in office, never an office-seeker ; a man of
fixed opinions and beliefs, to which he always adhered,
native place, and opened a public-house on the spot and | but by so doing never gave offense; religious in his
in the house where the subject of this sketch resides. | bearing and habits, yet very fond of fun and good
490
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
his life.
and yet keenly alive to word or look ; appearing to be |
cheer ; careful not to give offense or notice an affront,
passive in public matters, but losing no opportunity
to use his influence for the public weal. He has had
and has much, very much, to do in shaping the affairs ©
He has lived to see
many a faction die out and many a man of local in-
of his town, village, and church.
fluence shelved, genially smiling to himself at the
failures, and filling oftentimes the gaps made by their
subsidence.
He was selectman of the town of Needham in
1833, 1842, 1843, 1846-49, seven years in all; as-
sessor of Needham, 1832, 1833, 1839, 1845, 1857-—
59, 1861-64, 1866-74, twenty years in all; member of
the school committee, 1831, 1845-51, 1857-61, 1864
—67, 1870-80, twenty-eight years in ali. He was
appointed town clerk Aug. 19, 1850, and held the
office till the incorporation of Wellesley (1881), over |
thirty years, and was elected town clerk of Wellesley
upon the organization of the town, and holds it to
the present writing, his third year.
He was appointed treasurer of the town of Need-—
ham May 14, 1859, and elected every year till the
incorporation of Wellesley, twenty-one years.
He was elected as representative to the General
Court in 1834, and again in 1861, where he assisted
in patriotic preparation for resistance to rebellion.
He has thus aggregated one hundred and eight years _
of service in public elective office. Besides, he has |
for over twenty years been justice of the peace, has |
officiated as commissioner in disputed cases,—a record
without a parallel, [ believe.
No man will dispute Mr. Flage’s word or doubt his
friendship, or find him treacherous or unfair. Hven |
the bitterness following upon the division of the old |
town, and for which Mr. Flagg was an earnest worker,
has not strained to the least degree the cords of
friendship which had been so strong heretofore.
Mr. Flage’s accuracy as a town treasurer has been
such that no suspicion of incorrectness has ever been
brought against his accounts, and the neatness and |
elegance of his records, as town clerk, have excited
the attention and admiration of experts and State
officials. The hope finally may be expressed: May he
live as long as his ancestors, and preserve his youth
as long as he lives.
HENRY WOOD.
The first of this branch of the Wood family to
settle in America was Ephraim Wood, who was born
in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, Dec. 21, 1783.
Ephraim was a tailor, and followed that business all
and Henry (the subject of this sketch).
| April 12, 1812.
it was impossible to keep the chickens alive.
He was a very devout Christian, and a dea-
con in Dr. Sharp’s church in Boston. He had three
_ brothers,— William, John, and Charles,—the eldest of
whom was for a period of over thirty years pastor of
the Baptist Chapel, Toddington, England, and died
in 1864 at the age of eighty-one years. Ephraim
married for his first wife, Sophia Ann Whitbread,
who bore him three children,—George, Ephraim, Jr.,
She died
In 1814, Ephraim married Jane
The children by this marriage were William,
Joseph, Thomas, Frederick, Jane, and Charlotte.
Ephraim was buried in his family tomb under St.
Paul’s Church, Boston. Henry Wood was born in
Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, Feb. 6,1811. His
boyhood was passed at his home in England until
His education
was chiefly obtained in the common schools of Boston.
He was early apprenticed to learn the paper-hanging
Trigg.
the time the family came to America.
and wall-staining business. During this apprentice-
ship he attended school in the winter at Ashby, Mass.
Prior to the termination of his apprenticeship he
bought his time from his employers and began the
same business on his own account, and was successful.
| Becoming alarmed in the panic of 1837, he sold out
his business and shortly after engaged in Philadelphia
in the business of poultry-raising on an extensive
scale, and by the use of an artificial incubator hatched
This business proved to bea
failure, for, while the hatching was a complete success,
Mr.
Wood returned to Boston, and with characteristic en-
He also
put to good use his knowledge of chemistry, as applied
out many chickens.
terprise started again in his old business.
to the manufacture of colors, and found he could
manufacture at a handsome profit. For the second
time he sold out his paper-hanging business and com-
menced to make colorsin a house on Middlesex Street,
Boston, doing the work by hand, producing from six
About this time he
purchased a farm in Grantville, Mass., now Wellesley
Hills, the same being a part of the property now
owned by Judge Abbott. Here he continued the
manufacture of colors, and as the business increased
to ten pounds of colors per day.
he found it necessary to procure a place where power
could be used, and leased of Charles Rice, of Newton,
Lower Falls, a building where there was a water-power,
and here enlarged his business, which soon became
extensive and profitable.
About this time Mr. Wood had a very severe sick-
ness, but slowly recovered, and while yet hardly con-
valescent news came of the total destruction of his
color-works by fire, and as there was no insurance on
WELLESLEY.
491
the property, in which nearly all of his money was
invested, this loss was severely felt by him, bringing
privations which were bravely borne by him and his
family. It was at this time that the only cow was
sold to furnish money to buy bread.
once sought the aid of his friend, Curtis Haven, and
by his timely assistance was able to establish himself
again, by rebuilding on the site of the old works.
Mr. Wood at |
Tn |
a short time, by reason of the increasing demand for |
| visit to America.
his colors, Mr. Wood found it necessary to procure a
more extensive place for manufacture, and selling his
farm at Grantville, he purchased the water-power and
erist-mill of Daniel Morse, at West Needham, now
| 1836.
known as Lake Crossing, where the business so
rapidly increased that it became necessary to make
It was |
additions to the buildings from time to time.
while manufacturing at Lake Crossing that Mr. Wood
took into partnership his son, under the firm-name of
‘Henry Wood & Son, and the business continued to be
profitable and extensive. In 1866, Mr. Wood with-
drew from the firm and his son continued, taking for a
partner Horace Humphrey, the new firm paying a
royalty per pound to Mr. Wood up to the time of his
death.
Mr. Wood was the first man to make bricks of
Portland cement and sand, with a slight mixture of
lime, which bricks are now recognized to be more —
durable than most red_ bricks.
with various machines for the manufacture of these
He experimented
bricks, and with varying success, and it was while >
making these experiments that he received a serious |
injury, occasioning the loss of three fingers of one |
Mr. Wood was thor-
oughly convinced of the value of these bricks, and
hand and two of the other.
the present condition of a chimney built of this
cement mixture by him at Wellesley, in 1857, at-
tests the correctness of his judgment. The value of
this material for building has been further developed
by the Middlesex Stone Brick Company, organized by |
The Union Cottage of H. H.—
his son, Edmund M.
He was generous in his donations to charitable ob-
jects, even though they were directed by religious
societies that did not hold the same views that he
did. arly in life Mr. Wood developed a fondness
for music, and often amused his schoolmates, and, in
later life, his children with songs and stories. He
used often to speak of his extravagance in having
paid the sum of twelve dollars to hear Jenny Lind
sing in the Fitchburg Railroad Hall during her first
Henry Wood married for his first wife Lois B.
Rice, who died leaving no children. His second wife
was Catharine Frances Jennings, who died Feb. 23,
By this marriage there were two children,—
Catharine Frances, who died in infancy, and George
Henry, who is still living. Aug. 14, 1836, Mr.
Wood married Eliza Hanson Comsett, daughter of
William and Mehitable Comsett. By this marriage
there were born Edmund M. (1), Martial Duroy (2),
Ephraim Albert (3), Sophia Ann Whitbread (4),
Martial Franklin Horton (5), and Louis Francis (6).
The versatility of Mr. Wood is shown in the fact
of the establishment of the various enterprises here
' named, and his determined and resolute manner
helped him over many a hard spot in his business
experiences. While for the early portion of his life
he had used liquors and tobacco, on being solicited
by a temperance friend to abolish their use he prom-
ised to do so, and throwing his tobacco and liquor out
of the window, never again used either, and from
this time became active in the cause of the Sons of
Temperance.
Mr. Wood was generous to the poor and needy,
but in a quiet, unostentatious way, as shown by
papers found by his executor, which gave evidence of
' numerous charities of which even his own family
Hunnewell, the Heckle House, at Newton Lower |
Falls, the residences of R. M. Pulsifer and HK. B.
success of his life.
Haskell, of the Boston Herald, and many other
buildings in the vicinity of Boston were built of this
material. Henry Wood also started a flax industry
in the western part of New York, which, however, |
Mr. Wood was not
He was a Republican, and an ad-
did not prove to be a success.
active in politics.
mirer of William Lloyd Garrison, Charles Sumner,
and Wendell Phillips.
life made a study of the Bible. Later in life he be-
In religion Mr. Wood was |
reared a Baptist, as were his ancestors, and early in |
_a pleasant harmony in household affairs.
came quite liberal in his views on religious subjects. —
were ignorant. He won the respect of all who knew
him by his honesty, integrity, and goodness of heart.
Mr. Wood often alluded in a feeling manner to the
self-sacrificing character of his beloved wife, Hliza
(now living), to whose devotion was due much of the
Her gentleness of manner served
as a counterpoise to his decided nature, and produced
While
doing all the household work for the large family, and
practicing strict economy in management, still, with a
happy heart and a melodious voice, she made many a
dark day full of sunshine and happiness, and gave to
her husband and children sympathetic and practica]
encouragement. Mr. Wood, after a short sickness,
died suddenly, of gastritis, at his residence in Boston,
May 2, 1881, at the age of seventy years, and was
buried in the family lot in Mount Auburn Cemetery.
JUDGE WHITE, OF WELLESLEY.
Judge White, the subject of this sketch, was born
in Quincy. He is a lineal descendant of Thomas
White, of Weymouth, who was one of the earliest
settlers in that town. This Thomas White was born
in 1599. The time of his coming to this country is
unknown, and his birthplace also, but probably Wey-
mouth, England. In the allotment of land at Wey-
mouth in 1636 he received twenty-one shares. He
was admitted freeman in 1635. He was captain ofa
military company, and for several years a representa-
tive in the Legislature. He was a member of the
memorable court of November, 1637, which voted to
banish Mrs. Ann Hutchinson “ from out of our juris-
diction as being a woman not fit for our society.”
He was often an appraiser of estates, and in a case of
public interest he was appointed referee by the Gen-
eral Court. His autograph will, now on file in the
Suffolk Registry of Wills, attests a legal turn of
mind.
Among his posterity are found, Samuel White, of
Taunton, who was born in Braintree and graduated
from Harvard College in 1731. He was the first
barrister-at-law in Taunton. He presided over the
House of Representatives during the period of the
Stamp Act. He was of his Majesty's (George III.)
Council three years, ‘(and a man of fine personal ap-
pearance, of great sagacity, an eloquent speaker, and
Francis Baylies, the his-
torian, of Plymouth County, and William Baylies, his
brother, an eminent lawyer, the compeer of Webster,
of irreproachable morals.”
and often pitted against him in the trial of causes,
were the grandchildren of Samuel White.
Samuel Sumner Wilde (whose grandfather was
born in Braintree), a justice of the Supreme Judicial
Court of this State, “ whose judicial career,” says
Judge Shaw, “was unexampled by its length, its
brillianey, and its purity.”
Lemuel Shaw, chief justice of the same court for
upwards of thirty years, whose grandmother, Silence
White, was born in Braintree.
Jonathan White, the eminent lawyer of Plymouth |
County ; Caleb B. White, D.D., president of Wabash |
College, Indiana; his son, Charles B. White, the
learned sanitarian of New Orleans; and Thomas
Crane, the founder of the Crane Memorial Hall and
public library in Quincy, were also his descendants.
Dr. Nathaniel White, of Weymouth, was the ereat-
grandson of the same Thomas White. He was grad-
uated from Harvard College in 1725, was long a phy-
sician and surgeon in South Weymouth, and served
as such in the French and Indian war.
Nathaniel White, father of Judge White, was the
| in others.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
great-grandson of Dr. Nathaniel White, and the
fourth of that name. He was born in Weymouth.
His mother was Mary, daughter of Thomas Hollis, of
Braintree. She lived to the great age of one hundred
and three years. He married Mehitable Curtis,
daughter of Theophilus Curtis, the fourth of that
name, a descendant probably of Deodatus Curtis, of
Braintree.
In early life Mr. Nathaniel White was engaged in
the boot and shoe trade, and acquired a handsome
Later he entered the coal
and lumber business, and lost heavily. This is men-
tioned merely for the reason that the cause of his loss
The
Native American party made its first appearance in
our politics in the autumn of 1854, and ran its course
in that and the two following years.
fortune for those days.
bears evidence of the character of the man.
During its
ascendency it brooked no opposition, and with a
bigotry of its own, persecuted what it deemed bigotry
Mr. White fell under the ban of this secret
organization, to his great pecuniary loss, his usual cus-
tomers refusing to trade with him, thereby forcing him
to carry for years, at constantly depreciating prices, a
Mr. White and his
three sons, one of them the subject of this sketch,
were of the few American-born voters of Quincy who
stood up against that racial and religious persecution.
In that small company were Charles Francis Adams,
Sr., Gideon F. Thayer, Rev. William P. Lunt, Henry
Wood, and Benjamin Curtis.
Mr. Nathaniel White was an active member for
many years of the Universalist Society of Quincy,
and contributed largely to its support, in personal
labor and in money.
He was one of the first in Norfolk County to en-
gage in floriculture and in horticulture.
large stock of coal and lumber.
He was
passionately fond of flowers and fruits; and on his
few acres he cultivated the choicest species of flower-
ing-plants and many varieties of trees, both fruit and
forest.
He was a sportsman, skillful in the use of rod and
gun. He knew well the fishing grounds on ponds
and in the neighboring bays; he was familiar with
the haunts of the plover and the brant ; he owned a
_pack of hounds for hunting the fox and the deer.
He kept a boat, and in quest of fish and water-fowl
frequented the islands and headlands, the nooks and
corners in Quincy, Weymouth, and Boston bays, imi-
tating, probably, in these things his ancestor, Thomas
White, who more than two centuries before lived
_ hard by, and plied his rude boat over the same waters
and for the same purposes.
Mr. White was known in the region round about
WELLESLEY.
493
for his fine horses, one of which was renowned for his
fire and speed. With Deacon George Baxter and
Ebenezer Bent, he represented Quincy in the House
of Representatives in 1840.
Mr. White was a man of marked individuality, of
deep convictions and passions. His natural intelli-
gence was strong and masculine.
fearless in expressing his opinions, deferring very little
to the opinions of others. He was a Democrat in
sentiment and character as well as in a party sense.
He voted for Gen. Jackson with all his heart, as his
father did for Thomas Jefferson.
Judge White was the son of Nathaniel and Mehit-
able (Curtis) White. He fitted for college at Phillips’
Exeter Academy, then under Dr. Soulé. He was
graduated from Yale College in 1848, and from Har-
vard Law-School in 1850. He studied law with Hon.
Robert Rantoul, Jr., and on his motion was admitted
to the bar in the fall of 1851, and immediately after
became his partner, with the firm-name of Rantoul
& White.
In April, 1851, the trial of Thomas Simms, the
fugitive slave, occurred in Boston,—a trial memorable
for the argument of Mr. Rantoul on the constitution-
ality of the fugitive slave law, and also as one of the
exciting causes of the civil war; and specially notable
in the men who appeared in the case and the character-
istic parts which each performed.
The court-house in which the trial took place had
_ been converted into a prison for the custody of Simms,
| sioners of Alabama Claims.
After the death of Mr. Rantoul, Mr. White formed
a connection with Hon. Asa French, subsequently the
district attorney for Norfolk and Plymouth Counties,
and now one of the judges of the Court of Commis-
This partnership con-
tinued until 1858.
He was utterly ©
Mr. White took an active interest in the schools of
Quincy, serving on the school committee for several
years ; and also in the Unitarian Society of that town,
acting on its parochial committees, and serving many
_ years as teacher and superintendent of its Sunday-
the State refusing the use of its jails for the confine- |
ment of fugitive slaves. A hundred police officers
guarded it as if it were a Bastile; and Faneuil Hall
was occupied for barracks by the police and soldiers,
as was the old South Church by British soldiers in
the Revolution. The judges and officers of the law,
and the persons having business in the courts, were
obliged to enter the temple of justice on lowly-bend-
ing knees beneath the chains which encompassed it.
Commissioner George Ticknor Curtis sat in the
judgment seat. ‘To the application of the counsel of
Simms for time to examine the papers and prepare
the case, the commissioner gave an emphatic refusal ;
and to the unanswerable argument of Mr. Rantoul he
turned a deaf ear, brandishing in his eyes the Con-
stitution as he understood it. In the mean time, pe-
titions for a writ of habeas corpus were made by
Charles Sumner, Richard H. Dana, and Samuel Se-
wall, and hearings were had on the same by Judges
Shaw and Woodbury, but the prayers thereof were
denied.
Curtis, first delivering an elaborate opinion on the
constitutionality of the law, remitted Simms to slavery.
Five days after this hearing Commissioner
Representatives, at Washington, the
school.
In 1851, with Gideon F. Thayer, founder of the
Chauncy Hall School, he purchased and edited the
Quincy Patriot. Mr. Thayer retired in less than a
year, and Mr. White remained sole proprietor and
editor until April, 1853. The grateful thanks of a
gifted authoress for a favorable editorial on her works,
and the hearty commendation of the chief justice of
our highest court of an editorial on Gen. Jackson’s
famous saying, “the constitution as I understand it,”
constitute the only pleasant memorials in the mind of
Mr. White of this brief digression from his profes-
sional pursuits.
In 1853, Mr. White was elected a member of the
Constitutional Convention from Quincy, with William
S. Morton, Esq., as his associate. In this body he
was author of the article in the proposed new consti-
tution relating to the House of Representatives. This
article with all the others proposed were rejected by
the people at the election which passed upon the
work of the Convention, yet, in its principle, a few
years afterwards, it became a part of the Constitu-
tion of the State. ‘The opponents of the new Con-
stitution dwelt largely upon that part which changed
the tenure of the judiciary from a life tenure to a
Mr. White voted against this
change, his opinion being that the judges should be
elected by the people, but the tenure of their office
should be during good behavior.
Mr. White was elected president of the Young
Men’s Convention held at Worcester in 1857, which
nominated Nathaniel P. Banks for Governor. Mr.
Banks had been elected Speaker of the House of
period of ten years.
year before,
which was the first civic triumph on a national
arena of the anti-slavery party in this country. Mr.
Banks was elected Governor by a large majority. The
| organization which nominated and elected him drew
into its ranks the anti-slavery men of this State of all
shades of political opinion, and became in subsequent
years an integral part of that imperial party which
elected Abraham Lincoln President.
494
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
From Mr. White’s opening address at the Conven-
tion we make this extract: |
“The ties of party, the recollection of defeats and |
triumphs, of common joys and common disappoint-
ments, in the service of party, have not bound young |
men together as with links of iron, nor have the gen- |
erous sentiments of their youth and those dreams of |
liberty which their youthful studies cherished, died —
out of their hearts. This is a meeting of those who |
believe ‘success is a duty,’ of those who mean to |
achieve it, of those who believe what they have read _
is true, that our Constitution was ordained to protect
and preserve the liberty of the people, and not to ex-
tinguish it; and that, as in ancient times, under Au- |
gustus, the spirit of absolute despotism became |
enthroned in the form of a Republic, so it may hap-
pen with us, if the men of this generation are unfaith-
ful to their consciences and their high ideals of |
liberty.
““Mr. Banks has been tried on a national arena, |
and has gained one of the great honors of a national ©
How well he discharged his duties we all |
know. He taught the country this useful lesson, |
that an ardent love of liberty is not incompatible with |
a full and faithful discharge of duty in national affairs, |
and how easy and safe will be the transition at a day, |
we trust, not very remote, when the administration of |
struggle.
the national government shall pass into the hands of |
statesmen, whose sentiments and convictions shall be
in consonance with those of the founders of the Con-
stitution, and therefore fundamentally the reverse of |
those who now administer it.”
In July, 1858, Mr. White was appointed judge of
Probate and Insolvency for Norfolk County, which |
office he now holds. ‘To become a judge of that court
is, in many of its aspects, to become civiliter mortuus,
to become a sort of father confessor, having to hear
of broken fortunes and broken lives, of sorrow and
distress, with a large authority to help the unfortu- |
nate. This, however, is not the chief of his func- |
tions. In the legislation of the last half-century —
there has been an ever-increasing tendency to extend —
the power of the Probate Court, so that now it has a |
larger jurisdiction than any like court in this country
or in Great Britain, the object kept in view seeming
to be to give that court exclusive original jurisdiction
of all subjects of which it has cognizance, with right
of appeal to the Supreme Court.
Aside from his judicial duties, the chief employ- |
ment of Judge White is in the management of trust
estates.
In politics, Judge White has followed, with unequal
steps, his early friend, Robert Rantoul, Jr. Mr. Ran-
(Kingsbury) Slack.
| ton in 1660.
toul was taunted in his day with being a doctrinaire,
which his friends construed as being a man in advance
of his contemporaries on social and political questions.
He was a strict constructionist. He had no respect
for that mode of interpreting the Constitution which
found in the incident a wider and more prolific author-
ity than was given in the original grant of power.
He did not think the Constitution was a sacred
ark for the preservation of slavery, nor did he agree
with those who thought it a covenant with death and
an agreement with hell.
He held that trade and commerce should be free
as the winds and waves, and that a protective tariff
was a hindrance to such freedom. That it was a sys-
tem of monopolies, like in character to feudalism or
slavery, kept up for the enrichment of the few at the
sacrifice of interests of the many.
Judge White married Frances Mary Edwena Noyes,
only child of Edward Noyes, druggist, of Boston, junior
member of the firm of Maynard & Noyes, and one of
the founders of the Central Congregational Church
in that city. Mrs. White was a great-great-grand-
daughter of Rev. Oliver Peabody, a graduate from
Harvard College in 1721, and the first settled min-
ister in Natick, and successor to the Apostle Eliot, as
preacher to the Indians. Mrs. White was a great-
granddaughter of Dr. William Deming, of Wellesley.
Her grandfather was Rev. Thomas Noyes, who was
born at Acton, and was graduated from Harvard Col-
lege in 1795. He was pastor, for thirty-four years,
of the West Needham (now Wellesley) Congrega-
tional Church. His father was with the Acton men
in the Concord fight, on the 19th of April, 1775.
All his grandsons living at the breaking out of the
Rebellion joined the Union army,—Frank, Charles,
George, and Thomas,—all brave from a religious sense
of duty. Every one was wounded in battle. George
was permanently disabled by the hardships of war,
Charles returned to his home to die from his wounds,
Francis Henry was killed at Antietam, 1862, and
lies there in an unknown grave.
The mother of Mrs. White was Clarissa, the
youngest of seven children of Benjamin and Sarah
The ancestors of Mr. Slack
came from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Bos-
On the 19th of April, 1775, when
twelve years of age, Benjamin Slack was taken, with
the other junior members of his father’s family, amid
the flying bullets of the British, to Needham (now
Wellesley Falls), where his descendants have to this
day continued to live. He was a gentleman of the
old school, given to hospitality, active in town and
church affairs, faithful to the many trusts committed
NORWOOD.
495
to his care, a Unitarian in religion, and a Federalist ‘‘ Great and General Court” were presented by John
in his politics.
His only grandson, Charles Benjamin Slack, son of |
Thomas W. Slack, served in the Union army in the
civil war, was first lieutenant in the Thirteenth Mas-
sachusetts Battery, Capt. Nims, was at the siege of |
Port Hudson, under Gen. Banks, and was wounded
at Shreveport, in the Red River campaign.
The children of Judge White are George Rantoul
White (Harvard College, 1886), Mary Hawthorne
White, Edward Noyes White.
CHAPTER, X XX PX.
NORWOOD.
BY FRANCIS TINKER,
THE town of Norwood was originally the South or
Second Precinct of Dedham. The Neponset River
forms its eastern boundary, and from its broad mead-
ows the land gently rises towards the west and north-
west, forming a warm and sunny slope, which is dec-
orated with tasteful and pleasant homes ; with church
spires, and turrets from the more stately mansions,
rising above the leafy canopy, presents to the eye of
the beholder a panorama of quiet peace and beauty ;
Everett and others, of Stoughton, and Joseph Smith
and others, of Dedham, Dec. 23, 1726, and referred
to a committee. The same bounds were described in
these petitions as were subsequently granted. Orders
of notice were served upon the towns mentioned ; but
remonstrance was made, and these petitions were dis-
missed. The next is a petition of Joseph Ellis and
others, stating the great difficulties under which they
labor in being so far from church, and that they have
applied to the town for their consent to be set off as
a distinct precinct, or that the meeting-house be moved
nearer to the centre of the town, which they have
refused to grant; and praying that a committee might
be appointed by the court to consider their circum-
stances. This petition was referred to the next Gen-
eral Court, and Messrs. Peabody and Brown, with
such as the honorable board shall appoint, were con-
stituted a committee at the charge of the petitioners,
to repair to the northerly part of the town of Dedham
and view the same, and report to this court on Tues-
day the fifth day of December next. On this petition,
entered July 4, 1727, they report,—
“That the Committee appointed by the Great and General
Court, to take into consideration the circumstances of the Town
| of Dedham, and the petition of the southerly part of the said
while the mind naturally turns back and asks who |
first smoothed these pleasant fields, and caused the
“‘ wilderness to blossom as the rose?” and the feeling
springs up that the unrecorded history of one’s town
is like the unmarked graves of parents, evidences both
the want of a proper respect and filial gratitude
towards those who have gone before, and who may
have sowed in tears where we reap in joy; and if I
can but succeed in recalling the names of those who
acted so well their part, who aided, however humbly,
in laying the foundation of our civil and religious
institutions, or rescue from oblivion the memory of
even one who gave his life for his country, I shall
feel amply rewarded. Whose axe first broke the still-
ness of the forests, or from whose humble cabin the
smoke first rose and curled, it may be impossible to |
tell; and if I should attempt to enter this field of
inquiry, I might trespass upon what perhaps right-
fully belongs to another,’ and will pass directly to the
first attempts made to secure the organization of a
precinct, in order to erect a meeting-house for the
public worship of God. The first petitions to the
1 Mr. Worthington, who writes the history of Dedham.
Town, having attended the said service, report as follows: That
viewing the situation, and considering the circumstances, are
of opinion that it will be inconvenient to grant the prayer of
the petition at present; but for as much as it appears to the
Committee that the major part of the petitioners labor under
great difficulties in the winter season, in attending the Public
Worship of God, by reason of their distance from the Meeting-
House, the Committee propose that the Public Worship of God
be performed by a Minister, to be provided by the petitioners,
in some private house, as near the center as may be, for five
months in the year, viz., November, December, January, Feb-
ruary, and March, and that there be allowed thirty shillings per
Sabbath for the said service, the charge to be borne by the whole
Town, and to continue until the further order of the Court, all
of which is humbly submitted by order of the Committee. In
Council accepted, in the House concurred in, and consented to
by the Governor.”
From the records of the General Court it appears
that sundry other petitions were received from John
Everett, of Stoughton, Joseph Smith, John Guild,
Samuel Everett, Samuel Bullard, James Fales, and
Ebenezer Healy, of Dedham, and a committee ap-
pointed to report at the next session of the court, on
what they think proper for the court to do in this
whole affair. Nov. 19, 1729, the committee made
the following report through their chairman, the Hon.
William Dudley :
“The Committee appointed by this Court to take under con-
sideration the several petitions (before referred to), and having
| been at ye Town of Dedham and Stoughton, and heard what
ye several Parties had to say, as well as view the circumstances
496
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of ye inhabitants, and their situation, Humbly report on ye | meetings of the precinct. Nov. 9, 1730, fifty pounds
whole their opinion as follows, viz.: that all that part of
Stoughton lying on ye westward of Neponset River, and to the
Northward of Traphole Brook, to Walpole line, be added to,
and incorporated into the Town of Dedham, with all ye inhab-
itants, which with the Southern part of Dedham, we humbly
are of opinion, be made into a distinct Township, the boundaries
of ye whole to be as follows: beginning at a place called Pur-
gatory, on Neponset River, where it may most conveniently | p
_to procure an “orthodox minister to preach the
take ye house and home lot of Josiah Fisher, Jr.; from thence
to a place called the Cross ways, taking in ye house and home
lot of John Hause; from thence so as to take in ye house and
home lot of Lusher Gay; from thence so as to take in ye house |, ; ; F -
fe it was “ voted to build a Meeting-House for ye Public
and home lot of John Baker; from thence to the line for the
Precinct, at Springfield (now Dover), so as to take in the house
and home lot of Amos Fisher; thence by ye said line to Bub-
bling Brook; and from thence to Walpole line; and by ye said
line to Traphole Brook; and by ye said Brook to Neponset |
River; and by ye same to ye first mentioned station, and that
ye petitioners have leave to bring in a bill accordingly. And
whereas there has been, and still remains an unhappy difference
among the inhabitants about placing a Meeting-House for the |
Public Worship of God, it is therefore humbly proposed that
the said House may be ordered in such place and time as a Com-
mittee of this court shall appoint, so as to accommodate the in-
habitants of Dedham, or of all the inhabitants of this proposed
Town, and the Committee propose that the Western part of Ded-
ham be set off by that Town for a Precinct, to be confirmed ac-
cordingly, and that the inhabitants thereof be allowed to con-
gregate, as now they do, till the further order of this court,
Provided, they do their proportion of the charge of supporting
a minister where they leave.”
| gospel.”
were raised and appropriated to secure a preacher for
six months,—three months to be at the house of
John Hllis,' and three months at the house of Na-
thaniel Guild, if it can be obtained ; if not, the entire
time at the house of John Ellis. Joseph Ellis ‘and
John Dean were chosen a committee, and instructed
Ebenezer Dean was chosen treasurer, and
Samuel Holmes, collector. At this second meeting
Worship of God in this Precinct; to be forty feet
in length and thirty-six in width, and erected at the
centre of the Precinct; and Ebenezer Dean, Joseph
Ellis, William Everett, Nathaniel Guild, and Ebenezer
Healy were constituted a building committee, and
instructed to procure a frame fit to set up, or raise,”
and one hundred pounds were granted for that pur-
pose.» Jan. 20, 1731, chose Joseph Ellis* and Sam-
uel Bullard a committee to procure a sworn surveyor
to find the centre of the precinct. Ebenezer Dean was
This report was accepted, and ordered that Edmund ©
Quincy, Esq., and such of the House of Representa- |
tives shall appoint, be a committee for placing the |
meeting-house of the proposed town.
“Tn Council October 3, 1730, Read and ordered that the
Prayer of this petition be so far granted, as that the South-.
westerly part of the Town of Dedham, together with the |
westerly part of ye Town of Stoughton, according to the |
Bounds expressed in the Report of a Committee of this Court,
in December last, be erected into a township, and that the Pe-
Sent down for concurrence.
“J. WILLARD, Secretary.
“In the House of Representatives, October 8, 1730.
“Read and concurred with the amendment, striking out
titioners bring in a bill.
Town, and inserting Precinct. Sent up for concurrence.
“J. Quincy, Speaker.
“Tn council, October 8, 1730.
“Read and Concurred.
“J. WILLARD, Sec.
“Oct. 8, 1730, consented to.
“J. BELCHER.”
By an additional act John Everett, “a principal
inhabitant,” was authorized to call the first “‘ meeting
of ye Precinct,” and he served his warrant on each
person qualified to vote, requiring them in his Ma-
jesty’s name, to assemble at the house of John Ellis,
Oct. 22 At that
“4,
1730, to choose precinct officers.
selected to hold the box on Sabbath days, so that any
one might have a chance to contribute something for
the support of the gospel, and if one chose, he could
write on a slip of paper the amount he would give,
with his name, and pay the same some other time,
and have it “allowed on his Precinct rate.” The
time for holding their annual meeting for the choice
of officers was fixed for the secoud Monday in March,
and has been continued to the present time. May
31, 1731, “ the Precinct being regularly assembled at
the house of John Ellis,’ John Everett was chosen
moderator, and then “it was put to vote to see if it
be ye mind of ye Precinct to have a loving and
friendly conference together; passed in the affirma-
tive period June ye 7th.” It was voted to leave the
placing of a meeting-house for this precinct to a com-
mittee of the General Court, and instructed William
Bullard and John Everett “to address the General
Court, and Petition for a Committee to place ye
| Meeting-House for this Precinct
”
.
In answer to the
petition presented by the gentlemen named, a com-
mittee from the General Court visited the precinct,
_ and reported through their chairman, the Hon. Joseph
meeting John Kverett was chosen moderator; James |
Fales, Jr., clerk; John Everett, James Fales, Jr.,
Ebenezer Healy, assessors, and instructed to call the |
Wadsworth, of the council :
“The committee that was appointed at this session of the
General Court, on the 11th day of this June, to repair to the
precinct set off some time the last year from Dedham and
Stoughton, to view and consider the situation and circumstances
1 John Ellis is said to have lived near or on the place where
Newton and David Ellis now live.
2 Joseph Ellis lived near or on the spot where James Ellis’
house stands.
NORWOOD.
497
thereof, and report what may be proper to be done, do report
as follows, viz.: That we have viewed the precinct, considered
the circumstances of the land, and heard the pleas and allega-
tions of the people, and find them very unsatisfied among them-
selves as to a place for the meeting-house to stand on. Then
nominated four places several, or separate each from the other,
on which, as to ourselves, we would report on any of them.
But to make them unite if possible, desired that they would
fix on that particular spot of the four, they liked best, on
which they called a Precinct meeting, and on the 21st of this
June, 1731, voted that it was the mind of the Precinct to fix
the meeting-house on the south end of the common land lying
between John Cobb’s and Dr. Richards; and we considering
the circumstances of the whole, as to highways, Judge the
Southermost part of said Common Land, that is, that part of it
as may be convenient for the Building and accommodation for
the Meeting-House itself, is the best place to set it on; all of
which is humbly submitted.
“JosepH Wapsworra,! in name of the Committee.
“Tn Council read and ordered, That this report be accepted, |
| building a meeting-house on the common land near
and that the Meeting-House in the New Precinct in Dedham
and Stoughton be placed accordingly, and the amount of the
Committee’s time and expense, amounting to the sum of four
pounds four shillings be allowed; and be paid by the said Pre-
cinct to the Committee.
“Tn the House of Representatives read and concurred.
“ Consented to J. BeLcHER, Governor.”
Representative this year from Dedham, Joseph
Ellis; Representative this year from Stoughton, |
Moses Gill.
From the records of the meeting held June 21st,
to which reference is made by the Committee of
the General Court, it appears the places they selected
were Qnion’s Knoll, Onion’s Bars,’ the rye field so
called, and the south end of the common land, near
the house of Dr. Richards. This spot they selected
as the least objectionable of the four, either of which
would take the majority of the inhabitants of the
precinct nearly half a mile beyond the unfinished
house which was erected at a vote passed at the sec-
ond meeting of the precint, ordering it to be placed
at the centre of the precint, as ascertained by a sworn
surveyor, and for which one hundred pounds were
|
| sented to,
granted July 14th, twenty-one days later, they vote |
near the land of Dr. Richards, “and it was put to
vote; if it be the mind of the Precinct to grant a
sum of money to defray the charge of ye Committee |
| to answer the Petitions of the Clapboard-tree People.
| swer to the Northerly Petitioners the Court Say That Joseph
, Bn : 5 A. ;
in the negative; at this meeting they aoe refused ; Ellis and others, with the two Fishers, and Aaron Ellis with
lately with us from the General Court, and it passed
to grant any money to build a meeting-house on the
place ordered by the General Court, and confirmed
the same again September 3d. During this year the
1 Benjamin Bird and John Jacob, ‘‘ Committee on the part of
the house.”
2 The rye field was owned by John Gay.
32
precinct was convened twelve times, and a house for
the public worship of God was the burden of their
thoughts. A meeting, March 10, 1732, opened with
a proposition ‘to support preaching by contribution
till the Precinct were better agreed,’ which was
rejected, and December 5th, one hundred and twenty
pounds were granted ‘to support preaching six
months in a house erected near Joseph Ellis,® and
no longer, and then six months at the house near
Benjamin Fairbanks. This was called the centre
meeting-house, and was erected upon the spot ordered
at the second meeting of the precinct, in 1730. Feb.
26, 1733, William Bullard, William Everett, Ebene-
zer Dean, Ebenezer Healy, and James Fales, Jr.,
_ were chosen a committee, and instructed to petition
the General Court to reverse their former order for
the house of John Cobb, and to establish ye place ac-
cording to the vote of the precinct, and to order the
three hundred pounds already granted, to be laid out
on the said centre meeting-house. This called forth
the following order from the General Court, on the
_ petition of Joseph Ellis and others from the northerly
part of the precinct, presented April 13, 1734:
“Ordered,” on the said Petition, ‘That the prayer of the
Petition be so far granted, as that the Inhabitants of the Pre-
cinct within-mentioned, do within the space of twelve months
from the date hereof, erect and finish a Meeting-House at the
place stated by a committee of this Court, the 24th day of June,
1731, the Petitioners with their Estates be hereby, and are
set off from said Precinct, and again laid to the first Precinct,
in the Town of Dedham, whereunto they originally belonged;
in the House of Representatives Read: and concurred. Con-
J. Belcher, Gov.” Three other Petitions were
presented to the General Court by Joseph Ellis and his Friends,
enumerating their grievances, and the determination of the In-
habitants not to depart from the place first marked out by the
surveyor as the Centre of the Precinct; and the controversy
was only closed by the Precinct Petitioning the General Court
for a ‘‘ Committee to come and view the situation, and circum-
stances of the Precinct, and more especially of the Northerly
Petitioners, and to set off to the old Precinct in Dedham, as
many of said northerly Petitioners as upon their view they
they will not grant money to build a meetine-house | shall judge most for ye peace and advantage of both Precincts,
and the Honorable support of ye gospelin them; and to Statea
place for a Meeting-House for the remaining Precinct; and
Ebenezer Dean, William Everett, William Bullard, and James
Fales were appointed a Committee to manage the affairs, and
In an-
their Estates, be laid back tothe Old Precinct; the others to re-
main in the South Precinct.” In response to the Committee
from the Precinct the Committee from the General Court Re-
port, “ Having naturally considered the same, as well as that
==
3 A frame had been erected between the house of Jonathan
Onion and Joseph Ellis and covered with boards but never fin-
ished till after the division of the precinct.
498
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of the other Inhabitants that are gone from said Precinct are of
opinion that the place for a Precinct Meeting House be between |
the Houses of Ebenezer Dean and Nathaniel Guild, on the
Northwest side of the way to Walpole, about nine rods from |
said Guild’s fence, in the quarter of an acre of land given and
granted to the Said Precinct, by the said Dean, under his hand
and seal acknowledged, as may appear; all of which is sub-
mitted by the order of the Committee. SaMuEL THAXTER.
“Tn Council read and accepted.
“Tn the House of Representatives read and concurred.
J. Beicuer, Governor.’
“ Consented to, /
Sept. 12, 1734, the precinct instructed William
Bullard and Ebenezer Dean to petition the General
Court ‘ for liberty to rate all the meadows which lie
in Stoughton, but are within the bounds of the South |
Precinct in Dedham.
Thaxter, from the committee, reported that having
considered the within petition, are of opinion that the
On this petition, Samuel |
meadow and other lands lying in the South Precinct, ,
and which is in that part thereof, which was and now
is Stoughton, be liable to pay their just proportion of
all precinct rates, also all the owners of those lands |
that live in, and may be inhabitants of, Dedham,
which report was accepted by the Council and House
of Representatives, and approved by the Governor.
It is a matter of record that during this long and
perplexing controversy, the southerly part of the pre-
cinct never for once asked their brethren from the
northerly part to even cross the centre of the precinct.
The number of persons taxed by the town in 1736, | Walpole, assisted on the occasion, and the church was
two years later, in the Second or South Precinct was
seventy-eight, and in the Third, or Clapboard-tree,
fifty-two.
Jan. 4, 1735, the. precinct ‘ voted to build a meet-
ing-house on the land formerly Ebenezer Dean’s,
which is the place a committee of the Great and Gen-
eral Court has ordered a meeting-house to be erected”
for said precinct ; and John Everett, William Bacon,
John Dean, and Daniel Draper were constituted a
committee to carry the above vote into effect, and the
balance of the one hundred pounds granted Nov. 9,
1730, were appropriated for that purpose. February
6th a further grant of one hundred and fifty pounds
was made, and Nathaniel Lewis and John Farrington
September 11th, voted
“to give a minister a call to settle with them,” and
were added to the committee.
agreed to hear three gentlemen in order to come to
a choice, namely, Mr. Balch, Mr. Loring, and Mr.
Skinner.
Thomas Balch for their pastor and teacher, and
February 9th, made choice of the Rev.
granted him as a settlement two hundred pounds, and
an annual salary of one hundred and twenty pounds,
and sixteen cords of wood, so long as’ he should con-
tinue with them in the gospel ministry.
Draper, Nathaniel Colburn, Richard Ellis, Ebenezer
Kingsbury, Daniel Draper, Jr., Timothy Draper,
Hugh Dixon, and William Clark entered their protest
‘“‘because they have a petition in the General Court
in hopes to be released from the precinct. On this
petition, which was entered Jan. 16, 1735, and on
March 26, 1736, the General Court passed the follow-
ing order:
“That the petitioners with theiv estates, from and after the
term of three years from this time, be and hereby are dismissed
from the South Precinct and are annexed to their neighbors at
the Clapboard-tree, and pay charges there. John Cobb, William
Bullard, Nathaniel Lewis, Samuel Farrington, who belong to
the South Precinct, are still to be continued to do duty and re-
ceive privilege with them as heretofore. The obligation to
Draper continued. “Josr4H WILDER,
“For the Committee.’’!
April 25th, an affirmative answer was received from
Mr. Balch, and June 2d, “agreed to keep a day of
fasting and prayer, in order to have an ordination,
and granted twenty pounds to meet the expenses of
A committee was chosen to procure min-
isters to carry on the work of the day,’’ also a com-
the same.
| mittee to issue letters missive convening an ordaining
council, and provide entertainment for the same. In
compliance with the foregoing vote, June 23d was
solemnly observed as a day of fasting and prayer.
The Rev. Messrs. Dexter, of Dedham, Cotton, of
Providence, Dunbar, of Stoughton, and Payson, of
organized and a covenant adopted which remains to
_ the present day.
“Jan. ye 9,1738. By an act of the General Court, Capt.
Ezra Morse and his sons, Ezra, Jr. and Joseph, with their
estates, were set off from Walpole and annexed to Dedham, and
tothe Second Precinct. Also that part of Stoughton which
| was within the limits of the South Precinct is annexed to Ded-
called upon to furnish five hundred troops.
Daniel |
ham, and the Neponset River is made the dividing line between
the towns of Dedham and Stoughton. ‘The original line being
about one mile west of that river; and a few years later a con-
siderable portion of the estate of Nathaniel Summer, Esq.,
was set off from Sharon and annexed to Dedham to do duty and
1740, at the annual
meeting voted to build a school-house twenty-one feet in length,
enjoy privileges with the second precinct.
and seventeen in breadth, near the house or frame of James
Thorp, on the southwesterly side of the same; and forty pounds
were appropriated for that purpose.
‘In 1740 the British Government fitted out an expedition
against the Spanish West India Islands, and Massachusetts was
Samuel Haven,
Esq., in the second Centennial address at Dedham, tells us that
‘six men from the south parish in Dedham alone, of this town
The names of only two
have been preserved, Eleazer Farrington and Walter Hixon.”
were among those that perished.’ ”
1Tt appears that another petition, presented by a Mr. Byfield
Lynde, was dismissed.
* Holmes, in his Annals, says the sickness seems to have been
almost as mortal as the plague; of the five hundred only fifty
ever returned,
NORWOOD.
499
|
June 2, 1744, war, which had previously broken out
between England and France, was proclaimed in
Boston. Jan. 26, 1745, the General Court, after de-
bating the subject all day, approved of the expedition
against Louisburg, on the island of Cape Breton, as
planned by Governor Shirley ; and Col. William Pep-
perell, of Kittery, Me., then a part of Massachusetts,
was appointed to the command. Says the Rev.
Thomas Balch, pastor of this church, ‘“‘ Having an
inclination, and being desired by the Committee
of War, to attend the army as one of the chap-
lains in the expedition against Cape Breton, I
accordingly obtained the consent of my people on
March 11, 1745, and on the 13th took my leave of
my family and people.
at Canso, on the 2d day of April, sailed from Canso
to Cape Breton, on April 29th, entered into Chap-
eaurouge Bay the next morning, and soon after went
onshore. The siege of Louisburg continued until
June 17th, on which day we entered and took posses- |
sion of that strong and important place, upon terms
of capitulation.
land July 11th. Arrived in safety at Boston on the
27th of said month, 1745, Laus Deo.”!
Rev. Benjamin Balch acted as chaplain in our small
navy, at some time during the same war.
pedition, for we find that Capt. Hleazer Fisher’ died at
Boston, on his way home, and was buried there.
Lieut. Ebenezer Sumner died soon after his return,
aged twenty-three years.
brother-in-law, and a young man of much promise.
John Thorp lived to reach Boston, and died there.
Nathaniel Coney, aged forty years, and Samuel Thorp,
aged thirty-three years, died at Cape Breton. Hugh
Delap, a skillful gunner and engineer, was killed at the
siege, by the bursting of a cannon.
of this precinct returned, also Samuel and William
Wetherbee’s names are given by Mrs. Ellis as mem-
bers of this expedition.
Sir William in one of his letters to Governor
Shirley says two men were killed by the bursting of
a forty-two-pounder, and one wounded.
The success which crowned the enterprise was pur-
10f Mr. Balch’s three sons, two died in the service of their
country,—-Thomas (1), aged eighteen years, at Albany, in the
first campaign against Crown Point. Thomas (2), n
memory of his brother, was taken prisoner while serving on
one of our war vessels during the Revolution, carried to Hali-
fax, and died there.
? Capt. Fisher was one of the fifteen original members of the
church, and precinct clerk at the time of his decease.
Arrived in safety and health |
chased at a fearful loss of life ; six worthy citizens from
this little community fell victims to the hardships and
privations they were forced to endure.
In 1743, from a contribution made by sundry indi-
viduals a lot of land was purchased of Mr. David
Fales for the use of the precinct. In 1745 voted to
take down the hindermost body seats, in order to ac-
_ commodate the women that bring children to meeting.
November of this year chose Nathaniel Sumner pre-
cinct clerk, and assessor in place of Capt. Eleazer
Fisher, who died in Boston, on his way home from
Cape Breton. In 1751 twelve persons were chosen
to oversee the boys on the Lord’s day, * and their
Sailed from Louisburg for New Eng- |
official acts must have met with an approval, for the
same number were chosen for four succeeding years.
Again the sound of war is heard in our little com-
munity, the hosts of England and France are con-
tending for the supremacy in North America. Mas-
sachusetts, ever faithful to the mother-country, calls
her sons to arms, and Capt. Eliphalet Fales with his
company treads his way through the wilderness to the
shores of Lake George, with First Sergt. Moses
Fisher, Corp. Benjamin Holden, William Woodcock,
John Hawse, John Scott, Ebenezer Everett,
David Fairbanks from the South Precinct ;
and
Sergt.
| Timothy Ellis, Samuel Richards, and five others
Quite a number of Mr. Balch’s parishioners (if not
a company) must have accompanied him in this ex- |
Mr. Balch says he was his |
|
Michael Bright
from Dedham; Lieut. Ephraim Wesson and eleven
men from Groton; clerk, from Little-
n; Samuel Boyden, drummer, and three men from
Medfield; three from Walpole ;
two of whom were negro servants, and Samuel Pogent,
an Indian, from Natick. Capt. Fales’ enlistment dates
April 5, 1745, and his term of service was thirty-nine
weeks and three days. The Massachusetts troops were
placed under the command of Gen. William Johnson,
of New York, and were engaged in the bloody battles
of September 8th, in which the French under Baron
Dieskau were defeated, and their commander mortally
Of Capt. Fales’ com-
pany First Sergt. Moses Fisher and John Scott from
James Fales,
four from Boston,
wounded and taken prisoner.
our little community and Isaac Patch, Joseph Rich-
named in |
ards, and Nathaniel Pollard from Groton were killed.*
Before taking leave of Capt. Fales, allow me to
copy the following, showing the care with which
things were i See in those days:
° “ Hutchinson’s Hsiao
Second Period,”
’ vol. ii. chap. iv.; Barry’s “
chusetts
page 77.
4 Three battles were fought that day between the trained
chap. vi.; “ Parish Records,” vol. i.
troops of France and their Indian allies on one side and the
men of New England and New York, who had left their har-
Four hundred of their number had
fallen, but they were victors. Not a British soldier or officer
vest to become soldiers.
| was present.
500
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“Province oF MAssACHUSETTS Bay
“To Exvirpnater Fares, Dr.
6 Ror 4 Fire arms Lost in Battle, 2 Lh................008. £8.
“ Namely, Sargent Moses Fisher, John Scott, Joseph
Richardson, Isaac Patch.
“The above mentioned lost their blankets.
“ Also Timothy Callahan,
“Timothy Hillis, 6 im all, U2. .......0.coseseecensse 38. 12d
“ 1 Gun Lost by Nicholas Halsey.........0..s0000 2
“To my Subsistence while making up my Muster
Roll, 15 days 1/6...... SCO Sn06d6 cscococeecddouond acuGonKG Me Py 1G)
“For 2 Days Travel from Dedham to Boston to
make up the Rolls, 48......ccccsesressvescssee seveees *. 8
£15 2 6
‘“HLIPHALET FALES.
“Surrouk, ss. Boston, March 3,1756. The within named
Capt. Elephalet Fales appearing before me the subscriber and
made oath to the truth of the within muster Roll.
“Samwven Miuuer, Justice of the Peace.” }
From Capt. William Bacon’s* muster-roll, made Oct.
11, 1756, by the muster master-general of the pro-
vincial army, we copy the following in order that we
may see through what fearful trials the blessings we
We can trace their toilsome
march even now by the trail of the sick and de-
parted ones. At the date of this return two had
fallen in battle or been taken prisoners, namely, Jo-
enjoy were secured.
siah Lyon and Kbenezer Pratt ;
George Cleveland, William Smith, Benjamin Leidiot,
Joseph Ephraim, Hosea Abraham ; and twenty-three
were sick, and from these we must add to the fatal
roll Thomas Balch, son of the Rev. Thomas Balch,
who died at Albany; Solomon Bullard, at Leicester,
on his return; Timothy Lewis, at Lake George ;
John Woodcock, at Fort Edward; Joseph Lyon, ser-
geant, at Stillwater; William Lewis and Joseph
Whittemore,’ at Albany. June 22, 1759, Hleazer
Everett died at- Fort Cumberland; Nov. 20, 1760,
Simon Pittee, on his return from Crown Point ; and
December 10th, James Weatherbee, soon after his
return from Montreal.* Other soldiers were un-
doubtedly drawn from our precinct, but I have not
succeeded in securing their names.
With the conquest of Canada the lilies of France
disappeared, and peace and prosperity returned to the
colonies.
March 9, 1758, chose Ebenezer Dean, Jr., Lieut.
Fales, Benjamin Fuller, and Aaron Guild to set the | sites that were reported, and it was not till March 25,
1 This was attached to the muster-roll.
2 Capt. William Bacon was one of the fifteen original mem-
bers who formed the church in this place, and probably never |
fully recovered from the sickness contracted in this campaign.
Died May 21, 1761, in the forty-fifth year of his age. Capt.
Bacon’s company was mostly from the towns of Dedham, Rox-
bury, and Walpole.
3 These last seven were Mr. Balch’s parishioners.
4 The last three were in the second expedition against Crown
Point.
six had died,— |
- | “voted ten choiresters to lead
| added” to the musical number.
| Psalms, and “ voted that all the school money should
be laid out in women schooling.” 1762, March 4th,
“voted to build a new meeting-house, and chose a
committee of twelve to select a suitable place, and
report at some future meeting.” March 14, 1763,
in the singing the
Psalms on the Lord’s day; and in order to prevent
discord and secure harmony, nine more by vote were
1763 the bounds
between the two parishes were renewed and defined as
follows :
“The line beginning from ye center® between ye meeting
Houses; then runs North 50 degrees East to the place where
the House of Ebenezer Ellis stood ;
gree west to the Cross ways.
from thence North one de-
The distance between ye meeting
Houses is one and a half mile and thirty three rods.
“EBENEZER EVERETT,
“ HLIPHALET FALES,
“ Committee of the South Precinct.
“Tsaac WHITING,
“ToHapop Gay,
“ Committee of the Clapboard-Tree.”
And between the First Precinct in Dedham, 1767,
the committee say,— e
“We began at Purgatory Hole, so called; thence run North-
westerly to a White Oak tree with stones around it, in land of
Joseph Wight; thence to a heap of Stones at the Northeasterly
Corner of Land now belonging to Dea. Wm. Avery; thence
more northerly to the eastwardly corner of land now belonging
to Capt. Daniel Gay; thence more westerly to the Cross ways
near the house of Jeremiah Dean; and are of opinion that said
line ought to be the dividing line between said Precincts, and
for the future to be esteemed as such, excepting such lands as
have since the setting off the South Precinet been by the
General Court laid to the First Parish in Dedham, which is
humbly submitted.
“JonaTHAN Mberca.r,
“ WILLIAM AVERY,
“Joun Eaton,
“ Committee of the First Precinct.
“ NATHANIEL SUMNER,
“Davin FIsHErR,
“BenJAMIN FISHER,
“ Committee of the Second Precinct.”
March, 1762, voted to build a meeting-house, and
chose twelve to select and secure a suitable place to
erect the same; but objection was made to the several
5 On the division of the parish the committee of the General
Court fixed the dividing line midway between the two parishes ;
then placed the estate of Benjamin Fairbanks which lay en-
| this Parish aged sixty three years ;”
5 ~ “ >
tirely south and east of that line to the West Parish, and he was
a member of that church; but upon the records connected with
“December 18, 1757, died
Mr. Benjamen Fairbanks of Clapboard-tree a constant hearer in
this church the following occurs:
and his remains rest in
the yard his kindness gave to the parish. All his estate lay in
| this parish.
NORWOOD.
501
1768, that a union of sentiment was secured, where
we find the following record:
“Tt is not only a disgrace to this Parish, but a reproach to
the Christian Religion, to suffer the house of publie worship to
lie in so ruinous a condition; besides, unless we come into meas-
|
|
|
|
ures soon to build one, public worship must soon be laid aside |
amongst us for want of a place to meet in, as the old meeting-
house cannot stand long in its present ruinous condition. We
all readily grant that a better meeting-house is wanted, and ef-
forts have been made to come into peaceable methods so as to
_ Rev. Jabez Chickering.
/ granted as a settlement, and a salary of sixty-six
build one; but they have proved ineffectual on account of dif- |
fering sentiments as to the place on which to build it. How-
ever, we would not altogether give over the matter, being per-
suaded that a little moderation, candor, and condescension would
so compromise things as that so good and necessary a work
might go on. We, therefore, the subscribers, inhabitants on
the northerly side of Neponset River, will, and do, hereby agree
that a meeting-house should be erected on the land of the heirs
of Benjamin Fuller, deceased, at the head of Penniman’s Lane,
so called, as near the corner of his orchard as the land will allow,
if our brethren and friends on the southerly side of said river
will meet us there; and we can go on united in love and peace,
and we desire that a meeting may be called to see if such a
union may be effected.’’ This invitation was signed by thirty
members of the parish, and received the following response
“We who live on the southerly side of
said river agree thereto.”
.
from fifteen members:
‘Voted to dig a hole 15 inches deep under every
Post of the Meeting-House, To which Mr. David
Fisher desired that his protest might be entered.”
Nov. 17, 1768, commenced their preparation to build,
and June 26, 1769, was fixed upon for putting up the
Each
person who desired was permitted to furnish his pro-
frame of the new and second meeting-house.
portional part of the materials.
to be split and purchased in Boston.
adopted “directing the committee to provide a din-
The clapboards were
An order was
March 20, 1774, granted the sum of £73 8s. 6d.
towards paying the funeral expenses of the Rev. Mr.
Balch. On the death of Mr. Balch the precinct chose
John Ellis, David Fisher, and Aaron Guild a com-
mittee to supply the desk. April 16, 1776, “ voted
to concur with the church in extending a call to the
Two hundred pounds were
pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence, so long as
he shall continue to minister to the Precinct, also Fif-
_ teen Cords of wood, and the use of the Church Meadow?
ner, and sufficient drink for the men that did the
work.”
Jan. 5, 1770, it was “ voted to sell the old meeting-
house at auction, reserving the right to use the same
till October 1.” March the 12th, in the disposal of
the pews of the new church, it was voted, “ to set the
highest pew at five pounds, lawful money, and then to
abate one shilling and four pence on every several
choice, falling one shilling and four pence upon every
pew till the whole were sold; and that he that was
highest on the rate should have his first choice, and
that every one should have his choice according to
the tax he paid.” And thus the fathers in their time
dignified the pews. From the records of the many
following years it appears that they walked together in |
peace and harmony to the house of God; the deacons
still reading the hymns,’ and “ Bangor” sung as it |
hath hitherto been, by continuing the bass.
1 Feb. 17, 1771, we find the following in the warrant for the
precinct meeting:
given by Dea. Ezra Morse.”
We will now for a moment turn to the opening
scenes of the Revolutionary war, to Samuel Adams’
‘“ever-glorious morning,” and repeat the roll-call of
our little band who hurried towards the scene of
action on the 19th of April, 1775:
Capt. William Bullard.
Ist Lieut. John Morse.
2d Lieut. Nathaniel Lewis.
Ensign Ebenezer Everett.
Sergt. Asa Everett.
Sergt. Jeremiah Kingsbury.
Sergt. Ichabod Gay.
Sergt. John Andrews.
Corp. David Andrews.
Corp. Benjamin Dean.
Fifer Eliphalet Rhoads.
Drummer Benjamin Fisher.
Nathaniel Dean.
Jonathan Dean.
Jacob Penniman.
Seth Fuller.
Robert Little.
Josiah Everett.
Samuel Farrington.
Phillip Cobbet.
William Savel.
Eleazer Rhoads.
Silas Morse.
Jesse Gay.
William Coney.
Daniel Colburn.
Luther Bullard.
Joseph Sumner.
Jabez Holmes.
Moses Guild.
Eliphalet Fisher.
Abel Everett.
Abner Fisher.
Jason Fuller.
Nathaniel Sumner, Jr.
Daniel Fairbanks.
Nathan Clarke.
Seth Morse.
Enoch Talbot.
Seth Farrington, Jr.
William Everett.
Moses Fisher.
Benjamin Herring.
William Kendall.
Jacob Cleveland.
John Dean, Jr.
Timothy Lewis.
Jesse Kingsbury.
Thomas White.
Benjamin Lewis.
Archalus Clark.
John Smith.
Benjamin Felt.
Samuel Clark.
Edward Bullard.
Jacob Smith.
Ithamer Farringion.
William Lewis, Jr.
Robert Little.
(Signed) Wiriiam Buiiarp, Captain.
Their term of service was short, varying from two to twelve
days.
“Art. 6. To see if the Precinct will cause the practice of read-
ing the Psalms in the Public Worship by the Deacons to be dis-
continued, and will vote to provide books for themselves that so
that part of Divine service may be performed in a more manly
| and rational manner for the future. Dismissed from the war-
rant by vote.
“Art. 8. To see if the Parish would have Bangor sung as it
hath hitherto been. Passed in the affirmative.”
2 Forty pounds were granted to pay for the expense of the
ordination and for the five guns bought for the parish, and
' July 3d was appointed for his ordination.
502
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
°
<“ MIppLESEX, ss., Jan. 2, 1776.
“ William Bullard, within named, appeared personally, made
solemn oath that the within pay-roll, by him subscribed, was,
according to his best knowledge and judgment, just and true.
“ Before Henry GARDNER,
“Justice of the Peace.
in the Continental army.'
“xamined and compared with the original.
“ JostAH JOHNSON,
“Jonas Dix,
“ Committee.
“Tn Council, March 27th, 1776, Read and allowed, and |
there upon ordered that a warrant be drawn on the Treasurer |
for 44 pounds 12 shillings and 8 pence, and three farthings, in |
full discharge of the within roll.
“Perez Morton, Dep’t Sec’y.”
There were others from this parish who hurried
forward. Mr. Israel Everett, who lived where Mr.
Rooney now lives, and in memory of whom Everett
Street was named, was wounded, but the names are
so similar in the several parishes of the town I shall
only give the names of some few, of whose residence —
there is no doubt, leaving the remainder for some
In Capt. Joseph Guild’s company, First
Parish, in the Northern campaign of 1775 and 1776,
we find three sons of Zebediah Clark (Archelus and —
Samuel, who died at or near Ticonderoga), Robert |
Little and Benjamin Fisher, Jr. (who died at the |
same place), Daniel Clark, Sergt. Eliphalet Thorp, |
Edward Bullard, Ebenezer Sumner, John Smith, |
Aaron Guild, John Rugles, Abner Pettee, John |
Smith. In Capt. John Gay’s company, from the |
West Parish, occur the names of Sergt. William
Everett, Silas Everett, Hezekiah
Turner. Of Capt. Aaron Guild’s company of three
future time.
Morse, Josiah
months’ men a large number were from this parish.
Some persons made several campaigns, and there is |
but little doubt that every able-bodied person of |
suitable age was called upon to do military duty at
In
the spring of 1776 two soldiers on the march for |
New York died, one at Capt. Ebenezer Everett's |
and one at the house of Mr. Benjamin Fisher. No |
Peacefully they
some period during the war of the Revolution.
record reveals to us their names.
rest with our honored dead.
It is hardly possible for us at the present day to
conceive of the hardships and sufferings the Revolu-
tionary fathers were called to endure. The province
tax of the town of Dedham in 1775 was three hun-
dred and seventy pounds, six shillings, nine pence,
and one farthing; in 1778, eighteen hundred and
fifty-seven pounds, thirteen shillings, and ten pence,
and it was required to be collected and paid into
the State treasury by the first day of October. In |
addition to this increased taxation, frequent requi- |
sitions were made for beef, blankets, shirts, shoes, and |
stockings, enough at least to supply the town’s quota
By a vote of the town
the quota of men from each precinct was to be in
proportion to the taxes paid by each, and the several
precincts assumed the business of paying such soldiers
_as were members of their own body or employed by
| them.’
their quota of men for the Continental service with-
_ out the town’s bounty or any part of it, their propor-.
In 1777, the Second Precinct having raised
tion of the taxes assessed for paying this bounty is
committed to the constable of that precinct to be dis-
posed of as the precinct shallsee fit. Butif the pre-
cinct was prompt in filling its quota, they were most
negligent in preserving the names of those who took
their lives in their hands, and went forth to do battle
for their country.’ On the books of the church we
find the names of some few who died in the service ;
but if no other record existed except that preserved in
the parish, it might truly be said, “ the dead live, and
the living die.” From a report made by a committee
constituted in 1787 to examine the accounts of the
that the
whole amount committed to Kliphalet Fales was nine
hundred and thirty-six pounds, twelve shillings, nine
pence, and three farthings; that the treasurer had
collector and treasurer of the war rates:
paid out seven hundred and seventy-two pounds, sev-
enteen shillings, eight pence, and three farthings. One
hundred and forty-five pounds, four shillings, and seven
pence remain in the hands of the treasurer, and one
hundred and sixty-three pounds, fifteen shillings, and
one penny uncollected, which they value at seventy-
Allowing the
same depreciation as was made by the committee on
seven pounds and eighteen shillings.
what was paid by the treasurer, it would not vary
much from twelve hundred dollars in our present cur-
rency. When we reflect upon theirscanty means,
their small numbers,‘ and the greatness of that power
which they defied, we bow in reverence before their lofty
heroism and devotion to those great principles which
they held God had established, and which no human
legislation had power to abridge or destroy. The
1 Worthington’s “ History of Dedham,” published in 1827.
2 Mann’s *‘ Annals of Dedham,” page 54.
3’ Not a name is recorded of a single soldier, nor the amount
of bounty paid, or where they went.
‘ In 1765, by a census recorded by Samuel Dexter, Esq. :
No. of No. of
Houses. Inhabitants.
Hirst uParisbh, srcsdevessveusteeves DO Disess veeccicceosstectoveastnemectoteene 813
Secord! (Paxrishiowcecdescsccesses AD ccccecsecieecedsusesteceetisveseenes 441%
Mhird Parish. scdscsccccccseces a} URL redtcctocesdoccslennteasscenscvnqoes 313
| Fourth Parish—Dover,...c. « 49 ..coccccsisscscsscscovesseesscusase 352
1919
* Over ten to each house.
NORWOOD.
503
insurrection in 1787 caused not a ripple here; men |
who stood with Washington in the trenches around |
Boston, or trod the frozen snows of Canada, were too
loyal to revolt against the constituted authorities of
the State, and promptly responded to the requisition
upon' Capt. Gay, for twelve men for thirty days, to
march in midwinter to Worcester, to protect the
courts and disperse the deluded followers of Capt.
Daniel Shays. In the division of the school money in |
1796 we find the following: For the South Branch |
$52.60 ; tax on dogs,’ $8.00. For the Middle Branch,
$98.12 ; tax on dogs, $18.00, For the North Branch,
$15.32; tax on dogs, $2.00 ; so that the taxation of |
dogs for the instruction of children is no new thing.
That the parish sought to make the most of what
means they had may be seen by the following:
“That the money of the Parish be let out for three
years, to them that will make the Parish the best
present on each one hundred dollars; which was
The
old meeting-house was taken down and the materials
used in the construction of the new one.
meeting-house and were owners of the pews.*
The pews
on the lower floor, thirty-three in number, were ap-
prized at one dollar each, and the sixteen on the
second floor at seventy-five cents each, amounting to
forty-five dollars* Mr. Homer Fales was killed by
the falling of some timbers, and Mr. Leonard Fisher
was slightly injured, May 14, 1828. Dec. 16, 1829,
the Rev. William Cogswell, D.D., was dismissed, to
take the general agency of the American Education
Society, and the Rev. H. G. Park was ordained the
next day, and continued the pastor until Sept. 23,
1835. March 2, 1836, Mr. Calvin Durfee was in-
stalled, and tendered his resignation Feb. 23, 1851,
_ which was accepted, and July 15th the pastoral rela-
done, the bids varying from four dollars and fifty |
cents to five dollars and twenty-five cents.
March 12th died the Rev. Jabez Chickering, for
thirty-six years the pastor and teacher of this parish.
April 26, 1815, Rev. William Cogswell was ordained
as his successor.
new meeting-house, and chose a committee of fifteen
to select a suitable place to locate the same. At a
subsequent meeting they reported they could not
agree. Seven were then chosen, and their report was
Up to this period their expenses had been
met by direct taxation upon the polls and estates of
the members of the parish. They now vote to secure
the same by subscription. March 28, 1828, thirty-
five members close their connection with the first so-
the same.
March 13, 1826, voted to build a |
ciety and connect themselves with the religious |
society called Universalist.
they renew their vote to build, and again constituted
a committee of fifteen, who reported that the place
where the house of Mrs. Abigail Everett stands is the
most suitable for the said meeting-house, and that the
land can be obtained at a reasonable price, and that
individuals agree to clear the land of the buildings
free of expense to the society,’ which report was ac-
cepted, and it was voted to build the said house “ by
a subscription of shares.” The land was valued at
one hundred and fifty dollars, and the shares, sixty in
April 25th of this year |
number, were placed at two dollars and fifty cents |
each and conveyed by deed to the several proprietors
jointly, and they were at the expense of erecting the
1 Jacob Penniman, Jacob Penniman, Jr., and Joel Guild are
the only names given.
? By-law of the town, approved by the court.
tions were closed by a mutual council.’ October 3,
1851, Rev. M. M. Colburn was installed pastor and
teacher, and dismissed Aug. 11, 1866.
Oct. 1, 1866, Rev. Joseph P. Bixby commenced
his labors as acting pastor. May, 1878, after twelve
years of active and useful labor, tendered his resigna-
tion, to take effect in accordance with the terms of the
contract.
Rev. Ellis Mendell, the present pastor, was or-
dained June 4, 1879, and with his society will soon
take possession of their new and tasteful edifice,
which is erected on the spot marked out by a com-
mittee of the ‘Great and General Court” in 1734,
and where the fathers of the church covenanted to
walk together in peace and love. Says Mr. Worth-
ington in his history of Dedham, published in 1827,
“No church quarrel or discord has been known to
have existed worthy of notice,” and the same may be
said of it to-day.
The Universalist Society.—The petition for its
incorporation bears date Oct. 8, 1827, and was signed
by Jeremiah Draper® and thirteen others. On the
3 March 27, 1882, the parish “ voted to adopt Chapter 15 of the
acts of the year 1882, and the corporation styled the Proprie-
tors of the Congregational Meeting-House in the Second Parish
in Dedham, established by Chapter 24 of the acts of the
year 1829, is hereby dissolved, and the rights, privileges, and
property of the proprietors vested in the First Congregational
Parish in Norwood.”
+The appraisers were Messrs. George Haws, of Wrentham,
Gen. Josiah S. Fisher, and John Goulding. of Dedham.
5 The council say in “ coming to this result, hear with special
pleasure the testimony of Mr. Durfee to the punctual and gen-
erous manner in which his salary has generally been paid, we
wish to commend their fidelity in this respect, and to hold it up
as an example to others.”
6 Jeremiah Draper was the son of Dr. Philip and Mehetabel
Draper, born April 19, 1789; a graduate from Harvard; com-
missioned a justice of the peace; owned a farm near the Sharon
504
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
22d, Lewis Rhoads was chosen clerk (which office he
continued to hold for thirteen years), and Jeremiah
Draper, Joseph Sumner, and Daniel Stone, commit- |
tee of the society.
Thomas Whittemore, then twenty-seven years of age.
The Rev. J. C. Waldo occupied the desk from March
30th to July 20th. Says the Rev. Mr. Hill, to whose
kindness I am indebted for the items connected with |
his society, we find it entered upon the records:
Dedham is designed to be a temple for the worship
of the one living and true God, as the universal
Parent of mankind, who will have all men to be
saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”
June 14, 1830, their meeting-house was dedicated,
He
was assisted in the services by the Rev. Messrs. Bal-
Rey. Thomas Whittemore preaching the sermon.
lou, Streeter, and Frieze. June 17th, of this year,
Rey. Alfred V. Bassett was ordained as pastor and
teacher of the society. He was a young man of fine
talents and an able preacher. His pastorate was
closed by death Dec. 26, 1831, and clothed his peo-
ple in the habiliments of mourning. His successor,
the Rev. Rufus S. Pope, supplied the desk some
three years from September, 1833, and left many
warm friends. His name should be cherished for
his noble and manly stand in the cause of temperance. |
It is told that he was the man who opened the crusade
against intemperance in South Dedham, delivering a _
lecture on that subject.
Says Mr. Hill, “It raised
such a storm that it blew him out of town;” but unlike
the tornado, its sweep brought joy and gladness where |
Messrs. J. D. Pierce and E. |
Partridge supplied for a time in the interval which |
sorrow had reigned.
followed. Rey. Edwin Thompson began his labors
in 1840. In 1841 he was ordained, and at once
opened upon the liquor traffic.
loners sympathized and acted with him. “ He com-
menced at headquarters, the hotel of Joseph Sumner,
and continued his persuasive arguments, in which
Mrs. Sumner joined, and a few others, till Mr. Sum-
ner finally offered to stop rum-selling forever if any
one would buy his stock on hand. Mr. Thompson
was a poor man, receiving but three hundred dollars
a year, but he bought the liquor, pledging his little
Mr.
salary in payment.
Sumner kept his word,
line. Joseph Sumner, son of Nathaniel and grandson of Deacon
Nathaniel Sumner, born April 28, 1797; died Sept. 13, 1877.
Of Mr. Stone nothing is left on record.
The first sermon was preached |
prior to this time in the hall of the hotel by the Rev. |
_ greatly increased.
The Rev. Messrs. T. B. Thayer, Hosea Ballou, Bal- |
four, and Streeter supplied the society occasionally. |
i
and entered the Washingtonian movement, and be-
_ came president of the society in this place.” When
Mr. Thompson closed his labors here he could look
back and see that the society had more than doubled
its numbers during his ministry and its moral power
His faithful and untiring labors
in the cause of temperance have made his name an
honored one, and enrolled him among the benefactors
of mankind.
| were chosen deacons.
Rev. Charles H. Webster was settled June 25,
1846, and remained four years. Rev. N. C. Hodg-
don, who came in 1850, remained but a short time.
|
“The building this day erected (June 18, 1829) |
by the Universalist Society in the Second Parish in |
Rey. Ebenezer Fisher commenced his labors in 1853.
The five years of his pastorate were periods of special
enterprise and prosperity.
In June, 1856, the Universalist Church was organ-
ized, and J. KE. Hartshorn and Willard Gay, Esq.,
Mr. Fisher resigned his charge
to accept of a professorship in the Canton Theological
Seminary, New York. His successor in the ministry,
Rey. A. R. Abbott, remained two years. Rev. J. H.
Farnsworth occupied the pulpit for a short time, and
_ was succeeded by Rev. M. R. Leonard, who was or-
Two of his parish- |
dained June 30,1861. Mr. Leonard, was a graduate
of the first class of the Canton Seminary under the
charge of Dr. Fisher.
In 1865 a meeting of the society was called to take
into consideration the subject of enlarging, selling, or
building a new meeting-house, and the Hon. Joseph
Day, George B. Talbot, and Lyman Smith consti-
tuted a committee to take all legal steps necessary to
They each
subscribed two thousand dollars, and others united
| sell the old house and build a new one.
with them according to their means, and raised their
The
house was completed in less than one year from the
subscription list to sixteen thousand dollars.
time the committee received their instructions, and
dedicated to the worship of God. Mr. Leonard re-
signed on account of ill health. His successor, the
Rey. George Hill, was installed February, 1865, and
for seventeen years ministered to-this people; re-
signed his charge July, 1881.
Mr. Hill, at the close of his pastorate, can see his
society, which less than fifty years ago was few in
numbers and forced its pastor to depart because he
| spoke against the greatest moral pestilence that ever
rested upon this community, now stands forth strong
in numbers, influence, and power in this noble cause.
The Rey. Mr. Sellick, the present pastor, com-
menced his labors in April of 1883.
The Baptist Society.—The first public meeting of
the Baptist people was held in Union Hall, Aug. 8,
| 1858,—sermon by Rev. Joseph B. Breed, of Woon-
NORWOOD.
505
socket, R. I.
Breed was constituted their pastor according to their
established usages. Jan. 2, 1859, the record says,
“ Brother Messer was to-day baptized; this is prob-
ably the first time that the ordinance of baptism by |
immersion was ever administered in South Dedham.” |
| same year.
Dee. 1, 1859, their church was dedicated.
Introductory prayer by Rev. M. M. Colburn, of the |
Congregational Church ; reading of the Scripture by
Rey. M. Lincoln, of Jamaica Plains; prayer by the
Rev. J. W. Lothrop, of Medfield; sermon by the |
ate, and their church edifice was enlarged and rededi-
B. W. Gardner; reading of a hymn by Rev. J. R. |
pastor, J. B. Breed; dedicatory prayer by the Rev.
Abbot, of the Universalist society; benediction by
the pastor.
May 4, 1860, Mr. Breed preached his farewell dis-
course.
the Rev. James J. Tucker, of Worcester, to become
their pastor. Sept. 1, 1860, he commenced his labors.
His health failing, leave of absence was granted him,
but death closed his pastorate Jan. 13, 1864."
August 8th an invitation was extended to
In November of the same year Mr. | early as 1852.
}
His successor, the Rey. C. Osburn, of West Troy, |
N. Y., became pastor March 20, 1864. Aug. 20,
1865, he tendered his resignation, to take effect the |
last day of September.
George G. Fairbanks, of Somerville, occupied the
pulpit till March 7, 1869, when he was dismissed to
accept a call from the Baptist Church in Middleboro’,
where he still officiates. May 3d a call was given
From Aug. 1, 1866, the Rev. |
|
to the Rev. Edwin Bromley, of West Boylston, which |
was accepted, and he continued pastor until April 6,
1876, when he was dismissed.
I. H. Gilbert, of Hyde Park, assumed the duties of
the pastorate. March 13th, at the annual meeting of
the church, it was ‘ resolved to take all legal steps to
renew the existence of the society in connection with
the church,’ which was consummated April 9, 1877.
Oct. 12, 1878, Rev. Mr. Gilbert’s resignation was
accepted, that he might take the pastorate of the
Baptist Church in Medfield. Rev. W. A. Worthing-
ton supplied the desk from May 4, 1879, to Sept. 12,
1880, when he tendered his resignation. The present
pastor, B. W. Barrows, commenced his labors imme-
diately after Mr. Worthington’s departure.
The St. Catherine Church being connected with
the St. Mary’s Church, Dedham, and forming one
pastorate, I can say but little. For the few facts
recorded I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Edwin
Fahy.
Services were held in private houses several times
a year by the Rev. P. O. Beirne, of Roxbury, as
1 He died in Chicago.
Sept. 29, 1876, Rev. |
Union Hall was used occasionally till
the completion of Village Hall, when they gathered
_ there about once a month till the purchase of their
| church, April 22, 1863, from a committee of the
Universalist society. After remodeling, it was dedi-
cated with appropriate ceremonies August 3d of the
Soon after it was transferred from the
pastoral care of the Rev. P. O. Beirne, of Roxbury,
to the care of Rev. John B. Brennon, of Dedham.
Not far from 1874, Mr. Brennon was placed at Med-
field, and Rey. D. J. O. Donovan assumed the pastor-
cated. On account of failing health, and being
unable to perform the duties of so large a pastorate,
he closed his labors, and was succeeded by the Rev.
R. J. Johnson, the present pastor. In 1854 the con-
eregation connected with this church numbered about
one hundred, at the present time (1854) some eight
| hundred.
First Congregational Church.—June 23, 1736,
after a day of fasting and prayer, the following
persons entered into the church covenant: Thomas
Balch, Samuel Bullard, John Everett, John Dean,
James Fales, Jr., Samuel Fuller, William Bacon,
Eleazer Fisher, Samuel Holmes, Jeremiah Kings-
bury, Ezra Morse, William Everett, Nathaniel Guild,
Ebenezer Dean, and Nathaniel Lewis. It would be
pleasant to transcribe in full the covenant into which
they entered, because it gives so perfect an idea of the
character of the men who founded this ancient church,
but its length precludes the idea.. It remains a pre-
cious memento of their faith and piety. June 30,
1736, Rev. Thomas Balch was ordained over this in-
fant church and precinct as its pastor and teacher.
The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Walter, of
Roxbury, from John xvii. 10, “ All mine are thine,
glorified in them.”
singing two stanzas
and thine are mine, and I am
The exercises were concluded by
from the Eighty-ninth Psalm,
nineteenth verse :
“Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and
saidst, I have laid help upon one that 7s mighty; I
have exalted one chosen out of the people.
‘“T have found David my servant; with my holy oil
have [ anointed him:
“ With whom my hand shall be established.”
Mr. Balch was a native of Charleston, born Oct.
17, 1711, graduated at Harvard, 1733, married to
Miss Mary Sumner, of Roxbury, Oct. 11, 1737;
died Jan. 8, 1774, aged sixty-two years, two months,
and eleven days, making his ministry thirty-seven
From all the
commencing at the
years, six months, and eight days.
testimony that can be found, it appears that Mr.
506 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
Balch was honored and beloved by his people in an |
unusual degree, and in return gave them his warmest |
affections, and labored assiduously for their temporal
and spiritual welfare. From the records of the church
during his ministry one hundred and _ seventy-one
persons were received “into full communion,” ninety-
three recognized or owned the covenant, nine adults
and six hundred and twenty-eight children were bap-
tized. One hundred and forty-eight couples were
and forty-five funerals, some of which were out of the
limits of the precinct. A large number of collections
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
to continue unto this day, and as all things are pre-
served by Him, so he rules and governs them accord-
ing to his will. This doctrine of universal dominion
and providence of God is here laid down. He doeth
according to his will in the army of Heaven, and
among the inhabitants of the earth. A subject well
worthy of our contemplation, and not inappropriate
at this time.” * God exercises his absolute dominion
_and sovereign providence over men on earth. The
united in marriage, and he officiated at two hundred |
were made for persons on account of losses by fire, |
and for those suffering from poverty and sickness;
one for the completion of an unfinished Congregational
meeting-house on Tower Hill, in South Kingston ;
another, of considerable an amount, for the poor
Acadians when forced from their homes by the royal
mandate, procured through the influence of Governor |
Shirley. Some, over one thousand, were brought to |
Boston, and the other seven thousand or more scat-
tered from Massachusetts to Georgia.
By his ministerial brethren Mr. Balch was highly
esteemed, says the Rev. Jason Haven, of the First
Parish, in this town. In 1796, forty years from his
affairs of the world in general are ordered and deter-
mined by Him. His is the kingdom, and He is
the Governor among the nations, and his mandate
reaches the utmost bounds of creation. “ What an
exalted idea does this aive us of the divine majesty,
and how glorious and adorable must that God be.”
‘“War must be managed with a view to peace. Soa
time of peace must be improved to prepare for war.”
‘‘Have we not seen the importance of well-disci-
‘‘Well-accomplished
and skillful soldiers will be more than ever necessary
for us in the future.” ‘The time may come even
plined troops in the late war?”
in our days, such is the instability of human affairs,
_when those who envy our growing greatness may
ordination, he remarks that “he had often recol- |
lected that profusion of Christian friendship and |
brotherly love expressed in the right hand of fellow- |
ship given by the Rev. Mr. Balch, of the South |
Parish ; all which friendship and brotherly love he
continued to exemplify while his valuable life was
spared, towards the person then ordained and towards
his brethren in the gospel ministry in general.”
He took a deep interest in the young people of his
charge, and delivered a series of lectures for their im-
provement, which were repeated by request in Rox- |
bury and Charlestown.
Mr. Balch as a preacher must have ranked much
| Jabez Chickering
above mediocrity ; and allow me to give a few extracts |
from a sermon delivered before the Ancient and Honor-
able Artillery Company in Boston, 1763, and then we |
will pass from the patriarch of this church to his suc-
cessors.”
Daniel iv. 35: ‘‘ He doeth according to his will in |
the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of |
the earth.” After referring to the occasion which
called forth these words from the once proud, but
now humbled king of Babylon, he continues, “ He
that commanded the world into being has caused it
1 Barry’s “ History of Massachusetts, Second Period,” page
200-204. 38-42 ;s
“« Evangeline.”
bon]
Hutchinson’s, vol. iii. and Longfellow’s
7See Mr. Durfee’s “‘ Centennial Sermon,” page 18.
form deep plots against us, and endeavor to put them
in execution by the point of the sword.” * Then, “Is
it not wisdom to cherish a martial spirit, and in time
‘Let us look to Him
in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should
dwell, for grace and strength to enable us to prosecute
our Christian warfare, till death shall discharge us
from the fatigues and turmoils of this transitory life,
of peace prepare for war ?’’®
and we put on the garlands of immortality to reign
with our victorious Redeemer in the realms of a glo-
rious and undisturbed peace, through the endless ages
of eternity.”
After the death of Mr. Balch it was about two
years and a half before the settlement of the Rev.
on July 3, 1776, the day before
Mr. Chickering
was a native of Dover, and was born Nov. 4, 1753;
graduated from Harvard University in 1774; studied
theology with the Rev. Benjamin Caryl; married Miss
Hannah Balch, April 22, 1777, a daughter of his
Seventy-eight were added to the church,
3D)
the declaration of independence.
predecessor.
two hundred and three couples were joined in mar-
riage, and two hundred and eighty-two were borne to
It is
told by aged people who remember him, that he was
their last resting-place during his pastorate.
remarkably fond of children, and they too, in turn,
3 Preached soon after the close of the last French and Indian
war.
* How prophetic.
5 Here John Adams is outdone.
NORWOOD.
507
were equally attached to him. It is asserted, in the
discourse delivered at his funeral, that for some of
the last years of his life he expended the whole of |
his salary in relieving objects of distress in his vicin-
ity, and in subscribing money for religious and liter-
ary purposes. The youth of to-day should hold him
in kind remembrance, for he really laid the founda-
tion of our public library. and the income from his |
gift annually gives them the means to add to their |
stock of knowledge.
It is said that Mr. Chickering left no printed dis-
courses except a charge given at the ordination of the
Rev. Mr. Richey, of Canton, and the right hand of
fellowship at the ordination of the Rev. Joshua Bates,
of the First Church, Dedham, whieh for beauty of |
sentiment and expression is seldom equaled, and |
‘‘ Before the
morning stars sang together, or all the sons of God
shouted for joy, God was happy in the perfection of |
his own nature.
allow me to quote a few sentences:
But in his manifestation to man he
has revealed himself, communicating happiness to his
creatures, through the medium of love; for God is
love, and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ex- |
hibits the divine benevolence, causing mercy and |
truth to meet together, and righteousness and peace |
to embrace each other. ‘The great end of our holy
religion, next to reconciling us to God, is to reconcile
us to each other.
good-will to man, was the song of the multitude of
the heavenly hosts at the birth of the Saviour, whose
life was one great example of benevolence and love. |
At death, what had he to bequeath? Peace I leave |
with you, my peace I give unto you.” .. . “ Love to |
God and man, was by the Saviour made the criterion
of our relation to Him, and interest in the blessings of |
Glory to God for peace on earth, and
his purchase. He left in charge this new command- |
ment, ‘As I have loved you, that ye also love one |
another.
my right hand, as a public declaration that you are |
209
. . . “Dear brother, I cordially give you |
embraced in our fellowship, in taking a part in the |
ministry of reconciliation. ‘We have one master,
iP)
even Christ, and all we are brethren. + aBreth-))
ren of this church of Christ, we, the elders and mes- |
sengers of the churches salute you, and with you re-
joice that the eminent abilities and usefulness of your
senior pastor have been so long continued. Need we
exhort you to remember and honor the aged priest so
long as he liveth; we also rejoice that the pastor
now inducted to office was so highly esteemed for his
work’s sake, as to be the man of your unanimous >
choice. May your mutual affections be as the dew of
Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the |
mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded |
| elected secretary and director of that society.
| Dartmouth College.
| and professor of Christian Theology.
the blessing, even life for ever more.” Mr. Chicker-
ing died March 12, 1812, in the fifty-eighth year of
his age, and the thirty-fifth year of his pastorate ; and
his remains lie entombed near his people, and the
children he loved so well. His successor, the Rev.
William Cogswell, was born at Atkinson, N. H.,
June 5, 1787; graduated at Dartmouth College in
1811, and was principally guided in his theological
studies by the Rev. Dr. Worcester, of Salem. During
_his ministry seventy-four became members of the
church, sixty-eight were united in marriage, and for
one hundred and sixteen he performed the last sad
rite. Dr. Cogswell was a ready writer, and one of the
ablest divines in the State. Many of his published
sermons and addresses can be found in the parish, and
so will make no quotations.
His “ Assistant to Family Religion,’ a duodecimo
volume of four hundred and four pages, in a few years
passed three editions, and his ‘‘ Theological Class Book,”
published and stereotyped in 1833, was republished in
England. “ A Catechism on the Doctrines and Duties
of Religion,” in two parts, passed through several
He was dismissed that he might take the
general agency of the American Education Society.’
His successor in the ministry, Rev. Harrison G.
Park, was ordained by the same council which dis-
missed Dr. Cogswell. Mr. Park was born at Provi-
dence, R. L., July 26, 1806; was graduated at Brown
University in 1824. After leaving college he studied
law two years with the Hon. Mr. Fisk, of Wrentham,
and Bradford Sumner, Esq., of Boston. He studied
theology with Dr. Wisner, of Bostor, and at the
Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J. His pastor-
Mr. Park was a good
sermonizer and After
from this place he was settled over the Second Society
in Danvers,’ and subsequently at Burlington, and at
editions.
ate coutinued about six years.
an able man. his removal
' Leaving the parish where for fourteen years he had labored
97
with great success, he entered June 27, 1829, upon his_new
On the death of the Rev. Dr. Cornelius, in 1832, he was
After a period
duties.
of twelve years of most incessant labor, on account of failing
| health, he tendered his second resignation, April 14, 1841.
January 12th of this year, he had been elected a professor in
He very soon established ‘‘ The Northern
Academy of Arts and Sciences,’ and in the course of three
years he collected twelve hundred bound volumes and five
thousand pamphlets, and secured some twenty-two thousand
dollars to the funds of the college. Nov. 1843, he
was elected president of the Gilmanton Theological Seminary,
His last work was to
99
as,
edit the sixth volume of the New Hampshire Historical Collec-
tions. He died April 18, 1850.
2 While at Danvers he was called to deliver a funeral dis-
course in memory of the Rey. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles, pastor of
the First Church, who, with his wife, was lost at sea by the
508
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Burnardston. The last years of his life were passed |
in this town, where he took a deep interest in all that
pertained to its welfare.
His successor, the Rev. Calvin Durfee, was born in
Pittsfield, Mass., Oct. 6, 1797; graduated from Wil- |
liams College; studied theology with the Rev. Dr. |
Woodbridge, of Hadley; ordained at Hunter, New |
York; resigned in 1835; installed March 6, 1836,
over the Second Parish in Dedham ; resigned in 1857 ;
spent three years in Brookline, Ohio; and on the resig-
nation of the Rev. Dr. Peters was appointed financial
agent of Williams College. Some of his sermons are
preserved in the parish or pastors’ library. Dr.
Durfee’s principal work is the “ Annals of Williams,”
on which it is said he spent a quarter of a century. |
Dr. Irenzeus Prime, in his introduction, speaks of it as
one of the most extraordinary literary compilations of
the present day. He died in 1879, aged eighty-two
|
|
|
\
years.
Rey. Moses M. Colburn, sixth pastor of the First
Church, was born at Fair Haven, Vt., Sept. 17,
1819; graduated from the University of Vermont; |
studied theology at the Andover Seminary ; spent
fourteen years of pastoral life in South Dedham ; re- |
moved to Waukegan, IIl., where he labored four |
years. In 1870 we find him at St. Joseph, Mich.,
where death closed his pastorate in 1876, in the fifty- |
seventh year of his age.
Mr. Colburn is spoken of as a faithful pastor and a |
good man, as one deeply interested in the youth of |
the town and parish, and admirably adapted to guide
them in the way to honor and respectability. One _
printed discourse, the ‘‘ Cowfortless Christian,” re-_
_ mains iu the society.
Rey. Ebenezer Fisher was born in Charlotte, Me. |
(then a part of Massachusetts), Feb. 15, 1815. Itis |
said he was a lineal descendant of David Fisher, who
was here as early as 1730, and died in 1791, aged
seventy-four years. Mr. Fisher licensed to |
preach in 1840 ; in 1841 was settled at Addison Point, |
Me.; May 18, 1747, was installed over the Univer-
salist Church in Salem.
was
This pastorate continued
Oct. 7, 1853, resigned his charge
on account of ill health; November, 1853, was in-
stalled in due form over the Universalist Society in
South Dedham. As a temperance man he pushed
forward the good work Mr. Thompson had begun,
and exerted a
about six years.
wholesome wherever he
April 15, 1858, Dr. Fisher was inaugurated
professor and head of the Theological Seminary in
influence
moved.
foundering of the “ Hope,” which was published by request and
is still preserved in this parish.
Canton, N. Y. During his connection of twenty-
one years with that institution he had seen more
than one hundred students, whose minds he had in a
great measure moulded and fashioned, settled in
He died sud-
denly Feb. 21, 1879, on his way to his recitation-
rooms in the seminary.
Deacon John Everett, son of Capt. John Everett,
and grandson of Richard Everett, one of the original
founders of Dedham, settled in that part of Stough-
ton which was annexed to Dedham. He married Mercy
Brown, Jan. 3, 1700. In the act of incorporation of
the precinct, he is named as a “ principal inhabitant.”
On the organization of the church, in 1736, he was
elected the first deacon. From the records of the
church and parish, he appears to have been an active,
the Universalist pulpits in our land.
intelligent, and pious man, laboring for the good of
all. He died March 20, 1751, aged seventy-five
years.
Deacon Ebenezer Everett, son of Deacon John,
was born Aug. 5, 1707; married Joanna Stevens ;
was chosen deacon Noy. 30,1760; died June 19,
1778. He was the father of the Rev. Moses Everett,
ninth minister of Dorchester, and the Rev. Oliver
Everett, fourth pastor of the New South Church,
Boston, and grandfather of the Hon. Alexander H.,
and the illustrious orator and statesman, Governor
_ Edward Everett.
Capt. and Deacon Ebenezer Everett was born Oct.
7, 1734; Dec. 16,1756, married Abigail Bacon. He
was a veteran of the French war; enlisted May 7,
1755 ; marched with Capt. Fales through the wilder-
ness to Albany, from thence to Lake George, and
was undoubtedly in the battle of September 8th, as
his company was engaged and lost heavily. He was
chosen deacon July 30, 1778; died Oct. 1, 1808.
Willard Everett, grandson of Deacon Ebenezer (2),
was chosen deacon Jan. 14,1834; died March 17,
1851, aged fifty-six years.
Willard Everett (2) was chosen deacon Oct. 28,
1852; died Nov. 27, 1857, aged thirty-five years.
In the midst of an active and highly useful life he
passes from us ; “ but the righteous shall be in ever-
jasting remembrance.’
When Ezra Morse was driven from his mill-seat,
on Mother Brook, the town ‘‘gave him a grant of
forty acres of land near the Neponset River, or at the
old saw-mill,’ or at Everett plain, where he might find
He also had leave to
erect a saw-mill on Hawes Brook on the way leading
it most to his satisfaction.”
! This was probably built about 1664 by Joshua Fisher on the
' Neponset River.
NORWOOD.
509
to the south meadow. His son Ezra was born Jan.
28,1671. On the formation of the church, 1736,
he was chosen deacon, and subsequently gave to the
church the meadow-land they now hold, and died Oct.
17, 1760, aged ninety years, honored and respected.
Mr. Jonathan Dean, chosen deacon July 18, 1736,
continued to fill that office till March 28, 1870, at
which time he passed away in the fullness of a ripe
old age, numbering ninety-three years.
Deacon Nathaniel Sumner, son of Edward Sumner,
of Roxbury, born April 10, 1720, was a graduate of
Harvard, class of 1739. Studied theology, but never
took upon himself the ministerial office ; Oct. 18,
1752, was chosen deacon ; 1768, was sent as a dele-
gate to the convention held in Faneuil Hall. Repre-
sentative to the General Court for the sessions of
1756-57, 1762, 1769, and -1770,
of the Board of the Selectmen for
Died Dec. 23, 1802, aged eighty-two years.
Willard Gay, Esq., was born Jan. 3, 1818, ap-
pointed justice of the peace in 1858, postmaster in
1861. These offices he continued to hold to the close
of life. Assistant assessor United States from 1861
till the district was abolished ;
collector till a further alteration was made, and the
number of officials reduced. A member of the Board
of Selectmen of Dedham for several years, and also
of Norwood during the first three years of its exist-
ence. On the organization of the Universalist Church,
in 1856, he was chosen deacon and treasurer, which
offices he continued to hold while his valuable life |
was spared.
Hon. Joseph Day was born in Walpole July 25,
1807.
trist school afforded sixty years ago.
and a member
nineteen years.
after that, assistant
His education was such as the common dis- |
At the age of |
sixteen years he left home to learn the currier’s trade. |
When twenty, he came to South Dedham and en- |
gaged as a journeyman in that same business for the |
late John Smith. He was absent some four years,
eugaged in the same business, and then returned to
South Dedham, and joined Isaac Ellis in erecting a
paper-mill for the manufacturing of wrapping-paper, —
on the spot where Isaac Ellis’ mill now stands. In _
two years he returned to his old business of tanning,
and opened a shop, where he continued ten or eleven
years. In 1844 or 1845 he established, in connection
with Mr. A. L. White, the house in Boston now |
known as Day, Wilcox & Co. In about eight years
Mr. White withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Day re-
ceived as partners D. W. Wilcox, Lyman Rhoads, and |
his son Lewis. In 1864 he withdrew from the firm.
He served some years as one of the assessors of Ded-
ham, a director in the Dedham National Bank, a ’
| James Pinney, Co. F, 2d Regt.; enl. May 26, 1861;
| Elias W. Adams, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861
| Sumner A. Ellis, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861;
| Patrick
representative to the General Court in 1843-44, a
senator from Norfolk County in 1856-57 (serving as
amember of the Committee on Prisons and Reforma-
tory Institutions).
Deacon Curtis G. Moore, born Dec. 18, 1805,
contributed seventeen hundred and seventy dollars
towards the erection of the Baptist meeting-house,
but as his left hand knew not what his right hand
did, it is impossible to make any estimate of his
benefactions. On the organization of the church, in
1858, he was chosen deacon, and continued in office
till his death. He left by will two thousand dollars
to the church, the income to be used for the support
of the gospel.
Joel M. Baker, born Sept. 9, 1808, was connected
with the Baptist Society, and was largely instrumental
in building up the same. His gifts, when their
meeting-house was in process of construction, amounted
to two thousand eight hundred and ninety-five dollars,
-and from 1858 till the time of his death (May 21,
1878) he must, at least, have contributed, besides the
above gifts, twenty-five hundred dollars more, for his
hands were always open and ready to balance the
accounts of the society at the end of the year.
We will now pause in our narrative and turn back
to the time when the cohorts of slavery unfurled the
_ black flag of treason and marshaled their untaught
hordes for carnage and strife, and to the gathering of
freemen to save the Union and the priceless heritage
for which our fathers fought.
From this parish went forth for three years,—
must. out
May 25, 1864.
James M. Pond, sergt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 24, 1861; pro. 1st
sergt.; poe Ist lieut. Jan. 15, 1864; re-enl. October, 1864,
and trans. to 32d Regt.
Joseph W. ye sergt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in
1861 for sickness.
; disch. in 1862 for
wounds received at second Bull Run; re-enl. and must. out
July 12, 1865.
George W. Brigham, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; pro. corp. in
1861, sergt. in 1862; prisoner at exp. of service.
disch. in 1862 for
wounds received at second Bull Run; re-enl. Jan. 12, 1864;
disch. for disability June 17, 1865.
Franklin Fisher, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861;
sickness.
William P. Fairbanks, Co. F, enl. August, 1861; re-enl. Jan-
uary, 1864, and trans. to 52d Regt.
Henry L. Hayford, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861;
1864;
disch. in 1863 for
re-enl. January,
trans. to 32d Regt.
Chester R. Lawton, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; pro. corp. in
1862; re-enl. January, 1864; disch. under G. 0. in 1864.
Mears, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; disch.
wounds received at second Bull Run.
| William J. Marsh, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for
sickness,
in 1863 for
510
HISTORY OF NORAOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSET''S.
George E. Pond, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for |
sickness ; re-enl. in Co. D, 42d Regt., Sept. 12, 1862; must. |
out July 30, 1863.
Austin E. Pratt, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for
wounds received at Gettysburg.
Charles G. Rogers, Co. F, enl. Aug. 24, 1861; pro. corp. in 1863; |
must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
Henry R. Ellis, musician.
Julius Bockme, Co. B, 20th Regt.; enl. July 26, 1861; re-enl.
Feb. 23, 1864; wounded in May, 1864.
Charles J. Haas, Co. B, enl. July 26, 1861; must. out Aug. 1,
1864.
Edward R. Pond, Co. I, 24th Regt.; enl. Oct. 8, 1861; disch. |
April, 1863, for disability.
Charles D. Pond, sergt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out
June 9, 1865.
Ferdinand Steiner, corp., Co. [; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out
June 9, 1865.
Charles D. Force, corp., Co. 1; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out
June 9, 1865.
John G. Dymond, corp., Co. I; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; died at
Hampton, Va., March 29, 1863.
Ephraim A. Roberts, fifer and bugler, Co. I; enl. Aug. 16, 1862;
trans. to Vet. Res. Corps in 1864.
Clinton Bagley, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; pro. corp., sergt., Ist
sergt., and sergt.-maj.; pro. 2d lieut. Sept. 8, 1864, declined |
commission; must. out June 9, 1865.
Henry Bauer, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; pro. corp.; trans. to
Vet. Res. Corps in 1863.
John H. Birch, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; died of fever Aug.
15, 1863, at Overton Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
Michael Colbert, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Petersburg
Mine July 30, 1864.
William J. Wallace, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; taken prisoner
at Poplar Grove Church Sept. 30, 1864; exchanged in
1865; must. out June 9, 1865.
Joseph P. White, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Antie-
tam Sept. 17, 1862.
Nine Monrus’ Men, Forry-rairp REeGiment.
Alvin Fuller, sergt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
E. Phineas Guild, corp., Co. D; enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out
July 30, 1863.
Elbridge P. Boyden, corp., Co. D; enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must.
out July 30, 1863.
Frank D. Hayward, musician, Co. D; enl. Sept. 12, 1862; re-
enl. U.S. Signal Corps March, 1864; must. out Aug. 17,
1865.
Willard Babbitt, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Jarvis G. Fairbanks, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
Edwin E. Fisher, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
| William H. Gay, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12,1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Clarence M. Guild, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
Charles J. Guild, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Charles E. Hartshorn, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; disch. April
25, 1865, for sickness.
| Francis P. Ide, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
George V. Dean, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1862 for |
sickness.
Francis Donley, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, |
1865.
Moses W. Downs, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; disabled by wounds
received at North Anna River May, 1864; trans. to Vet. |
Res. Corps in 1864.
Albert Ellis, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; pro. corp.; must. out
June 9, 1865.
Alfred Ellis, Co. I, en]. Aug. 16, 1862; pro. corp. and sergt.;
must. out June 9, 1865.
Warren Ellis, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865. |
Henry Fisher, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; taken prisoner at Pop-
lar Grove Church Sept. 30, 1864; exchanged in 1865;
must. out June 9, 1865.
Alfred T. Hartshorn, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862;
for sickness.
John Hyde, Jr., Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862;
1865.
Canrad Kril, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Henry Kril, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
disch. in 1863
must. out June 9,
1863.
A. Mason Morse, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Charles H. Morse, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
Joseph E. Morse, Co. D, eni. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Sanford O. Morse, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
George HE. Pond, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Edwin Pratt, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William H. Randall, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
George A. Rhoads, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
George L. Rhoads, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
Joseph H. Richardson, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out
July 30, 1863.
| Bennett O. Richards, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
Albert G. Ober, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, |
1865.
Conrad Rausch, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16,
wounds received at Antietam.
Conrad Schneider, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1863 for
1862; disch. in 1862 for
sickness.
Hiram Shufelett, Co. I, enl. August, 1862; pro. corp. and sergt.;
disch. for wounds received at the Petersburg mine.
John L. Smith, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; pro. corp., color corp.,
sergt., and Ist sergt.; pro. 2d lieut. Jan. 9, 1865; not mus-
tered; must. out June 9, 1865.
Charles H. Sulkoski, Co. I, enl. Aug. 16, 1862; killed at An-
tietam Sept. 17, 1862.
30, 1863.
Charles H. Shackley, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
James F. Shepleigh, Co. D, enl, Sept. 12, 1862;
30, 1863.
Alfred M. Shepleigh, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 18638.
Henry A. Shaw, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
George H. Smith, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
William R. Tibbetts, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July
30, 1863.
Albert G. Webb, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
must. out July
NORWOOD.
511
James M. Wood, Co. D, enl. Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Ithamar W. Copeland, Co. K, 44th Regt.; enl. Sept. 12, 1862; |
disch. Jan. 14, 1863, for sickness.
James T. Holmes, Co. C, 61st Regt. (one year); enl. Sept. 17,
1864; must. out June 4, 1865.
Henry M. Fales, 16th Battery, Light Artillery (three years) ;
enl. March 11, 1864; must. out June 27, 1865.
Lewis P. Baker, Sherman’s U.S. Battery. |
Henry Smith, Co. B, Ist Cav.; enl. September, 1861; disch. |
Dec. 25, 1862, for disability.
Samuel Patterson (Stoughton), Co. I, enl. Sept. 14, 1891; trans.
to 4th Cay.
John E. Richardson, Co. B, enl. Feb. 21, 1863; died in rebel
prison Aug. 17, 1864.
Charles E. Barrows, enl. August, 1863; served five years in
U.S. Navy.
Willard 8. Rhoads (son of Deacon Lewis S. Rhoads), enl. in Co.
B, 1st Mich. Cav.; pro. com.-sergt. 2d Cav. Brigade ; killed
near Centreville, Va., by guerrillas, Nov. 3, 1863.
To Mr. William J. Wallace I am indebted for fore-
going names of soldiers who went from this parish.
The town of Norwood contains some six thousand
two hundred and thirty acres of land fit for cultiva-
tion, with a population of about twenty-five hundred;
distant from Boston fourteen and a quarter miles,
with easy communication by the New York and
New England Railroad. It has four churches already
defined, one hotel, three dry-goods stores, six grocery
stores, apothecary-shop, three markets, a bakery, and |
everything to make it a desirable place for residence.
The first meeting of the citizens of the South
Parish, in Dedham, interested in the formation of a
town was held in Village Hall, Dec. 22,1871, at.
which measures were adopted to secure that end ; and
a committee was chosen to appear before the Legisla-
tive Committee on Towns, and support the petition
of George B. Talbot, and two hundred and fifty-one
other legal voters within the limits of the old parish
lines, which were adopted with but little variation, for
the boundaries of the new town of Norwood, except
the reception of a small territory, and a few persons
from Walpole, whose business and family interests
connect them with us. Feb. 23, 1872, the act |
was approved, and March 6th, the citizens celebrated
the birth of their town. His Excellency, Governor
Washburn, the occasion, and remarked |
that he thought it unnecessary to call upon any
one outside of their number to give them advice.
On looking around the room he saw among the mot- |
toes, “‘ Economy, Responsibility,” and he thought by
the report of the Committee that that motto was very
appropriate. He said ‘“‘ each one partook of therepu- |
graced
1The petitioners did not employ counsel; the expense was |
simply for such legal advertisements as were required by the
statute. :
| tation of his town, and the character of a town par-
took of the character of its individuals. It becomes
of the greatest importance that whatever we possess,
whether of wealth or education, should all be conse-
crated to work for the community's good.”’ Senator
Thomas L. Wakefield, of Dedham, “ spoke of the rela-
_ tions of the old town of Dedham to the new town of
Norwood.” He said, “ since the year 1635 they had
lived together in harmoney, and now they parted
without a disagreement. There had been no objection
on the part of Dedham, not because they wished for
the separation, but because they thought it due to
the new community.”
The Board of Selectmen of Dedham were repre-
sented by A. B. Endicott and Benjamin Weatherbee,
Esqs. The warrant for the first meeting of the town
was drawn by Willard Gay, Esq., and made re-
turnable March 11th. Mr. Gay presided till the
clerk was chosen and qualified. Deacon George
Lovis was chosen moderator, and the following board
of town officers were elected: Samuel E. Pond, J.
Edward Everett, Willard Gay, Esq., selectmen ; Ty-
ler Thayer, Caleb Ellis, George H. Morse, assessors ;
Francis Tinker, clerk ; L. Waldo Bigelow, treasurer ;
Hon. J. ©. Park, Francis O. Winslow, Rev. E. A.
Wyman, school committee; Capt. C. W. Strout,
James Engles, constables,—and Norwood’s legal life
commenced; and their first act, after expressing
_ their grateful acknowledgment to the committee who
had served them faithfully (Hon. John C. Park, J.
Warren Talbot, and Caleb Ellis), was the following :
“ Resolved, That the citizens of Norwood, in town-
| meeting assembled, recognize with grateful pleasure
the readiness and courtesy with which the citizens of
Dedham and Walpole have assisted us in the inaugu-
ration of our new Town; and that the clerk be in-
structed to present a copy of this resolution to the
selectmen of Dedham and Walpole.” In 1769 the
town of Dedham appropriated to the South Parish, as
their proportion of the school money for that year,
the sum of eighteen pounds and ten shillings (or
fifty-five dollars and sixty-seven cents), which was di-
vided by the parish assessors between the five schools,
according to the number of scholars in each. The
first appropriation of money made by the town of
Norwood was six thousand dollars for the support of
her schools; and, during the twelve years of her ex-
istence as a town, she has taxed herself for the
benefit of her children and youth the sum of sev-
enty-eight thousand six hundred and fifty dollars,
besides erecting two new school-houses, which, with
the alterations and improvements in and around the
others, and supporting a public library of some three
512
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
thousand volumes, swells the sum to one hundred
thousand dollars. Her poor have been weli cared
for, and comfortable tenements provided, and so
clothed that none would suppose they were the wards
of the town. Thirty-two thousand two hundred
dollars have handsomely smoothed her streets, and
seventeen thousand more have opened ways for new |
and happy homes. Highland Cemetery, contain-
ing some seventeen acres, has been consecrated as
the last resting-place for her departed ones.
added to the value of her estate. Six hundred and
twelve have joined her population by birth, two hun-
dred couples united in marriage, while the icy hand
of death has robbed us of some four hundred, many
of whom welcomed with us the birth of our town, and
with whom we took sweet counsel in all the way of
life, and whose names will be long cherished and re-
membered.
Agricultural Products.—1200 tons of hay, 7074
bushels of potatoes, 5997 bushels Indian corn, 127,-
905 gallons of milk, 300 pounds of butter, 32,514
dozen eggs valued at some over $60,000, besides
garden vegetables, berries, and fruits, of which con-
siderable quantities are sold.
Industries.—I'he New York and New England
Machine- and Car-Shops, five in number, built in the
most substantial manner, give employment to about
three hundred men, and send forth some very fine
and comfortable cars. The land—some seventeen
acres—upon which they are built, was presented to
the company by the citizens of the town.
George H. Morrill & Co.,
printers’ ink. This business was founded by Sam-
uel Morrill, a native of Salsbury, born April 4,
1804.
isting for a manufactory of this kind.
manufacturers of
He was a printer, and saw an opening ex-
His original
establishment was very small, having nothing more
than one kettle and a small wooden building for |
making lampblack. When he removed to South
Dedham his two sons (George H. and Samuel 8.)
became partners. About 1869
solved, and the business continued under the name
of George H. Morrill & Co.
buildings used in the business, some of them of’ con-
There are fourteen
siderable size, water-wheel, thirty-five horse-power,
One |
hundred and fifty-five new dwellings have been erected, |
and three hundred and seventy-two thousand dollars |
this firm was dis- |
and is supplemented by a one hundred and twenty-
and fifty men, with a monthly pay-roll of from five
pumps, which throw either water or oil, a rotary
five horse-power Harris-Corliss steam-engine, steam-
pump, capable of throwing sixteen hundred gallons
per hour, fourteen large Bogardus eccentric- and
six Rooler mills, used for grinding ink, and kept con- |
/ tensive establishment upon the old site.
stantly employed from the beginning to the end of
the week, four iron mixers, capable of mixing fifteen
hundred pounds each, numerous reservoirs and tanks,
the largest of which is made of heavy boiler-iron and
is twenty-five by thirty feet, and has a capacity of
fifty thousand gallons, or fifteen hundred barrels, and
one other of nearly the same size. At 220 Com-
mercial Street, San Francisco, Cal., may be found a
branch house, which supplies seven-eighths of all the
ink used on the Pacific slope and in Mexico. They
also export largely to South America, India, China,
and Japan. Office, 34 Hawley Street, Boston. By the
census of 1880, the value of the ink manufactured
by this house was stated at eighty thousand dollars,
but since that time it has been largely increased.
The manufacturing of raw hides into leather was
one of the early industries of South Dedham, and
was commenced as early as 1776 by a Mr, Guild, and
the business was continued by his family for more
than halfa century. In 1791, Mr. John Smith, a poor
boy of seven years of age, was hired out to Mr. Guild,
and, by indomitable will and perseverance under great
disadvantages, became successful in business and
prominent in town affairs. Mr. George Winslow was
born in Brewster in 1800, and at eighteen learned
the tanner’s and currier’s trade with Samuel Guild, of
Roxbury. He came to South Dedham in 1826,
married the only daughter of John Smith, and
founded the business which has been continued with
increasing capacity ever since. In 1831 Lyman
Smith, son of John, was admitted to the firm, and
continued with George Winslow up to 1853, when
they dissolved. George Winslow and sons (Elisha
and George) at the old place, and Lyman Smith &
Sons (John E. and Charles L.) removed to the pres-
ent location of that firm, and builded anew. In
1860, George Winslow retired, and the firm-name
became Winslow Brothers, who still manage the ex-
Tanning
law-book leather, roller skins, linings for the boot and
shoe trade, and a variety of sheep-leather of different
finish and colors adapted to an almost endless di-
versity of uses. There has been a steady growth of
the business, new buildings have been added, steam-
power substituted for water-power, and labor-saving
machinery invented and introduced, until a capacity
of tanning more than a million skins annually has
been attained, giving employment to about one hundred
to six thousand dollars.
Lyman Smith & Sons, manufacturers of all kinds
of sheep and lamb leather. This firm is the out-
growth of a partnership formed over fifty years ago
NORWOOD.
513
between George Winslow and Lyman Smith; the |
firm then doing business at the present location of |
Winslow Brothers. Dissolved in 1853. Mr. Smith |
and his sons (John K. and Charles L.) occupied their |
present location and commenced business under the |
firm-name of Lyman Smith & Sons. In 1856, Mr.
Smith, Sr., retired from the firm, and his sons con- |
tinued the business under the same firm-name. In |
1853 there was but one building erected, and the skins |
simply tanned and sold in the rough ; and the capacity |
of the establishment was but thirty thousand skins |
per year, and only four men employed. Their build-
ings at the present time cover more than one acre of |
land, and range from one story to five, and give em- |
ployment to one hundred and forty-three men, with a
capacity to finish some twenty thousand skins per |
week, or one million forty thousand per year.
The Norwood Iron Foundry was established in 1854 |
by Spencer Fuller and Isaac Colburn, under the firm-
name of Fuller & Colburn. Mr. Colburn withdrew |
from the firm in 1858. On the death of Mr. Fuller
the estate passed into the hands of EH. D. Draper &
Sons. They give employment to some thirty-five |
hands, and furnish some seven hundred and forty-two |
thousand three hundred and seventy-nine pounds of |
fine iron castings.
F. A. Fales, proprietor of the steam-mill for grind-
ing grains, disposes of 18,000 bushels of corn and as |
many bushels of oats, 130 tons of bran, 200 tons of |
ground feed, 150 tons of corn-meal, besides finer
grains and flour.
The carpet works, for printing floor and carriage
oil-cloths, was established about thirty years ago by |
K. Fisher Talbot. On the death of Mr. Talbot, in |
1882, these works passed into the hands of HE. EH.
Pratt & Son. They employ twenty men, and produce
one hundred and eighty thousand yards of carpeting |
annually ; their pay-roll averaging eight hundred dol-
lars per month.
The manufacture of wrapping paper was commenced
in 1832 by Isaac Ellis and Joseph Day, under the |
firm-name of Ellis, Day & Co. In about two years |
Mr. Day withdrew from the firm, and in a few years
the establishment passed into the hands of Paul Ellis,
who continued the manufacture of paper and trunk
boards some fifteen years, when his sons became part- |
ners. In 1864 the mill was burned and Mr. Ellis,
Sr., retired from the business. The mill was rebuilt
by Charles, John, and Isaac Ellis, and the business
continued under the firm-name of Ellis Brothers until |
1876, when the firm was dissolved, and Isaac con-
tinued the business. In 1878 it was again burned ;
the premises were now purchased by Isaac Ellis, and |
338
rebuilt in the most substantial manner, and now gives
employment to some fifteen persons, and sends to mar-
ket one hundred and eighty tons of paper annually.
Tyler Thayer, builder, has been engaged in business
thirty-five years, and has erected two of the four
churches, and more than one-half of all the dwelling-
houses in the town, besides many in the adjoining
towns, all of which his own hands have marked out
and prepared for his workmen to frame. The past
year he has used 555,500 feet of long lumber,
530,000 shingles, 230,000 laths, at a cost of some
$14,600, giving constant employment to eighteen men
with a pay-roll of some $8000, and this amount falls
below the yearly average.
Milton H. Howard, builder, has been engaged in
Owns the steam-
planing- and saw-mill, uses some three hundred thou-
sand or more feet of long lumber, and a like pro-
portion of laths and shingles, gives employment to
eighteen or twenty hands, and has put up some of the
finest dwellings in the town.
business some five years or more.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LYMAN SMITH.
DS)
Lyman Smith was born Oct. 22, 1808, in that part
of Dedham now Norwood. He was the son of John
Smith and Anna Rhoades, and grandson of John
Smith and Abigail Morse. On the maternal side
his grandparents were Eliphlet Rhoades and Mercy
Holland.
John Smith, father of Lyman, established himself
in a small way as a tanner in his native town, first,
in connection with, and afterwards succeeding, Abner
Guild. The shops were located where the larger es-
tablishment of the Winslows now stands. Lyman
Smith, like most boys of his day and circumstances,
was early taught to labor. His parents were unable
to give him other educational advantages than those
afforded by the schools of the village. He was pos-
sessed of a bright, active mind, however, and a’re-
tentive memory, with a decided talent for mathematics,
and by attention to his studies during the early years
of his boyhood, which constituted his only school-
_ days, he familiarized himself with those fundamental
_ elements of an education so necessary to the successful
business man.
At the age of fifteen he entered his father’s tan-
nery, to learn the business, and that year in partic-
ular it is said that he used to cart, with ox-teams,
514
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
bark from Boston to his father’s tannery. He applied | He married Malinda E. Guild. Their children
himself earnestly to his work, and thoroughly famil-
iarized himself with all the minutiz of the business,
so that a few years later, when he succeeded to the
business, he had that thorough knowledge of practical
detail which, together with the acumen and business
ability necessary, enabled him to make more than an
ordinary success.
self, in 1831, he formed a copartnership with his
brother-in-law, the late George Winslow, which co- |
partnership continued until 1853, when his sons be-
coming of age, and the tanning business largely in-
creasing, Mr. Smith disposed of his interest to Mr.
Winslow and erected the large establishment in the
village near the railroad station now occupied by his
sons. Having seen his sons successfully started in a
business career, Mr. Smith, after about three years,
withdrew from active partnership in the firm, retaining
only a silent interest in the business, which was con-
ducted under the firm-name of Lyman Smith & Sons.
Although he was thus freed from the cares of active
business, yet he still retained to the close of his life
an unabated interest in all that pertained to his old
work, and it was his custom to daily visit the tan-
neries, inspect the processes, and converse with the
workmen, among whom he was universally respected.
Mr. Smith was a man of strong individuality. The
sterling integrity and high moral standard of his char-
acter is acknowledged by all who knew him. In man-
ner he was genial, courteous, and kind ; possessed of a
happy, hopeful turn of mind, he carried a cheerful
face, and was ever ready with a pleasant word.
cessful himself in the business affairs of life, he was
never unmindful of the fact that many who were
deserving were not equally successful, and his benev-
olence, while unostentatious, was constantly exercised.
He was a man of warm heart, calm judgment, strong
in his convictions of right and wrong, and in his likes
and dislikes.
dom, justice, and truth, and the bitter, uncompromis-
ing foe of whatever tended to debase or degrade man-
kind.
after he retired from the duties of business, in all
He
measures which would benefit his native town.
When he began business for him- |
Sue- |
He was the friend of temperance, free- |
He took an active interest, both before and |
assisted largely in the erection of a new and more |
commodious school-building for the benefit of the |
He was chosen a director of the
1862,
1877.
to the
youth of the town.
Norfolk Mutual Fire Insurance Company in
and a director of Dedham National Bank in
He gave his counsel and pecuniary assistance
Universalist Society in the building of a new church
edifice, and assisted in laying out the streets and
extending the limits of the growing village.
were John E., born Aug. 7, 1830; Charles L., born
May 15, 1833; Anna M. R. (now the wife of Lewis
Day), born Aug. 17,1836. Mrs. Smith died Oct. 5,
1845.
Mr. Smith married, as his second wife, Sept. 8,
1846, Ann M. Joy. By this marriage there was no
issue,
He died May 23, 1883, in his seventy-fifth year.
On the day of his funeral, which was very largely
attended, all places of business in his native town
were closed out of respect to his memory.
GEORGE EVERETT.
George Everett, son of Deacon Willard and Lucy
(Dean) Everett, and grandson of Ebenezer and Sarah
Everett, was born in that part of Dedham since set
apart as Norwood, Feb. 5, 1826. He is descended
through eight generations from Richard Kverett, who
was one of the original founders of Dedham in 1636.
There were two generations of Johns, and three of
Ebenezers, Deacon Willard being the son of the
last Ebenezer. Willard learned his trade as a cabi-
net-maker, of the late Jabes Boyden, and succeeded
him in that business about the year 1820. He began
in a small way, but by dint of earnest application,
coupled with a good business talent, he succeeded in
building up a large manufactory, and accumulated
In 1850 his two
eldest sons—Willard and George—were admitted to
quite a property for those days.
partnership with him, under the firm-name of Wil-
lard Everett & Co. Nov. 27,1851, Deacon Willard
died. The business was conducted then by his sons,
and the original style of firm-name was retained until
the dissolution of the firm, in 1868, at which time it
consisted of George, J. Edward, and Francis EH. Ever-
ett. The firm was an enterprising one, and did a
large and profitable business. he first extension
tables that came into general use were manufactured
and placed on the market by this house. Deacon
Willard, Jr., another son, was a member of the firm
to the time of his death, Nov. 27, 1857. They had
a large, well-appointed factory, located near Norwood
Central Depot, and large warerooms in Boston. They
made a specialty of tables of all kinds, hat-racks, ete.
They made only good goods, and commanded the best
prices. Upon the dissolution of the firm (1868),
George retired from active business pursuits, but such
was the native energy of his nature that he continued
to be an active man, both mentally and physically, to
‘the day of his death, which occurred suddenly of
Age
ZCLS
oe Wi Forge
NORWOOD.
515
heart-disease, in Boston, Jan. 6, 1881, in his fifty-
fifth year. He married, July 27, 1847, Julia D.,
daughter of Jesse and Julia (Dean) Ellis. Their
children were Alice J., born Aug. 6, 1848, died in
infancy ; Laura C., born Nov. 10, 1850, died in in-
fancy; Willard E., born June 13, 1853; George F.,
born Aug. 7, 1855, died Aug. 23, 1863; Herbert,
born July 23, 1859; Richard B., born Jan. 6, 1864.
Of these, Willard E. married Ida E. Woodbury, of
Ashburnham, Mass., Oct. 2, 1878. They have one
child,—Bernice J. They reside in Turner’s Falls,
Mass., where he is a paper manufacturer. Herbert
is a mineralogist, and located in Denver, Col. Richard
is with his elder brother, at Turner’s Falls, learning
paper making.
George Everett was benevolent and public-spirited,
liberal in all his ideas, and kindly disposed. He al-
ways manifested much interest in the welfare of those
employed by him, or with whom he was brought in
contact by business relations. He was a moral man,
and was interested in all reform movements ; he was
a liberal supporter of the church, though not a mem-
ber. While he was always ready with material aid
to help further any enterprise tending to the build-
ing up or improvement of his town, yet he would
never accept any office, preferring to leave the honors
and cares of official life to those whose fancy or
tastes led them in that direction, while he faithfully
discharged the duties devolving upon him as a private
citizen.
He was a man of large physique and commanding
personal appearance.
grievous surprise to the community in which he lived,
all of whom he could claim as his friends. He came |
of an honorable and worthy ancestry, and was a fair
His untimely death was a
type of New England’s sturdy manhood, which fal- |
tering at no obstacles, daunted at no discouragement,
but earnest, active, and intelligent, marks out a course
and object in life, and follows that course until the
object be attained.
(For additional history of Everett family, see his-
tory of Norwood in this volume, by Francis Tinker.) |
FRANCIS TINKER.
If the reader has ever been at Plymonth and vis-
ited Pilgrim Hall, he may have noticed, on the paling
which incloses a fragment of the rock on which the
Pilgrim Fathers landed, the names of those who came
passengers in the “ Mayflower,’ and among those
names he may have observed that of Thomas Tinker.
From other records it appears “ that the said Thomas |
Tinker brought with him a wife and two children,’’
and that he died a short time after his arrival. From
this humble and short-lived pilgrim our family claim
to be descended. The writer of the sketch of the
town of Norwood was born Jan. 3, 1816, at Worth-
ington, Hampshire Co., Mass., of pious parents, and
it will suffice for him to say that in every place in
which he has been ealled to reside, he has received
every favor from his fellow-citizens to which he was
entitled.
DAVID SYLVESTER FOGG, M.D.
David Sylvester Fogg is descended from two of the
pioneer families of New England. He was born in Mer-
edith, N. H., March 30, 1821, and was the fourth son of
Joseph and Judeth (Gilman) Fogg.
in this country are descended from a younger son of a
family of that name still existing in the south of Eng-
land. The family estates in England are entailed, and
are now held—or were lately—by Sir Charles Fogg.
The name of Gilman is found in the early chronicles
of Wales.
came to America in the early part of the seventeenth
The Fogg family
Representatives of these two families
| century, and settled at Exeter, N. H., where were
if
born both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of
Dr. Fogg, Stephen Fogg and Bradbury Gilman.
When the war of the Revolution came both these
gentlemen offered their services to their country ; they
were in the battle of Bunker Hill and served subse-
quently in that war. Soon after the close of the war
they each married, and together moved to Meredith,
N. H., where they took up contiguous tracts of wild
land on the shore of Lake Winnipiseogee, which they
cultivated and developed into valuable farms, and
which are now in the possession of their descendants.
They were among the early settlers of that part of
New Hampshire. Joseph Fogg, son of Stephen
and father of Dr. David S., held a commission as
captain of New Hampshire militia in the war of
1812-14.
David S. Fogg obtained his academical education
at Holmes’ Plymouth Academy and Dartmouth Col-
lege. He studied medicine with Josiah Cosbey,
M.D., of Manchester, N. H., and took the degree of
doctor in medicine at Dartmouth Medical School in
1845. The subsequent year he spent in the medical
schools and hospitals of Philadelphia,—then the centre
of medical learning in this country. In 1846 he set-
tled in the south parish of Dedham (now the town of
Norwood), in Norfolk Co., Mass. He soon obtained
an extensive practice in this and surrounding towns,
which he has sustained from that time to the present,
516
=
when at the age of sixty-three he is still in active
practice, and is among the oldest and most successful
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into
practitioners of the county. During the course of his |
practice he has received repeated professional calls from
almost every town in the county. He is a member
of the Norfolk Medical Society, Massachusetts Med-
ical Society, and the American Medical Associa-
In 1861 he was a volunteer surgeon in the
On the organization of the
tion.
Peninsular campaign.
boards of enrollment, he was appointed by President
Lincoln surgeon of the board for the Seventh Massa-
chusetts Division, headquarters at Concord, Mass., |
and served in that office till the close of the war, |
when he returned home and resumed his practice in
Dedham and adjacent towns.
eminent degree the confidence of those who know |
him, not only as a skillful medical practitioner, but as
an honest, honorable, earnest man ; he is distinguished
for his sobriety, integrity, and love of right, for his _
gentle demeanor and kindly feeling.
He married, 1847, Mary B., youngest daughter of
Rey. Thomas W. Tucker, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, who was at that time stationed at Dorchester,
Lower Mills.
Dr. Fogg enjoys in an |
Mr. Tucker, father of Thomas, was |
born in England; came when a young man to.
America, settled in Boston, and married Hannah |
Wait, of Medford. Thomas was the youngest of
several children; received his education at the public
schools, joined the Bromfield Street Methodist Church,
and at the age of nineteen was licensed to preach.
At the age of twenty-one he became a regularly or- |
dained minister of that denomination, and continued |
in active service more than sixty years.
nation he joined the New England Conference, was
On his ordi- |
appointed one of its itinerant preachers, and assigned
to the circuit of New Hampshire and Vermont.
married Mary Orn, of Charleston, N. H., a woman
He |
of very superior qualities of mind and heart, and who |
became a true helpmeet to him and a sharer of all
his joys and sorrows, and was honored in the church
As a
preacher, Mr. Tucker was eminently successful, and
and conference as a “mother in Israel.”
as a faithful worker in the cause of his Master he had
few, if any, equals; winning large numbers to a belief
in and practice of the principles of religion, and
greatly augmenting the membership of the church.
Among his early and special converts was E. T.
the
preacher” of Boston.
well-known and celebrated “sailor
Taylor,
Mr. Tucker died in Chelsea in
1871, aged eighty years.
Thus passed from earth |
one whose whole life exemplified the bighest Christian |
virtues. Following in the footsteps of his Master, he
has doubtless received the welcome plaudit, “ Well
the joy of thy Lord.”
Dr. Fogg’s children—four sons and two daughters
—were all born in Dedham (now Norwood). The
eldest son, Irving 8., M.D., is a graduate of Harvard,
and is now practicing medicine with his father. Ralph
M. is a dentist in Boston. The younger children are
still pursuing their education. Mrs. Fogg is quite
skillful as a landscape artist, as the many productions
of her brush which adorn the walls of their pleasant
home will attest.
OTIS MORSE.
Otis Morse, of Norwood, is ninth in descent from
Samuel, the first of the American line, who was born
in England in 1585, emigrated to New England in
1635, settled at Dedham in 1637, died in Medfield,
April 5, 1654. The line of descent is Samuel’, John’,
Ezra’, David‘, David®, Samuel®, Oliver’, Oliver® (who
married Azubah Gay), Otis’, born in Norwood (then
South Dedham), March 12, 1809. When about
twelve years of age, as was usual with boys in the
early days of our country, being one of a family of
nine children and with limited means, Otis left home
and went to work on the farm of one of the most
progressive farmers in the section, Benjamin Weth-
erbee ; there he remained four years, fixing himself in
those habits of industry and perseverance which have
been his help to success. Mr. Witherbee, prizing his
services, endeavored to retain him until he was twenty-
one. But Otis was determined to be a blacksmith, and
learned the trade at a shop about two miles east of his
present residence; stayed there until he was nearly
twenty-two, then was employed by his cousin in a shop
near the present Norwood Hotel. About six months
after that he went in business for himself and erected
a shop near his present house, purchasing the land
and an uncompleted house, which he finished and
made his home, and shortly starting for himself, bought
the business of his cousin, thus having two establish-
ments to occupy him. He ran these two shops for
three years. His health at that time was much im-
paired ; he had injured himself shoeing stage horses,
and was obliged to cease work for a year before he
built his shop. He came of a consumptive family,
three of his brothers dying of that disease, but in
Mr. Morse that tendency developed into stomach
trouble, dyspepsia, and continued until he was fifty-
two years old. After his health failed he formed
a partnership with Nathaniel Noyes, of Dedham, to
|
make carriages and do blacksmith’s work, as Morse &
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NEEDHAM.
517
|
Noyes, in 1833. He still holds an interest in the >
business, which has been carried on under the name
of “ Otis Morse” for nearly forty years. He manu-
factured and built iron fence for twenty-five years,
and for thirty years has conducted the undertaking
business.
As an evidence of his industry, during the year of
his illness he ran a fish-cart for several months. Mr.
Morse married, first, Frances L. Boyden, by whom he
had one child who attained maturity, Edward B. ; he
is a resident of Boston, and an active business man.
He owns several tenements which he lets. |
Mrs. Frances Morse died Oct. 10, 1838, aged twenty-
three years, and Nov. 20, 1839, Mr. Morse married,
second, Hannah (Day) Polleys (daughter of John
and Hannah (Day) Polleys; she was born July 25,
1809. Otis Morse is a man of modest character,
of William Nehoiden, of whom it was purchased by
the inhabitants of Dedham on the 13th of April,
1680. The consideration being ten pounds in money,
fifty acres of land, and a quantity of Indian corn to
the value of forty shillings.
The first settlements were made in the northeastern
part of the town, but the precise period cannot be
It is probable, however, that it was not
The ancient
ascertained.
long after the purchase from Nehoiden.
records of Dedham show that a settlement existed
here in March, 1694,and July 2, 1705, the select-
men of the mother town granted a license to Benja-
min Mills to keep a public-house near the Lower Falls.
It is evident that quite a number had located here
| prior to 1709, for on the 9th of March, of that year,
of high integrity, indefatigable and close in his ap-_
plication to his work, honest and prudent. From
nothing he has won success and a competency for his
old age in the community where his goings out and
comings in have been known to all men.
Faithful in |
the inhabitants petitioned the town of Dedham for a
grant of eight pounds to defray the expense of three
months’ preaching among themselves, which was
granted.
Incorporation of Town.—The settlement having
now increased to a considerable extent, in May, 1710,
all his relations, none speak of him but in praise of a petition for incorporation as a separate town was
the worthiness of his character as a man, and of the
skill he displayed as a workman in anything he un-
dertook.
Mr. Morse has done much to build up his native
town, has assisted many people in starting business,
built several houses and shops, was interested in the
foundry that was built, and to him, with a few others,
the prosperity of Norwood is largely due to-day.
Politically he is a Republican. His religious belief’ is
that of the Orthodox Congregationalists. In the
home circle his labors have been ably and warmly
seconded by his cheerful wife, the companion of more
than forty years. Truly it may besaid of Mr. Morse,
“having put his hand to the plow, he looketh not
|
|
|
presented to the General Court. This petition was
signed by the following persons: Benjamin Mills,
Andrew Dewing, John Fisher, Ephraim Ware, Rich-
ard More, Robert Cook, Jeremiah Woodcock, Henry
Alden, Thomas Metcalf, Benjamin Mills, Jr., Hleazer
Kingsbury, Ebenezer Ware, James Kingsbury, Josiah
Kingsbury, Joseph Hawes, Jonathan Dewing, John
Smith, Jr., Thomas Fuller, Robert Fuller, Christo-
pher Smith, John Gill, John Parker, Jr., John
McIntire, Isaac Parker, Hezekiah Broad, Matthias
Ockinton, Andrew Dewing, Jr., William Mills, Zech-
ariah Mills, Jonathan Parker, Timothy Kingsbury,
Samuel Bacon, Andrew Wadkins, Joshua Smith,
Samuel Parker, John Fisher, Jr., John Woodcock,
back,” and in his old age enjoys the results of indus- _
try and perseverance.
CHAPTER
NEEDHAM.
X L.
Indian Occupation—Original Purchase in 1680—Consideration
—First Settlements— Petition for Preaching in 1709—Petition
for A f I ion— aS —L: |e é
Mea eet oie Gee eee tere ee oral wided they would have preaching among themselves.
Support of Ministry—Incorporation of Town—Named after
Needham in England—The First Town-Meeting—Selectmen
Elected—Burying-Ground—The First Minister-—-First Meet-
ing-House—Westerly Precinct Set Off—The First Chureh
Bell—Early Educational Interests—Social Library.
THE territory embraced within the bounds of the
present town of Needham originally formed a portion
Edward Cook, Stephen Hunting, John Parker.
This petition, however, was opposed by the town of
Dedham, and a committee was chosen by that town
to appear at the October session of the General Court
The General
and remonstrate against the division.
Court did not immediately grant the prayer of the
petitioners, but advised the inhabitants of Dedham to
exempt the petitioners from paying taxes for the sup-
port of the minister then settled in their town, pro- —
This advice was complied with by a vote of the town
_ November 13th following.
In addition to this, March 19, 1711, the proprie-
_ tors of undivided land in Dedham granted to the set-
of Dedham, and belonged to an Indian by the name |
tlers here two lots of land, containing about one hun-
dred and thirty-three acres, for the support of the
ministry.
518
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Although the situation of the inhabitants was now |
virtually that of a separate precinct, yet they perse-—
vered in their efforts for incorporation as a town, and |
on the 5th of November, 1711, the General Court
granted an order incorporating that portion of Ded-
ham north of the Charles River under the name of
Needham.
What gave the new town the name of Needham is
not definitely known, but Rev. Stephen Palmer, who
was an authority on the local history of this town, in |
a note to an historical address delivered by him in |
1811, says, ‘‘ The author has been informed by one
of the descendants of the venerable Timothy Dwight,
of Dedham, who was a member of the Legislature
when this town was incorporated, that it was named |
Needham at the request of Governor Dudley after |
Needham in England, and because that town is near |
to Dedham, although in a different county.”
The first town-meeting was held Dec. 4, 1711,
when the following selectmen were chosen: John
Fisher, John Smith, Benjamin Mills, and Robert
Cook.
Robert Cook was also the first representative to the
General Court, May 19, 1712.
At the same meeting (Dec. 4, 1711) the select- |
men, Gay, Jeremiah Woodcock, |
Thomas Metealf, and Eleazer Kingsbury, were made a |
Timothy Kingsbury was chosen town clerk.
with Jonathan
committee to select a suitable place for burying the dead.
In less than two months from the incorporation of |
the town (Dec. 25, 1711) the inhabitants voted to |
build a house for public worship. |
This house was |
raised in 1712, and in 1713-15 money was granted |
for finishing various parts of it; “ but,” says Mr. Pal- |
mer, “it does not appear that the house was entirely |
finished, nor is there any account that it was ever |
dedicated.” The first candidate to preach to them |
was a Mr. Dewing, March 16, 1713, but the first
regular pastor was Rey. Jonathan Townsend, or- |
dained March 23, 1720. Mr. |
Townsend, Thomas Metcalf, and Josiah Newell as _
The church chose
deacons, all of whom declined, when Jeremiah Wood- |
cock and Timothy Kingsbury were chosen, and ac-
cepted.
The first baptism was Ruth, child of Deacon Tim-
othy Kingsbury, July 3, 1720.
The Westerly Precinct was set off Oct. 3, 1774
and in 1778 was made a separate society.
-
“A church bell was for the first rung in this town” |
Nov. 15, 1811.
The educational interest of the town received the |
early attention of the first settlers, and in their peti- |
{
tion for incorporation they expressed a concern for the |
education of their children.
_ off as fast as possible.
In 1796 a social library was established in the
town.
CHAPTER XEE
NEEDHAM—( Continued).
War of the Revolution—The Battle of Lexington—Needham’s
Prompt Response—Her Citizens perform Efficient Service—
They harass the British Retreat from Lexington and Concord
—Ephraim Bullard alarms the Minute-men—List of Names
Composing Needham Companies—Capt. Aaron Smith’s Com-
pany of Militia—Capt. Caleb Kingsbury’s Company of
Minute-Men—Capt. Robert Smith’s Company—Sketches of
the Killed—Incidents—Votes of the Town during the Rey-
olutionary Period.
War of the Revolution.—In the first battle of
the war of the Revolution five citizens of Needham
sacrificed their lives, and ‘‘ cemented with their
blood the foundation of American liberty.” In pro-
portion to its population Needham suffered more
severely than any other town except Lexington.
Three companies with full ranks hastened to the com-
bat.
men, Capt. Aaron Smith’s seventy men, Capt. Robert
Smith’s seventy-five men, one hundred and eighty-
five in all. It is probable that few, if any, able-bodied
men remained at home. ‘The news of the battle
reached Needham about nine o'clock in the morning,
the messenger passing through the town to Dover
and Dedham. The East Company, commanded by
Capt. Robert Smith, immediately assembled at the
meeting-house, and marched to Watertown, where
refreshments were furnished. They then hastened on
to the scene of action, where they did efficient service
in harassing the British troops in their hurried retreat
Capt. Kingsbury’s company numbered forty
from Lexington and Concord.
There is a tradition that the alarm was given at
the west part of the town by a man who rode through
the place bare-headed. At that time Ephraim Bul-
lard kept a tavern on the Sherborn road. This house
stood near where the stone lodge at the entrance to
the college grounds now stands.
Bullard went up on the hill near by, and discharged
a gun three times as a signal. Great fires were made
_in the house and bullets moulded, the women assist-
ing in the work. The men were supplied and sent
It is said that the West Need-
ham men reached the scene of conflict a little in ad-
vance of the East Company, having received the
alarm earlier.
The following is a list of the names of the men
composing the Needham companies, copied from the
original muster-rolls on file in the State archives:
NEEDHAM.
519
“A Roll of Capt. Aaron Smith’s Company of militia, who
marched in consequence of the alarrum made on the 19th of
April last, in the Regement whereof William Heath, Esq., was
then Col., as follows, viz:1
Moses Bullard, lieut., 13.
John Bacon, sergt., 5.
Samuel Kilton, sergt., 5.
Enoch Kingsbery, corp., 5.
Joseph Drury, corp., 8.
Joseph Mudg, drummer, 10.
Aaron Smith, capt., 15.
Josiah Upham, ensign, 9.
William Fuller, sergt., 8.
Joseph Daniell, sergt., 11.
Jonathan Smith, corp., 13.
Jeremiah Daniell, corp., 11.
Privates.
Jona. Whittemore, Jr., 8.
Isaac Bacon, 8.
David Trull, 5.
Lemuel Brackett, 5.
John Slack, 4.
John Smith, Jr., 11.
Joseph Hawes, 14.
William Kingsbery, 7.
Timothy Huntting, 12.
Seth Broad, 9.
Jonathan Kingsbery, 9.
Joseph Kingsbery, 13.
Jonathan Dunn, 9.
Issachar Pratt. 4.
Philip Floyd, 8.
Samuel McIntire, 2.
Peter Jenison, 5.
Jobn Bullard, 5.
Eliphelet Kingsbery, Jr., 9.
Joseph Hawes, Jr., 9.
Ebenezer Huntting, 9.
Jeremiah Edes, 8.
Moses Huntting, 8.
John Smith (3d), 8.
John Fuller, 4.
Uriah Coller, Jr., 7.
Moses Bacon, 7.
William Huntting, 8.
Noah Millard, 2.
Stephen Bacon, Jr., 11.
Moses Fuller, 9.
Samuel Brackett, 10.
Zebadiah Pratt, 6.
Samuel Baley, 6.
Daniel Huntting, Jr., 2.
Moses Daggett, 15.
Daniel Ware, 10.
Samuel Daggett, Jr., 8.
Benj. Mills, Jr., 14.
Samuel Pratt, 15.
Samuel Woodcock, 10.
Jeremiah Smith, 11.
Abner Felt, 4.
Timothy Bacon, 8.
Solomon Flagg, 5.
Jos. Kingsbery, Jr., 5.
Jeremiah Gay, 5.
Jonathan Huntting, 5.
Aaron Smith, Jr., 9.
Amos Edes, 8.
Samuel Smith, 5.
Collins Edes, 5.
Ithamar Smith, Jr., 7.
Luke Mills, 7.
Seth Pratt, 7.
Israel Huntting, 7.
Samuel Ward, 8.
Abiel Smith (Natick), 2.
Total amount £50 7s. 2d. 07.
Aaron Suiru, Capt.
Neepuam, March 14, 1776.”
** Colony of the Massa. Bay, Mar. 15th, 1776, Capt. Aaron
Smith above named, made oath to the truth of the above roll
by him subscribed, according to the best of his knowledge. Be-
fore Sam’l. Holten, Jus. Peace thro. the Colony.”
“This copy hath been compared with the original thereof and
agrees therewith.
“ JostAH JOHNSON, )
j Com,”
“ Jonas Dix.
“Read and allowed and thereupon ordered, that a warrant
be drawn on the Treas’r., for £50 7s. 2d. in full discharge of the
within roll.
“ PEREZ Morton, D. Sec’y.”
“A muster Roll of the Travel and Service of a Company of
Minute men in Needham under the command of Caleb Kings- |
1 The figures at the end of the names denote the number of
days served.
bery, in Col. Davis’,Regiment that March’d in consequence of
the Alarm made on the 19th of April, 1775, which is as fol-
loweth, viz.:
Caleb Kingsbery, capt., 2.
Eleazer 2d
wounded, 2.
Samuel Daggett, sergt., 4.
Kingsbery, It.,
Ephraim Stevens, sergt., 8.
Samuel Brown, corpl., 5.
Thomas Hall, corpl., 5.
John Bacon, Ist It., killed, 1.
Daniel Gould, sergt., 5.
Isaac Underwood, sergt., 2.
Samuel Daniell, cor., 1.
Ephraim Bullard, drummer, 5.
Privates.
Ezekiel Richardson, 8.
| Joseph Mudg, 1.
Josiah Ware, 1.
David Hall, 1.
Jacob Parker, 8.
David Smith, 2.
Isaac Goodenow, Jr., 15.
| Samuel Greenwood, 2.
| Theodore Broad, 5.
Nathaniel Kingsbery, 2.
Amos Mills (killed), 1.
Seth Wilson, 6.
Henry Gale, 7.
David Hagar, 6.
Jobn Fuller, 2.
Neepuam, March 24, 1776.
“Colony of the Mass. Bay, March 15, 1776.
Elijah Houghton, 2.
Jesse Kingsbery, 1.
Henry Dewing, 7.
Stephen Huntting, 8.
Jonathan Smith, 1.
Moses Felt, 2.
Thomas Discomb, 4.
Abijah Mills, 11.
Josiah Lyon, 2.
John Edes, Jr., 2.
Nathaniel Chamberlain, killed.
Ithamar Smith, 8.
Nehemiah Mills, Jr., 9.
Jonas Mills, 7.
CALEB KINGSBERY.
Captain Caleb
Kingsbery within named, made solemn oath to the truth of
| the within Roll by him subscribed, to the best of his knowledge.
Before San#i. Holten, Jus. Peace thro’ the Colony.”
“Compared with the original and therewith agrees.
“HR, STARKWEATHER,
“ Jno. TURNER, Com.”
“ Read and allowed and ordered that a Warrant be drawn on
| the Treas’r. for £16 18s. 104d., in full of the within roll.
‘Perez Morton, D. Sec’y.”
“A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Capt.
Robert Smith, in Colonel William Heath’s regiment, Needham,
| January 3, 1776:
Robert Smith, capt., 14.
Oliver Mills, It., 12.
| Silas Alden, ensign, 14.
Jona. Gay, sergt., 14.
Tho. Fuller, sergt., 14.
Elisha Mills, sergt. (killed), 1.
Eleaz. Fuller, sergt., 14.
Sam. Alden, corp., 14.
Eliakim Cooke, corp., 12.
Sam. Fisher, corp., 14.
Eben Day, corp., 15.
Eben Clarke, drummer, 16.
Josiah Fisher, fifer, 16.
John MeIntosh, 16.
Isaac Shepard, 14.
Sam. Ware, Jr., 6.
Rich’d Blencowe, 8.
Jerem. Eaton, 14.
| Eben Wilkinson, 1.
Timo. Dewing, 3.
Amos Fuller, Jr., 14.
| Joseph Stowell, 6.
Jere. Woodcock, 4.
| John Bird, 5.
Eben Clark, 3.
Timo, Broad, 14.
Josiah Dewing, 3.
David Mills, 16.
Phinehas Coller, 16.
Theop. Richardson, 15,
John Kitley, 6.
Jona. Parker (killed), 1.
Josiah Eaton, Jr., 14.
Nath. Willson, 10.
Moses Eaton, 14.
Elmon Tolman, 14.
Sam. Edes, 14.
Benj. Ware, 6.
Benj. Mills, Jr., 14.
Aaron Paine, 10.
Nathan Newell, 10.
Wu. Smith, 4.
Sam. Wight, 8.
Josiah Newell, Jr., 4.
Aaron Smith, Jr., 4.
Uriah Coller, 15.
John Clark, 16.
Rich’d. O’Brian, 9.
520
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Rich’d. Richardson, 5.
Josiah Lyon, Jr., 10.
Joseph Ware, 10.
Thomas Fisher, 11.
Simeon Fisher, 10.
John Tolman, 16.
Jona. Kingsbury, 10.
Theop. Richardson, Jr., 14.
Nath. Fisher, Jr., 14.
Aaron Ayers, 14.
William Eaton, 14.
Aaron Fisher, 12.
Timo. Fisher, 14.
Joseph Colburn, 14.
Daniel Wight, 10.
Eben. Richardson, 11.
David Nowell, 10.
Elijah Fuller, 16.
Jonathan Ware, 6.
Sam. Pain, 1.
Solomon Fuller, 8.
Ezra Mills, 10.
Philip Mills, 14.
Lem. Eaton, 9.
Lem. Mills, 7.
Robt. Fuller, Jr., 8.
Joseph Colburn, Jr., 3.
“Suffolk ss., Jan. 2, 1776. The above named Capt. Smith ap-
peared and made oath that this Muster Roll was carefully made
and according to his belief.
“ Before me JostAn NEWELL, Justice Peace.
“Examined and compared with original by
“ James Dix,
“Epwarp Rawson, Com.”
“In Council March 19th, 1776. Read and allowed, there-
£67 17s. 1?d. in full discharge of the same.”
The following particulars have been gathered, re-
lating to the men who were killed. They were all
natives of Needham except Chamberlain.
Sergeant Elisha Mills was the son of Zechariah and
Margaret (Kenrick) Mills, and was born in 1735;
married Deborah Lyon on May 10, 1759. Children,— |
Elisha, Debby, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Paul, and George.
He was by occupation a blacksmith. He owned
the farm on the south road which some few years
ago belonged to Mr. Horace Felton. The Mills house
was taken down in 1862, by Mr. Felton, who erected |
a new house a short distance from the oldsite. It is
said that Mills came to his death in the following |
manner: He with others were in a barn as the main
body of the red-coats were passing, the flank guard
being close by. Mills stepped out, raised his gun to
his shoulder and fired. He instantly fell pierced by a
half-dozen balls. His body was brought home the
next day ina cart, driven by Aaron Smith, Jr., who
afterwards married the widow.
Amos Mills, son of Isaac and Abigail (Ward)
Mills, was born June 29, 1732.
and six children.
He left a widow
He was a cousin of Elisha Mills.
He lived at the west part of the town, on what is
now called Blossom Street. His home has since been
known as the Abijah Stevens place.
Jonathan Parker was born April 19, 1747, and
was, therefore, just twenty-eight years of age at the
time of his death. He was the son of Jonathan and
Anna (Wight) Parker.
1, 1769.
have been other children, but their births are not on
They had one son, Jonathan. ‘There may
record.
_ thirty-six acres of land, appraised in 1776 at one hun-
| Fuller.
dred and sixty-five pounds. The house he occupied
was taken down some years ago by the late Spencer
It stood within a few rods of the residence
of Mr. William Pierce. His widow married Deacon
Isaac Shepard. According to tradition, Parker and
one Aaron Fisher, also of Needham, had sheltered
_ themselves behind a barn to get a shot at the enemy,
_ when they were surprised by the flank guard.
_when they got nearly to the Lower Falls.
Parker
was shot making for the woods. Fisher escaped.
Lieut. John Bacon lived in that part of Needham
set off to Natick in 1797. Born in 1721; married
Abigail Sawin, 1744. They had nine children. Aus-
tin Bacon, Esq., a great-grandson of Lieut. Bacon,
gives the following interesting account of the cireum-
stances attending the death of his ancestor: “ In the
night or near morning the alarm was given, and he set
off on horseback to join his comrades at the more
upon ordered that a Warrant be drawn on the Treas’r for |
eastern part of the town, and sent his horse back
Soon after
he had gone a trumpet sounded, and some Framing-
ham men came along with one Nero Benson, a negro,
for a trumpeter, and every house they passed had a
blast.
they heard from him, when one Hawes, they used to
call ‘Old Hawes,’ came home (he was a soldier in
the French and Indian war), and gave the following
I think it was early the next morning before
account: That Bacon and himself were on a ledge of
rocks in Menotomy behind a stone wall, trying to get
a good shot at the red-coats.
the flank guard should surprise them, and kept a
lookout. Bacon, with his powder in his hat, was
lying behind the wall with another, when Hawes said,
‘Run or you are dead, here’s the side guard.’ They
tried to get over the wall, but Bacon was shot through
near the third button on his vest.
receiving the news my grandfather (son of Lieut.
Bacon) went off to see how it was, and near night,
April 20, came home with his clothes, the body hav-
ing been buried at West Cambridge. The clothes
Hawes was fearful lest
Immediately on
were found in the school-house, and the moment
erandfather entered the room he knew the old striped
hat which was put on top of the roll of clothes.”
Bacon was described as a great worker, and would
_ oftentimes have eight or ten Indians, negroes, and four
Married Jemima Allen June |
He owned a dwelling-house, barn, and about |
yoke of oxen in his field.
He went to Annapolis Royal in the French war,
between 1745 and 1748.
Nathaniel Chamberlain was a soldier in the French
war. His name appears on a “Return of men In-
listed for his Majesty’s Service for the Total Reduc-
tion of Canada.” He is there stated to be a resident
of Needham, born in Roxbury, enlisted March 20,
NEEDHAM. 521
1760, at that time forty-one years of age. From the upon us in such a manner .as to produce the utmost
town records we learn that Nathanieland Jane Cham- |
berlain had four children,—Abijah, Jane, Nathaniel,
and Anne.
John Tolman was severely wounded.
nearly shot through the body that the ball was ex-
tracted from the opposite side.’”’ He recovered, and
afterwards served a term in the war.
Lieut. Eleazer Kingsbery was wounded.
said that he was struck in the leg by a musket-ball,
which was prevented from penetrating the flesh by |
his leather breeches.”
In 1851 a granite obelisk was erected in a sightly
Upon the side of the
monument facing the public street appears the follow-
position in the old cemetery.
ing inscription :
“ In
memory
of
John Bacon,
Amos Mills,
Elisha Mills,
Jona’ Parker,
and
N. Chamberlain,
who fell
at Lexington
April 19, 1775.
For
Liberty they died.”
The following narrative of Revolutionary events is
taken from an unpublished autobiography kept by
Rev. Samuel West, who was the minister of the town
in 1775 :*
‘Clouds and thick darkness at this period threat-
ened an impending storm to these American colonies.
Every week and almost every day produced some-
thing new, either to manifest or to increase the irri-
tation of the people. Mobs were continually rising,
and some of our best men were dragged from their
houses, arraigned before the basest and meanest mem-
dignity.
valuable as naturally sunk to the bottom. The meas-
were precisely such as to keep up the former, without
any tendency to accomplish their purpose.
1 Rev. Samuel West, D.D., was born at Martha’s Vineyard, |
Nov. 19,1738. Graduated at Harvard University, 1761. Ac-
cepted an invitation to settle in Needham, and was ordained
April 14, 1764. Removed to Boston, 1788, to become the minis-
ter of the Hollis Street Society, and died in that town April 10,
1808.
““ He was so |
“Tt is |
_ The news reached us about nine o'clock A.M.
In a boiling cauldron, the scum and filth |
naturally rose to the top, while that which was most | ;
| victorious army, especially in civil wars like this.
ures pursued by the government in Great Britain | Whatever I had read on the subject now came fresh
to my mind, and produced the most painful appre-
“On the 19th of April, 1775, the storm burst |
consternation and distress, both to the British and
Americans who witnessed the scene. I shall not de-
| . . . . .
| tail the circumstances which attended the tragic affair
any further than as they are immediately connected
with the object of the memoirs, which is not to give
a history of the times any further than as events re-
late to or immediately affect myself and family. In
the night after the 18th of April, a detachment of the
British troops marched out of Boston for the purpose
of securing to themselves or destroying the provisions,
etc., which had been deposited at Concord by order
They in part effected
their purpose, but were soon attacked by our people,
of the provincial government.
and a continual skirmish was kept up during the
About one hundred
on both sides were killed, and many were wounded.
The
East Company in Needham met at my house, as part
march from Concord to Boston.
of the military stores were deposited with me; they
then supplied themselves, and by ten o’clock all
marched for the place of action, with as much spirit
and resolution as the most zealous friend to the cause
We could easily trace the
march of the troops from the smoke which arose over
could have wished for.
them, and could hear from my house the report of
the cannon and the platoons fired by the British. The
Needham company were soon on the ground, but, un-
happily, being ignorant of what are called flank
guards, they inserted themselves between them and
the main body of the British troops. In consequence
of which they suffered more severely than their neigh-
bors, who kept at a greater distance.
‘* Never did I know a more anxious day than this,
not so much on account of what was taking place,
although that was solemn and deeply affecting, but
I considered it as no more than the beginning of sor-
rows, and a prelude to infinitely more distressing
scenes which we expected would follow. We even
bers of society, and treated with every mark of in- | anticipated the enemy, enraged as they were, at our
doors and in our houses, acting over all the horrors
which usually attend the progress of an exasperated
hensions. All this actually took place, though not
as I expected with respect to my family and neigh-
bors, yet in other and many parts of America. But
it was a happy circumstance that the people in gen-
eral, and even our principal leaders, had none of
these gloomy apprehensions, and flattered themselves
that the contest would soon be over. That if we
could but dispose of the British force already here,
522
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
that government would never think of pursuing the
affair any further, but come to some compromise with
the colonies to mutual advantages. In the evening
we had intelligence that several of the Needham in-
habitants were among the slain, and the next morning
it was confirmed that five had fallen in the action
and that several others had been wounded.
remarkable that the five who fell had families and
several of them very numerous families, so there
were about forty widows and fatherless children made |
in consequence of their death.
lies immediately, and with a sympathetic sense of
their affliction I gave to some the first intelligence
which they had of the dreadful event,—the death of
a husband and a parent.
in which the tidings were received discovered the
While some
were almost frantic in their grief, others received the
news in profound silence, as if in a consternation of
grief they were incapable of shedding tears or utter-
I shall only add further, with
respect to this memorable day, that it appeared to
have a surprising effect on the spirit of the people
in general, and, from being, as I had supposed them,
and as they were actually, mild and gentle, they be-
different dispositions of the sufferers.
ing sighs or groans.
came at once ferocious and cruel, at least towards all |
those whom they suspected as unfriendly to their
cause. Their treatment of such as the British had
left dead on the road was such as I never could have |
supposed. They were stripped for the sake of their
clothes, and left naked on the highway until buried
by order of our government.”
We may fittingly close this chapter with the lan-
guage of Mr. Charles C. Greenwood, being the closing
I visited those fami- |
The very different manner |
|
|
It was |
words of an able article by him entitled “ Need- |
ham in 1775:” “Few towns can present a nobler
record for ‘ patriotism and devotion to the cause of
civil liberty’ than the good old town of Needham.”
Votes During the Revolutionary Period.'—The |
| great sacrifices made by the patriots.
army’ and that on Hudson’s River, and prominent
citizens of Needham, of whom Col. William McIntosh
was the most conspicuous, served as officers in dis-
tant places.
There were doubtless other soldiers from this town
whose names are either not found upon the rolls, or
could only be found by an exhaustive search. When
it is considered that in 1775 the population of the
town was less than a thousand, and that the people
were farmers with but little personal property or ready
inoney, it will be possible to form some idea of the
Few towns
were more prompt in furnishing the required supplies,
or in raising their quota of men. The public action
taken by the town during the great struggle for a na-
tional existence cannot be better illustrated than by the
following extracts from the town records, which fur-
nish ample evidence how nobly Needham did her part
in the war, and what privations her sturdy yeomen
must have borne to meet the constant drain of money
and supplies which they cheerfully voted.
Aug. 31, 1774, the town chose Capt. EHleazer
Kingsbery, Capt. Lemuel Pratt, Mr. Jonathan Dem-
ing, Mr. Samuel Daggett, and Capt. Caleb Kingsbery
a committee ‘‘ To attend a County Convention at the
House of Mr. Woodward, Inn-holder in Dedham, on
Tuesday the Sixth Day of September Next at Ten
o'clock, before Noon, To Deliberate and Determine
upon all matters as the Distressed Circumstances of
this Province may Require.”
Sept. 30, 1774, Capt. Eleazer Kingsbery was
| chosen a delegate to the Provincial Congress, to
meet at Concord “the Second Tuesday of October
next,” and January 26th following he was again
chosen agreeably to a recommendation by the Con-
gress, Dec. 10, 1774, to the towns to choose members.
March 23, 1775, the town voted that the collectors
of province taxes, who had not already paid over the
muster-rolls in the State archives give the names of |
upwards of three hundred Needham men who served
in the war of the Revolution.
marched to Lexington, and others assisted in the forti-
fication of Dorchester Heights, or did guard duty on
Castle Island and at other places about Boston.
mouey to Hon. Harrison Gray, Esq., should pay it
to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow. Gray was the
_ agent of the crown, and Gardner of the Congress.
A large number |
The |
town had its quota of soldiers at Ticonderoga, and in |
the Rhode Island campaign, and of the “three years’
men,”
more, and doubtless participated in the principal bat-
tles and witnessed the great historical events of the
war. Men were raised to recruit the ‘“ Northern
' Compiled by Mr. George K. Clarke.
many served their full time and some even |
i
May 29,1775, Col. William McIntosh was chosen
a delegate to the Provincial Congress to be held at
Watertown, 31st instant, and Capt. Robert Smith, a
“Committee of Correspondence.”
March 11, 1776, Mr. John Slack, Mr. Michael
Metcalf, and Mr. William Smith were chosen a ‘“‘ Com-
mittee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety,” and
June 24, 1776, the town voted to instruct and advise
their present Representative, ‘That if the Honour-
able Congress for the Safety of the United Colonies
Declare them Independent of the Kingdom of Great
Britain, that they, the Said Inhabitants, will Solemnly
NEEDHAM. 523
Engage with their Lives and fortunes to Support them |
in ye measure.”
July 15, 1776, the town voted to choose a com-_
mittee “to Consult what Method to Raise the money |
to Incouriage the Men that are to be Raised to Go to
Canady :’”’ Col. William McIntosh, Capt. Aaron Smith,
Mr. Michael Metcalf, Capt. Robert Smith, and Mr.
John Slack were chosen, and reported as follows: |
“That the Town Should Raise Seven Pounds in ad-
dition to the Bounty already Granted by the General |
Court, to Every Non-Commissioned Officer and Sol-
dier, that should Enlist for Canady. We further Re-
port, as our opinion that the men that were Out
Last Summer in the Eight Months Service should be
allowed half a turn, and if any of the Kight Months
Men Should turn out and Inlist and take the Fourteen
pounds shall be allowed half a turn more which will
make a whole turn. We further Report as our opinion
that if any Should Inlist that were Not in the Last
Years’ Service and take up the seven pounds Granted
by the General Court Shall be allowed a whole turn ;
and if they take the Fourteen Pounds shall be allowed
half a turn.”
pounds to each non-commissioned officer and soldier
who should enlist for Canada.
Oct. 29, 1776, the town voted that the Council and
House of Representatives should act as a “ Joynt |
The town also voted to grant seven
Body” to form a new Constitution to be published in
every town in the State, and to be acted upon by the |
electors.
Feb. 17, 1777, it was voted to pay a bounty of |
fourteen pounds toeach man who should enlist in the
Continental army for three years, or for the war.
This bounty was raised by a tax, and the town also
chose a committee of seven to learn what had been
paid to reinforce the army, “and who has Done a
turn or part of a turn Personally,” and voted to raise
money by a tax to pay these claims.
February, 1777, the following persons who enlisted
for service in Canada were paid their bounty of seven
pounds each: Nathaniel Fisher, Aaron Fisher, Isaac
Goodenow, John Kittley, Josiah Upham (for his ne- |
gro’s enlisting), Benjamin Mills, Jr., Benjamin Mills
(3d), Ebenezer Huntting, Jonathan Huntting, Israel |
Huntting, Moses Eaton, Lemuel Eaton, Jonathan
Whittemore, Jr., Jeremiah Woodcock (paid to his
father), John Beaverstock, and John Smith, Sr. 7
The Declaration of Independence is spread in full
upon the records in the clear and bold handwriting of
Lieut. Robert Fuller, the town clerk, and is followed
by an order of Council that the same be “ Printed,
and a Copy Sent to the Ministers of each Parish, of
every Denomination within this State, and that they
Severally be Required to read the Same to their Re-
spective Congregations, as Scon as divine Service is
Ended, in the afternoon, On the first Lord’s Day
after they shall have Received it. And after Such
Publication thereof to Deliver the Said Declaration to
the Clerks of their Several Towns, or Districts; who
are hereby Required to Record the Same in their Re-
spective Town, or District's Books, there to remain as
a Perpetual Memorial thereof.”
March 10, 1777, Mr. William Smith, Lieut. Eben-
ezer Fuller, and Mr. Joseph Daniell, Jr., were chosen
a ‘*Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and
Safety.”
May 26, 1777, the town expressed their opinion
that the Council and House of Representatives should
“postpone Coming into a New form of Government at
present’’ because of the “ War Still Raging.”
August 15, 1777, voted to pay a bounty of twenty
pounds each to those enlisting to reinforce the North-
ern army.
Dec. 15, 1777, Thomas Fuller, John Bird, and
Josiah Ware were chosen a committee to provide for
the families of those men who had enlisted for three
years, or for the war. The town also accepted the
reports of committees relating to soldiers who had
served near Boston in 1775 and 1776, at Ticonderoga
in 1776, at York, and at Castle Island, and voted eight
shillings per month to those men who went to the
islands near Boston in 1776, and four pounds each to
those who went to Providence in May, 1777. Lieut.
Moses Bullard was allowed £6 13s. 4d. “ for his Going
_ to Ticonderoga,” Lieut. Oliver Mills the same for going
to York in December, 1776, and Lieut. Enoch Kings-
bery £3 6s. 8d. for going to York.
Feb. 6 and 9, 1778, the selectmen granted orders
on the town treasurer to two hundred and twenty-nine
persons for services or money paid during the war.
The amounts averaged about £6. March 9th, Josiah
Eaton, Henry Dewing, and Ebenezer Newell were
chosen a “ Committee of Correspondence, Inspection,
and Safety.”
In 1778 the town paid for clothes, shoes, etc., fur-
nished the army, and May 6th of that year a committee
was chosen to hire men “at the best method they
can,” to reinforce Gen. Washington and the army at
Hudson’s River. Col. William McIntosh, Capt.
Aaron Smith, Capt. Eleazer Kingsbery, Sergt. Jona-
than Gay, and Mr. Aaron Smith, Jr., were chosen, and
the necessary money voted.
May 22, 1778, Benjamin Mills, Jeremiah Daniel,
and Jonathan Smith were added to the committee to
care for soldiers’ families, and May 28th the town voted
‘ £154 to pay for the clothing sent as a gift to the
524
Continental soldiers that went from Needham. March
11, 1779, the committee of ‘ Correspondence,’’ ete.,
chosen the last year was re-elected.
In the winter of 1779 numerous payments were
made for clothing ete., for the army, and March 19,
1779, the town accepted the reports of several com-
mittees relating to soldiers who had served in various
localities. Elmun Tolman and Nathan Dewing, “ that
were in the Year’s Service,” were voted each £6 13s. 4d., |
and 20s. per day, with their wages, was voted to those
who went, or sent others, to Rhode Island “ in August
Last.” Also £11 per month to those who “ went to |
Boston in September, 1778, or hired men in their |
Room for three months.” A committee of five, con- |
sisting of Mr. John Slack, Capt. Caleb Kingsbery,
Capt. Aaron Smith, Capt. Robert Smith, and Mr.
Jeremiah Daniel, were chosen ‘to Set what Sum of
money the town Shall Allow to a man that may be
Drafted or Goes Volentary into the Publick Service
of the War Needham.”
for the Town of Aaron |
Smith, Jr., Jonathan Gay, and Isaac Goodenow were |
added the next July. |
The town voted £3000 “ to pay the charge of the |
War the Last Year,” and Josiah Newell, Jr., Josiah |
Upham, Ensign Timothy Kingsbery, Josiah Newell,
Esq., Deacon John Fisher, Moses Kingsbery, and
Col. William McIntosh were chosen a committee to
take care of the families of the Continental soldiers.
May 24th, Jonathan Gay was added to the committee. |
’ July 26, 1779, voted to pay £17 to those men |
“that went to Gard at Boston in Sep'", 1778.”
Oct. 19, 1779, the town voted to increase the ap-
propriation of £4000 for the support of the war to
£7000.
Oct. 15, 1779, the selectmen granted orders to
ninety-five persons for services and money paid on |
account of the war, and during the first three months
of 1780 many similar orders were granted.
March 13, 1780, Moses Man, Aaron Smith, Jr.,
and Eleazer Fuller were chosen a committee of ‘ Cor-
respondence, Inspection, and Safety,” and March 17,
1780, Capt. Eleazer Kingsbery, Mr. Nathaniel Fisher,
Mr. Ephraim Pain, Capt. Caleb Kingsbery, Mr. |
Ebenezer Day, Mr. Timothy Newell, and Lieut. Tim- |
othy Kingsbery were chosen a committee to ‘“ Supply
the Continental Soldiers’ Families.”
May 29, 1780, the town voted to choose a com-
mittee of five “to hire men in the Publick Service
of the War if any Shall be Wanting,” and Aaron
Smith, Jr., Eleazer Fuller, Josiah Newell, Jr., Enoch |
Parker, and Amos Fuller were chosen. It was also
voted to empower the committee to hire money if |
necessary. |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
June 6, 1780, Rev. Mr. Samuel West, Nathaniel
Fisher, Michael Metealf, Capt. Aaron Smith, Josiah
Newell, Esq., Samuel Daggett, Jonathan Smith, Rob-
ert Fuller, Jr., and Moses Fisk, the committee chosen
to report on the acceptance of the “ Form of Govern-
ment’ proposed for the State, reported favorably on all
the articles but the third, which in their opinion was
inconsistent with religious liberty. They also ex-
pressed the opinion that the writ of habeas corpus
ought to be suspended in time of war only, and for
not more than six months.
June 16, 1780, it was voted to raise by a tax the
necessary money to hire men for the war, and Samuel
Alden, John Slack, Jr., and Robert Fuller, Jr., were
added to the committee chosen May 29th.
July 17, 1780, the town voted a “ Tax of Thirty
Thousand pounds in addition to the Thirty thousand
pounds already granted to be raised this Year to hire
men.”
December, 1780, a tax of £23,000 was voted “ to
Purchase the Beef that is now Called for from the
town of Needham by order of the General Court.”
Lieut. Oliver Mills, Samuel Daggett, and Timothy
Hunting were chosen to hire men for the war. Aaron
Smith, Jr., Capt. Moses Bullard, John Ayers, and
Capt. John Bacon were added to this committee Jan.
to, 78st.
January 29th another committee, consisting of
Capt. Moses Bullard, Moses Man, Capt. John Bacon,
Samuel Fisher, Isaac Goodenow, Jr., Lieut. Enoch
Kingsbery, and Capt. Robert Smith, were chosen for
the same purpose.
Feb. 26, 1781, it was voted to add £250 hard
money to the £300 already granted by the town “ to
raise ye men that are now Called for.”
April 5, 1781, “ Crown””’ Nathaniel Fisher, Capt.
Robert Smith, and Capt. William Smith were chosen
a committee of ‘“ Correspondence, Inspection, and
Safety.”
July 9, 1781, £220 hard money was voted to pur-
chase the beef required of the town by the General
Court, and Timothy Newell, Ensign Josiah Upham,
and Capt. Isaac Goodenow were chosen to make the
The committee to hire soldiers was re-
Aaron Smith, Jr., was added thereto, and
£180 hard money or the equivalent in paper money
was voted for the use of the committee.
March 18, 1782, it was voted to raise by tax £550
to pay the bounty of the three-years’ men.
Col. William McIntosh! was born in Dedham, June
16, 1722. His father died when he was but two
purchase.
elected.
1 By Rev. Stephen Palmer.
NEEDHAM.
525
years old. He lived in his native town! till he at-
tained to the age of fourteen, when he went to the |
State of Connecticut with the view of learning the
trade of a carpenter. But, pursuing this occupation
about a year, he became dissatisfied with it, and re-
x |
linquishing the idea of being a mechanic he returned _
In that
and lived a number of years in Roxbury.
town he entered the marriage state Aug. 26, 1745.
It has been remarked by an eminent writer that
The time in which he was
called to act was eventful to our country, when much
born at a proper time.”
energy and many important duties were imperiously
required. In the public and momentous concerns of
this period he took an active and occasionally a peril- |
ous part.
His public career was commenced in what is called
the French war. When forces were raised to repel
the incursions of the enemy at Crown Point and Lake
Champlain he received an ensign’s commission Sept.
9, 1755, and soon after joined the army at Fort Ed-
ward. This was about two months after the memo- |
rable defeat of Gen. Braddock, when public affairs
But the
dangers of the enterprise did not prevent him from
engaging in the defense of his country. In conflicts
with the enemy he displayed much personal bravery,
and though his life at times was brought into jeop-
assumed a gloomy and threatening aspect.
|
}
ardy, yet he showed no disposition to shrink from |
duty or desert his post.
his situation was such that either capture or death
seemed inevitable, but by the God of armies he was
preserved from both.’
At one time in particular
During this war and in testimony of his faithful
services he was promoted to the office of first heuten-
ant. This commission, dated March 13, 1758, he
received at Lake George, where he was then stationed.
This higher trust he executed with his accustomed
On leaving the army he returned to his family and
to the duties of a private citizen in Roxbury. He
| and respected.
of the town. Soon after this appointment he was
raised to the office of lieutenant-colonel. This office
he held at the commencement of the Revolution and
discharged the duties of it in the first action of the
war, that well-known action which took place in this
vicinity.
On the 14th of February, 1776, by the Council of
this State he was appointed colonel of the first regi-
_ ment of militia in the county of Suffolk. Under this
“it is necessary for a great or useful man to be—
appointment he went into the army at different stages
of the war, and was engaged in some of the important
battles which were fought. In time of engagement
he was noted for his coolness, fortitude, and bravery.
While he was guarded and prudent in his measures,
His
military talents and services caused him to be noticed
he was also courageous and firm in his conduct.
By his companions in arms he was
much approved; commanders of a higher grade paid
him a tribute; and even by the great Washington,
according to correct information, he was called a good
officer and a brave man. It is, therefore, no more
than justice to his memory that he should be enrolled
in that catalogue of worthies whose patriotism and
heroic exertions, under the auspices of Providence,
secured the freedom and independence of our country.
But the public services of our friend were not con-
fined to the field; he was also much employed in the
cabinet. The public concerns of this town and of
this parish have been often committed to his trust.
For twelve years he served the town in the capacity
of a selectman, and five years he was a representative
of it in General Court, during which periods he was
occasionally appointed on many important commit-
tees, and was esteemed a valuable member of the
Legislature.
We have yet to add, and what may be ranked
_ among the more important acts of his public life, that
in the year 1779 he was chosen and acted as a mem-
fidelity in further defending the rights of his country. |
continued in that town till May 23, 1764, when he |
removed to Needham. Here he has statedly resided
to the end of his days, a period of nearly forty-nine
years, and has been much esteemed and respected
among us. About the year 1774, when the militia
in this town was divided into two companies, he was
chosen the first captain of the company in this part |
1 In the family of Capt. David Fales.
2 At this time he was deserted by his men, and within pistol-
shot of the enemy was fired upon singly by five hundred In-
dians. But being on descending ground, they shot over him,
and through divine protection he was enabled to escape.
ber of the convention which formed the Constitution
of this commonwealth. And in the year 1788 he was
also a member of the convention in this State ap-
pointed for the purpose of taking into consideration
the national Constitution, and voted for its adoption.
Col. McIntosh was naturally a man of firmness and
stability.
was remarkably even and uniform in his deportment,
Possessing a well-poised constitution, he
small things did not move him; though he was by
no means destitute of passion, and was susceptible of
_ strong feelings, yet he had the government of himself.
| He mixed prudence with fortitude, and was habitually
guarded and exemplary in what he said and did.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
526
CHAPTER XLIL
NEEDHAM—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History—Congregational Church—Unitarian
Chureh—Baptist Church—Methodist Church,
Highlandville—Second Adventists.
Episcopal
Congregational Church.'—The town of Need-
ham, originally a part of Dedham, was incorporated
Noy. 5,1711. The first Congregational Church was
organized March 20, 1720, on the Sabbath, and Mr.
Jonathan Townsend, the first minister, was ordained
March 23, 1720.
was graduated from Harvard College in 1716.
continued with this church forty-two years and a half.
The Rev. Samuel West, D.D., succeeded him, his
settlement occurring April 25,1764. He resigned
Nov. 15, 1788, and was installed over the Hollis
Street Church, in Boston, the next year, where he re-
mained until his death, April 10,1808. Mr. West
was born in Martha’s Vineyard, 1738, and was gradu-
ated 1761. Four years after Mr.
at Harvard in
West’s resignation Mr. Stephen Palmer was ordained. |
His pastorate continued until his death, Oct. 31,1821. : i
1857, when the Rev. Lucius R. Eastman was en-
Mr. Palmer was born in Norton, 1766, and was grad-
uated at Harvard, 1789.
Mr. William Ritchie was installed Dec. 12, 1821.
He was born in Peterborough, N. H., 1781, and was | a :
organization was needed, and a council was called to
graduated at Dartmouth in 1804.
For more than a century was this church firm in its
belief in the cardinal doctrines of the evangelical
churches of New England. There came a time of
spiritual apathy which resulted in an almost entire
departure from the early faith, and the church passed
out of the hands of Congregationalism.
The year 1855 marks the beginning of the later
history of Congregationalism in the eastern part of
the town of Needham. ‘There were at that time a
number of persons who had no opportunity to wor-
ship with the church of their choice. There were
He was born in Lynn in 1698, and)” ; :
since that time they have been independent, never
He |
meetings during this time, furnished the Bible which
was used, often bringing singers with him to the
services, and not being pleased with the condition of
the walls of the hall, he had them papered at his
own expense. This church, as well as at least two
others in the neighborhood, owes very much to Dr.
Burgess’ kindness and labor freely bestowed. He
_ was the father of the enterprise here, and is gratefully
remembered.
In 1856, on the last Monday of April, a meeting
_ was called of those interested in these services to see
what should be done for the future. They decided
to continue the services at their own expense, and
having received aid from any missionary society.
Many of the people living at a distance from Nehoiden |
Hall, it was thought best to hold the meetings in a
more central place. Village Hall, near the depot,
was hired for this purpose, and was fitted up in an
appropriate manner. This hall was burned in the
spring of 1882. The first service was held in this
new place of worship on the first Sunday of July,
1856. Dr. Burgess preached the first sermon. The
pulpit was supplied by various ministers until Feb. 8,
gaged as stated supply, being the first minister to
reside among this people.
The time had evidently arrived when a church
advise and aid in such organization. The council met
/ on May 6, 1857.
The Dedham, Dover, Medfield,
West Needham, Grantville, and Newton Congrega-
tional Churches were represented in the council. The
church was at this time regularly organized, under
the name of the Evangelical Congregational Church.
}
others who attended services in some of the adjoining |
There had been for some time a desire to
This
feeling becoming known to the Rey. Ebenezer Bur-
towns.
have Congregational preaching in their midst.
gess, then pastor of the Congregational Church in
Dedham, he offered to preach for them. His offer
was gladly accepted, and the first service was held on
the first Sunday in April, 1855, in Nehoiden Hall, at
the Centre.
Dr. Burgess gave his services to this people
The building is now used as a tenement
house.
for thirteen months. He paid all the expenses of the
1 By Rey. L. W. Morey.
The exercises consisted of reading of the Scriptures
_and prayer by the Rev. U. Haskell, of Dover; ser-
mon, from Eph. ii. 20, by the venerable Dr. Burgess,
of Dedham; reading of the church creed and cove-
nant by the Rev. Lucius R. Eastman, acting pastor ;
charge and baptism of children by the Rev. A. R.
Baker, of West Needham ; fellowship of the churches,
by the Rey. E. S. Atwood, of Grantville; address to
the people, by the Rev. J. H. Fairchild, of South
Boston; concluding prayer, by the Rev. Andrew
Bigelow, of Medfield. The church formed consisted
of twenty-eight persons, ten of them males and
eighteen females. The following is the list of names
of the original members:
Henry Webber.
Mrs. Adrianna G. Webber.
Miss Ellen M. Bullen.
Miss Marrietta J. Bullen.
Dr. Josiah Noyes.
Mrs. Elizabeth Noyes.
Mrs. Sarah W. Nay.
Mrs. Jane W. Pickering.
NEEDHAM. 527
Miss Rachel Swith.
Mrs. Margaret O’ Neil.
Charles E. Keith.
Josiah Davenport.
Mrs. Sarah Davenport.
Mrs. Peady R. Mills.
Mrs. Rebecca Bullen.
John Mills.
Mrs. Abigail C. Mills.
Mrs. Lucinda Kingsbury.
William B. Pickett.
Mrs. Mary A. Pickett.
Rev. Moses Winch.
George L. Newton.
Miss Pamelia Smith.
Susanna Harris.
Mrs. Susan Hardy.
Rey. Lucius R. Hastman.
Mrs. Sarah A. Eastman.
Lucius R. Eastman, Jr.
Ten of the original members are now (Feb. 27,
1884) living.
The Rev. Mr. Eastman continued with the church
until Jan. 1, 1859.
The Rev. William B. Greene became acting pastor
Sept. 1, 1859. He was ordained in Waterville, Me.,
_in 1855, and came from that place to Needham.
relation to the church extended over fourteen years, a
|
from the church in Upton, Mass. The five years of
his labors with this church saw the membership of the
society reach its largest number, and afterwards suffer
from removals. Nearly thirty families in a short
period removed from the town, among the number
some of the most helpful members and officers of the
church. A revival during the latter part of Mr.
| Wright’s ministry here resulted in considerable gain
His |
period which witnessed considerable growth and pros- —
perity. The society at the close of his term of service
was more prosperous than at any previous time.
On the 6th of July, 1859, a Sunday-school was
formed in connection with the church. For nearly
three years the people assembled in Village Hall,
when it was felt that the desire for a house of wor-
On the 23d of May, 1859,
the society voted to build a chapel. The site for the
new building was given to the society by Mr. Charles
E. Keith.
this project, and so vigorously was it pushed that
ship might be gratified.
Measures were at once taken to forward
before the close of the year the chapel was completed.
It was originally intended that this chapel should in a
few years give way to a church building, but although
able to build, not many years later, financial troubles
coming in the midst of preparations to that end, the
plan has never been carried out. The chapel was
dedicated, free from debt, Dec. 28, 1859.
cation sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. EH. N.
Kirk, of Mount Vernon Church, Boston. Jan. 1,
1860, the first Sunday services were held, Mr. Greene
preaching the first sermon. The congregation at this
time did not fill the house, but it increased steadily for
many years. Mr. Greene’s connection with the church
ceased April 1, 1873.
The first settled pastor was the Rev. Augustus C.
Swain, who was ordained and installed June 25, 1873.
He remained with the church less than a year, being
dismissed by council April 22, 1874.
The Rev. J. L. Wheeler commenced preaching here
in April, 1874, as stated supply, till April 1, 1875.
He was ordained in 1869, and came here from Gardi-
ner, Mass.
The Rev. J. E. M. Wright became acting pastor |
July 7,1875. He was ordained in 1852. He came
in the membership of the church.
his relation April 1, 1880.
For nearly two years the pulpit was supplied by
different ministers. In the spring of 1882 it was
In the
mean time the chapel was frescoed, the expense being
borne by the Ladies’ Friendly Society, which from
the first has been abundant in labors for the good of
the church.
The Rev. Lewis W. Morey was ordained and
installed pastor of the church Sept. 6, 1882.
The First Parish of Needham' has an exist-
ence coeval with that of the town. Early in the
eighteenth century a few houses with outlying farms
dotted the section now embraced in the towns of
Needham and Wellesley. These settlers, prompted
by that inborn instinct for local civil organization
Mr. Wright closed
determined to secure a pastor for the church.
which is a marked feature of the Anglo-Saxon, and
_ feeling the need of religious ministrations so charac-
The dedi- |
teristic of the New England Puritans, soon began to
take measures for the organization of a separate town
In 1710, they petitioned the General
Court for an act to set apart their precinct and make
and worship.
ita town. In consequence of an energetic opposi-
tion on the part of Dedham the petition was refused,
but the General Court advised the inhabitants of
Dedham to exempt the petitioners from paying taxes
for the support of the Dedham minister, provided
they would have preaching in their own precinct.
The next year, at the March meeting, Dedham voted
a grant to these settlers of two lots of land containing
one hundred and thirty-three acres, for the support of
the ministry among them. This was the germ out of
_ which grew the First Parish Church and society. A
}
if
portion of this land, including the cemetery, is still
owned by the parish.
For the sake of definiteness and precision, we will
divide the sketch of this ancient parish into separate
heads.
I. The Meeting-House.—The town of Needham,
on Dee. 25, 1711, voted to build a house for public
worship and granted eighty pounds for this purpose,
one-half to be paid in money, the other half in labor.
1 By Rev. S. W. Bush.
528
When we consider all the circumstances, this enter-
prise evidenced both courage and faith. It was a
costly undertaking. The inhabitants were scattered
and lived by dint of the utmost frugality and econ-
omy. ‘The real difficulties were increased by a sharp
division in respect to the site of the edifice. The
contest became so hot that an appeal was made to the
General Court, and this august body appointed a com-
mittee to fix the location. The various parties acqui-
esced in the decision, even if they were not fully satis-
fied.
was not until the next year that money was voted by
Meanwhile services were held
There is no re-
These
the town for glazing.
in the unfinished meeting-house.
cord of its being either finished or dedicated.
earnest worshipers were not dependent on cushioned
seats, frescoed walls, and heated furnaces. They went
in and out of this meeting-house until Sunday, Oct.
17, 1773. On this day a child was christened, and
the pastor, the Rev. Mr. West, preached a sermon
from Psalm iv. 5: ‘‘ Offer the sacrifice of righteous-
ness, and put your trust in the Lord.” During the
night following the neighbors were startled as they
saw the meeting-house in flames.
a reward for the discovery of the person who set it
on fire, we infer it was the act of an incendiary, but
the culprit was never found. These frugal and hardy
pioneers met their loss with stout hearts and voted in
town meeting two hundred pounds towards rebuilding,
and chose a committee of five to proceed at once with
the work. The old feud about location again broke
out, and the disagreement led to a division of the town
into two precincts. The frame of the new house was
raised either on the 3d or 4th of August, 1774, and |
/ment were so marked that his advice was often
sought both by his own parishioners and for the set-
| tlement of controversies and difficulties in the neigh-
in three weeks the services in the unfinished building
were resumed. Gradually, though slowly, the house
was finished and remained until 1811, when it was
repaired with the addition of a ‘“ handsome tower,”
and on Nov. 15, 1811, a bell was hung and for the
first time rung in the town.
the edifice of the First Parish now on “ the plains.’
As an illustration of the reputation of this bell, the
?
story is told that the meeting-house at Newton Upper
Falls having had the bells, both proving unsatisfae-
tory, the bell-makers maintained that the defect in
The work of building went on very slowly. |
The frame was raised in the summer of 1712, but it |
As the town voted |
The same bell is used in |
tone was caused either by the location of the building |
so he set his face with firmness against the teaching
|
_ and practice of the New Lights upon these matters.
or the construction of the tower. ‘To test this the
First Parish bell was loaned, and, as it rang out its
clear, rich tones in Newton Upper Falls, the judg-
ment was that the two bells were at fault.
The old meeting-house was taken down in 1835,
and out of its timbers a new frame was made, and
| a church.
boring churches.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the building was finished. Gradually there came a
change over the town. ‘Two villages grew up around
the railroad stations,—one at Needham Plains and
the other at Grantville. The worshipers of the
latter place organized another parish and dedicated
Thus the old meeting-house was away
from the larger part of the congregation. It was,
therefore, necessary to move it to the centre of popu-
lation. So it was taken bodily on wheels in 1879
and rolled along the outskirts of the village and
placed on its present location near the railroad
station. It was entirely refitted, and is now an or-
nament and a thing of use and beauty in the centre
of the village on “ the plain.”’
Il. The Ministers—The First Parish has had a
succession of faithful and devout ministers. As soon
as the parish was organized, the people began to look
out for a pastor, A large number of candidates were
heard and five received calls to settle, but declined.
But, nothing daunted, the people continued their
quest. They held special days of fasting and prayer
for guidance, and sought advice from the leading
ministers of Boston and their neighborhood. After
more than eight years of effort, on Dec. 29, 1719,
they gave a unanimous call to Mr. Jonathan Town-
send, whose acceptance, dated Jan. 25, 1720, was
read in town-meeting, ‘to the great satisfaction of
the people.” Mr. Townsend was ordained March 23,
1720, and continued his ministry till Sept. 30, 1762,
covering a period of forty-two years. The Rey.
Stephen Palmer, in his “Century Sermon,” thus
draws his portrait: ‘‘ Possessing strong powers of
mind, cultivated and improved by education and
study, he was enabled to think deeply and correctly.”
His accurate knowledge of dates, candor, and judg-
His ministry as a whole was
peaceful till, about 1746, the church was plunged
into controversy about the employment of “ illiterate
teachers” and the right to have separate meetings
among themselves. Mr. Townsend, like most of his
ministerial brethren, regarded the ministry as an
‘appointed order of men who are separated unto
the gospel of God.” He also placed special stress
on the importance and value of an educated ministry,
This led to a split, and some of the disaffected with-
drew from the parish. “In the main,’ says Mr.
Palmer, “ he was happy with his people, sharing much
in their affection and esteem.”
NEEDHAM.
After an interval of two years and seven months,
during which period the people in a day of fasting ©
and prayer sought for divine direction, Mr. Samuel
West received a call on Nov. 7, 1763, from the
church, and on December 5th, following, “ the con- |
gregation concurred.” He was ordained April 25, |
1764, and continued his ministrations until Nov. 2, |
1788, at which time he preached his last sermon.
The separation really took place Jan. 12, 1789, when |
| sermons or addresses on special occasions.
he was dismissed by a vote of the parish. Mr. West
gave as a reason for his leaving “a difference of
opinion with respect to ministerial support.” The
differences between the minister and parish so far as
indebtedness was concerned was settled by a mutual
agreement between the parties. The Rev. Thomas
Thacher, as quoted by Dr. Palmer, describes him as
‘“‘a man of talents, of extensive erudition, and of very
amiable and polished manners.
by all who were acquainted with him. While he
continued in the ministry here, he was esteemed a
faithful and affectionate pastor ; and was highly ac-
ceptable to the people of his charge.”
The Rev. Stephen Palmer, after a lapse of four years,
received a call June 11,1792. The interval between
this call and the resignation of Mr. West was a period
of discouragement. But the few and faithful stood
firm in their support of the parish.
Dow was invited to settle Aug. 2, 1790, but declined,
and on June 11, Mr. Stephen Palmer received a call,
and was ordained the 7th of November, 1792. Mr.
Palmer was the son of a minister, and inherited from |
his father a love of knowledge. He graduated from |
Cambridge with academic honors, and entered upon
the ministry with interest and devotion. It was dur-
ing his life that what the historian, Hildreth, calls |
Mr. |
Palmer, though orthodox in his theological opinions,
the spirit of latitudinarianism began to prevail.
was liberal in his methods of study and conviction. |
The Rev. John White, of West Dedham, in his
funeral discourse on the death of Mr. Palmer, quotes |
him as saying, “‘ Every man will have a creed of his
own.
I have mine,—but have no right to impose it
upon others, nor have others any right to impose
theirs upon me. I have never viewed my opinions to
be such mountains, as a different faith cannot remove,
nor have I ever yet believed myself to be infallible.
He who thinks he has no more light to receive, has
seen but little, and he who is not open to convictions
is in bondage to himself.”
The ministry of Mr. Palmer was marked by fidelity |
both as a preacher and pastor. As an evidence of |
the acceptance of his ministrations there are no less |
than twenty of his publications, most of them either
34
This is acknowledged |
529
The
memory of him still remains among the oldest sur-
viving members of the parish as a pleasant tradition.
He died Oct. 31, 1821.
At the death of Mr. Palmer, the parish at once
_ proceeded to settle a new minister, and the Rey. Wil-
liam Ritchie received a call Dec. 12, 1821. The
| period of his ministry was at the time the doctrinal
controversy arose, which led to the separation of the
New England Congregational Churches into two dis-
tinct bodies known as the Orthodox and Unitarian.
Mr. Ritchie sympathized with the Unitarians, and as
the ministers of most of the old parishes in the
neighborhood were of this drift, he was in fellowship
with them. This was a source of disagreement on
the part of some of his hearers who were inclined to
the more orthodox belief. Still, his ministry was, as
a whole, a very useful and harmonious one. Towards
its close his health failed, and on Dec. 17, 1841, he
resigned his active charge with the request that he
might retain his relation as pastor. The correspond-
ence between him and the parish abounds in the ex-
pressions of mutual kindness and esteem. He alludes
_to the great changes which had taken place in the
parish during his ministry, and expresses his deep
_ interest in the future religious welfare of his beloved
Mr. Hendricus |
parishioners. The letter of the society in reply is both
sympathetic and appreciative. His death, which took
place Feb. 22, 1842, awakened a deeper feeling of
tenderness, and the parish voted to pay his funeral
expenses, and his people with loving care placed his
remains in the grave, and carried with them the
_ memory of his useful and devoted life.
The Rev. Lyman Maynard, a minister in fellow-
ship with the Universalist Church, was installed as
the successor of Mr. Ritchie, Sept. 8, 1842. Accord-
_ing to the arrangement with the parish the settle-
ment was for an indefinite term, the parties being at
liberty to dissolve the connection on giving each
other six months’ notice. When the call was given
it was also voted that the parish committee call upon
Mr. Maynard, and request that he should exchange
with clergymen in the vicinity of different denomi-
nations within convenient distance. The committee,
it would seem, did not inform Mr. Maynard of this
arrangement, for in a communication next year he
said he would consent to exchange with the Rey. Mr.
Partridge, of Newton, and the Rev. Mr. Spear, of
Weymouth, both of whom were of the Universalist
persuasion ; that had he been informed of the vote
of the parish on this subject, he should have hesi-
He had known
much disunion to grow out of such a course, and had
tated before accepting the call.
530
|
fears of the result. He hoped, however, for the
best, and should use his utmost efforts to promote a
spirit of harmony in the society. Mr. Maynard’s |
connection closed in 1846, and then followed a series |
of short settlements. The Rev. C. H. A. Dall’s min-
istry was from Feb. 7, 1847, to Dec. 1, 1849; the
Rev. James F. Hicks, from July 14, 1852, to De-
cember, 1853. The Rev. George Channing supplied |
the pulpit for the next two years. He was succeeded
by Mr. Andrew N. Adams, who was ordained at
Needham Noy. 21, 1855. After a brief ministry the
Rey. William Barry was next settled, and his min- |
istry was both devoted and fruitful in good works.
He was followed by the Rev. George H. Emerson, |
D.D., who supplied the pulpit with acceptance. In |
1870, after his engagement ended, the society called
the Rev. A. B. Voise, who also supplied, in addition,
the pulpit of the Unitarian Church at Grantville. |
The service in the First Parish Church was held in
the forenoon—that at Grantville in the afternoon.
The next year the society at the latter place gave Mr.
Voise a call to be their minister, and the Rev. 8. W.
Bush succeeded him, and still is minister of the First
Parish.
Ill. The Parish and Church.—ULike all the old |
Puritan Congregational Churches, the First Parish had |
a twofold organization known as the Parish and the
Church. The parish organization was devoted chiefly
to the care of the financial affairs, and the records
abound in illustrations of the difficulties of the volun-
tary system for the support of religious institutions.
For a long time the First Parish was the only reli- |
gious society in Hast Needham, and as diversities of |
religious opinions prevailed, added to the extreme in- |
dividualism which is inbred in New England Puri- |
tanism, it was not always easy to raise the minister’s
salary. Still difficulties the
members of this old historic society maintained for |
with these inherent
successive generations the ministrations of the pulpit. |
The parish records, which have been kept with un- |
usual accuracy and care, contain full evidence of the
earnest fidelity with which the cause of religion was
maintained.
The church organization concerned itself with the
spiritual affairs of the parish. It
March 23, 1720, and on July 3d following the ordi-
was embodied
nance of the Lord’s Supper was first administered,
Two
deacons, Thomas Metcalf and Josiah Newell, were
when about fifty communicants were present.
chosen, and a covenant was signed March 18, 1720.
This covenant was very mildly orthodox in its state-
ment of belief, and in no way bound its subscribers
to a rigid creed. It was silent on those doctrines |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
_ which are called Calvinistic, and its definition of the
Trinity would be accepted by those who are Sabel-
lians. In 1764, October 19th, this covenant was re-
newed by the members of the church with an addi-
tion practical in its character. No mention is made
of a belief in any specific doctrines which have since
been emphasized by a large body of the New England
Orthodox Congregational Churches. This covenant
continued until about 1850, when a new one was
adopted. In this, after an acknowledgment and con-
fession of sin, the candidate is thus addressed by the
minister: ‘“ You sincerely and solemnly give up your-
selves to God the Father, whom you receive as your
God. . . . to the Lord Jesus Christ, and receive him
as made of God unto you, wisdom and righteousness,
and sanctification and redemption.” This covenant
with verbal alterations, but the same in substance of
doctrine, is still used.
In the idea of church-fellowship we can trace
a gradual growth. At first the church refused to
give members a dismission, and to recommend them
to the Baptist, Methodist, and other communions, but
in the course of time their ideas broadened, and July
19, 1840, it was voted ‘as there is but one Christian
Church in the world, they consider it improper to dis-
miss from the church.” But as there are branches
of the Christian Church, the record adds, which re-
quire a certificate of dismission as well as recommen-
dation, this church will comply with request of those
members who wish to join another branch of the one
Christian Church.
The early records of the church also abound in de-
tails of proceedings growing out of some unchristian
conduct. Ifa member had a grievance against a
brother or sister, it was brought before the church.
One incident which illustrates the early period is
worthy of mention. In 1736 several of the brethren
fell into hot disputes about certain personal matters
so that they became angry. The affair was submitted
to the church, and after a full hearing the disaffected
brethren were exhorted to bury their differences in
one common grave of forgetfulness, and for the time
to come to live and act towards each other as Chris-
tians. They agreed to do this. So, after singing a
psalm, the Rev. Mr. Townsend called for a tankard
of drink and drank to ‘the heretofore contending,
but now reconciled brethren, praying that all might
live and act together in love and favor, to which
Capt. Cook said, Amen. Then the minister gave the
tankard into Capt. Cook’s hand ; he drank himself and
drank to Capt. Fisher. We all drank ut sie finitur.
So the matter ended.”
The general trend of both church and parish was
NEEDHAM.
531
towards what is called liberal Christianity. So the
First Parish, like many other old ones in the country,
became either Universalist or Unitarian. At present
the First Parish holds ecclesiastical relations with the
Unitarians, and its members have a reasonable hope in
a more prosperous future.
The First Baptist Church.'—* During the year
_ was obliged to resign, Nov. 12, 1865.
out any stated salary. On account of ill health he
During his
term of office twenty-eight were received from other
churches and eighteen baptized.
At this time, by reason of the recent death of Rev.
_A. Harvey and the removal from the town of Deacon
1853 the people of Needham Plains began to feel the ©
importance of having stated evangelical worship in
this new and rapidly increasing village.”
In 1854, Deacon George Howland, of the Second
Baptist Church at Newton, employed at his own ex-
pense Rev. Amos Webster to canvass the town and
preach a few Sundays.
The first service was held September 24th, in the
| Smith, D.D., of Newton.
old school-house corner of Great Plain Avenue and |
Webster Street, and was attended by fifty-six persons
in the morning and seventy-four in the afternoon. In
connection a Sunday-school was established, with
Deacon George Howland as superintendent.
A subscription paper was put in circulation about
this time and nearly two thousand dollars pledged. A |
society was formed and a house of worship soon com-
menced, large enough to seat about four hundred in |
the audience-room and two hundred in the vestry, at |
a cost of four thousand two hundred dollars. The
vestry only was finished and was opened to public
worship early in June, 1855.
The building is situated on the corner of Great
Plain and Highland Avenues.
Rey. Amos Webster continued to preach till the
following October, when he resigned, and the desk was
supplied by different preachers for some time.
May 26, 1856, the church was organized with
George Howland, the church was in a very weak
state. They engaged the services of Rev. S. F.
The first five years he
was with the church hardly money enough could
be raised to meet the running expenses, and in the
autumn of 1869, when Deacon John Burnham and
the clerk, Brother G. F. de Leesdenier, died, it
seemed as though the enterprise must be given up.
It was at this time that the male members were so
few that one man, Deacon William Moseley, held
every office in the church, and was also superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school. But the faithful
efforts and self-denial of the few left were not in vain,
and soon the church was strengthened by the addition
of new members. In the year 1871 sixteen were
baptized and five added by letter, the church debt
was paid, principal and interest, amounting to seven
hundred and thirty-four dollars, and early in the next
year preparations for finishing the audience-room were
commenced, and by June all was completed and hand-
somely furnished, at an expense of four thousand one
hundred and fifty-four dollars, about one thousand of
which was raised by the exertions of the pastor in
other places.
The house was dedicated, free from debt, June 5,
1872, and a vote passed that the pews should be free.
| The sermon on this occasion was preached by Rev.
J
twenty-five members, George Howland, deacon, and |
C. M. Dinsmore, clerk. A council, composed of
pastors and delegates from ten Baptist Churches, was
held June 11th, and the church was recognized as |
Rev.
Banson Stow, D.D., preached the sermon on that
occasion.
“‘an independent and regular Baptist Church.”
A beautiful communion service was pre-
sented by Mrs. Nancy Kingsbury.
June 22d the first baptism took place, at which
four candidates were immersed and received into the
church.
December 7th, Rev. A. F. Willard accepted a call
to become its pastor. He remained with the church
nine years, although, on account of ill health, he was
absent about a year. All this time the church was
in debt and the people poor.
fully for the love of the cause, part of the time with-
1 By Thomas Sutton, Esq.
But he labored faith- |
William Lamson, D.D., of Brookline.
Aug. 1, 1873, the pastor resigned, having labored
with marked success for seven years, twenty-six hay-
ing been received by baptism and fourteen by letter.
Dec. 23, 1873, Rev. S. G. Abbott became pastor.
During his stay quite a number of improvements
were made in the church property, fifteen persons
added by baptism, and fourteen by letter. Owing to
the removal of several men of means from our town
and the general depression of business, the church
was unable to continue its relation with the pastor,
and he resigned July 1, 1876.
Rev. A. T. Spaulding was settled March, 1877,
and labored with good success for eight months, when
he died instantly with heart-disease. He was much
loved and respected by the church and community.
Rey. S. F. Smith, D.D., again supplied the pulpit
until Aug. 29, 1880, when he left for a two-years’
trip among the mission-fields in Europe and Asia.
Rey. E. A. Read was called to be pastor June,
532
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1881, and continued two years, during which time
various plans to aid the benevolent organizations of
the denomination were formed, which have been
quite successful. Since then the old friend of the
church, Rev. S. F. Smith, D.D., has supplied the
pulpit.
Within a few years a new furnace, organ, and
chandelier have been purchased, and the buildings
put in good repair and painted, all debts paid, and |
some money is now in the treasury. The future
prosperity seems assured, and the church has ex-
tended a call to the Rev. W. H. Clark, of South
Norridgewock, Me., to become its pastor. He will
commence his labors in February, 1884.
The number baptized since its organization is
seventy; admitted by letter, one hundred and one.
Total, one hundred and seventy-one. The present
membership is seventy-one, and the officers are, Dea-
cons William Moseley and R. W. Ames, trustees ;
John Moseley, treasurer; Thomas Sutton, clerk ;
Thomas J. Crossman, superintendent of Sunday-
school.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Highlandville.’—
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Highlandville. a
village of Needham, was organized in April, 1867,
and the Rey. John W. Coolidge, of the New Eng-
land Conference, was appointed its pastor. Previous
to this time many influential families of the vicinity
had been connected with the Methodist Church in
Newton Upper Falls; its pastors had held frequent |
religious services among them, resulting, especially in
1865-66, in a large addition from Highlandville to
the Upper Falls Church, so that on the organization
of the former thirty-four members were united with
it by letter from the latter. The society, from the
spring of 1867 to the summer of 1876, worshiped
in a hall in the centre of the village. Its business, a
fine woolen and silk hosiery, was prosperous, and its
population, mostly English immigrants, increased
rapidly, and the question of building a house of wor-
ship became one of deeply interesting discussion. In
1875 it took a business form, and in the summer of |
1876 a beautifully-situated and convenient church
The
initiation to its consummation, was inspired by the
edifice was completed. enterprise, from its
pastor, Rev. G. R. Bent. The cost of the site, edi-
fice, and furnishing was ten thousand dollars. Soon
after its dedication the business of the village became
greatly depressed, in common with that of the coun-
try at the time, and greatly embarrassed the financiers
of the society. An effort has just been made for the
1 By Rey. Z. A. Mudge.
canceling of its debt, and large success has been at-
tained. The pastors of this society, in conformity
with the itinerant usage of Methodism, have been as
follows: J. W. Coolidge, 1867-68; Stephen Cush-
ing, 1869-70; S. H. Noon, 1871-73; G. R. Bent,
1874-76; W. Silverthorn, 1877; Stephen Cushing,
1878-79; R. W. Harlow, 1880-81; Z. A. Mudge,
1882-83.
CHAPTER XIE
NEEDHAM—( Continued).
THE PRESS—CIVIL HISTORY—MILITARY RECORD.
The Needham Chronicle—Changes in Boundary-Line—Valua-
tion— Population—Documentary—Representatives — Select-
men—Town Clerks—Treasurers—Military Record.
The Needham Chronicle.—The publication of
the Needham Chronicle and Wellesley Advertiser,
the first paper printed in this town, was founded in
1874 by George W. Southworth, a native of Stough-
ton, this county, who had had previous journalistic
experience at Stoughton and Marlborough, in response
to the express desire for a local paper by the most
The Chronicle enjoys a circula-
tion in neighboring towns. At the incorporation of
Wellesley the words ‘‘ and Wellesley Advertiser”
were dropped from the heading, and an edition called
the Wellesley Advertiser issued since that time for
Wellesley. The Chronicle is still under the able
management of Mr. Southworth.
Changes in Boundary-Line.—By an act of the
General Court, passed in the year 1797, an alteration
was made in the line between Needham and Natick.
By virtue of this act sixteen hundred and fifty-six
acres of land were set off from Needham to Natick,
prominent citizens.
and in exchange four hundred and four and one-half
acres, exclusive of pond, were set off from Natick
and annexed to Needham, leaving a balance in favor
of Natick of twelve hundred and fifty-one and one-
half acres.
An island in Charles River, at the Upper Falls, set
off from Needham and annexed to Newton, June 21,
1805.
The westerly part of the town, comprising about
six thousand acres of land, with a population of about
two thousand seven hundred, set off and incorporated
as the town of Wellesley April 6, 1881.
* From Rev. Stephen Palmer’s “ Century Sermon,” page 9.
NEEDHAM.
533
VALUATION 1883.
Walle ofsreslestate..ccccss.cccesslccaasees- $1,625,198
Value of personal estate....... cusisececuare 185,792
Motal valuation cccccecccicctecse=cieessss ons $1,810,990
INCTER Ol IAN TASSOSSCU .cccccicccesccrocotecleccsecs=s 7715
POPULATION.
LGD s.. QAM Who alSb0 vc wecsscossceseccess 1944
MiviOezenessespesiesccesese 912 US60 ssc ssecdetes conse 2658
NO Ditcesssecces\ccescacse 1130 W865: ceescesscossnsssess 2793
SOO a ccscersstecsawcase 1072 TSO sccscesssstsseeessss 3607
USO aesccccsssecescscse 1097 VST Ditaccescatavsssteeesss 4548
HS 2 ONceccsscaccsssvesers 1227 US80 sss. vessscveecccsce 52521
MSS Oscsvetescsioeacssees 1418 1883 about............ 2600
USS. Oevcccscescctescevaces 1488
DOCUMENTARY.
“ NEEDHAM, July 17, 1737.
sixth year of her age.
land, on July 14, 1652, and about the year 1671 went up from
thence to Hadley, where, for the space of about a year, she |
waited upon Col. Whalley and Col. Goffe (two of King Charles’ |
_and served three years.
first judges), who had fled thither from the men that sought
their life.
Dedham, one of the magistrates of this Colony under the old
charter.
cometh in in his season.’’
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
Capt. Robert Cook, 1712, ’26, ’39.
John Smith, 1714.
Timothy Kingsbury, 1723.
Josiah Kingsbury, 1728, ’29, ’31.
John Fisher, Esq., 1735-38, ’40, °41, 751.
William Bowdoin, 1752-55.
Lieut. Amos Fuller, 1756, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’66.
Capt. Eleazer Kingsbury, 1768, ’69-70, ’71, ’74, ’79.
Col. William McIntosh, 1776, ’80, ’81, ’83, 1804.
Deacen John Fisher, 1777, ’78.?
Nathaniel Fisher, 1782, ’85.
Robert Fuller, Jr., 1787.
William Fuller, Esq., 1789, 90.
Col. Jonathan Kingsbury, 1793, ’98, ’99, 1801, ’03.
Col. Silas Alden, 1796.
Daniel Ware, Esq., 1805-07, ’10-13.
James Smith, 1808, ’09.
Jonathan Gay, Jr., 1814.
Elisha Lyon, Esq., 1816, ’39, ’40.
Seth Colburn, 1824,
Aaron Smith, Esq., 1827.
Gen. Charles Rice, 1829, 731.
George Fisher, 1830.
Rufus Mills, Esq., 1832, 733.
Thomas Kingsbury, Esq., 1834-36, 48, ’49.
Solomen Flagg, 1834; the District, 1861.
William Flagg, 1836, ’37.
Asa Kingsbury, 1837, ’38, ’42.
Emery Fisk, 1840, ’41.
Capt. George Smith, 1843, ’44.
Daniel Kimball, 1846.
Edgar K. Whitaker, 1847.
Henry Robinson, 1850, *51.
Lauren Kingsbury, 1855; the District, 1858.
1 Wellesley set off, 1881.
2Son of the first named John Fisher.
She was the daughter of Capt. Daniel Fisher, of |
Having lived a virtuous life, she died universally re- |
spected and came to her grave in a full age, as a shock of corn |
Jonathan Fuller, 1856.
| George K. Daniell, 1857; the District, 1866, ’68, ’70.
| Charles C. Greenwood, the District, 1863.
| Galen Orr, the District, 1864.
John M. Harris, the District, 1872.
| Joseph E. Fiske, the District, 1874.
James Mackintosh, the District, 1876, ’77, ’81.
Lyman K. Putney, the District, 1880.
For the years not mentioned above, prior to 1858,
the town was not represented.
From 1857 to 1877, Needham, Dover, and Med-
field comprised the Fourteenth Norfolk District.
At the present time, Needham, Dover, Medfield,
Norfolk, and Wellesley constitute the Ninth Norfolk
nneeediedeheeseMrs Uedia Chicherine inthe ciehty- | Wistrict.
y j g ghty- |
She was born at Dedham in New Eng- |
Joseph E. Fiske was a member of the State Senate
in 1876 and in 1877.
Galen Orr was chosen special commissioner in 1868,
Chosen commissioner in
1871, and served eight years.
Edgar K. Whitaker was a member of the Ex-
ecutive Council in 1851.
The following served as delegates to the several
conventions held in Massachusetts :
Capt. Eleazer Kingsbury, delegate to the First
| Provincial Congress held at Concord, October, 1774,
_and also to the Second, at Cambridge, February,
| 1775.
Col. William McIntosh, delegate to the Third Pro-
vincial Congress, convened at Watertown, May 31,
1775, and also to the Convention which met at Cam-
bridge, Sept. 1, 1779, to frame a new “ Constitution
_ or Form of Government.” He was also delegate to the
_ Convention held in Boston in January, 1788, which
ratified the Constitution of the United States.
Col. William McIntosh and Robert Fuller, Jr.,
| were chosen to attend a Convention held at Concord
_in October, 1779, ‘“‘to take into consideration the
prices of merchandize and country produce, &c.”
Col. Jonathan Kingsbury, delegate to a Convention
of Delegates from the towns in Norfolk County, on
May 15, 1794, at Henry Vose’s, Milton, “to consult
on matters respecting said County.”
Aaron Smith, delegate to the Convention held at
Boston to revise the Constitution, 1820.
Emery Fisk, delegate to the Convention to revise
the Constitution, 1853.
SELECTMEN.
Deacon Timothy Kingsbury, 1711-18, 720, ’21, ’28, ’24, °32, °33,
736,739, 7A.
Capt. John Fisher, 1711-14, ’22-26.
John Smith, 1711-16, ’18-20.
Benjamin Mills, 1711, 719.
Capt. Robert Cook, 1711-15, *18-20, ’21-24, ’27-31, 734-35, ’37,
739-47,
534
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Joseph Daniels, 1712.
Deacon Jeremiah Woodcock, 1712-14, 719, ’22, ’33.
Richard Moore, 1712-14.
Lieut. Thomas Metcalf, 1714-15, °18, 23, 27, 30-31.
John Rice, 1715, 716, *18, ’20.
Josiah Kingsbury, 1716-17, ’20-23, ’25-26, ’28, ’38.
Deacon Eleazer Kingsbury, 1716, *17, ’21, ’27, ’29-31, 733, ’36,
39, °41, °46-48.
Benjamin Mills, Jr., 1717.
John Smith, Jr., 1717, ’19, ’22, ’24, 726, ’28.
Josiah Newell, 1719, ’22, ’24, ’25.
Joseph Hawes, 1719.
Joseph Boyden, 1721.
Joseph Mills, 1723.
Henry Pratt, 1725, ’26, ’28-31, ’34, ’35.
Andrew Dewing, 1725, ’27.
Capt. Robert Fuller, 1726, ’28-32, ’34, ’35, 37, 739, ’42, 743, ’46-
"49,
Ensign Thomas Fuller, 1727, ’29, ’39.
James Kingsbury, 1732, ’41, ’43.
William Mills, 1732.
John Fisher, Esq., 1732, ’36, ’38, ’45, °47, 750.
Zechariah Mills, 1734, ’35, ’43, 46, ’47, ’49.
Jonathan Hunting, 1734, 35.
John Underwood, 1736.
Jonathan Smith, 1736, ’38, 749.
Lieut. Amos Fuller, 1737, ’42, ’43, °52, ’54-58, ’60,
16555°69:
Benoni Woodward, 1737, ’40.
Ensign Aaron Smith, 1737, ’40, °42, °44, *47-51.
Nathaniel Bullard, 1740, ’46.
John Goodnow, 1740.
Jeremiah Fisher, 1742, ’44, ’45, ’47, ’48, ’50.
Samuel Parker, 1744, ’45.
Josiah Newell, Esq., 1744, ’45, ’47-51, ’53, ’61, ’62, ’64-66,
269. 214s ile
Eliakim Cook, 1750, 51, 59, ’66.
Joseph Daniel, 1751.
Nathaniel Mann, 1741.
John Alden, 1752.
Capt. Caleb Kingsbury, 1752, ’54, ’59, ’62,’70, ’73.
Thomas Metcalf, 1752-58, ’60.
Ephraim Ware, Jr., 1752.
Lieut. Robert Fuller, 1753-62, ’67, 68, ’70, ’72,
80, °84.
Capt. Eleazer Kingsbury, 1753, ’56-58,
68, °70, °73.
John Mills, 1753.
Samuel Mackintyre, 1755-57, 760.
Ebenezer Skinner, 1754.
61, ’64,
"74, 76-78,
60, 62, 64, °65, ’67,
Samuel Daniel, 1755.
Jonathan Smith, 1758.
Nathaniel Fisher, 1759, °62,
Lemuel Pratt, 1759-63, ’73.
Ephraim Bullard, 1761.
Michael Metcalf, 1763-65, ’67, 68, ’71,°72.
Deacon John Fisher, 1763-65, ’68, ’75, ’81.
Jonathan Denning, 1763.
Timothy Newell, 1763, ’69, ’72, ’76.
Josiah Eaton, 1766, ’74.
John Kingsbury, 1776.
Capt. Ephraim Jackson, 1766.
Col, William MeIntosh, 1767, ’68, ’70,’75,
91, °92.
Seth Wilson, 1767, ’69.
Lieut. Ebenezer Fisher, 1769.
"43. 7d, 77, 278, 782, ?85,
"78, °80, ’81,
| William Fuller, Esq., 1775-81,
Capt. William Smith, 1770, ’75,
Jonathan Day, 1771.
Amos Fuller, 1771, ’72, ’76.
Benjamin Mills, 1771, ’84.
Lieut. John Bacon, 1771.
"79.
| Isaac Underwood, 1772.
Josiah Ware, 1773.
Ebenezer Fuller, 1774, ’75. ;
*84—86, ’88-92, 94-96, 98, 1800,
701;
Col. Silas Alden, 1776, ’80, ’87,’88, ’91, ’93, 97-1802.
John Slack, 1777, ’78.
Lieut. Oliver Mills, 1779, ’86, ’87, 789, ’92, 94, 795.
Sergt. Thomas Fuller, 1779, ’80.
Samuel Daggett, 1779.
Capt. Aaron Smith, 1783, 789.
Aaron Smith, 1781, ’90-99, 1801-04, ’08-12.
Stephen Bacon, 1781.
Robert Fuller, Jr., 1782, ’83, ’87, ’88, 792
Enoch Parker, 1782.
Eleazer Fuller, 1782-83, ’99, 1800-02.
Col. Jonathan Kingsbury, 1782, 90, 93-96, ’98, 799, 1800-02.
Jeremiah Daniel, 1783.
Jonathan Smith, 1784.
Deacon Isaac Shepard, 1784.
Lieut. Samuel Townsend, 1785.
Samuel Brown, 1785-86, ’88.
Nathaniel Ware, 1786.
| Ebenezer Day, 1786.
| Enoch Fisk, 1787-88.
Lieut. Ephraim Bullard, 1787.
Amos Fuller, 1789-90.
Moses Fisk, 1789.
Capt. Josiah Newell, 1790, “91, 93.
Capt. Robert Smith, 1793-95.
Dr. Timothy Fuller, 1797.
Lieut. Jonathan Gay, 1796-98.
William Farris, 1796-97.
Col. Moses Mann, 1799, 1800, ’04.
| Samuel Pratt, 1802.
George Fisher, 1803, ’04,’16, ’18, 719.
Lieut. Moses Garfield, 1803, ’04, ’06, ’08, ’12-19.
| Maj. Ebenezer McIntosh, 1803-07, ’18, ’19, ’21, ’23.
Daniel Ware, Esq., 1805-16.
Royal McIntosh, 1805, ’07.
Amos Fuller, Jr., 1805.
David Smith, Jr., 1805-11.
Benjamin Slack, Esq., 1806, ’19-22, ’24-26, ’31.
| James Smith, 1807-11.
Dr. Samuel Gould, 1809-12.
| Jonathan Gay, Jr., 1812-15.
| Daniel Hunting, 1813-10.
| Capt. Jonathan Fuller, 1813-16, ’22—44, ’28, ’29,
| Capt. Elisha Lyon, 1816, 19-21, ’23, ’25,
’27, ’37-41, ’45-47.
Aaron Smith, 1817-18, ’20, ’22, ’28, ’29.
Capt. George Smith, 1817, ’20, ’22, ’23, ’26.
Seth Colburn, 1817, 719.
Peter Lyon, Esq., 1817, ’20-23, ’25, ’26, ’34.
Artemas Newell, Esq., 1820-23, ’26-28, 730.
Israel Whitney, 1824, 734.
Capt. Reuben Ware, 1824-26, ’43.
Gen. Charles Rice, 1825, ’27-28, ’30, ’32, ’33.
Capt. Ebenezer Fuller, 1827.
Capt. Curtis McIntosh, 1827, ’28.
Thomas Kingsbury, 1829, ’30, ’32, 733, 735.
Ameaphel Smith, 1829, ’31.
Deacon Benjamin Fuller, 1829, 731.
Joseph Newell, 1831, ’32, *33.
William Flagg, 1831, ’32, 733, ’35, 736, °44, 745, 752, 759, 760.
Davis C. Mills, 1832, 33, ’43, 744.
Solomon Flagg, 1833, ’42, ’43, 46-49.
Dexter Ware, 1834, 7°35.
William A. Kingsbury, 1834.
Tyler Pettee, 1854.
JohnS. Bird, 1835.
Col. Warren Dewing, 1835, ’36, ’45-48.
Otis Sawyer, 1836, ’52-55.
Michael McIntosh, 1836.
Reuel Ware, 1836-38.
Spencer Fuiler, 1837, ’38.
Deacon Lauren Kingsbury, 1837, ’38, 756, ’57.
Jonathan Fuller, Jr., 1837, ’53-57.
Emery Fisk, 1838-40.
William Eaton, 1839, ’42—44.
William Pierce, 1839, 40-44, 48-51.
Moses Garfield (2d), 1839-41.
James Smith, 1840, 41.
John Mills, 1841, *42.
Joshua B. Lyon, 1842.
Daniel Grant, 1844.
Timothy N. Smith, 1849-51.
George K. Daniell, 1850, *51.
Josiah H. Carter, 1852-54.
Galen Orr, 1855, 758-65, 72.
Charles C. Greenwood, 1856, *57.
Nathaniel Wales, Jr., 1858-60.
George Howland, 1858.
Silas G. Williams, 1861-68.
Augustus Stevens, 1861-68.
Charles H. Dewing, 1866-69, ’71.
Dexter Kingsbury, 1869, ’70, ’72.
Freeman Phillips, 1869, ’70.
James Mackintosh, 1870, ’75-77, ’81, ’84.
George Spring, 1871, ’72.
Edmund M. Wood, 1871.
Hezekiah Fuller, 1872.
Joseph E. Fiske, 1873-76.
William R. Mills, 1873, ’74.
Everett J. Eaton, 1873, 74.
Mark Lee,! 1875-82.
Lyman K. Putney, 18
Joseph H. Dewing, 18
Enos H. Tucker, 1881-83,
Henry Blackman, 1882, 83.
William H. McIntosh, 1882, ’83.
F. P. Glover, 1884.
William Carter, 1884.
- TOWN CLERKS.
Timothy Kingsbury, 1712-18, ’20-24.
Richard More, 1714 (four months).
Josiah Newell, 1719.
John Fisher, 1722, ?25-27.
Capt. Robert Fuller, 1728-35, ’37, 41-43, ’46-59.
Thomas Fuller, 1736, 738. '
Jeremiah Fisher, 1739, ’40, ’44.
Eliakim Cook, 1745, ’50, ’51.
Thomas Metcalf, 1752-60.2
-80.
1 Resigned May 5, 1882, and Henry Blackman elected to fill |
the vacancy.
* Died Oct. 8, 1760, and Lieut. Robert Fuller chosen to serve |
the rest of the year. !
NEEDHAM.
535
.
Lieut. Robert Fuller,? 1761-88.
Moses Fuller, 1788-96.
Dr. Timothy Fuller, 1796-98.
Daniel Kingsbury, 1799.
James Smith, 1800.
Daniel Ware, 1801.
Col. Jonathan Kingsbury, 1802-04,
Jonathan Gay, Jr., 1805-15, ’23.
Solomon Flagg, 1816, 717, ’22.
Dr. Samuel Gould, 1818-21.
Asa Kingsbury,* 1824-50.
Solomon Flagg, 1850-81.
oo?
Charles C. Greenwood, 1881-84.
TREASURERS.
Capt. Robert Cook, 1712, 716, 718, 733-35, ’39-45.
Thomas Metcalf, 1713.
Josiah Kingsbury, 1714, ’19-22, ’28-30, ’36-38.
Eleazer Kingsbury, 1715.
Benjamin Mills, Jr., 1717.
Thomas Fuller, 1723, 724.
Timothy Kingsbury, 1725.
Benoni Woodward, 1726.
John Fisher, 1727, ’31, 32.
Capt. Robert Fuller, 1746-49.
Jonathan Parker, 1750-55.
Capt. Eleazer Kingsbury, 1756-63.
Timothy Newell, 1761 (two months).
Natbaniel Fisher, 1764, ’65.
Capt. Caleb Kingsbury, 1766-68.
Amos Fuller, 1769-90.
Moses Fuller, 1790-92.
Col. Jonathan Kingsbury, 1793-1806.
| Daniel Ware, Esq., 1807-17.
Capt..Jonathan Gay, 1818-21, ’25-29.
Aaron Smith, 1822-24.
| Israel Whitney, Esq., 1830, ’35-37.
| Rufus Mills, Esq., 1831-34.
William Flagg, 1838.
DS’
Elisha Lyon, Esq., 1839-52.
| Thomas Kingsbury,® 1853-59.
Solomon Flagg, 1860-81.
Levi Ladd, 1881, ’82, ’84.
John M. Harris, 1883.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EDGAR KIMBALL WHITAKER.
The ancestors of this gentleman were of Saxon
origin. The ancient family-seat was in Warwickshire,
upon a tract called Whiteacre or Whitacre in Domes-
day Book (a.p. 1086). Part of this tract is still so
designated. It was ‘“‘enfeoffed” to the ancestors of
Simon de Whitacre, knight, of the reign of Henry I.
3 Died May 12, 1788.
4 Died Aug. 17, 1850, and Solomon Flagg appointed by the
selectmen, Aug. 19, 1850, to serve the rest of the year.
5 Died May 14, 1859, and Solomon Flagg appointed by the
selectmen to serve the remainder of the year.
536
(A.D. 1100-1135). The chiefs of the family, knights
and barons, were many times called to be of the
“‘king’s council,” under the first three Hdwards and
Richard II., a period of near one hundred years.
Their coats-of-arms bore invariably three lozenges, or |
three mascles. Since feudal times, when their men
of mark were soldiers, the Whitakers have achieved |
distinction as scholars, historians, divines, jurists, and |
physicians. The limits of this paper will not permit
a recapitulation of their names and record.
it that the family history is honorable.
Branches of the family settled, first, in Lancashire ©
and Yorkshire, and afterwards in Wiltshire, Dorset-
shire, and other counties. Later on, representatives
emigrated to Ireland, Germany, and America. In
1611, Rev. Alexander Whitaker, known as the
“apostle of Virginia,’ and son of Rev. William
Whitaker, LL.D., Master of St. John’s College,
Cambridge, came to Virginia with Sir John Dale,
and was established at Henrico.
Of the immediate ancestors of Edgar Kimball
Whitaker, Jonathan, born about 1690, is said to have
“left England on account of religious persecution,
settled first in Connecticut, then on Long Island, and
afterwards in New Jersey.” He resided at Hunting-
ton, Island of Nassau (now Long Island), in 1724. |
He removed to Mine Brook Farm (purchased in
1734), near Basking Ridge, Somerset Co., N. J.,
where he died in 1763. A lineal descendant occu-
pies the old homestead.
He left a portion of his estate in trust for
the Christian education of the Indians.
Puritans.
Of his eight known children, Nathaniel was sev- |
enth, and the third son. Nathaniel was born in 1730 ;
was educated at Princeton, N. J., where he was grad-
uated in 1752. He became a Presbyterian clergy-
man, and was first settled at Woodbridge, N. J., in |
1755.
Society ‘‘ to settle in the work of the gospel ministry”
In 1759, he was “ called” by the Chelsea
at Norwich, Conn., and, having accepted, “ arrived
with his family and goods, by water, April 12, 1760.
A room for preaching had been prepared in the tavern
kept by Samuel Trapp, and a bell, to take the place of
the Sabbath drum, was suspended in the rear of the
house, from a scaffolding erected upon a rock.” Early
in 1766 he was selected by the Board of Commis-
sioners of the London and Kdinburgh Societies for
Propagating the Gospel in New England to visit Eng-
land and Scotland in behalf of Rev. Eleazer Whee-
lock’s Indian school at Lebanon, Conn., and during
an absence of eighteen months, procured donations
to the amount of eleven thousand pounds for the
school, the final result being the founding of the in- |
Suffice |
He was a Puritan of the |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
stitution at Hanover, N. H., which takes its name
from Lord Dartmouth, one of the principal donors,
' and a warm friend of Mr. Whitaker. In one of his
letters to Mr. Wheelock (March 19, 1766), he says,
‘“ Yesterday the good King went to the house, in the
midst of the shouts and acclamations of a joyful
people, in order to sign the Bill for Repealing the
accursed Stamp Act; of this I was a spectator. A
joyful day it was.” St. Andrew’s University gave
Mr. Whitaker the degree of D.D. while he was in
Scotland. In 1768 he resumed his pastorate at Nor-
wich. In 1769 he was installed as pastor of the
Old Tabernacle Church, in Salem, Mass., where he
remained until 1784, when he organized a Presby-
terian Church at Norridgewock, Me., retaining his
charge there for six years. In 1790 he removed to
_ Hampton, Va., where he died in 1795. His portrait
—presented to him in London, by Lord Dartmouth,
_ according to family tradition—is in the library at
Dartmouth College, where it was deposited by its
owner, Judge J. 8S. Whitaker, of New Orleans, his
_erandson. He was learned, a powerful writer and
preacher, prone to controversy and skilled in it, an
ardent patriot, and a man of indomitable will. His
appearance was prepossessing, and his manners
winning.
Jonathan was the seventh of Nathaniel’s eight chil-
dren, and was the fourth son. He was born in Salem,
Mass., in 1771; was graduated at Harvard College
in 1797, and became a Unitarian minister. His first
pastorate was at Sharon, Mass., where he was ordained
and installed in 1799, Rev. Abiel Holmes, the father
of Oliver Wendell Holmes, preaching the ordination
sermon. In 1817 he removed to New Bedford, Mass.,
where, in addition to kis pastoral duties, he assumed
the charge of an academy, with decided advantage to
the then growing town. In 1825 he went to Sum-
merville, S. C., where he remained some years. His
next residence was in Ogdensburg, N. Y., whence he
removed to Henrietta, in that State, where he preached
and conducted the Monroe Academy, and where he
died in 1835. He married Mary Kimball, of Brad-
ford, Mass., sister of Rev. Daniel Kimball, long an
honored resident of Needham, and of Rev. David
Tenny Kimball, for fifty years Unitarian clergyman
at Ipswich, Mass. Jonathan Whitaker was a thor-
ough scholar, gifted as a public speaker, devoted to
his sacred calling, and eminently successful as a
teacher. During the second war with Great Britain,
although an ardent Federalist, he went at the head of
a company of one hundred of his parishioners to
assist in throwing up the earthworks upon Dorchester
Heights, near Boston, when invasion was expected.
RK
\
NEEDHAM.
537
Edgar Kimball was his fourth son, and the sixth
of his ten children. He was born in Sharon, Nor-
folk Co., Aug. 27, 1806, and died in Boston, Nov.
10, 1883. He received his early instruction in the >
school of Rev. Dr. Richmond, pastor of the Unitarian
Society at Stoughton, in whose family he lived until
after his father's removal to New Bedford. At New
Bedford he continued his studies at the academy estab-
lished by his father, in preparation for matriculation at
Harvard College, but, preferring a mercantile life, he
entered the house of W. & G. Allen, of that place, |
in his fifteenth year. In 1823 he went to Boston,
and was employed in the old dry-goods house of Lane
& Lamson, and on a change of the firm, remained |
In 1827, his |
health failing, he was advised to choose a country ©
with his valued friend, David Lane.
residence, and found employment in the charge of the |
books of the manufacturing firm of Crocker, Rich-
mond & Co., of Taunton, Mass.
After a pleasant |
year in that then delightful town, with health re- |
stored, he returned to Boston, and to his old employ-
ers,—lLane & Lamson. In 1829 he went into business
on his own account as a dry-goods merchant, succeed-
ing David Lane, on Cornhill.
Subsequently he |
established himself at the corner of Water and Wash- |
ington Streets.
but its capital was mainly in the energy and business
qualifications of its managers. It went down in the
dark days that ended with the grand financial crash
of 1837.
went to New York, where he found occupation, first,
as a clerk, and afterwards in the office of Gen. James
Lorrimer Graham, in conveyancing. In the summer
of 1839 he left New York for East Needham, where
he purchased a farm, and soon became identified with
the interests of the town. Here he had two honored
relatives,—Rev. Daniel Kimball, a college friend of
The business of his firm was large, |
ments of the teacher’s calling, and the defects of our
old district schools made him an efficient coadjutor of
his cherished friends, Horace Mann and Barnas
Sears, in their great work.
In all matters affecting the prosperity and the
moral progress of Needham Mr. Whitaker took a
lively interest, and was indefatigable and judicious in
his efforts. He devoted himself with unremitting
zeal to the temperance reform. He connected him-
self with the Sunday-school of the Unitarian Church,
and for many years was its faithful superintendent.
The village Lyceum, an organization for lectures and
debates (founded by Rev. Daniel Kimball, who was
its presiding officer until advancing age compelled him
to relinquish the charge), owed a great share of its
prosperity to his constant support.
long series of terms upon the town school committee,
and gave much of his time to the supervision and
improvement of the schools. The forlorn condition
of the parish cemetery attracted his attention at an
He served for a
early day, and the task of its extension and embel-
lishment was accomplished mainly in consequence of
his efforts and appeals. He was foremost in the
organization of the Norfolk County Agricultural So-
ciety, of which he was the first corresponding secre-
tary, Marshall P. Wilder being its first president.
At his own cost he laid out public streets. He
planted shade-trees by the highways. He labored
assiduously, in the face of constant opposition and
After winding up its affairs, Mr. Whitaker |
his father, and his maternal uncle, and Mrs. Clarissa |
Ritchie, his mother’s sister, and wife of Rev. William
Ritchie, the Unitarian clergyman of the Kast Parish.
He had married, Oct. 28, 1830, Catharine Cravath
Holland, daughter of John Holland, of Boston.
During the rebuilding of the house upon his farm,
in the winter of 1839-40, Mr. Whitaker taught the
Upper Falls district school, and many of the substan-
tial, older residents of that part of Needham were
among his pupils. His experience as a teacher was
one of his pleasantest recollections, and it was of
essential service to him in the making of friendships
which made Needham always dear to him. Inter-
ested in the cause of popular education, and an earnest
discouragement, to bring the railroad through Hast
Needham, sustaining the project almost unaided when
other men grew disheartened.
Mr. Whitaker received the unsolicited appoint-
ments of justice of the peace and trial justice from
Governor Briggs, a political opponent. In 1843, and
several times afterwards, he was Democratic candidate
for the State Senate. In 1846 he represented the
town in the lower house. In 1848 he was nominated
by the Democrats to succeed John Quincy Adams in
Congress, and was a delegate to the Democratic
' elected one of the Governor’s council.
promoter of the common-school system in Massachu- |
setts, his practical acquaintance with the require-
In 1849 he was
For three
National Convention at Baltimore.
years he was agent of the commonwealth for the in-
spection of charitable institutions. In 1855 he re-
ceived a position in the Boston custom-house, and re-
mained in that service until after the inauguration of
President Lincoln. In 1862, Secretary Chase gave
him an appointment in the Treasury Department, and
during the remainder of his active life he was in gov-
ernment employment, at Washington generally, but
with intervals at New York and New Orleans. At
the latter place he was auditor of customs from 1866
Finally,
until relieved at his own request, in 1869.
538
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
his health failing, and after a prolonged leave of ab-
sence, in 1876 he resigned his official duties, and
returned to Massachusetts, where he died, as stated.
His first wife died at Needham, April 22,
Noy. 28, 1850, he married Clementina Augusta
Dimick, daughter of Jacob Dimick, of Quechee, Vt.
She died in Washington in February, 1865. Sept. 19,
1866, he married, at New Orleans, Sarah Beaumont
Millard, daughter of Alfred Millard. By his first wife
he had eleven children, nine of whom have survived
him.
Mr. Whitaker was a man of pure life, was fond of
books, and his mind was well stored and cultured.
He wrote with force and elegance, and his advantages
of voice, person, and manner rendered him an ex-
tremely effective public speaker. Misfortunes never
affected his amiability, or diminished his faith in
human kind. He has left to his descendants an
honored name, and earned the lasting regard of his |
townsmen.
GALEN ORR.
Hugh Orr, the first American ancestor of Galen
1850. |
fifth child of Thomas and Rachel (Bullen) Orr.
Mitchell, and there were born to them twelve chil-
dren, eight sons and four daughters.
Thomas Orr, the eldest son of Hugh Orr, Jr., was
born in Bridgewater, Mass., July 18, 1785. When
quite a young man he obtained employment in Need-
ham, and there met Rachel Bullen, of that town,
whom he afterwards married. About the year 1812
he removed with his family to Shirley, Mass., where
he died March 14, 1819, leaving a widow and six
children, the eldest twelve years and the youngest ten
months old, without adequate means of support.
Necessity compelled the mother to place the older
children under the care of relatives and friends, and
returning with her two younger children to Need-
ham, she endeavored to provide for her own and their
support.
Galen Orr, whose portrait is here given, was the
He
was born in Shirley, Mass., Dec. 9, 1815. His early
life was spent on a farm, with only such advantages for
education as the public schools of that day afforded.
Being obliged to rely upon his own resources to gain
a livelihood, he learned the trade of nail-cutting, and
oD)
_worked at it in the towns of Braintree and Dover,
Orr, was born in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scot- |
land, Jan. 2, 1715.
and house-lock filer.”
He was ‘“ educated a gunsmith
He came to America June
17, 1740, and, after a temporary stop at Haston, set-
tled in East Bridgewater, where he lived until the time
of his death, Dec. 6, 1798. He married Mary Bass,
daughter of Capt. Jonathan Bass, of Bridgewater,
Aug. 4, 1742.
styled in certain resolutions passed by the General
Court of Massachusetts, May 2, 1787, very soon
after he came to East Bridgewater, established iron-
works there and commenced the manufacture of scythes
and axes.
tion in the manufacture of fire-arms, and at the com-
mencement of that war produced the first cannon
made in this country by boring from the solid cast-
ing. Shortly after the Revolutionary war he was a
member of the Massachusetts Senate. He was also
instrumental in the introduction of cotton machinery
into this country, and the first machines for carding,
roving, and spinning cotton made in the United
States were constructed at his works in Hast Bridge-
water. He had ten children, two sons and eight
daughters.
Hugh Orr, Jr., who was the tenth child and the
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Bridgewater, Mass., July 26, 1766, and lived there
until his death, June 2, 1851.
“ Hon. Hugh Orr, Esq.,” as he is |
Mass., and also in Boston, at the large works then
located on the “Mill Dam.” At Newton Lower
Falls he worked as a blacksmith and machinist;
ing knowledge and experience which were of
value to him
established.
gain-
great
in the business which he afterwards
In the year 1837 he married Mary Ann
| Smith, daughter of Luther Smith, of Needham, and
settled in that town. The children by this marriage
were Galen, Jr., born July 3, 1838, and died Feb. 8,
1883; Mary E., born Feb. 11, 1840; Lydia A.,
born April 25, 1842; and Isabella A., born Nov. 8,
1844. Galen, Jr., married Henrietta Childs. The
husband of Mary EK. is Edgar H. Bowers, a manufac-
He was engaged just before the Revolu- |
He married Sylvia |
turer of Needham, and the husband of Lydia A. is
Emery Grover, a lawyer in active practice at the
Suffolk bar. In 1839, Mr. Orr commenced the man-
ufacture of blind hinges and fastenings, which he
continued until his death, taking into partnership, in
1872, his son-in-law, Edgar H. Bowers. About 1850
he purchased the mili privilege on Rosemary Street,
in Needham, and engaged in the manufacture of cot-
ton batting, which business he continued for some six
years, when he sold the machinery to be removed from
the mill. In 1857 he formed a copartnership with
his cousin, Thaddeus Bullen, of Haverhill, Mass., and
fitted up the mill for the manufacture of tacks and
finishing nails ; but this business proving unrenumera-
tive, at the end of a year and a half the partner-
ship was dissolved and its affairs closed. In 1860 he
Gale Ct/~
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NEEDHAM.
539
established a grist-mill, and for about six years dealt |
quite largely in flour and grain. Mr. Orr's early
political affiliations were with the Democratic party,
but upon the organization of the Free-Soil party he
was among the first to join its numbers, and he con-
tinued in it until the formation of the Republican party, ,
with which he acted up to the time of his death. Al-
bors and townsmen in matters touching both public
and private interests, and his judgment was always
trusted. His kindness of heart and sympathy with
the unfortunate were remarkable, and no deserving
_ person ever appealed to him in vain if it was in his
|
though not a member of any church, he was always —
interested in the institutions of religion and contri- |
When the Congre-
gational society of Needham was formed he assisted
buted liberally for their support.
family, as long as his health permitted. He was espe-
cially fond of church music, and gave liberally of
his time and means to develop an interest in and to
support that part of public worship. He was a mem-
ber of the board of selectmen and overseers of the poor
of the town of Needham for the year 1855, and after- |
wards for eight consecutive years from 1858 to 1865,
and was re-elected in 1866, but declined to serve longer. |
During the war of the Rebellion he was chairman of the |
board, performing the arduous duties which at that
trying time devolved upon such officers with untiring
energy and ina manner which left no room to doubt his
entire devotion to the cause of his country and the
interests of those who went to defend and preserve its |
institutions. In 1872 he was again elected selectman
and overseer of the poor, and served as chairman; he
was re-elected in 1873, but declined to accept. In 1864
he was a member of the State Legislature, representing
the Fourteenth Norfulk District, then composed of the
towns of Needham, Medfield, and Dover. He was
elected special commissioner for the county of Norfolk
for the term of three years from Jan. 1, 1869, and
served in that capacity.
power to assist.
ELISHA LYON.
Elisha Lyon, for more than sixty years one of the
_ honored citizens of Needham, was born in Milton,
in its organization and attended that church, with his |
In 1871 he was elected |
county commissioner, and continued in that office by |
re-election until the close of the year 1879. In 1874
he was elected president of the Needham Savings-
Bank, which position he occupied until the closing of
the bank in 1879, when he and the treasurer, Emery
Grover, Esq., were appointed receivers. Under the re-
ceivership the depositors have been paid in full. The
beginning of the year 1880 found him in failing health,
and he withdrew from active life and spent the re.
mainder of his days quietly at his home in Needham,
where he died March 4, 1881.
Mr. Orr was a man of much strength of character,
active and energetic, of great firmness and keen fore-
sight, and although lacking the advantages of early |
education which many of his associates enjoyed, was
able to raise himself to a position of influence and —
honor in the community which he held to the last. His
counsel and advice were frequently sought by neigh-
Sept. 29, 1778; son of Jacob and Jerusha (Tucker)
Lyon. He remained in his native town until sixteen
years of age, when he went to Roxbury and com-
menced working at the hatter’s trade. In conse-
quence of the death of his employer soon after, he
left Roxbury and, going to Dedham, entered the
employ of Reuben Guild, with whom he completed
his apprenticeship asa hatter. At the age of twenty-
one he removed to Needham and commenced the man-
ufacture of hats, which he carried on successfully for
nearly forty years. His factory was destroyed by fire
in 1834, and being then fifty-six years of age, Mr.
Lyon concluded not to rebuild, but to pass the balance
of his life in comparative retirement from active busi-
ness.
Dec. 18, 1800, he united in marriage with Sally
Brown, who died June 6, 1807; their children were
Sally B., born May 28, 1801; Louisa, born April 11,
1803; and Lemuel, Feb. 2, 1806.
Oct. 31, 1809, Mr. Lyon married Polly Brown,
sister of his former wife, and their family were as
follows: Joshua B., born Oct. 25, 1810; Mary Ann, .
born Nov. 7, 1814; Elisha Hiram, born Feb. 11,
1818; and Hannah, born Feb. 19, 1820; all living
except Joshua B. Mrs. Lyon died Sept. 6, 1867.
Mr. Elisha H. Lyon [who incorporates the accom-
panying portrait as a tribute to the memory of his
father] and his sister, Hannah, reside on the cld home-
stead where they were born.
Politically, Mr. Lyon was originally a Jeffersonian
Democrat, later a member of the Free-Soil party, and
was a stanch member of the Republican party from
its organization to the day of his death.
Possessed of a taste and an ability for the discharge
of public duties, a judgment well balanced and al-
most uniformly correct in its results, and an integrity
of character that was never touched by whisper or
reflection ; it is not strange that he was selected by
his fellow-citizens as one fitted to assume and admin-
ister public trusts in a variety of town relations. He
never shrank from the duties of citizenship, and served
his town faithfully and well, and discharged the duties
540
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of the various positions to which he was called to the
entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. He was a
representative to the General Court in 1816, 1839,
and 1840; selectman fifteen years, and for seven of
those years chairman of the board; town treasurer
from 1839 to 1852 inclusive.
superintending school committee four years; he was
also a member of the local or district committee for
several years; assessor three years; and being fre-
For a
period of nearly thirty years he rendered valuable
quently chosen moderator of town meetings.
services on various committees, appointed from time to
He was commissioned
justice of the peace in 1824. In 1814 he was the
commander of East Militia Company of the town,
and although not called into service, the company was
time to consider town matters.
ready to march for the defense of the country at a
minute’s warning, the alarm to be given by the ringing
of the bell.
Personally, Elisha Lyon represented the best type
of that pure, firm, straightforward, stalwart, Saxon
virtue, which has proven New England’s best inherit-
ance from the mother-country. In religious faith he
was a Unitarian, and a firm believer in both the jus-
tice and goodness of the Deity. And so by holiness
in life, and godliness in walk, he sought to be judged
rather than by any show of the mere ceremonials of
profession. He was a member of the First Church
of Needham, and from Sept. 1, 1826, to May 19,
1849, a deacon.
Later in life he attended the Orthodox
He was also on standing committee
many years.
Church at the “ Plains,” and was chosen a deacon, but
declined the office.
Elisha Lyon was essentially a self-made man. Early
in life he learned that the way to success was by no
royal road, but was open to stout hearts and willing
hands.
thing by perseverance and well-digested plans, and the
He gained nothing by mere luck, but every-
intelligent application of his energies to the end in
view. He wasa kind neighbor, and one of Needham’s
He died May 14, 1862, aged
eighty-three years, seven months, and fifteen days.
most honored citizens.
REV. DANIEL KIMBALL.
Rev. Daniel Kimball was the oldest son of Daniel
and Elizabeth (Tenney) Kimball, and was born in
Bradford, Mass., July 3, 1778.
among the earliest settlers of that town, and his father
His ancestors were
was one of the largest and most successful farmers of |
the place, highly esteemed by his townsmen, filling
various offices of trust and honor, and taking a deep
He was one of the |
|
|
interest in his country’s cause in her struggle for inde-
pendence. His mother was of a devout, religious tem-
perament, endowed with a large share of native intel-
ligence improved by reading, and with her husband
devoted to the education and moral improvement of her
children. In common with his brothers and sisters
(ten in number) Daniel inherited a robust physical
frame, a cheerfulness of temperament, and a love of
labor which made his services of great value to his
father, whom he assisted on the farm, attending the
Early
showing a taste for study, he then, with his father’s
district school in winter to the age of sixteen.
permission, went to the academy in the neighboring
town of Atkinson, N. H., and there fitted for college,
entering Harvard at the age of eighteen. He gradu-
ated with distinction in the class of 1800, numbering
among his classmates Washington Allston, Dr. Charles
Lowell, Chief Justice Shaw, Rev. Joseph S. Buck-
minster, and other noted men with whom he main-
tained intimate and pleasant relations during life.
After leaving college Mr. Kimball taught school
for a year or two, and then returned to Cambridge as
a theological student under the direction of Dr. Tap-
pan Hollis, professor of Divinity, and was approbated
and commenced preaching in 1803. The same year
he delivered the Latin valedictory on taking the de-
gree of Master of Arts, and was appointed tutor in
Latin at Harvard, which office he held two years ; and
after spending two or three years more in theological
study and preaching, and declining several offers to
settle over a parish, he accepted a call from the trus-
tees of Derby Academy in Hingham to take the office
of preceptor, and entered upon its duties in 1808.
On March 22d, of the same year, he was married to
Miss Betsey Gage, of Bradford, daughter of Peter and
Mary (Webster) Gage, and granddaughter of Major
Benjamin Gage, an officer in the French war and in
the American army of the Revolution.
Mr. Kimball remained in Hingham for eighteen
years, discharging his duties as preceptor with ex-
emplary fidelity, taking private pupils into his family,
and often called to officiate in vacant pulpits and in
ministerial duties. Strictly conscientious in all that
he did, he was not one to neglect any duty or to esteem
it irksome. His heart was in his work. His pupils
felt the influence of his faithfulness, and went from
his hands thoroughly prepared for college and other
pursuits, and strengthened in their moral character by
the example and precepts of their instructor. So ex-
act was he in the preparation of his pupils for college
that not one offered by him during his whole course
of teaching (over forty years) ever failed of admission.
Many lads afterwards eminent in various walks of life
MEDWAY.
5404
were his pupils, and it may be mentioned as an evi-
dence of the esteem in which he was held in Hing-
ham and vicinity that John Quincy Adams, who was
his steadfast friend, on going abroad as minister to
Russia, placed his two sons, George Washington and
John, under his care.
In order to qualify himself more fully for ministerial
work, Mr. Kimball was ordained as an evangelist,
while at Hingham, by the Plymouth Association, Dec.
17, 1817.
In the spring of 1826, Mr. Kimball purchased a
farm in Needham, then a very retired country town,
and opened a boarding- and day-school for youth of
both sexes. His oldest son, Daniel, fitted for college,
but died before entering. Both the others entered
and graduated at Harvard, having been fitted for col-
lege by their father. His daughters assisted both in
the school and the cares of the household.
Upon taking up his residence in Needham, Mr.
Kimball at once identified himself with the interests
of the town, and labored in every way for its temporal |
He was a member of the |
school committee for twenty-three years and chair-—
and spiritual advancement.
man of the board most of that time, and wrote valu-
able and suggestive reports. He also assisted in the
formation of the American Institute of Instruction,
and had been at the time of his death for twenty-seven |
years one of its vice-presidents. He was often ap-
pointed on committees in town-matters, and in 1846
represented the town'in the State Legislature.
After a life of temperance and activity old age
found him with a still vigorous intellect, and with a_
sufficient degree of physical energy to enjoy that pe-
riod which by many is anticipated with dread, and he
retained his calmness and cheerfulness to the last.
He died at Needham Jan. 17, 1862, aged eighty-three
years and six months.
Mrs. Kimball survived her husband several years, |
and died at Needham Nov. 11, 1873, aged eighty-nine |
years and ten months.
number, and were all born in Hingham:
Elizabeth Tenney, born March 23, 1810; died in
Boston April 2, 1833.
Harriet Webster, born Dec. 1, 1812; married John
M. Washburn, Esq. ; resides in Lancaster, Mass.
Daniel, born Oct. 1, 1814; died in Needham Dee.
Lit S2i:
Benjamin Gage, born May 5, 1816; married Miss
Emeline F. Smith, and resides in Edgartown, Mass.
Mary Jane, born Oct. 19, 1817; married Hon.
James Ritchie ; resides in Hyde Park.
Henry Colman, born Feb. 25,1820; married Miss
Harriet C. Fisher, and resides in Stoughton, Mass.
Charles David Tenney, born Sept. 6, 1821; died
in Hingham, July 24, 1822.
Charlotte Sophia, born July 31, 1823; married
J.C. Hoadley, Esq.; died at Lancaster, June 12, 1848.
Clara Anna, born Jan. 7, 1825 ; died in Needham,
Dec. 25, 1847.
CHAPTER XQLIYV.
MEDWAY.
BY E. 0. JAMESON.
MeEpway is not one of the very ancient towns of
Its municipal history reaches
_back only one hundred and seventy years. It was
| constituted of that part of Medfield which was located
the commonwealth.
west and north of the river Charles.
The early Indian history, the laying out of farms,
the building of roads, and the first settlement of the
territory now embraced in the town of Medway are
identified with the history of Medfield. The larger
| part of Medway, along the west bank of the river
Their children were nine in |
Charles, is country which the Indians called Boggas-
tow, the western section lying southward of Win-
_nekenning (the smile of the Great Spirit) Lake, now
Winthrop Pond, the Indians named Mucksquirtt.
| The eastern and southern boundaries of Medway are
the river which Capt. John Smith in 1614 named
the Massachusetts, but soon after called the Charles,
in honor of Charles I. of England.
All the region west of the Charles River was once
under the dominion of the Nipmuck Indians, but some
_ years prior to King Philip’s war the Nipmucks be-
came divided into several smaller independent tribes,
and Boggastow fell to the possession of a smail_tribe
known as the Naticks, whose chief was John Awash-
amog.
The patent granted to John Endicott in 1628,
who, with his company of immigrants, settled Salem,
embraced within its extreme southern boundary the
| larger part of the territory included in the present
| town of Medway. This appears in the description
given in the grant, as follows: “That part of New
England lying between three miles to the north of the
| Merrimack and three miles to the south of the Charles
River, and every part thereof in the Massachusetts
| Bay and in length between the described breadth
from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea.”
For some years after this Patent was issued all the
5408
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
region west of the Charles was held by the Massa-
chusetts Colony as “country land,” unincorporated
and ungranted to settlers.
| from this day, Octob. 23, 1649, and Capt. Keaine, Mr. Edward
| Jackson, and the Surveyor Gennerall are appointed to lay it out
| at any time, Dedham giving them a weekes warning.”
The earliest intimation that the white man’s civili- |
zation was about to lay her hand upon the vast wil-
derness ov the west side of the river Charles was
given in 1643, when the General Court of Massachu-
setts Bay granted to the Rey. John Allyne, the first
minister of Dedham, in consideration of some public
service rendered, two hundred acres of wild land lying
in the forest beyond the west bounds of that town.
In 1649 Capt. Robert Kayne received a Grant of
one thousand and seventy-four acres, bounded south
by Rev. Mr. Allyne’s grant, and in 1652 other grants
were made to Nicholas Wood, Thomas Holbrook,
Hopestill Layland, and his son, Henry Layland, all of
Dorchester, Mass. Their lands lying adjacent and
near to that granted to Rev. Mr. Allyne.
These several grants constituted “The Farms,” so |
called, largely embraced in the present town of Sher-
The single grant made to Rev. Mr. Allyne is
easily identified as located in the extreme northeast
born.
part of the present town of Medway, land lying be-
of the town of Sherborn. It was on this tract of land
that the earliest settlement within the limits of Med-
way was made. Here the first white man appeared
on the scene, and became an actual settler in 1657.
Meanwhile the town of Medfield had been established
by an act of the Generai Court, and a considerable
settlement made on the wide plain to the eastward
from the river Charles.
The incorporation of Medfield came about in this
wise: certain citizens of Dedham conceived the idea
of having a new township established which should
embrace the western portion of Dedham, and an ad-
side of Charles River.
Accordingly, on the request of petitioners the town
of Dedham made a grant of “so much land within
the west end of the bounds of Dedham, next Bog-
‘gastow, as is or may be contained within the extent
of three miles east and west, and four miles north and
south.” This territory constitutes the present town
of Medfield.
_ settlement of Medfield the year 1651.
Under date of May 22, 1650, the following record
appears :
“Whereas, there was a graunt made by the Generall Court at
a session of the 8th month of 1649 unto the inhabitants of
Dedham in answer to petition of theires for enlargement of the
village theire, as by the said graunt may more fully appeare,
this graunt so made was laid out by Captaine Robert Keaine and
Mr. Edward Jackson, who have subscribed it with theire hands
in manner and forme followinge, vizt: beginninge at a small hill
or iland in the meddow on the west side of Charles river, and run-
ninge from thence about full west three miles, and then turninge
a South line, ended at Charles river at three miles anda quar-
ter. This line beinge then shorter than by the graunt it was al-
lowed to be, but accepted by the grauntees. The said river is
appointed to be the bounds from that place to the place where
This Court doth approve of this returne of
the psons above mentioned concerninge the bound of the said
the first lyne began.
village, & in answer to the request of the inhabitants of Ded-
ham, doe order that it shall be called Meadfield.”
It appears from these records that the survey was
made to the satisfaction of all parties, and that under
date of May 22, 1650, the General Court established
the new township and ordered it to be called ‘‘ Mead-
| field.”
tween Boggastow Brook and the southern boundary |
The grant thus made on the west side of the river
Charles, when Medfield became incorporated after-
wards, constituted a considerable part of Medway, and
was known as the “ Old Grant.” This territory is em-
braced in East Medway, Rockville, and Medway Vil-
lage. The first thirteen house-lots in Medfield were laid
out June 19, 1650, on the plain east of the river, and
the following year the grantees erected houses and
removed from Dedham, making the date of the actual
Dedham sur-
rendered its jurisdiction Jan. 11, 1651, and the May
following the town of Medfield was recognized by the
at : ; | General Court in the following act :
ditional section of meadow and wild lands on the west | :
“There beinge a Town lately erected beyond Dedham in the
County of Suffolke upon Charles river called by the name of
Meadfield, upon their request made to this General Court, this
General Court hath graunted them all the power and privileges
which other towns doe injoy according to law.”
There followed a somewhat rapid settlement of the
_ new town, and the setting up of religious institutions.
_ Before the year closed, December, 1651, Rev. John
A petition was then sent to the General Court for |
a grant of land west of the river. The answer to this
petition is recorded as follows :
“Tn answer to a petition of the inhabitants of Dedham for a
parcell of upland and meadow adjoining to their line, to make
a village of, in quantity four miles south and north, and three
miles east and west, because they are straightened at their doores
by other towns and rocky lands, &e. Their request is graunted,
so as they erect a distinct village thereupon within one year
Wilson, Jr., was on the ground, and settled as pastor
over a people to whom he ministered for the next
forty years.
The first survey of lands west of the river Charles
was that of the ‘‘broad meadows,” in 1652-53, con-
sisting of twenty-two grants or about uinety acres in
all. In 1653 grants were made to Abraham Harding
_and Peter Adams in “ grape meadow,” by the town of
Medfield.
MEDWAY.
541
The first actual settler within the territory, now |
Medway, was George Fairbanks, from Dedham, in |
1657. Mr. Fairbanks was not connected with the
settlement of Medfield Plain, but purchased the tract
of land which had been granted in 1643 to Rev. Mr.
Allyne, by the General Court. While Mr. Fairbanks
lived within the limits of Medfield, and enjoyed relig-
{
In the Colonial Record for May, 1659, appears the
following: ‘In answer to petition of inhabitants of
Medfield, the court judgeth it meete to graunt unto
them as an addition to their former bounds and at
the west end thereof two miles east and west and four
miles north and south, provideth it entrench not upon
any former graunts, and that Capt. Lusher and Left.
ious and municipal privileges in that town, he held his _
land by purchase and not by town grant. He was one |
of the inhabitants at “The Farms,” so called. His
immediate neighbors, as recorded in 1660, were
“nicholas woods, Daniel Morse, Henry Lealand,
thomas Holbrooke, and thomas Bas.”
There were also John Hill, Benjamin Bullard, and
perhaps others who settled in the vicinity about this
time.
Late in 1658 the town of Medfield voted to lay out
certain uplands on the “ West Side,’ which the
records thus describe :
“On the Longe plain to begin next to Boggastow
River on that end.”
bounds By charles river to Begine next the town.”
“Tn pine valley to begin at north end and go
throf it.” ‘At the end of pine valley on a per-
sell of land that the path goeth throfe.”
had, perhaps, been a few grants made to individuals
prior to this,—to John Fussell, eight acres, to Ben-
jamin Abby, and probably to others. But, in 1659,
there were laid out fifteen lots, in all one hundred
and seventy-three acres, on land owned and taken by
the following persons, viz.: Benjamin Abby, heirs of
Joseph Morse, Thomas Wight, Sr., John Thurston,
Samuel Bullen, Peter Adams, Nicholas Rockwood,
Thomas Wight, Jr., John Frairy, Sr., Robert Hins-
dell, Joshua Fisher, Thomas Thurston, Thomas Ellis,
Mr. Wilson, James Allen.
It is said to be “ quite certain that none of the
men who drew these lots settled on the west side of
the river,” although the sons of some of them did
years afterwards.
‘““ At the furder Corner of our
Various highways were projected by which these
grants of land were made accessible to the owners
living in Medfield. It was in the year 1659, that
was sought and obtained from the General Court
another grant of land to the westward, known as
The New Grant.—The following entry is found
in the town records of Medfield: ‘‘ The Eleventh of
May one Thousand six hundred fifty-nine, in An-
swer to petition of the town of Medfield presented to
the General Court was granted by the court to the
town of Meadfield an addition of land at the west end
of their former grant, as the Record of the Courte
will make Appeare.”
Fisher are hereby appointed to lay it out.” This
accession of territory westward is embraced in the
present West Parish of Medway. At the next
annual town-meeting of Medfield, held Feb. 6, 1660,
_ the following vote was passed :
“Tt is ordered that the new graunt mad to the town this year
by the Courte shall Be Divided By way of Devidend to all the
inhabitance of the town that are proprietors in the town and
that it shal be Divided by the common rules of Division by
number of persons and estates.”
Each member of the family was reckoned the same
as ten pounds of estate in the division of land. At
There |
another meeting, April 20, 1660, two highways were
ordered through this new grant, one at a distance
of half a mile north of the Charles River from east
to west, the other through “the midst of the tract
of land from the way that runs west to a line to the
north end of the same.”
These highways divided the new grant into three
sections, known as the River, East, and West Sections.
The River Section was divided into twelve lots, em-
The
West Section was divided into nineteen lots, embracing
ten hundred and ninety-six acres, and the Hast Section
into sixteen lots, embracing sixteen hundred and fifty-
eight acres, leaving some two hundred acres undivided
at the northeast corner of the grant, near Winthrop
Pond.
The names of those who received dividends of
bracing ten hundred and seventy-nine acres.
these lands are given in the order in which the lots
were drawn.
The River Section (twelve lots) : Ralph Wheelock,
John Metcalf, Robert Mason, John Pratt, Widow
Sheppard, Thomas Wight, Jr., Timothy Dwight,
John Turner, Alexander Lovell, John Ellis, James
Allen, Joseph Thurston.
The West Section (nineteen lots): Heirs of Jo-
| seph Morse, Henry Smith, John Bullard, Sampson
Frairy, Edward Adams, John Fussell, William Part-
ridge, Jonathan Adams, Daniel Morse, John Plymp-
ton, Isaac Chenery, Joseph Clark, Robert Hinsdell,
John Fisher, Nicholas Rockwood, Samuel Bullen,
Abiel Wight, John Frairy, Jr., Mr. Wilson.
The East Section (sixteen lots): Gershom Whee-
lock, Joshua Fisher, Benjamin Abby, John Frairy,
Sr., Henry Adams, Thomas Wight, Sr., Thomas
542
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Mason, Francis Hamant, John Partridge, John |
Warfield, Thomas Ellis, John Bowers, Thomas Thurs-
ton, John Thurston, Peter Adams, George Barber. |
The first white child born within the territory of |
the present town of Medway was Jonathan Fairbanks, |
son and sixth child of George Fairbanks, the first |
He was born May 1, 1662. Jonathan |
He was drowned in
settler.
Fairbanks became a physician.
crossing Boggastow Pond on the ice as he was re-
turning from a visit to a patient in Medfield, on the
night of Dec. 18, 1719.
The establishment of a new town on the west side
of the river Charles must have been agitated forty
years before it became a fact, for we find that at a
session of the General Court held in Boston, in May,
1662, it was voted: ‘“‘in answer to the petition of the
inhabitants of Boggastow, it is ordered that Mr. Ed- |
ward Jackson, Mr. Ephraim Child, Mr. William
Parks, and Ensigne Fisher, or any three of them,
shall and are hereby impowered as a committee to
view the place and return their applications to the
next sessions of this Court for settling a Township
there as is desired.”
In 1662 lands were laid out on the west side within
e “Old Grant,” and Joseph Daniell, an accepted
townsman of Medfield, in October of that year, drew |
lands in this new survey, and became soon after
the second actual settler of Medway. His house, |
built prior to 1665, stood west of ‘Island Woods,” |
and the farm he owned is still owned and tilled by |
his descendants. Mr. Daniell married, Nov. 16, 1665,
Mary Fairbanks, the eldest daughter of George Fair-
banks, the first settler.
ceremony within the territory, now Medway. Soon
‘This was the first marriage
after, in the same year, Jonathan Adams and Eliza-
Jonathan Adams became |
In 1668
William Allen settled where Dr. Richardson afterward
beth Fussell were married.
a settler on the west side in October, 1665.
lived, and Peter Colley was an inhabitant west of the
Charles in 1669.
up,
In 1672 the settlement of Indian |
claims came tO"
treat and conclud with John of Boggastow, we mene
John a Wasameg of natick, for and
right in claim in the lands within our Towne Bownes |
on the west sid of Charlles River. Thomas Wight,
Sr., John Frairy, Sr., John Elice, John Medeallfe,
and George Barber ware chose a Commity to treat and
oD
and a committee was chosen
the interest
conclude with John Awashamog as above said.”
“Shortly after Indian troubles arose, and, Feb. 21,
1676, about half the houses in the village of Medfield
massacred. At this
date, so far as is ascertained, there were resident on —
were burned and seventeen persons
the west side of the river, within the present bounds |
of Medway, the following householders: ‘ George
Fairbanks, Sr., George Fairbanks, Jr., Joseph Daniell,
Jonathan Adams, William Allen, and Peter Collyr,”
perhaps John Fussell: in all thirty persons. Of
| these, Joseph Daniell, Jonathan Adams, William Allen,
and probably Peter Collyr had their houses burned.
As a protection against the attacks of the Indians,
there had been built by the residents of “The Farms,”
some years before, a “stone house” near Boggastow
Pond, a place of refuge and defense. To this Rev.
Mr. Wilson refers in his letter written to the Gov-
ernor of the Colony on the evening of that disastrous
day, Feb. 21, 1676. He says, ‘“ We hope George
Fairbanks’s mallteatie 3 is safe.”
On the 6th of the following May this garrison
house was savagely attacked by the Indians, but they
met with a “ notorious repulse.’ The 2d of the next
July, the men of Medfield in turn attacked the
Indians, in the woods near the “stone house,” and
drove them to such a distance from the town that they
never again appeared in those parts. From this time
the settlements on the west side increased. In 1677,
Josiah Rockwood settled on the farm which soon came
into the possession of the Lovell family, and was owned
by them for the next one hundred years. This, with
the Wheeler place, is now known as the Oak Grove
Farm,
In 1682, George Fairbanks was drowned. In 1693
there were sixteen householders on the west side, as
appears by the tax-list, viz.: John Adams, John
Ellis, Abraham Harding, John Clark, Jonathan
Adams, Sr., Jonathan Adams, Jr., Peter Adams,
Josiah Rockett, John Partridge, Jr., John Richardson,
John Rockett, Samuel Hill, George Fairbanks, Jona-
than Fisher, Joseph Daniell, Joseph Daniell, Jr.
Stretching out over a large area, and almost divid-
ing from north to south the present town of Medway,
was the Black Swamp, so called from the dark shading
its thick, heavy pines gave to the landscape. The
laying out of Black Swamp was ordered under date of
March, 1702.
‘“ Voted, that the Black Swamp shall be laid out
with such necks of upland and Ilands as_ shall
make it formable by our former Rules of laying out
lands.” The list of proprietors contains one hun-
dred and twenty-three names. Of these, twenty-
seven were residents of the west side of the river,
Viz. :
Jasper Adams, John Adams, Jonathan Adams,
Jonathan Adams, Jr., Peter Adams, Benjamin Allen,
William Allen, John Clarke, Theophilus Clark, Tim-
othy Clark, Ebenezer Daniell, Joseph Daniell, Joseph
Daniell, Jr., John Ellis, Sr., George Fairbanks, Jona-
MEDWAY.
543
than Fisher, Henry Guernsey, Abraham Harding,
Samuel Hill, John Partridge, Samuel Partridge,
Widow Rebecca Richardson, John Richardson, John
Rockwood, Josiah Rockwood, Vincent Shuttleworth,
Ebenezer Thompson.
The next succeeding ten years there was consider-
able growth to the population on the west side of the
river, and there prevailed a general desire to have
religious privileges nearer at hand, which found ex-
pression in a petition to the town, May 7, 1712, for
building a meeting-house on the west side of the river.
This matter was pressed upon the town unsuccessfully,
but at length it was made the subject of a petition to
the General Court, which, although opposed, met with |
colonial favor, and the General Court “ recommended
to the town of Medfield to raise money towards the
building another meeting-house on the west side of
Charles River.” This was opposed by a vote of the
town, and March 9, 1713, “ voted that the town shall
petition the General Court, declaring their inability
to build another meeting-house in the town, and to
bare the charge attending it.’”’ The town voted money
to pay ‘necessary charges that may arise for the
printing of said petition, and the town paid to “ Mr.
Paul Dudley to manage the town case three pounds.”
The General Court at length sent a committee to
look over the ground with reference to the establish-
ment of a new town west of theriver Charles. This
committee reported favorably.
states that on Oct. 24,1713, he “‘ helped the select-
men prepare the bill for Medway, the new town on
the west of Charles River.” . The act was passed
the next day, Oct. 25,1713. This Act of Incorpo-
And Judge Sewall |
ration, a yellow and time-stained document, still |
preserved in the archives of the town of Medway,
is as follows:
“ ANNO REGNI ANN&® REGIN2Z DUODECIM.
“An Act for Dividing of the Township of Medfield and
erecting a new Town there by the name of Medway.
““Whereas the Lands of the Township of Medfield within
the County of Suffolk lye situate on Charles River, to wit on
both sides of the said River being divided by the same: and
the town plat and principal settlement, as also the meeting- |
house for the Public Worship of God, being seated on the Hast
side for accommodation of the first and Ancient Inhabitants,
who are now much increased, many Issued forth and settled on
the West side of the River to a Competent number fora distinct |
Town of themselves, and labor under many hardships and Difii-
culties by reason of Separation by the River to Enjoy Equal
benefit and town privileges with others of their fellow Towns-
men and neighbors, and have therefore made application to the
town as also addressed this Court to be made a distinct Town.
Committees appointed by this Court having been upon the
Ground, viewed the land and Reported in their favor for proper
bounds to be set them.
“ Be it Enacted by his Excellency the Governour, Council, and
Representatives in General Court assembled and by the Authority
of the Same:
“That all those Lands Lying on the West side of Charles
River, now part of the Township of Medfield, be Erected and
made into a Distinct and Separate Town by the name of Med-
way, the River to be the Bound betwixt the Two Towns. And
that the Inhabitants of Medway haye, use and Exercise and En-
joy all such power and privileges which other Towns have, So by
Law use, exercise & enjoy. So that they procure and Settle a
Learned, Orthodox Minister of good Conversation among ’em
and make provision for an Hone support & maintainance for
him, and that in Order thereto, they be Discharged from further
payment to the Ministry in Medfield from and after the last day
of February next.
‘Provided also that all Province and Town Taxes that are
already Levied, or Granted, be Collected and paid, and all town
Rights and Common undivided Lands remain to be divided
among the interested as if no separation had been made.
“And Mr. George Fairbanks, a principal Inhabitant of the
said Town of Medway, is hereby Directed and Impowered to
Notify and Summon the Inhabitants duly Qualified for Voters
to Assemble and meet together for the Choosing of Town Offi-
cers to stand until the next Annual Election according to Law.
“A true Copy—examined.
“Jsa. Appineron, See’ry.
In the order of incorporations Medway was the
sixty-ninth town in the Massachusetts Colony. Tra-
dition says it derived its name from the locality,
being situated meadway or midway, @e., by the way
Or midway, it being
the half-way stopping-place on the old Post road
from Dedham to Mendon. Some have derived the
name from Medway River, in England.
The following are the names of the forty-eight
original founders of the town of Medway, Mass.,
Oct. 25, 1713:
of or between the meadows.
John Ellis.
Joseph Ellis.
George Fairbanks.
Henry Guernsey.
Abraham Harding.
Abraham Harding, Jr.
John Harding.
Daniel Adams.
Jasper Adams.
John Adams.
Jonathan Adams.
Jonathan Adams, Jr.
Joseph Adams.
Obadiah Adams.
Peter Adams.
James Allen.
William Allen.
John Barber.
Thomas Harding.
Samuel Hill.
Samuel Hill, Jr.
Ephraim Hill.
Joseph Barber.
John Bullard.
Malachi Bullard.
William Burgess.
Theophilus Clark.
Timothy Clark.
Edward Clark.
Joseph Curtis.
Ebenezer Daniel.
Jeremiah Daniel.
Joseph Daniel.
Joseph Danel, Jr.
Samuel Daniel.
Michael Metealf.
Samuel Metcalf.
Benoni Partridge.
John Partridge.
Jonathan Partridge.
Samuel Partridge.
Daniel Richardson.
John Richardson.
John Rockwood.
Josiah Rockwood.
Ebenezer Thompson.
Nathaniel Whiting.
Nathaniel Wight.
544
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Topographical.— Medway is bounded on the north
by Holliston and Sherborn, on the east by Medfield
and Norfolk, on the south by Franklin and Belling-
ham, and on the west by Milford and Holliston. The
Charles River separates it from Medfield, Norfolk,
and Franklin, almost entirely on its eastern and
southern boundaries. It embraces only about fifteen
square miles, although its extreme length south and
west is six miles and its extreme breadth northwest and
southwest is four miles.
sand acres, about one-half being unimproved or pasture
land, one-quarter under cultivation, and one-quarter
The valuation of land being
There are nearly ten thou-
wood and sprout land.
about three hundred thousand dollars.
traversed by nearly a hundred miles of highways, and
by railway from east to west in direct connection with
Boston. Its topography is peculiar by reason of the
meadow-lands, which extend for miles along its eastern
border, and traverse midway almost its entire breadth
from north to south. These meadows along the river
Charles are productive of grass.
the western border of the Old Grant are known as
Black Swamp, and considerably covered with forest
Those lying along
trees. :
The water system of the town is limited ; consist-
ing of the Charles River which flows along the eastern
boundary in a very irregular and serpentine course; _
Boggastow Brook crossing the northern and easterly
corner of the town, flows into Boggastow Pond,
which has its outlet into the Charles River; Chicken
Brook, which enters the extreme western part of
the town from Holliston, flows through that entire
section from the north to the south, and empties
into the Charles River; and Winthrop Pond, which |
is partly in Medway and partly in Holliston. These
waters furnish but limited mill power and at but a
The surface of the uplands of the town
While
to the south, west, and north the country is uneven
few points.
is level with few hills in the easterly section.
and hilly. The most elevated land is a range of hills
west of Black Swamp.
the town is excellent for agriculture.
meadows furnish large
ting, and an abundant crop of cranberries for the |
the Southern Division of the New York and New
picking. Medway is well furnished with highways.
From east to west the “‘ Old Mendon Road,” laid out
in 1670, called the “County road,” along which
Washington rode on his way to Cambridge to take {
It is |
command of the American army in 1775.
said that Washington, in making this passage through
the town, dined at Richardson’s Hotel in the Kast
Parish, at the house now standing and the residence
of Mrs. Cyrus Ballard.
The town is |
The soil in many parts of |
The broad
quantities of hay for the cut- |
|
By an act of incorporation, passed March 9, 1804,
the Hartford and Dedham Turnpike Corporation came
into existence. And there was constructed a turnpike
through the town from east to west, called the Hart-
ford Turnpike. This road was opened to travel in
1807, and a toll-gate established near the ‘“‘ Hammond
Place.” This point is now marked by the railroad-
crossing in Hast Medway.
Tolls were collected for nearly twenty years. The
Medford Turnpike was laid out and established as a
public highway June 4, 1838, and received the name
of Main Street. It is the longest highway in the
town, extending from Medfield to Bellingham. The
old county road, which is the oldest highway in town,
and nearly as long as Main Street, running in the same
direction nearer the river, is called Village Street.
A movement to secure railroad communication to
Boston from Medway took form in a meeting of
| prominent men in the region, held Nov. 30, 1836, in
Medway. In this meeting were Artemas Brown,
M.D., Luther Metcalf, Esq., Hon. Warren Lovering,
Lyman Adams, and others of Medway. This move-
ment for a long period was a contest and a struggle.
/It had a history of almost twenty years, for not
until January, 1853, was the puff of an engine and
the rumble of a railroad train heard within the
precinct of Medway. The first railroad opened to
the public was the Medway Branch of the Norfolk
County Railroad, January, 1853, having its terminus
in Medway Village. This was discontinued in 1864,
and the rails removed in the night. The New York
and Boston Railroad, which was an extension of the
Charles River Railroad, from Dedham to Woonsocket,
was completed and opened to Medway in 1861, and
to Woonsocket in 1863, and merged into the Boston,
Hartford and Erie Railroad. Financially this railroad
has been a failure ; it is now the Woonsocket Division
of the New York and New England Railroad.
There are four principal villages in Medway, viz.,
Kast, West, Rockville, and Medway Villages. The
New York and New England Railroad passes im-
mediately through three of these so as to furnish
easy transportation to Boston, to Providence, and
Worcester. Rockville has coach connection with
England Railroad at Norfolk Station, so that all
parts of the town are well accommodated.
The amount of freight and passenger business to
and from the three stations in Medway on the New
York and New England Railroad for the year ending
Jan. 31, 1883, was $41,843.23.
Population.—The exact population resident within
the territory embraced by the town of Medway at the
MEDWAY.
545
date of its incorporation is not stated. The number |
of householders and voters was 48, which would
indicate a population of some 250 or 300 people. |
By the first census taken and published in 1765
there were 123 houses, 138 families,—males 380,
females 388; and 17 negroes; making a total of
785 inhabitants. In 1776 there were 912, in 1790
there were 1035, and in 1800 there were 1050. As
reported in the State census of 1875 there were
4242 inhabitants,—males 2066, females 2176; na-
tives of the town 1567; natives of Massachusetts
2931; natives of United States 3421; foreign-born |
742 ; and unknown nationality 79. The number of
polls were 1038. The population of the town has
hardly increased during the last ten years. The
business of the town is largely manufacturing. There
are some 500 boot-makers, 150 straw-bonnet makers, |
200 farmers, 50 merchants and traders, 12 black-
smiths, 54 carpenters, 5 physicians, 2 lawyers, and
10 clergymen.
In the population of Medway by census of 1875
there were 204 persons who were illiterates ; 31 of |
these were natives, and 173 foreign-born. 80 of the
number could read, but 124 could neither read nor
write. About five per cent. of the population is
illiterate.
Municipal.—tThe first town-meeting of Medway
was held ‘“‘ November ye 23d, 1713 . . . to choose
town officers to stand untill the next annuall ellection
are chosen, which will be in March 1714.”
After making choice of town clerk, selectmen, and
constable, the town
The first road laid out after the incorporation of
the town is thus recorded:
“June 4, 1715. The select men met at the house of Nathaniel
Wight to lay out high wais for the benefit of this Town, and
for the Conveniency of travelers to pass from town to town as
followeth: begun in the country Rhode that leds to mendon
near twenty rods east from Nat Wight’s upon a straight line
across part of the plain known by the name of Stony Plain,
and cross a swamp place comonly called paradise island, and
by the south east side of Ebenezer Thompson’s field on to bare
hill along at the south west end of the meeting house to the
laid out highway through the plain comonly known by the
name of hills.”
For the first thirteen years of their municipal his-
tory the town was not represented in the Provincial
Court. They adhered to their vote taken Dee. 3,
1713, “To send none, accounting ourselves not
obliged to send any,” until 1726, when they chose as
| their first representative to the General Court Jon-
athan Adams.
The names of representatives to the Colonial State
Legislature from Medway, in the order of their elec-
tion, are as follows:
Jonathan Adams. Luther Metcalf.
“ Voted, That John Rockett and Jonathan Adams, Sen., Sergt |
Samuel Partridge, and Serg' Jonathan Adams and Edward
‘Clark to be a Committee to take care to procure the Meeting-
house built.”
“ Voted, That Abraham Harding, Sen’, John Partridge, and
Theophilus Clark to procure and carry in a petition to the
town clerk of Medfield in order to the procuring of acecommoda-
tions for the setting of the metting hous upon the place com-
monly called bare hills, and some conven’t acomodations for
the ministry near ther abouts.”
The business of the town for the first forty years
of its municipal history was largely in relation to
ecclesiastical matters. This feature, however, disap-
pears from the town records, with the following |
entry :
“ March ye 22 Anno Dom. 1748-9, Received of Dea. John
Barber, town treasurer, the sum of four hundred pounds old
Term Bills in full satisfaction of my salary the past year, and
I do hereby acquit and discharge the said Town of Medway
for all debts, dues or demands whatsoever on the account of
my yearly salary from the time of my first settling with them
in the work of the ministry to the first day of this instant,
March, as witness my hand
“NATHAN BucKNAN.”
35
Edward Clark. Asa Cole.
Samuel Metealf. Willard Daniels.
Jeremiah Adams. Joel Hunt.
Jonathan Adams.
Elisha Adams,
Moses Adams.
Elijah Clark.
Joseph Lovell.
Moses Richardson.
Eliakim Adams.
Abner Morse.
John Ellis.
Jeremiah Daniels.
William Felt.
Nathaniel Lovell.
George Barber, Jr.
Seneca Barber.
Warren Lovering.
Joseph L. Richardson.
Paul Daniell.
George W. Holbrook.
Nathan Jones.
Eleazer Daniels.
Horace Richardson.
Horatio Mason.
Clark Partridge.
Alpheus C. Grant.
Albert Irving.
Tisdale S. White.
William B. Boyd.
William H. Temple.
William H. Cary.
William Daniels.
Anson Daniels.
Leander 8S. Daniels.
George P. Metcalf.
James H. Ellis.
Rev. Alexis W. Ide.
Edward Eaton.
David A. Partridge.
Elijah B. Daniels.
Joseph W. Thompson.
Edward I. Clark.
_ eleven, and Moses Richardson thirteen years.
In all forty-eight persons, many of whom were re-
elected, and several serving a number of years. War-
ren Lovering, Esq., served seven, Jonathan Adams
Stull
others from two to five years.
The names of the town clerks of Medway, from
1713 to 1883, in order of election, are as follows:
John Rockett. Samuel Harding.
|
Edward Clark.
Jeremiah Daniell.
Ebenezer Daniell.
John Barber.
Jeremiah Adams,
Samuel Ellis.
Elisha Adams.
Elijah Clark.
546 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Daniel Wiley.
Anson Daniels.
Luther Bailey.
Daniel C. Fisher.
A. N. B. Fuller.
George P. Metealf.
Orion A. Mason.
Elisha Ellis.
Timothy Clark.
Henry Ellis.
Simon Fisher.
Theodore Clark.
Joseph Lovell.
Joseph L. Richardson.
Luther Metcalf, Jr.
James Morse.
Oliver Adams.
Isaac Bullard.
Moses Richardson.
Asa P. Richardson.
Simeon Clark.
Jotham Clark.
Sylvanus Adams.
Luther Metcalf, Jr.
Cephas Thayer.
Eleazer Daniels.
James Lovering.
Daniel Pond. William Adams.
Nathaniel Lovell. Daniel Wiley.
Eliakim Adams. Asa Cole.
Abner Morse.
Thomas Adams.
The present town clerk, O. A. Mason, has served
twelve; S. N. B. Fuller, served fourteen; Edward
Clark, eighteen; Joseph L. Richardson, nineteen ;
Joseph Lovell, twenty; and Elijah Clark, twenty-
four years. Still others served from two to ten years.
The number of different persons who have filled this
office in the one hundred and seventy years is twenty-
‘five.
The names of persons who have served as select-
men of the town of Medway, from 1713 to 1883, in
the order of their election, are as follows:
Joseph Adams.
Orion Mason.
Simeon Richardson. George Harding.
Abijah Richardson, M.D.
Joel Partridge.
Oliver Adams.
Newell Lovering.
Nathan Jones.
William H. Cary.
Elisha Cutler.
Horatio Mason.
Milton M. Fisher.
Albert Twing.
James Mann.
Nathan C. Pond.
Artemas Brown, M.D.
Clark Partridge.
Joseph C. Lovering.
Elias Metealf.
Arnold Smith.
Edward Eaton.
James P. Clark.
Simeon Fisher.
William Adams.
Alvin Wight.
A. L. Shaw.
Joel P. Adams.
William Daniels.
George W. Ray.
James H. Ellis.
Wales Kimball.
William H. Temple.
A. N. B. Fuller.
A. 8. Harding.
Joseph Bullard.
Willard P. Clark.
David A. Partridge.
Henry 8. Partridge.
Moses C. Adams.
Charles F. Daniels.
Abner Mason.
Jabez Shumway.
Theodore Clark.
Nathan Jones.
Micah Adams.
Jobn Ellis.
Amos Turner.
Luther Metealf.
Jonathan Adams.
Abner Ellis.
Jeremiah Daniell.
John Rockett.
Samuel Partridge.
Jonathan Adams.
Jonathan Adams, Jr.
Edward Clark.
Theophilus Clark.
Ebenezer Thompson.
Nathaniel Wight.
Malachi Bullard.
John Richardson.
Abraham Harding.
John Bullard,
John Clark.
Jasper Adams.
Henry Guernsey.
John Partridge.
Timothy Clark.
Michael Metcalf.
Jeremiah Daniell.
Daniel Adams.
Nathaniel Whiting.
Ebenezer Daniell.
Nathaniel Clark,
Jonathan Adams.
Ephraim Partridge.
Thaddeus Lovering.
Elijah Partridge.
Sylvanus Adams.
Jasper Adams.
Ralph Bullard.
Moses Richardson.
William Felt.
Seneca Barber.
Calvin Cutler.
Asa Daniels.
Nathaniel Cutler.
Samuel Fisher.
Elisha Adams.
Malachi Bullard.
Henry Daniels.
Job Plympton.
George Barber.
Uriah Morse.
Eleazer Adams.
Moses Richardson.
Elijah Clark.
Samuel Hayward.
Asa Richardson. Lewis Wheeler.
Joshua Partridge. Simon H. Mason.
Daniel Ide. Moses Rockwood.
Amos Turner. Simeon Partridge.
Jeremiah Daniels.
Elisha Ellis.
Nathan Daniels.
Thomas Adams.
Thomas Metcalf.
Aaron Adams.
Paul Daniell.
Joseph L. Richardson.
Joel Hunt.
Jeremiah Adams. Moses Felt.
Samuel Metealf.
Peter Balch.
Thomas Harding.
Eleazer Adams.
Joseph Adams.
Samuel Daniell.
John Adams.
Samuel Harding.
Joseph Barber.
Daniel Richardson.
Benjamin Rockwood.
John Barber.
Jonathan Partridge.
George Deming.
John Harding.
Hugh Brown.
Samuel Ellis.
Nathaniel Cutler.
Michael Bullen.
Henry Morse.
Ichabod Hawes.
Nathan Whiting.
Henry Bullard.
James Penniman.
Timothy Clark.
Asa Daniels.
Josiah Fuller.
Daniel Bullen.
Moses Adams.
Elisha Cutler.
Joseph Partridge.
Joseph Lovell.
Asa Clark.
Nathaniel Partridge.
Henry Ellis.
Simon Fisher.
Simon Cutler.
Joseph Curtis.
John Harding.
Moses Thompson.
Lemuel Clark.
Thomas Harding.
Elisha A. Jones.
Amos Bullard.
Christopher Slocum,
James M. Daniels.
William Everett.
Edward Fennessy.
George B. Thrasher.
Elihu S. Fuller.
The whole number who have served in the office of
selectman is one hundred and eighty-eight persons.
Some have served by re-election from two to twenty
| years.
_ There appears in the record of town expenses for
1734-35, the following :
“Paid Mr. Salter, of Borston, for half barrel of pow-
der, £10; for one hundred weight of bulits & one
hund. flints, £5 15s. To Edward Clark, for bringing
ammunition, £5. To Timothy Clark, for bringing
_ powder and bulits, 3s. 6d.” Making a total of £16 3s.
6d. Whereas all other expenditures of the town for
MEDWAY.
547
that year, exclusive of the minister’s salary, but in-—
cluding £2 which was paid for schools and £7 for the |
building of a pound, were £12 2s. 13d.
In 1730 bears were troublesome in the vicinity of
Winthrop Pond. In 1737, Seth Harding was paid
one pound for “ killing a wild catt.” In 1742, nine-
teen pounds, eleven shillings, and six pence were or-
dered by the town to be paid for killing eight hun-
dred and seventeen squirrels and six hundred and
eighty-four blackbirds. The last deer killed in the |
region was in 1747, and the last panther made his —
appearance in 1790. /
“The incorporation of the West Precinct by the
General Court, Dec. 29, 1748,” prepared the way for
the organization of the Second Church of Christ in
Medway. ‘The first town-meeting held in the West
Precinct was in March, 1753.
In March, 1770, the town voted that the inhabit-
ants “ will forbear the purchasing of tea and wholly |
restrain themselves from the use of it, upon which |
there is a duty laid by the Parliament of Great Brit-_
ain, and also that they will forbear the purchasing of |
any goods knowingly, directly or indirectly of any im-
porter . . . until the revenue acts shall be repealed.”
And a committee was chosen, who recommended to |
the town ‘to frown upon all who may endeavor
to frustrate the good designs of the above vote, and |
to deem all who may at any time counteract it no
better than enemies to our constitution and banes to |
the Commonwealth.”
'“ unanimously” adopted.
This recommendation was
In December of 1775 the selectmen were instructed
to withhold their approbation from “ inn-holdersand re-
tailers of strong liquors in this town from all such per-
sons that shall buy, use, and consume any tea in their |
homes while subject to duties.” In 1774 there were —
added to the town stock of ammunition “ 100 pounds
of powder, 200 pounds of bullets, and 200 flints.” In
September of 1774 the town voted to purchase “two |
iron field-pieces, for better security and defence.” |
Medway was thoroughly patriotic, as seen in various |
votes adopted at this period.
In the warrant for March meeting in 1776 “ His |
Majesty’s name” was omitted for the first time.
The town warrant calling a meeting May, 1776,
was issued “in the name of the government of the |
People of Massachusetts.”
Elijah Clark was representative to the General Court
of 1776, and instructed as follows: “If the Honorable |
Continental Congress shall for the safety of the colo- |
nies declare them independent of Great Britain, then |
we will support them in the measure with our lives
and fortunes.”’ |
| Sabbath, .
| of that office.
In 1780 the expenditures of the town were £92,909
10s. 3d. in the currency of that period, and in 1781
the town voted to pay those “ who marched and served
in the late alarm in Rhode Island” the sum of twenty-
five pounds per day for service.
The tax-list of 1783 fills fourteen manuscript pages
on paper eight inches square, contains two hundred
and sixteen residents and ninety-eight non-residents ;
poll-tax, 2s. 6d. The largest real estate tax-payers
were Asa P. Richardson, £1 2s. 9d.; Capt. Joseph
Lovell, £1 3s. 8d.; and Nathaniel Lovell, £1 8d.
The warrant for 1794 defines the qualifications for
voting for State officers to be, a residence within the
State one year, age twenty-one years, and an estate
of sixty pounds, or an estate yielding an annual in-
come of three pounds; and for town officers the pay-
ment of a tax, besides a poll-tax, equal to two-thirds
of the poll-tax.
In 1795 Federal money came into use, and the
town expenditures recorded in dollars, cents, and
mills for the first time. This year the town ordered
guide-posts to be set up. The Hartford Turnpike
was built and opened for public travel in 1807, but
became a public way June 4, 1838, after a corporate
existence of thirty years. In 1805, Ezekiel Plymp-
ton petitioned the town to grant liberty to owners of
land to set out and cultivate various kinds of trees
along the highways against their premises, which
petition the town voted to dismiss. Mr. Plympton
was a hundred years ahead of his generation.
In 1814 the town voted not to
tive to the Legislature ‘‘ by reason
send a representa-
of the town being
at great expense for building Meeting-houses, and
also an additional number of poor thrown upon the
town.”
In 1815 two additional tithingmen were chosen,
making the number four for that year, and the follow-
ing vote was passed :
‘““ Whereas, The profanation of the Lord’s Day-by
many inconsiderate persons has become notorious, and
is incompatible with a due regard to the Christian
. it being the ardent wish of this town
that the tithingmen should use their vigilant exertions
in order to put a stop to all unnecessary traveling on
the Sabbath, and in all things cause the laws for the
due observance of the Lord’s Day to be duly executed
according to the tenor and intent of their solemn
oath.”
Tithingmen ceased to be chosen in 1845, Samuel
Force and Anson F. White being the last incumbents
In 1818 voted to hold town-meetings
two out of every three years in East Parish, and one
year in West Parish. In 1823 voted to alternate
548
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In
town-meetings between East and West Parishes.
S. W. Segur, 1873-75; Rev. James M. Bell, 1876,
1843 voted to hold town-meetings every third year the present pastor.
in the Village, which plan is still followed. In 1831
the day of State election was changed to November.
In 1867 the town gave names to its public streets.
The First Baptist Church was’ constituted Nov.
15, 1832, in West Parish or New Grant. The pastors
have been Rey. William Bowen, 1833-35; Rev.
Ecclesiastical.— The early inhabitants of the ter- |
ritory within the present town of Medway were fur-
nished religious as well as municipal privileges in |
Medfield of which they were a part.
fifty years their ecclesiastical connections were with
the old First Church of Christ in Medfield, of which
Rev. John Wilson, Jr., was pastor from 1651 to 1691.
As the population increased on the west side of the
river Charles, in consideration of the long distance
to public worship, there was awakened a strong and
general desire to have a meeting-house, and Christian |
privileges among themselves. This found frequent
expression, and the refusal of the town of Medfield
to subject themselves to the expense of building a |
second meeting-house, and of the support of the
Gospel on the west side of the Charles River led the
inhabitants of that part of the town to determine on
For a period of
and ask the General Court for the establishment of a |
new town.
It was, as they expressed it, “that they |
and their posterity might more conveniently enjoy —
Rev. M. Thayer, 1866; Rev. W. A. Nottage, 1867—
Gospel privileges” that the new town of Medway was
incorporated, Oct. 25,1713. For a period of the first
forty years much of the business transacted in town-
meetings had to do with the matters of the church
and the ministry.
The First Church of Christ in Medway was organ-
ized Oct. 7, 1714, by the establishment of public
worship on the west side of the river Charles. This
first service was held ‘“‘ at the house of peter Adams.” |
The first meeting-house was erected on Bare Hill, and
probably dedicated Nov. 20, 1715, the day that Rev.
David Deming was ordained the first pastor.
The First Church of Christ.— For the larger part
of the period of one hundred and seventy years this has |
been the only church in the East Parish of the town. |
It now occupies its fourth meeting-house, and has its
ninth pastor.
Deming, 1715-22 ; Nathan Bucknam, 1724-95; Rev.
Its pastors have been Rev. David |
Benjamin Green (colleague), 1788-93; Rev. Luther |
Wright, 1798-1815 ; Rev. Luther Bailey, 1816-35 ;
tev. Sewall Harding, 1837-51; Rev. John O. Means,
D.D., 1851-55 ; Rev. Jacob Roberts, 1856-71; Rev.
E.
O. Jameson, 1871, the present pastor.
The Second Church of Christ was organized in the |
West Precinct or New Grant Oct. 4,1750. The pastors
have been Rev. David Thurston, 1752-69; Rev.
David Sanford, 1773-1810; Rev. Jacob Ide, D.D.,
Aaron Haynes, 1836-40; Rev. David Curtis, 1843-
45; Rev. Abner Mason, 1845-47; Rev. E. C. Mes-
senger, 1849-66; Rev. Samuel Brooks, 1866-69;
Rev. 8S. J. Axtell, 1870-78; Rev. John EK. Burr,
1878-83; Rev. Benjamin R. Dow, 1884, the present
pastor.
The Third Congregational Church was organized
Dec. 7, 18536. The pastor was Rev. Luther Bailey,
who, after several years of ministration, retired, and
the organization became at length entirely extinct.
The Evangelical Congregational Church, of
Medway Village, was organized Sept. 7, 1838. The
pastors have been Rev. David Sanford, 1838-71 .
Rev. R. K. Harlow, 1872, the present pastor.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church was or-
ganized July 19, 1857,in West Parish, or New Grant.
The pastors have been Rev. William Jackson, 1857—
58; Rev. M. Tilton, 1859; Rev. Joseph Higgins,
1860-61; Rev. George Whitaker, 1861-63; Rev.
T. C. Potter, 1863-65; Rev. C. W. Wilder, 1866;
68; Rev. W. P. Ray, 1868-71; Rev. William Mer-
rill, 1871-73; Rev. J. R. Cushing, 1873-74; Rev.
L. Crowell, 1874-77 ; Rev. D. N. Richardson, 1877-
79; Rev. J. C. Smith, 1879-82; Rev. W. M. Hub-
bard, 1882, the present pastor.
St. Clair’s Roman Catholic Church was organized
in 1864 at Medway Village. Rev. J. P. Quinlan,
pastor.
The Saint Clement’s Church was established
June, 1865, in the East Parish. The rectors have
been Rev. Benjamin F. Cooley, 1865-69; Rev.
Charles Kelly, 1870-71. Their church building was
burned Feb. 5, 1871, and was not rebuilt. A new
church edifice of stone was erected in 1874-80 in
Medway Village, called Christ’s Church. It was
opened for divine service on Christmas evening, 1881,
by Rev. John 8S. Beers, Missionary-at-large in the
Diocese of Massachusetts. Jan. 8, 1882, Rev. Sam-
uel Edwards became officiating missionary under the
Diocesan Board of Missions, which position he still
filled in 1884.
Rockville Chapel was erected in 1876. For
many years the First Church of Medway had mains
tained a Sabbath-school in the village of Rockville,
and in 1876 a convenient chapel was erected at the
In this chapel
expense of sixteen hundred dollars.
1814-65; Rey. Stephen Knowlton, 1865-72; Rev. | a Sunday-school meets weekly, and public worship is
ee a
MEDWAY. 549
held regularly by the pastor of the First Church once
a month, and occasionally by other clergymen.
The wages of teachers at this period may be inferred
from the record that Samuel Harding was paid three
The town of Medway is abundantly provided with —
churches and religious institutions, which are well |
| Neck, New Grant, North New Grant: and in 1769 a
supported and prosperous.
Educational In 1678 George Fairbanks, Jr., |
gave one shilling and one bushel of Indian corn and
Joseph Daniell gave two shillings sixpence and two
bushels of corn as a contribution towards the “ new
college in Cambridge.” This was the first expression
of interest in “higher education” made in the town
of Medway.
The first appropriation of money on record for edu-
cating the children within the territory of the present
pounds for keeping school seven weeks. In 1760
five schools were maintained, viz., East Parish, Bent,
school on the county line, No. 6, was added.
Until 1805 the selectmen had the supervision of the
schools, but that year the limits of the different dis-
tricts were fixed, and the first school committee chosen,
who were Abijah Richardson, M.D., John Ellis,
_ Ezekiel Plympton, Philo Sanford, and Calvin Cutler.
town of Medway was that made when the town of |
Medfield voted Oct. 28, 1697, “ fifty shillings for
schooling children on the west side of Charles
River.”
The first school-teacher contracted with appears in |
the following entry upon the record of Medfield, May
4, 1699: “The selectmen agreed with Sergt. Joseph
Daniell to take care for the schooling children on the
west side of Charles River.”
The first school-room was ordered Sept. 13, 1704,
when the town of Medfield voted, ‘‘ The inhabitants
of the west side to provide a convenient room for a
school this year for such time as shall be needfull.”
The first payments made to teachers as recorded
were: Feb. 21, 1700, “ payd unto peter adams for
his wive’s Keeping school on that side of the River, it
being the full of his Du, 2—9-11.”
at this time the mother of seven children. March
19, 1700, “ payd to Sergt. Joseph Daniel for Keep-
Mrs. Adams was |
ing a school the year 99 he Dischargin the Town 3 |
want. 6d.” March 29, 1710, “‘ Paid to John Part-
ridge, Sen., for Keeping School on the west side of |
Charles River one month 1-12-0.”
Upon the records of Medway under date of May
13, 1717, it is found that the town “ granted four
pounds of money to be raised as and put into the
minister's rate for to build a pound and keep a scool.”
The next year two pounds were voted, thirty shillings —
for a writing school, and ten shillings for a school at
‘“y* bent of y® river.” Ruth Harding received nine
shillings and eight pence, and widow Partridge six
shillings and four pence for teaching. In 1726 the
town appropriated ten pounds to be divided for the
support of the schools in different parts of the town.
In March, 1737, the town of Medway voted to
build three school-houses, one in East Parish, one at
the Bent, and one in the New Grant.
In 1745 the town granted forty-five pounds to be
distributed in different sums to support six schools.
The names of persons who have served on the
school committee in order of their election, from
1805 to 1884, are as follows :
Abijah Richardson, M.D. James Lovering.
John Ellis.
Ezekiel Plympton.
Philo Sanford.
Calvin Cutler.
Nathan Jones.
Amos Turner.
Aaron Adams.
Rey. David Sanford.
Rey. Luther Wright.
William Green.
Eliakim Adams.
Joseph Lovell.
Lemuel Daniels.
Abner Morse.
Theodore Clark.
Timothy Whiting,
Jeremiah Daniels.
Seneca Barber.
Asa Daniels.
Lyman Tiffany.
Thaddeus Lovering.
Sylvanus Adams.
Luther Metealf.
Aaron Rockwood.
Joseph L. Richardson.
Elihu Partridge.
John Harding.
Rey. Jacob Ide.
Ralph Bullard.
Timothy Hammond.
Reuben Hill.
Joel Hunt.
Rey. Luther Bailey.
Sabin Daniels.
Aaron Adams.
Dr. Oliver Dean.
Christopher Slocum,
Moses Felt.
Eleazer Daniels.
Elisha A. Jones.
Calvin Cutler.
William Felt.
Isaac Kibbe.
Sewall Sanford.
Ezra Richardson.
Luther Metealf, Jr.
Lemuel Clark.
Jasper Daniels.
Nathan Grant.
Joel Partridge.
Silas Richardson.
Moses Harding.
John Bullard.
Amos Bullard.
Ralph Mann.
Amos Cutler.
Aaron W. Wright.
Lowell Bullen.
Warren Lovering, Esq.
Royal Southwick.
A. L. B. Monroe, M.D.
Abijah R. Wheeler.
Charles S. Cheever.
Artemas Brown, M.D.
Timothy Walker.
Rev. A. Haynes.
A. G. Cheever.
Wales Kimball.
Rev. Sewall Harding.
Daniel Wiley.
Rey. David Sanford.
Anson Daniels.
Milton M. Fisher.
‘Rey. John O. Means.
Rey. C. C. Messenger.
George L. Cary.
Andrew Washburn.
Rey. Alexis W. Ide.
Asa Hixon.
Willard P. Clark.
Rev. Jacob Roberts.
Charles H. Deans, Esq.
Rev. Samuel Brooks.
H. D. Brown, M.D.
John S. Walker.
O. A. Mason.
Elias T. Fisher.
Lyman Adams, Jr.
William A. Jenkes.
Elbridge Smith.
Rev. Seth J. Axtell.
Marcellus A. Woodward.
Henry W. Daniels.
Rey. E, 0. Jameson.
550
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Elijah B. Daniels.
Charles A. Bemis, M.D.
George B. Towle, A.M.
Dr. John S. Falsom.
George E. Pond.
Charles C. Lawrence.
George W. Follansbee.
Charles 8. Philbrick.
Henry 8. Partridge.
Aaron Brigham.
J. Warren Clark.
Waldo B. Hixon.
Charles F. Daniels.
Charles A. Bigelow.
Edmund A. Clark.
E. A. Daniels, M.D.
Rev. E. N. Hidden.
Frederic Swarman.
George E. Sanderson.
The whole number being one hundred and six-
teen persons. Among these who have served a long
series of years were Rev. David Sanford, twenty-two
years ; Rev. Luther Bailey, twenty-four years ; Deacon |
Anson Daniels, twenty-eight years (and still in office) ;
Rev. Jacob Ide, D.D., thirty years.
The earliest record of a district-school meeting is
that of No.1 District, Feb. 11,1801. The appropri-
ation of money by the town for schools that year was
four hundred dollars. At this district-school meeting
it was voted “to have one month's man school” and
“to have four months’ woman school.”
The text-books used in school at the beginning of
the century were Pike’s Arithmetic, Morse’s Geogra-
phy (with maps), and the American Preceptor. Pen-_
manship received much attention, and the art of
making and mending a quill pen was a great accom-
plishment and a necessary qualification for teaching.
In 1816 the village District, No. 7, was formed and a
school-house built. In 1873 school-house No. 9 was
erected.
In 1830 the first High School was set up in Med-
way. It was taught at the village first by Abijah R.
Baker, from Franklin, Mass., a graduate of that year |
from Amherst College.
This school was successful and popular for several
terms, but was superseded by select and private schools
taught at intervals and in different parts of the town.
Among the teachers were George P. Smith, after-
wards a clergyman in Worcester, and Samuel J.
Spaulding, afterwards Rev. Dr. Spaulding, of New-
buryport, Mass.
Dedham, taught a similar school in the West Parish,
Mr. Daniel J. Poor 1838.
academic studies were pursued in these schools.
and in The higher
In 1851 the town conformed to the law of the
State and established a high school, which has been
maintained ever since at the expense of the town.
In 1869 the district system was abolished and the
school committee increased to nine members.
high school, from 1851 to 1855, was rotary: one
term yearly at each of the three villages; then
from 1855 to 1879 it was distributed
high and grammar schools, one in each village, but
into three
In 1831-32, Mr. Daniel Forbes, of |
The |
in 1879 the Medway High School became _per-
manently located in Medway Village, pupils being
transported at the expense of the town. This school
for two years has been under the charge of George H.
_ Rockwood, A.M., as principal, with a lady assistant,
| Miss Sarah E. Haskell.
There is a large attendance,
and the school takes high rank for the facilities it
affords for pursuing Higher English and Classical
studies. In 1883 a class of thirteen graduated, some
of whom entered the best New England colleges
without condition.
St. Clement’s school was established, in 1868, in
connection with the St. Clement’s Church in the East
Parish. This school was for the education of boys.
It had a history of a few terms of marked prosperity,
but in 1870, the buildings being burned, it was dis-
continued.
The town of Medway has advanced in its appropri-
ations for schools from four pounds, “for building a
pound and teaching a scool,” or two pounds for
schooling the children in 1717, to some nine thousand
dollars for schools and school incidentals in 1883.
Instead of one school and one teacher, there are
eighteen schools, with twenty teachers, including a
High School not surpassed in this region, and graded
The town provides liberally :
books, supplies, and everything to equip and run
her public schools with success. In 1883 the town
adopted the plan of providing school-books free of
expense to all the pupils except those in the High
School. The school board consists of nine members,
the superintendence, employment of teachers, and gen-
schools of a high order.
eral management of the schools being in charge of a
sub-committee.
The educational facilities of the town are supple-
two public libraries: the Hast Medway
Circulating Library and the Dean Public Library.
The Dean Library Association was incorporated
March 3, 1860. By the munificence of the late
Dr. Dean they have a capital of about five thou-
sand dollars, the income of which goes to support the
Dean Publie Library, which has some twenty-five
hundred volumes. This library is accommodated
with a convenient room in Sanford Hall.
Sanford Hall was erected, 1872, at a cost of about
sixteen thousand dollars, in Medway Village. It was
dedicated Dee. 31, 1872, by appropriate services, and
named for the largest donor to its building fund,
Milton A. Sanford, Esq., of New York, but a native
of Medway.
Theodore W. Fisher, M.D., of Boston, son of Hon.
M. M. Fisher, of Medway, gave an historical address
on the occasion, and Rey. R. K. Harlow made the
mented by
MEDWAY.
551
address of dedication. The lower story of the
building is occupied by stores and the Dean Public
Library. The second story is devoted to a public
hall, with convenient anterooms,
devoted to several smaller halls used for various pur-
poses.
Partridge Hall was erected in 1876, in East Med-
way, by the enterprise of one of the active citizens of
the place, whose name it bears.
Numerous organizations in the town, such as fire-
The third story is |
companies, Lodges of Masons and Odd-Fellows, East |
Medway Improvement Society, and Patrons of Indus- |
try, co-operate to render the population intelligent, —
social, and thriving.
Industrial Medway has always been somewhat
largely an agricultural town, farming being the occu- |
pation of the people outside of the village centres.
The small water-power within the limits of the town
has been utilized, and in later years supplemented
with steam. A variety of manufactures have been
produced. Hardly had a settlement on the west side
of the river Charles been commenced, when we find
the town of Medfield making a grant in 1659 to
Robert Hinsdell of “forty-six acres lying on the
other side of Boggastow Brook,” in payment for
“the bell” with which he had provided the town for
their church. And very soon, 1663, Boggastow
mill-dam is mentioned, and in 1665, Robert Hinsdell’s
mill was a fact. This first mill was doubtless for
Mr. Hinsdell sold it in 1669 to Peter
Woodward, and it was burned by the Indians some-
time prior to 1676, but probably rebuilt, as Hinsdell’s
mill is mentioned in 1677. In 1680, Medfield voted
to grant fifty acres of land to encourage the building
of a mill on Charles River, and to exempt the mill
from taxes for seven years. This proposal was ac-
cepted, and the first mill at the Bent, now Rockville,
was built by the following owners :
grinding corn.
Mill:
John Metcalf, Sr., John Partridge, Sr., Samuel —
Morse, Edward Adams, Joseph Allen, John Metcalf,
Jr., Nathaniel Allen, George Barber, Ephraim Wight,
Samuel Barber, John Plympton, and Benjamin
Wheelock. This mill was burned prior to 1685, and
“ Gamaliel Hinsdell was appointed by the selectmen
to prosecute John Sunchamaug, an Indian, upon sus-
picion of firing the new mill.” How soon this mill
was rebuilt is not known. But Feb. 7, 1687, the
town granted to Joseph Daniell “ the stream of Bog-
gastow Brook, so far as it shall be needful to the ad-
vantage of his mill, and not damage the proprietors
on said brook, provided he maintains a good mill on
said stream, for the supply of the town.” The fol-
the common land on the brook,” and “to flow the
common land so far as shall be convenient for a mill
at all times forever.” Joseph Daniell had become the
proprietor of the old mill site, “‘ the place where Peter
Woodward's stood,” for he gave it to his son in
| 1693. This mill site is thus described: “ The land
where the old mill stood being two acres more or
less, a highway to pass through the same.” This
' was the site of the Hinsdell mill which was burned
by the Indians. In later times it was known as
Bullard’s mill, afterwards as Fisher’s mill, then as
Partridge’s mill, and was at Jast purchased by M. H.
Collins, Esq., and removed to make way for straight-
ening the highway, so that the road now passes over
the spot first selected for the erection of a mill by
Robert Hinsdell, on the west side of the Charles. At
just what date the mill further up the Boggestow
Brook, known as Daniell’s mill, was built is not known.
But Joseph Daniell, Jr., built a saw-mill there, and
the property was held in the Daniel’s name until re-
cent date, although no mill has been there for some
years, the last Daniels proprietor being Cyrus Dan-
iels, whose grandfather, Moses Daniels, was drowned
in 1800 in the flume while shutting the gate. The mills
on the Charles River were as follows: one near where
the mill of George Barber and others was built, known
as the Richardson and Ellis’ mill, not far from the site
of the present factories in Rockville; Whiting’s mill,
near Medway Village not far from the New Sanford
There were Cutler's mill on Chicken Brook,
on the road to Holliston, and another mill on the same
stream near its junction with the Charles River, a site
occupied in later times by Campbell’s paper-factory.
Among the earliest cotton-mills in the State was the
“« Medway Cotton Manufactory,” located upon the site
of the old saw- and grist-mill, erected by Nathaniel
Whiting on the Charles River, at a point near Med-
way Village.
It appears that Luther Metcalf, Sr., Philo Sanford,
Abijah Richardson, William Felt, Comfort Walker,
Nathaniel Miller, and John Blackburn entered into a
formal agreement, May 14, 1805, as associates “ for
the purpose of carding and spinning and manufac-
John Black-
burn was a practical manufacturer, having been in the
employ of Samuel Slater, who was the founder of
The first mill erected
It was
turing cotton in all its various branches.”
cotton-mills in this country.
was sixty by thirty feet, two stories high.
completed and went into operation in March, 1807,
with machinery to operate eight hundred and twenty
The exact date of the introduction of
These
spindles.
looms for weaving in this mill is unknown.
lowing year they gave him leave “to land a dam on ' associated manufacturers of cotton added Lyman
9
_
55
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Tiffany to their number, and were incorporated by the
General Court as the Medway Cotton Manufactory,
by a special charter approved March 4, 1809. On
Sunday, Oct. 20, 1811, this mill was destroyed by
fire. It was rebuilt and running by the close of that
year. The new mill erected stood for seventy years.
The corporation had for its agent and treasurer Lyman
Tiffany from 1809 to 1819, when Dr. Oliver Dean
Dr.
was elected, and served seven years, until 1826.
Dean was succeeded by Luther Metealf, Jr., who held |
the position thirty-eight years, until the corporation
dissolved, which occurred after the sale of the property
in 1864. Soon after it was purchased by William A.
Jenckes, of Woonsocket, and for fifteen years operated
in the manufacture of flax, under the name of Med-
way Flax Company. Aug. 10,1881, the property was
conveyed by Mr. Jenckes to the Sanford Mill Corpo-
ration for fifteen thousand dollars. The old mill was
sold at auction Aug. 17, 1881, for one dollar and
fifty cents, to be removed in ten days.
now occupied by a substantial brick building for the
manufacture of fine woolen fabrics. It is called the
Sanford New Mill.
In 1837 there were running two thousand four hun-
dred spindles, and the production of cotton goods was
nearly a half-million of yards, valued at about fifty
‘thousand dollars. The production of woolen goods was
some seventy-six thousand yards, valued at seventy-two
thousand dollars. There were at that date also man-
ufactured cotton wadding and cotton batting to some
extent.
From the cotton-mill of Medway, it is said, “ grad- |
uated many of the men who were to lay the founda-
tions of Lowell, Manchester, and other manufacturing
places, and build for themselves colossal fortunes.”
The manufacture of boots and shoes has been for
more than fifty years the prominent business of the
town. In 1837 this industry employed about three
hundred persons, the production that year being |
forty thousand pairs of boots and about a hundred
thousand pairs of shoes, valued at nearly one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars. The manufacture of boots
has largely superseded that of shoes, and the business
now gives employment to four hundred persons, and
the annual production exceeds a million of dollars.
The straw braid and bonnet industry commenced |
yy
The braiding of |
straw was carried on in families and exchanged at the |
in Medway about the year 1800.
stores for goods.
In
1830 the weaving of imported straw was introduced.
In 1840, Hon. M. M. Fisher established straw goods
manufacturing, which has continued in operation and
commenced to manufacture it into bonnets.
The site is |
About 1810, Capt. William Felt |
_has been an important industry of the town. In
1837 there were manufactured more than thirty
thousand straw bonnets, valued at forty thousand dol-
lars.
The value of straw goods manufactured in
1874 was nearly two hundred thousand dollars.
There have been and are various other industrial
interests in the town. One of the oldest church-
bell foundries in the country was established in Hast
_ Medway in 1815, by Maj. George Holbrook, and for
many years Holbrook’s bells from thousands of church
steeples from Maine to Texas have summoned the
| people to worship. In the same part of Medway,
clocks, church organs, and organ pipes have been
|
manufactured for some years. Messrs. Ware, organ-
pipe manufacturers, made the pipes for the great organ
in the Colliseum building, Boston, at the time of the
Jubilee. E. L. Holbrook, Hsq., still carries on the man-
ufacture of church organs of a very superior quality,
being himself a practical musician of rare gifts.
There are several corn-canning establishments; one
of the largest is that of the late James La Croix, Esq.
There are manufactured awls, boxes, mallets, monu-
| ments, paper wrapping, bricks, and other products to
a considerable extent.
Military.— The Revolutionary Period.—The town
of Medway as early as 1765 expressed anxiety and
the spirit of patriotic resistance of British oppres-
sion by giving instructions to her representative,
Elisha Adams, of that year, and by various acts in
the next ten ensuing years declarative of her full
sympathy with the colonists in their opposition to
the encroachments on the liberties of the people. In
_ January, 1775, the town voted thirty pounds “ to
encourage the enlisting of a number of able-bodied
“men to the number of one-quarter of the military
_ soldiers to complete and hold themselves in readiness
| to march at the shortest notice.’’ These were called
| “ minute-men.”
The following names appear as those who had en-
_dured sufferings and hardships in the Continental
| service of 1776-77:
John Barber.
Seth Mann.
Jesse Richardson.
Paul Holbrook.
Joshua Morse.
Abial Pratt.
Ichabod Hawes, Jr.
Lieut. Joshua Gould.
Joshua Bullard.
Joseph Clark.
Jonas Brick.
Jedediah Phillips.
David Hagur.
Simpson Jones.
Joel Morse. Samuel Partridge.
Jonathan Graves. James Barber.
John Hill. John Allen.
Jotham Ellis.
A full list of those who served in the army of the
' Revolution from the town of Medway cannot be given,
MEDWAY.
553
but she did her full share in creating a patriotic senti-
ment, in fighting the battles, and in enduring the hard-
ships of the Revolutionary period.
The War of 1812.—Medway furnished soldiers
to vindicate the national rights and resist British
encroachments.
The War of the Union.—In the late war the
record of Medway will compare favorably with that of
any town in tke old Bay State, both in furnishing
men, money, and in works of beneficence to relieve
the sufferings of sick and disabled soldiers. The town
took action as early as 1862 to have prepared a care-
ful record of her soldiers. This action antedated by
nearly a year that of the Commonwealth, and it may
have been the first action of the kind taken within
the State.
a brief biographical sketch of all her Union soldiers.
The whole number of soldiers sent into the field under
the various calls of the President was three hun-
dred and eighty-four. The whole number of different |
men sent was three hundred and sixty-nine.
The following are the names of two hundred and
fifty-eight Union soldiers, residents of Medway, who |
served in the war of the Union, 1861-65:
Milton §. Adams.
Sidney W. Allen.
Daniel Ackley.
Stephen P. Adams.
George W. Adams.
William Adams.
Charles H. Cole.
D. Frank Covell.
John Coad.
Albert H. Clark.
David A. Clark.
Edmund Clark.
As a result, the town of Medway has >
Erastus Adams.
Charles A. Adams.
Calvin Adams.
Eliakim A. J. Adams.
George H. Allen.
William O. Andrews.
George H. Andrews.
Alfred Ashton.
Albert A. Ballou.
George W. Bancroft.
Newell Barber.
George W. Ballou.
Adin P. Blake.
George F. Browne.
Henry W. Brown, M.D.
Aaron Browne.
Robert W. Brown.
Edmund M. Bullen.
Albert E. Bullard.
Lewis Buffum.
George W. Bullard.
Joel P. Bullard.
Charles E. Burr.
John W. Cass.
Charles E, Carey.
Alfred A. Carey.
Samuel B. Carey.
John Carr.
Timothy Coughlin.
Lieut. Charles Clark.
James Warren Clark.
Sewall J. Clark.
Albert L. Clark.
Warren A. Clark.
Asa Clark.
Charles 8. Clark.
Joseph C. Clifford.
William Hiram Chace.
Alex. Metcalf Cushing.
Charles E. Cummings.
Frederick F. Clark.
William B. Clark.
Alfred Clifford.
William D. Daniels.
William A. Daniels.
Charles H. Daniels.
Henry J. Daniels.
Henry R. Dain.
Alonzo M. Dain.
Davis S. Darling.
Jesse Darling.
Edwin 8. Davis.
Francis T. Dodge.
Charles M. Disper.
Alonzo Dunton.
Shubael E. Dunbar.
William H. Dunbar.
Amos A. Dugan.
Charles H. Everett.
George B. Everett.
John M. Fales.
Albert F. Fales.
James EH. Fales.
Frank L. Fisher.
George H. Fisher.
Lewis L. Fisher.
Willard P. Fisher.
Theodore W. Fisher, M.D.
Emmons Force.
Silas Force.
Julius A. Fitts.
Thomas Flaherty.
James Blake Flaherty.
Charles F. Fuller.
Amos L. Fuller.
George A. Fuller.
Michael Fitzgerald.
James Fitzgerald.
George Edmund Fuller.
James A. Gale, M.D.
James M. Grant.
Frank 8. Grant.
Edwin A. Grant.
Harrison G. O. Grant.
xeorge O. Grant.
John Gormly.
Charles A. Grant.
Isaac C. Greenwood.
John T. Greenwood.
George E, Greenwood.
George H. Greenwood.
Joseph A. Greenwood.
John Glancy.
John P. Green.
Patrick Gallagher.
Charles Grant.
Peter Harrington.
Thomas J. Harrington.
Edward P. Hart.
William Hawes.
William C. Hawes.
John Harney.
Addison T. Hastings.
George B. Hardy.
Michael Hart.
Daniel Hammond.
John Henry.
James H. Heaton.
Edmund W. Hill.
Alonzo Hixon.
Moses Hill.
John Higgins.
George H. Hixon.
Egbert Oswell Hixon.
Edward Hogan.
Albert C. Houghton.
Alvin W. Houghton.
Dennis Hosmer.
Edwin H. Hosmer.
John G. Hosmer.
Edwin H. Holbrook.
George H. Ide.
Edmund A. Jones.
Charles C. Kimball.
Frank W. Kimball.
George H. Kingsbury.
Charles G. Kingsbury.
Frank Kaney.
Horatio T. Leonard.
James EK. Lawrence.
William Lilley.
Albert W. Mann.
Frank V. Mann.
James B. May.
Edward A. May.
George W. Mahr.
William M. Martin.
Peter Mann.
Charles Magorty.
Thomas H. Matthews.
William F. Merritt.
Lewis L. Miller.
James Mitchell.
James S. Mitchell.
Milton H. Morse.
Amos B. Morse.
Robert T. Morse.
Frederie D. Morse.
Eleazer Morse.
Alex. L. B. Monroe, M.D.
F. L. B. Monroe, M.D.
Daniel Mundon.
James McCowen.
Gilbert McCullom.
Daniel McAlwey.
James McLaughlin.
Richard B. McElroy.
George L. Meyer.
William D. Newland.
George G. Nourse.
John Nolan.
William A. Nolan.
John Nolan, Jr.
Michael O’ Donnell.
Jobn O’ Hara.
William R. Parsons.
David A. Partridge.
Warren J. Partridge.
William S. Partridge.
George V. Partridge.
George E. Pettis.
William H. Pettis.
George Otis Pond.
Edwin C, Pond.
Edwin D. Pond.
George E, Pond.
Osear A. Pond.
Elmer H. Pond.
Jonathan Pitcher.
Ezra Pierson.
John A. Pierce.
Asa D. Prescott.
Franklin Proctor.
Stephen F. Purdy.
Martin W. Phipps.
George H. Read.
Benjamin F. Remick.
Timothy Reardon.
Patrick Regan.
Addison W. Richardson.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Medway.
Medway village in the spring of 1803.
Henry S. Richardson.
Henry H. Rich.
Emory Richardson.
George S. Rice.
James G. Richards.
Thomas Rollins.
Henry M. Rockwood.
Brougham Roberts.
Michael Slaven.
Chandler W. Sanders.
George S. Sandford.
John Scott.
Michael Schofield.
George F. Simpson.
William Smith.
Edmond J. Smith.
John F. Stratton.
George Herbert Stratton.
Henry L. Snell.
Herman 8S. Sparrow.
Phillip O. Sparrow.
Frederic Swarman.
John H. Swarman.
Lewis A. Treen.
John §. Treen.
William H. Turner.
Lucius M. Turner.
William H. Thomas.
Miscellaneous.—There are four Post-offices in
The first Post-office was established in
Capt. Wil-
liam Felt was appointed the first Postmaster. His
Benjamin C. Tinkham.
Charles H. Torrey.
Jobn Tevlin.
Jeremiah Vose.
Albert Vallet.
Albert L. Vallet.
John H. Vallet.
George C. Webber.
J. Welch, alias J. Blake.
George H. Williams.
Allen T. Williams.
Horace J. Wilmarth.
John Willey.
Charles E. Williams.
Albert H. Wiley.
Charles Whitney.
Henry Wheat.
Alfred C. Wheat.
James Whitcomb.
Charles E. Whitney.
George W. Whitney.
Lewis Wheeler.
Henry A. Wood.
Daniel 8S. Woodman.
Emory Wood.
Samuel P. White.
Robert O. Young.
Orson D. Young.
in West Medway. The first Postmaster in this office
_was Olney Foristall, and the office was kept in the
house, then a hotel, but now the residence of James
Coombs, Esq. Mr. Foristall has been succeeded by
Simeon Fuller, Deacon Daniel Wiley, Levi P. Col-
burn, Stephen Partridge, Jason Smith, Gilbert Nourse,
John Cushing, Lewis Clark, J. N. Tourtellotte, Mrs.
Mary A. Tourtellotte, and Vincent Moses, the present
incumbent.
The fourth post-office in Medway was established
| Feb. 23, 1838, in Rockville. Deacon Timothy
| Walker was appointed the first Postmaster. His
successors have been Eliab B. Blake, John S.
Walker, Erastus H. Tyler, and Frederic Swarman,
| the present incumbent.
The following persons have received appointment
to the office of Justice of the Peace by the Governor
and Council, in the order in which their names occur.
The first received appointment in 1736: i
Edward Clark.
Elijah Clark.
Jonathan Adams.
Abijah Richardson, M.D.
Joseph Lovell.
Eliakim Adams.
Aaron Adams.
John Ellis, Jr.
Abner Morse.
John Richardson.
Clark Partridge.
Charles H. Fitts.
William B. Boyd.
William H. Cary.
Asa M. B. Fuller.
Alpheus C. Grant.
Austin 8. Cushman.
John §. Smith.
James P. Clark.
Charles H. Deans.
first quarterly return was made July 1, 1803, Gideon
Granger being Postmaster-General. The office was
kept in Capt. Felt’s store, which stood near the pres-
ent residence of Mrs. Hathon. The mail was carried
by a post-rider, who went over the route once a week.
The postage was from six to twenty-five cents per let- |
At this date |
ter, according to the distance carried.
there were less than thirteen hundred post-offices in
The successors of Capt. William
Felt, as postmasters in this office, have been Warren
Lovering, Esq., Sewall Sanford, James B. Wilson,
Clark Partridge, Samuel W. Metealf, Collins Hathon,
the whole country.
O. A. Mason, and, since 1864, H. E. Mason, the pres- |
ent incumbent.
Hall since 1873.
The office has been kept in Sanford
The second post-office was established in Kast Med-
way March 17, 1819.
was appointed the first Postmaster, and the office was
kept in the house of Adam Bullard, late residence of
James La Croix, Esq.
Timothy Hammond, Ksq.,
The successors of Timothy
Hammond, Esq., have been Nathan Jones, George
Holbrook, Deacon Milton Daniels, Mrs. Mariam
Daniels, and George B. Fisher, who was appointed
in 1877, and is the present incumbent. The office
has been in Partridge Hall since 1876.
The third post-office was established Sept. 19, 1834,
Amos Turner.
William Felt.
Luther Metcalf.
Warren Lovering.
Leyi Adams.
Luther Metcalf, Jr.
James Lovering.
Joseph Adams.
Timothy Hammond.
Joseph L, Richardson.
Thaddeus Lovering.
Christopher Slocum.
Wales Kimball.
Abram 8, Harding.
Charles B. Whitney.
W. H. Temple.
William Daniels.
Amos H. Boyd.
Willard P. Clark.
Addison P. Thayer.
Edward Eaton.
Marcellus A. Woodward.
George P. Metcalf.
Alexander Fairbanks.
Joel EK. Hunt.
Orion A. Mason.
Erastus H. Tyler.
Israel P. Quimby.
David A. Partridge.
James H. Ellis.
Frederick L. Fisher.
Nathan Jones.
Joel Hunt.
Artemas Brown.
Elisha Cutler.
| John P. Jones.
Horatio Mason.
Milton M. Fisher.
Seneca Barber.
Of the above, John Ellis, Jr., was Associate Justice
of the County Court of Sessions.
Joseph L. Richardson and Luther Metcalf, Jr.,
were Justices of the Quorum; Warren Lovering and
Milton M. Fisher were Justices of the Peace and
- Quorum for the whole State; Asa M. B. Fuller and
| Charles H. Deans were Trial Justices; and Milton M.
| Fisher was Notary Public.
| Joseph Ware was appointed Coroner in 1794. His
SS
MEDWAY. 555
successors have been Ralph Bullard, Zachariah Lovell, |
and Valentine Coombs.
In 1877 Charles A. Bemis, M.D., was. appointed
Medical Examiner.
Cemeteries, 1700-1884.—The town of Medfield,
March 4, 1700, “‘ voted that the inhabitants on the
west side of Charles River shall have two acres of |
land for a burying-place whare they and a committee
chosen by the selectmen for that end shall order it in |
It does not ap- |
any of the Town commons there.”
pear that this ground was laid out until Medway was
incorporated, but burials were made in the Medfield
burying-ground and in that of the south part of Sher-
born. We find, however, that at a meeting of the
legal voters of the town of Medway, held Oct. 29,
1714, at the house of Peter Adams, of which The-
ophilus Clark was the moderator, it was “ voted, that
the burying place should be upon Bare Hill, sum
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MILTON HOLBROOK SANFORD.
Milton Holbrook Sanford, the oldest child of Sewall
and Edena (Holbrook) Sanford, was born in Medway,
Mass., Aug. 29, 1813.
He inherited eminent ancestral respectability from
both parents, his father being a grandson of the elo-
quent and well-known divine, the Rev. David San-
ford, for thirty-seven years pastor of the Second Con-
gregational Church, Medway, and his mother a
descendant of the sixth generation from Thomas Hol-
brooke, of Broudway, England, who sailed from Wey-
-mouth, England, March 20, 1635, with his family
whare within forty Rods of the meeting-house,” and |
a ‘‘commity was chosen by the vote of the Town to
joyn with the committy y' Medfield have chose to |
lay out a burying place, who are, Cpt. george Fair-
banks and Zackri Partridge and John Richardson.”
This cemetery was the first and only one in the town
for some years.
and is still used by the people of the East Parish as |
the burial-place of the dead.
The second cemetery laid out was in the West
Precinct, probably about the time of the erection of
the first church in 1750. It was located near the
church, as was customary in those days, and has been
greatly enlarged and improved.
It has been enlarged and beautified, ©
and one hundred other emigrants, bound for New
England. He settled in Weymouth, Mass., from
whence his worthy posterity have gone out into all
the land.
The boy Milton early exhibited traits that were
prophetic of his future. He was self-reliant, cour-
ageous, generous, and frank, a champion in all athletic
sports and contests. His education, beyond that
afforded by the schools of his native village, was ob-
tained at a military school (taught by Capt. Alden
Partridge) in Middletown, Conn., and subsequently at
the academies in Bradford and Andover, Mass.
Oakland Cemetery is a third place of burial located |
near Medway Village. This is a beautiful spot, and
was appropriately consecrated to its sacred purposes by |
a service held June 20, 1865. The Scriptures were
read by Rev. David Sanford, the prayer was offered
by Rev. Jacob Lee, D.D., and an address made by
Rey. Jacob Roberts.
The first burial in these newly-consecrated grounds
When seventeen years of age his school-life was
terminated by the death of his father, the manage-
ment of whose extensive and varied business was in-
trusted to him, a trust that he very successfully dis-
charged, as the agent of the estate, until experience
made him competent to assume the business as princi-
pal.
After a successful career in Medway, he disposed
of his business there and removed to Boston, where
he opened an office for the sale of Southern products.
This enterprise gave him acquaintance at the South,
_and prepared the way for the extensive business opera-
was that of Mrs. Mary Darling, who died Oct. 26, |
1865, at the age of one hundred and two years, five
months, and ten days. At a little distance from Oak-
land Cemetery in 1876 was laid out the Catholic
Cemetery.
Many quaint inscriptions are to be found on the |
older gravestones in the East and West Parish ceme-
teries. On the gravestone of one, Phineas Allen, is
found the following inscription :
“ Behold and see as you pass by,
As you are now so once was I;
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare to die and follow me.”
tions which he subsequently carried on in that section.
Leasing a mill in Canton, Mass., he commenced the
manufacture of a strong cotton fabric, much in use on
the plantations of the South. After working this
mill for ten years, his need of better facilities induced
him to buy a mill property in Southborough, Mass.,
where he erected a substantial and adequate factory.
His success in this enterprise was exceptional. By
a process of which he held the monopoly he utilized
the fibre of jute for the manufacture of plantation
cloth, which sold readily, and at a handsome profit.
His business at Cordaville was very profitable, and
during the ten years preceding the civil war the bulk
of his large wealth was accumulated.
556
Asa business man, io Sanford possessed ed
Coupled with a
sagacity that discovered, as by intuition, the right |
qualities that compel success.
thing to do, and the right method of doing it, was an
energy and determination that obstacles only intensi- |
substantial evidences of his loyalty. As a young
fied.
will-power he was always conspicuous.
When he built his mill at Southborough he changed
the location of the dam, against the protests of many
In practical common sense, self-reliance, and
advisers, but the result, in the increase of the head
and fall of water, fully justified his action.
After the destruction of this mill by fire, two or
three years later, he pushed the work of rebuilding
with such energy that in one hundred and twenty-one |
working days the second mill was weaving cloth.
On the election of Mr. Lincoln as President, the
defiant attitude of the South convinced Mr. Sanford
that war was inevitable, and in spite of the incred-
ulity of his contemporaries, he protected himself by
turning the paper of his Southern customers, of which
he held a large amount, into cotton. He thus escaped
heavy losses, and was enabled to continue running his
mill long after similar factories had suspended.
Subsequently his mill lay idle for two years, during
which period, with characteristic generosity, he sup-
ported the families of his operatives. He then
changed his machinery, and commenced the manufac-
ture of blankets for the United States army.
At the close of the war Mr. Sanford sold out his
mill property, and, having an independent fortune,
decided to gratify a taste that he always had for
blooded horses.
American horse that would compete, in endurance
He accord-
ingly purchased a tract of land near Paterson, N. J.,
and established there the Preakness stud, which has
become famous for its breeding record.
To secure a soil and climate better adapted to his
It was his ambition to produce an
and speed, with foreign blooded racers.
purposes, he disposed of his property in Paterson and |
purchased a valuable tract of land in Lexington, Ky.,
where he established the North Elkhorn stud, now
Elmendorf.
on the American turf, and bred some horses that have
Mr. Sanford won many important races
made a creditable record.
In 1881 he sold out his stock-farm, owing to in-
creasing infirmity, and limited his business cares to
the management of his large property.
Mr. Sanford was twice married; in 1836 to Miss
cessful operation.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
lng over Mr. Santord's heart. In 1846 he married
Liss Cordelia Riddle, of Boston, who still (1884) sur-
vives him.
The welfare of his native village was always a
matter of interest to him, and he has given many
man, he was active in the formation of the parish
associated with the Third Evangelical Congregational
Church, and in the erection of its house of worship.
This church and parish, over which his uncle, the
| Rev. David Sanford (2d), was for thirty-five years
pastor, received frequent tokens of his continued in-
terest. Its organ was his gift. He was the largest
contributor to the expense of remodeling its house of
worship in 1874. Six years later he paid the entire
cost of inclosing its grounds with a granite curb, sur-
mounted by a substantial wrought-iron fence.
By his generous aid the capacious building that
bears the family name (Sanford Hall), was erected in
1872.
Water-pipes, connecting with pumps at the mills,
were laid at his expense through the most exposed
portion of the village street, as a protection from fire,
and for the irrigation of the church grounds. He
also paid for inclosing the lawn fronting the Catholic
Church with a substantial granite curbing.
Two years previous to his death he responded to a
memorial from leading citizens, who were desirous of
increasing the business of the town, by subscribing
forty thousand dollars for the incorporation of a stock
company for the manufacture of cassimeres, a project
which he had the pleasure of seeing realized in a sub-
stantial and thoroughly equipped brick mill, in suc-
Thus he has set up his memorial,
not only in the adornment of his native village, but
in its increased business activity and well-being.
It was not by reason of his eminent business ¢a-
pacity and energy, his skill and success in conducting
the various enterprises he originated, or his large
wealth that Mr. Sanford impressed his personality
_ with most emphasis and permanence upon his kindred
and friends, but rather by the nobility of his nature,
the quick response of his sympathies, the hearty liber-
ality of his ministrations, the steadfast loyalty of his
| friendships.
These are the characteristics most con-
|" spicuous to the thought of those who knew him best.
Anna IT’. Davenport, daughter of Benjamin Daven- |
port, of Mendon, Mass., by whom he had one child,— |
In 1838 mother and child both died
a daughter.
within a few days of each other, the latter being less |
To his family he was the ideal of chivalric kindness,
always the safe and interested adviser, the able and
generous helper.
was not confined within the limits
of his friendships, but reached and blessed the needs
Those for whom he has
His liberality
of the comparative stranger.
. | . .
than a year old, a bereavement whose shadow lingered ' smoothed the rough ways of life are a multitude, and
4
SPT De Sr
a
tn
MEDWAY.
557
embrace beneficiaries of numerous and diverse needs.
Among them are the aged servants of God, whose
years of waiting were blessed with many comforts
through his thoughtfulness; the homeless unfortu-
nate, for whom he provided a home; the widow and —
the fatherless, to whom he was as a defense; the |
earnest student, anxious and troubled by the question
how his school expenses are to be met, for whom he
solved the problem by a signature,—his helpful aid
all the more grateful for the modesty and secrecy with |
which it was tendered.
Even on his dying bed this “ law of kindness that
was in his heart” laid on him still its sweet constraint,
so that to strangers, who were fellow-sufferers on beds
of pain, he sent delicacies that he had enjoyed, in
token of his sympathy and desire to help.
life its motto and inspiration, —
“Tis worth a wise man’s best of life,
*Tis worth a thousand years of strife,
If thou canst lessen but by one
The countless ills beneath the sun.”
During the last years of his life he suffered from
physical infirmities, which increased until they con-
quered even his resolute will, and after weeks of
much pain and weakness he quietly passed away, in
his summer home at Newport, R. I, Aug. 3, 1883. |
His body was brought to his boyhood home, and after
a simple service in the village church, was laid to rest
in the family burial lot, beneath the shadow of the
stately monument which he had erected in honor of
his ancestors, whose dust shares the same resting-place.
- MILTON M. FISHER.
Milton M. Fisher, son of Willis and Caroline
(Fairbanks) Fisher, was born in Franklin, Mass.,
Jan. 30, 1811.
from two old English families probably having a com- |
mon ancestor.
His grandfather, Joseph Fisher, of
He is descended on his father’s side |
Franklin, traced his lineage to Anthony Fisher, of |
Syleham, Suffolk County, near the borders of Norfolk, ©
| lish, a dolphin; in French, dauphin “ embossed”) with
England. The line descends from him to his son
Anthony, born 1591, who, with his wife and five
children, came to America in the Great Puritan Im-
migration, and settled in Dedham in 1637; and, re- |
moving just over the line, was known as Anthony
cal with those of the Dauphine of France, heir ap-
Fisher, Sr., of Dorchester.
nelius, born in England, is next in line of de-
His second son, Cor-
scent,. who, with Samuel Fisher and eight others,
projected a colony in Wollomonopouge, now Wren-
Cornelius, Jr., born February, 1660; thence to Ben-
jamin, born March 6, 1701; thence to Joseph, born
Oct. 6, 1741, and to Willis, born July 20, 1783.
His grandfather, Joseph, married Susa Fisher,
daughter of Hon. Jabez Fisher, who traced his lineage
to Thomas Fisher, who immigrated from Winston, in
England, a town near Syleham, with his wife and
three children, and settled first in Cambridge in 1634,
but removed to Dedham on the arrival of Anthony
and others, in 1637, and died in 1638, having con-
tracted to build the first meeting-house in Dedham.
This line comes next to Samuel, born in England,
_ who was one of the original colony at Wrentham, and
deacon of the first church, and a member of the
General Court; thence to his son Ebenezer, born
_ Dec. 20, 1670 ; thence to Hon. Jabez, born Nov. 19,
The poet’s declaration seems to have furnished his |
1717, who settled on territory now Franklin ; thence
to Susa, who married Joseph, thus uniting the line of
_ Thomas to that of Anthony,—coming to Willis, father
| of Milton. On the side of his mother, Caroline Fair-
banks, his descent is traced from Jonathan Fairbanks,
of Somerby, West Riding, Yorkshire, England, who
with his wife and six children came to America and
settled in Dedham previous to 1664 ; thence the line
is through John, first, second, and third, to Asa first,
and second, to Caroline, who married Willis Fisher,
and inherited and lived upon a part of the large
landed estate acquired by the third John, and now
The
ancestors of Mr. Fisher both in this country and in
comprising several farms in South Franklin.
England have for centuries held a good position in
the great middle class of society.
The Fisher coat of arms used in this country by
Joshua Fisher, Sr., of Medfield, and Capt. Ebenezer
Fisher, of Dedham, is the same as described in the
history of Norfolk County in England, with notices
of Richard and Edward Fisher, ‘‘ Gentlemen ;” Rich-
ard Fisher, chaplain, 1442; John Fyshere, 1449,
burgess of Thetford; Rev. William Fisher, “a Pub-
lic Benefactor; and of Mrs. Maiy Fisher, ‘“‘ who died
and went to Heaven in a hurricane.” The arms are
a common shield bearing upon its face a fish (in Eng-
the crest of an eagle, and without any known motto.
A “crown” rested on the face of the shield over and
above the dolphin, and an eagle on top of the shield
as the “crest.” These arms are known to be identi-
parent to the throne. These arms originally were
those of the Count of Dauphiny, a French province,
| who bestowed his title and estates upon the heir ap-
tham, previous to 1661, and removed from Dedham |
hither in 1662; thence comes the line to his son
parent. They probably came to England previously
through one Osborne la Pécheur, in English Os-
558
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
borne Fisher, one of the Norman French generals of
William the Conqueror in 1066, who, after the con-
quest, received from William, for distinguished ser-
vices, lands in Bedfordshire, where is now a hamlet
called “Fisher,” visited some years since by Col.
Horace N. Fisher, of Brookline.
It is evident that the Fisher arms are of French
origin. The name being derived from a common
occupation and found in several languages, may have
been a family name in England before the Norman
conquest.
Among the many bearing the name in Norfolk
County, descendants of the original seventeen and
honored by their fellow-citizens, none attained a
greater distinction or more justly than the Hon.
Jabez Fisher, of Franklin, who, between 1766 and
1799, was in public life, was member of the General
Court seven years, senator five, councilor eleven, and
one of a committee to exercise executive power in
place of the Tory Governor Gage; member of the
Provincial Congress during its whole existence, and
elected to the Committee of Safety with Gen. Joseph
Warren and others for colonial defense in 1775. He
was also a delegate to convention to adopt the Con-
stitution of the United States. (See Emmons’ Ser-
mons, vol. ii., and Judge Theron Metcalf’s article in
the Boston Monthly Magazine, June, 1826.)
The subject of this notice was educated at a classi-
cal school in Medway, taught by Rev. Abijah Baker,
D.D., and at Day’s Academy, Wrentham, Isaac Per-
kins preceptor. He entered Amherst College in 1832,
in class with Governor Bullock and the Hon. and Rev.
Edmund Down, but health failing, he left the next
year, devoting some time to travel in the States and
Canada.
of sixteen years, and, teaching a classical school in
He commenced teaching school at the age
Randolph in 1832, he prepared in part twenty youths
for college, some of whom have been and still are
prominent in public life. He began business as a
trader upon a small borrowed capital in Franklin in
1835, removed to Westboro’ next year, and married
Eleanor, the eldest daughter of Hon. Luther Metealf,
of Medway, Aug. 22, 1836.
pointed postmaster in that town, after much opposi-
In 1838 he was ap-
tion, because he was an ‘ Abolitionist.”” Being in-
dorsed by the local Democratic Committee and others
as “honest and capable,” and not a fanatic, Amos |
Kendall, the postmaster-general, for once disappointed
the pro-slavery party.
In 1840, removing to Medway, he established
there the manufacture of straw goods, and continued |
the business in partnership with others till 1863.
He was deputed by the trade to go to Washington
and readjust the revenue tax with Governor Boutwell
upon straw goods.
Retiring from this business in 1863, he established
the Medway Insurance Agency, representing a large
insurance capital in some thirty companies, his son,
Frederick L., being associated with him since 1878.
In 1840 he was elected a deacon of the village
church in Medway, giving him a title by which he
has been more familiarly known to the public ever
since. Being an original pupil in the Franklin Sab-
bath-school, in 1819, he has been either pupil,
teacher, or superintendent in some Sunday-school to
the present time. Upon his motion in the Massa-
chusetts Senate in 1859, the first State aid of three
thousand dollars was given to the Washingtonian
Home in Boston, of which institution he has been a
director for many years, and is officially connected
with several State and national benevolent organiza-
tions.
He has held various municipal offices and public
trusts by judicial and executive appointments, such as
justice of the peace, quorum and for all the counties
notary public, commissioner in railroad matters, and
for the division of towns of Danvers and Peabody.
In 1848 was delegate from Norfolk County with
Hon. Charles Francis Adams to the Free-Soil Na-
tional Convention, and in 1850 candidate with him
and Judge Wilkinson for senator of the county.
After a protracted and expensive illness of four
years he was elected senator (Republican) for Nor-
folk, West District, in 1859 and 1860, with two ses-
sions in each year. In both terms he resisted suc-
cessfully by vote and voice the annexation of Roxbury
to Boston, and the measure was delayed eight years,
much to the benefit of the treasury of Norfolk
County. In 1863, perhaps as some recognition for
services rendered, he was elected county commis-
sioner, and served till 1872, and for three years as
chairman of the board. Two of his returns upon
important highways were sharply contested in the
Supreme Court, and although a layman they were
sustained as legal in every point, and notably in the
case from Brookline, in which the returns provided
a reservation to Norfolk County of ten thousand
dollars, if Brookline were annexed to the county of
Suffolk before the highway improvement was com-
pleted. A “wise provision,” said Judge Gray. He
was contemporary with the earliest modern efforts in
the temperance and anti-slavery cause, and met with
much opposition. While in college, in 1833, he was
the first to break silence in the chapel upon the
tabooed question of slavery. Reproved by the pro-
fessor, he was sustained by the faculty, and the dis-
=
~
i.
and Rev. R. K. Harlow.
MEDWAY.
559
cussion went on until freedom of speech and the
views of his essay were fully sustained.
Though failing to graduate from ill health, the
trustees in due time conferred upon him the honorary |
degree of Master of Arts.
first anniversary of the American Anti-Slavery So- |
ciety in 1833; was chairman of committee which |
perfected the organization of the old Liberty party in |
the county, visiting all the towns till the ballot-box in |
all spoke for the party. He addressed many meetings,
and wrote many articles for the press upon temper-
ance, slavery, and other topics, and has continued so
He was a delegate to the |
to do till the present time.
In 1845 he prepared a petition, quite numerously
signed, to the American Board of Commissioners for
Foreign Missions in the maiter of slavery in the
churches under the patronage of the board among |
the Choctaw Indians. Upon this petition Rev. Dr.
Wood made a characteristic report, unsatisfactory to
anti-slavery Christians, which led, soon after, to the |
formation of the American Missionary Association,
About
this time he assumed and paid a liberal share of the
debt of the Massachusetts Abolition Society, and in
the late war paid more than enough to procure a sub- |
stitute. As to local enterprises, in 1846, he settled a
difficulty, and so obtained land for a church park, and
inclosed it ; introduced the question of a high school,
consummated in 1851; was first chief engineer of fire
now doing a great work among the freedmen.
department in 1854; one of a committee to appear
before the Legislature for railroad, secured after a
great struggle and delay, and opened in 1862 ; ob-
tained charter for the Dean Library in 1860, and is
He laid out the |
Oakland Cemetery, of which he is sole proprietor.
In 1871 he projected the Medway Savings Bank,
and has always been its president, and in the same >
year co-operated in the erection of Sanford Hall
building. In 1881 he initiated, at his own cost,
measures which secured the successful co-operation
and liberal aid of Mr. M. H. Sanford and others in
building the Sanford Mills. In the same year he
suggested and obtained an appropriation from the
town for the publication of a town history, to which
he has contributed much material, and is chairman of
the committee of publication.
His seventieth anniversary was observed by his
fellow-citizens Jan. 31, 1881, in Sanford Hall, and
conducted by a committee consisting of William H.
Cary, Clark Partridge, A. S. Harding, O. A. Mason, |
The tables were beautifully
furnished, and letters received from personal friends, —
including Governor Claflin, Hon. F. W. Bird, N. F. |
now president of the association.
Safford, J. White Belcher, Sheriff Thomas, Charles
Endicott, Dr. Mortimer Blake, and others. Addresses
were made by Rev. Dr. Spaulding, KE. O. Jameson,
R. K. Harlow, and others, all complimentary to the
personal character and services of the guest of the
occasion.
Mr. Safford says, “ My acquaintance with him
dates back to more than half these ‘ threescore years
and ten,’ and during a protracted term of official ser-
vice I have witnessed his unswerving devotion to the
conscientious discharge of his duty as a citizen, his
earnest and vigorous thought, his firm yet cautious
_ mind, and as one whose intelligence, fidelity, activities,
and examples assuredly merit this public apprecia-
tion.” Mr. Belcher, one of his old pupils, says,
‘Some of his pupils now living can recall his faith-
ful teachings and wise counsels which helped to
qualify them to fill honorable positions in life. I
have long known him as one of the faithful guardians
in many departments of the interests of Norfolk
County.” Rev. Mr. Harlow said, ‘He has made
his mark upon more useful enterprises in this com-
munity than any other man among us,” and Rey. Dr.
Spaulding said, ‘ To know him well he must be known
in his home-life, as it has been his privilege to know
| him.”’
The last lines of the poem for the occasion by
Deacon Anson Daniels, entitled “The Garden Beyond
the Iron Gate,” voiced the common feeling :
‘* May he who yesterday stepped through the gate
Find the joys that abound in this Garden of fate,
And be cheered by the music that floats from the Shore,
Beyond the dark waters, where life is evermore.”
Mr. Fisher has had nine children, four of whom
are living. His eldest son, Dr. Theodore W. Fisher,
born May 29, 1837, was educated at Andover, Hast
Hampton, and Harvard Medical College; was surgeon
of the Forty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volun-
teers ; has officially served the city of Boston for nearly
| twenty years as physician, and is now superintendent of
He first married Miss Maria
C. Brown, of Medway, who died early, and next
married Miss Ella G. Richardson, of Boston.
have two sons, Willis and Edward.
His eldest daughter, Mary Eleanor, born Dec. 5,
1844, educated at Wheaton Seminary and Gannet’s
Institute, is a teacher of French and German. His
next son, Frederick Luther, born Jan. 12, 1853, is a
graduate of the Institute of Technology, Boston ; began
the Lunatic Hospital.
They
business as a trader; married Miss Caroline P. Lyons,
of Boston; has a daughter, Hattie Lyons, and now
manages an insurance agency in Boston and Medway.
His youngest daughter, Helen Frances, born May
560
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
12, 1854, is a graduate of Framingham Normal
School, became a teacher, married Walter V.
Hawkes, late of Amherst, now of Saugus. They
have two children, Milton and Louisa. —'T. W. F.
JAMES HOVEY SARGENT.
James Hovey Sargent, the son of Nathaniel and
Abial H. Sargent, was born in York, Me., in June,
1782. His early life was spent in his native village,
where he availed himself of such opportunities for
education as the schools of the town afforded.
In his nineteenth year he entered Phillips’ Acad-
emy, Exeter, N. H., and at the conclusion of his
academic course commenced the study of medicine
with Dr. Gilman, a practicing physician in that
town.
On the 19th of June, 1806, he was appointed by
President Thomas Jefferson, surgeon’s mate in the
ties of extreme old age prevented him. His last
years were quietly passed in the society of those who
were fitted, by age and kindred tastes, to be his com-
panions, his needs most considerately and untiringly
ministered to by his devoted and beloved daughter.
In recognition of his public career, and out of re-
spect to his memory, a post of the Grand Army,
|
|
{
United States army, to take rank from the 6th day of |
the previous March. He was enrolled on the medical
staff of Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, in April,
1806, where he remained for the succeeding ten
years. Dr. Sargent was married, in 1812, to Miss
Fanny Ruggles, of Roxbury, Mass., who died Sept. |
13,1854. They had one child, a daughter,— Frances
J. R.,—who married Mr. Anson Bullard, of Medway,
and who survives both parents (1884). Dr. Sar-
gent was subsequently stationed at Fort Pickering,
Salem, Mass. ; Fort Constitution, Portsmouth, N. H. ;
Fort Preble, Portland, Me.; Fort Trumbull, New
London, Conn.; Fort Niagara, Niagara, N. Y. (at
which place he resigned his commission in 1846,
having completed a term of forty years’ continuous
service ).
He subsequently resided with his daughter at
Watertown, Mass., accompanying her when she re-
moved to Medway, Mass., in which place he died in
August, 1869, probably the last survivor of those
who held commissions in the army when he entered.
He was buried in Mount Auburn, the resting-place of
the dust of his devoted wife.
r, Sarge yas a ge é } SC | Goalye j 2S i
Dr. Sargent a gentlem in of the old school, | principally the public records of State, county, town, parish,
of fine presence, and courtly manners.
fond of reading, but confined himself to the best
He was very
authors. In his old age his mind remained uncom-
monly active, and his memory continued clear and
retentive.
His neighbors and acquaintances in Medway re-
member his venerable and dignified aspect as he
appeared upon their streets and in the village church,
of which he was a constant attendant till the infirmi-
formed in Medway in 1882, took his name as its
designation,—viz., James H. Sargent Post, G. A. R.
CHAP T ER, Xo Ve
WEY MOUTH.!
BY GILBERT NASH,
Geography—Geology—General History—Weston’s Colony—
Gorges’ Settlement—Hull’s Company—Lcelesiastical Trou-
bles—Pequod War—Emigration—Town Government.
Geography.— Weymouth is the most ancient town
in the county, and, next to Plymouth, in the com-
monwealth, and its original boundaries have been
preserved without material change until the present
time, therefore its lines are the same for any date in
its history of two hundred and sixty years. The
town borders upon the shore of Boston Harbor, with
its centre about thirteen miles southeasterly from
Boston and about double that distance northwesterly
from Plymouth.
It is above nine miles in extreme length from the
Abington line on the south tothe shore of the bay on
the north, with an average of about seven miles. It
lies between Braintree and Holbrook on the west
and Hingham on the east, with a width nearly
uniform of about two and a half miles. It has a
water front on Fore and Back Rivers of eight or nine
miles, and its whole area contains between sixteen and
Of this area a considerable
portion is covered by ponds. Great Pond, in the
southerly part, is about a mile and one-third in length
seventeen square miles.
1 This sketch has been compiled largely from original sources,
and church; and, brief as it necessarily is, it is the most elab-
orate account of the town yet offered to the public, no history
ever having been undertaken, although the initiatory steps of
such a work are in progress. Prominence has been given to
the general history and to the churches and schools, as being of
| public importance and interest, and in most cases the compiler
| his own statement of the facts.
has preferred to give the substance of the records rather than
Ile would also gratefully ac-
knowledge the kind offices of his many friends who have aided
him in the collection of material necessary to the prosecution of
his work.
vG
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Xe
WEYMOUTH.
561
and one-third of a mile in width, with a surface of |
about two hundred and fifty acres. Whitman’s Pond,
centrally located, is about one-third less in extent
than Great Pond, being nearly as long but of very
irregular form. Whortlebury Pond, a little south of
Whitman’s, is small, nearly circular, and about forty
rods in diameter. There are but two streams of any
importance,—“ Mill River,” the outlet to Great Pond,
running into Back River, a distance by its course in
six miles, and “ Old Swamp River,” rising in Hing-
and one-half or three miles. These rivers have sev-
eral very fine water privileges, one of which, that of
the East Weymouth Iron Company, has been thought
one of the best in the State. There are but two hills
of noticeable prominence in the town,—Great Hill, on
| Weymouth made a part of it.
which it passes through Whitman’s Pond, of five or
the shore of the bay, and King Oak Hill, about two |
miles farther south.
From the summits of both are |
to be seen some of the finest views in the State.
: . A . |
There are two inlets making in from the bay, naviga-
ble for vessels of considerable size-—Fore River on
the north and west, four or five miles in length, and
Back River on the northeast, three or four miles long.
The extreme northeasterly portion of the town is a
long and narrow neck of land extending into the bay |
for a mile and a half or more, while beyond this, to
the north about eighty rods.away, lies Grape Island,
separated only by the narrow mouth of Back River,
and is of an oblong shape, about half a mile in length,
and sixty rods in width, while about two hundred
rods farther to the north, in the bay, lies another
small island, called Sheep Island. Both of these be-
long to Weymouth, are wholly destitute of trees, and
used only for pasturage.
Almost the whole of the south part of the town is
For the first hundred years the town constituted
one precinct, but in 1723 it was divided into two, the
south being somewhat the larger. Quite recently, for
practical and convenient purposes, it has been divided
into five wards,—two at the south, one at the east, one
at the Landing, and one at the north. Until 1793
Weymouth constituted a part of Suffolk County, but
in that year Norfolk County was established and
It has four post-
offices, one in each of the principal villages, with tele-
_ graphic and telephone accommodations along the lines
ham and flowing into Whitman’s Pond, about two |
of the Old Colony and South Shore Railroads, which
cross the town at different points.
Geology.— Weymouth, geologically, is a very an-
cient town. The solid rock formations date far
back in the primitive ages, and its physical history,
could it be told in detail, would be extremely inter-
esting. The rock underlying a large portion of the
town is closely allied to the famous granite beds of
its near neighbor, Quincy, but is less perfectly crys-
tallized. This bed rock is everywhere pierced by
veins of amygdaloid trap, -often many feet in width.
Belonging to a later period are beds of dark slate or
shale, extending across the northerly part of the town
from Braintree to Hingham, and cropping out upon
the surface in huge seams at frequent intervals.
| These slates contain large quantities of iron pyrites,
an elevated plateau with a light sandy or gravelly soil, |
capable, with good tillage, of producing fair crops.
The surface from this plain commences to fall away
with gentle undulations until it reaches the sea.
The northern portion has always enjoyed the reputa-
tion of containing the best land for cultivation, while
only a comparatively small portion of the whole area
is unfit for agricultural purposes in consequence of
swamp, ledge, or barrenness. Formerly farming was
the principal industry, and the larger portion of the
population gained their livelihood from the produce of
the soil, but during the present century manufactures
have increased to such an extent as almost to exter-
minate the former.
large amount of business is done in lumber and coal,
while the Old Colony and South Shore Railroads bring
in large quantities of grain, flour, and other necessaries.
36
and are cut by quartz veins in which are found fine
crystals. There is also found in North Weymouth
another peculiar purplish slate which is full of cavi-
ties that seem once to have been filled with organic
matter.
After the very early period in which these rocks
were formed there comes a great gap in the record
of this earth history as written by the pen of Nature,
until the glacial or ice period is reached, of which
Weymouth bears abundant and very marked testimony.
| The uncovered ledges are in many places very plainly
On Fore and Back Rivers a |
scarred with the parallel groovings or sfriz, andthe
surface is covered with hills of gravel and sand, or
strown with bowlders of great variety and of all sizes
up to that of an ordinary dwelling-house.
In various parts of the town, particularly that in
the north bordering upon Back River, are unusually
fine examples of the sharp, linear hills, called horse-
backs or kames and glacial plains, both formed by
the ice as it melted or retreated towards the pole.
The hilly, rolling surface of Weymouth, especially
in the northerly portion, is due partly to the up-
turned ledges of granite, and partly to these hills of
glacial gravel. But little soil is left upon the rocky,
gravelly hills, most of the vegetable débris having
been washed into the swamps and peat-bogs.
~
562
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
General History.—The history of the town of
Weymouth covers a period of two hundred and sixty-
one years, and is no less fruitful in important and
stirring events than that of any of its contemporaries.
The early voyagers were attracted to it by its beau-
tiful and protected situation, shielded from the ocean
by the beach and peninsula of Nantasket, and from
the Indians by its position between the two rivers, |
extending far into the bay. Its central location made
it also easy of access both by water and land from a
large reach of territory, thus rendering it a favorable
point for trade with the natives. The wandering
fishermen and traders who were ranging the New
England coast during the early years of the seven-
teenth century, soon discovered its value and made |
it a point of rendezvous.
slip out upon the ocean, and from it they could make
such excursions upon the land as were necessary in
accomplishing their purposes.
The great companies were then looking for the
men and the places by whom and where they could
carry out their grand schemes, accumulate the for-
tunes and seize the honors they foresaw already
within their grasp; and, not more scrupulous than
some of their modern successors, they were not al-
ways as careful as to the means by which their pur-
poses were to be accomplished as might be desired.
Land was here in abundance, and its rightful owners,
if there were any, were few, ignorant, and of no |
fixed abode. The geography of the coast was not
well understood ; and it easily happened that conflicts
of jurisdiction arose between the various claimants
that caused, in after-times, no little vexation and
trouble.
together the boundary was not well defined, and
a fine position-near the border, once in possession,
It
was at a great distance from the courts that held
might, perhaps be held against future comers.
jurisdiction, and influences might be brought to bear
even upon those high in authority that would render |
the result of a trial anything but certain. Justice
was tardy, her eyes liable to partial blindness and
ry
Thus
the position of things prepared the way for a train of
her hand held the scales in uncertain poise.
events involving a great deal of disturbance and per-
plexity, and the result was usually in favor of those
holding the most money and home influence.
Such was the condition of affairs during the first
The Virginia
Company, whose patent covered the southern portion
quarter of the seventeenth century.
of the English possessions in America, established at
Jamestown, Va., in 1607, a colony which commenced
a long and severe struggle for existence. In 1614,
If the Plymouth and Gorges grants came |
From it they could easily |
the Dutch began a settlement on Manhattan Island,
at the mouth of the Hudson,—an entering-wedge be-
tween the two portions of the continent claimed by
England,—and seven years later, at the close of the
year 1620, the Plymouth Company, after much dis-
cussion and bargaining, invited the Pilgrims (then
temporarily living in Leyden, in Holland) to embark
for the coast of New England, and the colony located
at Plymouth, where the resolute members of that com-
munity commenced their hand-to-hand conflict with
the terrible circumstances against them, and which
proved almost too great for their strength.
The Weston Colony.—Thus it was that Mr.
Thomas Weston, a merchant of London, who had
much to do with the Pilgrims in their negotiations
with the Plymouth Company, and with an exalted
opinion of the value and future prosperity of the
country, conceived the idea of an independent enter-
prise of similar character, which should unite in itself
all the elements of success without cumbering itself
with the discouragements that surrounded the other
They would establish a trading-post by
men without families which should afterwards grow
settlement.
into a powerful State.
1622,
selected—not so much for their special fitness for the
Consequently in August,
a company of about sixty able-bodied men,
work proposed as for their willingness to undertake
it—from the migratory population of London, landed
from the “ Charity” and ‘‘ Swan,” two small vessels
chartered for the purpose, upon the shore of Wessa-
guscus, about twenty-five miles north of Plymouth,
inside of the eutrance of a capacious bay afterwards
known as Boston Harbor. The spot has not been
positively identified, but tradition points to the north-
ern shore of Phillips’ Creek, a small inlet of Fore
River (or Monatiquot), about three or four miles from
its entrance into the bay,—a_ well-protected, well-
wooded and watered spot, and one that promised well
for the business proposed.
As might have been expected, this company, with
no settled habits of industry and no extraordinary
inducements to form them now, not well disposed
towards the hard labor and deprivations necessary to
the formation of a settlement in a new and rugged
country, and without a competent head, soon became
disgusted with their enterprise, neglected their means
_ of livelihood, broke over the comparatively friendly re-
lations upon which they had subsisted with the natives,
and were soon in great distress. The severity of the
winter and their neglect to make provisions for it, in
a short time brought them to the point of starvation.
Their treatment of their savage neighbors rendered
In
them in the utmost degree distrustful and timid.
WEYMOUTH.
563
their want of food they sent to their neighbors at |
Plymouth for supplies, but they, nearly as badly off, —
could not help them,—thus the fish of the sea, the
shell-fish of the beaches, and the nuts and fruits of
the forest became their sole food. In their great fear
of the Indians they applied to Plymouth for assist-
ance, and that colony sent up Capt. Miles Standish
with a file of men, who speedily established order in
Meanwhile, |
the death of the principal aggressors.
fully satisfied with their brief experiment of colonial
life, the Weston Colony disbanded, going in different
directions, and at the opening of the summer of 1623,
not one was left upon the spot to claim ownership in
the name of the ill-fated company.
killed and one wounded by the savages in their various
encounters, and at the close of the spring, after the
visit of Capt. Standish, three of their number, the
last of the company, were cruelly tortured to death by
their Indian neighbors with whom they had sought
refuge. After the lapse of more than two and a half
centuries it may be possible to form a more favorable
this colony than that which has been usually accredited —
to them. That they were not the utterly depraved set
they have been described is very evident. In their
intercourse with the Plymouth people they certainly
showed a disposition to act fairly. In an expedition
made with them under contract to trade with the
Indians to the south, in the region of Cape Cod, Mr.
Weston’s people took their full share of the labor and
privation, acting with energy and honorably discharg-
Even their associates in this
When
one of their number had shown himself a notorious
ing all their obligations.
enterprise offer no complaints in this respect.
thief, and had committed serious depredations upon
their Indian neighbors, he was given up at their com-
plaint, and, as the sufferers declined to judge the
culprit, the colonists proceeded to execute summary |
It may be said that this act
was the result of fear, but it is hardly fair to ascribe
a dishonorable motive when a better one appears in the
exhibition of it.
pose, neither were they actuated by that strong relig-
justice by hanging him.
They had not that high moral pur-
ious faith that actuated their Pilgrim contemporaries.
They were not flying from persecution in their own
land to seek a home for themselves and their families
where they could enjoy comparative freedom of con-
science and life, although at the expense of most of
life’s comforts. ‘hey were men with no families, who
undertook the enterprise to earn a living, and, it may
More
than this, they were under no competent leadership, |
be, make a fortune with which to return home.
Mr. Weston remaining behind, and his agent, intrusted
with the charge of the colony during its early days,
dying in a short time. Had they come with families
dependent upon them, with the result resting upon
their own exertions, the issue might have been differ-
ent. Their faults seem to have come from the want
of proper training with its consequent improvidence,
and the lack of a sufficient motive.
Gorges’ Settlement.—The natural attractions of
Wessaguscus did not suffer it to remain long unoc-
cupied, for in the autumn of the same year, 1623,
or in the late summer, it is not quite certain which,
Capt. Robert Gorges, son of Sir Fernando Gorges,
acting under a charter from the Plymouth Company,
Ten of the colony died of famine, two had been |
the Council of New England, came with a company
consisting in part at least of families and of character
superior to that of those who had preceded them, with
the evident intention of forming a permanent settle-
ment. They landed upon the northern part of the
town, probably near or upon the spot chosen by the
Weston people the year before, thinking undoubt-
_ edly that this was covered by the grant which was so
estimate of the character of the men who composed |
indefinitely described as to be easily susceptible of
misconstruction. This gave them ten miles of the
coast on the northeast side of Massachusetts Bay and
extending thirty miles inland. They chose their ten
miles evidently to include the entrance of Boston
Harbor, and this mistake, if mistake it were, was the
cause of much trouble in the future.
The leader of this company is well known in his-
tory, but of the men who composed it little has
been recorded; even their number is not known, the
names of very few mentioned, and those with a
great deal of uncertainty. It is, however, a well-
ascertained fact that the colony was projected to favor
the establishment of the government more firmly
on the New England shore, and to prepare a founda-
tion upon which the Episcopacy might rear its future
prosperity, and also as an offset to the threatened
opposition that might possibly arise from the then in-
significant attempt at Plymouth.
fore carried upon its face the evidence of ministerial
The project there-
and ecclesiastical favor; hence, it did not meet
with much assistance from the Pilgrims, from whom
To
further the authority of the church and to form a
there have come not the most favorable reports.
legal basis of future action the colony brought a reg-
ular chaplain, or clergyman of the Church of Eng-
land, in the person of Rev. William Morrell, a man
of education and standing, of excellent character,
with power sufficient for the purpose intrusted to his
care, the establishment of the claims of the church in
the wilderness, and also to act as its bishop when
564
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the enterprise should develop sufficiently to need the
services of such an officer.
The plan of the colony was projected upon a scale
of magnificent proportions and with machinery sufh- |
cient to conduct the affairs of an empire. Capt. Gorges
was named as Governor-General, with a general over- |
sight of the company’s officers in America, and au-
Asso-
ciated with him in the government were Capt. Francis
thority by commission to carry out his plans.
West, admiral; Christopher Levet, Esq., perhaps the |
chief judicial officer, and such others as the Governor-
General chose to appoint, any two of whom, with
himself, were empowered to transact any business
necessary for the government of the colony. The
Governor of Plymouth, for the time being, was con-
stituted a member of the government, and immediately
upon the arrival of the company, in August or Sep-
tember, Governor Bradford was notified of the fact,
and at once made his arrangements to make the new-
comers a call; but before this could be effected, the
Governor-General, while on a tour of inspection over
his extended domains, was forced by stress of weather
into Plymouth, where he remained a few days and
Very soon,
however, he became satisfied with his experience
then returned overland to Wessaguscus.
as a ruler in the new settlement, and returned
to England with a considerable portion of his com-
pany; others of the party went to Virginia and some
to Plymouth, while some remained as the nucleus of
the future settlement.
remained here for perhaps a year and a half, and
despairing of an accomplishment of his purpose in
coming hither, went to Plymouth and took passage
for England.
Mr. Morrell appears to have |
In the course of the year 1624, there came in other |
settlers from Weymouth, England, bringing with them
a non-conformist minister by the name of Barnard, |
The rec-
ords of this time are so bare and scanty that nothing
who remained with them and died there.
more than the fact of this addition is known. From
this time until the arrival of Governor Winthrop at |
Shawmut there is more or less mention of the settle- |
ment at Wessaguscus, and a continual though small
accession to its members. ‘The most notorious event
of this period was the arrest there in 1628 of Thomas
Morton, of Merry Mount, as Mount Wollaston was then
called, by Capt. Miles Standish by order of the Plymouth
authorities, taken to that town and sent to England.
In 1630, and the following years, the settlement was
recognized as a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
and taxed for its support.
In 1632, Governor Win- |
throp with a party of friends visited Plymouth, by |
either name), thence overland. On their way, in
going and returning they were generously entertained
by the people of that place. During that year a tax
was ordered by the court, five pounds of which was
levied on Wessaguscus, eight on Boston, and four
pounds ten shillings on Salem, showing the relative
In 1633 it was spoken of
In 1634 it was ordered to pay
the charges incurred in taking care of Thomas Lane,
a servant of John Burslyn (Bursley), of that settle-
ment, who had fallen sick in Dorchester.
Hull Company.—In 1635, the place came into
general notice and took a prominent position among
importance of the towns.
as a small village.
the towns composing the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
On the 8th of July, of that year, the General Court
passed an order permitting Rev. Joseph Hull with
twenty-one families, consisting of about one hundred
persons, to settle at Wessaguscus, the largest addition
at any one time, probably, in the history of the town.
These settlers came from Weymouth, England, and
belonged to the county of Dorset and its immediate
They were a class of people who soon
became prominent and whose families, many of them,
neighborhood.
retain their position to the present day. Their min-
ister, Rev. Joseph Hull, became for a time the min-
On the 2d of September the
town was erected into a plantation, equivalent proba-
bly to an act of incorporation, and the name changed
ister of the town.
to Weymouth, which it has since retained. On the
following day it was ordered to send a deputy to the
General Court, to which office William Reade, John
Bursley, and John Upham were elected, these three
being sent as an accommodation to three strong oppos-
ing elements then existing in the town, consisting prob-
ably of those who remained of the Gorges Company
and friends who followed them, those who came in
from other towns in the colony with an interest cen-
tering in the capital, and a third, embracing those who
came with Rev. Joseph Hull, and their sympathizers.
John Bursley representing the first, William Reade
the second, and John Upham the third. The court
influence predominating, Mr. Reade was retained and
the others were permitted to retire. During the years
1635 and 1636 commissioners were appointed to estab-
lish the bounds between Mount Wollaston and Wey-
mouth, of which Fore River and the Smelt Brook
formed a part, thence by astraight line running south,
a little westerly, until it reached the line of Plymouth
Colony ; also, between Weymouth and Bare Cove,
afterwards Hingham, of which line Back River and
a creek called Fresh River formed a part ; thence on
a line nearly parallel with the western boundary, to
vessel to Wessaguscus or Wessagusset (it was called by | the Plymouth Colony line. These bounds, which were
WEYMOUTH.
565
the more ancient ones re-established, have remained |
to the present with little if any change.
Ferries had already been erected,
the town with its neighbors on either hand, and
connecting
bridges were projected for the better accommoda-
tion of traffic and travel. Roads were built towards ©
Boston and mills erected upon the streams. A quar- |
terly court was established, to be held in Boston, to
which Roxbury, Dorchester, Weymouth, and Hing- |
ham belonged; and for the better protection of the >
inhabitants of the various towns in the colony from
the Indians, it was ordered by the General Court that
no dwelling-house should be built more than half a
mile from the meeting-house. It appears, however,
' views of Mrs. Hutchinson.
that the latter order was never enforced, or soon be- |
came a dead letter, for at this time the people of
Weymouth were scattered over a territory from two _
to three miles in extent. The‘larger part of the
population lived in North Weymouth, commonly
known as “Old Spain,” extending from the shore of
the bay to Burying Hill, more than a mile, while
there were quite a number of plantations, extending
south and east over King Oak Hill as far as Fresh
Pond, now Whitman's, in East Weymouth.
Where the first meeting-house was built is unknown, |
but tradition says in Old Spain, probably near what |
is now the centre of the village; but this did not
long remain, giving place to a more commodious
building which stood upon Burying Hill, near where
This remained
until 1682, when a third was erected upon the spot
North Street now passes through it.
now occupied by the meeting-house of the first parish.
The houses of the inhabitants were mostly rude struc-
tures built of logs, and thatched with the coarse grass
found at the head of the beaches above the salt water,
which was carefully preserved for the purpose by order
of the town. In 1642, 26th April, the Indian title |
to the town was extinguished by purchase ; the origi-
nal deed is not to be found, but a copy stands upon
the records of the Suffolk County registry of deeds, |
and is a curious specimen of the sharp trading which
the early fathers allowed themselves to indulge in
when dealing with the native owners. It was signed |
by Wampetuck, a/ias Josias Webecowett, Nateaunt and
Nahowton, sachems.
Church Troubles.—During the early years of the
town it was very much disturbed by internal dissen-
sions in the church. From 1635, on the arrival of |
Rev. Joseph Hull and his company, until 1644, upon
the settlement of Rev. Thomas Thacher, there was
almost constant tumult and disturbance, sometimes so
serious as to draw the attention of the General Court.
About the years 1637 and 1638 there were no less
than four claimants for the Weymouth pulpit, each
_ with a strong party at his command ; the old Gorges
settlers, the later comers from Dorchester, Boston,
and vicinity, and the recent Hull arrivals, while the
fourth, coming with a view of harmonizing the differ-
ences, only added another element to the discord. The
Episcopal element was still strong, but apparently not
enough so to propose a candidate of their own views;
the Puritan party, which sustained Rev. Thomas
Jenner; the 1635 settlers, under the leadership of
Rev. Joseph Hull, an independent, with Episcopalian
antecedents ; and a strong party who had invited Rev.
Robert Lenthal, who was suspected of favoring the
Rev. Samuel Newman
was summoned to heal the breach, but he found the
trouble too serious for his powers. The departure of
all of these contestants and the settlement of Rev.
Thomas Thacher, appeared to resolve the difficulty.
In December, 1636, the General Court ceded to
Weymouth, Grape Island and Round Island, the only
additions ever made to its territory. During the eight
years from the arrival of Rev. Joseph Hull, in 1635,
to the departure of Rev. Samuel Newman, in 1643,
Weymouth had gained largely in population and had
become one of the most important towns in the colony.
The records of the latter year, subsequent to the de-
_parture of Rey. Mr. Newman to Rehoboth, with a
large colony, estimated by some as high as forty
families, contained the names of more than one hun-
dred and thirty land-owners, representing, most of
them, heads of families. These records are imperfect,
and probably do not represent by many the whole
number. It is at this time that the regular records
of the town commence, from which date they are
comparatively good, probably as full as the average of
the town records of the colony. Earlier than this
the peculiar circumstances surrounding the settle-
ment conspired to envelope the history in much ob-
security. The natural jealousy of the Pilgrims against
the adherents of the established church from which
they had suffered so much, prevented them from
making any fuller record than was absolutely neces-
sary of their neighbors at Wessagusset ; and later,
the Puritans at Boston were in the same condition
and no better disposed, although it was in their own
territory and under their own jurisdiction ; while stil]
later, the disturbances produced by the conflicting
elements in their own midst prevented the preserva-
tion of records that would be of inestimable value at
the present time.
Pequod War.—The Indians upon the territory of
the town were never numerous from the first visits
of the whites to its shores, and this was one reason
566
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
for its selection as a favorable location for a settle-
ment ; yet, notwithstanding its retired position, it was
not without its share of damage from its savage |
enemies in other parts of the province, and it was
always called upon for its quota of men, and taxed
As early as 1637, of
the one hundred and sixty men called for to serve
for its share of the expense.
call, and such business was transacted as the time de-
manded. When and how the first land grants were
made is not known, but probably upon the earliest
settlement the lands were divided as the needs of the
settlers appeared ; that remaining was held in common.
A large portion of the north part of the town was
_ occupied, and as early as 1636 there is record of a
against the Pequods, five were to come from Wey- |
mouth; and from this time until the close of the
King Philip war, in 1676, the town was always a con-
tributor in men and money to sustain the various ex-
From that time
the immediate danger was not felt, yet her soldiers
were found upon the bloody fields of New York and
Canada, fighting for the preservation of their homes,
peditions sent against the Indians.
although so far away.
Emigration.—The first large colony sent out from
Weymouth was that under the charge of Rev. Samuel
Newman, to Rehoboth, and numbered by the best
accounts about forty families. From that time, but
usually in small companies, often but a single family,
the tide flowed away, and the town saw its population
slowly diminish by the constant drain upon it to
supply the calls of the frontier. First Maine, New
Hampshire, Vermont, and the western part of this
State, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, made large de-
Then followed the calls from New York and
the other Middle States, and still later the vast West,
which have all been abundantly answered, until not a
State in the Union, and hardly a county or town, but
has one or more of the sons of Weymouth to repre-
sent it. This condition of things could not fail to be
seriously felt, and the town was severely crippled by
it, so much so that from 1643, for one hundred and
mands.
fifty years, the gain was hardly perceptible, sometimes
a period of gain to be more than offset by a corre-
sponding period of loss, while the actual increase for
the whole time was so small as to be hardly appreci-
able. Ifthe estimate for 1643 of at least one hun-
dred and fifty families be correct, and an average of
six to the family a fair allowance, a population of nine
hundred at that time against fourteen hundred, the
estimate for 1776, will show the truth of this state- |
ment.
the early settlements, the government of the town was
of a very simple pattern. Town-meetings were called
from the charges of her children.
division of great lots at the lower end of Fresh ( Whit-
man’s) Pond, some two or three miles from the shore
of the bay.
In 1645 a partial record of the then property
owners was made which has been preserved. Most
of the early records are filled with the regulations
respecting cattle, the cutting of timber, and such
public matters as seemed to be called for. The earliest
officers, after townsmen, named upon the records are
fence-viewers, and the number and prominence of the
men appointed to this position show it to have been
at least no sinecure. ‘There was the strictest scrutiny
into the character and purpose of those who came
among them. As early as 1646 a vote was passed
forbidding any inhabitant from taking as an inmate
any stranger without giving the town an indemnity
bond against damage, under penalty of a fine of five
shillings per week ; nor could he sell or let to any
such person house or land, without having first ten-
dered the same to the town at a training, lecture, or
other public meeting.
During those early days frequent regulations were
made for the preservation of pine and cedar, indicat-
In 1648, Widow Hillard
was required to give the town security against harm
At the first set-
tlement the town set apart the shore land between
high and low water-marks for thatching purposes,
ing a waste of that material.
thatch being at that time the most important material
for roofing purposes, and there appeared to be a neces-
sity to provide for its preservation; and when the
General Court afterwards ordered that all lands to low
| water-mark should belong to the proprietors of the
| adjoining land, this regulation of the town was re-
spected, and an exception made in its favor.
The highways were a matter of prime importance
"at an early date, and as far back as 1649 the inhabi-
Town Government.—Like that of nearly all of |
tants were required to work them at the call of the
_ “way warden,” under penalty. In 1650-51, March 1,
as necessity demanded, at irregular intervals; and |
townsmen, afterwards known as selectmen, chosen at
The officers
seem to have been their own recorders, since no regular
times and in number most convenient.
clerk appears for twenty or thirty years. Meetings
were notified upon training or lecture days by public
|
a vote was passed requiring the officers to post notices
of the assessment of rates, and all persons liable to
taxation were required to bring in lists of polls and
March 10,1651, the town
voted to fine all such as should be tardy at town-
property under penal ty °
meetings six pence for each hour the meeting con-
tinued. The rates were to be laid so that the town
WEYMOUTH.
567
bills could be promptly paid, particularly Capt.
Perkins’ ten pounds for six months’ schooling, which
is the first notice upon the record in relation to school
matters.
About this time the town business had accumulated
to such a degree that it became necessary to adopt
more systematic measures in relation to its conduct.
Regular meetings were to be held on the first
Monday in March and the last Monday of November, |
for the choice of officers and general business, while
unimportant matters could be regulated on lecture
days without notice; and all military affairs were to
be decided upon training days. The townsmen were
also required to make report of the action taken at |
their meetings. The first annual town-meeting was
held Nov. 26, 1651, for the choice of town officers,
and the townsmen are now for the first time called
“ selectmen,” a title which they have since retained.
The powers of these officers are given upon the record
with minute detail, and the business of the town
seems to have been settled upon in nearly the same |
form that it bears at present.
The necessity of a town clerk was apparent, and
Deacon John Rogers was chosen ‘“ recorder,’ his
special duty being that of clerk to the selectmen. At
this time there is a record made of those entitled to |
the great lots near Whitman’s Pond, numbering about
sixty persons. Jan. 24, 1652-53, two thousand acres
were set apart as town commons, running across the |
town from Braintree to Hingham, and: near the cen-
tre from north to south; at the same time Thomas
Dyer was chosen to record births, deaths, and mar-
riages, and William Torrey recorder of deeds, ete.
The town records seem at this time to have been in |
two divisions, each with its clerk, one for the per- |
In 1663
there is a record of the names, number of lot and
sonal, and the other for the general record.
acres, of each person who was allotted land in the first
and second divisions, beginning on Braintree line.
For many years the records are mainly taken up
with domestic matters, regulations for cattle, running |
boundary lines with other and adjacent towns and be-
tween different estates, locating and improving the
highways and managing the town commons, which
was a matter of no small moment in those days. The
sexton’s duties were prescribed and looked after, and
all parish matters, neither few nor small, were trans-
acted by the town in public meeting, since the town
and precinct were one.
clerk in the matter of recording grants, and for copy-
ing, so large as to demand compensation, which was
voted at the rate of one shilling for grants, six pence
for a copy, and three shillings and four pence for re-
cording the assessor's rates.
In 1668, Lieut. Holbrook was appointed with full
powers to answer the “ presentment” of the General
Court in relation to the highways.
At the March meeting, 1669-70, a committee was
chosen to procure a ‘“‘ new town book,” upon which
all of the affairs of the town should be correctly
kept, and it is not at all unlikely that the oldest
book of records now in possession of the town is the
identical book purchased at this time, since in it are
references to older books not now to be found.
@HGAPR DeR ee LiaVal
WEY MOUTH—(Continued).
King Philip’s War—Company of Horse—Town Affairs—Sir
Edmund Andros—Military Company—Canadian Expedition
—lLocal Matters—Town Boundaries—New Precinet—Dr.
White—Town Regulations—Parsonage
wacket Indians—Town Commons-——Throat
French and Indian Wars-—-French Neutrals—Dr. Tufts—
Highways-—-South Precinct.
Property—Pig-
Distemper—
/
i King Philip’s War.—During the period from
1651 to 1674, the town had been steadily growing in
population and wealth, and laying the foundations of
future prosperity, unconscious of the dark days before
it. The people were upon the shore of the bay, far
removed from danger of savage beasts or men, but
trouble was gathering, and the ill feeling between the
white settlers and the Indians on the southern
borders had risen to that point that it needed but an
accident of small importance in itself to bring about
an outburst of hostilities. Such an accident happened
in the murder of a white man by an Indian, and the
execution of the offender. This was an opportunity
too favorable to be resisted by the young braves, and
the attack upon Swanzey, June 24, 1675, was the
result.
Upon this practical declaration of war sides were
at once taken, the savages eagerly waiting to obtain
their long accumulation of revenge, while the colonies
As early as 1667 there was found a necessity to |
enlarge the capacity of the meeting-house, the seating |
At the
showing a gradual increase in population.
same time there was an increased call upon the town
of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay joined hands for
mutual aid and defense. Troops were quickly
mustered and took the field in hope of a speedy
crushing of their terrible foe.
But they reckoned without their host. Philip of
568
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
cate a eee — .
Pokanoket was no ordinary opponent, and the events | defend their own firesides, “ who, when we are most,
of the following two years were such a record of hor-
ror as the settlements had never before seen and were
never afterwards to know. All through the State,
from Massachusetts Bay to the Connecticut River, |
the Indians spread with the utmost rapidity, carry-
ing terror and dismay into every household. They
seemed to be ubiquitous, appearing in places widely
distant at the same time, and only to burn and kill.
The history of this deplorable war is too well known
to be repeated.
stroyed and half a million of money expended, while
it is estimated that more than six hundred young men
were slain or died in the service, or one in twenty of
the producing citizens, and one family in every twenty
was burned out. Contributions came in from various
sources. Connecticut, which had escaped the ravages
of the war, sent a thousand bushels of corn, and other
places were equally prompt with their sorely-needed
aid. Even across the ocean friends appeared, and
Ireland sent forward a generous gift.
It will be sufficient to say that Weymouth was not
the least among the sufferers. At the very beginning
of hostilities (12th February, 1675) an attack was
made upon the town, and several houses burnt. At
the call of the State the men of Weymouth responded
heartily to defend their homes from the ravages of
the destroyer, and in the return made by Capt. Wil-
liam Torrey on behalf of the Committee of Militia of
Weymouth, lst December, 1675, appear the names of
twelve volunteers, and nearly all of those names were
In March fol-
lowing the town was again attacked by a band of In-
of her known and honored citizens.
dians who were on their way to Plymouth Colony,
and seven houses and barns were burned, while in
February preceding several men had been killed in
the town. So many men had been drawn away from
the place for frontier service that not enough remained
for their own defense, and the exigency was so great
that on 26th March, 1676, a petition was presented
to the Governor and Council, signed by the same Wil-
liam Torrey and on the same behalf, urging the recall
of the men then on the frontier for the protection of |
their own homes; then follow the names of these,
ten in all, and none of them belonging to the preced-
ing list. These, too, were all young men of character
and promise.
19th April, 1676, Sergt. Thomas Pratt was killed
at Weymouth. And again the petition comes up
from the distressed settlement, upon a demand for six
more men by the State, representing in the most vivid
colors the dangers of their position and the absolute
More than a dozen towns were de- |
}
_are but a small company, and we have ten men out
already and have the enemy appearing daily at our
very doors, four killed already, and in danger where-
soever we go; in expectation every day and hour of
being assaulted, stand continually upon our guard,
whereby planting is obstructed and all things turning
into confusion and destruction ;’ and in a postscript
the writer, Capt. William Torrey, adds: “ Just at this
instant saw appearing of fire and smoke about the
Town, whereby we certainly know that the enemy is
very near us.”
A still later letter from the same hand continues
the story of trouble and alarm, and it was only upon
the death of Philip and the annihilation of his forces
that the terror quieted and the settlement calmed down
into its wonted peace. How many men were fur-
nished by the town for service in this war it is im-
possible now to determine, as the records are very
imperfect, and it is only by incidental mention in
contemporaneous writings that most of the facts
now known have been preserved. The twenty-two
men whose names are preserved were but a part of
those who were thus engaged; others are known to
On Oct. 12, 1676,
an abatement was made by the General Court in favor
have “ fought in the bloody war.”
of Weymouth on account of its losses by the enemy,
and ten days later the taxes of those persons “ slayne
in the war” were for this purpose levied on the whole
town. ,
Later on, in 1678, March 23d, there is the petition
of John Lovell, of Weymouth, to be paid for service
in this war, and October 7th, Richard Russ, also of
Weymouth, a wounded soldier, was allowed forty
shillings for his cure. A night-watch was also kept
up in the town as late as the summer of that year,
showing that the alarm had not wholly subsided.
Company of Horse.—In 1679, in the fall, a com-
pany of horse was formed which continued its organ-
ization for a number of years, and a year later, by
order of the General Court, the soldiers of Weymouth,
with those of the other towns in Suffolk County, were
organized into a regiment, under the command of
Maj. William Stoughton, thus anticipating any occa-
sion that might arise which should call for troops. =
Town Affairs.—26th November, 1683, an im-
portant change in the manner of choosing the select-
men was effected by a vote of the following import,
“that after this year the selectmen shall be chosen
necessity that the men should remain at home and |
?
by ‘papers, as the law provides,” and this is the
first appearance of the ballot in Weymouth.
At a meeting held on the second Tuesday of
March, 1685-86, the following curious record occurs :
WEYMOUTH.
569
“Caleb Littlefield, living in the house formerly
Thomas White’s, warned to leave town, not being an
inhabitant, or bring security to the selectmen.” He
still remained in town, and a request was made to the
General Court to enter a caution upon its records
that he or his may not become chargeable to the
town, should they come to want. Such was the care
taken that no unnecessary burden should be thrown |
In the following autumn it was
upon the people.
voted ‘that the selectmen should have their dinners |
at the town’s charge when they meet for business.”
On March 7, 1691-92, after various changes in |
the time of holding the annual meetings, the town |
returned to the former custom of holding two each |
year, one on the “last Second day of November and
the other on the first Second day of March,” which |
all of the inhabitants who were voters should be
obliged to attend, under a penalty of eighteen pence
for each absence.
Sir Edmund Andros.—The advent of Sir Edmund |
Andros as Governor of the colony in December, 1686, |
was the beginning of a series of important events bear-
ing upon its political fortunes.
had been permitted a large degree of freedom in the
management of their local affairs, and the Governor
seldom interfered ; now, everything was to give way to |
the will of the Executive, whose power was nearly ab-
solute. Learning and religion were given the go-by in
lack of the usual supports. Town-meetings were only
allowed for the choice of town officers, not for deliber-
The vote by ballot was
ation on important matters.
rejected.
common law and the Bible were brought forward in
testimony only to be scorned. All commons and lands
reserved for the poor were given to favorites. Every-
thing must minister to the power and the purse of
the Governor and his associates, while all opposers
were treated as rebels; but the unyielding spirit of
the stern old Puritans could not be subdued. Min-
isters preached sedition and resistance, and once, at
least, put by Thanksgiving day. Desperate measures
were proposed and a petition to the king prepared,
_ with which Increase Mather was already on his way
to England when the rebellion of 1688 broke forever
the power of James, and with him went his rulers in
the colonies.
Weymouth was not indifferent to these great
movements, and 20th May, 1689, a meeting was
Hitherto the colonies |
Personal liberty and the ancient customs |
were disregarded. None could leave the country with- |
out special permit. Probate fees were increased to an
alarming degree.
The
Episcopal service, never before established in the
Bible, to which Puritans would never consent.
colony, must have its place, and a meeting-house in
Boston was demanded for the purpose.
Writs of
habeas corpus were withheld, and the laws of Kng-
were levied, which were generally refused.
land denied to the people of the colony. Men were
tried, fined, and imprisoned for refusal until even the
clergy counseled resistance. The rights of property
were denied, and old grants must be renewed at a
high rate of fees, while grants under the charter
were declared void by its forfeiture.
were worthless.
Lands had been held under grants from the Gen-
eral Court to the towns and from the towns to indi-
viduals. These were now declared to be “ not worth
arush.’’ Possession and use were pleaded in vain by
the answer, ‘“‘ You use and possess for the king.’”’ The '
Oaths were administered on the |
Heavy taxes |
Indian deeds |
held in relation to a new government, at which it
was voted, “in concurrence with the representatives,”
“that the Governor, deputy, and assistants chosen in
1686, with the deputies then sent by the several
towns, should be the settled government of the
colony.” In other words, the vote was to restore the
old order of things.
When Sir Edmund Andros made his escape from
the castle, Capt. Samuel White, of Weymouth, re-
ceived a warrant from Governor Bradstreet and his
Council to pursue and bring him back again, which
he did with his troop of fifty-two men, for which,
with other services, he claimed seventy pounds, but
was allowed only twenty-two pounds eight pence.
Military Company.—24th June, 1689, the fol-
lowing officers were confirmed for the Weymouth
and Hingham troops: Capt. Ephraim Hunt, Lieut.
Jacob Nash, Ensign Richard Phillips. Capt. Wil-
liam Torrey had declined the command on account
of the infirmities of age. This seems to have been
a reorganization of the former company raised several
years previous, and which had been in service during
the interval.
Canadian Expedition.—In the Canadian expedi-
tion of 1690, Weymouth was represented by Capt.
Ephraim Hunt and others. For his services in this
campaign, Capt. Hunt received: from the General
Court a grant of the territory, now Ashland.
Local Matters—Nov. 27, 1693, the selectmen
were ordered to “ prepare and present to the Justices’
Court in Boston, the laws and orders which concern
the prudential affairs of the town;” and March 7,
1697-98, John Torrey, “to encourage his trade,
shall have twelve poles of land next his father’s, out
of the towns commons, for a tan-yard as long as he
shail use it for that purpose.”
In 1703, the town seems to have come under the
570
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
displeasure of the government for dereliction of mil- |
itary duty, his Excellency intimating to the Council |
August 19th, that Col. Hunt was in default in the levy |
of soldiers ordered from his regiment, none appearing
from Weymouth and Hingham, and Col. Hobby was |
dispatched with ten men of the troop of guards, with
orders to make a draft of twenty men out of each of
the said towns.
Town Boundaries.—F rom the earliest times the |
boundaries between Weymouth and Abington on the
south, and Braintree on the west, seem to have been
in a very unsatisfactory condition. Committees were
frequently appointed by Weymouth to run the lines
with a committee of Braintree, but in nearly all
cases the latter town refused to act; thus the matter |
remained unsettled, which was a source of much |
irritation and annoyance, until Weymouth appears to |
have lost patience, and ordered its selectmen, June |
13, 1712, to prosecute the selectmen of Braintree for |
refusing to run the town-line as the law provides, |
Whether or |
not the matter ever came to court is uncertain, but it
voting to stand by them in the business.
is quite true that down to the present time the line
has never been satisfactorily determined.
New Precinct.—In 1722,
came up which threatened to seriously disturb the |
friendly relations that the two sections of the town
held towards each other.
an important matter
With the increase of pop-
ulation the settled portions of the town gradually ex-—
tended until they covered more or less densely its
entire territory, verging in the north and south towards
villages. The length of the town and its narrowness
contributed to form it into distinct sections with sep-
arate interests and associations, and this naturally
engendered a feeling of conflict, if not of hostility,
when any questions came up on which there could be
a territorial difference of opinion.
These opportunities often occurred, particularly in
school and parish affairs. The former could more
easily be adjusted as schools could be supplied at
moderate expense for all portions, but with regard to
the church and parish, the matter was more difficult
to manage, since the church was already established,
with its meeting-house located in the north part of the
town, and a second church with its necessary expense
would involve a burden too heavy for the abilities of
the town to sustain. Yet the distance, some five or
more miles for a large portion of the inhabitants, and |
the constantly occurring occasions of disagreement,
finally brought the matter to a crisis, the south por-
tion of the town coming to the determination to have
its own church and mecting-house either by a new
precinct or by a new town.
_and prevent, if possible, its consummation.
Accordingly, a petition signed by about forty of
the inhabitants of the south part of the town was
| presented to the General Court setting forth the diffi-
culties of their position, and praying to be set off as
a distinct town or precinct. The north part, being in
the majority and disliking to be disturbed in its old-
time arrangement, determined to oppose the movement
A town-
meeting was called and a committee chosen to oppose
the petition in the General Court. Attempts were
made to accommodate the difficulty by a proposed re-
moval of the meeting-house to a more central locality,
all of which failed. Notwithstanding the efforts of
the town as represented by its majority, the General
Court, in the spring of 1723, recognizing the reason-
ableness of the request, granted it, and the South Pre-
cinct was organized with a territory covering more than
half of the area of the town. But this did not heal
the breach as subsequent events proved, for there were
yet continual sources of trouble and difficulty arising
from the parsonage property which was in possession
of the North Precinct, and which its people refused
to relinquish.
Fisheries.—In the early days of the town no in-
significant portion of the food-supply came from the
fish taken within or near its borders; and of these,
the most dependence was placed upon the herring, or
alewives, which were in the habit of running into the
ponds that feed Back River to spawn.
years the supply was doubtless sufficient for all, and
For many
there was little need of restriction or care lest that
supply should fail. It was therefore unnecessary that
the town should concern itself about the matter. But
as the population increased, and the multiplying of
mills upon the stream threatened to prevent the fish
from ascending to the ponds, it was found necessary
that the town should take some control of the matter
and provide that proper care should be taken to pre-
serve this important source of food.
As early as 1648, mention is made of the “ her-
ringe broge,” giving evidence that this fishery dates
back to the first settlement of the town. For the rea-
sons previously given very little notice is subsequentiy
taken of the matter for three-quarters of a century.
In 1724-25, at the town-meeting held March 8th, a
committee was chosen “ to treat with the mill-owners
on the river, by Bates’, to make a convenient passage
for fish into Whitman’s Pond, to pay not over £5.”
From that time onward the ‘‘ alewives business” oc-
Officers
were regularly chosen to have charge of the fisheries,
cupies a large space upon the town records.
to preserve the fish, and also to take and dispose of
them in the season, while the proceeds of the sale were
POOR FS ee
WEYMOUTH.
571
a source of income that the town valued highly, as
will be seen in the subsequent history. The arrang- |
ing and settling of this business often proved quite |
perplexing and difficult.
New County.— About 1725, the subject of forming
a new county, to be set off from Suffolk, was agitated,
but the project was steadily opposed by Weymouth, |
unless the court-house should be located within five |
or six miles of the centre of the town, to which the
other towns would not consent.
Dr. White.—At the March meeting held on the |
14th of that month, 1726-27, the town felt a necessity
for encouraging the settlement of a physician within |
its limits, and for this purpose voted “ a grant of five
acres of land to Dr. Nathaniel White while he should
remain in the town and practice medicine.”
Town Regulations.—On July 21, 1729, a list of
the first jurymen chosen by the town appears upon
the records, and from that day to the present the
matter has never been allowed to fall into disuse.
From the first settlement of the town for more than
a century its expenses were very light, the highways |
being provided for by personal labor of all the male
inhabitants above sixteen years, and no regular appro-
priation was made for the support of the poor, the
cases being very few, and each as it came up was
cared for as the circumstances of the matter required ;
hence are found occasional records like that of Aug. |
23, 1733, when the three daughters of Widow Ruth |
Harvey were provided for by the town, the largest |
tax being that for the ministry and the schools. These
matters will be more fully treated in another depart- |
ment of this sketch.
The proposition for a new county still continued to —
be agitated. Feb. 2, 1729-30, the town went so far
as to choose an agent to treat with the towns of
Scituate, Hingham, Hull, Braintree, Hanson, and
Abington respecting the matter, and Sept. 1, 1755, a
vote was passed in favor of a new county, to be com-
posed of the towns in Suffolk County outside of |
Boston.
At the following town-meeting, held March 1,
1735-36, two important measures were passed ; one al-
lowing all freeholders to vote in the affairs of the town
commons, and the other to divide all the commons
among the householders ‘‘who are freeholders,” in
equal shares, and this vote was reaffirmed at a subse-
quent meeting held March 29th.
March 7, 1736-37, a committee was chosen to unite
with Braintree to build a cart-bridge over the Smelt
Brook at Weymouth Landing, a proceeding so neces-
sary that it is almost impossible to conceive that an
important thoroughfare like this, on the main road |
leading from Boston to Plymouth, should have been
so long permitted to remain without such an improve-
ment.
And again, on the 13th of March following, the
town votes its mind that Boston should be a county
by itself, and a committee was chosen to petition the
General Court to that effect.
Parsonage Property.— Ever since the division of
the town into two precincts there had been constant
| trouble about the parsonage matters before referred
to; the South claiming a share in the property and
Yet
it was such a continual source of irritation that on
the North steadily refusing to allow the claim.
June 23, 1741, the town chose a committee to con-
sider the matter and to see if some amicable adjust-
ment could not be made, but the effort failed, and the
subject remained to be the cause of much future
trouble.
Pigwacket Indians.—In 1744, a proposition was
made that the Pigwacket Indians then stationed in
Boston should be placed in Weymouth, but the dis-
position of the town was shown by a unanimous vote,
on July 25th, that this should not be done.
Town Commons.—On May 23, 1751, the town
made its first general appropriation for the poor by
voting twenty pounds for this purpose. At the same
meeting it was also voted that the Second Precinct
should have its share of town-meetings in proportion
to its tax; also that the town commons should be di-
vided among the inhabitants according to the tax of
1750, each poll to draw one share, and other shares
in proportion to the tax; but this vote, like all pre-
vious votes of the kind, was changed on July Ist so
as to except all not over twenty-one years of age, all
not born in town and who were not householders and
freeholders, and also all persons renting property.
Throat Distemper.—At this period occurred
the terrible throat distemper that raged so viclently
in the town during a whole year, from May, 1751, te
May, 1752, that out of an estimated population of
about twelve hundred one hundred and fifty died, be-
ing an eighth of the whole number. This scourge is
unprecedented in the history of the town, and was
long remembered with dread and horror. Another
disaster of a very different character occurred in the
burning of the old church, in the First Precinct, on
the 23d of April, 1751, in which was stored three
barrels of gunpowder. These two occurrences were
deemed of so much consequence that the town voted
not to send a representative to the General Court that
year on that account.
French and Indian Wars.—Soon after this the
peace of the colonies was seriously disturbed by the
572
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
wars between England and France, which, to a large
degree, were’ carried on upon this continent, and in
which the French made alliance with the savage
tribes of New York, Canada, and the nearer western |
territories. who carried on the wars in their usual |
merciless and bloodthirsty manner; and, although
New England, especially upon the shores of Massa- |
chusetts Bay and the southern borders, was far re-
moved from the scene of active strife, yet even the |
little town of Weymouth was not exempt from its —
share in the hardship and expense attendant upon
their continuance. The records are very bare and
many of the muster-rolls have been lost, but enough
remains to show something of what these wars cost |
the town in blood and treasure for matters in which
In the expeditions of 1755
and 1756, to Crown Point and Lake George, about
forty men of Weymouth belonged in the regiment
it had no real concern.
of Col. (afterwards Gen.) Benjamin Lincoln, under —
the command of Capt. Samuel Thaxter.
Of this |
number six never returned to the town, but died or |
were killed during the year’s service. Among the
men of this company was Lieut. Solomon Lovell, af-
terwards general during the Revolutionary struggle.
But these were not all, for in the many hard cam- |
paigns along the northern frontiers during these and
subsequent years, until the capture of that last strong-
hold of the French on this continent, Louisburg, in
1758, and the victory of Wolfe on the Plain of Abra-
ham, below Quebec, in the year following, by which
the power of that nation in this quarter of the world |
was completely broken, Weymouth sent her sons to
assist in the general cause.
The names of such, to a great extent, are wanting,
but in the incidental mentions upon public archives,
and in private family histories, enough is gathered to
show that there were many of them, and that they |
bore an honorable record.
French Neutrals.—In 1755, after the capture of
Acadia (Nova Scotia) by the English, large numbers
of the unfortunate inhabitants, who were with the
greatest inhumanity forced to abandon their former
pleasant homes, and seek shelter wherever they might,
were brought to Boston, and as no provision had been
made for their support, they were parceled out among
the several towns that were thus compelled to provide
for them. Weymouth received its share, but how
many there remains no record to show, excepting such
as is found in the votes of the town in special cases
and upon the treasurer’s books, like the following:
March 8, 1756, “ Dr. Nathaniel White was paid
eight shillings per week for a year for keeping the
French Neuters,” this by vote of the town, and upon
_ the treasurer’s account there is an item of six pounds
_ paid to James Humphrey, Feb. 28, 1761, for subsist-
ing the “ French Neuters.”
Dr. Tufts.—Again, March 10, 1760, Dr. Cotton
Tufts, who had recently settled in the north part of
the town as a physician, and who afterwards, for more
than half a century, was one of its most valuable and
prominent citizens, was chosen agent to confer with
other towns about a new county.
Highways.—About the same time also the town
was found to have outgrown the primitive method of
working the highways, and something different and
more effective was needed. New regulations were
consequently adopted, whereby each poll was to be
taxed two shillings and one penny, one day’s work ;
other taxes in same proportion. Those having teams,
horse or ox, were rated at certain prices, and the
whole matter was reduced to a kind of system, rude to
be sure, but a vast improvement over the ancient plan.
This arrangement was continued with comparatively
few changes for several generations.
South Precinct.—During these years the South
Precinct seems to have been steadily gaining upon
the North in population and influence, and had become
strong enough to command a vote, March 24, 1761,
defining the word “ ministry” in the parsonage deed
to include both ministers, and that each should draw
of the income from that source in proportion to the
tax paid by his parish.
CHAPTER XLVIT
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Revolutionary War—Arbitrary Measures of the Crown—Agents
Chosen to Meet in Boston—Committees of Correspondence—
No more Tea—-Energetic Action—Record of Votes on the
Resolutions of Congress—Refusal to Pay Taxes to the Royal
Treasurer—Town Committee of Correspondence—Minute-
Men-——Preparations for War—Raising Troops-—Declaration
of Independence——Bounties—State Convention—State Con-
stitution—Procuring Men and Provisions—Soldiers to Hull.
Revolutionary War.—Soon after this time the
political affairs of the colonies began to assume an
importance that they had never before reached. The
arbitrary measures of the English government con-
tinually growing more and more harsh and oppres-
sive, had roused the people to a pitch that boded no
friendly issue. Measure after measure was adopted
by the ministry, each more urgent and onerous than
the former, and forced upon the people until they
were compelled to resort to extreme measures in self-
—
,
——
="
WEYMOUTH.
573
defense. During the whole history of the colonies all
important business was transacted in open town-meet-_
ing. Was any measure suggested for the benefit of
the town, here it was thoroughly discussed, and
adopted or rejected. Was any grievance complained
of, here it was also considered and remedies proposed.
Here all voters stood upon a perfect equality, where
each could and did speak his mind freely and fully,
and every vote counted one.
In these town-meetings, therefore, the measures of
government came up for consideration, and such
means were adopted as seemed best suited to counter-
act the evil effects of the arbitrary measures of the
crown. Here were chosen the representatives to the
General Court, to whom were given instructions filled
with important and minute detail, and these officers
were held to a strict accountability. To their con-
stituents they must answer, and that directly ; there
could be no evading or shirking, consequently the
public business was transacted under a feeling of
heavy responsibility, which resulted in carrying out
the will of the people as far as the power of the
assembled were the same class of men who spoke so
boldly in town-meeting, and the same spirit animated
their actions in the higher position.
Weymouth took an active and prominent part in
the primary action that immediately preceded the
war of the Revolution, and under the leadership of
such men as Maj. James Humphrey, Dr. Cotton
Tufts, and Gen. Solomon Lovell, of the North
Parish, and Deacon Nathaniel Bayley, of the South,
the town took a position that it had never before
nor has since attained. Oct. 16, 1765, Maj. Hum-
|
matters then agitating the country. At a special
meeting held in Weymouth, Jan. 3, 1774, of which
James Humphrey was moderator, a letter was read
from the Boston committee, with copies of the votes
and proceedings of that town at meetings held on the
5th and 18th of the previous November, with regard
to the cargoes of teas daily expected from the East
_ India Company's warehouses in London, suggesting
the co-operation of the several towns in resisting the
introduction of this obnoxious article,—obnoxious
only because it had been the innocent occasion of an
unjust tax. The matter was fully considered and a
resolution passed ‘“‘by a very great majority . . . not
to purchase nor use any of the East India Company’s
teas of any kind (excepting such as they might now
have on hand), until the act of Parliament, laying a
duty thereon, be repealed.”
No more Tea.—Also, that the minds of the people
might be more fully determined, and there be no mis-
take in the business, also to show that they were as ready
to act as to resolye, a committee was chosen, consisting
of Cotton Tufts, Esq., Maj. Lovell, Deacon Nathaniel
deputies extended. The law-makers in General Court |
Bayley, Jacob Goold, and Ebenezer Colson, to prepare
the resolutions in proper form and to present them at
the March meeting “ to be signed, that the minds of
the inhabitants may be generally known.”
On the 18th of July, of the same year, a form of
covenant was received from the committee of corre-
spondence of Boston, and recommended for signatures.
This was placed in the hands of a committee, who
_were to give it full consideration, obtain as many
phrey, then representative to the General Court, re-
ceived full and decided instructions from the town as |
to the position he was to take in the present position
of affairs.
Sept. 1, 1766, the town refused to consent to the
proposition, “that the sufferers by the disturbances
of last year in Boston should be paid from the
public treasury, as recommended by his majesty,
and instructed their representative of this action.”
Agents Chosen to Meet in Boston.—Sept. 21,
1768, James Humphrey and Cotton Tufts were ap-
pointed agents to meet in Faneuil Hall, Boston, on
the following day, to consult with the agents of other
towns on the present state of affairs.
Committees of Correspondence.—In the mean
time the political matters of the State had reached
such a point that committees of correspondence had
been formed in all of the principal towns, and fre-
quent consultations were held upon the important |
names to it as possible, and then to deposit it with
the town clerk.
Energetic Action.—At a meeting held on the
28th of September following, the instructions of the
deputies from Boston to the General Court were read,
and the same were made the instructions of the town to
its deputy, Nathaniel Bayley. At the same meeting,
Deacon Bayley was also chosen to attend the meeting
of the Provincial Convention to assemble at Concord,
on the second Tuesday of October next. The town
also accepted the nineteen resolves drawn up by the
county committee, agreeing to stand by them, and to
hold the constables harmless in refusing to pay over
the State taxes to the treasurer appointed by the
crown.
Record of Votes on the Resolutions of Con-
gress.—The resolutions prepared by the committee
had been presented to the inhabitants for signature,
according to the action of the town, and were reported
as follows. In the South Precinct this preamble was
adopted, date Dec. 12, 1774:
‘‘ We, the inhabitants of the Second Precinct in the
574
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
said Town, under the sacred ties of Virtue, Honor,
and love of our Country, do now covenant and agree
with each other, that we will conform and strictly
adhere to the agreement and association which the
American Continental Congress bas recommended
unto us, and which has now been read.”
| to pay them one shilling per week for four weeks ;
This was signed with the following result: one |
hundred and two in favor, none against and twenty-one |
not voting, make a total of one hundred and twenty-
three voters.
In the North Precinct the agreement varied a little
in its wording, and read as follows:
“We, the inhabitants of the first precinct of Wey-
mouth, whose names are here underwritten, do signify
our approbation to the Continental Association which
is recommended by the General Continental Congress
held in Philadelphia, in the year 1774, those of us
that approve of the same, to answer to our names
by the word ‘ yea,’ and those who disapprove of the
The following questions
”)
same by the word ‘no.’
were put at the close of the lecture, Dec. 25, 1774,
with this result :
One hundred and four answered “ yes,’’ four an-
swered ‘no,’ and fourteen did not answer. One
hundred and twenty-two voters being at the meeting.
and, on May 2d of the same year, it was voted to pay
“a pistareen a day for a week to a company of fifteen
men for a military guard in the present troublesome
times.”
Preparations for War.—At a town-meeting held
on the 24th of May, Deacon Nathaniel Bayley was
Deserters were to lose their wages.
chosen to represent the town in the Previncial Con-
gress to meet at Watertown, May 31st ; the Committee
_ of Correspondence was also directed to ascertain who
| officer.
were in need of arms, and report to the commanding
Enrolled soldiers from sixteen to sixty years
of age were required to meet and organize, those of
each parish at their own meeting-house, on the 25th
of May. The town also accepted the offer of Mr.
Polley for the use of two swivel guns then at Salem,
and voted their thanks to Dr. Tufts for his offer to
transport them to Weymouth.
On the 29th of May the committee was authorized
to procure arms at the town’s expense for those not
_able to purchase or hire them, and the Committee
_ of Correspondence was directed to put in order the
two swivel guns and to procure ammunition at the
Refuse to Pay Taxes to the Royal Treasurer.—
Jan. 30, 1775, Deacon Nathaniel Bayley was elected |
by the town as its delegate to the proposed Congress
to meet at Cambridge, Ist of February next, the town
to provide for him. The town also chose a committee —
to see that the inhabitants adhere strictly to their |
pledge; and, at the same meeting, renewed the vote —
to hold the constables harmless for not carrying their
“ Harryson Gray,”
money for the year 1772 to and
ordering the money to be paid to the town treasurer. ©
On the 13th of March, however, the latter vote was
so far reconsidered as to direct the constables to pay
the money to Henry Gardner, of Stow.
Town Committee of Correspondence.—A Com- |
mittee of Correspondence for Weymouth to act with |
those of the neighboring towns had been chosen on |
the 9th of March, consisting of Dr. Tufts, Maj. Lovell,
Maj. Vining, Capt. Asa White, and Mr. Josiah Colson.
This committee met in Arnold’s Tavern, at Weymouth
Landing (the building is yet standing), together with
those with whom they were to associate, organized by
choice of Dr. Tufts as chairman, and Capt. White
as secretary, and afterwards did efficient service during
the war.
Minute-Men.—On the 13th of March it having
been deemed necessary in view of the exigency of
the times and the wish to be prepared for any emer- |
gency, to enlist a company of minute-men, it was voted | offered by the province for the enlistment of ten men,
town’s charge, in case the province should not assume
it. The bells were also to be rung to notify an
alarm. The thanks of the town were also voted to
Hon. Richard Darby for the use of two small car-
riage-guns, which were delivered to Thomas Jenks, to
be returned when done, with thanks and all damage
made good.
June 1, 1775, the town instructed the committee
to hire guns at one dollar each, for six months; and
such was the urgency of the times that the enrolled
militia were ordered to appear under arms on the
Lord's day, under penalty of one dollar for each day ;
and those who remained at home, without reasonable
excuse, were to forfeit two dollars each. The num-
ber of those reporting without arms was twelve in
the North Precinct, and twenty-two in the South.
March 11, 1776, a new Committee of Correspond-
ence was chosen, consisting of Cotton Tufts, Hsq.,
Capt. James White, Col. Solomon Lovell, Nathaniel
Bayley, Esq., and Daniel Blanchard; and on the 20th
of May two representatives were chosen, Nathaniel
Bayley and Col. Solomon Lovell. All persons draw-
ing ammunition from the town were to return the
same in amount, or pay at the rate of four shillings
per pound for powder, eight pence for bullets, and six-
pence for flints.
Raising Troops.—At a town-meeting held on the
15th of July, the town voted to raise one hundred and
thirty pounds by tax, to be added to the bounty
WEYMOUTH.
575
the quota called for from Weymouth, to be raised in |
ten days. Deacon Nathaniel Bayley and Capt.
Samuel Ward were authorized to hire men from out
of town in case they should not be raised in town, and
to pay them the same bounty as was paid to towns-
men,—that is, twenty pounds, thirteen from the town
and seven from the province, and the treasurer was to
borrow the money for the purpose.
On the 22d of July eight more men were called for |
from the town, and it was voted to raise one hundred
and four pounds additional. These men were enlisted
for the Northern or Canada expedition, and fully
earned their wages.
It was also voted at a meeting
held Nov. 18, 1776, to raise ninety-two pounds for |
the men raised on the previous September. ‘This was
to be raised by tax on polls and estates, and all who
had been in the Continental service for a year were
And on the 23d December follow-
ing, the town raised one hundred and ninety-eight
pounds to pay twenty-two men who had gone into
the Continental service with Lieut. Samuel Kingman,
or three pounds additional to each man.
exempt from it.
Upon the actual commencement of hostilities, as |
will be seen, the town took prompt and decided meas-
ures to perform its whole duty in carrying into effect
its resolutions of the previous years, and to obtain the |
independence of the country. Men and money were
freely raised and sent forward at the call of the Con- |
tinental and Provincial authorities.
Declaration of Independence.—The Declaration |
of Independence was entered in full upon the town
records, and read from both pulpits upon the next
Lord’s day after its reception. Measures were also
taken to prevent a monopoly in articles of necessity, |
and to guard against extortion, and the prices at which |
these articles were to be sold were fixed by the town.
Bounties.—At a meeting held Feb. 21, 1777,
to encourage enlistments for a longer term than
those of previous years, it was voted to pay each
soldier enlisting in the Continental service for three
years, or during the war, seventy-four pounds addi-
tional. On the 17th of March it was voted to pay each |
soldier six pounds who was in the Northern army for
a year.
The committee was instructed to inquire
‘‘why some of our soldiers came from York before
their time was up,” and these were not to draw their
pay until the committee had made its report.
On the 14th of May, it was voted to pay “six.
pounds per month, for eight months, for men who |
enlist in the provincial or Continental service, and
deserters were to forfeit all right to their wages.” On
the 21st of the same month, a thousand pounds was
voted to raise men for the Continental army, and a |
_ with no immediate prospect of an end.
committee of three chosen to hire men from out of
town. No one member was to pay more than thirty
pounds per man without the consent of another. On
the 18th of August the town voted to add four
pounds, ten shillings per month to the pay of each
soldier from the time of marching to his return, allow-
ing twenty miles for a day’s march. Three hundred
pounds more were also raised for men for the Conti-
nental service; and on the 25th of August the wages
_ of soldiers were raised to twelve pounds per month
until the 1st of November.
On the 22d of September, by vote of the town, men
were not to be drafted for the army, and those who
entered the service in the previous September were to
be allowed forty shillings per month to make their
pay equal to that of the men hired by the town.
Men were becoming scarce and more difficulty was
found in obtaining them, consequently greater in-
ducements must be offered. On the 6th of Novem-
ber, Capts. Samuel Ward and Thomas Nash were in-
structed to raise men at the best rate they could to
_ guard prisoners, to serve until the 1st of April next ;
and another levy of eighty pounds was made.
On the 10th of November, under a further call for
soldiers, it was voted to ‘pay them four pounds in
case they can't be had for less, and forty shillings
| for rations to find themselves in case the State does
not find them,” and for this purpose seventy-five
_ pounds were voted.
At a meeting held on the 2d of March, 1778, it was
found so difficult to raise the necessary number of
men demanded of the town that a committee was
constituted to devise an easier method of doing it;
but notwithstanding their utmost exertions, the trou-
ble met them face to face. Men must be had, and
Committees were ap-
pointed to assist the officers in procuring enlistments,
but the men came slowly and only upon the offer of
superior inducements.
no men were to be found.
The war was lingering on
much longer than any had at first supposed, and
The buoy-
ancy of spirit and the hope that animated the people
at the beginning had died out, and there remained
but the stern reality of severe service, small pay, and
an abundance of hardship; enthusiasm could accom-
plish nothing, for there was none ; consequently, money
must be given in its stead.
On the 16th of March, 1778, it was voted to raise
six hundred and twelve pounds to pay the men under
Capt. Ward, at the rate of nine pounds per month,
On the
25th of May following fifteen hundred pounds were
voted “to raise men to be sent to Gen. Washington
who were guarding the stores near Boston.
r
576
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and other places, and the committee were authorized |
to go out of town to hire them, and to pay each man —
one hundred pounds or forty shillings per month to |
serve, to be paid in articles at the prices when the war —
began.”
July 8, 1779, the committee was instructed to
hire soldiers for the Continental army for nine months,
three years, or the war, to pay them forty shillings
per month in produce at the prices of 1775, or in cash
upon the best terms they can make, the treasurer to
borrow forty-five hundred pounds for the purpose.
State Convention.—On the 22d of July, 1779,
Hon. James Humphrey was chosen representative to
the State Convention, to meet at Cambridge on the Ist |
of the following September for the purpose of form-
ing a constitution ; and on the 2d of August the town
accepted, by a large majority, the action of the con-
vention at Concord regulating prices, and a committee
was chosen to carry the matter into effect, also to see
On the 16th of |
August the treasurer was authorized to borrow nine
thousand pounds for the purpose of procuring soldiers.
This rapid and large increase of appropriations is sim- |
ply the measure of the depreciation in the value of
the currency of the country at that time, and by no
that the regulations were observed.
means an indication of such an increase in the actual —
expense. As an illustration of this advance or rather |
depreciation, in 1780, March 13th, at the annual
meeting, six pounds was fixed as the value of a day's
work upon the highways against two shillings eight |
pence two years previous. At this meeting the as- |
sessors were instructed “ to report a list of all persons
taxed for estates to be amended by the town, and all |
upon the list were to be required to give in under
oath a true list of their property, and any who do
not shall pay double their assessment, and to double
on each assessment until they comply with the re-
quirement.”
State Constitution —On the 24th of April, 1780, a
committee was appointed to consider the new Consti-
tution and report, which was done on the 22d of May,
and this Constitution was accepted with a proposition
of certain amendments, such as ‘ where personal estate
is required, it shall be expressly mentioned ‘ rateable
estate ;’ and that at least as much property shall be
required for qualifications of members of Congress as
for Senators, and that no member of the board of war
shall be a member of the Senate or House of Repre-
sentatives; that express provision be made for calling
a Congress in 1795.” Hon. James Humphrey, the
delegate, was instructed to advocate these amendments,
and also to vote for the adoption of the Constitution,
even although they should not be made.
On the 19th of June the town was divided into
twenty districts ‘‘ as the tax-lists stand, each district to
send one man into the service, and if any one refuse to
go or to pay his proportion, the captain of the company
is directed to draft him. Any widow or female re-
fusing to pay, it shall be added to the next tax, and
any district that neglects to furnish its man, the cap-
tain of its company shall proceed to draft, the tax-list
to be put into the hands of the three highest on the
list for the purpose of calling a meeting to carry this
| vote into effect.”
Procuring Men and Provisions.—On the 18th
of September thetown voted fifteen thousand pounds
for three months’ men, and on October 9th, twenty
thousand pounds more to purchase beef, according to
the requirement of the General Court. On Decem-
ber 20th, the militia officers were appointed a com-
| mittee to see if they can hire nineteen men, the town’s
quota for the Continental army upon the last call of
the General Court, and one hundred and thirty thou-
sand pounds were voted to procure beef on the call of
the same. Non-residents were to be taxed for their
share of expense in hiring the six months’ men, and
fifty hard dollars a year for three years, was to be the
pay of men for the Continental service.
At the annual meeting, March 12,1781, it was voted
that “any person refusing to pay his proportion of
the expense of procuring men for three years’ service
shall be taxed for the same and the tax collected by
the officer.” On the 26th of March it was voted to
change the manner of raising men; voted to raise
nineteen hundred hard dollars, or currency, seventy-
five for one, for the purpose ; ninety pounds in specie
to be paid for three years’ men, one-third when mus-
tered in, and one-third at the beginning of each year
for two years succeeding.
The first meeting recorded for the election of State
officers was held April 2, 1781. On the 9th it was
ordered that the money raised to pay soldiers should
be kept by itself; and that a petition be presented to
the General Court for the privilege of enlisting the
On
June 18th, “three hundred dollars, hard money, was
’) 9
men at the Castle for the three-years’ service.
voted for three-years’ men ; one-third at the beginning
of each year, or fifty dollars bounty, and ten dollars
per month.” On the 25th of June, men were to be
‘hired on the best terms that could be made for six
months, and if delayed longer than that to have
double wages for the over time,” and for this the town
would give security, a proceeding reflecting somewhat
upon its credit.
On the 9th of July it was voted to raise five
' months’ and three months’ men for the Continental
WEYMOUTH.
service. On July 16th, a better prospect opened,
when it was understood that “ men could be had for
fifty hard dollars and they to relinquish the Conti-
uental pay.” It was accordingly voted to hire them.
On the 8th of October it was voted to raise twenty-
five hundred hard dollars to hire men for three years,
the committee to have discretionary powers in the
matter. Also voted that the monthly requisition for
beef be complied with. November 19th, it was voted
to assess immediately the State tax to make up the
deficiency in Continental soldiers; and on December
10th it was voted that the tax, fourteen hundred and
thirteen pounds, four shillings, and sixpence, be paid
by January Ist, following, or the men procured, each
of whom was to be rated one hundred and twenty-
eight pounds, nine shillings, and sixpence, and every
exertion was to be used to procure money and men.
Soldiers to Hull.—It appears that the men were
raised with much trouble but not until after the time
set, December 20th, and the superintendent refused
to receive them. A petition was therefore made to
the Governor and Council to be relieved from the diffi-
culty by a grant of more time. On Sept. 30, 1782,
ten soldiers were sent to Hull to assist the French in
throwing up fortifications for the defense of the har-
bor, and these were to be paid ‘seven dollars per
month, if not allowed that by the State;” and on
December 2d, the town remitted the taxes of ‘‘ Gideon |
Colson and Thomas Tirrell, they being in the enemies’
hands when the taxes were made.”
This concludes a brief sketch of the history of Wey-
mouth during the Revolution as found upon its records.
Very much of its service in men and money must be
sought in other directions, and at the best the story |
must be imperfectly told. Of the official rolls, many
are incomplete or wholly missing, but enough remain
to show that of a population of about fourteen hun-
dred people, according to the estimate of Dr. Cotton
Tufts, made within two years after the close of the war,
the town sent into the various departments of military
service upon the calls of the State and Continental
authority, at least two hundred men, one in seven of
its total inhabitants ; and these must have embraced |
very nearly all of the able-bodied men. It is true
that the terms of service were very short in many in-
stances, but however short, the burden of such a
large number must have been enormous.
The number who perished upon the field of battle
or died in the service cannot be ascertained, but prob-
ably not less than thirty or forty, since a list remains
|
of fifteen from the soldiers of the South Precinct |
alone.
ment of the men for wages, bounties, and support, also
37
The amount of expense attending the pay- |
D577
for army supplies, it is almost impossible to estimate
owing to the fluctuating value of the currency, but
the various votes already quoted give some idea of
its sum.
Of the officers sent into the service from this town,
honorable mention is made of General Solomon Lovell,
who was in command of the eastern military district
of which Boston was the headquarters. He also was
in active service in the Rhode Island campaign in
1778, and his brigade did efficient work in the battle
before Newport, in which the general was noted for
his coolness and bravery. He was also the military
commander of the unfortunate Penobscot expedition
of the following year, which was unsuccessful, not
| from any fault of his, but from the want of co-opera-
tion on the part of the fleet under command of Com-
modore Saltonstal, who was afterwards cashiered for
cowardice and inefficiency. Among the other officers
may be named Capt. Thomas Nash, who served under
Washington during the siege of Boston, and was officer
of the day on the night when Dorchester Heights
were taken possession of; Capt. Joseph Trufant,
Capt. Samuel Ward, Capt. Asa White, Lieut. Cush-
ing, who was with Arnold in the Canada expedition,
Lieut. Samuel Kingman, Lieut. Thomas Vinson, Lieut.
David Joy, Lieut. Asa Dyer, and others.
The record is one of which Weymouth has no
reason to be ashamed, although, at times, the work
languished and the men refused to go, money came
slowly or not at all, yet the times were such and the
demands so many and great that its ability was not
sufficient to meet them. It must also be borne in
mind that this town was not alone in these deficien-
cies, but was even more prompt than many, and
probably equal to the foremost. The fact stated
that the town sent into the field fully two hundred
men, of whom probably nearly a quarter perished,
tells a story that it will be difficult to overcome.
Hardly a family, or very few if any, but had~one
or more representatives in the field during some
part of the great struggle, and some throughout its
whole duration. The town was also peculiarly for-
tunate in having for its leaders men of such ability
and judgment as those whose names have been men-
tioned, Dr. Cotton Tufts, Gen. Solomon Lovell, Maj.
James Humphrey, and Deacon Nathaniel Bayley,
men who were wise in council, skillful and brave in
the field, and untiring in their efforts to promote the
interests of their country in the-momentous struggle
in which it was then engaged. Some of the public
papers prepared by these men in their official service
are models of political documents, and will compare
favorably with the best of that day.
CHAPTER XLVIIL
WEY MOUTH— (Continued).
Recovering from the Effects of the War—Work-House—Local
Matters—Smallpox—Norfolk County—Attempt to divide the
Town—Business Enterprises—Post-office—War with Eng-
at Cohasset—Town Lines —Manufacturing
Companies Discouraged—Surplus Revenue—Anti-Slavery
Resolutions—Town Records—Town Hall—War of the Rebel-
lion—Opening Scenes—Twelfth Regiment—Raising ‘Proops
—Military Records—Bounties—Thirty-fifth Regiment—
Town Bonds and Seal—Forty-second Regiment—Contribu-
land—Alarm
tions—Difficulties--Fourth Heavy Artillery—Final Attempt |
‘to divide the Town—Soldiers’ Monument—Two Hundred
and Fiftieth Anniversary—Water Question—Fire Depart-
ment—Growth of the Town.
Recovering from the Effects of the War.—
The process of recovery from the desolations occa-
sioned by the war was slow. The losses had been
too great, the wounds too deep, and the exhaustion
too complete to be made good at once; hence, there |
was great depression in trade, for there was no money
upon which to transact business. The drain of men
had been so severe that it was many years before the
gap thus occasioned was so far filled that the ordinary |
The |
evils resulting from a currency depreciated until its |
duties could be done with comparative ease.
value became but nominal, continued the burdens of
taxation far beyond their natural limits, and thus there
was stagnation and depression. Nor were these physical |
evils the only sources of difficulty, those of a moral |
nature, resulting directly from habits contracted in
the army, were a calamity of far more terrible charac-
ter; and not one was so fearful and far-reaching in
its effects as that of the excessive use of intoxicating |
liquors, which had become wellnigh universal; and
in consequence, large numbers of well-to-do families,
who before the war were in comparative wealth and
ease, became reduced, and were obliged to sell the
estates that the war had left to them, to supply the
demands of an exhaustless appetite. Hence, in
course of the following generation a vast number of
the
the estates in town changed hands. Nor has
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
| the citizens. During the latter years of the war the
town, after various attempts, succeeded in building, in
1779, a work-house near the centre of its territory,
not far from ‘irrell’s mill, for the accommodation of
effect of this wholly ceased even at the end of a full |
century from the close of the war, but is still felt in
its hereditary power, by multitudes of the present |
generation, who have inherited this unnatural appetite
from their ancestors.
Work-House.—For years therefore the inhabi-
tants were obliged to struggle for a bare maintenance, |
and were in no condition to prosecute business en-
terprises or carry on the pursuits of learning; and it |
was a score of years before the natural resources of |
the town began to be developed by the enterprises of
|
I
the poor, who had increased to such a degree as to re-
quire special attention ; and this house was used for
that purpose until the erection of another building
for the same purpose, at Weymouth Landing, in
| 1809.
Local Matters.—A few items of interest occur
upon the records from time to time before the close of
the century, among which are the following: March
12, 1787, the town officers took the oath of allegiance
agreeable to a resolve of the General Court; May 7,
1787, Dr. Cotton Tufts was chosen a delegate to the
Convention in Boston, second Wednesday in January,
to consider the constitution or form of government of
the United States of America; April 5, 1790, the
town voted to allow their representatives five shillings
per day agreeably to the practice of other towns, and
March 14, 1791, the town clerk was directed to read
the laws of the commonwealth at the next meeting
after he receives them,
Smallpox.—At a meeting held Sept. 11, 1792,
the town refused to permit inoculation for the small-
pox, and March 11th, following, permission was
granted for the erection of a hospital for that purpose
agreeable to law, under direction of the selectmen.
Norfolk County.—After the war the question of
anew county was frequently raised and various action
taken, sometimes favorable and sometimes opposed,
but the matter was finally determined by the General
Court, and the towns of Suffolk County, southerly
from Boston, were set off and formed into Norfolk
County in 1795; this, however, does not seem to have
suited the good people of Weymouth, for, August 26th
of that year, a committee was appointed to draw upa
petition to the General Court praying to be set off
from Norfolk County and to be reannexed to Suffolk,
but the movement was unsuccessful, and Weymouth
| has remained to the present time a part of Norfolk
County, although the attempt was afterwards re-
newed, the reason alleged being that the shire-town
was too far away.
Attempt to Divide the Town.—In 1796 the di-
vision of the town was again proposed, this time by
the North Precinct, and a petition presented to the
General Court for that purpose. The feeling ran very
high, the North Precinct being almost unanimously
in favor, and the South as decidedly opposed. For
the next halfa dozen years the matter was in constant
agitation in public and in private, in parish-meeting
and in town-meeting, and the town was so nearly di-
WEYMOUTH.
579
vided upon the subject that the votes were sometimes |
in favor and sometimes against. At that time, about |
the year 1802, according to a canvass made for the
purpose, the population was found to have increased
to 1803, 965 of whom lived in the North Parish, and
838 in the South; the ratable polls in the North 211
and in the South 200; two-fifths of the land in the |
North, and three-fifths in the South; of the money
at interest the South had $22,950, and the North
had $20,133. The Senate voted in favor of a division
but the House refused, and the matter was referred to
the next session, March 3, 1803, which was equiva-
lent to an indefinite postponement of the whole sub-
ject. Thus the question has remained to the present,
with spasmodic attempts from time to time to revive
it, but never with much prospect of success.
Business Enterprises—With the increase of.
population and wealth there came also a revival of |
business enterprises, and soon after the beginning of
the nineteenth century a new era of prosperity
dawned upon the town, commencing at Weymouth
Landing, at the head of tide-water on Fore River, |
and gradually extending over other parts of the town.
In 1805 a turnpike was built through Weymouth,
opening a more direct communication between Boston
and Plymouth, by which the village at the landing
was largely the gainer. Under the lead of Capt.
Samuel Arnold, Levi Bates, and others various |
branches of mechanical industry were started, and a
new life infused into the community. Within a few
years a large number of buildings were erected within
a radius of half a mile.
Many of them, in magni-
tude and value, have hardly been surpassed to the pres- |
ent day. Navigation was resumed, and quite a brisk |
trade carried on between the town and Boston by
means of sailing packets, which ran regularly ; and
it was in these days that shoe manufacturing com- |
menced, which has since grown into such vast propor-
tions.
In 1800, March 10th, there is found for the first
time upon the records the warrant for the town- |
meeting entered in full, a custom that has been ever |
since continued; and under date of May 11, 1801,
are found the qualifications of voters at that time,
who were to be twenty-one years of age, and to
possess a freehold valued at sixty pounds, or one
yielding an income of three pounds (free suffrage had
not yet become the law of the land).
The town, which was always conservative, did not |
look altogether with favor upon the new enterprises,
but viewed with jealous eyes the proposition to open
new roads through its borders and construct bridges
across the rivers, and went so far (3d February, 1803) |
navigation at Fore River.
as to choose a committee to oppose them before the
committee of the General Court, which had the mat-
ter under consideration,—such men as Cotton Tufts,
Hliphalet Loud, and Maj. John White being foremost
in the opposition,—but the roads and the bridges were
built, and the town was the better for them.
Post-Office.—In 1804, February 6th, the town
instructed the selectmen to petition the Postmaster-
General to establish a post-office at or near the head of
This village, although the
| youngest in town, was already the most important.
The answer to this petition was the establishment of
the first post-ofice in Weymouth. In 1809 the new
work-house at the landing was completed, costing
about sixteen hundred dollars, and was used for the
_ accommodation of the town’s poor until the purchase
of the present town farm, in 1839. March 12,
1810, the selectmen and the physicians of the town
| were appointed a committee to superintend the inocu-
lation with cowpox.
War with England.— During the war with Great
Britain, in 1812-15, many of the young men of the
town engaged in the service by land and sea, but
the action of the town shows very little movement in
connection with the subject, there being but four votes
standing upon its records relating to the matter. May
21, 1812, the town voted to pay each enlisted soldier
a bounty of five dollars, and ten dollars per mouth pay
while in actual service; and June 30, 1814, it was
voted to make the pay of non-commissioned officers
and privates, now or hereafter in the service, equal to
fifteen dollars per month, and the same to those called
out upon the alarm at Cohasset, and who remained
there until legally dismissed. A committee of safety
was also chosen, to consist of the selectmen (three)
and six others. Onthe 7th of November the town
voted twelve hundred dollars to pay the soldiers and
build a magazine.
Alarm at Cohasset.—The nearest approach to
actual hostilities that the town experienced during
that war was upon the occasion of this “ alarm at Co-
hasset,” which occurred on a Sunday, Adjt. Cushing
notifying the militia in the meeting-houses while the
people were attending divine service. It was re-
ported that a landing had been effected from an Eng-
lish ship-of-war that was cruising along the coast,
committing many petty depredations, and that there
was necessity for immediate assistance. The infantry
and artillery companies from Weymouth responded
immediately, but the alarm was a false one and there
was no need of troops.
Mechanical industry being then in its infancy, and
needing the services of only a part of the men, num-
580
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
bers of these had entered into the mercantile marine,
and at the opening of the war, this branch of service
being paralyzed, many of them found employment in
the navy and upon privateers.
|
A change appears upon the records in May, 1818, |
an income
with respect to the qualification of voters,
from freehold estate of ten dollars, or one valued at
two hundred dollars, being required, and an age of |
twenty-one years.
Town Lines.—In the beginning of the third vol-
ume of the town general records there is a full descrip- |
tion of the town lines,as measured by James Humph-
rey, Esq., in 1794, probably the most correct and |
reliable of any to be found upon any record. Aug.
21, 1820, a committee was appointed to oppose the
petition of the Hingham and Quincy turnpike to the
General Court to have the allowance paid to vessels |
passing through their drawbridges removed.
Manufacturing Companies Discouraged. — In
the years 1822 and 1824, committees of manufactur- |
ing companies were looking over the State in search |
of the most desirable water privileges, with a view of |
selecting a location, and Weymouth Back River ap-
pears to have had a preference.
In the former year,
12th of August, Samuel Hubbard and others had so |
far decided in favor of this locality that they re-
quested of the town the privilege of purchasing the |
alewife fishery, the only serious aifficulty; but the -
town, valuing a small present income more highly
than a large one in prospect, refused.
Again, April |
5, 1824, Gen. W. H. Sumner and others, impressed ©
with the value of the water privilege, offered the town
two hundred dollars per year for ten years, and agree- |
ing to make a sufficient fishway by which the fish could |
ascend into the pond above, to employ a capital of
one hundred thousand dollars, and pay a parish tax
to be divided between the three parishes. But the
town, with strange short-sightedness, again refused.
Had better counsels prevailed, Weymouth might now
be what Lowell is. On May 2, 1825, Gen. Sumner
again renewed his request with a still more favorable
proposition, but the town would not consent.
In 1831 the report of the expenses of the town
was printed for the first time.
Surplus Revenue.—In 1836 the general govern-_
ment found itself in the anomalous condition of an
overflowing treasury, and a large sum amounting to
millions was distributed among the States for
Massachusetts distributed its
many
use as a loan.
among the several towns, and Weymouth, in
their
share
1837, after one of the most hotly-contested struggles
in its history, having called no fewer than eight |
meetings upon the matter, divided its share among
the inhabitants, pro vata, taking notes therefore,
which was in reality a perpetual loan without interest,
for on March 16, 1868, the town voted to destroy
the notes, amounting to $6146.40, they being out-
lawed and worthless.
Anti-Slavery Resolutions.—Soon after this time
the anti-slavery agitation commenced, and an earnest,
determined body of its friends were found among
the citizens, and so vigorous and successful were their
efforts that a strong sentiment was created in the
town in favor of the movement, so strong that when,
in 1842, George Latimer, a fugitive slave, lay in
Boston jail, at the instance of his alleged master,
James b. Gray, of Virginia, a series of indignant
resolutions were passed at the meeting held November
14th, protesting against the act.
In 1857 another movement was made by Jacob
Perkin and others towards the improvement of the
water privilege at Hast Weymouth, in the interest of
iron manufacturers, which, after long and tedious ne-
gotiations and litigations, resulted in the establish-
ment of the Weymouth Iron Company, which has
proved one of the most important business enter-
prises of the town.
Pay of Town Officers.—At the March meeting,
in 1843, it was voted to pay town officers one dollar
per day for their services, the clerk to have no pay
for town-meeting days. This seems to have been the
beginning of regular payments for this purpose, but
with an advance from time to time until it has in-
creased to three times its original amount.
In 1847 a strong effort was again made for a divi-
sion of the town, but like that of fifty years previous
it proved unsuccessful, the vote on the question being,
taken by a committee going from house to house,
with the following result: 460 in favor and 465
against, 72 not voting, and 56 not found; of the
nays, 359 were in the South Parish. This agitation
was renewed again in 1850 with similar result.
On Nov. 12, 1850, strong, denunciatory resolutions
against the fugitive slave law were passed, and on
March 10th, succeeding, the town voted that they be
expunged from the record, which was accordingly
done by writing across the face. Thus the record
stood until March, 1880, when the latter vote was
rescinded, and the record stands as originally made
in favor of the resolutions and as the voice of the
town.
Town Records.—The original town records being
badly worn and in a very dilapidated condition, the
selectmen were instructed to have them transcribed,
also to look up the books belonging to the town,
have them catalogued, and to procure a safe in which
WEYMOUTH.
581
to keep them. The first and last clauses of the vote
were carried into effect, but that relating to the cata-
logue remained unattended to.
Town Hall.—In 1852, in view of the want of
a proper place for holding town-meetings, and for
quarters for town offices, the town hall was built on
the westerly side of Washington Street, at the corner
of Middle Street, and very near the geographical
centre of the town. A plain, inexpensive structure,
but which has answered the actual necessities of the
town in that respect for over thirty years. And
again on March 13, 1854, a series of strong anti-sla-
very resolutions stand upon the records as the ex-
pression of the town.
War of the Rebellion—As will be seen, the
records are very bare of interest, other than that |
which attaches to the ordinary but necessary business _
The
long continued quarrels in Congress upon the slavery
of the town, until the stirring days of 1861.
question, each year growing more intense and bitter,
had culminated in a marshaling of the contending
parties and the election of a Republican President.
The crisis was brought about by accident, each party
believing, until the actual collision, that the other
would give way and not force matters to an extremity.
But the attack upon Sumter and the call of President
Lincoln for volunteers decided the question in favor
of war. The spirit of the people was aroused to
the highest pitch and the greatest enthusiasm pre-
vailed.
A public meeting of the citizens was called at once,
and the organization of a military company for actual
service commenced. Volunteers for what was after-
wards Company H, Twelfth Regiment of Massachu-
setts Volunteers, were enlisted; the company was
soon filled, and made choice of James L. Bates for
captain, whose after-record was the brightest in the
town’s military history. He passed through the vari-
ous grades of service, and at the close of the war wore |
worthily the honorable title of brevet brigadier-gen-
eral. His regiment saw the hardest service, and
fought in twenty-eight battles.
On the 29th of April a special town-meeting was
called, at which five thousand dollars were voted to
equip this company and for other necessary expenses
connected therewith.
ceive fifteen dollars per month and each single man
Each married man was to re-
ten dollars, while in actual service under command of
its officers; the same to be paid to others who shall
hereafter enlist. June 11, 1861, the selectmen were
directed to furnish necessary aid, not exceeding fifteen
dollars per month, to the wife, and children under
sixteen years of age of men enlisted by the town in
the service; also to other near relatives who might
be dependent upon them at the time of enlistment.
On the 10th of March, 1862, ten thousand dollars
was appropriated for aid to the families of volunteers
in the field, and the poll-tax of last year’s volunteers
was also remitted.
Military Records.—The selectmen were instructed
to cause a record to be prepared and kept of all the
Weymouth soldiers engaged in the service of the gov-
ernment, with such details as may be obtained with
respect to them and their service, names, ages, resi-
dence, and such particulars as may be necessary to a
full knowledge of them and their service in the war.
Within the first year of the Rebellion Weymouth
had paid out for aid to families of soldiers over fifteen
thousand dollars, something over one-third of which
was to be reimbursed by the State; and in order to
guard against unforeseen and sudden emergency
“ Union Guards” were formed, for whose supplies and
necessary expense the town also paid in the same time
nearly a thousand dollars more.
Bounties.—During the summer of 1862, the
urgency for soldiers became so great and the call so
persistent that the town, upon the report of a com-
mittee appointed for the purpose, voted to pay a bounty
of one hundred and fifty dollars to each inhabitant
who should enlist within ten days (25th July) as
a volunteer in the United States service for three
years, unless sooner discharged, under the call of the
Governor, as per general order No. 26, to be paid on
being mustered in; volunteers for one year to be paid
one hundred dollars; and nineteen thousand dollars
was appropriated for the purpose.
Upon the spur of this incentive a second company
was speedily raised, which was mustered into the service
Aug. 12, 1862, as Company H, Thirty-fifth Regi-
ment of Massachusetts Volunteers. Benjamin F.
Pratt was chosen captain, who was promoted through
the several grades of the service, and at the close of
the war was breveted as brigadier-general. This
regiment and the Twelfth saw very hard service in
the Army of the Potomac, and their losses were very
severe. On the 19th of August the town extended
this offer to all who should enlist in the town’s quota,
whetber inhabitants or not.
Town Bonds and Seal.—On the 4th of Novem-
ber fifteen thousand dollars was appropriated for aid
to the families of soldiers who were inhabitants of the
town when enlisted. At the same time it was voted
to issue town bonds not exceeding thirty thousand
dollars at five per cent., and March 24, 1863, the
selectmen were instructed to procure a corporate seal,
with the legend, “Town of Weymouth, Mass., Incor-
582
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
; ai ; j aa
porated 1635,” for the use of the town, upon its bonds
and other documents, which was accordingly done.
In the fall of that year a company of nine months’
men were enlisted, and mustered into the service
September 13th, as Company A. Forty-second Regi-
|
|
ment Massachusetts Volunteers, under the command |
of Col. Burrell. Hiram 8S. Coburn was chosen its
captain.
On the 21st of July, 1863, the town voted three |
dollars per week for aid to the families of volunteers |
for one year, to fill up the town’s quota, in addition to |
the sum paid by the State, and the same amount for
a second year, provided they continue in the service
so long;
5)
As the time approached for the expiration of the
term of service of the Twelfth Regiment, the select-
men were directed to proceed to Boston and receive
Company H of that regiment, and to invite those
members of the Eleventh Regiment, who enlisted
from this town, to assist in this duty. In the summer
and autumn of this year a fourth company was en-
listed for one year, and mustered in as Company G,
Fourth Heavy Artillery. Many of these were re-
enlistments of members of the Twelfth, Thirty-fifth,
and other regiments whose terms of service had ex-
pired. ‘This company was stationed upon the fortifi-
cations near Washington and saw but little active
and on November 23d one thousand dol- |
Jars was placed at the disposal of the recruiting com-_
mittee, who were to receive no pay for their services.
Contributions.— At the annual meeting, March 21,
1864, the town voted to raise twenty-five thousand
dollars for State aid, and subsequently, April 9th, it was
voted to refund the contributions made by citizens for
filling the town’s quota of men under the calls of the
President, October 14th, and February Ist, provided the
contributors agree in writing to apply the same towards _
furnishing the men called for March 14, 1864; and |
six thousand five hundred dollars was appropriated
for the purpose. The recruiting committee were also
instructed to solicit subscriptions of money, to be used
in raising men to fill the present quota. On the 20th
of May ten thousand dollars were voted for recruiting
under the last call.
Difficulties.—On the 8th of June the town voted
to pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each
volunteer recruited under any call of the President
service.
On the 8th of November the town appropriated
twelve thousand dollars for bounties, not to exceed one
hundred and twenty-five dollars to each man counted
in Weymouth’s quota under the next call. March
20, 1865, the town voted to borrow thirty thousand
dollars on its bonds at six per cent., to be sold as re-
quired; and on the 22d of May the town voted to
refund the money contributed by individuals to aid in
filling the quota of the town in accordance with the
law of April 25th of this year; a list to be prepared
and payment to be made in town notes, due Sept. 1,
1866. On the 21st of December a committee was
chosen to consider the subject of a soldiers’ monument
and report.
aid to all who had not received it; also, to pay each
man drafted July, 1863, who furnished a substitute,
whether the latter remained in the service or not,
A vote was also passed to pay two years’
payable in town notes in three years with interest.
this year, or in anticipation of any future call, this
enlistment to be made under
chairman of the board of selectmen.
at this time to be great difficulty in answering the
calls of the President, and so serious was the emer-
gency that the selectmen resigned in a body, but were
afterwards persuaded to withdraw their resignations.
It appeared, also, that the town was justified in
the direction of the |
There seemed |
making serious complaint of the manner in which the |
enrollment of those liable to military duty was made,
“That the en-
rollment of this town is fully 20 per cent. larger than
as appears by the following resolves:
the average towns in the district, large numbers of
whom are unfit to be enrolled, and that the town re-
quest an equitable enrollment. That the town believes
their selectmen and assessors to compare favorably |
with those of neighboring towns, and feels aggrieved
that they should have been entirely ignored in the
matter of enrollment, while those of other towns
have been appointed to that duty.”
This completes the record in brief of Weymouth dur-
ing the war as far as it appears upon its books; but
before a correct judgment can be formed as to what the
town actually did in the great struggle for existence
that the country carried on during the four years from
1861 to 1865, it will be necessary to go somewhat
more into detail, and to ascertain more nearly the
number of men sent into the field and what became
of them. It is well known that the town answered
all of the calls made upon it, but what was their
measure? <As before noticed, there were enlisted four
full companies ; these were sent into the service and
performed all the duties required of them, which in
many instances were neither few nor light; besides
these, enlistments were made for all the various
branches of the service, infantry, artillery, and cavalry,
in more than fifty different organizations, as well as
many in the navy. ‘The whole number actually con-
tributed by the town probably will never be accurately
known, but upon its records are the names of nearly
eight hundred; without question enough have been
WEYMOUTH.
583
omitted to carry the total above that number, or | also authorized to engage some one to prepare and
nearly one in ten of its population.
Of these, ninety-eight have their names upon the
soldiers’ monument as having been killed in battle or
died in the service. Besides these, and this list is by
no means complete, more than a hundred are reported —
as wounded, and nearly forty taken prisoners, many of
whom died in rebel prisons. And of the whole num-
ber, only eight, less than one in a hundred, are re-
ported as deserters, and some of these returned to their
regiments.
and one of which the town may well be proud;
and when the history of Weymouth in the Rebellion
is written, which will some day be a fact, it will be |
This certainly is an honorable record |
made sure that this town is entitled to a high place |
among the thousands that contributed cheerfully and |
|
liberally towards the accomplishment of the same |
noble purpose.
Final Attempt to Divide the Town.—XSeveral —
attempts were made to revive the question of a di- |
vision of the town, and March 19, 1866, a vote was |
actually passed to do this (two hundred and sixty- |
nine to two hundred and thirty-nine) upon the north- |
erly line of the fifth and sixth school distrigts, and a |
committee of one appointed from each district to carry
|
the vote into effect; but the matter appears to have |
been dropped, to be again called up March 4, 1878, |
when the selectmen and three from each ward, twenty
in all, were constituted a committee to take the whole
matter into consideration and report.
3, 1879, and was unanimous that it was inexpedient
to divide the town at that time, and the report was
accepted.
Soldiers’ Monument.— After various votes and ap-
|
|
This report |
was made at the next annual meeting, held March |
propriations, a soldiers’ monument was erected upon |
Burying Hill, in the old North Cemetery, upon the
easterly side of the highway, consisting of a plain
granite obelisk, suitably commemorating the names
and services of those who perished in the Rebellion
in defense of their country, and was dedicated in 1868.
On the 21st of March, 1870, it was voted to divide
the town into five wards, for convenience in carrying |
on the necessary public business. This was accord-
ingly done, and it remains thus to the present day.
In 1871, March Gth, the first appropriation was made
for the celebration of Memorial day, and the vote has
been annually repeated ever since.
The Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary.—
At the annual meeting held March 2, 1874, a com-
publish a history of the town. The first vote was
carried into effect on the 4th of July of that year, by
a public meeting upon King Oak Hill, with appro-
priate services, among which was an historical address
by Charles Francis Adams, Jr., Esq., whose great-
grandmother, Abigail Smith, wife of John Adams,
second President of the United States, inferior to none
of the honorable women mentioned in the national his-
tory, was born and reared within a short distance of the
spot where the address was delivered. The occasion
was one of great interest, being the second of the
kind held in Massachusetts, and was celebrated with
much enthusiasm by a large number of the citizens of
this and other towns, who were cordially invited to
the entertainment.
Water Question.—The last important business
found upon the town records is upon the question of
supplying the town with water from Great Pond.
Many and urgent had been the calls demanding this
or some other means by which the inhabitants and
the rapidly growing necessities of the town should be
Efforts
were put forward to that end, and a charter was ob-
tained from the Legislature of 1882-83, of sufficient
On the 18th of
September, 1883, a town-meeting was called, at
furnished with an ample supply of water.
powers to cover the undertaking.
which it was voted, by a large majority, to accept
the water act, and on the 25th of the same month a
board of water commissioners was chosen, and in-
structed to cause to be made thorough surveys and
estimates of all work and costs proposed by the act,
and to make a report of the same at a special meeting
to be called for the purpose. This, one of the most
important enterprises ever undertaken by the town,
has not reached its present stage without violent op-
position. The unfortunate situation of the town in
respect to its various villages, with their often con-
flicting interests, and the jealousies occasioned thereby,
has shown itself in this matter, as in nearly every
important movement that has ever been proposed, and
its success, however much it may be desired, is not
yet assured. (The final action assuring it has since
| been taken.)
Fire Department.— Until quite recently the town,
officially, had made no attempt to afford its citizens
protection against fire. What had been done was the
| work of volunteer companies, or of fire districts in
mittee was chosen to make arrangements to celebrate |
the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the set-_
tlement of the town, and the same committee was
A half
century or more ago a small hand-engine, called the
which the town government had no part.
‘« Aquarius,” manned by a company of volunteers,
was located at Weymouth Landing, which was for
many years the only protection against fire, other
584
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
than the primitive hand and bucket arrangement.
Some twenty years later several fire districts were
erected in town, and hand-engines provided for
them.
action in the same direction, and went so far as to
choose a committee to purchase four engines and the
necessary apparatus to go with them, for the four
principal villages. This was April 29, 1844; but
on the following May 7th this vote was rescinded,
and the matter remained in its previous condition
until March 5, 1877, when a committee of three
from each ward was chosen to organize “a fire depart-
ment.” In accordance with the report of this com-
mittee, the town, on the 15th of May, voted to pur-
chase 3 fire-engines, hose-carriages, ete., 2 hook-and-
ladder trucks, and 1500 feet of hose. Also to build
3 engine-houses and construct 5 reservoirs, appropri-
ating $18,000 therefor. On the 30th of January,
1878, a vote was passed making a further appropria-_
tion of $1100 for another hand-engine.
$2000 was voted for an engine and hose-carriage.
On May 2d,
In
March, 1880, a steam fire-engine was purchased for
Ward 3, at a cost of $3200, and in 1883, $4200 was
Thus it will
be seen that the town has made a beginning in this
appropriated for a steamer for Ward 2.
important matter, which only needs to be supple-
mented by the introduction of water from Great
Pond, as proposed by recent votes, or from some other
source, to afford really effective protection.
Growth of the Town.—It may be of interest to
note the gradual growth of the town expenses from
the beginning, when almost every separate item was
voted upon in open town-meeting, and there were
almost no general appropriations, until the present time,
when the annual expenditure of the town is not far
from $100,000. On the 23d May, 1751, is noted
the first general appropriation for the poor, amount-
ing to £20.
personal labor, and it was not until after the year
The highways were provided for by
1800 that anything like regular, stated appropriations
were made.
average sums appropriated for expenses, other than
At that time the town attempted some |
year 1800 to about $500. From 1800 to 1810, the
yearly average was about $700; from 1810 to 1820,
about $1000; from 1820 to 1830, about $1000 to
$1200 (in 1821 there were 895 children of school
age); from 1830 to 1840, from $1200 to $2000;
from 1840 to 1850, from $2500 to $3500 (in 1842
_ there were 1099 children of school age); from 1850
|
|
Beginning with the year 1820, the |
schools and highways, were for the ten years from |
1820 to 1830, about $1400; for the succeeding de-
cade, from 1830 to 1840, about $2000; from 1840.
to 1850, about $4000, an increase of 100 per cent. ;
from 1850 to 1860, about $7000; from 1860 to
1870, about $15,000; and from 1870 to 1880, about |
$25,000, an increase in half a century of nearly 1800
per cent., while the increase of population was but |
little more than 400 per cent.
The expenditure for schools, aside from the build-
ings, beginning at about $100, had risen in the
to 1860, from $3500 to $7000; from 1860 to 1870,
from $8500 to $15,000; from 1870 to 1880, from
$20,000 to $26,000, an increase since 1821 of 2500
per cent., while the number of school children had
increased but about 125 per cent. (the census of 1880
showing 2028 children of school age).
The increase of population for the first century and
a half was very small indeed, the estimate for 1643
being about 1000.
Kgerton manuscript in the British Museum, and dates
about 1675, in which the number of houses set down
for Weymouth, in round numbers, is 250; allowing
5 to a house, this would give a population of 1250.
In 1750 the estimate was 1200. A census in 1765
showed 1258, while that of 1776 indicated 1471, and
in 1790 this had declined to 1469. In 1800 quite a
gain was shown in a total of 1803. The following
ten years* there was an increase of but 86, while in
1820 the number had increased to 2407. From this
The next estimate is from the
| time the gain was rapid, the census of 1830 giving a
population of 2837, while that of 1840 was 3738,
and that of 1850 stood at 5369. The succeeding ten
| years showed an increase of over 40 per cent., giving
a total of 7742. In 1870 the population was 9010,
and in 1880, 10,570, a gain in the present century of
almost 500 per cent.
The appraised value of the real property was in
1853, $1,158,999; and of the personal, $619,483 ;
a total of $1,758,482. In 1875 the real estate was
valued at $3,863,523 ; and the personal, $2,107,711 ;
a total of $5,971,234. This was the last State valuation.
These statistics show, in a comparative degree, the
wonderful development of the town in material re-
sources, and also its rapid progress in mechanical
pursuits, while the indications are not wanting that
promise a long continuance of its prosperity.
Oye ACP Hd 2x
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Keclesiastical History—Congregational Churches—The First
Church.
The First Church.—There is no record of the or-
ganization of this church, It is simply recognized by
its name at the earliest mention as an established in-
WEYMOUTH.
585
stitution well known to contemporaneous writers. It
has already been stated that with the Gorges Com-
pany, in 1623, came Rev. William Morrell, a clergy-_
man of good reputation in the Church of England, of |
culture and learning ; that he remained in the planta-
tion for perhaps a year and a half and then gave up —
his charge, returning to England by way of Ply-—
mouth,
and remarkable discretion, well suited to have the
charge of an English parish, but scarcely adapted to
the needs of a New England settlement at that day.
Mr. Morrell brought with him a commission from the
Keclesiastical Court in England to exercise a kind of
superintendency over the churches already existing or
which might be established here.
was to empower him with authority over all churches
in the colony, and as “all” meant only Plymouth,
He was an amiable gentleman of refinement |
structure, corresponding to the dwellings of the people.
No mention, however, is made of this, which in a few
years was replaced by a more convenient and substan-
tial building erected upon Burying Hill.
In the summer of 1635 a large addition was made
to the little settlement by the arrival of a company of
about a hundred people, under the leadership of Rev.
Joseph Hull, sailing from Weymouth, England, but
| gathered from the county of Somerset and the neigh-
This commission |
borhood. Mr. Hull came in the interest of the
Episcopacy, being a graduate of Oxford of 1612, and
as recently as 1632 rector of Northleigh, Devon, but
finding that the condition of the plantation was such
as hardly to justify an attempt to establish the Epis-
copal form of worship in the immediate vicinity of so
many dissenters, and probably with a leaning in the
latter direction himself, he fell in with the current
over which he was hardly in a position to claim juris- |
diction, he obeyed the dictates of his good sense and |
refrained from any attempt to exercise his authority.
The conditions under which the settlement at Wey- |
mouth was made rendered it unnecessary to organize a
parish, for it already existed as a matter of fact, and the
|
church was a branch of the Church of England in this —
remote corner of its kingdom; and evidently to the
care of his parish Mr. Morrell devoted himself so long
ashe remained. ‘The religious element does not seem
to have been predominant in this settlement, and the
surroundings and influences being such as to give but
little promise of future benefit, Mr. Morrell returned
to his own country, leaving the remnant of his flock
to the mercy of circumstances. In the following
year, 1624, according to ‘“ Prince’s Annals,’ which,
from the facilities in the hands of the compiler, seems |
fairly conclusive, there came in another company, to |
join the planters at Wessaguscus, from Weymouth,
England. These were probably a mixed party, with
the independent element predominant, since it is
stated that they brought with them a non-conformist
minister by the name of Barnard, who remained
‘with them until his death. Nathing more is known
of him or of his administration over this people.
There was no need to organize a church, since one
after the Episcopal form already existed. It simply
changed its “rector” for a ‘minister.’ There was
no need even to throw off the authority of the bishop,
since there was no officer of that order to claim the
rule, and thus for a dozen years the affairs remained,
the continual influx of planters of various religious
ideas preventing, probably, any very decided opinions
from becoming predominant.
There was unquestionably some kind of a house
of worship erected, but probably a rude, temporary
and became a moderate dissenter. There having been
no minister here since the death of Mr. Barnard, the
situation seemed favorable for the selection of Mr.
Hull to fill that office, and he undoubtedly preached
here for a time as minister of the church, but other
elements were at work which soon developed themselves
as an opposition. There were remnants of the Gorges
Company still favoring their old order, while there were
many new-comers from Dorchester, Boston, and other
places who favored the Puritans and the authority of
Governor Winthrop; these later seem to have been
a strong party and were evidently dissatisfied with
Mr. Hull, for they soon gave a call to Mr. Thomas
Jenner, of Roxbury, who, in the early part of 1636,
came into the settlement and became its minister,
while Mr. Hull seems to have removed temporarily
to Hingham.
There does not appear to have been the utmost
harmony among the inhabitants, for in the following
year a council of the elders was called to ‘“ reconcile
the difference between Mr. Jenner and his people,’
and the difficulty was so serious that the Governor
and his Council were compelled to step in and arrange
matters. This trouble offered a‘ favorable opportunity
for a third party to throw itself into the breach in the
hope of becoming possessors of the field. These, in
1637, gave an invitation to Rev. Robert Lenthal to
become their Mr. Lenthal had recently
come from England, where many of the Weymouth
people had been under his ministry ; hence the invita-
tion, which he did not hesitate to accept. He, also,
remained here for several years, but was in constant
trouble and difficulty, and in 1639 was tried before
a council held in Dorchester for heresy, but the re-
An
attempt, seems to have been made at this time to form
minister.
sult was unsatisfactory, as it settled nothing.
586
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
another church, the difficulty was so great, but with-
out success.
The Weymouth Church then, in 1638-39, found
itself in this position: Mr. Hull claimed to be the
minister, and occasionally exercised the office, with a
strong body of adherents.
with the official favor to sustain him; while Mr.
Lenthal preached as circumstances would permit, and
had a large following. This condition of things in a
village no larger than Weymouth of that date could
not be supported, and in the latter year, 1639, Rev.
Samuel Newman, a graduate of Oxford of 1620, and
a man of excellent reputation, was invited to come in
How this was to be effected does
not now appear; nevertheless he came, and there was
as a harmonizer.
displayed the extraordinary phenomenon, for those |
days, of four ministers of the same denomination con-
tending for a single pulpit in one small community.
This, however, did not continue, for Mr. Hull and
Mr. Lenthal retired in 1639, and Mr. Jenner in 1640,
leaving Mr. Newman in possession ; but the conflict-
ing elements were too many and discordant for his
peaceable nature, and after a ministry of about four
years, he, with a large body of his friends, removed to
Rehoboth, leaving the church without a pastor.
He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Thacher, who
was settled 2d January, 1644, and remained pastor of
the church for twenty years, when he removed to
Boston, and was afterwards installed as the first pastor
of the Third Church (Old South). He was the first
minister ordained in Weymouth, all of his predeces-
sors having received their ordination in England. He
Mr. Jenner still remained, |
| Nov. 28, 1664.
that should he leave or die without children, the town
should have the privilege of buying the property.
Mr. Thacher was followed in the ministry by Rev.
Samuel Torrey, who was ordained Feb. 14, 1665. Rev.
Emerson Davis says he preached there from 1656, as
colleague of Mr. Thacher. He was certainly there
Mr. Torrey was son of Capt. Wm.
Torrey ; bornin England, in 1632; educated at Har-
vard College, but owing to an extension of the course
of study for a year he, with some of his associates,
became dissatisfied and left the institution without
eraduation. He remained pastor of the church in
| Weymouth until his death, April 21, 1707, a period
| current pay.
of over forty-two years. He was a man of great and
acknowledged ability, of excellent reputation as a
preacher, and in 1684 was chosen president of Har-
vard College, which position he declined. Three
times he preached the election sermon, an honor never
before conferred.
In 1667 the meeting-house was again repaired,
and a bell procured and hung. Up tothe year 1671,
although there is much upon the records concerning
the minister’s rates and providing for his maintenance,
there is no amount stated for his salary. This year
the matter was thoroughly discussed and arrange-
ments were made to pay Mr. Torrey fifty pounds per
year, and five members of the precinct became bound
This was to be
paid in money, or its equivalent of eighty pounds in
for its payment, ten pounds per man.
In 1673 ten pounds in wood (twenty
cords) was added, and in 1680 his salary was increased
| ten pounds.
had an excellent reputation as a preacher, and was
also an able physician, a man of talent and education.
Under his ministrations the people, by whom he was
beloved and revered, enjoyed a long period of rest
and prosperity, very pleasant after the vexations of |
the previous ten years.
During the pastorate of Mr. Thacher the old meet- |
ing-house, which stood upon Burying Hill, on the
westerly side of the present highway, and nearly op-
posite the site of the soldiers’ monument, had become
so much in need of repairs that the townsmen, Dec.
14, 1652, were directed “ to do what was necessary
to make it more comfortable and prevent any further
decay.” In the early days of the town, until it was
divided in 1723 into two precincts, it constituted one
precinct, and all parish business was transacted in
town-meeting.
tenance provided by the town, and as it possessed at
this time no parsonage, the minister provided his own
dwelling, which, upon his leaving, was purchased by
the town and sold to his successor, with the condition
In 1682 the meeting-house had become
so old and decayed that the town voted to pull it down,
and a new one was erected upon land bought of Capt.
John Holbrook, the site of the present meeting-
| Mr.
house. This house was forty-five feet by forty, and
twenty feet between joints, with four gable-ends, cost-
ing, in all, two hundred and eighty pounds. In
1697-98
pounds to the minister’s salary.
the town voted an addition of twelve
After the death of Mr. Torrey a call was given to
Peter Thacher, of Boston, a grandson of Rev.
Thomas Thacher, the former minister, at a salary of
seventy pounds and a “convenient settlement.” It
was a custom of those days to grant the minister upon
his settlement a certain sum to pay his expense of
The minister was hired and his main- |
_ pounds, with his fire-wood added.
removal or “ setting up housekeeping,” equal usually
to one or more years’ salary. This did not appear to
be quite satisfactory, and the sum was increased ten
This call was ac-
"cepted, and Mr. Thacher was ordained Nov. 26, 1707.
_ He was a popular preacher and very highly esteemed
}
|
by his people, among whom he lived in great har-
WEYMOUTH.
587
mony until 1718, when a prospect of a call to Boston
introduced a disturbing element, in consequence of
which he was dismissed, and afterwards settled, as col-
league of Rev. Mr. Webb, over the North Church,
Boston. He wasa graduate of Harvard of 1696.
His manner of leaving Weymouth was very unsatis-
factory, and the cause of much ill-feeling against him
on that account. During the ministry of Mr.
Thacher the town purchased a parsonage for the min-
ister, of Zachariah Bicknell, which has been a perma-
nent establishment in the parish since that time.
On March 27, 1719, the town concurred with the
church in a call given February 26th to Mr. Thomas
Paine, of Barnstable, to be their minister upon a sal-
ary of ninety pounds and the use of the parsonage.
He was ordained Aug. 19, 1719.
1
He remained the >
pastor until April 15, 1734, when he was dismissed. —
It was during his ministry, in 1723, that the south part —
of the town was set off as the Second Precinct.
withdrew a large part of the population and property,
so that it was with great difficulty that the parish ex-
penses were met, and in consequence much trouble
arose with Mr. Paine during the later years of his
service, which was eventually the cause of his leaving.
For several years his family had resided in Boston
while he performed his official duties in Weymouth.
Mr. Paine graduated at Harvard in 1717, and was, in
point of ability and acquirements, the equal of any
of his predecessors, with the possible exception of
Mr. Torrey.
and won the affection of his people to a remarkable
He was of a kind and amiable disposition,
degree, and had it not been for the unfortunate pecu-
niary condition of the parish there would have been
no occasion for his leaving.
In August, 1634, after the dismission of Mr.
Paine, a call was extended to Mr. William Smith, of
Charlestown, to become the minister, at a salary of
one hundred and sixty pounds and three hundred
pounds settlement, the latter to be paid one hundred
pounds annually for three years, all in bills of credit.
This invitation was accepted, and the first Wednes-
day of December he was ordained as pastor of the
First Church and Parish in Weymouth, which office
he retained until his death, 17th September, 1783, in
his seventy-seventh year.
Harvard of 1725.
gravestone gives, probably, a correct estimate of his
character :
He was a graduate of
The following epitaph upon his
“As a Divine he was eminent As a
Preacher of the Gospel eloquent and devotional in
life he exhibited the Virtues of the Religion which
he had taught in Death felt its Supports and closed
a long and useful life with hopes full of immortality.”
Prepossessing and conciliatory, he soon became a
This |
|
favorite, especially among the young. He was lively
and animated as a speaker, and through his long min-
istry of nearly forty-nine years—the longest on the
record of the church—he was highly esteemed and
beloved. He, however, is best known as the father
of three daughters, who married three men all of
whom became eminent. Hon. Richard Cranch mar-
ried Mary, the eldest; Abigail became the wife of
John Adams, the second President of the United
States, and was the mother of John Quincy Adams,
the sixth President; the third daughter, Elizabeth,
married Rey. John Shaw, of Haverhill, a man of
standing and reputation.
He was minister through the Revolutionary war
with its stirring scenes, and died just as the day of
peace was dawning upon the land. The difficulties
of the times, with a divided town and a fluctuating
currency, made it often hard to raise the amount
necessary for his support, and the records are largely
At the
commencement of his ministry, in its second year, he
had a long and severe sickness, which disabled him
from service for the time, and later on, in 1769
and 1770, he was again disabled by the same cause,
and for several months his pulpit was supplied by
James Blake, A.B., of Dorchester, a graduate of Har-
vard of 1769, a young man of rare excellence and
filled with endeavors to arrange this matter.
promise, who came to Weymouth to teach school,
and, after a little time, supplied the pulpit during the
illness of Mr. Smith, in which position he died, 17th
November, 1771, within a month of his twenty-first
birthday. A volume of his sermons was afterwards
published.
On the 23d of April, 1751, a great disaster befell
the parish in the loss of its meeting-house by fire.
The loss was a severe and heavy one for the people at
that time, especially as the parish was passing through
the most fatal epidemic that has ever been known in
the history of the town, one in ten of the popula-
tion perishing with the terrible ‘throat distemper,”
among others Maj. Adam Cushing, the foremost man
of his day in town and in the parish. They were
not discouraged, however, but set to work with
energy and determination, and within a year a new
house was ready for use, which was occupied by the
parish eighty years. It was with the commencement
of Mr. Smith’s ministry that the earliest records now
in possession of the church had their beginning, and
these are exceedingly meagre, other than the noting
of statistics, admissions to the church and baptisms,
with a few marriages and deaths.
After the death of Mr. Smith there was a vacancy
in the ministry for more than four and one-half
588
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
years, when from various causes they were unable to
obtain a pastor. Rev. Huntingdon Porter preached
for a time in the year after Mr. Smith’s decease. On
the 24th of May, 1784, the parish voted a call to
Mr. Samuel Shuttlesworth, of Dedham, in which the
church concurred, but, after supplying the pulpit
On the
22d of November the parish voted unanimously to
until August Ist, he declined the position.
invite Mr. Asa Packard, of Bridgewater, to become
their minister, but he also declined.
Ever since the division of the town into two pre-
cinects there had been trouble between them con-
cerning the parsonage property, which culminated in
a suit, in 1785, by the South Parish for claimed
rights, which were denied by the North. The issue
of the contest was in favor of the latter. During the
summer and fall of that year Rev. Mr. Judson sup-
plied the pulpit, but on the 16th of January of the
following year (1786) the parish made choice of Mr.
Israel Evans to fill the vacancy in the pastorate.
_ he was ordained Oct. 13, 1824, to the pastorate of the
First Church of Weymouth, which position he held
until Oct. 10, 1833.
cessful one, one hundred and twenty-nine persons
His ministry was a very suc-
having united with the church during the nine years.
While Mr. Bent was the pastor of the church the meet-
ing-house, having become old and out of repair, was
taken down in 1832 and a new one erected upon the
-same spot, which, with some important changes, has
This invitation he accepted under date of 24th of |
March, but some unfortunate reports reaching his ear
before settlement, he felt obliged to decline, which he
did in a letter dated 26th of September. Soon after
this Mr. Jacob Norton was hired to preach, and on
the 12th of March, 1787, the committee was in-
His min-
istrations proved so acceptable that on the 9th of
April it was voted to give him a call, at a salary of
structed to engage him for a further time.
ninety pounds per year, his fire-wood and two hun-
dred pounds settlement, fifty pounds per year for four
years (the latter instead of parsonage, which had been
first voted). Mr. Norton accepted the call, and was
ordained 10th of October, 1787.
of Harvard of 1785 or 1786, a man of strong mental
He was a graduate
powers, with thorough intellectual training, and a
keen controversialist. He excelled as a_ classical
scholar, and had a high reputation as a Hebraist.
theological discussions, which he sustained with great
learning and ability. He was, however, changeable
been occupied by the parish until the present time.
This is the third meeting-house built upon this spot.
Mr. Bent was a graduate of Harvard of 1822, a man
of deep piety, in excellent standing among his asso-
ciates, and holding a warm place in the affections of
his people.
After the dismission of Mr. Bent, Mr. John C.
Phillips, of Boston, was employed to preach during
the month of November, 1833, which he did with
such effect that a unanimous call was given him by
parish and church, at a salary of seven hundred dol-
lars per year, which he promptly accepted, and was
ordained on the 18th of December, 1833. He re-
mained pastor until Nov. 13, 1837, a ministry of a
little over four years, the shortest in the history of
the church since the settlement of Rev. Samuel New-
Mr. Phillips
was a graduate of Harvard of 1826, and of Andover
man, about two hundred years before.
Theological Seminary.
course of legal study with Hon. Samuel Hubbard,
He
was a fine scholar, a strong thinker, and a close rea-
He also completed a full
judge of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts.
soner. His rare social powers made him a general
favorite, and it was with deep regret to his many
friends that circumstances compelled him to ask his
dismission.
The interval was very short after Mr. Phillips left
until the call to Rev. Joshua Emery, Jr., of Fitch-
burg, Jan. 2, 1838, at a salary of eight hundred dol-
During his ministry he was frequently engaged in |
in his religious belief, particularly during the later |
years of his ministry, which was the cause of great
trouble in the church and parish, and eventually led
to a dissolution of the pastoral relation, which took
place 10th of July, 1824, after a service of nearly
thirty-seven years.
able character, and highly esteemed for his amiable
qualities.
On the 23d of August, 1824, a hearty call was ex-
tended to Rev. Josiah Bent, Jr., of Milton, by the
parish to become pastor, at a salary of six hundred
dollars and his fire-wood. This call he accepted, and
He was a man of irreproach- |
He accepted the invitation, and was
This is the
first installation unaccompanied by ordination in the
His
pastorate extended until April 1, 1873, a period of
Jars per annum,
installed on the 25th of the same month.
history of the church for two hundred years.
over thirty-five years, when he was dismissed at his
own request, feeling with the advance of years that
the burden of the parish was too great for his strength.
His ministry was a long and successful one, during
which one hundred and eighty-five were admitted to
the church. He was a forcible and energetic speaker,
especially gifted in prayer, and the estimation in
which he was held by his people may be measured by
the length of his pastorate. He was also a valuable
citizen, being strongly interested in education, for
=
WEYMOUTH.
or
ee)
cS
many years the chairman of the school committee,
performing at times nearly the whole duties of the
board. At the beginning of his service the parish
built a new parsonage house, that now used for the
purpose, upon the site of the old house, some parts of |
which had stood there for one hundred and fifty
years. During many years the social meetings of the
church had been held in the hall of the school-house,
opposite the meeting-house, for want of a chapel or
vestry, a need that was greatly felt, and which was
provided for in 1856 by the erection of a neat and
commodious chapel by the church, and attached to
the rear of the meeting-house, with which it com-
municated.
On the 28th of July, 1873, the parish concurred in
the unanimous call of the church to Rey. F. P. Chapin
as pastor, at a salary of fourteen hundred dollars and
the use of the parsonage. This call was accepted, and
Mr. Chapin was accordingly installed, and remains in
the pastoral office to the present time. An important
event in the history of the parish took place in 1875,
when it fell heir to a legacy of ten thousand dollars,
for the “support and maintaining of the present re-
ligious doctrines of the parish,” by the will of Mr.
Joseph Loud, lately deceased, who for many years was
an active member of the church and parish, and who
thus gave substantial evidence of his good will.
This ancient church has suffered greatly from cir-
cumstances beyond its control; first, in the establish-
ment of the Second Church, in 1723, its hundredth
birth-year, whereby a large number of its active sup-
porters were withdrawn; and again, in 1811, upon
the formation of the Union Church of Weymouth and
Braintree, a large part of whose members came from
this church. Still later, in 1822, its membership was
once more greatly depleted by the withdrawal of many
to form a Methodist Church in Kast Weymouth; and
last, in 1852, the most serious loss of all, in the re-
moval of fifty-one members to form the Pilgrim Church
in Old Spain.
ing her resources and impoverishing herself in the
Thus the mother has been exhaust-
establishment of a family of vigorous and prosperous
children ; but it has been at a serious cost to her, since
the removal of so many members, and the decline of
business in the village near, has reduced it from the
one only church in the town to the smallest of six of
the same fellowship. Yet she still keeps on her way
and bravely sustains the burden that is thus cast upon
her, doing her work with diligence and fidelity.
CH AP DER? a;
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Congregational Churches (Continued): Second Church, Union
Church of Weymouth and Braintree, Union Church of South
Weymouth, Church at East Weymouth, Pilgrim Churech—
Methodist Episcopal: Church at East Weymouth, Church
at Lovell’s Corner—Universalist :
Church, Third Churech—Baptist: First Churech—Roman
Catholic: Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Parish of the
Immaculate Conception, Parish of the Sacred Heart, Parish
of St. Jerome—Protestant Episcopal: Trinity Parish.
First Church, Second
The Second Congregational Church and Parish
in South Weymouth.—The causes that led to the
separation of the town into two precincts, and the
formation of the Second Church, have been already
alluded to.
other causes of dissatisfaction, gave rise to the deter-
mination of the dwellers at the South to separate,
while the opposition, steady and persistent, on the part
The long distance and poor roads, with
of the old parish and church, served only to solidify
the determination, which resulted, in 1723, in an act
of the Legislature established the Second Precinct, and
on the 21st of June the parish met and organized.
On the 15th of July a call was given to Mr. James
Bayley, to settle with them, at a salary of seventy-six
pounds, and a settlement of one hundred and thirty
pounds. A church, however, was not formed until
the following 18th of September. A meeting-house
had already been erected, and Mr. Bayley had been
preaching there probably for a year or more. He
accepted the call, and was ordained Sept. 26, 1723,
as pastor over this people, and remained such until
his death, Aug. 22, 1766, a period of forty-three
years. He wasa native of Roxbury, a graduate of
Harvard of 1719, and served his first and only pas-
torate in Weymouth. During his extended ministry
there were added to the church in all two hundred
He seems to have been much
beloved by his people, and was held in estimation by
the neighboring parishes.
After the death of Mr. Bayley, on the 15th of
January, 1767, Mr. Ephraim Briggs received a call
from the parish, in concurrence with the church, to
and seven persons.
become their minister,,but with so strong opposition
that he declined.
supplied by five different ministers, each preaching
Through that season the pulpit was
several Sabbaths in succession, and in March, 1768, a
call was given to a Mr. Fuller which was declined,
after which Mr. Simeon Williams, of Raynham,
preached for several months and then received a call
which he accepted, and was ordained Oct. 26, 1768.
590
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Here he remained until May 31, 1819, the date of |
his death.
of New Jersey College of 1765.
tended over a period of more than fifty-one years, the |
In 1784 and 17835, |
the old meeting-house was torn down and a new one |
He was born in Eaton, and was a graduate |
His ministry ex- |
longest ever recorded in the town.
erected.
Upon the repeated request of Mr. Williams for a |
junior pastor, on Dec. 14, 1818, the church called |
Mr. William Tyler to that position, and on the 24th |
of February following he was ordained, but the death |
of Mr. Williams, so soon after, left him sole pastor.
Mr. Tyler remained as pastor of this people until Oct.
17, 1831, when he was dismissed at his own request,
after a ministry of nearly thirteen years. For more
than a year the church was without a pastor, and on
Noy. 8, 1852, a call was extended to Rev. Charles I.
Warren, who accepted the invitation and was installed
Jan. 1, 1833, but, after a brief pastorate of little more
than a year and a half, he was dismissed Aug. 13,
1834, at his own urgent request and much to the
regret of his people. It was four years after this be- |
fore the office was again filled, and this period was
one of great trouble that nearly proved fatal to the
church. The difficulty was so serious that on account |
of religious differences the church seceded from the
parish, worshiping in a hall, and a new society, the
Edwards Society, was organized. The breach, how-
ever, was healed in 1837, and the church and parish
united in the old meeting-house, although an unsuc-
cessful attempt had been made to form another church,
During the separation, a call had been extended to |
Rey. Joshua Emery, Jr., which he declined. In 1836, |
the society gave Rev. Mr. Biscoe a call, which he also
declined. After the reunion of the church and society,
in August, 1838, Rev. Wales Lewis received a eall,
which he accepted, and was installed on the 12th of
September. During his ministry there was serious
trouble which increased to such a degree as in the end
to cause his dismission, which took place in J une, 1847, |
after a pastorate of about nine years. During the
troubles in the pastorate of Mr. Lewis, in 1842, and
as a consequence to them, a strong party drew off |
and formed the Union Church and society, which be-
came a permanent organization.
After the dismission of Mr. Lewis Rev. Joshua
Leavett preached for a time, and an effort was made
to give him a call, but without success. There was |
felt very great discouragement as to their future
prospects, which gave way to a feeling of hope when
Rev. James P. Terry accepted their call, and was |
installed July 6, 1848.
assume a more cheering aspect, so much so that in
Matters at once began to
| following 31st of December.
the year of his settlement the present parsonage house
was built for the benefit of the parish, and about five
years later, in 1853, the present meeting-house was
erected at a cost of about fifteen thousand dollars, and
the church and society stood once more upon firm
In February, 1868, Mr. Terry’s health gave
ground.
_ way, and he was obliged to suspend his ministrations.
He was granted leave of absence for six months, dur-
ing which time the people worshiped with the Union
Church, under Rev. 8S. H. Hayes. In March of the
following year, 1869, finding that his health did not
improve, Mr. Terry felt obliged to ask to be relieved
from his pastoral relation, and his request was relue-
tantly granted.
About the same time a plan for a union of the two
societies and churches was arranged and an agreement
made to adopt it, but it failed to be carried into exe-
cution. Rev. Dr. Labaree preached for about a year
and a half, when the present pastor, Rev. George F.
Stanton, began his work here. He received a call to
settle with this people, which he accepted, and was
installed 27th October, 1870, and it was in the third
year of his ministry that the church and society cele-
brated their one hundred and fiftieth anniversary,
The
church is yet strong and vigorous, notwithstanding
with appropriate services, amid much rejoicing.
the years it has survived and the struggles it has
encountered, and bids fair to live far into the future.
The Union Religious Society of Weymouth
and Braintree.—This society and the church con-
nected with it, although its meeting-house is located
a few rods over the line in Braintree, is comprised so
largely of Weymouth people that it fairly deserves a
place in this record. Its members were drawn mainly
from the first churches of Weymouth and Braintree,
who, on account of the considerable distance of those
two meeting-houses and the increasing importance of
the village of Weymouth Landing, coming from a
rapid influx of population and the commencement of
business enterprises, desired better accommodations
for religious services. The society was formed March
13, 1810, and the Hollis Street Church, Boston,
then about to be taken down, was purchased, its ma-
| terial removed by vessel to its present location in
East Braintree, where it was rebuilt, and, with many
alterations, remains still as the house of worship of
the people. The society was incorporated 21st Feb-
ruary, 1811, and a church organized August 14th of
the same year. A call was at once given to Mr. John
Frost, who declined it. In the following November,
Mr. Daniel A. Clark was invited to a settlement.
He accepted the invitation, and was ordained on the
After a short pastorate
WEYMOUTH.
591
(less than two years), owing to the disaffection of a few —
members of the church and congregation and a diffi-
culty in raising his salary, Mr. Clark resigned, and
was dismissed 20th October, 1815. After a year or
more of financial distress, during which the pulpit was
supplied from Sabbath to Sabbath, in January, 1815,
Mr. Jonas Perkins, of Bridgewater, was hired for |
three months, and before that time had expired he was |
given a call, which was accepted, and he was ordained |
June 14th of that year.
ous ministry of forty-six years, at the age of seventy, |
After a long and prosper-
in accordance with long-expressed plans, he resigned |
his pastorate, and the connection was severed 15th
October, 1860. He remained in the village, taking
an active interest in the affairs of his old church until
his death, which occurred June 26, 1874. After |
the resignation of Mr. Perkins a call was extended
to Rev. E. Porter Dyer, of Hingham, Sept. 28,
1860, which he declined. In the following Decem-
ber, Rey. Lysander Dickerman, of Gloucester, was in-
vited to the vacant pulpit, which invitation he ac-
cepted, and he was installed Jan. 17, 1861. After |
a very stormy pastorate of about six and a half years,
during a part of which a bitter quarrel existed be-
tween the pastor and about half of the congregation,
which in the end seriously threatened the very existence
of the church and society, his official connection with |
them closed in July, 1867. The results of this quarrel
were very disastrous, so that they had no pastor for
about two years, when matters began to assume a_
better aspect, and April 1, 1868, Rev. A. A. Els- |
worth, of Milford, was hired to supply the pulpit, |
which he did very acceptably for about three years. —
After this time, affairs having been somewhat accom-
modated and extensive alterations made in the meet-
ing-house, a hearty call was extended to Rev. Lucien
H. Frary, of Middleton. This call was accepted, and
Mr. Frary was installed April 13, 1875. He is now
in the eighth year of his ministry, with a united peo-
ple and a strong and prosperous society, that has,
through his exertions, just relieved itself from a
heavy debt incurred in the remodeling of the house,
and which had seriously crippled it in its work.
Union Church and Society of South Weymouth.
—As before stated, the organization of this church |
and society grew out of the trouble in the Second |
Parish, from which the members of the new organ- |
ization withdrew. The society was formed June 20, |
1842, and the church November 1st of the same year.
The meetings were first held in Rogers’ Hall, until a
meeting-house could be erected, which was effected
the same year. On the 3d of July, 1843, a call was
extended to Rev. George Denham, which he accepted,
and he was installed November Ist. This connec-
tion was held until May, 1847, when he was dis-
missed. On the following 17th of November, Rev.
Willard M. Harding, having accepted a call, was in-
stalled, and continued his ministry until 1858, when
he resigned, and was dismissed April 8th by a coun-
cil, which installed as his successor Rev. S. H. Hayes,
who retained his position as pastor over that people
until Nov. 17, 1870, when he asked and received his
dismission. From February, 1871, to September, the
pulpit was supplied by Rev. Henry E. Cooley. Dur-
ing the years 1870 and 1871, a new meeting-house
was erected, at a cost of forty thousand dollars, and a
parsonage at a cost of four thousand dollars. A call
was extended to Rev. James McLean, which he ac-
cepted, and was installed February 27, 1872. He
was dismissed May 29, 1876. Rey. George N. Mar-
den followed him as acting pastor, from February,
1877, to August, 1881. On the 1st of September
of the latter year, a call was extended to Rev. Wil-
liam H. Bolster, which he accepted, and was installed
April 12, 1882. He is the present pastor.
The Congregational Church of East Weymouth.
—This church was formed from a division in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, a majority of the soci-
ety remaining and forming a new church, called the
First Evangelical Methodist Church, the minority
retaining the old organization and building a new
house of worship. This church was formed March 4,
1843, with ten members. In 1860, February 25th,
it changed from the Methodist to the Congregational
form, and joined the Norfolk Conference of that de-
nomination. It is now, numerically, the strongest
church of that order in the town. It has been obliged
to enlarge its meeting-house, to accommodate the in-
creased call for sittings. Its congregation is an
enterprising and prosperous one, and its list of pas-
tors, notwithstanding its comparatively recent date, is
It has
When
the old society divided, the meeting-house was sold
altogether too long to be here enumerated.
also a large Sabbath-school connected with it.
and torn down, and a new one erected upon the same
| spot, which remains to-day, with the enlargement
above mentioned.
The Pilgrim Church and Society of North
Weymouth.—The growing necessities of the pros-
perous village of Old Spain were the cause of the
The
society was formed May 14, 1851, and a meeting-
movement that resulted in these organizations.
house erected the same year.
ized March 11, 1852.
Rey. Calvin Terry was called to be the first pastor.
He accepted the call, and was installed May 18, 1852.
The church was organ-
In May of the same year,
592
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
This connection was a very unfortunate one, on ac- |
count of long continued and great dissensions with —
the pastor, who, after much trouble and difficulty, |
was dismissed Dec. 25, 1856. On Sept. 14, 1857,
Rev. Charles E. Reed, of Taunton, was invited to the |
pastorate, but declined. In the spring of 1858, Rev. |
Samuel L. Rockwood accepted a call, and was installed
March 12th. His ministry continued until July 31,
1871, when he was dismissed at his own request, on
account of ill health. He was succeeded by Rev.
Louis B. Voorhees, who was ordained December 6th,
same year, and continued his ministry until his resig-
nation was accepted, July 1, 1876. On the 23d of
November following, Rev. George Dodson, having
accepted a call, was installed, and remained pastor
1879, when ill health compelled him
Rev..A. H:
Tyler commenced his services as acting pastor May
17, 1880, and resigned in the spring of 1884. In
1881 a parsonage was built.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of East Wey-
mouth.—The first movement looking to the formation |
of a Methodist Church in East Weymouth was made
in 1822. The trouble in the old North Church, con-
sequent upon the changes in religious belief of Mr.
99
23.
until Dee.
to resign the active duties of his office.
Norton, the inconvenient distance from meeting, and
the fact thata large portion of the people were gradually
becoming restive under the severe Calvinistic creed
then held by the two churches in town, induced a
desire for more freedom in religious thought and
belief.
the new society erected its first meeting-house in
1825.
an enlargement of this building, which was made in
1828:
far from one hundred members were received from
the North Parish.
show itself, and the desire to be removed from the
The first class was organized in 1823, and |
The rapid growth of the parish necessitated
During the first ten years of its existence not
About this time trouble began to
higher authority of the Methodist Episcopal govern-
ment to return to the ancient freedom of the Con-
gregational Church caused a majority of the people |
to separate from the Conference and continue their |
The
minority, who preferred their original form, withdrew
organization as a Protestant Methodist Church.
and formed a new society, retaining the old name.
They built their first meeting-house in 1844, and
such was the increase that they were obliged to en-
large the building in 1850.
by fire 13th December, 1851, and, with its contents, |
This was a heavy blow, from which,
This house was destroyed
was a total loss. |
however, it soon rallied, and another house was erected |
This
becoming too contracted for the growing necessities of |
in the following year, dedicated October 12th.
the society, was enlarged in 1864. This building was
also burned 23d February, 1870. Another, and the
present, house of worship was erected on Broad
Street the same year, and dedicated December 23d.
It has free sittings. The church belongs to the New
England Southern Conference. The society has also
The present mem-
bership of the church is about two hundred and sixty.
It has been from its organization an energetic church,
a fine parsonage, built in 1867.
and the centre of good influences. It has also a large
and flourishing Sabbath-school.
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Lovell’s
Corner.—The initial steps towards the formation of
this church were taken in the autumn of 1866, in
recognition of a long-felt need of that growing and
prosperous village, when Rev. D. W. Waldron, pastor
of the Congregational Church at Hast Weymouth,
began there on Sabbath afternoons a preaching ser-
vice (at five o’clock). This was continued as long as
he remained pastor of the East Weymouth Church,
and for about a year after. During the latter time
the neighboring ministers preached there in turn.
After this a regular pulpit-supply was obtained until
a Congregational Church was formed, on the last
Thursday in October, 1872. Rev. Joseph C. Halli-
day, the first pastor, commenced his work there on
the first Sabbath of the following December, and
held the position until July, 1877, nearly five years.
From that time until November of the same year
In that month Rev.
Henry P. Haylett, a student of Boston University
(Methodist Episcopal), was engaged.
there was no regular minister.
During his
pastorate the church changed its denominational con-
nection and united with the New Bedford Methodist
Episcopal Conference in April, 1879, and in April,
1882, it was transferred to the New England Southern
Conference of the same denomination, where it still
Mr. Haylett was succeeded May 1, 1880,
by Rev. Charles H. Farnsworth, who in turn gave
remains.
place, in the following year, to Rev. K. G. Babcock,
A Sabbath-school was gathered
by the efforts of Rev. Mr. Waldron, in the spring of
the present pastor.
1867, which has continued an active existence in con-
This
church has no meeting-house, but has held its services
nection with the work of the church ever since.
in a hall.
The First Universalist Society of Weymouth,
—This society was organized at Weymouth Landing
July 21, 1836, in consequence of a desire on the part
of many of the people of that village, then the largest
in the town, for a wider privilege in the interpretation
of the Bible than the belief of the Union Church
would permit. Rev. Matthew Hale Smith was hired
WEYMOUTH.
593
to preach once a fortnight in Wales’ Hall.
A move-
ment was soon made towards the building of a meet- |
ing-house with such success that a house was finished |
at a cost of six thousand four hundred dollars, includ- |
ing land, bell, and furniture, and was dedicated Sept.
13, 1839. Mr. Calvin Gardner preached on the next
and three following Sabbaths.
was the pastor from November, 1839, to April 1,
1841.
Rev. John S. Barry |
|
{
He was succeeded at once by Rev. John M. |
Spear, who remained until April, 1845, when he |
closed his service, and was followed by Rev. Mr.
Coffin until November of the same year, when Rey.
Mr. Dennis supplied the pulpit. In 1846, Rey. Mr.
Barry returned, and remained as minister until Jan.
1, 1850. He was then succeeded by Rev. Mr.
| alternate Sabbaths in Harmonial Hall.
Hemphill and others, for about two years, when Rev. |
D. P. Livermore was hired, and remained about two
years. After him Rev. Mr. Davenport preached for
a year, whose successor was Rey. Charles Mellen, who
remained from April, 1855, to April, 1860, when the
pulpit was supplied for a year and a half by Rev. D. |
T. Goddard. Following him there was no regular
Brown was engaged, and held the position until Sep-
tember, 1869.
B. Davis became pastor, and continued in that posi-
tion from October, 1871, to April, 1873,—a year and
a half. Rev. L. 8. Crosley was the next pastor, be-
ginning his service November, 1876, and closing
March, 1878. The next pastor, Rey. Anson Titus,
Jr., began his work November, 1878, and ended
April, 1883, having charge also for the greater part
of the time, first of the church in Old Spain, and
then of that in South Weymouth.
worships in its original meeting-house on Washington
Street, and its present pastor, recently engaged, is
Rev. B. F. Eaton, who has the charge also of the
West Scituate Society.
The Second Universalist Society of South
Weymouth.—The first services in the Universalist
faith in South Weymouth were held in Columbian |
Hall in 1835, during the trouble in the Second
Congregational Church, when Rev. Sylvanus Cobb
preached for a time. There was then no organization,
the movement meeting with bitter opposition, and it
was not until 1848 that an association was formed
known as the ‘Washington Corporation,” out of
which grew the Second Universalist Society. Rev.
John Parker, the first regularly settled pastor, was
installed in 1849, and remained in that service for six
years.
1850.
38
stalled on Sunday evening, July 8, 1855, and re-
tained his position for more than fourteen years, when
he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Baker, who was in-
stalled in 1869. His term of service extended overa
period of nine years, to 1878, since which time there
have been several pastors,—Revs. EH. A. Perry, An-
son Titus, B. F. Bowles, the present pastor, and
others.
The Third Universalist Society of North Wey-
mouth.—This society was organized Nov. 19, 1853,
and a Sabbath-school gathered on the succeeding fast-
day. The first minister was Rev. R. L. Killam, of
Scituate, who commenced April 1, 1855, preaching on
His term of
During the next.
year only evening services were held, conducted by
different clergymen, after which Rev. E. H. Hawes,
of Stoughton, supplied the pulpit on alternate Sab-
baths for one year, beginning May 1, 1859, and Rev.
R. L. Killam for the summer following.
service continued for three years.
During the ten succeeding years the services were
_ conducted by clergymen of Weymouth and the neigh-
minister until April, 1864, when Rev. Miss Olympia |
After an interval of two years, Rev.
boring towns. Rev. G. W. Skinner, of Quincy, was
the next preacher, his work dating from April 1, 1871,
and continuing one year, when he was followed by
Rev. G. W. Whitney, of Quincy, who was pastor
from April 1, 1872, to July 1,1878. During his
ministry a chapel was erected, which was dedicated
Jan. 16, 1873, and a church of twenty-two members
was formed June 28, 1874. Mr. Whitney was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Anson Titus, Jr., of Weymouth
_ Landing, who preached from September, 1878, to
|
| July 1, 1880, when he resigned his position.
This society still |
Rev.
KE. A. Perry was pastor from the latter date to April
| 1, 1882, the present pastor, Rev. R. T. Sawyer, of
Quincey, commencing his labors on September 3d of
the same year.
The First Baptist Church and Society in Wey-
mouth.—The first movement towards a union of the
members of the Baptist denomination and those favor-
ing its belief, for some kind of associated effort on
behalf of their special views, in the village of Wey-
mouth Landing, was made in the years 1851-52, in
the establishment of a regular weekly prayer-meeting,
and, also, of a sewing circle, the proceeds of whose
labors were devoted to the renting of Union Hall,
where preaching services were held as often as circum-
stances would permit by the Baptist ministers of the
neighboring towns. After a little more than a year
| arrangements were made with Messrs. Leander P.
During his pastorate a chapel was erected, in
Gurney and Noah Fullerton, of the South Abington
| Church, for regular preaching on the Sabbath; and,
The next pastor, Rev. Elmer EK. Hewitt, was in- |
on the 13th of March, of the same year, a Sabbath-
594
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
school was commenced.
produced the desire fora church, which was formed
on Feb. 7, 1854, but it was not until June 21, 1855, |
that the society was organized and the congregation
became fully equipped for its work. Rev. H. C.
Coombs, of Middleborough, supplied the pulpit for a
few weeks, when it was placed under the care of Rev.
: : |
This state of things soon
ished and occupied, and the audience-room of the
church itself has been in use for a year or two.
The Parish of the Immaculate Conception, at East
Weymouth, was formed, and a church built in 1879,
dedicated November 23d. In 1881, a parish was
constituted in Old Spain, called the Parish of Saint
Henry Fitz, missionary of the State Convention, and |
its preachers were mainly from the Newton Theologi-
cal Seminary. The first pastor was Rev. Andrew
Dunn, of Bridgewater, who commenced his labors
April 1, 1855, and a chapel was erected, which was
dedicated on July 12th. Mr. Dunn remained as pas-
|
Rev. Father Smyth
had charge of all these parishes (with one or more
assistants) until 1882, when Rev. Father Millrick was
placed over the Parishes of the Immaculate Conception
and Saint Jerome, Father Smyth retaining the other
two until 1883, when he was succeeded by Rev. Father
Jerome, and a church erected.
| Murphy, the present incumbent.
tor of the church until Jan. 31, 1858, and was suc- |
ceeded on May Ist by Rev. Levi A. Abbott, of Mil-
ford, who continued with the people for five years,
untilthe end of May, 1863. On Nov. 1, 1863, Rev.
Gideon Cole, of Sheldonville, having accepted a call
commenced his work in this place. During his pas-
torate a new meeting-house was built on Washington
and Broad Streets, nearly opposite the chapel, and
dedicated Jan. 31, 1866.
the spring of 1871 by Rev. C. H. Rowe, who was
followed in the autumn of 1874 by Rev. W. C.
Wright.
years, when he was dismissed, and a call extended to
Rev. P. A. Nordell was accepted, who began work
in the spring of 1878, which he continued until 1882,
when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. Seth
J. Axtell, the present pastor.
Roman Catholic.—The Parish of St.
Xavier was the first parish of this demonination, and
The first
priests of the parish were Rev. Fathers Roddan and
Mr. Cole was succeeded in
He remained in the pastorate about four
Francis
embraced territorially the whole town.
Episcopalian—The Trinity Church at Wey-
mouth Landing.—This parish was organized Nov.
11, 1867, at the time and in consequence of the
trouble in the Union Congregational Church, in con-
nection with the Rev. 8. Dickerman. Services had
been held in Williams’ Hall, as early as July 7th of
that year. On September 10th, the homestead of the
late Atherton W. Tilden, on Front Street, was pur-
chased, and the house reconstructed into a church.
These changes were completed, and the first service
held there Dec. 8, 1867, but the church was not con-
secrated until May 21, 1874. From March 4th to
| July Ist of that year, 1867, Rev. S. R. Slack, of
South Boston, was the officiating clergyman, when
Rev. Mr. Burroughs was called to the rectorship,
which he resigned Oct. 1, 1868, and was succeeded
| in December by Rev. T. W. Street, who in turn gave
Lynch, who came to the town in 1851, and the first |
services were held in East Weymouth that same year, |
in private houses.
worship was changed and services were held in Tirrell’s
Hall, at Weymouth Landing. In 1854, Rev. Father
Roach took charge of the parish, but it was not until
After a few months the place of
|
way to Rev. F. O. Barstow, December, 1869. He
was followed in June, 1870, by Rev. W. I’. Lhoyd,
who resigned in 1873, and was succeeded by Rev.
William C. Winslow, who remained but one year.
The next rector was Rev. Samuel R. Slack, in June,
1874, who retained that position until April 12,
1877, when he resigned, and was followed by Rev.
John A. Jerome, who occupied the position until
| March, 1883. In November, of this year, Rev.
1859 that the first church was erected, which was |
located upon Middle Street, not far below the town |
hall. - Father Roach was succeeded, in 1866, by Rev.
Father Hennigan, who remained until 1869, and in
the fall of that year the church was burned.
Rev. |
Father Smyth followed Father Hennigan in 1869, and |
soon after the church on Pleasant Street was erected,
in 1870. In 1873, the Parish of the Sacred Heart
was constituted at the Landing, the tavern property
purchased and services held in the hall of the building.
in 1876, a church of brick and stone was begun,
which, when completed, will be the costliest church
edifice in the vicinity. The basement was soon fin-
|
Charles L. Wells became officiating clergyman.
CHA PTH Ravi:
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Edueational Institutions—Publie Schoolsk—Weymouth and
Braintree Academy—Newspapers— Weymouth Historical So-
ciety—Social Libraries—Mutual Library Associations—
Tufts’ Library.
Next in importance to the ecclesiastical interests
come those of education, of which the public schools
form the prominent feature ; and for these the town
er wees:
WEYMOUTH.
595
has always taken special care. In the early days of
its history the records are exceedingly brief, and only
slight and incidental mention is made of many things —
of which now there is great need of fuller informa-
tion. The first notice of matters connected with
schools occurs on March 10, 1651, when the town
voted to pay Capt. Perkins ten pounds for six months
schooling. Capt. William Perkins was a prominent
man in town in those days, being “ townsman,” and
probably held other important offices. In subsequent
history it was found that it was to men of this char-
acter that the town intrusted the education of its
children.
| year.
It is a singular fact, and one which shows that the |
interest of the town in education was not confined to
its own borders, that the second mention should be |
that of asubscription of ten pounds, sixteen shillings,
and sixpence by Weymouth to Cambridge College,
in 1652. After Capt. Perkins, the next school-
master named is William Chard, who was also town
clerk, and attended to the drawing up of such legal in-
struments as the necessities of the people demanded.
He is first mentioned in that capacity April 10, 1667,
where the town voted him three pounds and ten shil-
lings, the rent of the flats in addition to his other pay.
On the 25th of August thirty shillings was also
added. On Nov. 29, 1669, he was engaged at ten
pounds per year, probably employed only a portion of
the time. He was also sexton, and the pay of both
offices was sometimes included in one vote. On Sept.
18, 1678, his pay had advanced to twenty-four pounds,
and the town was to furnish a school-room. The se-
lectmen with the elders were also ‘“ to rate each pay-
scholar for his benefit.” The next year a house and
orchard were rented for him at forty-five shillings,
and in 1680 the house of James Stewart was bought
for forty pounds for the use of the schoolmaster;
this was to be paid for by subscription, which failed,
and a tax was laid for it. In the following year,
1681, a school-house was built on a part of the land
bought of Capt. John Holbrook, the other part of
which was afterwards occupied by the new meeting-
house erected in 1682. The house with the furnishing
cost thirty-six pounds. In 1684 Mr. Chard’s salary
was advanced to thirty-three pounds and fourteen
shillings. His duties were “to keep a free-school
and teach all children and servants sent to him to
read, write, and cast accounts.”
On Nov. 28, 1687, for some reason the town
voted “not to continue Mr. Chard in the work of a
public schoolmaster at the public charge, but he is
at liberty to use the dwelling and school-house until |
next March meeting, for which he is to ring the bell
_his own house.
and sweep the meeting-house.”” Probably this was
for want-of funds, as he was in office during the
year 1689, and continued a town schoolmaster until
1696, when he removed to Abington. Mr. John
Copp was appointed to succeed him at thirty pounds
per year, and he was also chosen town clerk the same
Mr. Copp does not appear to have remained
in his position quite two years. At the March meet-
ing, 1697, the town voted that “parents shall pay
three shillings for each child sent to school between
the ages of eight and fourteen years.’ This was to
pay in part the schoolmaster’s salary, the remainder
to be made up bya tax upon all who lived within two
miles of the school-house. By this time the increase
of scholars was so large that the town found it neces-
sary to employ more teachers, and Joseph Dyer was
employed to teach in the school-house, with John
King as assistant, and Edward Bate was to teach in
To follow the precedent, now well
established, Edward Bate was elected town clerk.
The pay of schoolmaster was to be not over thirty
pounds, one-third of which was to be paid by those
_who sent their children to school and the remainder
| house was built at a cost of £4
by tax. The next year the whole was raised by tax,
and John Torrey was employed, probably, in the
place of John King, as Edward Bate still retained his
position the following year, 1699, and later Torrey
appears as Bate’s assistant.
During the summer of 1700, five women were en-
gaged to teach school for six months at twenty-five
shillings each, besides the usual rate paid by those
who sent children. On the 21st of October of that
year Samuel Hunt, son of Col. Hunt, was hired as
schoolmaster at £15 10s. in money for six months, or
twenty-three pounds “as the ratesrun.” In January,
1705, Ebenezer White, of Dorchester, was appointed
schoolmaster for half a year at fifteen pounds, and on
March 3, 1707, Thomas Thornton was engaged at
twenty-five pounds, of fifteen pennyweights each
(silver). To him, in 1709, succeeded John Torrey at
fifty shillings per month. In 1717 school was kept
in each school-house four months, and it seemed that
now there was a school-house in the south part of
the town.
year. In September, 1719, Ebenezer Rolie was hired
for a year at £42 10s., and Mr. Calder in 1723, at
And this year,
John Galt was teacher for a part of this
the same price. 723, a new school-
1
2 Ts. 1l1d., between
Joseph Lovell’s and John Shaw’s. Mr. Calder taught
two months here, and two months in the North
school-house. In 1729 it was voted that the South
Precinct should have a school one-third of the year,
and be at the charge of having a school-house, and
596
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the North two-thirds of the year. In May, 1730, |
Joseph Torrey was hired as schoolmaster at fifty |
pounds.
After the division of the town into two precincts,
a large part of the school business was transacted at
the precinct meeting, the town appropriating money
and dividing it between them according to the
amount paid by each. The appropriations commenc-
fag in 1733, at seventy-five pounds, had risen, in
1800, to five hundred dollars. A new school-house
was built by the North Precinct in 1730, where the
old one stood near the meeting-house, and Hazara
Whitemarsh was the schoolmaster.
ate of Harvard, also town clerk and selectman, one |
of the fathers of the town. He continued his posi-
tion as schoolmaster until 1760, teaching sometimes |
in one precinct and sometimes in the other, according
to the various votes of the town. During this time
the precincts maintained their separate woman’s
schools. In 1760 the name of David Wyre appears
upon the record as schoolmaster, and in 1769 and |
1770, Mr. Lemuel Cushing taught for about a year.
Mr. James Blake, A.B., also taught a few months
about this time. The necessities of the times during
the Revolutionary war rendered the raising of money |
very difficult, and probably the school interest among |
others suffered in consequence. There is no other |
teacher mentioned by name until Dec. 11, 1780, when
Samuel Reed was engaged to teach in the North Pre-
cinct, “at his offer,” six shillings per week in money,
‘or its equivalent in necessaries at prices before the
war.” Jan. 24, 1785, Nathaniel Bayley, Esq., was |
appointed to answer to the General Court on behalf |
of the town for neglecting to keep a grammar school ; |
thus it appears that the town had become a delin-
quent in this matter, but the lesson was a good one |
and did not need to be repeated.
After the close of the war prosperity began to |
dawn upon the town; the schools soon felt the im- |
He was a gradu- |
petus, and new houses were built and new schools
established in various parts. Samuel Reed and James
Humphrey (3d) were employed at two pounds per week,
and the latter to have three shillings per week extra,
“he. having been at the expense of fitting himself
for a grammar-school teacher.” Both of these were
men of mark in town as well as schoolmasters, having
been town clerks, selectmen, and also village no-
taries. Both held long terms of service as school-
teachers, with excellent reputation.
In 1796, the school system, which had been sufh- |
cient for the needs of the town in its earlier days, was |
found to be greatly wanting, and a committee was |
chosen to take the whole subject into consideration
| appropriated for school purposes.
and report a new plan. This was done, and in
1799 the town was divided into eight school dis-
_ tricts, substantially as it remained for seventy years.
| Each district was to furnish its school-house and
teacher, paying its expenses from its proportion of
The business
was to be in the charge of a prudential committee-man
selected by the district, but chosen by the town. The
school money was divided, sometimes according to the
number of families, sometimes according to the num-
the school money raised by the town.
ber of scholars, and sometimes according to the amount
of tax paid, but more generally, a part equally, and a
part according to the number of scholars.
In 1810, the employment of ‘ Latin and Greek”
masters was authorized, and also “ English masters
who shall teach equivalent to twelve months in the
year.” In 1814 each district was ordered to report in
detail tothe town. In 1816, the “ alewive money” was
In 1821, a census
reported four hundred and thirty-four families and
eight hundred and ninety-five scholars. In 1827 the
town chose a committee of seven under a new State law,
to have the oversight of the schools, or the general
charge and superintendency of them. This was called
the High Committee. They examined and approved
the teachers, and kept a close watch upon the schools
to see that they were properly taught. This system
was retained until the abolition of the district system,
in 1869, when this committee became the school com-
mittee, combining its former powers with those of the
prudential committee. The High Committee reported
to the town at its annual March meeting, and in 1839
these reports began their publication. In 1842, a
second enumeration of the children of school age
_ showed ten hundred and ninety-nine, an increase of
over two hundred and four in twenty-one years.
In 1845 the Fourth District was divided, and the
Ninth set off from it. In 1847 the Tenth District
was set off from the Second, and several years later
the Eleventh was taken from the Highth. Various
minor changes were made in process of time, but this
arrangement was that substantially kept until 1869.
Attempts were made at various times looking to the
establishment of a high school, but without success
until about 1852, when the town hall was built, in
which a room was fitted up for that purpose, but it
was not until the next year that the town directed the
_ school committee to go forward, appropriating one
thousand dollars for the purpose. Tor several years
it was a matter of some doubt whether or not the
school would succeed on account of the exceeding in-
convenience of its location, being far away from nearly
all of the scholars. Experiments were made, trying
WEYMOUTH.
597
one school at the town house for a time, and then |
changing to two schools, one at the North and one at
the South, and it was not until 1865 that the present
arrangement was permanently adopted, that of having —
one school in each of the two sections.
measures to carry the vote into effect, but the follow-
ing year a return to the old system was made. Again,
in 1863 the same thing was voted, and in the next |
year rescinded. Thus the matter remained in un-
certainty until 1869, when the old arrangement was
set aside and the present town system finally adopted.
The same indefinite attitude was taken by the town
with respect to the employment of a school superin-
tendent. The first one was hired in 1863, and from
that time to the present, although a superintendent
has been employed for the greater portion of the time,
and was succeeded by Samuel Thomas Worcester,
afterwards judge, with Miss Mary F. R. Wales as
assistant,—this was about the spring of 1830. These
were soon married to each other and left the school
_ together. Calvin E. Park, a brother of Professor Park,
In 1859 the town voted to abolish the district sys- |
tem and appointed a committee to take the necessary _
of Andover, followed Mr. Worcester, and Miss Lucy
M. K. Brastow took the place of Miss Wales. Mr.
Eldridge succeeded Mr. Park, and was probably the
last that taught for the corporation. There were
several who attempted private schools in the build-
ing, but, like the academy, they were financial fail-
ures, and in 1833 the building was sold and con-
verted into a double tenement dwelling-house, having
previously been used for a short time by the public
schools. The building was burned in 1844.
Newspapers.— As far as information can be ob-
tained, the first attempt at newspaper publishing in
the town was made about fifty years ago, by Josiah
so many changes have been made and so uncertain |
the action that might be taken, that little benefit has
been derived from the services of that officer.
The treatment of the schools by the town seems at
last to have settled down upon a more permanent |
basis that bids fair to continue, and which will raise |
the schools to a much higher plane than they have ever
occupied. The town system appears to have little if
any opposition, and the superintendency seems also
to have become an established fact. That this is the
true course is very evident, from the fact that the
town has now 48 schools in operation, under the
charge of 54 teachers, with a school population of |
2006, between the ages of five and fifteen years, ac-
cording to the report of the year 1885, necessitating
Of the
schools 2 are high, 12 grammar, 20 intermediate, and
an appropriation of not far from $32,000.
14 primary.
Weymouth and Braintree Academy.—Feeling
the need of a higher seminary of learning than any
that had been sustained hitherto in the town, in the
early part of the present century a project was under-
taken by some of the prominent citizens of Weymouth
Landing for the establishment of an academy of high
grade, and an act of incorporation was obtained, dated
28th of February, 1828, in which Cotton Tufts,
Joseph Loud, Noah Fifield, and others, were named
as corporators. A suitable building was erected the
same year upon land donated for the purpose by
Capt. Warren Weston, on the side of the hill a short
distance above his dwelling, on the Weymouth and
Braintree turnpike, and the institution was begun.
The first principal was Thomas or Samuel Gregg,
and soon after a Mr. Goodell was furnished him as
an assistant.
_ years.
White, of North Weymouth, an amateur printer with
) My ) Pp
Only a few numbers were
It soon
very limited facilities.
published, and those at irregular intervals.
ceased to appear for want of sufficient encouragement.
For many years succeeding this Weymouth was with-
out a local press, although occasional attempts were
made by publishers of neighboring towns to intro-
duce their own papers here with a slight change in
the form and with a local heading. In 1867 the
Weymouth Gazette, published by C. G. Easterbrook,
made its first appearance, and it has since that time
been issued regularly every week. It has made itself
a local necessity, and bids fair to become permanent.
During the existence of the Gazette, several attempts
_ have been made to introduce rival sheets, the first of
these being the Weymouth Courier, which began its
publication, in 1876, in East Weymouth, under the
charge of Jones & Co. It survived about one year.
The Weymouth Advance was the next candidate for
the position,—started, in 1877, at East Weymouth,
by C. F. David, and had an existence of about. two
Spooner & Webster undertook to resuscitate
the latter enterprise, but, after a few weeks, the at-
tempt was abandoned, as was also the effort to revive
the Weymouth Courier by Mr. Spooner.
The Weymouth Historical Society.—This
society was organized in the spring of 1879, by sev-
eral gentlemen, for purposes indicated by its name.
The growing interest in historical matters and the
absence of any history of this ancient and important
town encouraged the effort, and its object has been to
collect and preserve historical material, mainly that
Mr. Gregg remained but a short time, |
connected with this town. Elias Richards, Esq., has
been its president since its formation, and it has suc-
ceeded in collecting a valuable amount of historical
Pasa,
598
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
matter.
library of historical works. Its meetings are of much
interest and are held monthly in the Tufts’ Library
Rooms, where also are located its library and other
collections.
Social Libraries were formed in several of the |
villages in the town in the early part of the present
century, The shares were owned by the members and
the expenses paid by a small annual fee. These proved
of great benefit, but the foundations upon which they
rested were not calculated for permanence, and in a
few years they gradually disappeared. The first
It has also a small but constantly increasing |
permanent organization of the kind was the Mutual
Library Association of South Weymouth, formed
Nov. 13, 1863, with eighty members, holding about |
one hundred and thirty-five shares, and a library of
four hundred volumes, which has now increased to
fifteen hundred.
library was supported by annual fees, fines, and occa-
sional entertainments. Since that date it has been
Previous to Dec. 24, 1881, the |
free to the public, depending upon private contribu- |
tious and extra entertainments for its support. It is
well patronized and promises permanence.
The Tufts’ Library.—This is a free, public
library, located at Weymouth Landing, and was estab-
lished from a fund left by will, for this purpose, by |
the late Quincy Tufts, and his sister, Miss Susan
Tufts, grandchildren of Dr. Cotton Tufts, one of
Weymouth’s most valuable citizens during the whole
of the latter half of the eighteenth century. The
estimated value of the fund is about twenty thousand
dollars, and came into possession of the trustees
of the Tufts’ Library in 1879, who immediately
proceeded to apply it to its intended purposes. A
part of the fund consisted of two buildings at the
_ ployment of men “ to trayne” them.
takers, thus making it available to all the people,
although it is located in one of the villages. The in-
come of a part of the fund was set apart by the devisee
for free lectures upon educational matters, and two
courses of these have already been provided. The
library is in the control of a board of trustees, con-
sisting of the selectmen of the town, ex officio, and
others chosen by the town according to the terms of
the legacy.
CHAPTER LAT
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Military Organizations: Early Companies, Company for the
Castle, Weymouth Light-Horse, Weymouth Artillery, Wey-
mouth Light Infantry, Franklin Guards—Grand Army of
the Republic: Lincoln Post, No. 40, Reynolds Post, No. 58
—Societies and Associations: Masonic Orphans’ Hope Lodge,
Delta Lodge, South Shore Commandery, Pentalpa Royal
Arch Chapter—Odd-Fellows: Crescent Lodge, Wildey Lodge,
Wompatuck Encampment—Knights of Pythias: Delphi
Lodge—Knights of Honor: Pilgrim Lodge—Weymouth Ag-
ricultural and Industrial Society—Other Organizations.
Military Organizations—Very early, in fact
from the beginning of the settlement, the necessities
of the times called the attention of the people to
military matters.
themselves with arms, and to have some kind of
organized associations to resist their savage enemies,
who were ever on the alert to surprise them. Con-
sequently, among the earliest movements recorded
They were obliged to furnish
are the formation of military companies and the em-
The records of
_ Weymouth show its interest and participation in these
Landing, the lower story of one being fitted up for
the library, and the income derived from the re- |
mainder of the fund devoted to furnishing and sus-
taining it. Books were purchased and arranged,
a librarian engaged, and the library opened to the
public the 1st of January of the year 1880, with |
about two thousand three hundred volumes. Since
then the library has been rapidly increased from
the income of its funds and from liberal appropria- |
tions by the town, until its volumes have reached the
number of about seven thousand five hundred (Jan. 1,
1884), and is one of the most valuable and best selected |
for its size of any in the land. It is highly appre-
ciated and extensively used by almost the whole body |
of inhabitants of sufficient age; and the call has been
so large from the other villages of the town that the
trustees have made arrangements by which these can
be supplied with the books without expense to the
organizations in the first years of its existence.
As the various wars began and ended this feeling
became active or dormant, and new movements were
made from time to time, as fresh occasions called
for them. Of the earlier organizations nothing very
In the first century of the colony,
Weymouth had its troop of horse, besides its regular
definite is known.
enrollment of militia, covering all able-bodied men of
military age, formed into companies and officered.
This system, if the rude organizations can be dig-
nified by such a term, continued for two hundred
years.
Near the close of the first half of the eighteenth
century an independent company was formed in Wey-
mouth for service at Castle William, in Boston Har-
bor, under command of Maj. Adam Cushing. Its
officers were Ebenezer White, captain; Ebenezer
Porter, lieutenant; and John Porter, ensign; with a
6 ee
WEYMOUTH.
599
: . :
roster numbering sixty-six persons, most of whom more prosperous than at present.
were young men, from eighteen to twenty-five years |
of age. A full list of its members is in existence at
the present time.
During the latter part of the century the troop of.
horse was revived, and in 1798 the Weymouth Light-
Horse Troop was regularly organized, with John
White as its first captain, whose commission dates
August 13th of that year. This company held its
existence about a dozen years, and included on its |
rolls a large portion of the active, prominent citizens. |
The next organization was the Weymouth Artillery
Company, formed in 1801, with Nathaniel Shaw as
Its regular meet-
ings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each
month.
Societies and Associations.— Masonic.—Among
the most important associations in the town are the
Masonic organizations, of which there are three.
The Orphans’ Hope Lodge of Ancient, Free and
Accepted Masons was instituted June 8, 1825; the
charter was granted to John Edson and others. In
1830, during the Anti-Masonic excitement, the char-
ter was returned to the Grand Lodge, and Sept. 10,
1856, was reissued on petition of Lovell Bicknell and
others. John Edson was the first Master and Timothy
its first captain, his commission dating October 5th |
of the same year. This company enjoyed an active
life of more than forty years, and was composed of
the “first young men” of the town.
about 1843.
It disbanded |
The Weymouth Light Infantry was a local organ- |
ization, formed at Weymouth Landing in 1818, Levi |
Bates being its first captain, the date of whose com-
mission is recorded as Feb. 9, 1818. It was com-
posed of the active men of the village, and continued
its existence for about fifteen years.
The Franklin Guards, of South Weymouth, was a |
-local organization, as indicated by its name.
captain was Samuel P. Bayley, commissioned Feb. 26,
1822. The company was continued for ten or fifteen
years.
Its first |
Gorden the first Secretary. From the return of the
charter the lodge has always been in a prosperous
condition and never more successful than at the pres-
ent time.
Landing, then at North Weymouth, and since at East
Its meetings were held first at Weymouth
Weymouth, always in hired apartments; but a new
hall is now in process of erection by the lodge in the
latter village, and will probably be ready for occupancy
in the fall of 1884. The lodge numbers one hundred
and sixty-six members.
The Delta Lodge, at Weymouth Landing, was
chartered July 2, 1869, by the Grand Lodge; the
first meeting having been held on May 12th of the
previous year. Edward Avery was the first Wor-
| shipful Master ; N. F. T. Hunt, Senior Warden; A.S.
Grand Army of the Republic, Department of |
Massachusetts.—Lincoln Post, No. 40, named for
our lamented President, was organized Jan. 2, 1868,
at North Weymouth, having for its first Commander,
Gen. B. F. Pratt, who had previously been a comrade
of Post 15, in Boston. In August, 1873, it surren-
dered its charter and united with Post 58.
Reynolds Post, No. 58, was formed July 14, 1868,
and numbered, Dec. 1, 1883, three hundred and nine-
teen members. It was named in honor of Gen. John
F. Reynolds, of the First Army Corps, under whom
many of its comrades served. Its first commander
was Gen. James L. Bates, and its present, Col. B. S.
Lovell. Its charity fund amounts to $13,000; and
up to the beginning of 1883, the post had expended,
in relief and benefits to sick comrades and to widows
and orphans of deceased soldiers, the sum of $6768.83.
During its later years the disbursements for these pur- |
poses have been about $1000 annually. The funeral
expenses of a comrade, to the amount of $50, are
borne by the post, in cases where the family or con-
nections of the deceased would find it a burden to
provide them.
All of the members are uniformed. |
The post is a most useful organization, and was never |
White, Treasurer; C. G. Thompson, Secretary. The
present officers are Alden Bowditch, Worshipful
Master; HK. E. Richards, Senior Warden; John M.
Walsh, Treasurer; Wm. 8S. Wallace, Secretary.
The South Shore Commandery of Knights Tem-
plar was duly constituted by charter Oct. 13, 1871,
Z. L. Bicknell, Commander; George Wyman Fay,
Generalissimo, and E. Waters Burr, Captain-General.
Its place of meeting is at East Weymouth, and its
present membership (September, 1883) is one hun-
dred and fifty-three. Its present officers are E,W.
H. Bass, Commander; William Fearing, Second
Generalissimo; Charles N. Marsh, Recorder; and
Andrew J. Garey, Captain-General.
Pentalpa Royal Arch Chapter held its first meet-
ing June 14, 1870,Stephen S. Bradford, High Prest ;
William Humphrey, King; A. A. Holbrook, Scribe;
Samuel A. Bates, Secretary. Its present officers are
Francis K. Slack, High Priest; Joel F. Sheppard,
King; John M. Walsh, Scribe; William Cushing,
Secretary ; and its membership is one hundred and
twenty-four.
The Independent Order of Odd- Fellows has two
lodges in the town.
The Crescent Lodge, No.
96
32,
at East Weymouth,
)
600
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was instituted Aug. 22, 1845. It has received into
its membership three hundred and forty-six, of whom |
forty-five have died.
The Wildey Lodge, of South Weymouth, was
instituted March 9, 1875, with eighteen charter mem-
bers, and has now a membership of one hundred and
eighteen. Its growth has been steady and permanent,
and it stands second to none in sustaining the objects
of its organization. It has a fine building erected by
its members, which, with its furnishing, has cost
fifteen thousand dollars. In this building are a hall
for the use of the lodge, a public hall, and two stores.
The Wompatuck Encampment, No. 18, was origi- |
nally organized in Hingham, but surrendered its |
charter Feb. 2, 1851. It was reinstated at Kast Wey-
mouth Oct. 27, 1875, at the petition of Stephen |
Cain and thirteen others, with George W. Pratt, C.
P.; A. H. Leonard, Scribe; and K. Chamberlain,
Treasurer.
Knights of Pythias.—The Delphi Lodge, No. 15,
was organized Dec. 17, 1869, with thirteen char- |
ter members, at Weymouth Landing ; was burned out
Sept. 15, 1870, sustaining a loss of six hundred dol-
lars. The lodge now occupies a fine, new hall, well
furnished, and is growing rapidly, with a present
membership of one hundred and twelve.
Knights of Honor.—The Pilgrim Lodge, No.
485, at Hast Weymouth, was organized Feb. 27, 1877,
with thirteen charter members ; first named “ Cooper,”
in compliment to its first Dictator, but two years after
this, for obvious reasons, the name was changed to
“Pilgrim.” Its growth has been slow but steady, and
now numbers sixty members. This is a benevolent
association, and pays two thousand dollars to the heirs
of each member upon his death.
is the present Dictator.
The Weymouth Agricultural and Industrial So-
ciety was formed Oct. 31, 1864, for purposes indi-
cated by its name, to promote the interests of agricul-
ture and industry. Its first president was James L.
Bates, and its present, Alvah Raymond.
about thirty-three acres of land in the southeasterly
part of the town, upon which there is a_ half-mile
track, with horse-stables, ete. Its stock is held at ten
Frank W. Lewis |
It owns |
dollars per share, of which there are about nine hun- |
dred, held by four hundred and seventy members. |
and is in a prosperous condition.
There are also several other organizations of similar
character, among them the Hibernians of East Wey-
mouth, a Council of the Royal Arcanum, at Wey-
mouth Landing
3)
and many temperance associations,
Temple of Honor, Reform Club, Good Templars, |
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and others,
of which fuller mention cannot be made for want ot
space.
CHAR LHR. hime
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Business Enterprises!—Mills: The Waltham- Richards- Bates’
Mill, Tide Mill, Tirrell’s Mill, Reed’s Mill, Loud’s Mill, Vin-
son’s Mill, Dyer’s Mill—Turnpikes: Weymouth and Brain-
tree, New Bedford, Hingham and Quincy Bridge—Rail-
roads : Old Colony, South Shore—Expresses—T elegraph—Tel-
ephone—Financial Corporations—Banks: Weymouth Na-
tional, National of South Weymouth—Savings Banks: Wey-
mouth, South Weymouth, East Weymouth—Weymouth and
Braintree Fire Insurance Company—Manufactures: Boots
and Shoes—Weymouth Iron Company—Fish Company—
Weymouth Commercial Company—Ice Companies—Bradley
Fertilizer Company—Ship Building—Bay State Hammock
Company—Howe & French—Fire-Works—Mitten-Factory
—Miscellaneous.
Mills.— Weymouth has always, from its settlement
by the English, been noted for its excellent mill priv-
ileges. Mill River, from its departure from Great
Pond to its mouth at tide-water, abounds with valu-
able sites which have been improved during al-
most if not quite its entire history. The mill of
William Waltham is mentioned in his will in 1640.
In the following January, 1641, a difficulty arose
between Henry Waltham, to whom the property had
passed, and Wealthean Richards, wife of Thomas
Richards, whose husband was absent from the coun-
try and had left her in charge of his interest. This
was submitted to a reference consisting of Rev. Mr.
Newman, James Parker, Esq., and Edward Bates.
In 1642, Henry Waltham sold one-half of his grist-
mill (the same property) to Joseph Arthur, of Wey-
mouth, England, for one hundred and forty pounds,
In 1651, after the death of
Mr. Richards, who seems to have obtained posses-
sion of the whole property, the mill was set off to his
widow. ‘The town records of that date say it “ was
on the road to Hingham Plain.” This locates it at
Back River, below Whitman’s Pond. The mill (or
mills) seems to have passed into the hands of Elder
with other property.
1 The portion of this sketch devoted to business matters is
- s ° | CeSSé j yery ief, spac a i € li
The society holds an annual fair upon its erounds, | necessarily very brief, the space allowing only a bare outline
of important interests. Many are omitted entirely, among
which are all of that class engaged in supplying the material
wants of the inhabitants, very large’ in the aggregate, employ-
Several of the smaller
manufacturers are also unmentioned for want of room. The
ing much capital and many individuals.
compiler believes, however, that he has treated the business in-
terests of the town as fully and fairly as can be reasonably de-
manded in a work of this magnitude.
Bates, and was used as a grist-, saw-, and fulling-mill,
probably in two different buildings and a short dis-
tance apart. After several changes the privileges
passed into the possession of the Weymouth fron
Company in 1837, which has since improved them.
The Tide-Mill.—As early as 1669 the ‘“tyde-mill” |
is mentioned. In 1682 it is called ‘ Nash’s grist-
mill.” In 1696, James Nash, the second of the
name, left it to his grandson, James Drake, from
whom it passed into possession of the Burrells, and
soon after, the Webbs, with whom it remained for a
hundred or more years. It was used for mill pur-
poses until the present generation.
mantled, and the privilege is not used. Its location
was on Mill Cove, on the easterly side of Fore River,
and not far from the original Weston settlement.
Tirrell’s Mill.—This mill is situated very near the
centre of the town, ‘and dates from 1693, when the
town granted a permit to Gideon Tirrell to set up a
fulling-mill at ‘blade mill.” Whether the latter
name refers to the name of the owner or of the kind
It remained
in the family of its original builder until quite re-
cently, when it was bought by J. Loud & Co., and
by them sold to Howe & French, the present owners.
of a mill previously there is not known.
Reed’s Mill—Following the course of the stream
for about two miles towards its source, where it crosses
It is now dis-°
WEYMOUTH.
601
1837, and afterwards for a time as a bucket- and
shingle-mill. The property is now owned by Mr.
Elon Sherman, and used as a box-factory, with
about fifteen workmen. A few years since the old
mill was burned and a new one erected. Mr. Sher-
man has also, within a year or two, commenced the
manufacture of paper cartons for shoes.
Dyer’s Mili.—This mill is located on Marsh River,
on Pleasant Street, and was probably built by William
Reed before 1700. In 1716 it is named in the will
of John Porter as the “saw-mill.” It subsequently
passed into the hands of the Dyers, and was used by
them as a grist-mill. Jt has not been used for mill
purposes for about fifty or sixty years.
Turnpikes, Railroads, ete.—The primitive means
| of communication with Boston and other towns was
the old Plymouth road, Reed’s mill is found, built |
probably near the close of the last century by Jere- |
miah Shaw.
It came into the hands of Ezra Reed /
|
about 1811, and was used as a grist-mill until 1855, |
when the present building was erected, which was |
occupied by E. & C. Sherman as a box-factory for a
dozen years. The upper mill was built in 1866, and
was used as a saw-mill until 1877, when it was leased
to Cyrus Sherman and used for the manufacture of |
boot- and shoe-lasts, at which business he employs |
about twelve hands.
Loud’s Mill——This was probably the oldest mill
above Tirrell’s. It was built near the beginning of
the last century, and was known as Sayle’s mill.
That family is now extinct in the town. At that
by private conveyance,—horses, ox-wagons, and after-
wards carriages,—with the sailing packets, the latter
From
the earliest times the packet was the favorite, being
being the main dependence for this purpose.
quicker, cheaper, and more convenient, and was in
constant use for more than two hundred years, one or
two of them always finding ready employment in
As the roads improved, and
the needs of the people became greater, the stage-
passengers and freight.
coach made its appearance and ran regularly between
this town and Boston, until the necessity of still
better roads for the accommodation of the increasing
Turnpikes were projected
in various places, and several were proposed that
The conservative
travel became apparent.
should pass through Weymouth.
element prevailed so strongly that the town strenu-
ously opposed every attempt to locate one through it,
Notwithstanding
all the endeavors of the town, charters were granted
especially those crossing the rivers.
for three.
The Weymouth and Braintree Turnpike, crossing
from Weymouth Landing southeasterly to Hingham
on the line from Boston to Plymouth, was chartered
period quite a village clustered about this mill, of |
which only the ruined cellars remain.
The present —
mill was erected in 1836 as a grist-mill by Mr. Loud, ©
where, in 1850, he commenced making boxes.
He |
still carries on the business there, employing about
ten persons. This mill is a short distance above the
Reed Mill.
Vinson’s Mill.—This mill, formerly known as Col-
son’s, is located not far from Great Pond, and was
erected about 1765. It passed into the hands of
Mr. Vinson, and was used as a grist-mill until about
March 4, 1803, and opened for travel in 1805. This
was continued for nearly fifty years, when, owing to
the changed condition of things with new modes of
conveyance, it was thrown upon the town, July 15,
1852, and became a public road, now known as
Washington Street.
A second, the New Bedford Turnpike, obtained a
charter 29th February, 1804, and was laid out from
the Weymouth and Braintree turnpike, beginning
about a mile from the landing, running nearly south
to the Abington line, on the route from Boston to
New Bedford. The northerly part of the road was
never a paying concern, and before many years it
lapsed into private hands and is now Main Street.
602
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The Hingham and Quincy Bridge and Turnpike
Corporation was chartered 5th March, 1808, and
opened for travel, with its two bridges over Fore and
Back Rivers connecting Quincy and Hingham, in
1812.
and tolls to vessels passing through the draws, were
a continual source of vexation and contention, which
These bridges, with their tolls from travelers |
did not cease until the whole property was thrown
upon the towns as a public highway, 25th September, |
1862.
were proposed and established, and Weymouth did
not refuse to encourage such enterprises. Conse-
quently
The Union Bank of Weymouth and Braintree was
proposed, one hundred thousand dollars capital con-
tributed, an act of incorporation obtained, dated
| March 17, 1852, and the company organized on the
11th of April, with choice of Josiah Vinton, Jr., as
president, and commenced business as soon as the
necessary details could be arranged. _In 1853 an in-
Raitlroads.—Succeeding these, and the main cause |
of their failure, came the railroads; and the same |
spirit that had opposed the turnpike came forward in
great strength against the railroad, and the town op-
posed every attempt to locate one across its territory,
but the genius of progress prevailed, and in March,
1844, .
The Old Colony Railroad received its charter, and
located its track across the southwest corner of the |
town from Braintree to Abington, passing a little
south of the village of South Weymouth. The road
was speedily built, and was opened for travel 10th
November, 1845.
crease of $50,000 was made to its capital. On Sept.
6, 1864, the bank reorganized under the United
States National Banking Act as the Union National
Bank of Weymouth, and Jan. 12, 1865, the capital
was increased to $300,000; and again, April 12,
1869, another $100,000 was added, making its pres-
ent capital $400,000. It has a building of its own,
and has always been located at Weymouth Landing.
The First National Bank of South Weymouth was
organized Oct. 31, 1864, in consequence of the in-
crease of business in that part of the town, and to
employ a part of the capital rapidly accumulating
The South Shore Railroad soon followed the Old |
Colony, its charter dating 26th March, 1846, and
was opened to the public 1st January, 1849. This
road crosses the town near the villages of Weymouth
Landing, North Weymouth, and Hast Weymouth,
the principal centres of population and business. It
was run at first connecting with the Old Colony at
Braintree, and was afterwards hired by the latter. In
May, 1877, it was bought by that corporation, and is
now one of its branches.
The Express Business has grown in a half-cen-
tury—at the beginning of which private teams were
the only means of transportation aside from the
sailing packets—until it numbers a dozen companies,
employing scores of men and twice as many horses,
requiring not far from sixty thousand dollars of
capital.
The Telegraph and the Telephone have also become
indispensable to the wants of the inhabitants, several
lines of the former running through the town, and |
the latter being freely used by many business houses.
It also is found very convenient for families.
Financial Corporations.—The increase of mer-
cantile business and the springing up of manufactures
consequent upon revival of trade at the beginning of
the nineteenth century demanded greater financial facil-
ities than were previously enjoyed. In the circles
immediately concerned there was not capital enough
to do the necessary business, and exchanges were dif-
ficult. As the grand panacea for all these evils banks
there.
its capital was $150,000.
building it now occupies.
The Weymouth and Braintree Institution for Sav-
ings Was incorporated Feb. 16,1833. The original in-
corporators named were Asa Webb, Whitcomb Porter,
and Warren Weston. It began business the follow-
ing February, 1834, Dr. Noah Fifield being the first
president. By act of Legislature March 19, 1872, its
name was changed to Weymouth Savings-Bank. Its
assets, Jan. 1, 1883, were $565,432.06.
The South Weymouth Savings- Bank was incorpo-
rated March 6, 1868, in the name of Benjamin F.
White and others, and commenced business the fol-
Its assets amounted to $395,176.20
Hon. B. F. White was its first president, and
In 1866 it purchased the
lowing month.
at the last report.
The East Weymouth Savings-Bank was incor-
porated in 1872, and began business. On Jan. 1,
1883, its assets were reported at $247,357.56.
The Weymouth and Braintree Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company was incorporated in 1833. Asa
Webb was chosen president; F. A. Kingsbury, see-
retary ; and Ezra Leach, treasurer. After fifty years
of active business, it is now closing its affairs.
Manufactures.—For nearly two hundred years
Weymouth was eminently an agricultural community.
It had fine, large farms, well cultivated and produc-
tive. A hundred years ago a much larger proportion
of its area was under cultivation than at present, and
many of the best farms of that date or earlier are now
grown up to wood or bushes. Its dairies were cele-
.
WEYMOUTH.
603
brated throughout the State.
of manufactures a new condition of things was called
into existence, and the young men instead of follow-
ing the occupation of their fathers began to learn
trades, and the farms being neglected, the town grad-
ually changed from agriculture to manufactures, and
is now almost wholly given up to the latter.
Boots and Shoes.—This interest largely predomi-
nates, and employs more men and capital than any
other branch of industry.
of the present century there were probably not more
than three or four persons who manufactured this
class of goods for other than the home market, and
|
With the introduction —
in the ponds of the town, and a contract was made
quantities to pay well for gathering, began to be found
with Thomas Hobart, of Abington, by a public sale,
for the ore found in Great Pond at forty shillings per
ton, with an agreement to defend him against any
claims for damages that might be advanced by other
parties who might contest the town’s right to the ore ;
a committee was also chosen by the town to prosecute
_any others who should be found taking ore from this
As late as the beginning |
pond.
This contract remained in force until the 20th of
May, 1773, when a lease was given to Mr. Hobart
for thirty years, at sixty pounds per year, for the
those only gave employment to a few apprentices, be-
sides what they could do themselves. These goods
were carried to Boston market either upon the backs
Whortlebury Ponds.
of the manufacturers, who made the journey on foot, |
or else in saddle-bags upon horses. The business
gradually increased until it became necessary to use
wagons to carry in the goods and bring out mate-
The beginnings of this trade were at Wey-
mouth Landing, spreading thence to the north and
rials.
south villages, reaching latest of all the east, which |
now surpasses all of the others in the magnitude of its
business in this line.
it became necessary to employ a “ baggage wagon,”
It was a whole generation before
privilege of taking ore from Great, Whitman’s, and
Ore has been found at various
times and places besides, and attempts made to
utilize it, but the quantities were so small and the
expense of getting it so great that competition with
more favored deposits could not be maintained, and
the enterprises were abandoned. After the expira-
tion of Mr. Hobart’s lease the town appears to have
made no other.
The East Weymouth Iron Company is one of the
largest manufacturing establishments in the town. It
was incorporated 4th March, 1837, with a capital of
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which has
the clumsy pioneer of the present express, and the >
buildings used in carrying on the manufacture would
hardly suffice for offices at the present day, the goods
being made wholly at the homes of the workmen,
nearly all of whom had little shops in or near their
dwellings, the work being prepared and packed only,
As late as 1840, it was a large factory
that produced five hundred dollars’ worth of goods in
the week. About that period South Weymouth re-
ceived an impetus from its Southern trade (some of
at the factory.
its manufacturers having gone to New Orleans and —
established sales-rooms in that city), which placed it
far ahead of its rivals at the Landing and North |
Weymouth. ‘The increase in the volume of the busi-
ness was, however, very large in all parts of the town,
especially after the opening of California, in 1849;
and the large demand from that State for this class of
manufactures the town was forward to meet. From
these small beginnings the trade has increased until
there are now forty establishments, employing up-
wards of two thousand five hundred persons, and using
more than a million dollars of capital.
production of the various classes of goods is about
four millions of dollars in value.
these factories furnish work for one hundred to five
hundred people each.
The annual |
Six or eight of |
Jron.—In the spring of 1771 iron ore, in sufficient -
since been increased to three hundred thousand dol-
lars. It owns the splendid water privilege at Bank
River, at the foot of Whitman’s Pond.
years it was exceedingly prosperous, making enormous
dividends.
ally declined, and it ceased for a time to pay a profit,
but quite recently its trade has begun to revive and
At present
For many
From various causes its business gradu-
its prospects are again more encouraging.
it manufactures only nails, and these have a very wide
reputation. It employs two hundred and seventy-five
men when running full.
Fish Company.—In the early part of the seven-
teenth century a company was formed by a number
of the prominent men of the town for the purpose of
carrying on “a fishing trade to Cape Sables,” and
the town granted to it the use of ‘‘so much of Hunt’s
Hill, with the lowland and beach adjoining, at the
mouth of Fore River, as may be necessary for the
As far as the record shows, this was the
Of its
purpose.”
first joint-stock company formed in the town.
history but little is known.
After this, by nearly a century, came the ‘“ Wey-
mouth Commercial Company,” in 1805, formed for
the purpose of carrying on a foreign and domestic
trade. This company employed a capital of not far
from twenty thousand dollars, the shares of the several
stockholders varying from three hundred to three
604
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
thousand dollars each, Eliphalet Loud, Esq., being |
the treasurer. It owned
which were the ship ‘ Commerce,”
several vessels, among |
Capt. Joseph —
Tirrell, the brig ‘“ Adamant,” and the schooner
“ Venus.”
had a prolonged existence.
This company does not appear to have
Ice Companies.—The ice business is carried on to |
considerable extent, there being several companies in
|
|
various parts of the town engaged in supplying the |
local demand, while the “South Boston Ice Com-
pany” cuts large quantities for export. The ice-houses
of the latter are located at Great Pond, and have a
holding capacity of forty thousand tons, from which
they ship to Boston about twenty-five thousand tons
annually. The season for cutting lasts from four to
six weeks, during which the company employs from
seventy-five to one hundred and fifty men, and from
twenty to thirty horses, the quality of the ice being
the finest in the market.
business here in 1874.
Lumber, Grain, and Coal.—The navigable waters
The company commenced
in 1872, for the purpose of manufacturing various
kinds of fertilizers, successors of William L. Bradley,
who had previously been engaged in the same _ busi-
ness for eleven years. The company owns a large
tract of land upon Hastern Neck, the northernmost
point on the mainland of Weymouth, upon which
they have erected about thirty buildings, with wharves
and landings, where they employ about one hundred
and seventy-five men, and are manufacturing about
sixty thousand tons of their productions in the year.
They also own and use the tow-boat “ Peter B.
Bradley,” the largest and strongest in Boston Harbor,
with five “ lighters,” two of three hundred tons each,
one of two hundred tons, and two of one hundred
tons each; also a brig of three hundred and fifty
tons.
Ship Building.—Although Weymouth has been
during most of its history largely interested in mer-
cantile marine affairs, owning vessels and furnishing
“men, yet it has never been largely engaged in the con-
struction of these vessels.
bordering the northern part of the town have ever |
been improved by the inhabitants as sources of con- |
venience and profit in the transportation of passengers
and freight. From the early settlement sailing ves-
sels ran with more or less regularity between this
town and Boston, as well as other places about the
bay, but it was not until the present century that |
there began to be anything like commercial adven- |
ture. (Quite early in the nineteenth century the lum-
ber trade was opened with the Maine ports, and several
After 1826
the trade increased rapidly, and Weymouth Landing
became the market for the lumber traffic of the towns
freights annually came into Fore River.
lying to the southward for many miles. The business |
- . . ?
was carried on with enterprise and success for many
years, and was a source of profit to the village, until |
the opening of the railroads diverted much of this —
trade to other places. There is still, however, a large
Follow-
ing the opening of the lumber traffic the importa-
business done in this line at the Landing.
tion of grain from New York and other places was —
begun, and soon after, coal became a staple com-
modity. All of these branches of business have
been continued until the present, and are now prose- |
cuted largely and successfully by several concerns, who
employ large numbers of men and many vessels, and
it is no uncommon sight to witness lying at the
wharves half a dozen vessels ladened with coal and
lumber, some of them carrying a freight of four or
five hundred tons each.
Among the various industrial interests not before
named are the “ Bradley Fertilizer Company,” formed
About half a century ago
a ship-yard was established at Weymouth Landing by
Atherton W. Tilden, which he carried on for a few
years, and built a number of vessels of various sizes,
some of several hundred tons burden. From that
time until 1876 but little if anything was done at
the business. In the latter year N. Porter Keen
commenced the in Old
Spain, near Hunt's Hill, and since that time he has
built eleven vessels, sail and steam, averaging a cost
construction of vessels
of about forty thousand dollars each. There is on
the stocks at present a large vessel intended for a
four-masted schooner (since launched). Mr. Keen
employs about thirty men.
The Bay State Hammock Company, Augustus
Beals, proprietor, has a factory in “ Old Spain.” Com-
menced in 1876, making about two hundred per year,
and now produces twenty-five thousand annually,
employing about fifty workmen.
Howe and French purchased, about ten years since,
the old Tirrell Mill, where they manufacture fish
glue, working about five months in the year, and em-
ploying about seventy individuals.
Fire- Works.—About the year 1850, Edmund 8.
Hunt, of this town, began his first experiments in the
manufacture of fire-works, but it was not until 1856
that the business was fairly established. Since that
time it has been carried on with success, and has a
well-earned reputation for the quality and variety of its
The factory is at, Weymouth Landing,
and in the busy season employs about thirty opera-
productions.
tives.
Tanning and Currying.—In former days these
PO ey eye
i?) (ae
WEYMOUTH.
605
branches of business were carried on in many small
establishments scattered in various parts of the town,
but these have nearly all disappeared, and are repre-
sented by three concerns, who employ in all from —
twenty to thirty men. One of these factories, that
of W. Humphrey & Co., has been in existence, under
various owners, for considerably more than a hundred
years.
There are also three firms occupied in extracting
the oil from the calf-skin skirtings collected at the |
boot- and shoe-factories, and in bleaching them. This |
business employs eight men, and extracts about two
tons of grease per week. The work is done at Hast
Weymouth.
At South Weymouth, Clarence A. Hunt has a
large factory, in which during the trade season he |
employs one hundred and twenty hands, mostly girls |
which to rest a full and thorough history of “ Wey-
mouth during the Rebellion,” and is perhaps suffi-
ciently accurate for ordinary purposes.
A great many of the men here enumerated served
in other organizations during the war than that
to which they are credited; to name them all would
extend the work too much for the general purpose ;
that here given is usually one in which the first en-
listment was made. The rank named is the highest
held during the term of service, without regard to the
organization in which it was held. When no State is
named Massachusetts is understood, and the alphabeti-
cal arrangement has been used to facilitate reference.
The necessary abbreviations will be readily understood.
The name being first given, then the rank, afterwards
the branch of service, and last, casualties where any
occurred.
and young men, in the production of various kinds of
mittens and gloves, including all kinds of leather and
yarn work, about one hundred dozen being a day’s
work.
There are are also many small manufacturers of
different kinds of which space will permit only the
mention, among them a furniture factory at North
| Abbott, Luther C., 8th Regt., Maine.
Adams, George M., sergt., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Adlington, Stephen L., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Adlington, Walter S., private, 11th Regt., Co. F; died.
Allen, Charles H., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Allison, Walter, private at Watertown Arsenal.
Weymouth, a factory at East Weymouth for the can-—
ning of fruits, vegetables, and meats, several stamp-
ing and gilding establishments; also others for
making heels and counters for boots and shoes.
CHAPTER LIV.
WEY MOUTH—( Continued).
Military Record, 1861-65.—The following rece-
ord of soldiers sent by the town of Weymouth, Mass.,
Ames, William F., Ist Conn. Cav.
Andrews, Edward G., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Atkinson, James, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Bailey, Christopher C., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Bailey, Orestes L., private, 4th Cav.
Baker, Andrew J., private, 3d Heavy Art.
| Baker, Calvin R., private, 33d Regt., Co. K.
into the Union service during the great Rebellion of |
1861-65, with the exception of a few errors corrected
by the compiler, is taken chiefly from the town archives, |
kept in accordance with acts of the Massachusetts
Legislature, approved March 7 and April 29, 1863, |
and is believed to be substantially correct. There are, |
doubtless, errors and omissions, as it is almost neces- |
sary there must be in such compilations, judging
from the universal experience of the past. Names are
extremely liable to error, since there are so many
ways of spelling the same. Dates also are sources of
difficulty, as all know who have ever attempted to
verify them. Defective memories are exceedingly
fruitful in mistakes,in matters that are not made the
subject of record at the time of their occurrence.
Much care and labor have been bestowed upon this
list, yet it claims to be at best but a good basis upon
Baker, Charles H., musician, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Baker, Howard, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Baker, William H., private, 13th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Baldwin, Everett, private, 12th Regt.
Barnes, Ferdinand J., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H.
| Barnes, Robert B., private, 16th Light Bat.
Bartlett, George, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Bates, Albert, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
| Bates, Alfred L., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
| Bates, Charles W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Bates, Elijah R., navy.
| Bates, James L., brig.-gen., 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Bates, John F., private, 13th Regt., Co. K.
| Bates, John W., lieut., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G. :
Bates, Leavett, sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Bates, Levi L., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
| Bates, Lewis D.
Bates, Samuel A., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Bates, Stephen, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
| Bates, William L., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Bearce, Simeon, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
| Beals, Elias F., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Beard, Austin P., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
| Beaulieu, Moses, private, llth Regt.
Belcher, Alfred C., private, Ist Cay.
Bicknell, Anson F., corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Bicknell, Charles E., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Bicknell, Francis A., major, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
| Bicknell, Frederick T., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; prisoner ;
| died.
Bicknell, George W., private, 14th Regt., Co. F; wounded; died.
606
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Bicknell, John Q.. 43d Regt., Co. B.
Bienville, Lewis, private, 11th Regt.
Bingham, Clarence V.
Binney, Isaac H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Binney, John, sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Birmingham, Matthew, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Birmingham, Richard.
Blackman, John H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Blanchard, Alonzo, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Blanchard, Alonzo W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Blanchard, Charles B., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; prisoner ;
died.
Blanchard, Frank, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Blanchard, George W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Blanchard, James B., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Blanchard, John, private, 32d Regt., Co. G.
Blanchard, John, Jr., sergt., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Mark M., private.
Otis S., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Blanchard, O.S., private, 58th Regt., Co. G; killed.
Blanchard, Thomas §., private, 32d Regt., Co. A.
Boodrue, John, 43d Regt., Co. B.
Bourne, Ezekiel P., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Bourne, L. V., private, 2d Art., Co. H; died.
Bowditch, Frederick H., musician, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Bowker, James B., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Brady, Thomas, private, 29th Regt., Co. B.
Bragg, Ira W., surgeon, navy; died.
Bresnahan, Michael, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Briggs, Charles E., private, 14th Light Bat.
Briggs, Henry H., private, 8th Vet. Regt., Co. G.
Briggs, John H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Brooks, Spencer L., sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Brown, Dennis, private, 9th Regt., Co. D; accidentally killed.
Brown, George, navy.
Brown, James, navy.
Bryant, James A., corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G; prisoner,
Buckmaster, Michael, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Buker, Leonard E., sergt., 32d Regt., Co. F.
3urns, Francis D., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Burns, John W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Burrell, Charles H., private, 3d Cav., Co. 1; wounded.
3urrell, David B., lieut., 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Burrell, John G., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Burrell, John P., lieut., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Burrell, Joseph H., Jr., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Burrell, W. L., private, Ist Heavy Art., Co. M; killed.
Burrell, Martin D., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Burrell, Martin J., lieut., 42d Regt., Co. A.
3urrell, Oliver, lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Blanchard,
Blanchard,
Burrell, Richmond.
Burrell, Richmond P., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Burrell, Samuel E., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Burrell, William L., private, 14th Heavy Art.; killed.
Cady, Benjamin L., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Cady, Lorenzo, private, Ist Heavy Art.
Cahill, Thomas, private, 4th Cav.; killed.
Cain, Leonard W., musician, 56th Regt., Co. C.
Cain, Stephen, musician, 56th Regt., Co. C.
Calnan, John.
Canterbury, William, musician, 12th Regt.
Carey, Timothy, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Carney, Thomas, private, 30th Regt.; died.
Carney, William, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Carter, Galen A., private, 16th Regt. ; wounded and died.
Carroll, John, private, 3d Bat., R. I.
| Carroll, John, navy.
Carroll, Michael, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Coughlan, Thomas, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Chandler, Bradford, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
| Chapman, Daniel L., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
| Chase, Abial H., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
| Chessman, E, B., private, 32d Regt., Co. H; died.
Childs, John, private, 3d Heavy Art.
Churchill, Joshua F., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Churchill, Julius R., private, 32d Regt., Co. G.
Clapp, Loring O., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
| Clapp, William H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Clark, Albert, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Coburn, Hiram S., capt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cokeley, Dennis, private, 9th Regt., Co. D.
Cokeley, Humphrey, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Coleman, Thomas, private, 24th Regt.
Collet, Frederick, sergt., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Colson, Frederick B., private, Ist Cav., Co. K.
Conner, Daniel, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Conners, Patrick, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cook, Thomas W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; deserted.
Coolidge, Amos R., private, 16th Light Bat.
Coolidge, Francis E., private, 12th Regt., Co. C; killed.
Coolidge, Frederick, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Coolidge, George H., private, llth Regt., Co. K; died.
| Coolidge, Richard S., private, 11th Regt., Co. @; deserted.
Coolidge, William F., private, 11th Regt., Co. K.
Corban, Frank, private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
Corban, Roswell L., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Corr, Owen, navy. .
Cotter, Patrick, private, 4th Cav.; died.
| Coughlan, Thomas, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cowing, Charles G., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
| Cowing, Henry V., private, 11th Regt., Co. F; prisoner.
Crocker, Charles A., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Crocker, Elery C., sergt., 42d Regt., Co..A.
| Crocker, Enoch, private, 11th Regt., Co. F; killed.
Cronin, Patrick.
Cudworth, Benjamin, private, 42d Regt., Co. D.
Cully, Andrew, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Cummings, William L., private, 4th Cav., Co. D; prisoner.
Cunningham, John, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Curtis, Charles H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Cushing, Alanson B., navy.
Cushing, Alfred T., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Cushing, Charles E., corp., 12th Regt., Co. I; prisoner and died.
Cushing, David W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Cushing, Edward, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Cushing, Elbridge G., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Cushing, Francis H., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cushing, Frederick O., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Cushing, George A., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cushing, George C., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Cushing, George F., private, 16th Light Bat.
Cushing, Henry F., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Cushing, John F., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cushing, Thomas B., private, 12th Regt., Co. B; killed.
Cushing, William E., private, 11th Regt., Co. F,
Cushing, William N., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Cushing, William N. (2d), private, 14th Regt., Co. K.
Cushing, William Newton, private, 2d Cav.
Daffy, Thomas, private, 42d Regt., Co. D.
Daggett, Henry T., private, lst Cav.
| Dailey, Israel A., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Dallof, Albert W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
WEYMOUTH.
607
Dalton, John W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Daly, Dennis, private, Ist Regt.
Dame, Joseph T., private, 32d Regt., Co. F; killed.
Damon, Albert, Co. H; wounded.
Damon, Isaac B., private, 2d Regt.
Damon, Joshua F., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Damon, Proctor A., private, Ist U. Heavy Art.
Damon, Zachariah, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Davidson, Albert, private, 15th Regt., Co. C.
Davis, George R., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Davis, Horatio A., corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Davis, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Davis, Leonard I., private, 16th Light Bat.
Dayon, Michael, private, 10th Conn. Regt.; wounded.
Davy, Manning, private, 38th Regt., Co. H.
Davy, William H., at Watertown Arsenal,
Day, Greenleaf, musician, 4th Cay.
Day, J. H., private, 6th Bat.; died.
Day, James B., private; died.
Day, Joshua D., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Dean, Benjamin R., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Dean, Seth, private, Cabot’s Art.
Deere, Elias H., private, 12th Regt., Co. C.; wounded.
Delawney, Michael, private, 9th Regt., Co. C.
Denbroeder, Adrianus, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Denton, Samuel C., musician, 56th Regt., Co. A.
Derby, Alden, private, 12th Regt., Co. H ; wounded.
Derby, Franklin, sergt., 4th Cav., Co. B.
Derby, George, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Derby, Loring W., sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Derby, Thomas, Jr., sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Deselit, Louis.
Deshon, Jason L., sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Doble, George H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Doherty, Bernard, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Donahoe, Stephen, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Donnelly, Frank, private, 9th Regt.; killed.
Donnelly, J. Michael, private, 28th Regt.; killed.
Donovan, Malachi, private, 9th Regt.; deserted.
Donovan, Michael, navy.
Doran, Daniel, private, 33d Regt., Co. M.
Downey, Thomas, private, 16th Regt.
Duffy, Richard, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Dunbar, Charles H., lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Dunbar, David, corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Dunbar, James D., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Dunbar, Warren, private, 12th Regt., Co. E.
Dunbar, Willard J., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Dunn, John, corp., 14th Regt., Co. K.
Duvall, Lewis, private, 32d Regt., Co. A; deserted.
Dyer, William H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Earl, Daniel C., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Early, Edward, navy.
Estes, Eli H., corp., 42d Regt.
Estes, Herbert E., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Estes, Samuel, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Fahey, Edward A., sergt., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Fairbanks, George E., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Fairbanks, Gerry, private, 16th Light Batt.
Farmer, Charles H., private, Signal Corps.
Farmer, William H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Farren, G. W., private, 4th Cav., Co. B; prisoner.
Faulkner, Harrison, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Fearing, Israel J., private, 14th Regt., Co. F; prisoner and |
died.
Fennell, James, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Fennell, John, sergt., 25th Regt., Co. A; wounded.
Fitzgerald, Patrick, private, 11th Regt.; killed.
Fleming, Michael, private, 11th Regt.; killed.
Flynn, John, navy.
Fogarty, William, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Ford, Charles T., private, 3d Heavy Art.
Ford, James B., private, 19th Regt., Co. 1; wounded.
Ford, Joseph B., wagoner, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Ford, Michael, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Forrest, Michael A., private, 2d Regt., Co. I.
Foss, Benjamin F., private, 11th Regt., Co. F; killed.
Fox, Owen, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Foye, Samuel §., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Fraher, Patrick, private, 2d Heavy Art., Co. D; prisoner and
died.
French, George W., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
French, Samuel L., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; died.
Furness, John.
Gamage, Theodore A., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Gammons, Frederick, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; prisoner and
died.
Gannett, Charles E., sergt., 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Gannett, Joseph H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Gardner, Edward B., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Gardner, George L., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Gardner, Henry A., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Gardner, Jacob, Jr., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Gardner, Jason, musician, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Garey, Andrew J., capt., 12th Regt., Co. H ; wounded.
Garvin, Edward, private, 33d Regt.
Gay, John O., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Gay, Samuel E., sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Gerrold, Alexander M., navy.
Gibbs, Benjamin §., private, 12th Regt., Co. E; wounded,
Gibbs, Elisha J., lieut., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Gillinghan, James R., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Gillinghan, John, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Gloster, Patrick, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Goldthwait, Charles, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Goodwin, John M., at Watertown Arsenal.
Goodwin, Samel D., private, 12th Regt., Co. D.
Goodwin, William A., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Goodwin, William H., private, Nim’s Bat., Co. B.
Gordon, Joseph.
Gorman, John, private, 56th Regt., N. Y., Co. K; wounded.
Gove, Andrew §., at Watertown Arsenal.
Grant, Thomas, private, 12th Regt., Co. D; wounded.
Graves, George D., private, 18th Regt.
Graves, Joshua.
Gunning, Amos J., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Gustin, George A.
Hackett, Patrick, private, 9th Regt. ; killed.
Hall, Edward W., private, 7th Regt., Co. F; died.
Halligan, Edward, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Halloran, James, private, 35th Regt., Co. H ; wounded.
Haley, John, navy.
Hamilton, Lucius M., musician, 12th Regt., Co. H; died.
Hamilton, Otis R., private, 14th Regt., Co. K.
Hanley, Michael (2d), private, 31st Regt.
Harding, Elsworth M., private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
Harrington, Isaac N., private, 60th Regt.
Harrington, Minot J., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Harrington, William, private, lst Heavy Art.
Hart, John W., private, 3d Heavy Art.
Hart, Michael, 3d Heavy Art.
Hastings, Charles W., capt., 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
608
2
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Hawes, Bradford, private, Ist Cav,, Co. K.
Hawes, Charles, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Hayden, Albert C., private, 35th Regt.,Co. H; wounded.
Hayden, George F., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Hayward, Charles W., private, 28th Regt., Co. G; prisoner.
Hayward, Isaiah T., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Heald, Lysander, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Healy, Cornelius, 12th Regt., Co. A: killed.
Healy, George R., private, 13th Regt., Co. C; died.
Healy, Henry, private, 14th Regt., Co. K; wounded.
Healy, James H., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Healy, William, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Hennessey, John, private, 3d Regt. U. S. Reg., Co. EH; wounded.
Hersey, Daniel D., private, 32d Regt., Co. F ; died.
Hersey, William §.
Hersey, Wilson D., private, 18th Regt., Co. K; died.
Hesse, Augustus, private, 9th Bat.
Hewitt, Henry, private, 4th Cav., Co. B ; prisoner and died.
Hickey, Kenneth, private, 12th Regt., Co. E.
Higgins, Lucius.
Higgins, Michael, private, 42d Regt.
Hill, Boyle D., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Hobart, Otis M., private, Ist U. Heavy Art.
Hobart, Thomas P., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Hobill, Ralph, private, 11th Regt., Co. 1; wounded and died.
Hocking, William H., private, 14th Regt., Co. K.
Holbrook, George, corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Holbrook, George A., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Holbrook, Jeremiah, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Holbrook, John Q. A., private, 42d Regt., Co. D.
Holbrook, Richard M., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Holbrook, William, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Holbrook, William A., private, 4th Cav., Co. HE; died.
Holbrook, William O., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Hollis, Adoniram B., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Hollis, Asaph L., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Hollis, George, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Hollis, Henry §., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded and died.
Hollis, Isaac N., Jr., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Hollis, John F., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Hollis, John O., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G. ,
Hollis, John Q., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Hollis, Leroy 8., private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
Holmes, Jesse H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Holmes, Lyman T., sergt., 35th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Holmes, Marcus M., private, 11th Regt., Co. G@; wounded.
Hope, John, private, 24th Regt., Co. K ; wounded.
Houghton, Edzel, private, 16th Light Bat.
Houghton, Oliver, private, 16th Light Bat.
Howard, Henry, private.
Humphrey, Clinton C., private, 8th Bat.
Hunt, Henry N., private, lst U. Heavy Art.
Hunt, James L., private, 55th Regt., Co. H.
Hunt, John Q., corp., 55th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Hunt, Samuel W., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Hunt, Webster W., 4th Heavy Art.
Hunt,. William, private, 12th Regt., Co. E.
Jacobs, Daniel, private, Ist Cav.
Jackson, Nelson §., private, 14th Regt., Co. K; prisoner and
died.
Jaquith, Reuben, private, 16th Light Bat.
Jones, Charles G., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Jones, Granville R.
Jones, James G., Ist Heavy Art., Co. M; died.
Josephs, Uriel, corp., 42d Regt., Co. A; died.
Joy, George F., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
|
|
)
Joy, Walter H., musician, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G,
Joyce, E. L., private, Ist Heavy Art., Co. M; killed.
Keating, Thomas H., musician, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Keep, William J., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Keily, Timothy, private.
Kelley, Thomas, private, 42d Regt., Co. C.
Kendrigan, Edward, private, 3d Cav.
Kenney, Bernard, private, 3d Heavy Art.
Kennison, Benjamin R., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Kerr, Owen, private, 28th Regt., Co. C; wounded.
Kilburn, Charles E., private, Ist Cav.; wounded and supposed
dead.
Kimball, Selden, private, 16th Light Bat.
Kingman, Nathan, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Kirby, Patrick, private, 7th Regt.
Kittridge, Paul C., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; died.
Knights, Edward, private, 35th Heavy Art., Co. A.
La Forrest, Frederick, private, 4th Regt.
Lajoye, Joseph, private, 12th Regt., Co. D; killed.
Lamson, Daniel, sergt., 35th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Lane, §. Cushing, engineer, navy.
Lane, Parker E., private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
Lane, Webster, engineer, navy.
Lantz, David J., private, 42d Regt., Co. A; prisoner.
Larmay, Joseph, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Larmay, Leander.
Lary, William, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Lathrop, Hiram G., private, 12th Regt.
Lathrop, Washington I., private, 13th Regt., Co. F; killed.
Leach, Adnah G., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Leach, Ezra W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Lemar, Joseph, private, 11th Regt., Co. EH; wounded.
Leonard, Alonzo H., corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Leonard, Charles H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Leonard, Charles M., private, 11th Regt., Co. F.
Leonard, John, 22d Regt.; died.
Lewis, Edward, lieut., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Lewis, George F., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Lewis, William A., private, 38th Regt., Co. D; killed.
Lewis, William H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Lincoln, Daniel, private, 32d Regt., Co. A.
Lincoln, Daniel W., private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
Lincoln, Samuel, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Lindsley, Frederick, at Watertown Arsenal.
Lines, Patrick, private, 24th Regt.
Linnell, Samuel D., private, 2d Heavy Art., Co. L.
Linton, Augustus A., private, 11th Regt., Co. PF.
Linton, E. Frank, private, 11th Regt., Co. F.
Littlefield, Lemuel P., private, 14th Regt., Co. K; wounded
and died.
Livingston, George H., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Lloyd, Charles §., lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Londergan, Thomas, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Long, William, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Loring, Benjamin J., 5th Regt., Co. G.
Loring, Charles H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Loubey, Edward, private, 11th Regt.; missing.
Loud, Byron W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Loud, Francis M., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Loud, John A., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Loud, John F., sergt., 32d Regt., Co. F; wounded.
Loud, Josiah E., private, U. Cav., Co. A.
Loud, Livingston W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Loud, Samuel R., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Loud, Thomas B., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Loud, William E., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
WEYMOUTH.
609
Louney, Daniel E., private, 63d Regt., N. Y., Co. C; wounded,
prisoner, died.
Lovell, Benjamin S., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Lovell, Frank G., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Lovell, George, private, 16th Regt.
Lovell, Jacob R., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Lovell, James A., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Lovell, William L., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Lynch, Patrick, private, 9th Regt., Co. H.
Lyon, George P., capt., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Macauley, Matthew, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Mahan, Jerry, private.
Makepeace, Horace M., 42d Regt., Co. D.
Mangon, Charles, private.
Mann, George H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Marden, Lewis C., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A; died.
Marden, Newell, private, 29th Regt., Co. H.
Marlow, Peter, private, Ist Regt.
Martin, Edwin, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Mason, Adoniram J., lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H.
May, John D., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Maynard, George F., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H.
McAllister, Samuel A., 16th Regt., Co. G; died.
McArdle, Patrick A., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
McAuliffe, Dennis, private, 9th Regt., Co. I; killed.
McCarthy, John, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
McCarthy, John, private, 9th Regt., Co. B.
McCauley, Dennis.
McCue, Patrick, private, 14th Regt., Co. H.
McDavitt, William, private, 16th Light Bat.
McGill, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; deserted.
McGill, Stephen, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
McGrath, Michael, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
McGuire, James, private.
McGuire, Patrick, private, 9th Regt., Co. K.
McGuire, Thomas, private, 9th Regt., Co. I.
McKenzie, Daniel B., private, 42d Regt., Co. A. :
MeMakens, John, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
MeMorrow, Charles J., private, 11th Regt., Co. G@; wounded.
Merchant, William F., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Miller, Alonzo R., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Mitchell, George W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Mitchell, William, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Moore, Martin F., private, 16th Light Bat.; died.
Moran, James F., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Moran, William H., private, 3d Heavy Art.
Morgan, Thomas T., private, 11th Regt., Co. E.
Morrell, Charles A., lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Morreil, Charles G., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Morrison, James, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Moulton, Harrison, private, 2d Light Bat., Co. B.
Munroe, Alfred C., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Murphy, Eugene.
Murphy, Jeremiah, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Murphy, Martin, private, 9th Regt., Co. B; wounded.
Murphy, Terence, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Murphy, Timothy.
Murphy, William H., private, 32d Regt., Co. A; wounded.
Nash, Aaron P., Jr., private, 12th Regt., Co. C; wounded.
Nash, Elbridge, private, 44th Rest.
Nash, Franklin A., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Nash, William C., private, 16th Light Bat.
Nightingale, Thomas J., private, 11th Regt., Co. K.
Nolan, Daniel, private, 16th Light Bat.
Nolan, James, private, 16th Light Bat.
Norton, Royal, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
39
O’Brien, Richard, private, 9th Regt., Co. G.
O’Connell, Maurice, private, 2d Regt.
O’Conner, Timothy, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
O’Conner, John, private.
O’Donnell, Patrick, private, 42d Rest., Co. A.
Oreutt, Augustus E., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Oreutt, Benjamin H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Orcutt, Charles, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Orcutt, George O., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; died.
Orcutt, James M., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Oreutt, William, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Osgood, George W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Parks, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Parrott, Josiah R., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Parry, John, private, 32d Regt., Co. A.
Pedman, William J., private, 14th Regt., Co. K; wounded.
Perrigo, Charles C., private, 30th Regt. ; died.
Perry, George H., navy.
Perry, Henry, private, 22d Regt., Co. F.
Peterson, Alfred, private, 35th Regt., Co. H ; wounded.
Pettes, I. D. Howe, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Philbrick, Stephen K., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Phillips, Lewis, private, 24th Regt.
Pierce, David J., private, 42d Regt., Co. A,
Pierce, Eliot C., maj., 13th Regt., Co. H;: wounded.
Pike, William, private, 25th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Pond, Henry V., private, 60th Regt.
Pool, Samuel B., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Pope, Charles A.,sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded and died.
Pope, Clinton F., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Pope, Warren W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Porter, Hiram, private, 29th Regt., Co. G.
Porter, Jonathan K., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H ; wounded.
Powers, Peter, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Pratt, Asa B., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Pratt, Benjamin (2d), private, 42d Regt., Co. D; prisoner.
Pratt, Benjamin F., brev. brig.-gen., 35th Regt., Co. H;
wounded.
Pratt, Benjamin F. (2d), private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Pratt, Benjamin F. (5d), corp., 55th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Pratt, Charles, private, 4th Cav.
Pratt, Chester D., private, Ist Cav.
Pratt, Francis B., capt., 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Pratt, Francis 8., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Pratt, George H., private, 24th Rest.
| Pratt, George Hiram, private, 2d Cav., Co. C.
Pratt, Henry, private, 4th Cav., Co. G.
Pratt, Henry F., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Pratt, James, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Pratt, Josiah H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Pratt, Leander.
| Pratt, Leonard, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Pratt, Leonard F., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H; died.
Pratt, J. Quincey, private, 4th Cav., Co. B; killed.
Pratt, Samuel, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Pray, Samuel, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Pry, Thomas W., private, 3d Heavy Art.
Prouty, Elijah, private, 4th Regt., Co. C; died.
Prouty, Oliver B., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Puffer, James E., private, 32d Regt., Co. F; killed.
Putillow, Frank A., private, 4th Cav.; died.
Quinn, Jeremiah, private, 42d Regt., Co. D.
Rand, James W., private, 59th Regt., Co. I.
Randall, Martin L., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co.iG,
Ray, William N., navy.
Raymond, Bela T., private, 42d Regt., Co. I.
610
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Raymond, Benjamin, private, 42d Regt., Co. I.
Raymond, Charles W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Raymond, Horace B.
Raymond, James G., 4th Cay., Co. D; died.
Raymond, James G., private, 42d Rect, Co. A.
Raymond, I. H., BEEN 4th Regt., Co. C.
Raymond, Thomas W., private, 4th Cayv., Co. EH.
Raymond, Walter B.
Rea, John D., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Rea, William M., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Reamy, Joseph, private, 4th Cav., Co. E.
Reckards, Winslow M., corp., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Redmond, Charles S., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Remington, Foster.
Rennard, Henry F., private, 3d Cav.; killed.
Reed, Franklin, private, 4th Cav., Co. B; prisoner.
Reed, Matthew, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Reed, Salmon, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Reed, Thomas, private, 60th Regt.
Reynolds, William H., private, 4th Cav., Co. E.
Rice, Stephen L., private, 16th Light Bat.
Rice, Urban, navy.
Rice, William P., sergt., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Richards, Benjamin F., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Richards, Charles L., private, 18th Regt., Co. H; wounded and
died.
Richards, Charles N., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Richards, David P., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Richards, George W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Richards, Samuel M., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Richards, William H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Richardson, Emery, private, 11th Regt., Co. F.
Richardson, F. P.
Riley, Michael, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Riley, Timothy, private, 11th Regt., Co. D; eae
Ritchie, Henry, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Roachman, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Robbins, Charles H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded and
died.
Robbins, Christopher C., private, 3d Md. Regt., Co. D; wounded. |
Robinson, Benjamin F., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Robinson, Wilber F., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Robinson, William H., private, 18th Regt., Co. K.
Rockwood, Elisha R., lieut., 4th Heavy Art., Co. @; wounded.
Rogers, Daniel F., 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner and died.
Ross, Samuel J., private, 38th Regt., Co. K.
Rowe, James, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Rowley, Edward, private, 9th Regt., Co. C.
Ruggles, George, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Ryan, John, 3d Cav., Co. C.
Ryan, Timothy, private, 28th Regt., Co. D; wounded.
Sampson, John M., private, Ist U. Heavy Art.
Sargent, Edward W., private, 16th Light Bat.
Sargent, George W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Sargent, Walter H.
Seully, John, private, 9th Bat.
Shannahan, Jeremiah, private, 16th Regt.
Shannahan, William, private, 20th Regt.
Shaw, Augustus E., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Shaw, Austin B., private, 14th Regt., Co. K; wounded,
Shaw, E. Faxon, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. @
Shaw, George, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Shaw, Gilbert M., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Shehan, Dennis, private, 16th Regt.; killed.
Shepherd, Joseph E., private, 13th Regt., Co, F.
Shergold, Nehemiah, private, 12th Regt.
Simpson, Oliver E., private, Ist Regt., Co. I; killed.
Skinner, Robert G., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Slason, William T., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Slatterly, Edward, private, 12th Regt., Co. C; wounded.
Slatterly, John G., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; probably killed.
Slatterly, Patrick, 42d Regt., Co. B.
Smiledge, Alfred B., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Smiledge, John S., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Smith, Bernard, navy.
Smith, Cornelius, navy.
Smith, Frank, Watertown Arsenal.
Smith, James, navy.
Smith, Jason, Jr., private, 35th Regt., Co. K; died.
Smith, John, private, 12th Regt. |
Smith, John (2d), navy.
Smith, Richard B., sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Smith, William W., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Snell, William, 20th Regt., Co. A.
Spear, Albert A., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Spear, Charles H., private, 11th Regt., Co. F.
Spear, Josiah Q., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H.
Spear, Richard, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Spencer, Jeremiah, private, 18th Regt., Co. K.
Spinney, Harris H., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded and
prisoner.
Spooner, William A., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Springer, Samel B., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Stackpole, Oliver B., private, 42d Regt., Co. A; died.
Starbuck, George, private, 2d Regt., Co. I; died.
Stevens, James H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Stoddard, Addison, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Stoddard, Elbridge I., sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Stoddard, Henry A., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Stoddard, John H., private, 42d Regt., Co. D.
Stoddard, Sargent L., private, 42d Regt., Co. D; prisoner.
Stone, William E., private, 2d Cav., Co. I.
Sutton, Reuben.
Swan, Gideon R., 29th U. Heavy Art.
Sweares, Henry, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Sweeny, Robert, navy.
Sweeting, Putnam I., private, 24th Regt., Co. F.
Taylor, Joseph F., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Thayer, George R., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Thayer, John Q. A., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Thayer, Joseph W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Thayer, Nathaniel A., private, 12th Regt., Co. E.
Thayer, N. W., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner and died.
Thayer, Samuel G., private, 12th Regt., Co. C; prisoner.
Thayer, Stillman, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Thayer, Watson, sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Thayer, William G., private, 12th Regt., Co. E; wounded.
Thomas, Albert, private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
Thomas, Allen, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G
., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Thomas, Edwin, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Thomas, Benjamin F
| Thomas, Edwin (2d), capt., 3d U. Heavy Art.
Thomas, Francis L., lieut., 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Thomas, Isaac, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Co. G.
Co. H.
Co. H.
Thomas, John, private, 4th Heavy Art.,
Thomas, Leonard, private, 12th Regt.,
Thomas, Minot A., private, 12th Regt.,
| Thomas, Nelson, sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
| Thompson, Harrison G., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Thompson, Josiah, Jr., private, 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Thompson, Sumner, private, 16th Light Bat. ; died.
42d Regt., Co. A.
Thompson, Zenas M., private,
WEYMOUTH.
611
Tirrell, Albert H., lieut., lst Cav.
Tirrell, Albert J., private, 14th Regt., Co. K.
Tirrell, Alfred W., lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Tirrell, Augustus, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, E. P., private, 3d Heavy Art.
Tirrell, Ebenezer, Jr., sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, Edwin F., sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, Francis B., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, Franklin, corp., 32d Regt., Co. F; died.
Tirrell, George W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, John W., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, Levi, private, 12th Regt.
Tirrell, Major, private, 33d Regt. ; wounded.
Tirrell, Warren, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tirrell, Winfield B., corp., 42d Regt., Co. A.
Tomalty, Owen, private, 63d Regt., N. Y., Co. B.
Toombs, Eliot L., private.
Torrey, Appleton H., private, 11th Regt., Co. B.
Torrey, Benjamin F., private, 12th Regt., Co. C.
Torrey, Charles D., sergt., lst U. Heavy Art.
Torrey, Charles L., private, 32d Regt., Co. A.
Torrey, James L., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Torrey, Joseph E., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Torrey, Joshua L., private, Ist Cav., Co. A.
Torrey, Lorenzo, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; wounded, pris-
oner, and died.
Torrey, Naaman, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; died.
Torrey, Naaman J., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Torrey, Noah W., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Torrey, Richard L., private, 11th Regt., Co. B; wounded and
supposed killed.
Torrey, Richmond, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Torrey, Sumner F., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Torrey, Turner, private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Totman, Elmer H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Totman, Irving J., private, 2d Heavy Art., Co. C; died.
Townsend, William, private, Ist U. Heavy Art.
Tracy, Patrick, private, 3d Heavy Art.
Trask, Joseph, private, 29th U. Heavy Art.
Trott, Charles R., corporal, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Trufant, Edgar H., private, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Trufant, Edward F., private, 11th Regt., Co. F; killed.
Turner, Waldo, private, 55th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Tyndall, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Vance, William, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Viger, Joseph, musician, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Vining, Adoniram E., private, 14th Regt., Co. F; prisoner.
Vining, Alonzo, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Vining, Andrew J., private, 24th Regt., Co. K.
Vining, Daniel, drummer, 35th Regt., Co. H.
Vining, George H., private, 14th Regt., Co. F.
Vining, George W., corp., 12th Regt., Co. H; killed.
Vining, N. F., private, 4th Cav., Co. E.
Vining, Solon A., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Vining, William A., private, lst Cav., Co. I.
Vogel, Henry B., 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Walker, Edwin, private, 55th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Walker, George, private, 12th Regt., Co. F; wounded and died.
Walker, Isaac H., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Walker, Roscius R., Watertown Arsenal.
Wall, Patrick, private, 11th Regt., Co. B.
Walsh, Michael, private, 12th Regt.
Ward, James, private, 3d Heavy Art.
Ward, Patrick, private, 3d Heavy Art.
Ware, Lawrence, private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Warren, Ephraim L., maj., 22d Regt.
Weed, Otis H., Jr., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Weeks, James, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Weeks, Nathan, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Welch, James (3d), private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Wendall, James C., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Whelan, Edmund B., private, 3d Regt. U. S. Regulars, Co. E;
prisoner.
Whelan, John H., lieut., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Whitcomb, John M., private, 4th Regt., Co. C.
White, Benjamin, private, Ist Regt. E
White, Calvin T., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
White, Charles H., private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
White, Francis E., lieut., 4th N. Y. Cav., Co. G.
White Herbert, Watertown Arsenal.
White, Henry, sergt., 42d Regt., Co. A.
White, Frederick R., private, 38th Regt., Co. A.
White, J. Francis, lst Heavy Art., Co. C.
White, James, private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
White, Patrick, private, 42d Regt., Co. A
White, Robert H., musician, 12th Regt., Co. H.
White, Robert S., musician, 12th Regt., Co. H.
White, Sanford, private, 38th Regt., Co. A.
White, Warren F., private, 3d Heavy Art.
White, William, lieut., 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded.
Whiting, Charles D., private, Ist U. Heavy Art.
Whiting, Harrison, private, 12th Regt., Co. H; prisoner.
Whitman, Theron W., private, 60th Regt.
Whitmarsh, John Q., private, 12th Regt., Co. C; killed.
Whitmarsh, Peter, private, 16th Light Bat.
Whitney, Edwin, private, 4th Heavy Art., Co. G.
Whittemore, William, private, 32d Regt.
Wilber, Charles C.
| Willett, G. F., private, 4th Cav.; wounded and died.
| Williams, Charles 8., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
| Williams, Eugene S., private, 4th Cav., Co. B; killed.
Williamson, Joseph, private, 14th Regt., Co. K; wounded and
died.
Willis, Stephen R., corp., 35th Regt., Co. H; killed. .
Winslow, Joseph B., sergt., 12th Regt., Co. H.
Winslow, Nathan F., private, 35th Regt., Co. H; wounded and
died.
| Woodward, Sylvester R., private, 42d Regt., Co. A.
Worster, E. Frank, Watertown Arsenal.
| Wright, C. Wesley, private, 4th Cav., Co. B; prisoner.
Wright, Henry, private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Wright, William H., navy.
| Wrightington, Judah, private, 18th Regt., Co. 0.
Young, Benjamin M., private, 12th Regt., Co. H.
Young, Job, private, 16th Light Bat.
| BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
GEN. APPLETON HOWE, M.D.
| From the most authentic records we have been able
to obtain it appears that the Howe family of
America—many of whose members have attained
honor and distinction in various walks in life—are de-
} . .
_scended from the Howes, of Warwickshire, England,
| where the name has a very honorable record, “ two
| branches at the least having received earldoms, and
612
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
several having been knighted for meritorious services for medical advice, in critical cases, outside his own
rendered their sovereign.” James Howe, the first
American ancestor, was made freeman in 1637, married
Elizabeth Dane, of Ipswich, where he spent most of
his life; he died 1702. Deacon Abraham Howe—
probably a grandson of James—married Lucy Apple- |
Their third son was Nathaniel, born 1764. He
He was pastor of the
ton.
became a celebrated divine.
Congregational Church, at Hopkinton, Mass., from |
| the new law in 1841.
1791 to 1830, when he retired from the ministry after
an active service of forty years. He died seven years
later, aged seventy-three. He was of marked origi-
nality of character, Puritan in every fibre of his be-
ing, uncompromising in his convictions, with a quaint
humorous vein in his composition, he had the faculty
of saying original things in an original way that ar-
rested and chained the attention of all. His cele-
brated “ Century Sermon” made his name familiar to
the reading public, both of this country and Europe,
where it was republished. He married Olive, sixth
daughter of Col. John Jones, Jr., of Hopkinton, and
granddaughter of Col. John Jones, who came from
the Old South Church, Boston, to Hopkinton in
127.
Gen. Appleton Howe, M.D., son of Rev. Nathaniel |
and Olive Howe, was born in Hopkinton, Mass., Nov.
26,1792. He fitted for college at Phillips’ Andover
Academy. He entered Harvard College, where he
availed himself earnestly of every advantage that
famous institution could offer, and graduated in class
of 1815, receiving the degree of A.B. He was a
e [
classmate of Jared Sparks, afterwards president of |
Harvard College, John G. Palfrey, Dr. Jeffries,
Rey. Dr. Hodges, John G. Lowell, Ebenezer Francis,
and others who became distinguished in after-years.
Upon leaving college he taught school winters, and
studied medicine with Drs. John C. Warren
John Ware, two of Boston’s most noted physicians.
In 1819 he received from Harvard College the degree |
of M.D., and shortly after received
unusual thing
what is a very
and |
|
. . ° |
a written call, signed by a committee |
representing the Second Parish of the town of Wey- |
mouth, to come and settle there as a medical practi-
tioner. This committee was composed of the leading
. . . . |
citizens of the community, and this quaint document
is still in possession of Dr. Howe’s family. He ac-
cepted this “ call,” and began practice as a physician
in what is now the village of South Weymouth, |
where he was the leading physician and citizen for
fifty years, or until the day of his death.
became widely known and respected, his many sterling
qualities of mind and heart, united with an earnest-
He soon |
ness in study and application, made him much sought °
town. He was for many years president of the Nor-
folk County Medical Society, was a member of the
Massachusetts Medical Society, and also of the Massa-
chusetts Historical Society. He was much interested
in military matters, as in all other affairs of public in-
terest, and many military honors were bestowed upon
him. In 1839 he was chosen major-general of the
First Division Massachusetts Militia, and again under
He was chosen captain of the
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1840.
He always took a foremost stand in the cause of edu-
cation, and was chairman of the high school committee
many years.
It has been remarked of him that “ he was a man
whom office and honor sought, he never sought
them.” He filled many positions of trust. He was
an officer in the Weymouth and Braintree Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, and was for many years
president of the Weymouth Savings-Bank. He was
State senator from Norfolk County in 1841-42.
He was always one of the foremost to press all needed
improvements and reforms.
in matters of local interest, but in the great questions
This was true not only
and measures in which a nation was interested. He
always earnestly and zealously espoused and advo-
cated the measures he believed right. He was
among the earliest disciples of the anti-slavery
movement, and throughout his life was a bitter foe
to intemperance and all other vices which tend to
degrade and destroy a noble manhood. Dr. Howe
was a remarkably strong man physically, mentally,
and morally. There was in his make-up a wonder-
ful, persevering energy that would not succumb to
This characteristic marked
his boyhood and developed with his manhood. The
or acknowledge defeat.
son of a poor clergyman, he made for himself all the
He taught school and
earned the money to defray his expenses through
advantage he ever enjoyed.
college. This done, he taught school and earned the
money necessary for the prosecution of his medical
studies.
profession with the same earnestness and assiduity
Having qualified himself, he practiced that
that characterized all his undertakings through life.
He labored not only to build up a competence for
himself and family, but he labored with equal zeal
for whatever would benefit his community or man-
kind at large. Starting in life with an object and
purpose, he had the courage to pursue that object,
and attain that purpose against all opposing circum-
Like most earnest, broad-
minded men, he possessed a wonderful personal mag-
Genial, spontaneous, candid, he had the
stances or temptations.
netism.
ee ee
Say
iS \
ee
LAD
\ \ |
\ .
\\
eRe Se al
PRK,
(ARN tae, bas
Neier Gina
WEYMOUTH.
613
faculty of winning to him and to his views those
with whom he came in contact. He was one who
stood in the front rank in that noble army of New
England’s gallant sons, who, starting in life with
only brave hearts, clear heads, and willing hands,
carve for themselves a career of honor, and write
their names in enduring characters on the scroll of |
their country’s history.
Dr. Howe was twice married, first to Harriet, |
daughter of Hon. Eliphalet Loud Weymouth. By
this marriage there was no issue.
Loud, of Weymouth. There were two children, a
son, who died in infancy, and a daughter, still living.
Dr. Howe died at his home in Weymouth, Oct. 10,
1870.
JAMES TIRRELL.
James, son of James and Hannah (née Kingman) |
Tirrell, was born in Weymouth, May, 1797, where
he resided until his death, Nov. 5, 1865. He was
the second son in a family of seven,—Kingman,
James, Betsey (Mrs. Richards), Minot, Wilson, Al-
bert, and Mary (Mrs. Vining). The family is traced
back to Gideon Tirrell, who settled in Weymouth
about 1658, and died Oct. 13, 1730. He was an
extensive land-holder, prominent in the affairs of the
town and in the church, whose descendants, thirty
years ago,—two names excepted,—were believed to
constitute the largest number of voters in the town.
At the age of eighteen James was left fatherless, and
he assumed his father’s place in the care of the family.
His mother lived to the age of eighty-seven, and died
in the Christian faith in 1858. He pursued his
business with various success till about 1831, when
the firm of James Tirrell & Co., consisting of the
three brothers,—James, Minot, and Albert,—was
formed for carrying on the boot and shoe business.
~ Minot was early sent to New Orleans, and was soon |
followed by Albert, who, by energy and economy, |
But |
succeeded in establishing a successful business.
James was the leading spirit. He was cautious and
enterprising.
confidence of business men.
manding presence, great firmness, and persistent
energy. He felt a large interest in the public welfare,
and was ready for any movement that commended
itself to his judgment. He was early the commander
of a company of artillery, which gave him the title |
of captain, which he wore by an apparent right the |
For many years he was one of the |
He was one of the founders |
rest of his life.
overseers of the poor.
His second wife, |
who survives him, was Eliza, daughter of Joseph |
_ thoughtful of home interests, ever helpful to the com-
| Jan. 24, 1804.
He had means, experience, and the |
He was a man of com- |
and directors of the bank in South Weymouth. He
was a Whig in politics in the days of Daniel Webster,
as were most of his brothers, and great national ques-
tions stirred him deeply. He was an active member
of the Union Congregational Church, whose welfare
was dear to him. He built its first house of worship
from his own funds, the society repaying him after
the pews were sold; and often when there was a de-
ficit at: the end of the year in the parish expenses, he
would ask them to raise what money they could, and
he would pay the balance. Thus, though his business
was in Boston and his days spent there, he was ever
mon welfare, and it cannot be doubted that his per-
sonal influence and example encouraged many of his’
| fellow-townsmen to successful enterprise.
He married Betsey Whitmarsh, a most fitting com-
panion, who still survives, surrounded by her chil-
dren and grandchildren in a pious and serene old age.
Their children are Hannah (the constant companion
and tender guardian of her mother in her declining
years), Tirzah (the wife of Moses T. Durell, and re-
sides in Boston), Alfred (who married Frances Hast-
ings, and early entered upon a successful business
career in Boston and New Orleans), Mary Jane (the
widow of the late Gen. James L. Bates, of the Massa-
| chusetts Twelfth, who did honorable service in the
late war), and James (who married Helen Sprague,
and while a young man became a member of the firm
of J. & A. Tirrell). Two children died young.
NATHANIEL SHAW.
Nathaniel Shaw was born in Weymouth, Mass.,
He was the son of Capt. Nathaniel
and Jane (Tirrell) Shaw. Capt. Nathaniel was born
in East Abington, Mass., Aug. 5, 1769.
life he moved to Weymouth, and became one of the
pioneers in what has since grown to be New England's
greatest industry, the manufacture of boots and shoes.
He was a man of character and integrity, and much
respected in the community. His children were Na-
thaniel (1), Jane (1), Lydia (1), and Oran (1) (all of
whom died young), Nathaniel (2) and Jane (2), twins
(she married Josiah Torrey and died 1839), Cynthia
(married Thomas Reed and died 1878), Theron V.
(died 1878), Sophronia (married Thomas White, died
1871), Oran P. and Lydia T., twins (she married
Adoniram Vining and is still living in Weymouth).
Oran is also still living. Capt. Shaw died Nov. 17,
1835. Mrs. Shaw died Sept. 7, 1835.
Nathaniel Shaw had no exceptional advantages in
Early in
614
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the way of schooling beyond that furnished by the | stacles and discouragements. At times there seemed
common schools of his day and locality.
schools only the rudiments of learning were taught,
but many, if not the majority of our practical suc-
cessful business men were brought up under the same |
régime, and while they were denied the privileges and
pleasures of classic attainments, yet they were sufh-
ciently instructed in the fundamental principles of |
mathematics and other useful branches to enable
them to successfully conduct the various transactions
incident to a business life. As soon as Mr. Shaw was
old enough to be of practical service in his father’s
shop he was initiated into the mysteries of the craft,
and by the time he had arrived at manhood he had
acquired a thorough practical knowledge of the busi-
ness in all its details.
jority he came to Boston and engaged as clerk in the
store of Joseph Smith, on Hanover Street. On Jan.
20,1831, he married Emily L., daughter of Eliphalet
and Anna (Blanchard) Loud, of Weymouth, and soon
after, on account of the ill health of his wife, he re-
Soon after attaining his ma-
turned to his native town and took an interest in the
manufacturing establishment of his father. Upon the |
death of his father (1835) he took entire control of |
the business, and for some years conducted it alone.
He soon developed remarkable tact and energy in the
conduct of his business, and rapidly extended his trade
until it became, for those days, a large concern. Some
time prior to 1849, Theron V. Shaw was admitted to
partnership; but this copartnership only continued a
few years, when Theron V. withdrew, and Nathaniel
conducted the business alone until 1855, when Wil-
liam Appleton Shaw (Nathaniel’s eldest son), becom- |
ing of age, he and Hon. B. F. White were admitted
as partners, under the firm-name of Nathaniel Shaw
& Co., and this copartnership continued until Mr.
Shaw’s death, Feb. 21, 1860. A few years later,
Hon. B. F. White, owing to ill health, retired from
business and removed to California.
ment, Theron V. again took an interest in the busi-
ness, which he retained to the time of his death
(1870). Sinee then William A. Shaw has conducted
the business alone.
Nathaniel Shaw was in many respects a remarkable |
man,—remarkable for energy, courage, perseverance |
under difficulties, and for the equanimity of temper
and courtesy of demeanor which he maintained under
all, even the most trying circumstances. He was of
a quick, active disposition, with a wonderful facility |
for the dispatch of business. The large business
which he built up from a comparatively small begin- |
Upon his retire- |
At these |
an epidemic of failures among his customers, notably
during the great panic of 1837, and later, in 1857;
|
|
|
ning, and conducted successfully through the most |
trying ordeals, was beset by more than ordinary ob-
‘to the bar at Saco, Jan. 18, 1869.
but through all his embarrassments and adversities
he carried a smiling face, an undaunted heart, and
an active, persistent energy that eventually tided him
successfully over all difficulties. It was often remarked
among his acquaintances that he seemed to “ carry sun-
Probably no
employer ever was more respected or better beloved
shine with him wherever he went.”
by his employés. He was the soul of honor and one
of the most charitable of men, always looking after
the interests and seeking the comforts of the families
of those in his employ. He shrank from public no-
tice or public office, and the only office he ever ac-
cepted from the people was that of representative to
the State Legislature in 1857. He was one of the
directors of the Weymouth National Bank. In poli-
tics he was a Whig and Republican, and was a strong
anti-slavery advocate. He was a warm friend to the
temperance movement, and gave a great deal to its
support. He was very public-spirited, and many
marks of his handiwork are observable in the im-
provements of his town. He was a regular attendant
at the Second Congregational Church at South Wey-
mouth, and was never absent unless on account of ill-
ness.
there was one child, William Appleton (born Jan. 28,
1832; educated at Braintree Academy and Phillips’
Andover Academy; married Harriette P. Reed, April
8, 1858). Mrs. Shaw died Jan. 17,1833. Mr. Shaw
married, as his second wife, Diantha, daughter of Ste-
phen and Susan (Loud) Tirrell, Feb. 18, 1840. She
was born Oct.10,1817. They had three children,—
Emily L., born April 8, 1842, died in infancy; Mary
R., born March 23, 1844; and Wendell, born Feb. 1,
1848, educated at Weymouth High School and at
select school at Auburndale, Mass., and married Lydia
G., daughter of John Urquhart, of Gloucester, Mass.
They have two children living, Theron B. and Stacy
W. Wendell is a farmer, and resides at the old home-
stead in Weymouth. Mary R. Shaw is now the wife
of Stephen W. Harmon.
York Co., Me.
of his town, and also Linnington and Limerick Acad-
He was twice married. By his first marriage
for)
He was born at Buxton,
emies, he fitted for college at Maine State Seminary
(now Bates College), at Lewiston, Me. He gradu-
_ated at Bowdoin College in 1865, and subsequently
taught the high school at Saco, Me., the academy at
Hampton, N. H., and the Parsonfield Seminary at
North Parsonfield, Me. He read law at the office of
Wells & Marshall, at Buxton, Me., and was admitted
The following
After attending the common schools.
2 PPT RI LE Te
—s
|
|
SSS eee
WEYMOUTH. 615
March he came to Boston, Mass., and since that time |
has practiced his profession in the courts of that
city.
JOHN S. FOGG.
called the ‘loafers’ stand,”? near the place where he
boarded, ruminating as to what should be his next
move, he was approached by Martin S. Stetson, of
Stetson & Blake, East Abington, boot and shoe man-
ufacturers, and offered a job ‘“treeing” boots. It is
needless to say the proposition was accepted. He
continued with them a few months, until the business
_ became slack, when he accepted a like position with
John S. Fogg, well known as a boot and shoe man-
ufacturer, and also as a prominent banker in Boston,
was born in Meredith, N. H., April 16,1817. He
is the son of Josiah and Mary (Roberts) Fogg. His
ancestors came originally from the South of England, ©
where large estates are now held by Sir Charles Fogg.
Younger brothers of this family came to America
about the middle of the seventeenth century, and —
were among the early settlers of Exeter, N. H.
Their progeny went westward, and were pioneers in
the settlement of the territory about Meredith. Mr. |
Fogg’s parents removed to Stanstead, Canada, when |
he was a year anda half old. They were poor, and
the only opportunities afforded him for an education —
were the very limited advantages of the public schools. ©
The winters in that climate being long and severe,
prevented a regular attendance at these during the
winter months, and in summers the necessities of the ©
family compelled him to be placed at labor as soon as
he was old enough for his services to be of any value. |
The death of his mother when he was only nine years
old added to the disadvantages under which he was
placed, and this was followed, when in his fourteenth
year, by the death of his father, leaving a family of |
five children, of whom John S. was the elder. The
children were now compelled to separate and find |
homes in different families.
Mr. Fogg remained in
Canada until his nineteenth year, when he came to |
Meredith, his native place, and attended school that
and the following winter, working on a farm the in-
termediate summer.
On the Ist day of April, 1836, he started by stage-
coach alone for the city of Boston to seek his fortune.
At Lowell he saw his first railroad train, boarded it,
and that (Monday) afternoon he stepped from the
cars in the city of Boston, with scant means in his |
pocket, with not an acquaintance in the entire city,
with no definite plan or object in view save that he
was determined to do something to earn a living and
if possible to win his way to fortune. He procured |
cheap lodgings and board, and proceeded during the
following week to cast about for something todo. In
this he was unsuccessful, and the following Satur-
day found him penniless and sadly discouraged. On
the afternoon of that day, while standing at a place .
| Boston's leading dealers.
| following year, 1851, Mr. Burbank died.
| then associated with himself William S. Houghton.
Daniel Blanchard. Here he worked very hard for a
_ year, when this firm likewise failed, and Mr. Fogg
lost more than half his wages. In the mean time
Stetson had managed to get under way again, and Mr.
Fogg returned to his employ, where he continued till
1840, treeing and crimping boots. In April of this
year he began business for himself as a boot and shoe
crimper, at South Weymouth, Mass. About the first
of the year 1841 he bought stock and made a few
cases of best quality boots, brought them to Boston,
and sold them to retailers. With the funds thus ac-
quired he replenished his stock, paid his hands, and
thus embarked in the boot and shoe manufacturing
business. He soon built up quite a trade, and in
1842 he built his first factory—a large one for those
days—at Columbian Square, South Weymouth.
This was the first large factory in that part of the
town; was heated by steam, and was looked upon by
| Mr. Foge’s more conservative neighbors as rather a
After having met
with some losses, through failures among his cus-
risky and extravagant venture.
tomers, he confined himself exclusively to the supply-
ing of the wholesale houses. His first deal with a
wholésale house was with Alexander Strong, one of
Mr. Foge’s goods were the
best that could be made, and he experienced no diffi-
culty in finding customers among the best dealers,
such as Atherton, Stetson & Co., Joseph Whitten &
Co., and other prominent houses.
On Jan. 1, 1850, he formed a copartnership
with Wilman Burbank, who was also a partner with
Alexander Strong, and they established a boot and
In July of the
Mr. Fogg
shoe store on Central Street, Boston.
They removed their store to Pearl Street, and under
Houghton, they did a
large and rapidly-increasing business. About 1861,
Albert L. Coolidge was admitted as a partner, and the
firm became Fogg, Houghton & Coolidge. In the
mean time, about 1859, they began to secure quite a
the firm-name of Fogg &
1 This was a place where men out of employment and who
desired to obtain work were in the habit of congregating, and
where employers used to come to seek help when they desired
to increase their forces.
616
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
trade in California; they manufactured a class of goods
especially adapted to that trade, and their sales in this |
market continued to increase so rapidly that in 1866
they did a business of more than a million dollars,
and were at that time quoted as the largest boot and
shoe manufacturers in the United States.
Mr. Fogg withdrew from this firm, but still continued
manufacturing at Weymouth. In the meantime, in
1867, his brother, Parker 8S. Fogg, returned from
California with a cash capital of nearly a hundred
thousand dollars, which he had amassed in the boot
and shoe trade, and for which he sought investment.
John 8. placed an equal amount with him, and to-
gether they established themselves as bankers, at No.
20 Congress Street, Boston, with Parker 8. Fogg as
active business manager.
personal attention to his manufacturing interests at
Weymouth until June 1, 1871, when his brother
died, and he then assumed the management of the
bank, and to this interest he has devoted his chief
attention to the present time. Upon the dissolution
of the firm of Fogg,
Fogg formed a copartnership with N. B. Thayer,
who had been foreman of the Weymouth factory and
who had shown good business qualities, and under |
the firm-name of N. B. Thayer & Co. the manufac-
turing at Weymouth was continued until March,
1882, when the firm of Fogg, Shaw, Thayer & Co.
was formed, with factories at South Weymouth, West-
boro’, and Marblehead, Mass., and Farmington, N. H.
In their banking operations Messrs. Fogg Brothers &
Co. made a specialty of dealing in western commer-
cial paper, and in this connection one remarkable fact
may be mentioned,—during the last five years they
have handled over one hundred miilion dollars west- |
In 1865 the |
ern paper and have never lost a dollar.
First National Bank of South Weymouth was incor:
porated, and Mr. Fogg was chosen president, which
position he has held to the present time. In this
same year Mr. Fogg was elected president of the
Agricultural Industrial Society.
this capacity eleven years he resigned.
Corporation, in which concern he is a large share-
holder.
a Republican in politics, and has been a member of
His
business career has been a phenomenally successful
He still holds this position. Mr. Fogg is
the Union Congregational Church since 1850.
one, and through all his various and multitudinous
dealings and interests he has always paid dollar for
dollar, and never asked an extension. Of his personal
traits and characteristics, one of his neighbors speaks
as follows: ‘Mr. Fogg is a man of fine personal
In 1878, |
John 8. continued to give |
Houghton & Co., 1878, Mr. |
After acting in |
In 1879 he |
was elected president of the Putman Horseshoe Nail |
appearance, splendid physique, in perfect health, and
weighs something over two hundred pounds. His
personal manners are easy, address and manner of
He is noted
among a very wide circle of business and other
acquaintances for his perfect self-control under even
the most exasperating circumstances.” Neighbors of
forty years testify that while they have on very rare
occasions seen him angry, they have never known
speaking kindly and sympathetic.
him to exhibit other than the most composed external
This habitual ‘ruling of his own spirit’ has
always given him great influence over his many em-
bearing.
ployés, and has preserved between him and them an
unusual degree of harmony. He is candid and frank
in his natural disposition, and hasan especial sympa-
thy for struggling young men of merit who are evi-
More than one
such has received from him substantial tokens of his
sympathy. His early advantages in the way of edu-
cation were scanty, but he has by diligence and per-
Mr.
Fogg is highly esteemed in the community where
he has so long resided and is best known. He isa
man of decided religious convictions and character,
though never obtrusive, always quietly firm whenever
dently trying to help themselves.
sistence largely surmounted these difficulties.
occasion arises for a declaration of his principles in
this regard. He is, besides a giver to many good
causes, a generous supporter of the Union Congrega-
tional Church, of which he has been for so many
years a valued and influential member.”
MARSHALL CURTIS DIZER.
Marshall C. Dizer was born in Weymouth, Mass.,
Sept. 23, 1822. He is the son of John and Sophia
(French) Dizer, and grandson of John Dizer, a Ger-
man immigrant to this country about 1790. This
John Dizer was a seafaring man, and made his home
John Dizer,
Jr., learned shoemaking when a young man, and fol-
lowed that occupation until between fifty and sixty
years of age, when he retired to a farm, where he still
in Boston, where his only son was born.
_ resides, at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Marshall
©. is the oldest son of seven children. In his youth
he had no educational advantages further than the
schools of Weymouth afforded, and as soon as he had
arrived at such age that his services were useful he
was placed in the shop to help his father at the shoe-
maker’s bench. He was brought up to this vocation,
and worked at his trade until he attained his majority.
He then took a case of shoes to make for a manufac-
turer, for which, when finished, he received thirty-five
WEYMOUTH.
617
dollars. With this capital he embarked in business —
for himself, and from that day to the present he has _
never worked a day as an employé. He purchased
stock, made shoes, and sold them to merchants, and —
with the money thus acquired would replenish and
increase his stock and employ assistants,—gradually |
but continually building up and advancing.. He prac-
ticed the most rigid economy, and labored with the |
most persevering energy. As an instance of the self-
denial and restraint he practiced, he has frequently,
when business called him to Boston, made his noon
meal off an apple and doughnut costing a cent each.
To the young men of the present day this would
seem ridiculous and contemptibly penurious, but many |
o, sub- |
oO)
if not most of those who are to-day the leadin
stantial business men of New England laid the foun-
dation of their fortune and success by the exercise of
similar frugality. In about three years Mr. Dizer
purchased and conducted a grocery-store as an adjunct
to his manufacturing business, his shoemaking being |
conducted in one-half the store. It is worth record- |
ing that the only material aid Mr. Dizer ever asked |
or received from any one in the building up of his
business was a loan of one hundred dollars from Mr.
Jonathan Denton, of Boston (afterwards his father- |
in-law), and this debt caused him so much mental
uneasiness that he determined never to repeat the
process. In a few years his business had so far in-
creased as to render new and larger quarters necessary. |
He had also married in the mean time, and so he |
fitted up the grocery-store as a dwelling and leased a |
larger factory in which to conduct his business. Here
he remained only a few years, when, in obedience to
the demands of his rapidly-growing trade, he leased a |
much larger factory, gave up the grocery-store attach-
ment, devoted himself exclusively to manufacturing,
and continued in this factory until 1861, when he.
built a shop where his present immense establishment
now stands. Up to this time, however, Mr. Dizer’s
career had not been one of uninterrupted prosperity.
Like other business men, he had encountered many
unlooked for obstacles and met with many reverses,
but, unlike many others, he never lost heart or cour- |
age, but overcame obstacles as best he could and kept
energetically at work. In the great financial crash of
1857 he lost almost the entire accumulations of pre- |
vious years, and it was only by the most unyielding
efforts that he managed to avoid suspension. Again,
in 1861, the loss of his Southern trade through the |
outbreak of the civil war, and the consequent failure
to collect outstanding dues in that quarter left him |
once more almost penniless. Again, however, he began |
almost at the beginning, built up new trade, and once
_stanch Republican.
more conquered adverse fortune. When he began the
erection of his new factory he had no surplus money,
but paid all bills of its construction (as they fell due)
from the proceeds of his business. Up to this time
he made only shoes. He now began making calf
boots, and for about three years made a specialty of
army shoes.
Since 1861, as Mr. Dizer’s business has increased,
he has increased his facilities and made additions to
his factory more than half a dozen different times,
until he has now the largest factory in the world for
the class of goods he makes. He has never had any
partners in business except his two brothers, John T.
and Jacob F., who at different times have had an
interest, until Mr. Dizer’s two sons became of age,
when the brothers retired and the sons were admitted
as partners, the firm-name being M. C. Dizer & Co.
Mr. Dizer’s factory now furnishes employment to
nearly six hundred persons, and they do a business
of about eight hundred thousand dollars per annum.
The writer of this sketch was conducted by Mr.
Dizer through the various departments of his im-
mense establishment, where hundreds of curiously-
fashioned machines, many of which are original with
this house, each perform with the most astonishing
rapidity some part of the process of making a boot or
shoe, where each of these various machines has in
attendance a skillful manipulator who operates the
machine with such wonderful skill and does his work
so deftly and with such mathematical regularity that
one involuntarily wonders whether by long months
and years of routine work he too has not become a
machine, a veritable automaton that could not go
wrong if he would. A visit to an establishment like
| this is full of instruction and interest ; it serves to so
_ forcibly and impressively illustrate the rapid strides
which have been made in inventive science in the
last quarter of a century, that but little seems left for
succeeding inventors to do.
Mr. Dizer has always devoted himself strictly te
his business, and almost invariably refused any official
position tendered him. He has been director of dif-
ferent banks and corporations for short periods, but
always gave up such positions as soon as he could
consistently do so, believing one interest at a time
sufficient for one man, if that interest be properly
attended to. The only position of trust he now holds
is that of vice-president of the Union National Bank
of Weymouth and Braintree. In politics he is a
He is a member of the Baptist
Church, which is largely sustained by his liberality,
and of which his father is deacon. He has always
been strictly temperate, never using either tobacco or
618
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
liquor. As an evidence of the character Mr. Dizer | in signing the church covenant, and was an early dea-
has always sustained among his business acquaint-
ances, a single incident will suffice to illustrate.
During the great panic and upheaval in business
circles caused by the outbreaking of the civil war in |
1861, one of Boston’s leading business men was ap-
proached by another, who had a very slight acquaint-
ance with Mr. Dizer, and asked what he thought of
Mr. Dizer’s responsibility. The gentleman referred
to replied, “If I knew to-day that M. C. Dizer was
not worth one dollar in the world, I should not hesi-
tate to trust him for ten thousand dollars.”
He married, first, Sarah A. Denton, of Boston.
She lived but little more than a year, and Mr. Dizer
married as his second wife a sister of the first, Miss
Delia A. Denton.
are dead, two sons and one daughter are living,—
Silas C., who married a daughter of Gen. Luke
Lyman, of Northampton, and now resides in Long-
Walter M. married a Miss
Eggleston, of Westfield, and resides in Weymouth,
wood, near Boston;
and Alida R., now Mrs. George W. Baker, of Wey-
_ years accumulated some means and purchased a farm,
mouth.
ELIAS SMITH BEALS.
Elias 8. Beals was born in Weymouth, Mass., Oct.
20, 1814. He is the son of Lewis and Sarah S.
(Harding) Beals, and is descended in a direct line
from John Beal, who came from the parish of Hing-
ham, in Forehoe Hundred, County of Norfolk, Eng-
land. He came to America in the vessel ‘“ Diligent,”
arriving at Boston on the 10th of August, 1638, with
his family, consisting of wife, five sons, three daugh-
ters, and two servants. He settled in Hingham,
probably on account of his wife being the sister of
tey. Peter Hobart, who had chosen that town as his
John
residence, and was the first minister there.
Beal became a man of influence in the new colony, |
- whom Lewis was one.
They have had five children, two ©
and his progeny, which has been somewhat numerous, |
has been distinguished for intelligence, integrity, and
good citizenship. The line of descent from John
Beal to Elias S. is: John (1), Jeremiah (2), Lazarus
(3), Lazarus (4), Lazarus (5), Lazarus A. (6), Lewis
(7), Elias S. (8).
Lazarus, of the fifth generation, was a physician in
what was then the Second Precinct of Hingham (now
Cohasset), it being set apart as a new town in 1770.
From the meagre data obtainable at this late day, it |
is evident that this .Dr. Lazarus Beal was a man of
more than usual enterprise and ability. He was a
leader in all measures of advancement in his town,
| clining years.
| homestead).
con in the church. A copy of this document, now in
the possession of Mr. Quincy Bicknell, of Hingham,
shows it to be remarkable for its liberality, “being
sufficiently broad to embrace all denominations of
Christians.” Dr. Beal’s wife was named Lydia.
They had a large family, of twelve children. He
lived to be seventy-two years of age, dying Oct. 31,
Lots
Lazarus A., son of Dr. Lazarus, was born Sept. 30,
1753; died Nov. 23, 1822. Karly in life he moved
to Weymouth, where he married, Oct. 29, 1776,
Bethiah Lewis. She was born April 8, 1756; died
Aug. 5, 1805. They had a family of six children, of
He was born Oct. 13, 1793.
His education was such as could be obtained at com-
mon schools of his town at that period, and when
about seventeen years of age he chose brick-masonry
as a trade, and this he followed assiduously as an oc-
cupation till between fifty and sixty years of age. By
habits of economy and thrift he had during these
and to the avocation of agriculture he devoted his de-
He, like his father, was an orthodox
Congregationalist, and was a member of that church
for more than fifty years of his life. He married
Sarah S., daughter of Capt. James and Mary (Ford)
Harding, of Weymouth. ‘Their children were Hlias
S., Mary H. (afterwards the wife of Francis B. Bates,
_ now deceased), Sarah L. and Lewis A. (who is a ma-
son by trade, and resides with Sarah L. at the old
Mr. Beals lived
to the remarkable age of more than eighty-eight years,
He died May 10,
Both are unmarried.
retaining his faculties to the last.
1882.
Elias S. had in his youth no educational ad-
vantages other than the common schools afforded.
He worked when a boy, about three years with his
father at masonry. When about eighteen he learned
shoemaking, and for a few years worked at cutting
and making shoes for neighboring manufacturers. In
1838 he took a large lot of boots and shoes, the prop-
erty of various manufacturers in Weymouth, on board
a vessel and sailed for Savannah, Ga., where he dis-
posed of part of the same to advantage, the remainder
he shipped to Charleston, 8. C., and then sold the
larger part of what he had left from the Savannah
market. This was Mr. Beals’ first business venture
out in the world, and the fact that his neighbors
trusted him, a young inexperienced man, showed the
esteem in which he was held by his fellow-townsmen.
On his return from Savannah to Charleston he sailed
and was one of those who joined with Rev. N. Hobart | on board the steamer ‘‘ Savannah,” celebrated as being
WEYMOUTH.
619
the jirst steamship that ever crossed the Atlaitic |
On the voyage to Charleston she broke her |
Ocean.
starboard shaft in a gale of wind and came to anchor.
The gale was so furious that she parted all her cables
but one, and the vessel was in imminent danger of being
lost with all on board. During the prevalence of the
storm, however, the passengers were transferred at
great risk of their lives to a passing steamer, and
carried on to Charleston.
in Charleston Mr. Beals took passage on the ship
“ Leland,’ and after a very rough voyage arrived
again in his native town, Weymouth. He then began
in a small way manufacturing boots and shoes, and
soon connected with this pursuit a small store of gen-
eral merchandise. Later on he built a factory at
Torrey’s Corners, and continued as manufacturer and
merchant until 1849, when he connected himself with
others in a jobbing boot and shoe trade in New Or-
leans, from which he retired some two years later.
Returning to Weymouth, he built a larger factory,
and became regularly established as a boot and shoe |
manufacturer.
familiarized himself with the peculiar requirements
of the Southern market, he made a specialty of cater-
ing to that trade. He studied the tastes and require-
ments of his patrons, and took pains to keep abreast
of the times, and, if anything, a little in the leader-
Having by intercourse and contact
ship in the matter of styles, etc., in his goods, and by —
these means established a paying trade in first-class
goods in his line. As an instance of the enterprise
which has always characterized Mr. Beals’ business
career, it may be mentioned that he purchased and
ran the first sewing machine ever used in North Wey-
mouth ; he soon after bought another, and they proved
paying investments. He took pains to note their
value as compared with hand labor, and it is a note- |
worthy fact that in the first year of their use these two
machines saved him a matter of one thousand dollars,
in increased prcduction and diminished expense. The
outbreak of the civil war destroyed all of Mr. Beals’ |
trade, as his customers were all in the South, conse-
He deliberated
long as to whether he should offer his services to his
quently he gave up manufacturing.
country, but physical infirmities deterred him; he _
however, sent a substitute, and one of his sons (Frank) |
enlisted and served until the first battle of Fredericks- |
burg where he was severely wounded.
erable delay and trouble Mr. Beals succeeded in getting
his son home, where he was tenderly nursed by his
parents through a long confinement from his wound,
but he eventually recovered and was afterwards honor-
ably discharged, being unfit for further duty.
After consid- |
Mr. Beals served as selectman in Weymouth in —
After a week or so spent |
1855 and in 1856. When a young man he was the
principal auctioneer in the northerly part of Wey-
mouth, and has always been greatly interested in all
kinds of public improvements. The Hook and Lad-
der Company in his ward have assumed his name,
had it painted on their truck, and hung his portrait in
the front end of their hall.
He has done a large business as insurance agent for
many years, and has been so fortunate as to never
have had a single loss for any one of the more than
one hundred different stock insurance companies
that he had placed risks in, and less than one thou-
sand dollars for all the several mutual insurance
companies that he is agent for.
He has been a director at differnt times in two na-
tional banks; and is, and has been for several years,
president of the North Weymouth Cemetery Associa-
tion, and also treasurer of his religious society.
In 1859 he was a member of the State Legislature,
and assisted in the revision of the laws of the common-
wealth, which were published as “ The General Statutes
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” He often
served on school and special committees, such as for
the erection of public buildings and other important
purposes. It was almost wholly through the unwearied
and unremitting endeavors of Mr. Beals, continued
through a period of three years and against the most
inveterate and unyielding opposition from various
quarters, that toll privileges of the Quincy and Hing-
ham bridges were abolished by act of the Legislature,
and the bridge was made free to all. The account of
Mr. Beals’ efforts, the strenuous and bitter opposition
he met with, and his final victory in the achievement
of his object would be too long to be accorded space
here, but the entire story is ably, concisely, and wit-
tily told in a pamphlet published at the time, entitled
“The Hingham and Quincy Bridges: their Freedom,
and the Manner in which it was Obtained.”
Through his earnest endeavors in this matter he
was brought in contact with, and formed the personal
acquaintance of, almost the entire senatorial body, and
as an evidence of the impression he made, it may be
mentioned that in the winter of 1862 a petition was
circulated in the Senate, directed to the authorities at
Washington, requesting the appointment of Mr. Beals
as Internal Revenue Assessor for the Second District
of Massachusetts. This petition was signed by every
member of the Senate (forty in all), by about one
hundred members of the House, and by many other
prominent men. It was forwarded to Washington,
and in due time he received an appointment signed by
Hugh McCulloch, then Secretary of the Treasury,
On Feb. 28,
appointing him to the position sought.
620 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1863, a second commission was issued, signed by | he also engaged in the manufacture of nets and ham-
He
held this position until shortly after the accession
President Lincoln, continuing him in the office.
of Andrew Johnson to the Presidential chair, when
for political reasons a successor was appointed. Three
months later Mr. Beals received a telegram from the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue at Washington,
asking him if he would “ travel as special agent for the
Treasury Department, to instruct Internal Revenue
This he
did, and for a year and three months he traveled all
officers in the discharge of their duties.”
over the country this side the Mississippi River in the
performance of this duty, which he discharged to the
He served
until there was a general act passed, which went into
entire satisfaction of the department.
effect July 4, 1868, discharging a// special agents of
the Treasury Department under the United States
government. One act of Mr. Beals in this connec-
tion is especially worthy of mention: he alone and
unaided recovered for the government from the First
National Bank of the District of Columbia, at Wash-
ington, on incorrect returns, many thousands of dol-
lars more money than all he ever received from the
government as compensation for services and ex-
penses; this he did while temporarily located in
Washington between his tours in the prosecution of
his regular duties, and the work was not in the strict
line of his legitimate duty.
In 1868, Mr. Beals’ son (Frank) commenced busi-
ness as a boot and shoe dealer in Milwaukee, Wis.
Two years later Mr. Beals and also Alexis Torrey
took a partnership interest in the business, and about
the same time Mr. Beals’ youngest sou, James L.,
engaged as book-keeper for the firm. For a number
of years Mr. Isaac G. Mann was also a partner, but in
1877 they purchased Mr. Mann’s interest and he re-
tired. James L. then became a member of the firm.
The firm-name is Beals, Torrey & Company, and |
they do a business exceeding half a million dollars
per year, which the young men of the firm have built
up through their own efforts.
Mr. Beals married, July 27, 1837, Betsey, daugh-
ter of Ancill and Hliza Burrell, of Weymouth. Their
children are Augustus, Elizabeth, Elias, Frank, James, |
| mouth (Old Spain), Sept. 2, 1811.
and Mary S.; Mary died at the age of nineteen, the
rest are living.
Augustus was chief clerk in his father’s office |
In 1866-67
he was United States Internal Revenue Agent in the
while he was in government employ.
|
Second District of Massachusetts, for collection of de- |
linquent taxes.
boots and shoes at his father’s old stand, and in 1878,
under the name of Bay State Hammock Company,
In 1868 he began manufacturing |
mocks. He married Abbie F. Lovell, of Weymouth,
and has three daughters,—Clara E., Gertrude F., and
Alice 8. Elizabeth married Josiah H., son of Capt.
Cornelius Pratt, of Weymouth. They have one son,
—James H. Hlias Frank married Emily C. Torrey,
sister of Alexis Torry. James married a lady in
Milwaukee, and has one son,—F rederick Elias.
Mr. Beals was one of the town auditors for many
years prior to 1883, at which time, on being again
elected, he declined serving longer. He was ap-
pointed a justice of the peace in 1851, and now holds
his fifth commission as such officer, doing no small
amount of gratuitous service in that line for pen-
In politics he is a pronounced
In religion he is a Universalist, and has
contributed liberally in various ways, not only to the
sioners and others.
Republican.
erection of a suitable house of worship, but also to
the support of the society of which he is a member.
Mr. Beals is frank and outspoken in his opinions and
sentiments, and honorable and earnest in all matters.
Whatever he has taken in his hand to do he has
always done with a will, and his efforts throughout
life have been crowned with that success which must
accrue to intelligently directed and persistent energy.
In 1878 he made a tour through England, France,
Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Prussia, Bel-
cium, etc., and while on this trip contributed a series
of letters to the Weymouth Gazette.
He says he neither hopes for nor desires any new
official position whatever, as his business interests and
connections require all the labor, time, and attention
he is able to bestow.
He now, in his seventieth year, fully realizes that
the evening shades of this earthly life are drawing
closely about him; and his full faith in God and His
providence makes to him the future more and more
bright and glorious as time rolls on, and his scenes of
earthly things are vanishing into the past.
JAMES TORREY.
Deacon James Torrey was born in North Wey-
He is a son of
James and Hannah (Holbrook) Torrey, and grand-
son of Lemuel and Sarah (Lovell) Torrey. The
| 'Torreys were among the pioneer families in this an-
cient and historic town, and they have always been
noted for their integrity of character and good citizen-
ship. James Torrey was a farmer in North Wey-
mouth, and had three children,—Sarah, married
Jacob Dyer, of Weymouth, had seven children, and
V/
y
ae
5 ian ea
YH
WEYMOUTH.
621
died June 26, 1880; Lemuel, born Oct. 30, 1806
(married Nancy Bicknell, of Hast Weymouth, and had
seven children. Mrs. Torrey, after suffering much from |
rheumatism, died Jan. 5, 1864, and Lemuel married,
as his second wife, Mrs. Ann Maria Batchelder, née
Stoddard, of Upton. She is still living). Mr. Tor-
rey died June 5, 1880; the third and last child is_
James, whose portrait accompanies this sketch. James
Torrey, Sr., died in 1815, in his thirty-eighth year,
from lung fever brought on by cold contracted while
mustering in militia. Mrs. Torrey married as her
second husband Stephen French, of Hast Weymouth.
By this marriage there was no issue.
James, Jr., was only about four years of age at
his father’s death. The family were left with small
means, and of course the children were compelled to
work at an early age to help support the family. At
thirteen years of age James was hired out to work
on the farm at three dollars per month, and worked
lowing year he worked a number of months at the
same price. About this time his mother married
the second time, and he returned home to live with
her and his stepfather. Here he remained until the
death of his mother, which occurred when he was in
his twenty-first year. During his minority he had
learned boot and shoemaking, and he now went to
work for various manufacturers. Nov. 12, 1834, he
married Catharine Whitmarsh, daughter of Peter
and Ruth (Webb) Whitmarsh, and granddaughter of
Thomas and Jane (Reed) Webb. About the time
turing boots and_ shoes.
brother he bought out and conducted a small store
at North Weymouth. This copartnership lasted
eleven years, when he sold his interest to his brother, |
and established business for himself. He built up
quite a large business for those days, and was uni-
formly successful. About 1865 he took into part-
nership his nephew, Lemuel Torrey, Jr., furnishing |
the funds and superintending the general affairs of |
the firm, while Lemuel assumed the actual charge of
affairs, and gave his personal attention to the manu-
facturing. This copartnership continued until 1872,
when Mr. Torrey withdrew his capital from the con-
cern, and permanently retired from active business,
after having spent nearly forty years of his life as a
manufacturer.
Since his retirement he has not been idle ; he has
settled many estates, some of which were in a very
‘complicated condition. This he has done to the gen-
eral satisfaction of those concerned.
During the course of a long and very active life,
|
| three years, and overseer of the poor one year.
| was on the board of selectmen at the time when
| mouth.
of his marriage he began in a small way manufac- |
In company with his |
Deacon Torrey so deported himself as to win the
confidence and esteem of those who know him, and
he, though never an aspirant for office, has been
honored with many trusts. He was elected director
of Quincy Stone Bank, afterwards called National
Granite Bank, in 1853, and has held that position
to the present time. He has been for many years,
and is at present, trustee of the Weymouth Savings-
Bank. He has been, since its incorporation, a di-
rector in Dorchester Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, covering a period of about thirty years. He
was postmaster at North Weymouth under the ad-
ministration of four Presidents, has been selectman
He
there was a dispute as to the boundary line between
Weymouth and Abington. They petitioned the Leg-
islature, and Mr. Torrey was one of the commis-
_sioners appointed to survey and establish the line.
at this price seven months of that year, and the fol- |
This proved to be a very arduous and laborious work,
as it was done during the most inclement weather of
a severe winter, and through a_badly-constructed
route. The line was established, however, according
to their survey, the Legislature accepting their re-
port. Deacon Torrey is an earnest and faithful
worker in Masonry. He joined first the Old Colony
Lodge, F. A. M., at Hingham, Mass., was made a
Master Mason at this lodge, and continued his mem-
bership there until the renewal of charter and reor-
ganization of Orphans’ Hope Lodge at Hast Wey-
He changed his membership to this lodge,
and has been its treasurer since its organization, a
period of more than a quarter of a century. He is
a member of the North Weymouth Pilgrim Church
(Congregationalist), and has been a deacon of this
church from its organization, in 1852, to the present
time, and for ten years or more superintendent of the
Sunday-school.
Though never an active politician, he has always
acted with the Republican party in most measures,
and in this, as in all other matters, he is liberal in
his views and opinions. Deacon Torrey is one of
the most highly-respected citizens of his town, and
together with his estimable wife is passing a serene
and quiet life’s autumn near the spot where he was
born, surrounded by warm friends, and in the enjoy-
ment of a competence secured by years of active in-
dustrious toil and traffic.
No children have blessed their union, but many
little sons and daughters of neighboring people will
| remember with pleasure in after-years their kindly-
received visits to Deacon Torrey’s.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
CHAPTER. LY.
WRENTHAM.
BY HON. SAMUEL WARNER.
Av a General Court holden at Newe Towne, Sept.
2, 1635, it was ordered “ that there shall be a planta-
tion settled about two miles above the Falls of Charles
meadow, to be laid out hereafter as the Court shall
appoint.”
On the Sth of September, 1636, the General Court
ordered that the plantation to be settled above the
falls of Charles River shall have three years’ immunity
from public charges, as Concord had to be accounted
from the 1st of May next, and the name of said plan-
tation is to be Deddham; to enjoy all that land on
the southerly and easterly side of Charles River not
formerly granted to any town or particular persons,
and also to have five miles square on the other side
of the river.
This was the original grant as appears in the first
volume of the records of Massachusetts of that tract
of land which includes the present townships of Ded-
ham, Medfield, Wrentham, Needham, Bellingham, a
part of Sherborn, a part of Natick, Franklin, Med-
way (which was attached to Medfield until 1781), |
Walpole, a part of Foxborough, Norfolk, and Nor-
wood.
In about the year 1647 the records of Dedham say
that John Dwight and Francis Chickering gave notice
of hopes of a mine near certain ponds thirteen miles
from town. It is supposed that the ponds here meant
were at Wollomonpoag, the Indian name of the |
plantation afterwards made a town by the name of
Wrentham.
ham had little knowledge of this part of their town-
But it must have been somewhat explored be-
ship.
fore the year 1649, as we learn that in that year, on
account of the scarcity of grass in Dedham, the in- |
habitants went to Wollomonopoag to cut grass from
the meadows there.
But the earliest movement regarding the occupa-
tion of Wollomonopoag of which any record is found
was made in the year 1660. It is as follows:
if
“ Dedham, 22, 4, 1660. At a meeting of the selectmen there, |
Lieut. Fisher, Sergt. Fuller, Richard Wheeler, Ensign Fisher |
are deputed to view the lands both upland and meadow near |
about the ponds by George Indian’s Wigwam, and make report
of what they find to the selectmen in the first opportunity they
can take.’’ This was in obedience to the desire of the inhabi-
| tants expressed ‘formerly in a lecture day.”
The selectmen reported on the 31st of Tenth month
_ (December), 1660, that they had deputed men to search
and view the place, whose returns encouraged them
““to depute two men to endeavor to compound with such In-
dians as have a true right there.’ And they approved of the
establishing a plantation there in this careful language, viz.,
‘To us it seems that it might be helpful to conduce to public
| and particular good that the place might be planted with meet
' inhabitants in due time.’
River, on the northeast side thereof, to have ground | care thereof be left to a committee to explore the place further,
lying to it on both sides of the river, both upland and |
They also suggested that the present
and to consider what measures are proper in the premises, and
‘propose them to the town in some public meeting to be con-
299
sidered and resolved as the case may require.
At a town-meeting in the following month a com-
mittee was chosen ‘“ in respect of Wollomonopoag.”
On the 27th, 1st, 1661 (March), at a general town-
meeting, the question being put whether there should
be a plantation erected or set up at the place called
Wollomonopoag, it was answered by a vote in the
affirmative. The question being further put whether
the town would lay down six hundred acres of land at
the place before named for the encouragement of the
plantation, it was answered by a vote in the affirma-
tive. Thir-
teen voters dissented, and their names were entered
upon the record.
A committee was appointed also at this meeting,
This vote, however, was not unanimous.
“to settle and determine such things as shall be mentioned
needful for the plantation before named. First, they shall de-
termine when men present themselves for entertainment there
who are meet to be accepted. Second, they shall proportion to
each man his part in the six hundred acres. Third, they shall
order the settling of the plantation in reference to situation,
highways, convenient place for a meeting-house, a lot or lots
for church officers, with such other things necessary as may
hereafter be proposed.”
In case the committee should reject applicants the
right of appeal to the town was reserved to them.
It is probable that at the date of this |
grant of the General Court the inhabitants of Ded- |
It will be noticed that in this legislation in the
Dedham town-meeting, it was especially provided that
the Indian title to the lands at the place intended for
_the new plantation should be extinguished by pur-
chase. As early as 1629 the Governor of the New
England Company advised the Governor and Council
for London’s Plantation, in the Massachusetts Bay,
that “if any of the savages pretend rights of inher-
itance to all or any part of the lands granted in our
patent, we pray you to endeavor to purchase their
title, that we may avoid the least scruple of intrusion.”
And in a second communication similar advice was
repeated. In the year 1652 the General Court sol-
emnly resolved, ‘that what lands any of the Indians
within this jurisdiction have by possession or im-
WRENTHAM.
provement by subduing of the same, they have just —
right thereunto according to that in Genesis 1 and
28, and chapt. 9, 1, and Psalms 115, 16.”
In 1662, Timothy Dwight and Richard Ellis made
a report of their doings in extinguishing the Indian
title to the Wollomonopoag lands. The substance of
this report was, that by the assistance of Capt. Wil-
lett, they had obtained, under the hand and seal of |
the sagamore, a release from the Indians of their
title to six miles square of land, the captain making
the payment of the consideration on behalf of Ded-
ham.
letter of thanks to the captain for his kindly services,
and that he be requested to procure a deed, signed by
the sagamore, that may be sufficient according to our
laws. It was also voted that a rate be made upon
cow-commons to pay the captain £24 10s. for the
purchase of the lands.
In 1661 the boundaries of the plantation were es-
Upon reading of this report, the town voted a _
tablished at a general meeting of the town (Dedham) |
as follows: ‘It is ordered that the bounds of the
plantation at Wollomonopoag shall be upon Stop
River towards the East, beginning at Medfield
bounds, and so all along as the river lies, up stream
until it comes about half a mile above the falls in
that river, near about where the path to that place at
present lies, and from thence Southward to Dorchester
line; and the West bounds shall be at or about the
end of five miles from one of the ponds in Wollo-
monopoage, to be a line running parallel with the line
at the Kast end of the plantation, Always provided
|
that it extend not to any lands but such as are at |
present our own; And the south bounds shall be
Dorchester line, and the North bounds shall be Med-
field bounds in part and Charles River in part.”
Dorchester at this time extended from its northern
line, at Boston, nearly to Rhode Island, and Rehoboth
included Attleborough and Cumberland, now in Rhode
Island. It is said that the above-named south line ran
from the southwest corner of the present township of
623
Wollomonopoag seemed now in a fair way of being
planted. Two years had now elapsed since the good
people of Dedham began to agitate the question.
The place had been viewed, as they expressed it,
favorable report had been made, and the fathers of
the town had given it their cautious approval. Some
few persons had already broken ground and made im-
provements, and these were recognized in after divis-
ions of the land. It seemed, therefore, that the set-
tlement had begun to exist. But difficulties were
started, and those who had intended to go from Ded-
ham to live at Wollomonopoag asked for a meeting of
the proprietors, “‘ that then and there such questions
may be answered as shall be proposed.”
Accordingly, a meeting is called for the 12th of
Eleventh month, 1662 (January), “to attend the
propositions of such brethren and neighbors as have
intended to go to Wollomonopoag.” The proprietors
‘presented a paper of some considerations.” A con-
ference ensued between the proprietors and the pro-
posed colonists. The committee of the latter were
Anthony Fisher, Robert Ware, Richard Ellice (Ellis),
Isaac Bullard. Their statement was, that ten men
had been accepted by them to go to Wollomonopoag,
and had agreed with the proprietors about their
rights there, but that this number is not sufficient for
But,
further, if they have sufficient encouragement to goe on,
encouragement to goe on with the plantation.
they will pay the money rate of any of the propri-
etors who remain in Dedham, with whom they have
agreed or can agree, and that they “are not in a ca-
pacitie to settle rights of those who have not sub-
scribed.”
now circumstanced, they cannot go on to make a
that although
they are not free,” yet they are not desirous to leave
And, “all things considered, as they are
plantation as the town intended, . . .
the world altogether, ‘‘ but are willing to proceed, if
the town will enable us to proceed in a safe way.”
| That they have been at charges in making improve-
Walpole southwesterly, south of the Maj. Mann house |
(now 8. W. Grant’s), and northerly of Turner’s Mill
(now Hawes’), crossing Thurston Street north of Mr. |
Hodges’ house, and Madison Street a little south of
Mrs. Gage’s house, and then continuing in the same
course over Line Hill to the end of Dorchester line as
above. This was the line until 1753, when a gore of
land on the southeast line was annexed to Wrentham.
In this same year (1661-62) the proprietors voted
to sell their rights to lands in Wollomonopoag for one
hundred and sixty pounds, to persons fit to carry on
the work in church and state, provided the plantation
be entered on within two and one-half years.
ments there, and are not able to bear burthens here
(Dedham) also, and desire the town would relieve
them. The proprietors, in answer, propose to lay out
to each proprietor in town his part proportionably, in
that six hundred acres for a plantation as first in-
tended, by which means they say possibly they, the
|
colonists, may be supplied, each man being left to
bargain for himself. And secondly, that payment
‘ should be made for their improvements, if their im-
proved parcels should fall to others in the drawing of
lots, or compounded some other equal way, or they
be allowed to retain those parcels with the lots they
| might draw.
Hereupon others who had intended
' «to go to Wollomonopoag,” did disown what the four
624
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
men (committee) had subscribed unto, and accounted | acres to be taken before the last of this month.” On
themselves not at all engaged thereby, “but agreed to
sit down by the advice of the major part of the pro-
prietors.” These were Nath. Whiting, John Kent,
Nath. Bullard, James Thorpe, John Evered, Robert |
Freeman, Nath. Stearns, Dan Makiah, Samuel Fisher,
Job Littlefield, Job Perry, Samuel Parker, Cornelius
Fisher.
It thus appears that the whole number of men who
proposed to settle at Wollomonopoag was twenty-
But they conceived they had poor encourage-
Their isolated condition
three.
ment from the parent town.
in this wilderness was intensely real to them, and they
gave utterance to their feelings in the declaration that
they “did not wish to leave the world altogether.”
Moreover, Capt. Willett’s bill had not yet been paid,
although the selectmen, being also a committee haying
charge of the Wollomonopag affairs, on the 27th of
February, 1662, “doe judge it meet that the case |
should speedily come to an issue and resolution that
so the engagement to Capt. Willett may be performed |
and our own future power be settled and continued.”
On the 2d of March, 1663, the proprietors resolved
by unanimous vote that they ‘could not advise the
parties to proceed to make it a plantation, all things
considered, as they are now circumstanced.” But
they voted “that the charges of those persons who
had been accepted by the committee, which they had
necessarily expended upon breaking up of lands at
Wollomonopoag, should be reasonably and equally
satisfied.”” Thus, it seems, the first attempt at settle-
ment had failed.
At the same meeting, however (March 2, 1663),
the proprietors took a decisive step (one consideration
being Capt. Willett’s bill yet unpaid, for the payment
of which a tax had been ordered, as before stated,
the 25d of the same month the proprietors met to
draw their lots in the Wollomonopoag plantation,
which it seems had been surveyed and platted. It
was agreed “on behalf of them that have improve-
ments there that they might take the lots they had al-
ready subdued and improved, and not draw lots with
the rest of the proprietors. The persons who were
thus allowed to choose were Anthony Fisher, Jr., Sergt.
_ Richard Ellis, Robert Ware, James Thorpe, Isaac
some of the proprietors refusing to pay on the ground |
that those who were to have the lands should pay for
them), viz., they voted “that there shall be six hun-
dred acres of land layed out at Wollomonopoag for a |
general divident, that so every proprietor may have
his proportion therein, according to the general rule
of division of lands; and the six hundred acres to be
layed out with as much convenience as may be with
reference to a plantation, if the Providence of God
shall make way thereunto, viz., that the six hundred
acres shall be such lands as to be so laid out for house-
lots, and all highways, officers’ lots, burial-place, and
training-grounds. And all other lands necessary to be
reserved and used for all public uses within the trat
(tract) of the town shall be over and above the six
hundred acres before mentioned, and also all manner
of roughlands, the circumference of the six hundred
Bullard, Samuel Fisher, Samuel Parker, Josh Kent,
and Job Farrington. These persons, with Ralph
Freeman, Sergt. Stearns, and perhaps Daniel Makiah,
were the first persons to break up and improve land
at Wollomonopoag. The proprietors then proceeded to
draw their lots, the same being numbered from one to
thirty-four inclusive. The first lot was “‘ to be where
the Indians have broken up land, not far from the
place intended to build a mill at.” This was un-
doubtedly in the neighborhood of the mill site now oc-
cupied by the Hagle Factory. This appears from the
depositions of aged persons taken in 1724, who were
then old enough to remember the first occupation of
these house-lots, and who say “ that they were east or
easterly of the mill-pond, and that the first was James
Draper's, the second Nathaniel Whiting’s, who im-
proved them several years; and many other lots there
were improved by their owners.” The first settlers
beyond question located their improvements (so called)
upon the easterly and southeasterly side of Whiting’s
Pond, or the Great Pond (previously known as the
mill-pond), but their houses were at some distance
from the pond, probably on what is now Franklin
Street and on South Street. An ancient map (1738),
showing the position of these first house-lots, confirms
this supposition, showing also some lots occupied on
The whole number
of proprietors was seventy-three; the number of lots
drawn was thirty-four, and the order and numbers
given, but the boundaries were not determined. The
shares were unequal, the division being made “ac-
cording to the rule for dividing lands in Dedham.”
In the year 1663 the first highway was confirmed
by the selectmen of Dedham, at the request of those
who had drawn lots at Wollomonopoag, “at the east
end of their lots.” This was the first authoritative
recognition of a highway in this plantation, and was
probably a part of a way now known as South
Street.
After this date the affairs of the plantation were
very quiet until the year 1666-67, when the proprie-
tors voted that the meadows “ appertayning to that
place” be all measured, and appointed a committee for
what is now called East Street.
WRENTHAM.
625
that purpose, Lieut. Joshua Fisher being named as
|
|
measurer, and he was directed to “lay out all the lots ©
that are granted and drawn in succession together.” |
For the preservation of wood and timber a penalty of
two shillings sixpence was imposed upon the trans-
gressor for each tree by him felled without the con-
sent of Lieut. Fisher and Sergt. Ellis; and in 1667 a
committee was appointed to define the east boundary
of the plantation upon the suggestion that there was
some mistake about it.
At a general meeting of the town, April 11, 1668,
the proprietors, upon the request of the Indian Sarah,
of Wollomonopoag, “grant her one parcel of upland
near a pond about two miles westward from the situa-
tion of Wollomonopoag, in exchange for that land the
said Sarah, her son, or George, her brother, possessed
or claimed there to be set out to her by Robert Ware
and Samuel Fisher, estimated at ten acres, and she to
have liberty to take fencing stuff, and is enjoined to
|
|
|
keep it sufficiently fenced. The Indian Sarah, and
George, her brother, and John, her son, being all
present, do all declare themselves to accept of this
grant upon these conditions as above expressed.” The
pond to which Sarah went is supposed to be the small
one which we call Uncas Pond, now in Franklin.
The men of Dedham thus determined to recompense
this Indian woman for the loss of her claim, although |
they had purchased the land of her sovereign.
1668, upon complaint made by Samuel Sheeres, a
committee was appointed “to repayre to Wollomono-
poag to settle the lines between his lot and those of
John Alders (Aldis) and Job Farrington.”
Tn |
first attempt at settlement, but he now became a pur-
chaser. He lived in Dedham, but was not a proprie-
John Thurston, of Medfield, also purchased
rights in lands at Wollomonopoag, as it is said, and
became active in promoting the settlement. As the
proprietors at Dedham conveyed their rights to others,
these purchasers of course became independent of
them. The proprietors of Dedham and the proprietors
of Wollomonopoag were no longer the same.
In order to understand the nature of the land titles
here and the meaning of the words (often met)
“according to the rule for the division of lands,”
Mr.
Worthington, in his history of Dedham, gives a
history and an explanation of this matter substantially
as follows: The second grant of the General Court, in
tor.
some further explanation may be necessary.
1636, for a plantation was made to nineteen persons.
These grantees were sole owners until they admitted
new associates.’ At first these were admitted with-
out asking any compensation, lots of land being
freely granted them; and after the home-lots of the
inhabitants were cleared of wood, leave was asked
In 1642 two
hundred acres were made a common tillage-field, in
which each proprietor’s share should be assigned to
These
men proceeded, not upon any arbitrary rule, but upon
the various considerations of personal merit, useful-
to cut it from the common lands.
him by seven men chosen for that purpose.
ness, ability to improve, or the amount of taxes paid.
| Thus the minister had twenty-three acres set off to
Sheeres was at this time an inhabitant of Wollo- |
monopoag, having come here to live, according to
Rey. Mr. Man’s record, about the year 1666. He
says, under date of Aug. 12, 1709, “ Old Goodman
Sheeres died,—a man eighty years and somewhat |
more,—the first English inhabitant in this town, and —
who had lived here about forty-three years.” The
first birth recorded at Wollomonopoag was that of
** Mehitabel Sheeres, the daughter of Samuel Sheeres
and Mary, his wife,” who was born the 1st of Febru-
ary, 1668.
place now occupied by Mr. Isaac F. Bennett, on
South Street, and that in 1668, John Ware also built
on the Bean place and Samuel Fisher on the Luther
Fisher place (Mr. Barnes’). John Littlefield also is
supposed to have built about this time.
About this time some of the proprietors sold their
interests in the lands to such persons as wished to go
there and remain as inhabitants or engage in the set-
tlement of the plantation. Sheeres does not appear
It is supposed that Sheeres lived on the |
to have been named as one of those who joined in the |
40
him, while the deacons had fourteen acres each, and
Maj. Lusher modestly received thirteen ; other inhabit-
In 1645
they divided three hundred and seventy-five acres of
woodland on the same plan, but in 1656 they ceased
to make free grants to strangers of the common lands.
This led to the adoption of some rule for division of
those lands among the proprietors and their heirs.
No one pretended that all should have an equal share.
They agreed on this principle, that each man’s share
should be proportioned to the valuation of his prop-
ants taking from eight to one acre each.
erty. They then found that the number of acres in
the herd-walks, or cow-commons, was five hundred
and thirty-two, and the number of cattle fed thereon
somewhat less; and that by allowing one cow-com-
mon for every eight pounds’ valuation of estate the
whole number of cow-common rights or shares would
be four hundred and seventy-seven, and this would
make the number of cow-commons the nearest to
their then number of cattle.
1 These nineteen with their associates formed a body called
the Proprietors of Dedham.
626
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Five sheep-commons were equal to one cow-common, |
and were used as fractions of a whole right.
This rule bearing hardly on several poor persons,
the proprietors so far departed from it as to give them
twenty-five more cow-common rights, which, added to
the former number, made five hundred and two com-
mon rights or shares. This arrangement as thus far
made became permanent.
to put cattle into the cow-commons, although they
should have dividends in the lands.
and some other non-resident owners made complaints.
“Philip Sachem to Major Lusher and Lieutenant Fisher :
“ GENTLEMEN,—Sirs, thes are to desire you to send me a hol-
land shirt by this Indian, the which att present I much want,
and in consideration whereof I shall and will assuredly satisfie
you to content between this and the next Michelmas, for then I
' intend to meet with you at Wollomonuppouge, that we may
treat about a tract of land of four or five miles square, which I
hereby promise and engage that you shall have ye refusall of,
and I make no doubt but that we shall agree about said tract of
| land, which I shall sell you for ye use of your town of Dedham.
But the proprietors went further, and voted that |
non-resident owners of land should not have any right |
Henry Phillips
The General Court appointed referees to settle this
dispute, the contending parties agreeing.
These |
gentlemen made an award, which they supported by
quotations of Scripture, giving to Phillips and other |
on “the 8th of the 9th mo., 1669, upon notice from
agerieved persons twelve more cow-common rights,
and to the church eight more, making the whole
number five hundred and twenty-two.
acquiesced in this decision, and the selectmen assigned
to the eighty proprietors their due shares. The com-
missioners further decided that the majority in interest
should hereafter govern.
After this decision there were two distinct bodies,
the proprietors and inhabitants (including non-propri- |
etors). But for many years this distinction existed
The parties |
only in theory, for there were not for many years |
people in town who were inhabitants and at the same
time non-proprietors. In process of time the two
separate bodies had meetings on the same day, and |
The |
their doings were recorded in the same book.
number of shares determined the number of cattle |
each could pasture on the common lands, but this |
privilege was limited to those who belonged to this
body of proprietors, which was a sort of a corporation ;
other persons might be inhabitants of Dedham with-
They
out having any interest in the common lands.
could acquire an interest in those lands by purchasing |
of some proprietor. The proprietors had the owner-
ship and power to convey and manage the undivided
lands, while the inhabitants took the management of
town affairs upon themselves.
These rules regarding the division of lands were,
of course, applied throughout the whole township of
Dedham, and included the lands at Wollomonopoag.
Tt will be remembered that Dedham had, through
Capt. Willett, paid the sagamore Philip, in the year
1662, for his right and title to the lands at Wollo-
monopoag, £24 10s. But Philip now, in 1669, set
up a claim to a tract said to be within the limits of
his former grant. He addressed the following letter
to two of the principal men of Dedham:
I pray fail not to send me a good holland shirt by the bearer
hereof, for I intend next week to be at plimoth Court, and I
want a good shirt to goe in. I shall not further trouble you at
present, but subscribe myself your friend,
“Puitip SAcnem’s P MARK.
“Mount Hop, ye 25 May, 1669.”
We are not informed whether the liberality or the
fears of the good men of Dedham provided Philip
with the Holland shirt in which he wished to appear
before the wise men of Plymouth; but we find that
Philip Sagamore yt he is now at Wollomonopouge
and offers a treaty about sale of his rights in ye lands
yr within the town bounds not yet purchased, A
committee was appointed, viz.: Timothy Dwight,
Anthony Fisher, Robert Ware, Richard Ellice, and
John Thurston, to repayre to Wollomonopogue on the
morrow, and treat with the said Philip, in order to a
contract with him to clear all his remaining rights
within the town bounds, provided he make his right
appear, and to secure our town from all other claims
of all other Indians in the land contracted for.”
It seems that a contract was made, for on the 15th
of the same month (November, 1669) a rate was
made for the payment to Philip “ for his right lately
purchased.” The sum thus assessed was £17 Os. 8d.,
to be paid in money. ‘Tradition informs us that
Philip, in this second treaty, showed the northern
boundaries of his kingdom, being the southern boun-
dary of the Sachemdom of Chickotabot, in Walpole ;
and that the shape of the land was somewhat like
that of a new moon, enclosing a part of the first
grant within its horns.” Seventy-nine persons were
Ensign Chickering’s tax
Rev. John Allen’s
This tax was
assessed upon the cow-commons of the proprietors.
Adding this £17 0s. 8d. to the sum previously paid
through Capt. Willett, we find the whole amount
paid to Philip for his title to Wollomonopoag was
£41 10s. 8d.
Second Attempt at Settlement.—Although, as
we have seen, an attempt to settle a colony at Wollo-
monopoag had failed in 1663, yet the idea was not
absolutely abandoned. Proof of this is seen in the
transactions had in the interim between that date and
assessed to pay this rate.
was the largest, being 11s. 10d.
was next in amount, being 8s. 9d.
——=
WRENTHAM.
627
that which we have now reached,—1669. We in-
stance the drawing of lots, the laying out of a high-
Sarah, the settling of lines of lots, the purchasing of
proprietors’ rights, and the second treaty with King
Philip.
Although previously to 1669 no white man per-
haps, except Samuel Sheeres, had come here to dwell, |
nevertheless those who had made improvements by
| be small yet our latter end shall much increase; and that know-
breaking up ground, etc., kept their lots or trans-
ferred them to others who retained the title.
And now in December, 1669, the proprietors of
Wollomonopoag (now independent of the proprietors
of Dedham) met at the public-house of Joshua
Fisher, in Dedham. This was their first meeting as
a body distinct from the proprietors of Dedham.
The purpose of the meeting was
“to adopt some rules as to the ordering and due management |
of the said place for the furthering and settling a plantation
there.” They voted first that “all rates, ete., for defraying
public charges hereunder written shall be and remayne in full |
force to all ends, intents, and purposes to all proprietors there
_ until the intended plantation become a town.
«2d. Every proprietor shall annually pay towards the main-
tenance of a minister there ls. 6d. for each cow common right,
besides what shall be assessed upon improved land.
«3d. That the libertie to call or invite a minister to exercise
to the people there is left to the inhabitants there and such of
the principal proprietors as may be advised without difficulty,
provided it be by the allowance and consent of the Rev. Mr.
Allin, of Dedham, and the ruling Elder of the Church there,
and Elea. Lusher. _
“4, That a convenient meeting-house shall be built, to which
end 2s. per cow-common shall be paid, whereof Mr. Theo.
Deane, Capt. Willm Hudson, and Mr. Job Viale promise to pay
accordingly in money, which is accepted. John Thurston,
Robert Ware, and Sergt. Fuller are appointed a committee for
the ordering the building and finishing that meeting-house in : 5 pl
7 7 ii a _which of course included Wollomonopoag.
convenient time.”
The meeting-house was not finished until about the
year 1682.
But on the 27th of December, 1669, |
the Rev. Samuel Man was invited to become the |
minister at Wollomonopoag. The letter of invitation
was as follows:
““EsTEEMED Sir,—We, the subscribers, being by the Provi-
that place called Wollomonopoag, in Dedham, and according
to our best observation and understanding concerning that place
capable of affording competent subsistence according as the em-
ployments of husbandry use to produce to so many families as
might be a small town if it be duly improved by an industrious
people according to the rule of the word of God, and in his
name and fear, and that the kingdom of the Lord Jesus may
be enlarged, and several families at present streightened might
be relieved, and some benefit might arise to the public, which
are the ends we propose to ourselves: these things being con-
sidered by us, we thinke it our duty to indeavor the settling a
plantation there, so far as lyes in our power, and in order thereto
we would in the first place, with the greatest care, provide that
the ordinances of the Lord Jesus may be there dispensed and
duly attended, that his blessing may be upon us and presence
| with us, remembering that he have promised that where his
way, Surveying of the meadows, the grant to Indian | name is recorded there he will come and there he will bless his
people; and whereas we have already enjoyed encouraging tast
of that measure of fitness that God hath bestowed upon your-
self to dispense his mind to us in the public ministry of his word,
| we therefore do jointly declare with one consent we desire you
to accept of these few lines as a solemn and unanimous desire
and invitation to that work of the ministry of the gospel to us
and among us at that place, hoping that though our beginning
ing that until the house and ordenances of the Lord Jesus be
carefully provided for, few, if any, serious godly people, they
that we desire to encourage, will be willing to settle themselves
there with us, we so much the more earnestly desire you would
not refuse our request and wish, and doubt not but that the Lord
of his goodness will make us in some measure able and willing
to attend the rule of Christ for your due encouragement in all
outward supplies; and if you please to accept of this our invi-
tation and earnest desire, we do engage ourselves to be careful
not to neglect our duties therein, and such of us as are Inhabit-
ants shall also attend the same according to our proportion in
our estates there at such time as we shall reside and dwell there;
but wheresoever we, the late proprietors, dwell, we shall be
ready and willing to bear charge thereunto according to our late
(vote).”
This letter is dated 27th Tenth month, 1669, and
was subscribed by thirty-nine names. It was indorsed
as follows:
“‘We whose names are hereunder written declare our appro-
bation of the within invitation, and desire that a blessing from
the father of Merceys may be upon it and the work intended.
“ ELEA. LUSHER,
“ JoHN ALLIN,
“Joun Hunrine.”
Eleazer Lusher, whose name is frequently mentioned
in connection with town and proprietary affairs, was a
prominent man in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay.
In Dedham he was concerned in all important matters,
Hence
the invitation to Mr. Man must have his approval.
It is said he came to Dedham with Mr. Allin, and
was more learned than any other man in town, except-
ing Mr. Allin. He kept the records, and it is to_his
| care that we are indebted for the facts that have been
preserved regarding the settlement here. He was
_ frequently a deputy to the General Court, of which
dence of God proprietors, and some few of us inhabitants in |
body he was a useful and influential member. He
participated in all the momentous affairs of the col-
ony whenever there was occasion for the counsel and
services of the wisest and most patriotic.
In April, 1670, the proprietors appointed John
Thurston and Samuel Sheeres to be fence-viewers at
Wollomonopoag ; attended to some complaints against
some land-takers outside of the six hundred acres,
and voted a dividend of lowlands, fit to be improved
for English grass, half an acre to each cow-common,
if so much may be found, otherwise less.
628
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
At a general meeting of the proprietors held on
the 1st of the Second month, 1671, “the question
being put, who are the persons that will engage (God |
willing) that themselves and their families shall be
settled at the place called Wollomonopoage, before the
end of the fourth month, called June, Anno 1671,
persons answering were John Thurston, Thomas
Thurston, Robert Ware, John Ware, Joseph Cheeney.
It was thereupon voted, that the proprietors desire
that these men and John Aldis should settle them-
selves and their families.” They also confirmed the
bounds of the plantation as established in 1661, and
ordered a book “ for the entering such acts as concern
Wollomonopoag, and such transcripts as may be made
from Dedham town book, and contributed three shil-
lings, sixpence for the purchase, and appointed Hleazer
Lusher to make the entries and transcripts and paid
him three shillings eightpence in part satisfaction.”
It will be noticed that June is called the fourth
month. At that time the year commenced on the
|
| Thurston and others.
twenty-fifth day of March throughout his majesty’s |
good repair the inhabitants ‘ will see out for the pro-
dominions. In the twenty-fourth year of the reign
of George II. (1751), Parliament enacted that the
year should begin (after Dec. 31, 1751) on the first
day of January next following.
It seems, then, that six persons with their families
were to be settled at Wollomonopoag before the end
of June, 1671. These, with Samuel Sheeres’ family,
would make seven families that were probably dwell-_
ing here in the wilderness, before the close of 1671.
In January, 1672, a grant for a corn-mill was made.
The mill was to be built ‘upon that stream that
comes out of the ponde and runns into Charles River,
in the neerest convenient place to the lower ende
of the ponde in Wollomonopoag, and made fitte for
work, and doe grinde corn as such a mill ought to doe
before the first daye of Maye, which shall be Anno
1673, and be so kept and attended that the Inhabi- |
tants there be supplyed with good meale from time to
time of the corne they shall bring to mille.”
To the |
builder the whole power of the stream was granted, |
and he was also to have a house-lot out of any |
unappropriated land not exceeding ten or twelve
acres,
This action was some ten years after the first steps
taken by Dedham about the plantation, and tends
strongly to show that the first comers were only tem-
porary dwellers, looking after their improvements and
returning home when their tasks were done.
This time the settlement began in earnest.
Thurstons, Wares, and others agreed to go up and
settle at Wollomonopoag, with their families; the
lishment of a blacksmith,—hardly less important,—
and an able and faithful minister was invited.
A committee, of which Maj. Lusher was a member,
entered into a contract with Robert Crossman to build
a mill on the conditions above stated. Robert en-
gaged for himself and his heirs to build and equip
the mill, ‘“‘ God permitting,” according to the proposi-
tions of the proprietors, whereunto he did subscribe
by making his mark.
This was the last service rendered the settlement
by Maj. Lusher. His death occurred this year, and
in January following a committee was appointed to
“yecon with Mrs. Lusher: for the writing written in
the booke by the Hon’d. Major Lusher.”
The mill, it seems, made slow progress; for in
1674, Crossman requesting that the land he was to
have might be laid out to him, was answered that
when he should finish the mill according to his en-
gagement, he should have it laid out by Sergt. Thomas
And in 1680 it was voted that
“if Robert Crossman do not speedily put his mill in
curing another mill.’”
There is a tradition that a son of Crossman was
killed below the mill by an Indian, by which the
father was so alarmed and discouraged that he aban-
doned his mill and let it go out of repair. The rec-
ord of the son’s death is as follows: ‘ Nathaniel
Crossman, the son of Robert Crossman and Sarah,
his wife, was killed by the Enymy Indians, March ye
8, 1675-6.”
Anticipating a few years, it appears that in 1685
the grants formerly made to Crossman were con-
ferred upon John Whiting upon similar terms. He
was the son of Nathaniel, who had a corn-mill on
Mother Brook, in Dedham, and who drew lot number
two in the six-hundred acres dividend “ not far from
the place intended to build a mill at.” He did not
But he must have been
the owner of Crossman’s rights in the mill, as his
widow, Hannah Whiting, conveyed them by her deed
to this son John, with other property, describing it as
coming to her from her deceased husband, Nathaniel.
This deed was dated Noy. 9, 1688, in the fourth year
of King James II. John married Dec. 24, 1688,
and lived upon the land granted to Crossman, near
the outlet of the Great, or Mill Pond.
In the year 1821 the town of Wrentham investi-
come to Wollomonopoag.
gated the question whether the successors of John
The |
building of a corn mill was provided for, the estab- |
Whiting, viz., the Hagle Manufacturing Company,
were not bound to grind corn, ete., for the inhabitants
according to the conditions of the ancient grant to
Crossman. It appears in the course of this investi-
WRENTHAM.
629
gation, from the depositions of Capt. Lewis Whiting,
Joseph Whiting, and Jemima Fisher, grandchildren
of John Whiting, “that their grandfather built the
mill on the present dam on the grant made to Cross-
|
man to grind particularly for the inhabitants of
Wrentham.” And it further appeared that the dwell-
ing-house built and owned by their grandfather, John
Whiting, now (1821) owned by Eliphalet Whiting, |
stands on the two-acre lot granted by the proprietors
to their grandfather, John. (Two acres were granted
John when he succeeded to Crossman in 1685.) It
further appeared that the original site of the corn-mill
was some eighty rods aboye the present dam, one of
the deponents saying he had dug out mortised timber
there, and seen the remains of a dam, and that such
remains were believed to be visible even then (1821).
The deponents had been told, and always understood
that their grandfather, John, was the son of Nathan-
iel, of Dedham, and that before he was married, when
he was about eighteen years old, he came up from
Dedham, and “tended the mill ;” and that his mother
came with him and purchased all the lands, buildings,
and rights of Crossman.
ie yxix
grandfather, John, who died in 1755. That house,
the dwelling-house of that John Whiting, some por-—
tions of which were erected nearly two hundred years |
ago, and which were standing in 1821, is still standing,
probably the oldest building within the bounds of the
plantation, and still in the possession of descendants of
John Whiting. It is doubted if a parallel case can
be found in the ancient Wollomonopoag.
And the “inhabitants moved
there might be a committee chosen to treat with Mr.
Samuel Man in reference to his settling and carrying
on the worke of the ministrie ther.”
After this preliminary step in the most important
Wollomonopoag.”
matter of settling a minister, they began to care for
the highways and to procure a blacksmith, next to the
miller a man of the greatest importance in the infant
settlement.
They, the proprietors, voted to give ten acres of
upland for the encouragement of “ such a man as may
This
was in 1672. But they did not then succeed, for in
1674 they voted “ for further incoragement of a black-
smith in case there appere a man that is suffichant
be approved of the calling of a blacksmyth.”
| workeman and other wayse Incorageabell and do sup-
As to the obligation of the factory owners to grind
for the inhabitants, such eminent counselors as Wil-
‘liam Prescott and Solicitor-General Davis united in |
the opinion that the owners were under that obliga- |
tion, and that suits might be maintained against
them. But here the matter was dropped. Besides
the grain-mill, there were formerly a fulling-mill and
a saw-mill where the dam now stands.
The precise time when the first minister, the Rev.
Samuel Man, came to abide at Wollomonopoag is not
known. The people had, as appears from their letter,
heard him preach probably at Dedham, and _ probably
between the date of that letter (1669 and 1672) he
preached to the little group of settlers in this wilder- |
ness occasionally, if not regularly.’
may have been, in 1672 the proprietors voted that
“arate should be made of 1s. 6d. per cow-common
towards the maintenance of the present minister at
1 As he died in 1719, and this was the forty-ninth year of his
ministry, as Mr. Bean was informed, he must have commenced
about the year 1671.
However this |
t
| againe.””
These deponents were more |
than eighty years of age, and must have known their |
ply the towne with Good and suffichant ware, too
acres of meaddow and 2 or 3 acres of low swampy
land, on condition that he inhabitt in the towne 7
years, but if he remove from the town within 10 years
the too acres of meadow to returne to the towne
And in 1675 a small parcel of meadow
containing two acres, lying below “Slate Rock,” was
left for a smith. This was granted to James Mosman
upon the condition of the vote of 1674. The infer-
ence is that Mosman was the first blacksmith in the
place. But he did not remain here long, and in 1685
it was voted that “considering the want of a black-
smith Sergt. Fisher is requested to treat with Samll.
Dearing respecting the same and make report to the
town.”
Dearing “to settle with us to folow the calling of a
blacksmith.” In 1687 the town, for his encourage-
ment to settle, granted him “liberty of wood for
firing and for coal for his worke and feeding and tim-
ber for his use upon the comon land so long as he
Two years later the town invited Samuel
continue in the calling of a blacksmith in the town;
this and what was proposed to him att our meeting
last year.” On the 23d of June, 1688, the inhabit-
ants being at work in the highway, Samuel Dearing
also being present, agreed to accept the land assigned
for a blacksmith upon the terms stated at the meeting in
1672, and the inhabitants agreed “ to confirm said land,
and also y‘ parcel of meadow and swampy land which
was assigned for the encourgement of a smith, to the
said Saml. Dearing; and do also appoint a committee
to lay out the house-lot of ten acres near the Meeting-
House.” The committee “did forthwith lay out said
ten acres abutting upon the highway in part southwest
and near to the land for the Burying place Northeast
and common land on all other parts.” Other grants
and promises of land were also made to him. He
decided to locate here. In 1708 he was married to
630
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Mary Man, the daughter and oldest child of the Rev.
Samuel Man. Mr. Dearing was one of the selectmen
in 1706.
ninety-six.
cludes the land where the present Congregational and
Episcopal houses of worship stand.
In 1672 a committee, previously appointed, re- |
ported to the proprietors as follows, substantially :
‘“‘Tmprimis, to grant Mr. Man a convenient house-
lot out of the public lands, so much as shall arise |
upon ten cow-commons, and all rights and privileges
thereto belonging, as also libertie to choose half his
He died in 1753, at the good old age of |
The grant of ten acres made to him in- |
proportion of meadow, the rest to take as other men.” |
Further, the proprietors tender fifty pounds towards |
building him a house, and the inhabitants engage to
pay as they have intimated. his on condition that
he settle at Wollomonopoag; but ‘if he is called to
move, then he shall choose two or three men who
shall judge and determine what shall be presented to
them, and if they agree that his call is clear to re-
move through default of the people, then Mr. Man
shall enjoy the house and all the lands formerly men-
tioned ; but if they do not so judge, and yet Mr. Man
remove, then the former grants to return to the pro-
prietors.”
lows: “I do accept of these propositions in case they
be performed within the space of a year and a half.
(Signed) Samuel Man.”
A committee was at the same time chosen to col-
lect the money and build the house.
Such was Mr. Man’s settlement.
was not cheerful.
three years. He knew, for he had preached among
maintain themselves and their families. He came into
almost a wilderness, where there was not only no
meeting-house to receive him, but even no dwelling-
house for a shelter and home, and, as Mr. Bean says
in his century sermon, only sixteen families.
He was the only son of William Man, who came
To these terms Mr. Man agreed as fol- |
The prospect
His call had been pending some | ing any County rates for 7 or 8 years, we being few and poor
from Kent County, England, where he was born about |
the year 1607.
tled in Cambridge, Mass.
there July 6, 1647.
University in 1665; married Esther Ware, of Ded-
He married Mary Jarrard, and set-
His son Samuel was born
ham, in 1673; was employed asa teacher at Dedham,
Mass.; ordained at Wrentham April 13, 1692, and
died there May 22, 1719, in the seventy-second year
of his age and forty-ninth of his ministry.
dren were eleven in number, seven sons and four
daughters, and, while his descendants must be very
numerous, not one is known to bear the name at
present in the town.
He was graduated at Harvard |
them, that this small company of farmers could barely | Which will oblige us to serve your honors.
Incorporation of Wrentham.—In October, 1673,
the inhabitants addressed the following petition to the
General Court:
“ The petition of the Inhabitants of Wollomonopoage humbly
showeth that whereas it hath pleased God by his especial provi-
dence to set the place of the habitation of divers of us in a place
within the bounds of Dedham where some of us have lived
severall years conflicting with the difficulties of a wilderness
state, and being a long time without any to dispense the word
of God to us, although at last it hath pleased God to send the
gospel among us, dispensed by that faithful servant of his, Mr.
Samuel Man; but not having power to assess or gather what
have been engaged by reason divers live not within the limits
of the town, and the constables of Dedham are not willing to
gather what has been engaged, neyther is that engaged by
Town power, so the pay is not attained, but that work is like
to fail and we perish for lack of knowledge unless it please
God to move your hearts who are the fathers of the country to
take care for us and not for us only but for the interest of God
here, now being helpless and hopeless doe yet venture to spread
our complaint before your honors desiring you would put forth
your power to promote the ordinances of God here. That
which we desire and humbly present to your pious considera-
tion is that there may be a committee impowered by this Hon.
Court to settle some way for the maintenance of the ministrie,,
which we doubt not but most of the proprietors in Dedham and
elsewhere will readily grant, yet some there are that have
rights here seem only to be willing that we should labor under
the straights of a new plantation so as to bring their land to a
great price, which no other can regulate (that we understand)
but yourselves. ‘Therefore we fly to your wisdom and justice
for help which no other under God can do. The proprietors
also having engaged but for so long as we remain under the
town power of Dedham, and Dedham now advising us to in-
deavor to be of ourselves declaring that they cannot act for us
as is necessary in divers cases they living so remote. And if
it shall please God so far to move you to help us in this dis-
tressed state we humbly further crave to be excused from pay-
and fur into the country, and not considerable to the County
We have herewith
sent the copies of what the proprietors did engage (which have
caused us your petitioners to venture upon these difficulties
expecting more would have come to us) which we desire may
be ratified till they send inhabitants suitable, or what other
way God may direct your wisdom to determine, which shall
ever oblige your poor supplyants to pray, &c.”
The selectmen of Dedham assented, and upon the
17th day of October, 1673, O. S8., the inhabitants
were made a town by the name of Wrentham. The
selectmen desire, ‘if the Court see meet to grant them
town power, that it may be called Wrentham.’ Mr.
- Bean alludes to the tradition extant in 1773 that some
His chil- |
of the first settlers here came from Old Wrentham, in
England. It is supposed that the Rev. Mr. Philip or
Phillips, who left his pulpit in Old Wrentham by
reason of the persecutions of 1636-38, came to Ded-
ham, and that he received an invitation to the minis-
try in Dedham in 1638, but did not accept it. After
being in Dedham and perhaps other places about a
year he returned to his native land and resumed his
WRENTHAM.
631
pastoral duties in his former parish. It is said that
upon his voyage hither he was attended by “a goodly
company,” others also from Old Wrentham, England,
having preceded him. The names of Thurston and
Paine are particularly mentioned. These brought
“an account of the state of affairs in Wrentham on
which the Christian people of Dedham in that coun-
try invited him by letter to that plantation beforehand,
so that when he arrived his friends there did expect
and much endeavor to obtain his guidance in the
first beginning of their ecclesiastical relationship.”
In the petition of the inhabitants their leading
thought seems to have been the maintenance of the
minister. They asked for town power that rates
might be made and collected for this purpose. ‘‘ Spir-
itual affairs were ever first in the minds of the Puri-
tans.” “Tt being as unnatural for a right New Eng-
land man to live without an able ministry as for a
And the Gen-
eral Court “judgeth it meet to give the petitioners
smith to work his iron without a fire.”
all due encouragement conduceable to their settle-
ment with the present minister, according to their
desires.”
The minister was the principal person intown; the
real head of the people.
matters temporal as well as spiritual. Usually he was
the only learned man in these primitive settlements. |
As the freemen must be church-members, it may be
conceded that his influence must have been almost
without limit.
The early comers to Massachusetts established a
church after their own choice, and the civil polity was
in subordination to the ecclesiastical.
In the resolve of Oct. 17, 1673, the General Court
granted “all the liberties and privileges of a town-
ship,’ with the boundaries heretofore agreed upon
between the inhabitants and Dedham. Wrentham
thus became independent of Dedham. But yet the |
inhabitants were not considered competent to manage
their town affairs, and the Court placed them under
the guardianship of a committee, “ for the better car-
rying in end of their prudential affairs,” etc., and ap-
pointed Capt. Hopestill Foster, Mr. William Park,
and Ensign Daniel Fisher to be the committee. They
were to be joined with any two of the inhabitants that
might be chosen, and the acts of said committee or
the major part of them were “to be valid, and their
power to continue till the Court take further order.” |
And Wrentham was exempted from county rates for |
four years. |
John and Thomas Thurston were chosen by the
His advice was sought in }
inhabitants ‘to joyne with the committee appointed —
by the Court.” !
Organization of the Town.—We now leave our
Indian cognomen of Wollomonopoag. Hereafter the
name given by the General Court is to be our desig-
nation. On the 4th day of December, 1673, the
committee (for ordering the affairs of the town called
Wrentham, near unto Dedham) met and ordered as
followeth :
“1. Thomas Thurston to have the town book and make
record of such orders as have passed respecting said plantation,
ete.
“2. Property holders there shall pay 1s. 6d. for every cow-
common for support of the minister, according to a previous
vote.
“3. £50 to be assessed upon the proprietors towards build-~
ing him a house, according to an act past by them y® 31 June,
"72.
“4, All former committees to continue the work committed
to them heretofore, as to laying out highways, etc.
“5, That the order in Dedham Town Book referring to the
admitting inhabitants, made June 1, ’66, be transcribed in this
town book, to be an order for the town of Wrentham as to all
intents and purposes therein contained.
“Subscribed. Per order of Gen. Court.
‘“‘HopesTILL Foster,
“WILLIAM Park,
“DANIEL FISHER,
“ JoHn THURSTON.”
The important order referred to by the committee
was in substance as follows :
‘“‘ Whereas, towns have suffered from the entertainment of
persons privately, and as this town is liable to like inconve-
nience, therefore for the prevention thereof, it is ordered that
no inhabitant of the town, or tenant of any house, lands, &e.,
shall after due publication hereof, grant, sell, alienate, lease,
assign, sett, or to farme lett any house, lands or parcels of land
whatsoever within said town &c., to any persons not formerly
| dwelling within our town, nor shall hire any out of town per-
son for a servant by the yeare or any apprentice for more than
two months without the leave of the Committee or the Select-
men, without such ‘securitie’ for the ‘town’s indemnitie’ as
said Committee or Selectmen shall accept. Notice shall be
given of allsuch contracts made or intended to some one of the
Comttee or selectmen, andif not forbidden within a month then
the party may proceed therein. Butif being forbidden, he shall,
notwithstanding proceed to contract or entertain contrary to this
order, or shall fail to give notice as above provided, he shall for
every month so continuing forfeit to the use of the Towne
| twenty shillings to be levied upon his goods by the constable
by warrant from the Comttee or Selectmen or be recoverable
by action at law.”
Such an order sounds very strangely in these days.
But two hundred years ago such regulations con-
formed to the sentiment prevalent in the Colony of
Massachusetts Bay.
And in 1692 a law of the province gave settlement to
persons who sojourned in any town three months with-
out having been warned by the constable to depart. And
in 1736 it was enacted that the inhabitants who took
in strangers should in twenty days notify the select-
men thereof. Prior to these enactments it seems that
652
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the towns adopted orders upon the whole subject of
the admittance of inhabitants, servants, and appren- |
At this time notifications and warnings were |
tices.
not very frequent; Wrentham being “ far into the
country,” few strangers probably found their way
hither. Later in its history arrivals were more nu-
merous and warnings more frequent. One is here
copied :
“ Wrentoam, January the 20, 1758.
“We the subscribers would In Form the Selecttmen In Be-
half our Honered Father Pelatiah man that He Hez brought
into This Towne from Dedham gilyard Morse and Taffey Morse
children of the late Widow Morse.
“DANIEL MAN,
“ MinatrAn Man.”
—_—
Having progressed thus far the inhabitants had a gen-
eral meeting in February, 1675-74, and passed votes
as to the mode of assessing estates for the support of the
minister, requesting of the church in Dedham the use
of their lands here for Mr. Man, for preventing the
waste of timber, for repair of highways, and for fen-
cing the lots of settlers.
surveyor of highways; Samuel Sheeres and Joseph
Kingsbury, fence-viewers. Measures were also taken
for herding cattle, for keeping out-of-town cattle off
the common lands, for the ringing of swine, and for
building a pound.
In 1674 an Indian named Matchinamook asked
that he might have some place to live in, and “ full
liberty” was granted him “to go to a place called
Harry’s Plantation, or at the head of Ten-Mile River,
near to the Pattene Line, there to improve three or
four acres of land during his lifetime.”
All these votes were subject to the approval of the
court’s committee.
tiations were had with Crossman regarding the corn-
ah
mill, as previously related; and in 1674 and 1675
the votes for the encouragement of a blacksmith were
passed.
This latter year was undoubtedly one of anxiety to
the little town of Wrentham.
of 1675,” says Drake, ‘‘ Sassamon’s body was found in
Assawomset Pond, in Middleborough.”
Indian preacher, a professed convert to Christianity,
“ Warly in the spring
John Thurston was chosen |
In this year some further nego-
He was an |
who had learned something of the English tongue. |
Having learned from his countrymen that they in-
tended to make war upon the English, he communi-
cated that knowledge to the Governor of Plymouth, |
Three In-
dians were executed for this murder on the 8th day
and by Indian laws this forfeited his life.
of June, 1675, according to the same authority, the |
act having been committed Jan. 29, 1675, N. 8. |
Until this execution the natives had not engaged in
any acts of open hostilities. But soon afterwards
scene of action), where they were killed.
Swanzey was attacked and nine of her inhabitants
killed, and on the 24th of June the abandoned houses
were burnt. Soon afterwards a part of Taunton,
Middleborough, and Dartmouth were destroyed.
| Mendon was also attacked, and it is said four or five
persons killed.
In 1675-76 the General Court, in consideration that
many Indians were “skulking about our plantations,
doing much mischiefe and damage,” offered a bounty
of three pounds per head, or the Indian so taken, to
every person who should surprise, slay, or bring in
prisoner any such Indian.”
It was probably about this time, and not long before
their withdrawal, that the valorous little colony cov-
ered itself with glory in the famous attack at Indian
Rock. The story is as follows :
A man by the name of Rocket being in search of
a strayed horse in the woods, about three miles north-
east from Wrentham village, discovered a trail of In-
dians, forty-two in number, towards the close of the
day directing their course westward. Rocket, undis-
covered, followed the trail until about the setting of
the sun when they halted, evidently with a design to
lodge for the night. The spot chosen was well situ-
Rocket
watched their movements until they laid themselves
down to rest, when with speed he returned to the
settlement and notified the inhabitants. They being
collected, a consultation was held, whereupon (the
women, the infirm, and the children being secured in
the fortified houses) it was agreed to attack the In-
dians early the next morning. The little army con-
sisted of thirteen; at its head was a Capt. Ware.
Rocket was its guide.
before daylight, and were posted within a short
ated to secure them from a discovery.
They arrived upon the ground
musket-shot of the encamped Indians, with orders to
reserve their fire until the Indians should arise. Be-
tween daybreak and sunrise the Indians rose, nearly
all at the same time; when, upon the signal given, a
full discharge was made, which, with the sudden and
unexpected attack and slaughter, put the Indians into
the greatest consternation, so that in their confusion,
attempting to effect their escape in a direction oppo-
site to that from which the attack was made, several
were so maimed by leaping down a precipice from
ten to twenty-feet among the rocks that they became
Some of the fugitives were over-
And it is related that two of them
being closely pursued, in order to elude their follow-
an easy sacrifice.
taken and slain.
ers, buried their bodies all except their heads in the
waters of Millbrook (about one mile from the first
It is prob-
able that these were likewise injured by their precipi-
WRENTHAM.
633
tation from the rock.
his long musket called a buccaneer at a single fugitive |
Indian at the distance of eighty rods, and broke his
One Woodcock discharged |
|
|
thigh-bone and afterwards dispatched him. After the |
battle there were numbered of the Indians
some say twenty-four. Not one of the inhabitants
was killed.
Dr. James Mann, to whom we are indebted for
this account of the fight at Indian Rock, says there
is an intelligent man eighty-seven years of age (Dea-
con Thomas Mann), who in his youth was acquainted
with Rocket, and perfectly well remembers that on
account of the above adventurous deed he received |
during his life an annual pension from the General
Court.
name of Clap, was also living, aged ninety-four years,
who well recollected to have heard the story related
when quite young, as a transaction in which her |
He adds there |
| appointed also to keep a register of births, marriages,
grandfather bore a conspicuous part.
are men now living (at the date of his communica-
tion) who well remember to have seen bones in
abundance of the unburied Indians left upon the |
spot where the action happened.
In March, 1676, the inhabitants left their homes, so
lately established here and with so much difficulty,
on account of the alarming attitude of the natives.
Up to this date eighteen births had been recorded, and
the small number of families who were without any
means of defense against the savages prudently with-
drew. The war against the English was now fairly initi-
ated by Philip. Having stirred up the native Indians
killed |
upon the field or by the fall from the rock, twenty;
A granddaughter of Capt. Ware, of the
from Mount Hope to Hadley, he led them against the |
settlements of the whites, and prolonged the contest for
The settlements were brought to the
verge of destruction.
nearly a year.
Twelve or thirteen towns were
entirely ruined, six hundred houses burned, and six |
hundred men fell in battle.
of Medfield was attacked and some twenty whites
killed, and more than half the houses were burned or
otherwise destroyed. Wrentham lay in the track
The neighboring town
from Mount Hope to Medfield, and was in danger. |
The withdrawal of the inhabitants was in season;
“no lives were cut off by the heathen.” But the
Indians came after the inhabitants were gone, and |
shillings—£1 10s. in wheat, five shillings in money,
| and £3 10s. in merchantable Indian corn.
burned all their dwellings but two, which were saved
because, according to tradition, the party attacking be-
lieved they had been infected with the smallpox.
We get some knowledge of the condition of our
town, and of the manner of administering its affairs
more than two hundred years ago, from the record of
a town-meeting held before the inhabitants aban- | ~
doned the place, viz., in 1674-75. At this meeting
if he remained in Wrentham seven years.
‘Samuel Fisher was appointed to take down in writ-
ing what shall be agreed on this day.” It was
ordered that a list of voters should be made, and
absentees from town-meetings were to be fined ; grants
of land were to be recorded ; fences three feet high,
and sufficient to turn lawful cattle, should be built ;
cattle should be herded and a herdsman appointed,
the minister’s salary provided for, and additions made
to it as inhabitants and improvements should increase,
that the meadows should be laid out; that births,
marriages, and deaths should be registered ; appointed
surveyors of highways and fence-viewers, and men
to burn the woods. They also voted that Mr. Man
should have his ten cow-commons heretofore prom-
ised, and that four days’ work should be done upon
the highway. These votes were approved by the
committee, of which it will be remembered two of the
inhabitants were members, whose importance in the
little community was thus recognized and acknowl-
edged. One of these was Samuel Fisher, who was
and deaths. Even thus early a list of voters was to
be made, and under the laws of the colony but little
difficulty could arise in determining who were voters.
The General Court ordered, ‘to the end that the
body of commons may be preserved of honest and
good men, that noe man shall be admitted to the free-
dome of this body polliticke but such as are members
of some of the churches within the lymitts of the
And in 1635, ‘that none hut freemen shall
have any vote in any towne in any action of authority
or necessity,” etc.; and ‘“‘for the yearly choosing of
assistants the freemen shall use Indian corn and beans,
the corn to manifest election, the beans contrary.”
Quakers and others who refused to attend public wor-
ship were made ‘“uncapable of voting in all civil
same.”
assemblise during their obstinate persisting in such
wicked ways and courses and until certificate be
given of their reformation.”
It was voted upon Mr. Man’s request, in 1675, that
the common rights and lands heretofore granted to
him for improvement should become his absolutely
Cornelius
and Samuel Fisher bargained for his ten cow-com-
mons, agreeing to pay therefor five pounds and five
The last meeting of the inhabitants prior to aban-
donment of the place was holden on the 19th of Jan-
uary, 1675-76, and on March 30th they left on ac-
count of the Indian war.’
1 The book-keeper made this entry: ‘‘ March ye 30, 1676, ye
inhabitants ware drawn of by rason of ye Endian worre.”
634
HiSTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
And on the 2d of February, 1675-76, the Pru- |
dential Committee met and appointed the first Tues-
day in March following to be a meeting of the pro-
prietors at Dedham in reference to their replanting
On the 6th of March, 1677, at |
the proprietors’ meeting in Dedham, the question —
there again.
being put whether “they would go on with Wren-
tham plantation again if there were peaceable times,”
the answer was by all present that they would bear
charges there as formerly, and divers of them ex-
pressed themselves “willing to return if Mr. Man |
would return with them, and a considerable number
would ingage in that worke.”’ Upon further debate
it was decided that a committee be chosen to present
the case of Wrentham to the honorable General Court
for their advice and concurrence in order to the re-
building the towne again.”
They also made a division of their meadow lands. |
In
1660 the number of proprietors was eighty. Sixteen
years had made changes in the ownership of lands.
From this time until January, 1677, no important
In this division only forty-five persons drew lots.
public transactions concerning Wrentham took place.
At that time the “ Proprietors and those that were |
formerly inhabitants of Wrentham” met, and the in-
habitants were asked whether “they would go on to _
rebuild and inhabitt Wrentham.”
as follows:
Their answer was |
“We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, having formerly
had our residence in Wrentham, but by those sad and sollame
dispensations of God’s providence were removed, yet desire a
worke for the honour of God and the good and comfort of our-
selves and ours might be again ingaged in and promotted
att that place.
God willing.
Therefore our purpose is to returne thither,
But knowing our own inability for so great and
waytie a worke, both in respectt of our insufficiency for the
caring on of new plantation worke, and the dainger that may
yet be renewed upon us by the heathins breaking out on us,
thinke it not saffe for us to returne alone, except other of the
proprietors joyne to go up along with us, or send inhabitants
to ingage in that work with us.” Subscribed by Elizear Met-
calf, Daniell Haws, Daniell Wight, Saml. Fisher, William
Macknah, Elizear Gay, Samuell Man, Cornelius Fisher, Joseph
Kingsbury, Robert Ware, John Aldis, John Payne, Benjn.
Rocket, Nath. Ware, John Ware, Michell Wilson, Samuel
Sheeres.
This faithful record informs us who the first in-
habitants were. And although driven from their
homes by the ‘“‘ heathins” and obliged to take quar-
ters with their Dedham friends, they nevertheless
preserved their organization, choosing John Ware
and Samuel Fisher to join with the court’s com-
mittee, Hleazar Gay, constable, and the faithful Sam-
uel Fisher to keep the town book.
The proprietors responded favorably to the appeal
of the inhabitants, and a committee was appointed to
_ two-thirds in Indian corn.
_ taxed one pound.
_ book-keeper, etc., were appointed.
treat with Mr. Man. He very wisely required that
a goodly number of competent persons should go back
as a principal condition of his own return; and also
that a suitable dwelling-house should be prepared for
him; that there should be no delay as heretofore in
the payment of his salary. This of the proprietors.
Another condition of great importance he annexed,
to wit: that they should sell their interest to settlers
in good faith. Other conditions were made to the
| proposed inhabitants, such as the improvement of his
land, providing fifty loads of wood, care of his cattle,
And
if they failed to perform these he was to be at liberty.
As to the first proposition, it was stated that the
former inhabitants have determined to return to
Wrentham, and that others purpose to join them,
and that this is all the “incouragement that can at
present be expected.”
and a chosen manager of his out-door business.
The other terms were sub-
stantially accepted by both the proprietors and in-
_ habitants.
K rate was made probably in 1679 for the building
of Mr. Man’s house at two shillings per common.
Forty-five were taxed for this purpose, including the
church at Dedham. The amount assessed was fifty-
two pounds fifteen shillings and sevenpence, of which
fourpence per common was to be paid in money, the
rest to be one-third part in wheat and rye, the other
Mr. Man himself was
John Thurston, a non-resident, it
seems was the largest taxpayer, the amount assessed
him being three pounds sixteen shillings.
In 1680 a house-lot and ten cow-commons, with
the privileges thereto belonging, were granted to Mr.
Constables were made
to account for the rates collected by them, and it was
?
Man, to be “absolutely his.’
determined that highways should be made through
the six hundred acres. Rules also for supplying Mr.
Votes for the preserva-
tion of grass upon the common lands, for the encour-
Man’s wood were adopted.
agement of a saw-mill, for a clerk of the rietts (writs),
The book-keeper
was ordered to procure a “copy of the purchase of
and a brand-mark for their cattle.
Wrentham, Indian title, when and of whom it was
Mr. Man was to have the
Constables, fence- viewers,
A herd of milch
On account of
purched” (purchased).
benefit of the church-lot.
cows was to be kept ‘in the towne.”
the scarcity of timber no one could cut off the com-
mon land upon penalty of five shillings per tree.
Lands were to be fenced in general fields, each man
bearing his proportion of the expense, according to the
number of his acres. Bounds between town and in-
dividuals were to be renewed once in three years.
WRENTHAM.
635
A part of the former inhabitants had returned in | In 1685 there was a general meeting of the pro-
March, 1680, as appears from the following entry of prietors and inhabitants “att Wrentham meeting
the book-keeper: “The inhabitants, such as were then |
come to Wrentham being meat [met] to agree of rais-
ing an addition for the finishing Mr. Man’s house |
and chimnis according as they had formerly ingaged,
they agreed that a rate should be made for that end,
and that it should be leavied upon the commons, for |
that several of them that had ingaged whose names |
to any other use or purpose whatsoever.”
are upon record were not yett come to dwell here and
thereby theire rateabell estate is not in towne.”
The First Meeting-House.—In March, 1681, the
committee having met at Dedham, and being informed
that the inhabitants of Wrentham were suffering
“oreat inconvenience for want of a suitable place to
attend the worship of God, it is ordered that a con-
venient house be forthwith erected.”
to be borne in part by the proprietors and in part by
the inhabitants. In March, 1682, they concluded
that,—
The cost was |
“The bigness of the house shall be as followeth, viz., 36 foote |
in length and 26 foot wide, with 16 foot stude suffichantly |
brasted (braced) and all other suffichant timber suitabel for
such an house; to stand the north side of Mr. Man’s house.
And they granted to John Woodcock a parcel of land as nere
the place where the meeting-house shall stand as may be con-
veniently had, that he might sett a small house up for theire
refreshment on the Sabbath day when they come to attend
upon the worship of God.”
This was the first vote regarding the building of
the meeting-house, which they thought might be in-
closed by the 15th of September next following and
finished by March 1, 1684, but a dozen years had
passed before its completion.
In 1684, to “prevent unnecessary discourse,” a
committee was appointed to ascertain what debts were
due to and from the town before the war, and to do as |
God shall direct them.”
dividends of land, viz., timber and woodland, plow-
They also ordered three
land, and meadow or swamp land; and having chosen
their book-keeper, prudential committee, constable, and
agent for the minister's business, they chose also a
committee to assess a tax for the payment of his sal- |
ary, the only object for which a tax was at this time |
assessed, there being no school at this early period, |
and the highways being made and repaired by the
personal labor of the inhabitants. A committee was
appointed to “looke to the boys upon the Sabbath in |
time of exercise to keep y™ from playing and also to
sweep the meeting-house.”
Liberty was given to certain persons to build a gal-
It thus appears that this
first meeting-house was erected and occupied in 1684,
although far from being finished.
lery in the meeting-house.
' mon land and for other trespasses.
‘ title to lands in the west part of the town.
hous,’ when it was determined that the common land
between the two great ponds “shall lie common for
thé proprietors.” Secondly, that they would “sett
out four or six acres of their now common land near
the metting hous, with twenty or twenty-five acres of
other upland and swamp or swampy land for the en-
couragement of a school, which was not to be diverted
These
lands and the proceeds of their sale, let it be said to
the honor of the good people of this town, never have
been diverted by them from the use to which they
were thus applied, but now make a part of the fund
whose income is appropriated to the support of
schools.
It was ordered that the meeting-house should be
used for a watch-house. They provided also for a
stock of ammunition, voted to establish the stocks for
the punishment of offenders, to pay for “ billiting”
soldiers at the time of the Indian war, and to pay
bounties for “ wolves that have been killed.” Eleven
wolves were killed. John Ware was allowed one
pound four shillings and ninepence for his disburse-
ments or services in building Mr. Man’s first house,
from which it would seem that Mr. Man had been a
householder here before Philip’s war, his first house
having been burned by the Indians.
In the same year the inhabitants presented a peti-
tion to the General Court praying that they might be
authorized to chose selectmen, as in other places, rep-
resenting that the committee appointed to have the
care over them, although very useful in “‘ yt capacity,
yet they are crazy and infirme in body, and cannot be
got together so often as we stand in need of, etc.”
The General Court in answer granted “ that they
may have liberty to chous men as in other places.”
In 1686, selectmen were chosen for the first time.
They were Samuel Fisher, John Blake, John Fair-
banks, John Guild, and John Ware. And now the
town began its real independent existence, being
deemed at last capable of acting without guardians.
They appointed a committee ‘to goe the bounds be-
tween Dorchester and Wrentham, and renewe the
markes as the law directs.” They voted bounties for
killing blackbirds, adopted orders concerning cedar
timber, and fined certain persons for neglecting work
upon the highways and for cutting grass upon com-
The town had at
this time forty-two pounds of powder and one hun-
dred of lead. A committee was appointed to go to
Rehoboth (since Attleborough), and examine the
There
636
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was but little money in the plantation, and the salary
of the good minister was so much in arrear that the
town “‘ doe nominate their friend and neighbor, Sargt.
Samuel Fisher and do desire and impour him to de-
mand and upon refusal to address himself to ye Gov-
ernor and Council for advice and make his report to | ; :
| by ye English Noon hill, & so to ye grat River, called by ye
the Town.”
On the Ist day of March, 1687, there was a meet-
ing of the inhabitants “to consider the matter of
clearing the Enden [Indian] title to their lands.”
Samuel Fisher and John Ware were chosen a com-
mittee “ to take care in the town’s behalf and manage
the clearing and confirmation of the Town’s title to
ye lands in ye town bounds according to ye agree-
ment with Dedham at the first settling of Wrentham.”
Report or THE ComMmitrEE.—* Forasmuch as Thomas Awas-
amogue a Natick Indian in the last year being 1687, made claim
to some of our lands which was bought of Philip Sagamor and
payd for according as the law then provided for ye Endians
the town being called together to consult y" own interest, ther
was a committee chosen to inquir into the matter, which Com-
mittee (after some inquiring and also treating with said Thos.
Awasamogue) presented to the town divers Evydances [evi-
dences] and wrightings both of English and Endians for ye
making the thing mor clear which Evydances are insarted as
followeth.
“1. Philip Sachem to Major Lusher and Lieutenant Fisher.!
2. The following order, Wollomonopoag, 10, 9, 69.
“To the Selectman of Dedham—these are to request you to
pay to this barer for ye use of King Philip five pounds, five
shillings mony and five in Trucking cloath att mony price with
a third Pt advanced.
“ JoHn Tuurston, Sr., & others.”
“3. Receaved of this bill ye 16 of November 1669 in refer-
ance to the pay of King Philip of mount hope ye full and just
sum of five ponds and five shillings in money and twelve yards
in trucking cloath, three pounds of powder and as much lead
as to make it up to which is in full satisfaction with ten
pounds that he is to receive of Nathaniel Pan [Paine] of
Seconck for all the rights of land claimed by Indian title from
the town or within ye limits belonging to the town of Dedham
which is due by any claim to King Philip or heirs or assigns in
witness hereof I have here sett to my hand this 16 Novemb. 69
“Tn presents of us.
“ Josnua Fisner & others
PrereR INDIAN
his) (CS mark.”
Then follow sundry depositions,—
1. “ Nathaniel Colburn, aged 70 years and upward (Dedham,
March, 1687), testifie that I, being at Wollomonopogue when
King Philip did make sale of thos lands, which ware in ye
bounds of Dedham, to those men which Dedham Selectmen
had sent up to trade with King Philip respecting ye same, and
1 This is the letter previously inserted on page 626, in which
Philip wished his white friends to send him a ‘holland shirt to
wear to Plimouth Court and offering to sell his land at Wollo-
monopoag.”
There is also an entry under dateof 8th of 9th mo.,
1669, that Philip’s notice was received and a committee ap-
pointed to treat with him at Wollomonopoag, and the report of
the committee and the ordering of a rate to pay Philip.
I did see King Philip seal the deed in ye presents of divers
Endens (Indians), who, he said, ware of his council.”
2. “An Indian, called Joseph, aged 46 years or more
(Wrentham, March, 1687), who testifie that when I was a
| young man I did live at Wollomonopogue, and was one of
Philip’s men. And I know that Philip, our Sachem, his hunt-
ing land was from Mashapogue pond, & so along toa hill, called
English Charles River, & so up y* River to a River att Sichso-
pogue, and up to Sanetcheconet and ye land belonging to Wol-
lomonopog, all y$’ lands I know was Philip’s, and that he sold
it to Dedham men. I was at Wollomonopoag when Dedham
men bargained for it, and farther, when I was a boy, my grand-
| father lived at Pabeluttock, and payed tribute to Philip.”
3. “Sampson, an Indian, aged 55 years, and Deask, aged 40
years (Bristol, March, 1687), testifie and saith that we, having
had some knowledge of the bounds of the lands which some-
time did belong to Philip Sagamore, and it was always accounted
that in the north or norwest part, his bounds went from Masha-
pogue pond, and so to Wawwatabscutt, and yn (then) Pabanut-
tuck, and to Bappatocket, & yn to Nihoquicag, and from thens
straight away to Pontucket River, and that these places was
Philip’s propriate, being his outmost bounds that way, and
further saith, that ye Indians yt dwelt ther did pay tribute to
Philip. When they killed a bare they brought it to Philip.
“Roben, a Tanton Endian, & his squay testifie the same.
John Doggett testifie that Nihaquiag was in Philip’s bounds.”
4. “The testimony of an Indian called Labeock, aged 86
years (Decem. 24, 1686), who saith he knew all the lands here
described to be aforetime Wassomeakin’s (Massasoit), and after
Philip, his son’s. The bounds Eastward was at Mashapogue
pond, and so from ye middle of that pond Northward over a
high hill, and straight along to another great hill into Medfield
ward, a hill called by the English Noon hill, and from that hill
straight along to ye great River, called by ye English Charles
River, and up y* River, to a pond and a little hill, which was
by the Indians called Pabaluttock, wher was of old a hill field; ~
and further, his land was to Seanchapogue River, & so bake
again southward to Senecheconet, and all yt land called Wollo-
monopogue. Isay I know all this land was, after Wassamakin’s
death, Philip’s land, and that all Indians that lived ther when
Philip was alive called him Sachem and payd tribut to him; and
further, I hard Philip say that he had sold thos lands to Massa-
chusetts men, and had no more to doe ther, and I did see Philip’s
men when they brought the pay to Philip.
5. “John Daggett, of Rehoboth, aged 64 years (Wrentham,
March, 1687), testifie, that in former times, as I had frequent
convers with the Indians upon Ocasion I was att a great meet-
ing of ye Indians, or an Indian dance, where yr (there) was
present Ansemakin, Sagamore of Mount hope, and Philip, his
son, who was afterwards Sagamore, and a great number of In-
dians, and I did then understand that there was a bussell or
controversie amongst ym, and many large words about ye Right
of land, and after long debate the conclusion was, that from
Pontuequet River and so northward by a small river near
Sanchapogue, at least eight or ten miles, and y® (then) about
Eastward, and so to Mashapogue pond, was and should be An-
semakin's land. Ys (this) meeting was, as nere as I can re-
member, upwards of 30 or nere 40 years since, and was on the
land in controversie.”
Land Titles.—In 1688 all grants of land were to
This year the salary of Mr. Man
was to be forty pounds, one-fourth in money, one-
fourth in English grain, and the other half in coun-
be in fee simple.
WRENTHAM. 637
try payment. Ten persons agreed to pay certain
sums towards the salary, twenty-six requested to be
taxed their proportional parts. It would seem, there-
fore, that there were thirty-six taxpayers living here
at this time. Of these, Ensign Blake was the
wealthiest.
Public officers made moderate charges for their ser-
vices in 1688.
two days and to Dedham and Boston five days,
charged twelve shillings.
Swanze, Brestol, and Tanton five days, to Dedham
and Boston four days, eighteen shillings.
In the assessment in December, 1688, for paying
the expenses of clearing the Indian title, which was
to be borne by proprietors as well as inhabitants, but
few names except those of inhabitants appear.
Man’s policy that non-resident proprietors should
sell out their interest in the lands here had prevailed.
The tax also was fora black staff, for wine and ale
measures, scales and beam, and for some finishing of
the meeting-house, and other things for which the
town is indebted.
ble, whose duty it was “ to carry his black staff in the
execution of his office that none may plead igno-
rance.”’
Burial-Ground.— When the proprietors in 1689
laid out to Samuel Dearing the blacksmith the ten
acres promised him, “sufficient land for to bury in, |
one acre and a half at least, and a leading way to it,”
was reserved. ‘This was pursuant to the reservation
made at the original planting of Wollomonopoag. No
more specific statement of the quantity of land re-
served for this use has been found. The southeast
corner of Dearing’s house-lot ‘‘ touched on the bury-
ing-ground.” It was no doubt near the site occupied
by Mr. Harlow. Although the proprietors appointed
a committee to lay out the burying-ground, yet in
1795 no report of such committee could be found,
but the yard was found to be included in the lands of
Cyrus Guild, and an agreement was then made with |
Guild as to boundaries, leaving three acres and four |
he intended to let Force into his house as a tenant,
rods for burial purposes. The old cemetery has re-
cently been enlarged by the annexation of more of the
land originally owned by Cyrus Guild. The ancient
yard is filled with the dust of generations that have
lived and died since Samuel Sheeres first came to Wol-
But
lomonopoag.
“The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep”
not altogether in quiet; modern improvement is re-
ported to have driven its plowshare over their ashes.
In the westerly part of the town (now Franklin)
one acre was laid out for a burying-place, ‘bounded
Lieut. Fisher, for going to Mendon |
John Ware, for going to—
Mr. |
The black staff was for the consta- |
on the way leading from Capt. Robert Pond’s along
by Eleazer Metealf’s, north on the land of Baruch
Pond, eastward by common land on all other parts.”
Laid out March 28, 1735.
In 1689 the town made provision for the first per-
son requiring help asa pauper. The constable was
ordered to ‘“ convey out of town a woman of late come
from Boston to Mr. Blake’s, unless she forthwith
give bond with sufficient sureties for the securitie of
the town.”
Richard Puffer agreed to take the above-mentioned
pauper for one year, and was to have “three pounds
& ten shillings in Country pay, and in case she should
larn to spin and card yn (then) yr (there) shall be
consideration on yt account of ten or twenty shillings
as may be meet.”
The meeting-house was still unfinished in 1690.
It was then voted that “it should be shingled on or
before the 20th of June, 1690, the walls lathed,
plastered, and white-limed, two galeries finished, and
the windows gleased (glazed).” Watchmen were to
walk two together “of a night” from the meeting-
house eastward and westward “not exceeding half a
mile.” The law of 1636 required them to examine
all night-walkers after ten o’clock at night, unless
they be known peaceable inhabitants; to inquire
whither they are going and what their business is,
and, if their answers are unsatisfactory, they were
to be held securely until the next morning and
carried before a magistrate to answer, etc.; and to
secure any one after ten o'clock at night behaving
“debauched by” or being “in drink.” In short, like
Dogberry’s posse, these worthy officers were
“To comprehend all vagrom men.”
And, further, they were ‘to see all noises stilled and
lights put out (except upon necessary occasions) for
the prevention of fire as much as may be.”
A circumstance illustrative of the spirit of the time
happened in the case of Benjamin Force in 1691:
Cornelius Fisher, having informed the selectmen that
was ordered to make no contract with him until the
selectmen should be satisfied, or that his stay in town
should be limited, at least.
in strict conformity to the rule adopted by the town,
This order was, however,
as set forth upon a previous page.
A tax was assessed of thirty-six pounds for Mr.
Man’s salary, he being entitled to forty pounds,
‘having reseved order from y*® Revt. Mr. Man to
make it no more respecting the waight of publique
charges.”
The next year we find the inhabitants engaged in
638
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
their ordinary affairs, including the perambulation of
the town lines between Wrentham and Dorchester,
and Medfield and Wrentham, Dedham and Wren- |
tham. The young settlement had now become able
to contribute to public charges, and was assessed
£135 16s. 4d. as its part of a county tax. This tax-
list contained forty-two names, John Blake’s having
the largest sum set against it, viz., £9 11s. Lieut.
Fisher’s tax was £6 2s. 9d.
In some discussion concerning a way to Mischo |
meadow, it was said it would be of great use to other
meadows that way, one of which was the meadow
at the mine. We get from this statement an idea as
to the location of the mine, and infer that it was in
the westerly part of the town; but as to its character,
whether it was a gold-, silver-, copper-, lead-, or coal-
mine, we are not informed.'
One Dr. James Stuerd (Stewart), with his family,
having taken up his residence at the house of Hleazer
Gay, an admonition went swiftly from the selectmen
to Eleazer that he must be responsible for this bold
physician and his family according to the town’s
orders. It is probable that the forty-two householders,
agement to a medical man, so that the worthy select-
men of that day most prudently prevented Dr. Stuerd
from becoming an inhabitant unless the required se-
curity should be given.
In 1692 some new regulations were made concern-
ning the admission of inhabitants. _New-comers were
required to present themselves to the selectmen and
bring with them certificates of their good behavior and
honest vocation, and especially of their ability to get
a “livelihood.” And if strangers failed thus to satisfy |
the selectmen, or to give sureties, they were to be |
warned out of town, and in case of their neglect or
delay, they were to be ‘‘ sent out of said town bounds |
by y° constable.”
Thomas Young, having desired to be admitted an
inhabitant, the selectmen answer him that as they do |
not desire to be rash in any proceeding, they will
an obstinately healthy people—gave poor encour- |
postpone the consideration of his case three weeks, |
and, if he shall then satisfy them by certificate or |
otherwise, then to be admitted.
At the annual town-meetings the list of voters was |
to be read by ten o'clock A.M., and the absentees to be >
fined.
A town-meeting was called on the 28th of April,
1692, “by sun half an hour high in the morning to
1The Dedham Records, vol. iii. p. 206, speak of hopes of
discovering a copper-mine within the bounds of Wollomono-
poag at Harry’s ground, on the west side of a brook that runs
out of Mischo.
consider the subject of seating the people in the
meeting-hons.”
The town compensated Deacon Samuel Fisher and
Cornelius Fisher, for their services as representatives
to the General Court, by the payment of seven pounds
and fifteen shillings ; and allowed Samuel Fisher, for
his disbursements for ‘ Diat,” etc., fifteen shillings
for something more than two weeks, his horsekeeping
included ; and Cornelius Fisher, for“ Diat,” drink, and
other necessaries, one pound, fifteen shillings, and four
pence for about four weeks, including his horse-
keeping.
In 1693 the towns of Rehoboth (Attleborough)
and Wrentham renewed their bound marks, being oc-
cupied three days in the matter, and beginning at
Pawtucket River. Afterwards the selectmen were
| directed “ to let out the common meadow on the south
side of Dimon Hill nere Rehoboth line till the town
” Showing that a part of
what is now Cumberland, R. I., was within the limits
of Wrentham.
It was now, 1693, voted that the annual town-
meetings should hereafter be holden on the first Mon-
day of March, and this continued to be the day of
those meetings for about one hundred and eighty-five
otherwais dispose of it.
years.
A new corn-mill was established at Jack’s Pasture,
now the site of the City Mills.
A similar grant of stream, land, and privileges was
made to any one who would erect ‘a good and suf-
fitiant corn-mill at Stony Brook.”
It was not until the year 1695 that any steps were
taken towards the building of a school-house. At
this time the voters determined to build a watch-
house, which should serve the purpose of a school-
It was ‘to be so bigg as y‘ y™ (that
there) may be a room of sixteen foot squar besides
Galleries were to
be finished in the meeting-house and the people to be
placed therein, and Hleazer Fisher was to sweep it,
take care of the cushion, and provide a lock for the
house also.
convenient room for a chimney.”
door.
People were occasionally warned to leave town, six
having been so warned from 1696 to 1699.
Two dividends of land made in 1698 are instruc-
The first was of timber land, consisting of only
Seem-
tive.
one and one-half acre to each cow-common.
ing to prove a scarcity of timber land. And we also
may add that the proprietors at different times made
regulations concerning the use of timber, and for pre-
venting trespasses and waste thereof. The second
dividend was called the great dividend, being seven
acres to each cow-common right. A corrected list of
=
=
WRENTHAM.
639
the commons was prepared in order to this dividend
to have a school kept within its limits. For about
in October, 1697, and it was found that the whole | forty years the place had been known, and more or
number of cow-commons was five hundred and two
(502), and of sheep-commons thirty-one and one-half
(313), and that the number of proprietors was sixty-
three (63).
drawn—one being the church lot.
the remainder were drawn by inhabitants and by
In this ‘“ divident” fifty-eight lots were
All but fifteen of |
John Thurston, who drew twenty. The non-resident
proprietors had at this date become reduced to a small
number, and the little community was really becoming
independent.
Upon consultation with Mr. Man, the selectmen de- |
cided that there should be “a contribution on the
Lord’s day, after the evening exercise, toward defray-
ing his salary.” The people had been very negligent
about paying him.
_ less inhabited, but nothing had been done in the way
_ of a public school in all that time. But now the obli-
_ gation could no longer be shunned, and the town voted
to procure a schoolmaster. But it seems that the
good fathers were not successful, for we find the record
made that they had approached Mr. Cobbitt with an
invitation, but found him engaged for the winter ;
and although they had heard of other masters, yet
‘considering the scarceness of money, etc., it is pro-
posed for this winter time that ye Selectmen, and
such others as will join in yt worke with them, doe
_ by themselves or som others in their behalf, take their
turns by ye week to keep a school to teach children
-and youth to read English and wright and cypher
The constables were often behind |
in their collections, and many “ reckonings” were had —
with them on this account.
land were often delinquent in this respect.
ecdote of the Rev. Jonathan French is told by Presi-
dent Quincy substantially as follows: ‘The parish
were bound to find him in wood ; the winter was coming
on, and they had neglected to furnish it. Experience
An an- |
The towns in New Eng- |
had taught him that a direct complaint would be use-
less. He waited therefore until the proclamation for
Thanksgiving came, and after reading it to the con-
gregation he said, with great apparent simplicity, |
‘“‘ My brethren, you perceive that his Excellency has
appointed next Thursday as a day of Thanksgiving,
and according to custom it is my purpose to prepare
two discourses for the occasion, provided I can write
them without a fire.” The hint took effect, and be-
fore twelve o’clock on the succeeding Monday his
whole winter’s stock of wood was in his door-yard.
A committee was appointed “to take care of the
common meadow about Diamon Hill for the town’s
use.’ Jurisdiction was taken by Wrentham over this
part of Rehoboth (now Cumberland, R. L.).
names of people born on territory now included
within the limits of Cumberland were entered upon
the books of the record of births, etc., in Wrentham; _
especially was this the case with the name of Ballou.
In the same year (1698) the selectmen, acting for |
the first time in the name of the overseers of the poor, |
contracted with Ben Rocket to keep Hannah Kings-
bury, a distracted or idiotic person, for one year for
£3 10s. in money. In 1701 the number of tax-
payers was fifty-four.
A town-meeting was called Dec. 19, 1701, to act
upon the subject of establishing a school “as the law |
direct.” The requisite number of householders—
The |
(Grates), and in hope that som of 5 (our) neighbors
will joyn with us in yt worke we Intend (God willing)
to begin the next Monday.”
In 1702 so much progress was made that it was
resolved to build a school-house “twenty foot long
and sixteen foot broad, to be built and finished by
next Michelmas or thereabouts.’’
In the rate made for paying the cost of this school-
house, the selectmen included the names of fifty-eight
Of these, Daniel Hawes
was taxed thirteen shillings and Robert Ware twelve
shillings and ten pence, Lieut. Ware eleven shillings
twopence, Michael Wilson ten shillings and eight
pence, and Eben Gay ten shillings, who are named as
showing who paid the largest taxes, and what amounts
persons who were assessed.
they were assessed. The assessment for the school-
house probably amounted to about fourteen pounds,
This first school-house was located near the present
site of the bank building; at least, one stood there in
/1738. On the 24th day of December, 1703, the
selectmen ‘did bargain and agree with Theodo" Man
in behalf of the town to keep schoole, beginning
January the 3d next insuing, until the next March
for the sum of three pounds eight shillings in silver.”
He was a son of Rev. Samuel Man. In 1704, John
Swineborn was employed for thirty shillings and his
' diet. In 1705, Theodore Man was offered forty shil-
lings per month, and in 1707 the treasurer was
directed to pay him four pounds for keeping school
two months. John Fale, Jonathan Ware, and Wil-
liam Man were also employed to teach, and they, with
others, kept the one school in town for some years.
The town voted from time to time small sums for
| repairing this solitary school-house.
[In 1717 a three months’ school was established, to
be kept alternately at the east end of the town one
fifty—now being settled here, the town was compelled | month, the next month at the school-house, the third
640
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
month at Ebenezer Ware’s; and in 1719 four schools
were voted at four different quarters of the town.
Jabez Wight, of Dedham, was employed to teach a
grammar school for one-quarter of a year for ten
pounds.
In 1723 a school was provided at Poppoluttuck,
and the next year it was voted that the school be kept
one-half the time in some convenient place near the
meeting-house, and in that part of the town formerly
belonging to Dorchester, and the other half in those
places that that will accommodate those inhabitants
In 1734, Mr.
Joseph Bacon was employed to preach four months
who live at a distance from town.
in the west part of the town (now Franklin), and also |
to keep school three months, for the sum of forty-two
pounds. The schools were not permanently located
in those days, it seems, as the matter of placing or
stating them was frequently considered in town-meet-
ings. ‘To show what wages were then paid we append
a few examples. In 1730, Nathaniel Newell was
allowed twenty-seven pounds for keeping school three-
quarters of a year, and he procured his board for five
shillings per week. ‘The Selectmen agreed with
Mr. David Cowell, to keep a grammar school in this
town for one month for the sum of five pounds, and
with Hezekiah Man for two months after the expira-
tion of that time, and they were to provide for them-
selves.”
paid “fourteen pounds and his diet and lodging.”
Notwithstanding the division of the town into pre-
cincts in 1737, precinct schools were not established,
although the law of the province allowed it.
teachers, the town continuing to discuss and settle the
questions of number and location of schools and
amount of money to be expended.
In 1762, Eliphalet Whiting was directed “ to make |
answer to a complaint laid before the grand jury, for
not keeping a grammar school.”
hundred families were under obligations by statute to
maintain agrammar school. Whatever might be the
notions of the selectmen of those days about a gram-
mar school (and it seems that to instruct their chil-
dren to read, write, and cipher was all they required
of their teachers), the law-givers of 1647 defined it
by requiring that the master thereof should be able |
to fit youth for the university. And it is probable that
our predecessors made attempts to provide such teach-
ers, agents being sent to Cambridge, Dedham, Rox-
bury, ete., to procure them ; and Jacob Bacon, Heze-
kiah Man, David Cowell, Amariah Frost, James |
Messinger, and Benjamin Guild, who were employed |
as teachers, were university graduates. In 1764 the
In 1739 the grammar-school teacher was |
The |
selectmen continued as formerly to contract with |
All towns of one |
grammar school was continued, and the school money
remaining after paying for that was divided according
to the number of children between four and sixteen
years of age. his was the practice for many years.
In 1767 the town voted to expend eighty pounds for
the support of schools, and that the school should be
kept in the circular form,—that is, moving about into
different parts of the town according to their respec-
tive turns, until the eighty pounds be expended. The
divisions of the town for school purposes were desig-
nated variously, as the Long Walk division, Capt.
Day’s division, the South End division, the school near
Esquire Whitney’s, Deacon Man’s division, ete. In
1780 three thousand pounds were voted for the use of
the school in this town, so depreciated had the cur-
rency become ; and in 1786 it was voted to keep a
grammar school at the cheapest rate in order to clear
i
the town of a fine; also, that young men intending
to go to college should be exempt from poll-tax so
long as the town is exempted from keeping a gram-
mar-school master. The Legislature, in 1789, author-
ized a division of towns into districts, with bounds
defined for school purposes. And in 1790, Deacon
Man’s division, so called, was changed into a school dis-
trict, and the bounds thereof established. In 1802, dis-
tricts one, two, and three were in like manner defined,
and eventually, viz., in 1846, there were nineteen. A
hundred years ago the school money was expended as
follows, viz.: for the Benjamin Shepard division,
three pounds, thirteen shillings, for the year 1777 ;
the River End division, three pounds, eighteen shil-
lings ; the Samuel Lethbridge division, three pounds,
eightpence; Long Walk division, four pounds, one
shilling, two pence; Capt. Fairbanks’ division, five
| pounds, eight shillings, four pence; North End divi-
| sion, three pounds, nine shillings, fourpence; the
Reuben Pond division, three pounds, nine shillings,
fourpence; Joshua Grant division, four pounds,
eighteen shillings, eightpence ; the South End divi-
sion, six pounds, ten shillings; Capt. Day's division,
five pounds, twelve shillings, eightpence ; the Samuel
Hawes division, four pounds, eight shillings, tenpence ;
Col. Metcalf’s division, four pounds, eleven shillings ;
| Ellis’ division, two pounds, three shillings, four- °
pence; Plain division, three pounds, eightpence; Hast
division, six pounds, seven shillings, tenpence. In
the year 1800 five hundred dollars was granted for
the support of schools; from 1802 to 1806, six
hundred dollars; from 1806 to 1810, eight hundred
dollars; from 1810 to 1827, one thousand dollars ;
from 1827 to 1842, fifteen hundred dollars ; in 1846
it was two thousand dollars. From that time it has not
‘been below two thousand dollars, and has been five
WRENTHAM.
641
thousand. After the loss of that part of our town |
which went into the new town of Norfolk the sum
was reduced to four thousand dollars.
School Fund.—It will be remembered that in |
1662-63, as previously related, the proprietors of the |
lands here held a meeting at Dedham, and among
other things voted to reserve land “ for highways, of- |
ficers’ lots, burial-place, trayning-ground, and all other |
lands necessary to be reserved for all public uses.”
As early as 1685 they voted to “set out four or six |
acres of their now common land in the most conven- |
ient place near the meeting-house for ye accomodating
and incouragement of a school, with twenty or twenty-
five acres of other land, upland and swamp or swampy
land.””. This was “to be for the use and benefit of |
the school, and not to be alienated to any other use or
purpose whatsoever.” The boundaries of the six
acres first above-named were not established until
1741. In 1734 the proprietors passed a vote “that
there be and hereby is given, granted, and confirmed |
to the inhabitants of this town forever, for the use and |
benefit of a school in this town, the income or use |
thereof to be employed for the maintaining and keep-
ing a school in this town, and to no other end or use |
whatsoever, a piece or parcel of land commonly called |
the school land, being upland and meadow land, con- |
taining by estimation twenty-five acres, more or less, |
butted and bounded, ete.” These two tracts of land
went by the name of the school land, and the meadow,
at least, was leased to individuals for many years, un-
|
til the people thought that their value in money
would produce more income for the school, and there-
fore, in 1753, procured leave of the General Court to |
sell them, it being ordered that the principal sum
should always be kept good and the interest only ap-
plied towards the support of the school in said town,
and that neither the principal or interest be applied
to any other use.”
Under this authority the lands were sold, and the
income of the money arising from the sale applied to
the use of the schools. Other lands granted to the
town at other times were sold, and the proceeds (in
1759) also applied to the use of the school, and made |
a part of the school fund.
In 1827, Benjamin R. Cheever, of Philadelphia,
by his will gave the sum of one thousand dollars to |
Wrentham, his native town, in aid of its school fund.
The income of this fund has never been diverted
from the purpose to which it was devoted by its
founders. In all the years since its creation, through |
all the exigencies of the inhabitants, even in the straits |
of the Revolutionary war, to their honor be it said |
this fund remained intact. |
41
the church invited him to become their pastor.
| take place until July, 1776.
Besides the common schools, the people here had
for many years a successful private school, known as
| Day’s Academy. For the establishment of this insti-
tution they were in a great measure indebted to the
Rey. Elisha Fisk, who was the minister of the church
_and-society. His efforts and the efforts of some
others to raise funds for this purpose having been
successful, a charter for an academy was obtained
from the Legislature in 1806. It was named Day’s
Academy in honor of Benjamin Day, who contributed
more largely to the funds than any other subscriber.
The State granted a half township of Jand in Maine
for the encouragement of the school. The amount
subscribed in money was twenty-three hundred dol-
lars. The General Court enacted that there be and
hereby is established in Wrentham an academy by
the name of Day’s Academy, for the promotion of
learning and religion, and that the present pastor and
the present deacons of the First Congregational
Church in said Wrentham, and their successors in
office, together with Beriah Brastow, George Hawes,
| Jairus Ware, John Whiting, Lewis Whiting, Abijah
Pond, Timothy Whiting, Daniel Ware, Amos Archer,
David Fisher, Jr., Joseph Whiting, Jr., Eliphalet
White, Luther White, Elijah Craig, Eliphalet Whit-
ing, John Hall, Jr., William Brown, William Mes-
senger, and such others as may hereafter associate
with them, be and hereby are incorporated into a body
_ politic by the name of the Trustees of Day’s Academy,
etc. This act is quoted for the purpose of showing
who were the men that interested themselves in the
establishment of an institution whose influence was so
important upon the community.
The academy building, erected in 1808, was opened
| for the reception of students by a prayer by Rev.
Nathaniel Emmons and an address by Bradford Sum-
ner, Esq., the first teacher. It became a flourishing
institution, and so remained until other academies -
Mr. Fisk said
of it, ‘‘ Many resorted to it for acquiring learning. fn
it a large number of students have been fitted for
higher usefulness in the common business of life and
were established in its neighborhood.
for entrance into the colleges.”
A Baptist Church was organized in the westerly
part of the town in 1769. Its first settled minister
was the Rev. William Williams, who graduated at
In March, 1775,
He
Brown University the same year.
accepted the invitation, but his ordination did not
About the time of his
settlement he opened an academy which attained to
high distinction among the literary institutions of the
day. He is supposed to have had under his care nearly
642
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
two hundred youths, about eighty of whom he fitted
for college, not a few of whom became distinguished in
literary and professional life. He also conducted the
thological studies of several young men with a view to
their entering upon the ministry. He continued to
teach and preach until about the close of his life. He
was a fellow of Brown University from 1789 to 1818.
In 1777, when the college building was occupied as a
barrack for soldiers, and afterwards as a hospital for
French troops, the library was removed to the country |
and placed in the keeping of Mr. Williams. Rev. Dr.
Fisher, of West Boyleston, in 1859, says of Mr. Wil- |
liams, ‘“‘ He is especially worthy of notice as having
been one of the first graduates of Brown University,
and as having contributed not a little to the intellect- |
ual improvement of the Baptist denomination in New
England. His manners were easy and agreeable, and
his powers of conversation such as to render him quite —
attractive. His talents and acquirements were highly
respectable. His services as a teacher commanded
great respect not only in, but out of his denomina-
tion. Among his pupils were the late Hon. David R. |
_ British ministry did not keep their promise, and after
Williams, Governor of South Carolina; Hon. Tristam
Burgess, of Rhode Island; Hon. Horace Mann.
Not a man to attract and impress the multitude, yet
by a steady course of enlightened and Christian ac-
tivity he accomplished an amount of good for his de-
nomination which fairly entitles him to a place among
its more distinguished benefactors.
spirit of improvement and a love of intellectual cul-
ture throughout the circle in which he moved.’’—
(Sprague’s ‘ American Pulpit.’”) *
Samuel Sheeres, the first white inhabitant, was by |
vote of his fellow-townsmen exempted from the pay-
ment of all taxes in the future.
Deacon Metcalf both refused to serve as represent-
atives to the General Court; and Samuel Fisher, Jr.,
who had been chosen in 1702, was allowed “ to make
use of nine or ten shillings of the town’s money in his
hand if he stand in need.” The selectmen were di-
rected ‘‘ to take care that the seats in the meeting-house
1 Mr. Williams was the son of John and Ann (White) Williams,
His father
came from Wales to this country and settled in Bucks County,
and was born in Hillstown, Bucks Co., Pa., in 1752.
where he accumulated a handsome property and spent the re-
mainder of his days.
Hopewell, N. J., at a celebrated school taught by Rev. Isaac
Eaton.
versity, then located in Warren, R.I., one year in advance and
He entered the institution which is now Brown Uni-
graduated in 1769. In the autumn following he married Pa-
Robert Ware and |
tience, the daughter of Col. Nathan Miller, of Warren, R. I. |
Sept. 27, 1771, he was baptized by Rey. Charles Thompson, of the
same place, and admitted to the church under his pastoral care.
On the 18th of April he was licensed by the Warren Church as |
a preacher of the gospel.”’—Sprague’s American Pulpit.
be finished.”
Theodore Man was engaged to teach
school from January 3d to March 1st, for three pounds
and eight shillings in silver.
In January, 1704, the people seemed to feel some
compunctions at the condition of their meeting-house,
and resolved, “ forasmuch as the place of the worship
of God want finishing to make it sutable, &c., it is
thought galeries may be made over the galeries that
be, and the walls filled and white-limed, and then per-
sons placed as ought to be that there may be decency
and order in the house of God.” The number of tax-
payers was sixty-eight. In 1708-9 the town was threat-
ened with presentment at the next Quarter Sessions
unless Mr. Man’s salary in arrear should be paid.
It seems from some votes passed in this latter year
that men were impressed in Wrentham to serve against
the French and Indians in the Canadas. We also
learn that Ensign Blake was in the Queen’s service.
An attack of the combined northern colonies against
Montreal and Quebec was meditated at this time,
under the expectation that a British fleet and army
would be sent to co-operate with them. But the
waiting a long time for the appearance of the fleet
the forces were disbanded without attempting any-
thing. It does not appear whether any Wrentham
men were in the expedition against Canada under-
_ taken by the Tory ministry of Queen Anne in 1711,
He diffused a |
which terminated so disgracefully for the assailants.
And after the peace which Walpole had maintained
so long was at last broken, and the French and Eng-
lish in America were again in hostility, and Louis-
burg had been taken from the French by an army
chiefly from Massachusetts, and again a project was
formed to capture Quebec, and again the English fleet
and army failed to appear, and the war was ended and
Louisburg ceded back to the French, it is not cer-
His son William was fitted for college at |
tain that our town furnished soldiers for this, or for
subsequent campaigns until 1756.
In that year the names of Benjamin Hubbard and
Thomas Cook, both of Wrentham, are found upon
the muster-roll of the company in his Majesty’s “ser-
vice, under command of Capt. John Jones, of Bel-
lingham. And in the company of Capt. Eliphalet
Fales, of Dedham, in 1756, were enrolled Michael
Mulsey, Zachariah Worthee, Forster, and
Simeon Forster, all of Wrentham. Also, Stephen
Cook, of Marlboro’, born in Wrentham, and Isaac
Fisher and Ebenezer Streeter, of Wrentham, were in
Capt. Nathan Tyler's company. Capt. Nathaniel Blake,
of Milton, also enrolled in his company Abner Turner,
Ephraim Randall, Jeremiah Blake, Michael Ware,
Joseph Turner, Thomas Boyden who were all of
Jona
——S
WRENTHAM.
643
Wrentham. And in Maj. Stephen Miller’s company,
in Col. Bagley’s regiment, Fort William Henry, Aug.
9, 1756, the following-named Wrentham men were
enrolled, viz. :
Ebenezer Cox, from Capt. Day’s company.
John Cox, from Capt. Day’s company.
Abijah Hall, from Capt. Man’s company.
Thomas Boyden, from Capt. Man’s company.
Edward , from Capt. Day’s company.
John Conole, from Capt. Man’s company.
Benjamin Cox, from Capt. Day’s company.
Morris Fling, from Capt. Day’s company.
Joshua Fisher, from Capt. Day’s company.
Benjamin Ware, from Capt. Day’s company.
Michael Ware, from Capt. Day’s company.
Michael Wilson, from Capt. Goldsbury’s company.
Pitt Pumham, of Stoughton, hired at Wrentham, from Man’s
company.
Richard Newton, of Wrentham, 1757.
An alarm company was enrolled in Col. Miller’s |
regiment at Wrentham, April 22, 1757, of which
Samuel Day was captain, Benjamin Shepard, lieuten-
ant, Ebenezer Cowell, ensign, Lemuel Kollock, clerk,
John Hancock, Daniel Man, Pelatiah Metcalf, Ga-
maliel Gerould were sergeants, and Samuel Fisher
and Elisha Harrington were drummers, and there
were sixty-four privates.
alarm-list of men between the ages of sixteen and
sixty years, fifty-two in number, headed by the Rev.
Joseph Bean, in which were also the names of Capt.
Timothy Metcalf, Capt. Nathaniel Ware, Capt. Jona
Whitney, Lieut. Joseph Fairbanks, Lieut. Ebenezer
Cox, Dr. John Druce, Dr. Obadiah Blake, and others,
some of whom had probably seen service in former
conflicts with the enemies of the English.
In 1759, Capt. Jonathan Adams’ company, in Col.
Ridley’s regiment, under Jeffrey Amherst, general
Besides this there was an
and commander-in-chief of his Majesty’s forces in |
North America for the invasion of Canada, included
three men from Wrentham,—Benjamin Moore, Josiah
Blake, and Ebenezer Blake.
In the same year Wrentham men were “ inlisted
or impressed for his Majesty’s service” in Col. Miller’s
regiment, “‘to be put under the command of his Ex-
cellency Jeffrey Amherst, Esq., general and com-
mander-in-chief of his Majesty’s forces in North
America for the invasion of Canada, 1759.” These
men had been in an expedition against Lake George
in 1758, and one of their number in 1757. Their
names were as follows:
Thomas Bristo.
Andrew Everet. .
Levi Morse.
John Conole.
Hezekiah Ware.
Isaiah Bacon.
Thomas Fuller.
Joseph White.
Melatiah Ware.
David Force.
John Lawrence.
William Holden.
Thomas Pitty.
Daniel Pond.
Daniel Guild.
Oliver Pond.
Reuben Thorp.
Capt. Abijah Hall, of Wrentham, commanded a
company in the service, and the Wrentham men
mustered into it were Daniel Hawes, Thomas Boyden,
Nathan Hall, Jacob Bacon, Henry Crossman, Elisha
Farrington, Jonathan Newton, Amos Man.
In Capt. Samuel Slocomb’s company were Robert
Cooke, John Boyd, Hleazer Blake, John Blake,
Stephen Cook, Thomas Cook; they were enlisted
April 2, 1759, and mustered out December, 1759.
In September of this year, Quebec having surren-
dered to the English, the war in North America was
virtually at an end. But the English colonies had for
many years been exposed to the hostile incursions of
warlike French and Indians, and had suffered the loss
of many lives and of much treasure. The New Eng-
land towns contributed soldiers, and the preceding
David Shepard.
Samuel Metealf.
Solomon Blake.
Naphtali Bishop.
Samuel Ellis.
Moses Wheelock, 1757.
{ record shows that Wrentham was not behind in fur-
nishing men for the various campaigns.
Resuming our narrative, and returning to the year
1709, we find the people peacefully pursuing their
usual avocations, and administering their prudential
affairs with great economy,—‘ fastening the loose
glass in the Meeting-house,’ for example, and “ stop-
| ping the windows with board where glass was want-
”
ing.” A few years later, John Ware and Ebenezer
Fisher reported that they were appointed a committee
to run the ancient patent-line between the counties of
Suffolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, and had met Capt.
Jacob Thompson, a surveyor, “ but being shamed in
the thing had done nothing.’ ‘This line was the
boundary of the colonies of Plymouth and Massa-
chusetts, and a prominent bound, called Angletree, in
| Wrentham line, was established by commissioners of
the respective colonies in 1664. But it seems that
for a number of years, although surveys had been
ordered, the line was in doubt. At length the Pro-
vincial Legislature enacted “that for the future a line
beginning at a certain heap of stones on the west side
_of Accord pond, in Hingham and Abington, and run-
ning from said monument west twenty and one-half
degrees south, leaving the towns of Weymouth,
Braintree, Stoughton, and Wrentham adjoining on the
north, and Abington, Bridgewater, “Mansfield, and
| Attleborough on the south, to a certain old white-
oak tree, anciently marked, now standing, and being
| a boundary between the towns of Wrentham and
Attleborough, by some called Station tree, by others
644
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Angle tree, shall forever hereafter be the bounds be-
tween the county of Suffolk and the counties of |
Plymouth and Bristol, so far as said line extends, etc.” |
Wrentham was at this time within the county of.
all due encouragement with their present minister
Suffolk.
About this time (1713) the town was indicted for
not maintaining a school.
In 1716 a committee was appointed to seat people |
in the meeting-house according to their age, useful-
ness, and estate, including the inhabitants of Dor-
chester, who attended church here. A _ suit was
brought against Attleborough for refusing to renew |
to) to) fo) oD
the bound marks. It seems that the indictment of
the town for not maintaining a school had its effect,
for it was now voted to establish a school in four
parts of the town.
to procure a minister for one-quarter of a year, and
was continued in authority after the death of Mr.
Man, which took place on the 22d day of May, A.p.
1719.
Fifty years had passed away since he was first
called to preach to the handful of people who were
attempting a settlement in this wilderness. The
people, in addition to the hardships incident to their
pioneer life, had been liable to conflicts with savages
and Frenchmen. He came to them while in their
weakness and poverty, returning with them after
Philip’s war, although he had opportunity to settle
In 1719 a committee was chosen
elsewhere, and notwithstanding he had had bitter |
experience of their inability to provide for him suit-
ably.
Some five hundred and thirty-three persons had
been born in that time within the bounds of the |
township, seventy-one couples married, and seventy- |
three persons had died. It has previously been re-
lated that the former inhabitants made it a special
strongly seconded by the ministers of the churches.
Hence, in answer to the petition of the inhabitants of
Wrentham for town power, the colonial record is,
“The Court judgeth it meet to give the petitioners
according to their desires.”’
To that excellent man is due, in a great measure,
undoubtedly, the continuance of the settlement whose
early planting here has been described in previous
pages.
Mr. Bean, in his sermon preached at the conclusion
of the first century of the town’s existence, viz., in
1773, in speaking of the first settlers here, says,
‘They were careful to have the word of God regu-
larly preached to them and procured Mr. Sam’! Man,
a young candidate, for that purpose.” And after
Philip’s war, “‘when the settlers had concluded to
return, so great was their veneration for Mr. Man,
and so acceptable had been his labors among them,
that it was their earnest desire he should return with
them.” It seems that, while away from Wrentham,
he had been preaching at Milton, and was about to
receive a call there, but, says Mr. Bean, “so great
was his affection for the people of Wrentham, and so
desirous was he of the plantation’s going on that he
complied with their request.” In 1692 a church was
gathered here, consisting of ten members, including
Mr. Man. ‘The others were Benjamin Rockett, John
Ware, Eliezer Metcalf, John Fairbanks, Thomas
Thurston, John Guild, Ephraim Pond, John Vails,
Samuel Fisher.
‘““Mr. Man was ordained over the church and con-
egregation, the same day preaching his own ordination
He had preached about eighteen years
‘‘ He died in the seventy-second year of
sermon.”
previously.
_ his age and the forty-ninth of his faithful ministry.”
condition of their return at the termination of Philip’s |
war that Mr. Man should return with them. He was
indispensable to them. In fact, the minister in those
days was really the head of the people. He was their
guide not only in spiritual affairs, but in worldly
affairs also. He was undoubtedly the only man in
the community who had had the opportunity of ac-
quiring learning beyond the elements, and his influ-
_ preacher, pious and faithful.
‘“‘ By what I have heard of him,” continues Mr. Bean,
“he was a man of good erudition and an accomplished
He lived greatly beloved
by his people, and died greatly lamented by them.
He was born at Cambridge, and was graduated at
Harvard University in 1665.” He adds, that one of
the first men of this province said of Mr. Man that
_he was not only a very good, but a very great and
ence was accordingly felt in all public affairs, as well |
as in his pulpit on the Sabbath.
cumstances which forced the early inhabitants of
Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies from their
Moreover, the cir- |
°
transatlantic homes to these shores compelled them |
The chief
men in the colony,,who had been leaders of the emi-
to consider themselves a peculiar people.
gration, governed according to their notions ef what
religion and the word of God required, and were
learned man.
At a general meeting of the inhabitants, in Sep-
tember, 1719, the church, in presence of the inhab-
itants, did agree that the inhabitants should join them
in choosing a minister out of three that were nomi-
nated, viz.: Rev. Samuel Andrew, Rev. Jonathan
Parepont, and Rev. Henry Messinger.
The record says, ‘‘The Rev. Henry Messinger, by
/a very unanimous and major vote, was chosen and
WRENTHAM.
645
elected, by both church and town jointly concurring,
to be the minister of this town to carry on the work
of the ministry.”
dated at Cambridge, Oct. 2,1719. He married Esther
Cheever, of Cambridge, January, 1720, and was de-
scribed in the records of that town as the Rev. Henry |
Messinger, of Wrentham. It would therefore appear
that he had already commenced his ministerial duties —
at that date, as the name of Messinger is not found
upon the town record previously. His children were
twelve in number. One of his sons (John) died in
18]4, in his eighty-third year. He served in the
office of town clerk twenty-one years in succession,
when he declined further service, remarking that he
In 1787
he was again elected, and served seven years suc-
ought to be free at the age of twenty-one.
cessively, making, in the whole, twenty-eight years.
same, will exercise a fatherly pitty towards me with respect
thereto, will daily more and more qualifie me therefor and en-
| courage me therein, and accept my sincere desires and endeavors
He accepted their call by a letter
to advance his glory and the eternal happiness of others. And
that it may be so, [ humbly ask your earnest prayers for me at
the throne of Grace, that God would forgive my many and
great sins, whereby I am rendered so unfit to engage in so
sacred a work, and for which I desire deeply to be abashed and
humbled before God. Cry to God mightily on my behalf, that
he in whom is all fulness would in a plentiful manner bestow
upon me the outpouring of his spirit and adorn me with every
Christian grace and virtue, that I may come to you in the ful-
ness of the blessing of the Gospel of Peace, and if God in his
due time shall settle me among you, doe what you can to make
| my work, which I engage in with fear and trembling, easy to
me, and let nothing be done to discourage me.
A printed sermon of the Rev. Mr. Man is in ex- |
istence, and also two or more of Rev. Mr. Bean, but
it is not known to the writer that there is any manu- —
script or published discourse of Mr. Messinger. It
has therefore seemed proper to copy here his letter of
acceptance, that the readers of these annals may be
enabled to form an idea of the man."
“To tHE CuurcH AND Town oF WRENTHAM, Grace, Mercy, |
and Peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. |
“ Sirs,—I cannot but with great fear take notice of the over-
ruling Providence of God in inclining your hearts so unani-
mously to make choice of myself, the most unworthy and unfit,
To this end let
brotherly love be and abound among you, let every one forgive
his brother his trespasses as he hopes for forgiveness of God,
live in peace, study the things which tend thereto, and the God
of Peace will be with you and bless you. And God, of his in-
finite grace, grant that we may with united hearts strive to ad-
vance his kingdom and glory, may be mutual blessings to, may
enjoy much comfort in each other, and perform the respective
duties incumbent on us, as that, when our glorious Jesus shall
make his second and illustrious appearance to judge both quick
and dead, we may meet each other with joy and comfort, and
give up our accounts with joy and not with grief.
““T am your sincere tho unworthy servant for Jesus’ sake,
“HENRY MESSINGER.
“ CAMBRIDGE, Oct. 2, 1719.”
Mr. Messinger was ordained Dec. 5, 1719. In 1721
a second house for public worship was built, and was
used as such by all the people in the town until Aug.
| 29, 1737, when the West Parish (afterwards Frank-
to settle with you and to carry on the work of the ministry |
among you. And since your invitation to me, I hope I have
seriously and solemnly considered how awful great and diffi-
cult the work is to which I am called.
work has been set so solemnly before me by others, and I have
well thought of my own youthfulness and the little progress I
have made in my studies to fit and qualifie me for so great a
And when this great
work, I have been ready to plead and say, how shall I speak
that am but a child, and how shall I watch over souls so as to
save my own and the souls of others? and-have been almost
In the multitude of the thoughts within me I
have asked counsel of Heaven, and left my case there, begging
of God that he would direct me in the weighty business before
discouraged.
me, so as should be most for his honor and glory, your spiritual |
good and advantage, and my own future joy and comfort, and |
IT hope I have not sought in vain. I have likewise consulted
many learned, wise, and godly men, who with one consent agree
that my call is clear, and that therefore it is my indispensable
duty to comply with the same, as I would not deny the call of
Christ.
ance on his gracious promises to his faithful ministers, I accept
Wherefore, in the fear of God and with a humble reli-
your call to carry on the work of the ministry so long as Prov- |
idence shall provide for my comfortable sustenance among you,
trusting that God that has called me to engage in so awfula
work, who sees my unfitness for it and inability to perform the
1 Since this was written the writer has learned that an account
of a revival in 1741, at which time many were added to the
church in Wrentham, was prepared by Mr. Messinger and pub-
lished in the book entitled the “‘ Great Awakening,” and also
that he wrote.a commentary on a part of the Old Testament.
lin) was organized. A new church was formed there,
composed of members dismissed from the old church
here, under the ministry of Rev. Elias Haven, who
was ordained over them on the 8th day of Novem-
ber of the same year.
The immediate successor of Mr. Messinger says,
“He continued in this First Parish greatly laboring
in word and doctrine till it pleased the Sovereign
Lord of life and death to put a period to his life and
work nearly together. His death occurred on the
30th day of March, 1750, in the fifty-fifth year ef his
age, and the thirty-second of his faithful ministry.
He was a gentleman of unblemished reputation, and
He had
the character of a plain, faithful, affectionate, and
profitable preacher. And though he was of but a
slender, feeble constitution, yet he was abundant’ in
highly esteemed for his piety and virtue.
labors among the people of his charge, and spared no
pains for promoting the interest of the Redeemer and
the good of souls. It is no wonder, then, that when
all the congregation saw he was dead they mourned
for him as Israel did for Aaron.”
Tt is a somewhat remarkable fact that there is no
one now residing within the limits of the town who is
a descendant, and bears the name at the same time, of
646
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
either of the first five ministers settled, although |
Mr. Man left six sons and Mr. Messinger five, and
Mr. Bean and his successors also left sons. The de-
scendants of the first two must, nevertheless, be very
numerous among us, notwithstanding the fact that
large numbers of them have from time to time gone
to dwell elsewhere.
The Rev. Mr. Messinger’s daughters were sought
in marriage by neighboring clergymen. Mary mar-
ried the Rev. Elias Haven, of West Wrentham (now
Franklin) ; Esther, the Rev. Amariah Frost, of Men- |
don, Mass.; Sarah, first, Dr. Cornelius Kollock, of
Wrentham, and second, Rev. Benjamin Caryl, of
Dover, Mass.; Elizabeth, the Rev. Joseph Bean, her |
father’s successor in the ministry at Wrentham. His |
son, James, was the first minister of Ashford, Conn. |
Those inhabitants of Dorchester living as they say
convenient to come to the public worship of God in
Wrentham, agreed to be taxed ratably for the pay-
ment of Mr. Messinger’s salary so long as the town
of Dorchester would exempt them from paying there.
Their names were Samuel Man, Hannah George,
Samuel Lane, Jeremiah Ruggles, Mary Shepard,
John Martin, James Humphrey, Samuel Richardson,
In October of
this year, having voted that the new meeting-house |
should stand on or near the spot occupied by the old
one, the inhabitants determined that it should be
“forty feet in length and thirty-eight in breadth, and
of such height as may be most convenient and proper
Mark Force, and Solomon Howes.
for two tiers of galleries one above the other.”
Another institution indicating the progress of the
settlement in another direction was established as ap-
pears by the following recited vote: ‘‘ Agreed with
Ensign Eliezer Ware to make a pair of stocks at the |
town’s cost and charge.”
This useful reformer prob-
ably adorned the common in front of the new meeting-
house, where its beneficent workings were visible to all
the good people of the village, as often as the night-
watch, whose duty it was to patrol the streets east and
west, one-half mile from the meeting-house, made their
seizures, and bore the trophies of their vigilance to
this place of confinement, where the morning sun |
found them bound hand and foot.
‘We find that Benjamin Ware was living in Wren-
tham in 1721 as a practicing physician. He was the |
first physician who settled here, Dr. Stewart, as pre-
viously related, not finding sufficient encouragement
in the earlier days of the plantation to remain.
At this time the inhabitants living in the wesierly
part of the town (now Franklin) desired some relief |
from ministerial charges because, as they say, they
‘‘live remote from the public worship and cannot at- |
tend on the same without difficulties and hardships.” It
was accordingly determined that whatever they might
now pay toward building the new meeting-house
should, whenever they should be set off into a pre-
cinct, district, or parish by themselves, be returned to
them for their use in the defraying the charge of
building a meeting-house among them.
The provincial government having emitted bills of
credit to the amount of fifty thousand pounds, this
town took two hundred and seventy-two pounds and
ten shillings, for which trustees were appointed to
loan to the inhabitants at five per cent. interest. The
entire tax for this year (1722) was two hundred and
ninety-two pounds, seventeen shillings, and eight-
pence.
A committee appointed to seat people in the meet-
ing-house were directed to reserve a pew for the min-
ister and his family, and also one for the widow of the
Rev. Mr. Man, and then to place the men on one side
of the house and the women on the other. Schools
were established in other parts of the town between
the years 1723 and 1728, and in 1725, having op-
posed the setting off the westerly part of the town
into a new precinct, the inhabitants (in 1727) prose-
cuted Bellingham for refusing to renew the bound-
marks, and in 1728 took three hundred and fifty-one
pounds and five shillings in bills of credit of the
province.
In 1729 the number of inhabitants over sixteen
years of age liable to road work was one hundred and
ninety-three.
Bounties were occasionally paid for killing wild ani-
Jonathan Nutting had one pound for killing a
wild-cat.
mals.
The patriotism of the inhabitants was so much ex-
cited at this time that they, with preamble and good
set phrase, ordered the selectmen to draw out of the
treasury the sum of twenty-five pounds and forward
the same to the Hon. John Quincy, Speaker of the
The controversy between the officers of the
crown and the people had been waged for many years
House.
with regard to fixed salaries. The king’s government,
fearing the effect of the payment of their salaries to
| the royal governors by the people, instructed each
viceroy to demand of the provincial assemblies a fixed
salary, believing that he would thus be less likely to
incline to the popular interests against the crown.
The demand made by Dudley in 1702, and resisted
by the Assembly, was renewed by Shute in 1706, with
like result, and being insisted on caused violent dis-
putes, the people in the course of the quarrel repeat-
edly asserting the principle on which they finally ap-
pealed to arms against the mother-country. Glancing
WRENTHAM.
647
at the fact of Shute’s going to England in 1722 and
preferring complaints against Massachusetts, of the
House of Representatives choosing their Speaker in
1723 and placing him in the chair without presenting
him to the Governor for confirmation, and in a variety
of ways asserting its rights, especially in voting the
allegations of Shute without foundation and ordering
one hundred pounds sterling to be remitted to their
agent in Europe to employ counsel, in which, how-
|
ever, the board of assistants refused to join, the pre-
paring an address to the king, in which the Council |
refused to join, the ordering the Speaker to sign and
send the paper to England, the preparing a separate
address by the Council, which was forwarded to Shute,
and the employment of Dummer and Cooke to appear
for the province, we find that it was not until 1726
that a decision was made before the Lords in trade
and the king in council upon the complaints preferred
by Shute. The decision, as is well known, was adverse
to Massachusetts, and resulted in adding two clauses
to her charter, viz., one affirming the right of the
)
Governor to negative the choice of Speaker, the other |
denying the House of Representatives the right of ad-
journing itself for any period longer than two days.
And Governor Burnett, the successor of Shute, renew- |
ing in 1728 the demand that a fixed salary be paid
him, saying this was the command of the king, the
House refused, but granted him seventeen hundred
pounds towards his support and the expenses of his |
journey. He refused it, but took three hundred pounds
granted for his journey. Hence arose a violent quar-
rel, the Governor remonstrating and threatening, and
the deputies persisting in their refusal.
of the controversy and its causes being made to the
A statement |
towns, great excitement ensued, Boston in a particu- |
lar manner declaring its opposition to the commands
of the king, in consequence of which the Governor
adjourned the General Court to Salem, the House
denouncing the step and requesting the Governor to |
summon them to Boston, which, being refused, the
Here the House resolved to apply to the king, and
Belcher and Wilkes were employed as its agents.
Grants were made by the House to defray their ex-
penses, but the Council rejected them, whereupon a
port of him and his family.” ‘“ Wherefore it was voted
that a contribution be taken up once a quarter upon
the Lord’s day for this purpose for one year next en-
suing, and that the deacons take care to deliver the
money so gathered to the Rev. Mr. Messinger.” His
salary was nominally one hundred pounds, but, as he
was paid in the depreciated bills of credit of the prov-
ince, the real sum received by him must have been
much less.
The cost of the late war to the colonies, estimated
at sixteen millions of dollars, of which only five mil-
lions was repaid by the British ministry, bore hardly
upon the province. Besides, Massachusetts had con-
tributed her share of the thirty thousand lives com-
puted to have been sacrificed in the protracted con-
test.
emissions of paper money that gold and silver were
To defray her expenses she made such large
not at all in circulation. It seems that a small party
favored the calling in the paper money, “ relying on
the industry of the people to replace it with a circu-
lating medium of greater stability.”
‘‘ Another party favored a private bank, the bills not
to be redeemed in specie, but landed security to be
given.” Another party were for a public bank, the
faith of the government to be pledged to the value of
the notes, and the profits accruing from the bank to
be applied for its support. This party was successful,
and fifty thousand pounds in bills of credit were issued,
This
currency was so much depreciated that at one time
and afterwards one hundred thousand pounds.
fifty thousand pounds were voted to defray town
charges and six thousand seven hundred pounds for
the minister’s salary.
The town, in 1734, having refused to build a meet-
ing-house for the westerly inhabitants, voted to supply
them with preaching, and chose a committee to “ clear
the town of certain scandalous charges made by Bel-
lingham in a petition to the General Court. It was
also voted in 1735 that some people with their es-
tates be annexed to Medway; and that a number of
Court remained at Salem, supported by the towns. |
sufficient sum was subscribed by the people of Boston |
and placed at the disposal of the House.
of twenty-five pounds made by Wrentham in 1729
was intended for this fund.
The bills of public credit continuing to depreciate,
the town ‘‘ proposed to take into consideration the
present difficult circumstances of the Rev. Mr. Mes-
singer, and make some further provision for the sup-
The grant |
families formerly of the westerly end of Dorchester,
but now intermixed with the westerly end of Stough-
ton, who were joined to this town in 1724, may be
returned to the town of Stoughton.” One reason
assigned for this movement was “that the town of
Wrentham is now under very mean, low, and poor
circumstances, their town charges being very great;
adding, the charge of the town to maintain the poor
would amount, as we suppose, to more than all the
polls and estates of families upon the said land would
pay, and also many highways must be made through
said tract.”
The town continued to oppose the application of
648
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the inhabitants of West Wrentham to be set off
into a separate township, but, at the suggestion of
the committee of the General Court, voted in 1737
that they might be set off as a distinct parish.
Those who were dismissed from the church here |
formed a new church there in 1738, and Rev. Elias | : ‘ :
: | and especially of the late Parliament, commonly called the
Haven was ordained their minister in November of
the same year.
The warrants for town-meetings began in 1740 to
summon the voters to meet at the public meeting-
house in the Hast Precinct, and in 1742 the town
discontinued the practice of warning town-meetings
from house to house. In 1746 two parcels of land
were laid out for training-grounds, one of which in- |
cluded all the common land about the meeting-house ; |
and a grant was made to Eliphalet Whiting, of the
use of the creek between the two ponds, with the
privilege of erecting a dam, with the right of the
town to resume it on certain conditions.
The church records say, ‘‘ The Rev. Mr. Messinger
gave up the ghost on the 30th day of March, 1750,
and was buried on the Tuesday following ; that the
church and First Precinct unanimously invited the
Rev. Mr. Joseph Bean to carry on the work of the
ministry among them.”’
ordained Dee. 5, 1750.
Joseph Grant, Robert Ware, Obadiah Allen, Eben-
ezer Guild, Ephraim Knowlton, Samuel Ray, and
John Hills, Jr., declaring themselves Anabaptists in |
1752,
A part of Stoughton was annexed to Wrentham,
in 1753, and the next year the inhabitants of the
were exempted from ministerial taxes.
Mr. Bean accepted, and was |
West Precinct praying the General Court to organize |
to oppose the petition; and at the same time the town
voted that “it was not in favor of the excise bill
printed by the General Court.”
Nothing extraordinary seems to have occurred in
the affairs of the town from this date until the year
1765, when the voters placed themselves on record in |
regard to the Stamp Act, so called, in the following |
ecided language:
decided langua;
“Ata meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of
the town, held by adjournment Noy. 1, 1765, it was unanimously
voted that the following sentiments be recorded on the town
book, that the children hereafter to be born may see the desire
ernment in the world, though with decency yet with the utmost
firmness, having the strongest affection and loyalty tothe King
and the highest veneration for that august assembly the Par-
liament, and sincere regard for all our fellow-subjects in Great
Britain, any attempt to deprive us of our rights and privileges
as colonists must be very alarming, and as such we cannot for-
bear mentioning some of the proceedings of the late Ministry,
Stamp Act, which we apprehend is unconstitutional and oppres-
sive, as it wholly cancels the very conditions on which our an-
cestors settled this country and enlarged his Majesty’s dominion
in America, at their sole expense with vast treasure and blood,
—that it totally deprives us of the happiest frame of civil gov-
ernment, expressed in our charter,—for by the charter of this
Province the General Assembly has the power of making iaws
for its internal government and taxation,—and that no freeman
shall be taxed, but by his own consent either in person or by
proxy. And by this act a single judge of the Admiralty has
power to try and determine our properties in controversies
arising from internal concerns without a jury; which in our
opinion is contrary to the very expressions of Magna Charta—
that no free man shall be amerced but by the oath of good and
lawful men of the vicinage, and by this act it is certain that it
putsit in the power of Mr. Informer or Prosecutor to carry the
subject more than a thousand miles distance for trial. Who,
then, would not pay a fine rather than to be thus harassed,
guilty or not? If his Majesty’s subjects
in America are not to be governed according to the known
What can be worse ?
| stated rules of the Constitution as those in Great Britain are, what
then will be wanting to render us miserable and forlorn slaves?
But supposing that these difficulties were imaginary only, yet
we have reason to except against that act, as we apprehend con-
sidering the almost insupportable load of debt the Province is
now under, and the scarcity of money. We have reason to
think that the execution of that act for a short space would
drain the country of its cash and strip multitudes of their prop-
What then would
be the consequence resulting from so sudden and convulsive
erty and reduce them to desolate beggary.
a change in the whole course of our business we tremble to con-
Gentlemen, as these are our sentiments of that act, we,
the freeholders and other inhabitants of this town legally as-
sider.
- hae Rats | sembled for that purpose, claim a share to join with all the
them into a separate district, a committee was chosen
friends of liberty on so important a point; but when we con-
sider the answer (this day read before the town) of the Honor-
able House to his Excellency’s speech at the opening of the pres-
ent session so minutely pointing out the inherent rights of the
colonies and the spirit that runs through the whole form, it
gives us the utmost satisfaction and strongest confidence under
| God to rely on the wisdom and integrity of the respectable body
of the House, under whose paternal care and protection we have
ever been a happy people. And we remain with the utmost
assurance that no measures will be wanting by this Honorable
House, in joining with all the other colonies in such remon-
strances and petitions as are consistent with our loyalty to the
| King and relation to Great Britain, for the repeal of said act,
| which we hope by the blessing of God will have its desired
their ancestors had to hand down to them their rights and |
privileges as they received them from their ancestors, and that
a copy thereof be sent to the Honorable, the House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled. Gentlemen, asa free and
fullenjoyment of the inherent rights and privileges of natural,
free-born subjects of Great Britain, long since precisely known
and ascertained by uninterrupted practice and usage from the
first settling of this country down to this day is of the utmost
value, and ought to be contended for as the best frame of goy-
effect.”
This report was signed by Capt. John Goldsbury,
Deacon Jabez Fisher, and Ensign Lemuel Kollock.
This act so odious to our patriotic sires, signed
March 8, 1765, by a commission on account of the
king’s insanity, rendered invalid every written instru-
/ ment which was not drawn upon stamped paper, to be
purchased of the agents of the British government at
WRENTHAM.
649
exorbitant prices, and punished every violation with —
severe penalties, suits for which were to be brought in
any Admiralty or King’s Marine Court throughout
the colonies. The excitement extended throughout
the province. The foregoing report was read to the
town on the very day the act was to go into oper- |
| Majesty’s service and the peace and safety of his
ation.
Boston had assumed an attitude of defiance; its
people had determined that stamped paper should not |
be used; had hung Oliver, the distributor, in effigy
upon the old liberty-tree, and made him swear that
he had not and would not distribute the odious
stamps; shouted liberty, property, and no stamps;
demolished the stamp-office, and making a bonfire of |
its materials on Fort Hill, had consigned the images |
of Oliver, Bute, and Grenville to the flames, calling
themselves Sons of Liberty, and rending the air with
huzzas for Pitt and liberty, even going so far as to
ransack the house of Hutchinson, the chief justice, |
spoiling his furniture and throwing his books and
’ This report being read twice before the town,
after consideration and some debate, it was unanimously
voted and accepted.
The town chose a delegate to a convention to be
holden in Faneuil Hall on the 22d day of September,
1768, to consult and advise such measures as his
~ ?
ingly.
In 177);
Jabez Fisher was chosen representative to attend a
General Court to be held at Harvard College. The
House was convened at Salem and Cambridge, to
subjects in the province may require.
avoid the influence of the people of Boston upon
that assembly. The quarrels with the Governor at
every session of the court tended to make clearer and
clearer the fact that the British government intended
to coerce the colonies. The House protested against
being adjourned from Boston, and learning that the
government officers were receiving salaries from the
crown, it passed a tax-bill, including those officers in
_ the list of persons to be taxed, which the Governor
manuscripts into the street. At a meeting in Faneuil |
Hall these riotous proceedings were denounced, but |
Boston’s resistance to the stamp act was sustained by
numerous towns in the province, among which Wren- |
tham’s voice was heard in the emphatic yet temperate
words of the manifesto above written.
|
|
rejected on the ground that he was expressly forbid-
den from giving his consent to such an act upon any
pretense whatsoever, which so roused the ire of the
members of the House that they declared they knew
of no commissioners of his Majesty’s customs, nor of
"any revenue his Majesty had a right to establish in
Jabez Fisher, the representative to the General
Court, was instructed the following year to vote
against charging the province for any of the damages |
caused by the riotous proceedings above mentioned,
and also against extravagant grants for superfluities ;
but to join in measures designed for the detection
and punishment of the rioters. At the same time he |
was instructed to vote for a statue in honor of the
most patriotic Pitt without any limitation annexed as
to its cost.
But in November following a committee reported |
to the town that, ‘ considering his Majesty’s most gra-
cious recommendation and the application of the suf-
ferers, the vote passed in August last be reconsidered |
and the following instructions be given to our repre- |
sentative. ‘To Mr. Jabez Fisher: Sir, we, your con- |
stituents, his Majesty’s dutiful and loyal subjects in |
town-meeting assembled, considering the gracious de- |
sire of his Majesty that a veil be cast over the late
times of tumult and disorder, and considering it as a
point of prudence and true policy, instruct you that |
you give your vote to the purport of the bill which is
prepared by the honorable House of Representatives
at their last session entitled “An Act for granting
compensation to the sufferers and of free and general
pardon, indemnity and oblivion to the offenders in the
late times,’ and that you use your influence accord-
North America. The Governor also rejected the
grants made to the agents of the province in Europe.
Vessels of war, twelve in number, arrived and an-
chored in the harbor, and Sam Adams declared “ that
America must under God work out finally her own
salvation.” The clergymen of Boston refused (with
one exception) to read the Governor’s proclamation
for Thanksgiving, but “implored Almighty God for
In April, 1722,
the Governor convened the Assembly at Boston, and
the restoration of lost liberties.”
here the quarrel was renewed. A resolve having
been passed denouncing the payment of thie salary to
the Governor by Great Britain, he was informed by the
secretary for the colonies that the king had made pro-
vision for the support of his servants in the Massa-
chusetts Bay. A town-meeting was called (the court
not being in session) ; John Hancock was moderator.
The Governor was asked by this meeting “if stipends
He refused
A message condemning the measure as
had been fixed to the offices of judges.”
to answer.
contrary to the charter and the common law was sent
to him, and requesting that the subject might be
referred to the General Court. This request was also
refused, and the General Court was not permitted to
meet in December, the time to which it had been pro-
rogued. The Governor in his reply denied the right
of the town to debate such matters, upon which it
650
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was voted that the inhabitants of Boston have ever
had, and ought to have, the right to petition the king
for the redress of such grievances as they feel, or for
preventing of such as they have reason to apprehend,
and to communicate their sentiments to other towns.
And Samuel Adams then proposed that step which,
it has been said, ‘included the whole Revolution,
viz., a committee of correspondence to consist of
twenty-one persons, to state the rights of the colo-
nies, and of this province in particular, as men and
Christians, and as subjects, and to communicate and
publish the same to the several towns, and to the
world, as the sense of this town, with the infringe-
ments or violations thereof that have been, or from
time to time may be, made.” This was the origin of
the famous committee of correspondence, and it is in
answer to their letter that the inhabitants of Wren-
tham, on the 11th day of January, 1773, returned
the following spirited and patriotic reply :
“First. Resolved, That the British constitution is grounded
on the eternal law of nature, a constitution whose foundation
and centre is liberty, which sends liberty to every subject that
is, or may happen to be, within any part of its ample circum-
ference; that every part of the British dominions hath a right
freely to enjoy all the benefits and privileges of this happy con-
stitution, and that no power of legislation or government upon
earth can justly abridge nor deprive any part of the British
happy constitution and its true principles; that every part of
the British dominions in which acts of the British Parliament
are exercised contrary to the true principles of the constitution
have, and always ought to have, a right to petition and remon-
strate, or to join in petitioning and remonstrating to the king, |
lords, and commons of Great Britain that all such acts of Par-
liament may speedily be removed, abrogated, and repealed.
That the province of Massachusetts Bay have the right not only
by nature and the laws of England, but by social compact, to
enjoy all the rights, liberties, and immunities of natural and
free-born subjects of Great Britain to all intents and purposes
whatsoever; and that acts of the British Parliament imposing
rates and duties on the inhabitants of this province while they
are unrepresented in Parliament are violations of those rights,
and ought to be contended for with firmness.
“ Resolved, That it is the opinion of this town that the act of
the British Parliament in assuming the power for the legislation |
_ the attendance of members and putting off the session
of the colonies in all cases whatsoever, and in consequence of
that act have carried into execution that assumed power, in lay-
ing duties on divers articles in the colonies for the express pur-
pose of raising a revenue without their consent, either by them-
selves or their representative, whereby the right which every |
man has to his own property is wholly taken away and destroyed ;
and what is still more alarming is to see the amazing inroads
which have been made, and still are making, on our charter
rights and privileges by placing a Board of Commissioners
among us under so large a commission, with a train of depend-
ents to sap the foundation of our industry; our coasts sur-
rounded with fleets; standing armies placed in free cities in
time of peace without the consent of the inhabitants, whereby
the streets of the metropolis of this province have been stained
by the blood of its innocent inhabitants; the Governor of the
province made independent of the grants of the General As-
| Man.
dominions of those liberties without doing violence to this |
' sent the town in a General Court at Salem.
sembly; large salaries affixed to the Lieutenant-Governor, the
judges of the admiralty, ete.; the amazing stretch of the power
of the Courts of Vice-Admiralty, in a great measure depriving
the people in the colonies of the right of trial by jury, and such
like innovations, which are intolerable grievances, tending
wholly to deprive us of our charter rights and privileges, pull
down the constitution, and reduce us to a state of abject
slavery.”
Another resolve against fixed salaries for the judges
of the courts of common law follows, and another
showing the tendency of these measures thus de-
nounced to produce absolute government. The last
one acknowledges the care and vigilance of Boston,
and assures them
“That, as this town hopes never to be wanting in their duty
and loyalty to their King, so they are ever ready to do every-
thing in their power in a constitutional way to assist in carry-
ing into execution such measures as may be adopted to remove
those difficulties we feel and to prevent those we have reason to
fear.
“Tn the name of the Committee.
“Davip Man.”
These resolves were unanimously adopted by the
town. The following year a committee of corres-
pondence was chosen, viz., Samuel Lethbridge, Jabez
Fisher, Dr. Ebenezer Daggett, Mr. Lemuel Kollock,
Capt. John Smith, Joseph Woodward, and David
A committee was also chosen to attend a con-
vention of the county at the house of Mr. Woodward,
innholder, in Dedham, “to deliberate and determine
on such matters as the distressed circumstances of the
province require,’ and on Sept. 30, 1774, the town
voted that a provincial congress was necessary. It
also voted to purchase two pieces of cannon.
Jabez Fisher was chosen delegate to a convention
at Concord Oct. 2, 1774. Previous to this, viz.,
Sept. 15, 1774, Mr. Fisher had been chosen to repre-
But in
the mean time Governor Gage, becoming alarmed at
the tone of the resolves and votes passed in town-
meetings and county conventions, issued his procla-
mation on the 28th day of September dispensing with
until some more distant day.
The instructions given to Mr. Fisher, the delegate
to the Provincial Congress at Concord, were drafted
by Ebenezer,Daggett and Lemuel Kollock. They al-
lude to the fact that he is chosen at a time when the
province is in consternation and confusion, briefly ad-
vert to the causes thereof, and instruct him to make
the charter of the province the rule of his conduct, re-
fusing to acknowledge any mutilations or alterations
of the charter as valid; and that he should acknowl-
edge those counselors who were elected by the Gen-
eral Court as the only constitutional council of this
age 8 oe
WRENTHAM.
651
province, and if the congress should consequently be
dissolved, then to join with members from this and
other towns in a General Provincial Congress.
Capt. Peres Cushing and Mr. Joseph Spear were
appointed chief gunners of the two field-pieces, and
directed to see that each piece is fixed and kept with
a carriage and utensils fit for action as soon as may |
be. It was voted also to increase the town’s stock of |
ammunition. The constables were ordered to pay all |
province taxes in their hands or to be collected by
them to Henry Gardner, of Stow, instead of Harrison
Gray, the royal treasurer, and it was voted that the
town would indemnify them against any consequences
of such payment. This was decidedly a revolutionary
step. The attitude of the town was unmistakable.
No wonder they got their guns ready for immediate
use and laid in more powder and ball. If King
George had prevailed in the war against the colonies,
our patriotic predecessors might have been hung for
treason. In September, 1776, these guns were at |
Boston.
In January, 1775, the town proceeded to create a
military establishment, providing for the enlistment of
minute-men, and proposed to send beef, pork, grain,
and other provisions for the poor of Boston.
The committee of correspondence chosen March 4,
1776, were Samuel Fisher, Dr. Ebenezer Daggett, |
Deacon Theodore Man, Mr. Joseph Fairbanks, Mr.
John Craig, Mr. Daniel Holbrook, Mr. Hezekiah |
Fisher, Mr. Joseph Hawes, Capt. Asa Fairbanks, |
Capt. Peres Cushing, and Mr. Joseph Whiting, Jr.
At the first alarm Wrentham was ready to send
men to the battle-field. Her patriotism was not con-
fined to words. Witness the muster-rolls which pro-
claim this fact :
““A Muster Roll of the Minute Company in the Colony ser-
vice which marched from Wrentham in the alarm on the 19th
of April last past under the command of Capt. Oliver Pond.”
Oliver Pond, capt.
Wigglesworth Messinger, Ist
Joseph Adams, private.
John Blake, private.
William Wetherbee, private.
James Blake, private.
Isaac Clewley, private.
Benjamin Day, private.
John Druce, private.
Asa Day, private.
Jonathan Everett, private.
Jonathan Felt, private.
Joseph Field, private.
Samuel Frost, private.
John Fisher, private.
Timothy Hancock, private.
Benjamin Rockwood, private.
Jacob Mann, private.
Peter Robeshaw, private.
Joseph Raysey, private.
Benjamin Ray, private.
lieut.
Hezekiah Ware, 2d lieut.
Noah Pratt, sergt.
Elias Bacon, sergt.
David Ray, sergt.
Nathan Blake, sergt.
Nathan Hancock, corp.
Beriah Brastow, corp.
Aquilla Robbins, corp.
David Everett, private.
Jeremiah Hartshorn, private.
Theodore Kingsbury, private.
Ebenezer Kollock, private.
George Mann, private.
Benjamin McLane, private.
James Newhall, private.
John Porter, private.
Abijah Pond, private.
Oliver Rouse, Jr., private.
Hezekiah Hall, drummer.
Christopher Burlingame, fifer.
In council Feb. 23, 1776 read and
“Alarm 19 April 1775.
Deodat Tisdale, private.
Daniel Ware, private.
Ware, private.
allowed and ordered that a warrant be drawn on the Treasurer
for £33. 3. 8. 1 in full of the within Roll.
“Perez Morton, Sec’y.”
Also a muster-roll of the company in the colony which
marched from Wrentham on the alarm on the 19th of April
1775 under the command of Capt. Benjamin Hawes,! in Col.
John Smith’s Regiment.
Benjamin Hawes, capt.
Timothy Guild, 2d lieut.
John Everett, sergt.
Abijah Blake, sergt.
Daniel Guild, sergt.
John Kingsbury, soldier.
Samuel Brastow, soldier.
Daniel Holbrook, soldier.
James Holbrook, Jr., soldier.
Jeremiah Cobb, soldier.
Elijah Farrington, corp.
Jason Blake, drum.
Daniel Cobb, fifer.
Stephen Blake, soldier.
Benjamin Pond, soldier.
Jacob Blake, soldier.
John Needham, soldier.
Oliver Ware, soldier.
Moses Craig, soldier.
William Green, soldier.
Jason Richardson, soldier.
Ephraim Knowlton, soldier.
David Man, soldier.
Jacob Daggett, soldier.
Oliver Harris, soldier.
Samuel Wood, soldier.
Ebenezer Field, soldier.
Henry Holbrook, soldier.
Jacob Holbrook, soldier.
Samuel Richardson, Jr.,
soldier.
David Holbrook, soldier.
Samuel Baker, soldier.
Turil Gilmore, soldier.
Nathan Kingsbury, soldier.
John Hawes, soldier.
Samuel Pettee, soldier.
Stephen Pettee, soldier.
“ SUFFOLK 832.
“Wrentoam December y® 8th 1775.
“Capt. Benjamin Hawes came before me and made solemn
oath to the truth of the above-written muster-roll according
to his best skill, knowledge, and judgment. Sworn before me
EBENEZER FISHER,
** Just of Peace.
“ A true copy compared and examined by
“ Epam STARKWEATHER }
“Epwp Rawson j Com’rs.
“Jas TURNER
1 Daniel Hawes, who was an early comer to Wrentham,
had ason Benjamin, born March 14, 1695-96. He married
Abigail Fisher, Dec. 9, 1724. One of theirsons was Benjamin,
who was born June 11, 1731, and was therefore about forty-four
years of age when he commanded the company whose names
| are enrolled above. He was conspicuous in the controversy with
| the Rev. David Avery hereinafter related.
| few years a portion of the land originally laid out to the ances-
Until within a
tor by the proprietors of lands in Wrenthan was in the posses-
sion of his descendants.
Capt. Lemuel Kollock, who also commanded a company of
minute-men in April, 1775, was a conspicuous and influential
citizen, and his name often appears in connection with the
patriotic measures discussed in the town-meetings. His death
was oceasioned by a fall from his horse on the 14th day of July,
1795, in the sixty-seventh year of his age.
Capt. Samuel Cowell, the son of Joseph, was born in 1787.
He commanded a company of minute-men at the time of the
alarm in April, 1775, and probably at other times was com-
manding officer of men who were destined for the continental
army, as was Capt. Samuel Fisher.
Capt. David Holbrook, of the northerly part of the town, had
command of a company at the time of the alarm in April, 1775.
652
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“Tn council Feby y® 16th 1776 read and allowed and there-
upon ordered that a warrant be drawn on the Treas™ for £29
4.6. in full discharge of the within roll.
« Perez Morton,
© D. See’y.”
““Also a muster-roll of the company, in the colony service,
which marched from Wrentham on the alarm on the 19th of
April, 1775, under the command of Capt. Lemuel Kollock, in
Col. John Smith’s Regiment.
Lemuel Kollock, Capt.
Joseph Everett, 1 Left.
Joseph Hewes, Jr., Privit.
Benjamin Shepard, ‘“
Swift Paysen, 2 do. Joseph Cook, ee
John Whiting, Sergt. John Bates, Cb
William Puffer, ‘ Nicholas Barton, ss
Jesse Everett, “ John Dale, 4
Timothy Pond, “ Ralph Freeman, £
Joseph Ware, Privit. Sam! Bolkom, ae
Ebenezer Gilbert, “s Ephraim Hunt, eg
Jeremiah Day, <6 James Blake, oS
Ichabod Turner, “¢ Jeremiah Pond, ce
Daniel Mumm, a Jonathan Shepard,
Stephen Harding, cS Benjamin Guild, 2d, “
Aaron Hall, os Ebenezer Fisher, Jr., ‘
Daniel Messinger, ‘“ Joseph Hancock, ss
L. W. Messinger, ss Elisha Turner, s
Isaac Richardson, es David Ware, ee
Isaac Fisher, J Ebenezer Allen, Wy
Daniel Gould, se Nathan Moss, <f
Obediah Man, se Jesse Ballou, OS
Ebenezer Blake, so
“Sworn to and examined & compared with the original, and
£24 7. 11 allowed for pay in full.”
There were also companies commanded by Capts.
John Boyd, Asa Fairbanks, and Elijah Pond respec-
tively, that marched from Wrentham on the 19th day |
of April, 1775, in the colony service. Capt. Thomas
Bacon commanded a company that marched from
Wrentham April 30, 1775. Capt. Samuel Cowell
also had command of a company about the same time- |
It also appears from the military rolls at the State,
House, that a number of men of the company called
the North Company, in the West Precinct, enlisted |
into the Continental army in 1778.
under the command of Capt. Samuel Fisher, composed
Also a company
largely of Wrentham men, enlisted for three years or |
during the war.
Japt. Oliver Pond, of Wrentham, enlisted in the
eight-months’ service in the Continental army, in Col.
Joseph Read’s regiment, April 27, 1775. He was
first captain in this, the Sixth, Massachusetts. A fter-
wards the regiment was called the Thirteenth Massa-
Upon the expiration of the time
He
went with the army from the neighborhood of Boston
chusetts Regiment.
—eight months—he again enlisted for one year.
to New York, and then to the “ Jerseys,” and partici-
pated in the battles of Trenton and Princeton and
other contests of the campaign.
In 1777, in consequence, it is understood, of some
| with our lives and fortunes
acts or of some proposed acts of the Continental
Congress in regard to the army and its officers which
were displeasing to him, he resigned his office of cap-
tain and left the army.
But when Shay’s rebellion broke out he took com-
mand of the military company which marched from
Wrentham and vicinity to Springfield, where the
rebels, refusing to lay down their arms, and having
been fired upon, fell into confusion and soon dispersed.
The roll of that company was almost the only paper of
Capt. Pond’s that escaped the fire, when the house in
which he was residing was burned.
He was often honored by his fellow-townsmen by
appointment to places of trust and responsibility. A
soldier of the Revolution, who had known him well,
summed up his opinion of the hero in these two lines
of his epitaph,—
“None more wise, more fit for duty,
None more faithful to his trust.’ }
Upon the 5th day of June, 1776, among other in
structions given to their representatives in General
Court, the inhabitants in open town-meeting adopted
the following: ‘“ We, your constituents therefore
think that to be subject or dependent on the crown of
Great Britain would not only be impracticable but
unsafe to the State. The inhabitants of this town
therefore, in full town-meeting, unanimously instruct
and direct you to give your vote that if the Honorable
American Congress, in whom we place the highest
confidence under God, should think it necessary for
the safety of the united colonies to declare them inde-
| pendent on Great Britain, that we, your constituents,
, will most cheerfully sup-
port them in the measure.”
We should look in vain in any history of the war
of the Revolution for a more decided manifestation of
spirit. It was, indeed, the spirit of the times. Every
man who voted for these instructions was a traitor to
his king; a rebel against the government to which
he owed allegiance. But alarming as was the pros-
pect, fearful as might be the consequences, our pa-
triotic fathers did not hesitate to assume this attitude.
We know not the history of the struggle until we ex-
_ amine the recorded acts and opinions of the little revo-
lutionary towns whose spirit sustained the courage of
This vote, it will be ob-
served, was passed one month before Congress declared
Assemblies and Congresses.
1 Ephraim Pond, the ancestor of Capt. Oliver, was one of the
He married Deborah
His son, Ephraim, born in 1686, had a son,
Ephraim, who married, in 1786, Michal Man, the daughter of
William Man, and a granddaughter of the Rev. Samuel Man.
members of the first church in 1692.
Hawes in 1685.
Their second son, born July 29, 1737, was Oliver Pond.
a
i
WRENTHAM.
653
independence of Great Britain, His majesty’s name |
was omitted for the first time in the warrants in 1775, |
and the freeholders were summoned in the name of
the government and people of the Massachusetts Bay
for the first time May 6, 1776.
The town voted that the soldiers who enlisted for |
three years should receive forty shillings per month
from the town; and in obedience to an act of the
General Court the selectmen fixed a tariff for articles
commonly sold.
In May, 1777, the instructions to Benjamin Guild, |
6c New |
the representative, contain the following:
scenes of horror and devastation present themseives,
while the fleets and armies of the tyrant of Great
Britain are on our coasts, and around our dwellings
we are disturbed by internal enemies,’ and they direct
him to give his vote for a constitution and frame of
government. And a committee was chosen to inform
the government against loyalists, and another to hire
men to complete this town’s quota. It was also voted
that the families of those who have gone to the war |
be provided for.
confederation. A report of the committee to hire sol-
diers for the war stated that a seventh part of the |
male inhabitants were enlisted in the war as soldiers,
and the sum of eighteen hundred pounds was voted to
defray the expenses of raising the town’s quota of the
Continental army.
On the 20th of May of the same year the in- |
habitants gave their votes in favor of the first consti-
tution and frame of popular government in Massachu-
setts. But the people of the colony rejected it.
lies of non-commissioned officers and soldiers who had
At |
the same time provision was again made for the fami- |
pay for beef for the army The General Court hav-
ing required Wrentham to furnish a certain number
of shirts, hose, and blankets, the selectmen inform the
assessors that the sum of four hundred and sixteen
pounds in silver is necessary for this purpose, and as
there is no money in the treasury they are requested
to assess the sum upon the inhabitants in silver
money.
This was about the time when, notwithstanding
successes at the South, the country seemed to be on
the brink of ruin. Although aid seemed at hand
upon the arrival of Rochambeau and De Grasse, and
although some temporary relief had been obtained, yet
no sufficient and reliable means of supplying the
wants of the army had been provided. The enemy
was in possession of a large part of the country; the
Americans, whose campaigns were to be extensive,
had scarcely an army and were wholly without money.
Their bills of credit were worthless, not being a legal
tender, or taken even for taxes. Borrowing of France,
Spain, and Holland was attempted. Franklin obtained
_a gift of six millions of livres from Louis X VI., who
In 1778, the town voted to accept the articles of |
also guaranteed a loan of ten millions made by Hol-
land to the United States. This success, added to the
labors of Robert Morris, the new treasurer, who
_ brought not only zeal and great ability but his own
private fortune to the rescue, brought confidence to
the public, and economy took the place of waste.
Upon the conclusion of the war the town instructed
the representative “ to use his influence to persuade
the General Court to call on Congress to redeem the
outstanding bills of credit now in the hands of treas-
urers and individuals in this State; and that the
delegates in Congress be directed to obtain without
delay a liquidation of all Continental accounts, that
gone to the war.
this State may speedily know their due proportion of
In 1779, a committee against monopoly and fore-
the public expense, so that a just average may be
stalling was chosen, and ninety-two votes were cast
for a constitutional convention,—none against it. The
town, notwithstanding the straits to which it was re- |
duced, did not forget the men who had gone to the
battle-fields, as appears by the frequent votes passed |
in aid of their families.
year in a vote of twenty pounds to the heirs of John
Druce “as a bounty for his enlisting into the Conti-
nental army.”
war by hiring and paying men to enlist into the ser-
vice, and exempted them from taxation.
In September, 1780, a committee was chosen to
procure beef for the army, and in January of the fol- |
lowing year the sum of one hundred and twenty thou-
sand pounds was granted to hire the men called for to
serve in the Continental army for three years and to
An instance occurred this |
made through the United States as soon as may be of
the public debt.
The town, in 1776, being threatened with a visita-
tion of the smallpox, Josiah Blake’s house was
And the next
year Dr. Daggett was authorized “to carry on in-
ordered to be used for a hospital.
_oculation of the small pox at that house on certain
| conditions.”
They also still resolved to maintain the |
The town at last agreed, in 1778, that the inhab-
itants of the West Precinct might be set off into a
separate township, according to certain metes and
bounds.
cordance with the desire of the petitioners, incor-
porating the inhabitants of the West Precinct into a
The General Court passed an act in ac-
township by the name of Franklin, with boundaries
which differed but little if any from the bounds of
654
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the precinct.
1778.
Foxborough having been incorporated June 10,
1778, from parts of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton,
and Sharon, a report was made of the amounts due
This was on the 2d day of March,
to several persons within the limits of the new town-
ship, being the sums which they had paid towards
building the meeting-house. The whole sum was |
£26 Os. 10d. 3q7.
In 1779 the salary voted the Rev. Mr. Bean was
one thousand pounds. The year previous his salary
was one hundred and thirty pounds. This shows how
rapidly and alarmingly the currency had depreciated.
To illustrate this, I will add that the assessors were |
directed in assessing the one thousand pounds for Mr.
Bean to make a separate column of what each per-
son’s proportion would be in a tax of £66 13s. 4d.,
and that any person might pay his proportion of said
sum as follows, viz.: Indian corn at three shillings
per bushel, good ground malt at five shillings per
bushel, rye at four shillings, clear salt pork at five
pence per pound, good mutton at two pence two
farthings per pound, tried tallow at sixpence per
pound, good wool at one shilling four pence per pound, |
good flax at eight pence per pound, and other ne- |
cessary articles as they were commonly sold before
the year 1775. The inference is that the one thousand |
pounds in the curreney of that day was equal to only |
£66 13s. 4d.! | |
It was in the same year (1779) voted “ that Mr.
Bean use Doct. Watts’ hymns as well as psalms in
singing in public assembly in this town.”
Having in May, 1780, voted against the new con- |
stitution, the inhabitants granted fifty thousand |
pounds to defray town charges, and, upon the 4th
of September, cast their first votes for a Governor and
other State officers. Fifty-seven votes were given, all
for John Hancock. ‘The representative was instructed
to vote for the repeal of the excise act, “‘ because it
obliges every individual who consumes rum and other
spirituous liquors to pay duties on the same; the |
most wealthy, who purchase large quantities, are not |
subject to pay any duties on the same, as the act now
stands.”
The voters expressed their disapprobation of the
act of the Continental Congress called the Commu- |
tation Act (granting half-pay for life to all officers |
who should serve until the end of the war); they |
also disapproved of the Society of the Cincinnati.
For some years the subject of a new county had
1 A committee reported that the payments made to Mr. Bean |
since the commencement of the war would not be equal to |
seventy pounds in silver.
| Prayer,” A.D. 1775.
been agitated, and Wrentham was quite urgent upon
the matter, sending delegates to conventions holden
to consider that subject, and instructing the repre-
sentatives in General Court to endeavor to accom-
plish it. Boston was the shire town, and all county
and court business must be done there at very great
inconvenience. But the new county was not estab-
lished by the General Court until 1793.
On the 2d day of August, 1784, the town voted
to join with the church in giving Mr. Adoniram
Judson a call to settle in the ministerial office as a
colleague with the Rev. Joseph Bean. There were
one hundred and five votes in his favor and eighty-
four against him. Mr. Judson declined the call, and
a committee was chosen for the purpose of hiring
preaching. Mr. Bean died Dec. 12, 1784. The
kind offers of several clergymen, who had tendered
each a day’s preaching for the late Mr. Bean’s family,
| were accepted.
Mr. Bean’s publications were a century sermon,
preached Oct. 26, 1773, one hundred years after the
town was incorporated, and printed by request in
1774; and a sermon preached before the congrega-
tion of the First Church and Parish of Wrentham
“On a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting, and
Published in 1837.
Of Mr. Bean’s ancestry but little is known. It
seems that he was established in business in Cam-
_ bridge, Mass., and was converted under the preaching
of Whitefield and Tennent. He left his business and
entered college and was graduated, at the age of thirty
years, in 1748. He was ordained Dec. 5, 1750, and
married Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. Henry Mes-
singer, his predecessor in the ministry in Wrentham,
The epitaph on his gravestone is as follows :
“Near half an age with every good man’s praise
Among his flock ye shepherd passed his days;
The friend ye comfort of ye sick and poor,
Want never knocked unheeded at his door,
Oft when his duty call’d, disease & pain
Strove to confine him; but they strove in vain,
All mourn his death; his virtues long they tri’d;
They knew not how they lov’d him till he dy’d.”
In October, 1785, the town voted to join the church
| in the call and settlement of the Rev. David Avery
to the work of the ministry in this place by one hun-
dred and fifty-one votes to one against it. A com-
mittee having been chosen “to fix his settlement,”
reported that two hundred pounds be given to Mr.
Avery; and one hundred pounds per annum as his
salary. This report was adopted by the town.”
2“ The Rey. David Avery was born April 5, 1746, in Franklin,
! Connecticut. His father’s name was John. He was converted by
WRENTHAM.
655
Mr. Avery’s reply to the invitation of the church
and town was as follows :
“To THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF THE
TOWN OF WreENTHAM.—Brethren and Gentlemen, as you were
pleased on the tenth of October last to unite in inviting me to
settle in the Gospel Ministry I have taken your proposals into
serious and mature consideration, and do now in the sincerity
and cheerfulness of my heart declare my acceptance of your
call. And Ido also engage without reserve in the strength of
Christ carefully and faithfully to exercise my office amongst
you for your spiritual advantage and highest interest as long as
school, Connecticut, entered Yale College, and was graduated
in 1769. He engaged in teaching Indian schools. He studied
theology with Rev. Dr. E. Wheelock, of Dartmouth College,
preached on Long Island, and in 1771 was ordained as mission-
ary to the Oneida Indians.
March 25, 1773, and dismissed April 14, 1777, to go as chaplain
inthe army. On his return he was settled at Bennington, Vt.,
May 3, 1780, and dismissed June 17, 1783, and settled at Wren-
tham May 25, 1786, and dismissed April 21,1794. He preached
afterwards to a congregation at North Wrentham, where a church
was organized in 1795, until some time in 1797, when he re-
moved to Mansfield, Conn. He engaged in missionary labor
under the direction of the Massachusetts Domestic Missionary
Society, going into New York and Maine. He afterwards, from
1798 to 1801, preached in Chaplin, Conn., having gathered a
new church and society there, called the Union Church. In
1817 he visited his daughter, Mrs. Hewett, in Shepardstown, Va.
He received a cordial and unanimous call to settle in Middle-
town, in the vicinity of Shepardstown, but was taken ill and
died there, and was buried on the week of his intended installa-
tion, the clergy of the invited council officiating as bearers.
His voice was so clear and sonorous and his articulation so dis-
tinct that it was a common saying in the army that every
soldier in a brigade could hear all that he said. When the
news of the battle of Lexington reached Gageboro’ Mr. Avery’s
parishioners assembled in arms, formed themselves into a com-
pany, elected him for their captain, and marched for Cambridge
on the 22d of April. Mr. Avery preached at Northampton the
next day from Neh. iv. 14. They arrived at Cambridge Satur-
day 29th, and were honorably received and congratulated by the
troops assembled. Mr. Avery preached on Sunday afternoon to
the troops from a temporary stage erected in the college area,
Teieity, ae fe ala " | :
from Neh. iy. 14,and on Monday he began a regular course of | combatants go to the field with as much zeal as the
morning and evening prayer with the regiment to which he
belonged. On Tuesday he commenced visiting and praying
with the sick and wounded regulars in the hospitals. May 11th,
Leaving this field he returned to |
New England and was installed at Gageboro’ (now Windsor), Vt., |
fast-day, he preached on Cambridge common; May 29th he |
volunteered with an expedition to Noddles’ Island, where there
was a brisk skirmish,standing guard two hours. July 20th,
having preached to the troops again, it being a fast-day ordered
by the Continental Congress, he on the 27th read to the troops
the declaration of war against Gen. Gage. His people (of
Gageboro’) consented that he might engage in the next cam- |
paign, the neighboring ministers agreeing to supply his pulpit
two-thirds of the time while he was absent. Mr. Avery often
acted as physician and assistant surgeon. He was at the taking
of Burgoyne, the capture of the Hessians at Trenton, and in
the battle of Princeton. When settled at Bennington, at the
request of the Governor and Council he took the field with Gen.
Allen, and was in the battle of Bennington and assisted in
dressing the wounds of the soldiers.’—Hist. Mend. Ass.
|
|
divine wisdom shall see fit to continue me with you. And may
God Almighty grant that we may be mutual comforts and bless-
ings to each other that we may rejoice together in each other at
| the appearing of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory in the churches
throughout all ages world without end. Amen.
“Davip AVERY.”
Three years afterwards his salary was increased to
one hundred and thirty pounds, so well and smoothly
had pastor and people moved together. So auspi-
cious a settlement would seem to augur well for church
and people. The vote was nearly unanimous, it
_ seemed to be hearty. Yet the dawn was soon over-
the preaching of Whitefield, fitted for college at D. Wheelock’s |
cast and a violent ministerial quarrel commenced, des-
tined to end only with the disruption of the pastoral
and ministerial relation.
In 1791 the warrant for town-meeting, among
other things, contained an article “to see if the in-
habitants . . . are satisfied with the Rev. David
Avery as a Gospel Minister,’ and “ provided the
major part of the town are satisfied with the Rev.
David Avery, to see if the town will consent that any
persons that are dissatisfied may go to any other
society to do duty and receive privilege,” and “ to see
if it be the mind of the town to recommend the Rey.
David Avery to cail a church meeting, agreeable to
the request of Deacon David Holbrook and others
presented to him Oct. 15, 1790.” Although no
action was taken at this meeting, yet the fact that
such an one was called was equivalent to a declara-
tion that war had begun. It is true that in the
scanty memorials of that controversy we find no
record of its severity or bitterness in hostile speeches
and partisan manifestoes preserved, yet tradition says
it was marked by unusual asperity, that not only the
community, but families were divided into Averians
and Anti-Averians. A few years since people were
living whose memory went back to that time, who, in
their young days, had had their ears stunned with the
din of the conflict, and whose eyes saw the veteran
Crusaders of former days went against the Infidel.
Meeting after meeting was held, council upon council
convened, war-worn veterans were appointed to guard
the door of the church to keep out the minister whom
they had so unanimously called. The division was so
wide and so deadly that reconciliation became imprac-
ticable. In the progress of the controversy Mr. Avery
and his adherents withdrew, or were forced from the
meeting-house, and the pulpit was supplied by a com-
mittee. Eventually, as a result of this unfortunate
division, the church at North Wrentham was organ-
ized, largely from those who had adhered to Mr.
Avery.
A committee, chosen by the town, to treat with
656
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Mr. Avery, to see on what conditions he will agree to
dissolve his pastoral connection with this society, re-
ported his answer as follows:
me, I do not think it consistent with my duty I owe’
to God and this people to treat with this committee
on the subject of dissolving my pastoral relation.”
It was then resolved, after long debate, that Mr.
Avery come into this meeting, and give his reasons
why be could not treat with the committee on the
subject of dissolving his pastoral relation with this |
people.
the next morning, and a committee chosen to invite
Mr. Avery to attend, and then the meeting was ad-
journed until one o'clock, at which time Mr. Avery
attended, and read before the town his reasons why
The mod-
erator then, in behalf of the town, requested the rev-
he could not treat with said committee.
erend gentleman to lay his reasons on the table, or a
copy of them; but he said he should not.
then voted by the town that he be requested to lay
said reasons on the table, that they might be consid-
ered by paragraphs, but in the interim the reverend
gentleman withdrew. It was then determined “ that
a committee of ten be chosen, five from each side of
the question, to consider the difficulties the town
labors under respecting their pastor, and that they
act discretionary and report to the town at the ad-
journment.” This committee were Elias Bacon,
Lemuel Kollock, John Hall, Abijah Fisher, David
Fisher, Thomas George, James Smith, Amos Walton,
Daniel Messinger, and Ebenezer Blake, Jr., and, after
conference, reported that they could not agree.
In the warrant for the April town-meeting was an
article ‘to see if it be the mind of the town to em-
ploy the Rev. David Avery any longer as a public
teacher of piety and religion and morality, or after
due consideration of the ill consequences which may | proper capacity as the town of Wrentham for making these pro-
be expected from our remaining in our present un-
happy situation, whether it is not best for the cause
of religion and the happiness of this society to em-
ploy a public teacher whose sentiments and perform-
ances may better correspond with the ideas of this
society in so important a station ;” also, “if circum-
stances require a separation, to determine on what
improve the meeting-house.
Upon the 4th of February, 1793, the town, upon a
vote by yeas and nays, “ resolved by seventy-four to one
not to employ Mr. Avery as a gospel minister in this
place any longer.’’ Lemuel Kollock, Esq., Oliver
Pond, Esq., and Dr. Jenks Norton were appointed a
committee to inform Mr. Avery of this vote. On the
11th of the same month it was resolved that a confer-
This meeting was adjourned to eight o’clock |
It was |
“ As things appear to |
him of these votes and request his answer.
ence be held “on the subject of our difficulties with the
Rev. Mr. Avery and his adherents, and the propriety
of his removal from the ministerial office in this place,
and that several neighboring divines be requested to
attend and assist us in said conference, and that we
request Mr. Avery and his adherents to join with us
in this conference and in the choice of divines for that
purpose; and that, after sufficient inquiry may be
made into the nature and grounds of our difficulties,
and each party have expressed their ideas upon the
subject, the divines be desired to give their opin-
ion on the case and to advise the parties to such meas-
ures as may tend to dispel the difficulties and reinstate
peace and harmony ; and if Mr. Avery don’t think fit
to join in such conference that he and his adherents
be requested to join in calling an Keclesiastical Coun-
cil to hear and judge and give their advice upon all
_ the difficulties which shall be stated to them by the
agerieved bretheren of the church and congregation
A committee
was appointed to wait upon Mr. Avery and inform
Mr.
previous to the choice of the council.”
Avery’s answer was as follows :
“ To those of the inhabitants of the town of Wrentham who
have assumed to act as a town-meeting and to pass votes rel-
ative to me, David Avery, minister of the Congregational
Church and people in said town.
‘GENTLEMEN: I[ have this day received from you two pro-
posals viz: First, that I with my adherents hold a conference
with you on the subject of your difficulties with me and the
propriety of my removal from the ministerial office in this place.
Secondly, and if I don’t think fit to join in said conference that
| T and my adherents be requested to join in calling an Keclesi-
astical Council to hear afd Judge and to give advice upon all
the difficulties which shall be stated to them by the aggrieved
bretheren of the church and congregation previous to the choice
To these proposals I beg leave to answer so far
as they respect my voice, that I see not that I can comply with
of the Council.
them as I deem your meeting illegal and you not to bein a
posals.
“DAVID AVERY.”
The above answer being read and duly considered, it
was voted that a committee of five men be chosen to
join with the aggrieved brethren of the church “to
state all the difficulties we labor under respecting the
Rev. David Avery, our pastor, and to lay it before the
conditions it shall be made, and which party shall |
| Esq., Capt. Benjamin Shepard, Nathan Blake, Oliver
council.’ This committee consisted of Lemuel Kollock,
Pond, Esq., Jeremiah Day, Dr. Jenks Norton, and
Maj. Samuel Cowell.
Previous to these votes and acts of the town the
church had been deeply stirred by the controversy.
In the year 1792 there had been a trial of the pastor
before the church upon charges of heresy and impru-
dence, of which he was acquitted by a small majority.
WRENTHAM.
657
We have now but scant means of ascertaining what church upon certain questions involving the points
were the peculiar tenets of Mr. Avery that were deemed by these members heretical. To this request
deemed so heretical.
Elisha Fisk, who succeeded him in the ministry at
Wrentham, may be received as no doubt a true and
careful one.
of my immediate predecessor and his treatment of
those who differed from him were said to be the ex-
citing cause of the difficulties which had existed.
He says, ‘‘ Some errors in the doctrines |
But the statement of the Rev. |
One of the subjects on which he strongly and fre- |
quently insisted was that the atonement consisted in
the obedience of Christ, and that his sufferings and
death made no part of it only as they were matters of
obedience.
to be the teaching of the Scriptures on a fundamental
point, to the articles of faith and to the preaching of |
the former ministry. In some other minor points
he was thought to be incorrect. Instead of being
conciliating towards those who were dissatisfied it was
said that he was overbearing, and made the impression
what he wished must bedone. For this all the church |
and people were not prepared.”
Speaking of Mr. Avery himself, Mr. Fisk says, —
‘“ He was a man of commanding personal appearance, |
of a handsome address, of a loud and well modulated
voice. Apart from his band
might have been taken for a general instead of a
chaplain in the army, as he actually had been.”
At the request of a minority of the church a meet-
ing was called in August of the same year for the
purpose of conference on present difficulties, and, if
necessary, to appoint a mutual council. A discussion
difficulties in which they found themselves, and to
ask the advice of the council thereon involving the
question of dismissing Mr. Avery. But the influ-
ence of the pastor was strong enough to restrict that
action to the precise grounds of complaint which had
been alleged in his recent trial by the church. Thus
limited, the council simply revised the doings of the
church, reversing its judgment in some particulars,
and sustaining it in others, and advised Mr. Avery
carefully to review his sentiments, and to avoid in
and black coat, he |
This was contrary to what was believed |
he replied “ that, if the whole church should request
‘him to call a church meeting, he would not do it
unless he thought it best.” In 1793, at a church
meeting, the aggrieved brethren requested Mr. Avery
and his adherents to join them in the choice of an
ecclesiastical council “who should consider all our
matters of grievance respecting Mr. Avery’s doctrine
and conduct, and the expediency of dissolving his
pastoral relation.” Whereupon Mr. Avery invited
the majority to repair to his house, and there it was
voted not to join with the minority in the choice of
an ecclesiastical council. Then a letter was addressed
to him, as follows: “Rev. Sir,—Forasmuch as di-
vision and disunion are become very prevalent in
this place by reason of your sentiments and conduct,
which we have publicly complained of and which we
apprehend have been principally condemned by the
late mutual council; and forasmuch as there appears
that there was aruling mind in the church, and that |
not the least prospect of harmony being restored to
this divided church and town without your removal,
we therefore most earnestly request you to ask a dis-
mission from your pastoral relation to us.” This
was dated Feb. 8, 1793, and was signed by twenty-
| two members of the church. The aggrieved brethren
then joined with a committee of the town in a
letter-missive to several churches, desiring them to
meet in council to consider the subject of recog-
nizing them as the First Church in Wrentham.
In accordance with this request the churches above
mentioned sent delegates to a council which convened
on the 26th day of March, 1793, and invited Mr.
arose as to what was to be submitted to the council. |
The Anti-Averians wished to lay before them all the |
Avery and his adherents to join with a view to restore
the peace and union of this town, and particularly to
consider the subject of a petition to the General Court
for an act of incorporation.
Mr. Avery refused this invitation. Then the
council determined among other things that- about
one-half of the acting male members appeared to—be
conscientiously aggrieved with the pastor’s deviation
from principles and discipline, that Mr. Avery's adher-
ents have petitioned the General Court for an act of
| incorporation ; that the step which the aggrieved breth-
his public discourses all expressions which may tend |
to destroy solemnity and excite levity, and in all his
conversation to express himself with prudence and
moderation, and the church were advised to exercise
candor and tenderness towards their pastor.
Some twelve months before this Mr. Avery had
been requested by thirteen members of the church to
ren have taken in calling a council, appears to have
been the only one left them to obtain redress; that
they have honored themselves by seeking in a patient
and persevering manner redress of their grievances
according to the usual practice of Congregational
| Churches; and after some reflections and suggestions
arising from their unhappy condition recognize them
call a meeting thereof to take the opinion of the ’
42
as the original Congregational Church in Wrentham,
together with such as should join them. Ata church
658
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
meeting May 23, 1793, the minority took into con-
sideration the result of the late council, and after
stating also the fact that Mr. Avery’s adherents had
petitioned to be incorporated as the original Congre-
gational Church in Wrentham, declare that this was
probably done by the advice of Mr. Avery, who |
thereby had left the rest of the church and the town
to take care of themselves or to worship with a min-
ister whom they had long considered a grievance ;
that they had been recognized by the council as the
original church, and finding that the petitioners have
notified the town according to the order of the court
and thereby fully manifested their intention to be a
separate society, therefore voted that the pastoral re-
lation between this church and the Rey. David Avery
is dissolved. After voting to adhere to the church
covenant of 1699, they also passed a vote to request
the town to join them in obtaining and settling a
minister. It may be remarked here, that the town
had in April, 1793, remonstrated against the incor-
poration of a new society.
In June Mr. Avery appointed a meeting of all the
members that formerly belonged to the church to meet
at the meeting-house. The recognized church met
at the house of Abijah Fisher, and chose a committee
to inform Mr. Avery “that if he or his adherents
have any business with us or any proposals to make
to us they may know where to treat with us.” The
committee reported to Mr. Avery at the meeting-
house, who said in reply to their message that he
knew but one church in this town.
On June 25, 1793, Mr. Avery had a council at his |
house, who sent a message to the recognized church
that they were ready to receive any proposals. That
body replied that their recognition shall be no obstacle
to the general peace and union of the congregation,
and upon Mr. Avery's being removed from every pre-
. tence of a pastoral relation to the church in this
town, they would joyfully consent to a firm union.
After one or two more messages all communication
ceased. In July the church voted that since the
deacons, treasurer, and anumber of the members had |
gone off with Mr. Avery having all the church lands |
and other property, that a committee be chosen to |
settle with their late treasurer, and request him to |
deliver up the property in his hands for the use of
said church, and to demand of Mr. Avery peaceable |
possession of the church lands and to forbid any per- |
| remonstrated against his using the meeting-house and
son to improve said lands and prosecute them if ne-
Deacons Thomas Man and Jacob Pond were
In
December, Mr. Avery was invited to join them
cessary.
invited to join the original recognized church.
in calling a mutual council to give their opinion and
| Church in this town.
advice upon all matters of difficulty and the propri-
ety of his dismission from his ministerial office under
Twenty-four members joined in
Mr. Avery replied that he did not
all circumstances.
this invitation.
_ know them in their assumed capacity ; that it was too
weighty a matter to act upon without the sanction of
the church, and would be incompatible with the rules
of Congregational Churches and the eighteenth chap-
ter of Matthew. He was asked to put his answer in
writing, but he refused. Some other attempts were
made but proved fruitless ; and as it was improbable that
Mr. Avery would ever consent to submit the question
to a mutual council according to their request, it was
resolved by the old church to summon a council for
that purpose. The town was notified and requested
to join, and did join.
Mr. Avery and his adherents were also notified and
requested to join. In the mean time while the above
correspondence was taking place between the members
of the recognized church and Mr. Avery, the town
was also acting on the same subject. A correspon-
dence ensued between the town and Mr. Avery by
committees, but it ended in a flat refusal of Mr. Avery
to recognize the town-meetings as legal. The town,
therefore, after exhausting all other means, requested
him to ask a dismission. This he refused, and the
town proceeded to declare his ministerial relation to
it dissolved by seventy-seven votes against twenty-
seven. This was on May 20, a.p. 1793. It was
also made a matter of complaint that Mr. Avery and
his adherents had inaugurated a movement for a new
incorporation ; and the town declared that if it took
place it would be of itself a dissolution of the rela-
tion between it and Mr. Avery, and voted in June to
hire a gospel minister to supply the pulpit here agree-
able to the request of the original Congregational
At the town-meeting in June
a letter from Mr. Avery was read, referring to the
town’s vote of dismissal and declaring it illegal, and
tendering his services to the town as its minister, re-
questing that he might not be obstructed in the free
and unembarrassed use of his office in this place. In
reply the town declare that “ the tender of his services
has but little claim to attention, but that they wish
not to disturb him in the free exercise of his minis-
trations to those who wish to improve him, provided
the town is not interrupted thereby; that the town
propose soon to have a preacher of the gospel, and
pulpit any longer as a minister, and caution him
against obstructing the town in the free and unem-
barrassed use thereof for the public worship of God
in future.’ A committee was chosen and instructed
WRENTHAM.
659
to keep the meeting-house shut on the Sabbath in
future “‘ unless the committee chosen to procure preach-
ing should desire it; provided that Mr. Avery might |
have it for his council; further, if he and his ad- |
herents will engage to let us have it in peace when
we shall want it at all other times it may be open for |
In January, 1794, the town |
voted as has been stated to join the original Congre- |
their improvement.”
gational Church in calling an ecclesiastical council.
This council assembled at the house of Col. Benja-
min Hawes on the 25th day of March, 1794, and
after a vain attempt to persuade Avery to join it, |
proceeded to the meeting-house and conducted their |
proceedings in public.
The report of the council, which was unanimous,
sustains the disaffected brethren and town except in
voting Mr. Avery’s dismission without the advice of
a council. By their advice both the recognized church
and town voted again that Mr. Avery be dismissed
from his pastoral and ministerial relations. The
brethren notified him of this vote, he in reply cen-
sured their proceedings and still claimed to be their |
In May of the same year the brethren of |
minister.
the recognized church proceeded to organize. Deacons
Man and Pond were invited to return, but as they
did not, the church made choice of deacons pro tem- |
pore. Mr. Avery’s adherents generally were also in-
vited. A committee was appointed to reckon with
Thomas Man, church treasurer, that the church might
know what was in his hands, and forbid him from
paying any of the church money to Mr. Avery; also
a committee was chosen to demand of Mr. Avery the
church records.
brethren of the recognized church to join in request-
ing Mr. Avery to join with the church in calling a
mutual council to consider, first, how the parties should
be reunited ; second, the dismission of the pastor in
his especial relation to them, the Averians; and if
this be deemed expedient that the council should pre-
whether he is or is not the minister; second, if he
be the minister, is it expedient that he should be dis-
missed from his special relation to us (the adherents),
and if expedient how it shall be effected; third,
how shall the parties be reunited ?
The brethren of the recognized church replied and
declined the proposal. This was on the 20th of Sep-
tember. On the 2d of October Mr. Avery, on be-
_ half of himself and his adherents, made a communi-
cation, stating that they should make no further pro-
posals at present.
In 1795, Deacons Man and Pond refusing to give
any account of church property in their hands, and
having attempted to seize the tankards and other
vessels made use of at communion seasons, the church
voted that unless they should appear at the next
church meeting, and give the church satisfaction,
they ought to be dismissed. John Hall, Philip Blake,
and Amos Walton were chosen deacons, and in March
Deacons Man and Pond were dismissed. The new
officers were instructed to demand the church records
of Mr. Avery, and a committee was chosen to confer
with Mr. Avery’s adherents, with a view to accom-
plish a reconciliation.
On the 20th of October a council, held at Mr.
Avery’s house, resolved that reunion was very desir-
able, and therefore advised Mr. Avery to ask a dis-
mission, and the church (that portion of it which ad-
hered to him) to grant it. This was accordingly
done in presence of the council, and communicated
to the brethren of the recognized church, who ac-
knowledge the receipt, and state that they are heartily
_ desirous of reunion as soon as a church meeting could
On the 30th day of July the Averians invited the |
be regularly appointed for that purpose; this was
signed by eight members. The council being, as
oD oD oo)
they say, discouraged by this reply, proceeded to the
business before them. After deciding various ques-
tions of church discipline, they recommended the
_adherents of Mr. Avery to serve the moderator of
scribe the way in which his dismission ought to be |
effected. To this the recognized brethren on the 11th |
day of August reply, first, that the matters embraced
in the communication are important, and that they
wish to treat them with all respect which their unhappy
situation. . . . requires; that reunion with the Ave-
rins is their earnest wish (excepting Mr. Avery him-
self). . . . that they consider Mr. Avery legally dis-
the recognized church with an attested copy of the
result of this council, and also to hold themselves, for
four weeks afterwards, in readiness to reunite with
them upon gospel principles, but if they should refuse
_a reunion, then it was the opinion of the council that
missed and therefore cannot comply with the second ©
request of his adherents. ‘This drew out an able re-
joinder from the Averians, concluding with a proposal
to join in requesting Mr. Avery to unite with the
church in calling a mutual council to consider first |
the churches ought to allow them to be a church of
Christ in regular standing, and that they, the coun-
cil, would consider them a sister church, and treat
them in all respects according to the rules of Chris-
Upon the 23d of
November the recognized church informed those who
tian fellowship and holy order.
lately adhered to Mr. Avery that they desired reunion,
and waited to hear them speak their wishes on the
subject, and in December a conference was voted.
660
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The committee of conference met, Mr. Emmons being
with them by request. The Averians presented two
papers containing proposals, The first proposed that
the recognition should be renounced and the votes
dismissing the deacons canceled.
nized church agreed to, with the amendment that
when they dismissed the deacons they thought it
justifiable, and had seen no reason to alter their opin-
ion, but for reasons mentioned would cheerfully re-
scind that vote, and do hereby rescind it. This
amendment was rejected by the Averians. The
second paper contained a renunciation on the part of
the Averians of superiority to the other brethren,
and all pretensions to separation, although they had |
heretofore claimed to be the church of Christ in
Wrentham.
oblivion.
The third paper proposed amnesty and
This the recog-
The brethren of the recognized church |
responded to these proposals after some statements, |
first, that they would overlook error of judgment,
and suppress unchristian and unfriendly reflections
upon conduct; secondly, would require the same
of the Averians; thirdly, that members of each
communion should be mutually admitted to the other ; |
fourthly, that this reciprocity should also be extended
to the deacons of either body ; fifthly, and also to the |
church records of each party, that they may be ad-
monished in time to come not to fall out by the way ;
sixthly, each party shall consider these united factions ©
as the same church as before the separation, mutually |
renouncing all claim to superiority; seventhly, this
reunion to be publicly ratified in church meeting on
some future day mutually agreed upon as a day of
humiliation, fasting, and prayer, to seek the divine
favor and direction in their choice and settlement of
a gospel minister.
day of December voted not to accept the proposals of
would be proper, but cannot accede to such as had
been offered.
The other party replies that it cannot consent to
this (7.e., to withdraw its amendments), and proposes
a committee of conference. The last communication
was as follows:
“ To the brethren of the recognized church :
“We see no advantage arising from going over the ground
again. We will wait thirty minutes longer to receive of you a
Your neglecting to com-
ply with our request in the proposals for a definitive answer we
definite answer to our last proposals.
shall consider as a rejection of said proposals.
“Dec. 9, 1795, 40 minutes after 5 in the evening.”
After this the church meeting was dissolved. On
the 14th of December Deacon Man was dismissed
Afterwards, in August,
1796, it was voted to hear and confer upon any pro-
posals that one, any, or all of the church lately ad-
from his office as treasurer.
hering to the Rev. David Avery have to make respect-
June, 1797, the dea-
cons were instructed to supply the pulpit if the town’s
ing a reunion with the church.
committee do not, and a committee was chosen to help
the deacons settle their accounts relative to lawsuits.
It appears by an account of the deacons presented to
the church in 1797 that a suit was commenced by
Thomas Man against Aaron Hawes. It was tried in
1795. “The trial took up a great deal of time.
| Mr. Avery was the mover and prosecutor in the ac-
tion which was brought to try the validity of the vote
dismissing Deacon Man, as if that was valid the vote
dissolving his pastoral relation was also valid, and the
town having concurred his salary was gone from the
So that Mr. Avery was on
The judges were of opinion that Mr. Avery’s
time of the dismission.
trial.
principles of church government were arbitrary and
| erroneous; that the vote for dissolving his pastoral
The brethren of the recognized church on the 9th |
the Averians without the amendments which they had |
appended, but if the Averians would not accept the
amendments then they were requested to consider the
proposals of the recognized brethren. On the same
day the Averians proposed reunion on the ground of
an abandonment of the recognition and a mutual re-
scission of all votes passed since (excepting only that
vote passed by the Averians themselves dismissing
Mr. Avery), and retaining the covenant and the offi-
To this the
other party say “‘ we have received a paper . .
cers of the church before the separation.
. con-
taining new proposals, to which we cannot . .
ply until you have given a definitive answer to our
last communication.”
To this the Averians reply that they are ready to
accept any amendments to their first proposition that
oben |
relation was regular and valid; that the vote of the
church given by a majority dismissing the plaintiff
from the office of deacon was regular and effectual,
and that he could not maintain the action.”
In July, 1798, the church (recognized) voted
unanimously to desire the Rev. Hlisha Fisk “ to
preach in this place longer that the time for which he
is now engaged,” and in November he received a call
to settle in the ministry at Wrentham. ‘This call was
renewed on the 6th day of March, 1799, unanimously,
and on the 25th day of April, 1799, he gave an affirm-
ative answer, as follows:
“To the Original Congregational Church of Christ in Wren-
tham:
“Having received from you brethren an invitation to take
the pastoral care and charge of you as a church and to settle
with you in the work of the gospel ministry, I do by this de-
clare my acceptance of it.
“HuisHa Fisk.”
WRENTHAM.
661
The town had, in November of the year 1798, con-
curred with the church in the settlement of Mr. Fisk,
on condition that he be supported by the Congrega-
tional society then projected. This society was in-—
ecorporated in February, 1799. A number of the in-
habitants of Wrentham petitioned the General Court
to incorporate them into a religious society by the
name of the Congregational Society in Wrentham.
They set forth that they have raised by subscription
three thousand eight hundred and sixty dollars as a
fund, the interest of which is to be appropriated to
the support of a Congregational minister, and pray to
be incorporated for the purpose of holding and man-
aging saidfund. The General Court passed an act in
response to this petition, and made the society capable
of receiving and holding grants or devises of lands or
By this act of
tenements, bequests, donations, ete.
incorporation, and the proceedings of the society under —
its provisions in connection with the church, the re- |
lations between minister and town which had so long |
chased by ladies of the town by the manufacture and
subsisted were terminated.
Mr. Fisk thus entered upon a pastorate which
At the date of his
ordination, June, 1799, the church is said to have
reached to more than fifty years.
been reduced to ten members. Such was the force
In his
semi-centennial discourse he says he was the forty-
and bitterness of the Averian controversy.
ninth candidate, only one other of the forty-nine
having received a call. He has been thus described
(it is said by Dr. R. 8S. Storrs) with reference to that
period, ‘‘ Of observing mind, careful and conciliating
in his conversation and manners, interesting and pop-
ular in his pulpit performance, he succeeded, as few
other men would, in uniting and holding together
very discordant materials, not only at the commence-
ment of his ministry but through the vicissitudes of |
more than fifty years. He gained and kept the envi-
able reputation of ‘ peace-maker.’ ”’
The foregoing account of the Averian controversy
was taken by the writer, so far as the action of the
church is concerned, from the church records more |
1“ Mr, Fisk was a descendant of William, brother of John
Fisk, minister of Chelmsford, where he died Jan. 14, 1676.
William arrived in 1687, admitted freeman in 1642, member
of the church of Salem July 2, 1641, removed to Wenham,
where he was town clerk, and representative from 1647 to 1650,
and died in 1654. His
grandson, Daniel, removed from Wenham to Upton in 1748,
and died about 1761. He had eight children,—Samuel, one of
the sons, removed to Shelburne, and was ancestor of Rev. Pliny
His widow married a Rix of Salem.
Fisk. Daniel, the oldest son, born about 1723, married Zelpah |
Tyler, and had five children. Of them, Robert, born Feb. 24,
1746, married Mary Hall, and had four children.
was Elisha Fisk.”’— Hist. Mendon Association.
The oldest |
than twenty years ago; and it has been repeated
here at length, precisely as it was on the occasion
for which it was originally prepared, because it prob-
ably exists nowhere else but in the writer’s posses-
sion, the church records having since that time been
lost.
good condition, including even one small volume in
At the time referred to these records were in
the handwriting of Rev. Samuel Man.’
The Congregational Church in Foxborough, in
Franklin (once West Wrentham), and in the north
parish of Wrentham, now Norfolk, have been formed
by those who were formerly members of the original
church here organized in 1692. Since the incorpora-
tion of the society for the support of the minister no
tax has been assessed for that purpose. At the time
of Mr. Fisk’s settlement the house of worship had
neither bell, clock, nor organ. A bell and clock,
however, were added probably some time before 1806,
as we find the parish assuming at ‘that date the ex-
pense of taking care of them. An organ was pur-
sale of straw and chip bonnets. This instrument was
formally dedicated, the Rev. Mr. Fisk preaching from
the text, “Praise him with stringed instruments.”
In his sermon Mr. Fisk defended the use of musical
instruments in public worship. That modest organ
has been succeeded by others, until, by the munifi-
cence, chiefly of one of our citizens, the fine and large
one now used was placed in its present position.
After the final settlement of the religious and so-
ciety disturbances, which were so happily extinguished
in the fortunate choice of Mr. Fisk, the people here
were peaceable and prosperous.
The population of the town was by the census of
1800 two thousand and sixty-one (2061), and was
chiefly agricultural.
But in 1812 the General Court incorporated
Nathan Comstock and others by the name of “ The
Wrentham Manufacturing Company,” for the pur-
pose of manufacturing cotton and wool at Wrentham,
in the county of Norfolk. In 1813 the Franklin
Manufacturing Company was incorporated for the
| purpose of manufacturing cotton and woolen cloth
and yarn in the town of Franklin, upon the same
stream; and in 1814 the Walomopogge Manufac-
turing Company, “for the purpose of manufacturing
cotton and woolen cloth and yarn in the town of
Wrentham.’ The former company’s mill was com-
monly called the Bush Factory, the last named the
2 There is a tradition that Mr. Man’s house was destroyed by
fire in 1699, which may account for the absence of the earliest
volume,
662
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Eagle Factory, while the lowest on the stream was
called the City Mills.
upon Mill Brook, so called, the last named near the
outlet of the Great Pond, where Crossman &
Whiting had the first corn-mill, as related in earlier
pages, and the second one on the site of Adams’
at Jack’s This southwesterly
corn-mill pasture.
These mills were all erected |
branch of Charles River afforded nearly all the water- |
After the introduc-
tion of the power-loom in the manufacture of cotton
power within our present limits.
and woolen fabrics, a rush seems to have been made
into the business of manufacturing, and a very large
number of companies were chartered in Massachusetts |
to carry on this special branch of industry. The
Stony Brook Manufacturing Company was also in-
corporated in 1814, and is to be added to the list of
our manufactories. The business which these com-
panies were organized to carry on was conducted by
various owners, agents, and lessees, and with various |
success.
facture of cloth, and the noise of the looms could be
heard proclaiming the power of the stream if not the
profit of the manufacturers.
Maj. Thomas 8. Mann are remembered as energetic
and intelligent manufacturers, who for many years
were engaged in business on this old Mill Brook. It
is apprehended that none of the numerous mill-owners
became wealthy in the prosecution of their calling.
The factory which was first built on or near the |
site of the present one in South Wrentham or Shep-
ardville, so called, is supposed to have been the first
mill in the vicinity in which water-power was applied |
to the spinning of cotton or wool.
mill is supposed to have been one of the earliest in
the country in which such application was made, it
being said to have been the third.
At first they were employed in the manu- |
And by some this |
| menced until some years afterwards; it may be that Mr.
_ bonnets came through New York from Europe.
Eli Richardson, Esq., Allen Tillinghast, Esq., and |
Manufacture of Straw Goods.—Some years ago
the late Judge Staples, of Rhode Island, read before
the Rhode Island Historical Society, in Providence, a
paper upon the rise and progress of the straw-braid
business embracing many facts. He said the straw
business began very early in Tuscany and in some of
the States of Italy. Bonnets and hats of this mate-
rial were imported ready-made into England. Sub-
sequently they were made an article of export to the
American colonies, and were kept for sale in Provi-
dence. In the latter part of the last century Mrs.
Naomi Whipple, wife of Col. John Whipple, who
kept a store at the foot of Constitution Hill, North
Main Street, was celebrated for the taste she displayed
The braiding of
straw in this country was begun in 1798 by Mrs.
Betsey Baker, daughter of Joel Metcalf, then with
Mrs. Whipple (now, at the date of the paper, of
Dedham, Mass.). From her several acquired a knowl-
edge of the process of braiding. Another account
informs us that Mrs. Whipple kept a small mil-
linery shop in her husband’s store, and that her
She
and Hannah (probably Betsey) Metcalf unbraided a
piece of the braid and thus learned how it was con-
in trimming hats and bonnets.
structed. Procuring some straw they successfully
imitated the braid, and soon after made and sent a box
In
of her own bonnets to her New York importer.
' the summer of 1799 several Providence girls came to
fo)
It seems that as |
early as 1795 Mrs. Susannah Shepard was manufac- |
turing goods at that mill. In confirmation of this
statement reference is made to an original agreement |
between herself and Stephen Olney, of Providence,
R. L., dated Nov. 13, 1795, as follows, viz. :
“ Agreed with Mrs. Susannah Shepard, of Wrentham to make
her a chaise by the first of March next for £55 she finding the |
harness, the Wheels, Leather for top and Lining—remainder to
be had in Goods at Wholesale cash price of her manufacture.
“Signed Providence Nov. 13, 1795.
“STEPHEN OLNEY.
“Recev4 of Mrs. Shepard on Account of a
chaise 54 yds thick set, (Q) <ccccccccissccceeccess 48
DRS VASi Satin DOVED 4) Occsescosenerccceeecsceecd ests > £1 48
DEOL OLV CTCL su(GQ)v-4 Oiwes oaceciceeseciveeeetiecwedeses 0118
1 yd and on Nail of Carpeting,@ 3s........... 0 3 44
TSP VAse Car PClING”.. cereiessss trelccssas cide cesicavesnce: 118 74
DENA CREE CHICESig adendsslocs con aee sernosensicnieasst ass: 0 70
£418 2
a boarding-school in Massachusetts wearing their
home-made bonnets, which created no little excitement.
One of these, Sally Richmond, came to Wrentham
Academy (if this means Day’s Academy it is a mis-
take as to time, that institution not having been com-
Williams’ academy at West Wrentham was the one
intended). She taught the ladies where she boarded.
And in this way straw-braiding was introduced into
this State through Wrentham. The first bonnets were
made of oat straw flattened, and contained from sixteen
to eighteen yards. So popular were these bonnets that
no lady was thought to be in style without one, and
the demand for them gave a vigorous impulse to the
trade, and the sale extended throughout the country.
This demand added much to the business of small
trading stores by exchange of their goods for straw-
braid.
bonnets, and this led to special manufactories of straw
The braid thus collected was converted into
goods.
Messrs. Fisher, Day & Co. entered into this busi
ness about the year 1804 and continued until 1816.
In the neighboring town of Franklin the Messrs.
Thayer carried on the business from about 1810 to
WRENTHAM.
663
1816, and subsequently Maj. Davis Thayer con-
tinued in the business many years, and it is still car-
ried on in the factory of Davis Thayer, Jr., on or
near the old site, with greatly enlarged facilities and
success. This latter account of the rise and progress
of the straw-braid industry may be found in substance
in “ Dr. Blake’s History.”
The principal manufacturer of straw-bonnets in
Wrentham was Amariah Hall,’ familiarly known as
“ Bonnet Hall.” He began business about 1802 at
the house known as the White house, that being the
name of its former occupant. This house stood on the
site now occupied by our almshouse. One room in
this house was appropriated to this purpose, so small |
was the business then. There were braiders in almost
every family. Mr. Hall continued in the business for
some years at this place.
a little later, Mr. Hall built the house now owned
by Daniel Brown and used as a boarding-house for
the employés of Messrs. Brown & Cowell. This
was built fora hotel by Mr. Hall and occupied by him
as such. An addition to the main building was used by
him for the manufacture of straw goods which he
A few years after this Mr.
Hall failed in business and returned to Raynham,
continued to carry on.
which was his native place.
this building and kept a store therein, dealing also in
straw goods. He had also, in company with Asa Day,
1The facts stated in this note are furnished by J. W. D.
Hall, of Taunton, Mass. Amariah Hall was sixth in descent
from George Hall, one of the first settlers in Taunton, Mass.
He was born in Raynham, and after giving up business in Wren-
tham returned thither. He was exceedingly fond of music, and
composed several of the old tunes which are remembered and
sung to this day. This was seventy or eighty years ago. They
are named as follows: ‘‘ Morning Glory,’ “Summer,” ‘“ Ca-
Raynham,” ‘ Restora-
tion,” “ All Saints, New,” ‘‘ Crucifixion,” “ Solitude,’ “ Con-
templation,”’
naan,” “ Falmouth,” “Massachusetts,”
“China,” “Civil Amusement,” ‘ Harmony,”
“Devotion,” ‘ Hosanna,” “ Zion,’ and others. When he vis-
ited Raynham, during his residence at Wrentham, “ the choir
would get together and sing his tunes in honor of the composer,
and old vocalists say that many of his old-fashioned tunes of
real harmony were much appreciated.”
Another composer and teacher also lived in Wrentham, Sam-
uel Billings. He resided in the house formerly occupied by
Deacon Elijah, and Deacon Smith Pond, in Pondville, where,
Afterwards, about 1812 or |
Mr. James Ware took |
as my informant, Mrs. J. M. Pond (widow of Deacon Smith), |
says “he wrote his beautiful music,” he would compose a tune,
perhaps an anthem, and perhaps finish it late at nightand then |
awaken his wife, get her to dress at midnight and sing it over
with him. He taught singing schools five evenings in a week
for three months at a time. The late Gen. Preston Pond, a well-
known teacher and singer, said he found no musie so sweet as
Billings’. His musical talents were highly appreciated, and for
a long time he was a very popular teacher. Deacon Handel
Pond, also a native of Wrentham, where he spent most of his
years, was a noted teacher and composer.
dealt in straw goods at their store, afterwards known
as the ‘“‘Green Store,” on the Norfolk and Bristol
turnpike, in Wrentham. Others engaged at later
dates in this business, notably Robert Blake, Esq.,
who acquired a handsome competency for those days
and retired. He was one of the unfortunate passen-
gers of the ill-fated steamer “ Lexington,” which was
destroyed by fire on Long Island Sound in 1840, and
was among the lost. Howard Mann, Esq., also made
straw goods in Wrentham, occupying, after his business
became large, the same buildings that Mr. Hall, his
The business done by Mr.
Mann and by the copartners, Mann, Swift & Co., was
probably larger than had been done by any one indi-
vidual or firm before in this place in the same line of
predecessor, had done.
business. It is not recollected that any of the manu-
facturers of straw goods had previously organized fac-
tories or shops with machinery used and shop-hands
regularly employed. The old custom of trading straw-
braid at the stores in exchange for goods was aban-
doned. People who worked in it in a moderate way
either sold their braid to the manufacturers or made
it up into hats or bonnets and then sold them in their
new shape.
number or value of the goods made at the time when
Fisher, Day & Co. and Amariah Hall were in the
They probably made a few thousand hats
and bonnets annually. After Mann, Swift & Co. left
the business there was a manufactory of straw goods
in the westerly part of the town, at Sheldonville, of
which Alonzo Follett was the proprietor and manager.
This was actively continued until the buildings were
destroyed by fire. Mr. B. H. Guild, also, and F. N.
Sheldon & Co. subsequently, at different times engaged
in the manufacture of straw goods at Sheldonville.
We have now no means of knowing the
business.
After a long interval the business was again revived
in the central village by Messrs. John C. and Lyman
A. George, and afterwards was carried on for some
years by William E. George, under whose energetie
administration, supplemented by the increased use-of
machinery and other facilities, a much greater amount
was done than ever before. Mr. George was suc-
ceeded by Messrs. Brown & Cowell, who began their
work in the factory buildings which had been erected
by Mr. George. They had hardly commenced when
the buildings were destroyed by fire. Mr. Brown
erected another building near the site of the former one
a few years since, and by the introduction of the sew-
ing-machine large quantities of goods are manufac-
tured by this firm in the shop which, before its use in
making this kind of goods, were made by people at
their own firesides in this town and vicinity.
It should have been stated that the Messrs. Ide
664
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
succeeded Messrs. Mann, Swift & Co., continuing | son again resumed it. But he did not occupy it long,
the business for a few years. A straw-manufactory and eventually removed to Providence, R. I. It is
_ not known that any other person engaged in the busi-
was for a short time in operation in that part of Wren-
tham which is now Norfolk, under the management
of Mr. Allen and afterwards of Mr. Perry.
The value of the goods denominated straw goods
now made (1884) in this town is estimated at $250,-
000 for the year. From the census report of 1880 we
learn that the number of establishments in the straw
business in Massachusetts was 33, having a capital
of $2,361,960. The average number of hands em-
| in 1844.
ployed was, of males above sixteen years, 2531; of |
females above fifteen years, 5185; children and youth,
93. The total amount paid in wages in the year was
$1,968,232 ; value of materials, $4,117,162;
of products, $6,898,628.
value
Jewelry.—Another industry having small begin- |
nings in this town has grown to be the controlling
business. This is the manufacture of those kinds of
goods that come under the general name of jewelry.
Beginning early in the century in the neighboring
town of Attleborough, it was certainly to be expected
I n
that part of Wrentham now known as Plainville, but
that it would spread into adjoining territory.
at the early date above mentioned called Slackville, in
honor of people named Slack who lived there, an
old stone mill is remembered which was sometimes
called Slack’s mill. It was a small mill, but to the
passer on the highway it was a conspicuous object,
because it was almost the only object, save here and
there a dwelling-house, to be seen between the wharf,
so called, in Wrentham and the old Hatch Tavern in |
Attleborough.
history, and its owners a fluctuating if not a money-
making business.
This mill, it is said, had a checkered |
|
It seems that, whatever in its ear- |
|
lier days may have been the business to which it was |
devoted, it was used for a grain-mill by the Slacks
prior to its being occupied by George W. Shepardson,
who seems to have been the first to introduce the
manufacture of jewelry into Wrentham. He was at
work there prior to the year 1843. His line of goods
was chiefly buttons for vests and pantaloons, although |
we have placed him for convenience in the list of |
jewelers. He is said to have employed some fifteen
to twenty hands, making some eight or ten thousand
dollars’ worth of goods per annum. He was there
about two years. He was succeeded by H. M. Rich-
ards, Esq., of Attleborough, in March, 1843, who
engaged in the business of making fine gilt jewelry,
amounting to about twenty thousand dollars per year,
as nearly as can now be ascertained. He employed
Mr. Richards oe-
cupied the mill for about a year, when Mr. Shepard-
from twenty-five to thirty hands.
$1,681,034; products, $4,2
ness at Plainville, either while Messrs. Shepardson
and Richards were there, or subsequently, until Jo-
seph 'T. Bacon, Esq., purchased the property and de-
molished the old mill and built the large shop now
(with important additions) occupied by Lincoln,
Bacon & Co. The firm of Bacon, Hodges & Mason
followed next after Messrs. Shepardson and Richards,
They continued together in the business
for three or four years, when Masop retired. Then
Messrs. Bacon & Hodges were the partners until
1850. At that date Mr. Hodges left, and Josiah
Draper and John Tifft united with Joseph T. Bacon
in the firm-name of Draper, Tifft & Bacon, and con-
ducted the business under this style until Mr. Tifft
died, in 1851, when another change took place, and
Frank 8S. Draper, son of Josiah, and Frank L. Tifft,
son of John, and Joseph T. Bacon and James D.
Lincoln formed a copartnership under the style of
Draper, Tifft & Co., which continued until July, 1860,
when Frank 8. Draper retired, and the firm took the
name of Lincoln, Tifft & Bacon. In 1863 or 1864
the manufacturing business at Plainville was carried
| on in the name of J. T. Bacon & Co., and the whole-
sale business in New York in the name of Lincoln,
Tifft & Co., the same gentlemen constituting both
In July, 1882, Messrs. Harland G. Bacon,
son of the senior member, and Daniel O. Schofield,
of New York City, became copartners, the style of
the firm being Lincoln, Bacon & Co., both in New
York and in Wrentham.
Another large factory building was erected some
firms.
years since by Mr. J. T. Bacon and his partners,
which is occupied by the Plainville Stock Company
and by Messrs. Wade, Davis & Co., and others. A
large number of hands are employed by the companies
engaged in the manufacture of jewelry and goods in
that line,—the ten or fifteen hands of Mr. Shepardson
in 1843 having increased to hundreds, and in place of
his eight or ten thousand dollars’ worth of goods, the
amount now manufactured in that village alone, by the
opinion of a competent judge, cannot be less than five
hundred thousand dollars’ worth annually.
In 1880 the number of establishments in Massa-
chusetts was one hundred and five; the amount of
capital, $1,936,800 ; number of males employed above
sixteen years, 2485; number of females above fifteen
years, 743; children and youth, 37; total amount
paid in wages during the year, $1,464,993 ; materials,
65,525.
Instead of a few scattering buildings that might
WRENTHAM.
665
have been seen some years ago at Plainville, there are |
now at least two hundred, some ten having been |
erected in the last year (1883).
A fine, large school-house has recently been built |
and finished, so as to serve not only for the schools in ©
that village, but with a hall convenient for public
meetings and other purposes. The Grand Army of
the Republic have also a commodious building for the
purposes of their organization.
The spacious workshops can employ five hundred |
hands. The number actually employed varies as the |
business varies, “ranging probably from three hun-
dred and seventy-five (375) in dull times to five hun-
dred when business is good.”
has been made in this village in recent years, and the
ieee ae :
Very marked progress
indications point to future prosperity.
It may be remarked here that before 1860 the
manufacture of jewelry was commenced by Messrs. J.
H. Sturdy & Co. at Sheldonville, and afterwards by
the same firm at Wrentham village, where it was con- |
tinued some few years, employing a large number of
hands and doing a large business.
Quite recently the firm of Cowell & Hall have es-
tablished the business again in this village. |
About sixty years ago Col. Rhodes Sheldon came |
from Cumberland, R. L., to the westerly part of
Wrentham and commenced the business of building |
boats and transporting them to Boston for sale. This
business he carried on for many years, and was suc- |
ceeded in it by his sons George and Orrin, the last
named of whom still carries it on at the old place. In
Col. Sheldon’s time the usual amount done may have
been about four thousand or five thousand dollars’
worth per year. In the year 1845, or about that time, |
it went up to ten thousand dollars, and last year
(1883) it was about seven thousand dollars.
dustry has been steadily continued until the present
Under the administration of the elder Sheldon
quite an impulse was given to that part of the town,
This in-
time.
manifested in an increased number of dwellings, in
the erection of one church edifice, and in various
Other parties have at different times en-
gaged to some extent in boat-building, but they have
long since abandoned it.
other ways.
The business of manufacturing boots was carried |
on here at various times, a considerable amount being
done in that line, giving employment to a good num-
ber of men. The firms of Pond, Cook & Co. and
Aldrich, Cook & Proctor were conspicuous in this
line of business. It has now ceased altogether for
some years, not being able to make headway against
the sharp competition which other towns put forth.
While the jewelry business and the straw business |
are larger than all others here, yet we must not for-
get the manufacturers of fine wool shoddies, extracts,
_and yarns, and other manufacturers who are doing
something each in his own line to employ himself and
give employment to others. In the first-named busi-
ness, it being estimated by one conversant with the
subject that the amount of its annual products is
about sixty thousand dollars, it would not be, perhaps,
unsafe to say that the others make the amount up to
one hundred thousand dollars.
The manufacture of cotton and woolen fabrics, of
straw goods, of jewelry, and of other things by water-
power or by steam-power began long after the occur-
rence of the facts narrated in the early portion of this
history.
been prosecuted always, and in former days a con-
The usual mechanical arts have, of course,
siderable amount of business was done in the line of
carriage building.
In an old house not now inhabited, but yet stand-
ing near the station of the New York and New Eng-
land Railroad Company at West Wrentham, known
formerly as the Heaton place, Nathaniel Heaton
Occasionally
an old book has been seen purporting to have been
printed there by him. His brother Benjamin, who
graduated at Brown University in 1790, published a
spelling-book and a preceptor which are supposed to
have been printed by Nathaniel. Silas Metcalf,
Hsq., one of our oldest citizens, who has always
lived in the westerly part of the town, well remem-
bers the fact that printing was done in the Heaton
many years ago set up a printing-press.
house, and that he used to go there when a boy for
books. Nathaniel removed (at what date is not now
known) to Smithfield, R. J., and thus terminated the
printing business in Wrentham.
Prior to 1815 all mail-matter for Wrentham Centre
and also for Franklin was brought from the Druce
tavern, so called, upon the turnpike,—Norfolk and
Bristol. About that year a post-office was estab-
lished in the village of Wrentham, and David Fisher,
Esq., the landlord of the ‘ Roebuck” tavern, was ap-
pointed postmaster.
It has not been ascertained that there was any
mail-carrier employed by the government to supply
Wrentham and Franklin from this solitary post-office
People went to that distant tavern
for their mail-matter. Capt. Charles W. Farring-
ton, now one of our oldest citizens, was often sent
there when a boy for letters and newspapers, as he
informed the writer. And he further says that the
good people who came this way from the neighbor-
hood of the office would bring along such letters and
newspapers as belonged here, and on Sundays Maj.
on the turnpike.
666
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY,
MASSACHUSETTS.
Druce, the postmaster, would do likewise when he
came over to attend meeting.
War of 1812.—The part which Wrentham took |
in the so-ealled French and Indian war has been | companies in which our townsmen served;
p)
related, and also more at length the patriotism the |
people displayed and the hardships they bore during
the long conflict of the colonies with the mother-
country.
that many of the inhabitants engaged. It is known
that some went to the forts in the harbor and to
other places perhaps considered most exposed. These
were probably drafted or ordered out for short terms
of service. As all the muster-rolls of the officers and
men who served in the second war with Great Britain
are at Washington, it cannot be shown what service
was performed unless with great labor and expense.
But one eminent man we know went from this
town as a surgeon and served throughout the war as
such,—Dr. James Mann.'! He was born in Wren-
tham, and was the son of David Mann, who was a son
of Pelatiah, who was a son of the Rev. Samuel Mann.
He was born in 1758, graduated at Harvard Uni-
versity in 1776, and received the degree of M.D. at
his A/ma Mater, and also at Brown University and
at Yale College. He was a practicing physician in
his native town at the breaking out of the war. He
enlisted as a surgeon in the army of the United
States, and, it is understood, was on the Niagara
frontier in 1814, and in the performance of his duty
as a surgeon at the battles of Chippewa and Lundy’s
Lane, and continued in the service for many years
after the end of the war. He died in 1832
The Civil War.—In regard to this conflict we are
not left so much in the dark.
existed and traces of its effects encounter us on every
side. no contest on this side of the At-
lantic ever was honored with so many histories, or
ever had such full and careful records. Indeed, it is
a matter of some difficulty to know what to select out
of the great mass for a history like this. It would
be impossible for the writer to describe the spirit
Moreover,
which was aroused by the first attack of the seceders |
upon a national fort. The story has often been told.
1In Drake’s it is
stated that Dr. Mann was three years a surgeon in the Revo-
lutionary army, and in 1812 was hospital surgeon of the United
staff
“Dictionary of American Biography”’
States army and head of the medical on the Northern
In the later war of 1812 we fail to find |
Evidence of its having |
What was true of other towns in Massachusetts was
_ undoubtedly true of Wrentham. It is not the place
here to give a history of the several regiments and
that has
But it falls within the plan of
this sketch to relate the action of the town regarding
the war of 1861. Sumter was fired upon on the
15th of April, 1861. Soon afterwards, viz., on
May 6, 1861, a town-meeting was held at the old
vestry of the centre meeting-house (so called), which
was very fully attended. At this meeting, after warm
and patriotic utterances, a preamble and resolutions
were passed. ‘The first resolution was as follows, viz. :
been done elsewhere.
“ Resolved, By the legal voters of the town of Wrentham, in
town-meeting assembled, that the sum of ten thousand dollars
be and the same hereby is granted for the support, encourage-
ment, and relief of those of our fellow-townsmen who have gone
and of those who may hereafter go into the service of the
United States as soldiers, and of their families.
“Second. That the money thus appropriated be expended by
the selectmen, to be assisted by a committee of three, if neces-
sary, of whom the treasurer shall be one.
“Third. That each volunteer shall receive from the town
while in active service an amount sufficient, with the govern-
ment pay, to make his monthly pay twenty-five dollars; and
the further sum of one dollar a week be paid to the wife and for
each child under fifteen years of age, and one dollar a day for
each day spent in drilling previous to being mustered into the
| United States service.
“Fourth. To provide suitable uniforms, and all necessary
equipments and clothing not provided by the government, to
each citizen of Wrentham who shall enlist in the military
service.
“TWifth. That the treasurer be authorized to borrow on the
credit of the town such sums of money as shall be ordered by
the selectmen, not exceeding ten thousand dollars.”
After this meeting the citizens held a number of
impromptu meetings in different parts of the town,
which were enlivened by music and patriotic songs,
and by occasional speeches. Volunteers began to
come forward, and soon a company was under drill
upon the common. This company was joined with
others, and organized as the Kighteenth Massachu-
setts Regiment of Volunteers, and soon were away in
the vicinity of Washington. Some Wrentham men
_ had previously enlisted in the three months’ regiments.
frontier. In 1818 he was post surgeon; in 1821, assistant sur- |
geon. He obtained the Boylston prize medal for the year
1806 for a dissertation on dysentery, and subsequently received
another prize fora medical dissertation. He also, in 1816, pub-
lished “ Medical Sketches of the Campaigns of 1812, 1813, and
1814, with Observations on Military Hospitals and Flying Hos-
pitals Attached to a Moving Army.”
In March, 1862, the agen committee made a re-
And in July, 1862, the town voted that the
selectmen be authorized to pay a bounty of one hun-
port.
dred dollars to each volunteer who should enlist for
three years, and be credited to the quota of the town ;
also that the treasurer be authorized to borrow money
to pay said bounties; and the clergymen, selectmen,
and
age
z
all good citizens are earnestly solicited to encour-
and stimulate, by public meetings and otherwise,
the prompt enlistment of the requisite number of
WRENTHAM.
667
volunteers from the town, that our fellow-citizens |
already in the service may be cheered and sustained
by accession of numbers and strength, the Rebellion |
crushed, and peace and prosperity soon smile upon
our common country. Aug. 28, 1862, the selectmen
having paid the sum of one hundred dollars to each
volunteer in addition to the bounty voted by the town
in July, the town at this meeting ratified that pro-
ceeding, and voted to pay a bounty of two hundred
dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for nine
months, and be credited to the quota of the town on
or before the second day of September next. The
treasurer was authorized to borrow money. On De-
cember 8th the vote restricting the time for enlist-
ment was reconsidered, and the doings of the selectmen
and treasurer were approved.
In 1863 there were no votes passed by the people
in town-meeting in relation to the war.
At the March meeting in 1864 the town voted
that payment of State aid should be continued. In
April it was voted to raise by direct taxation eight
thousand dollars for recruiting purposes, and to refund
to citizens money which they had contributed for the
encouragement of recruiting.
In August the bounty to each voluuteer for three
years’ service who should thereafter enlist and be
credited to the quota of the town was one hundred
and twenty-five dollars.
to borrow money to pay the same.
In January, 1865, the same bounty was voted, and
it was also voted to pay the recruiting officers of the
town two dollars a day and ten cents a mile for travel
while they have been, or shall be, engaged in pro-
curing volunteers for the town.
August 14th the town voted to reimburse to. the
citizens ‘“‘ such sums as they have paid for the purpose
of filling the quotas of the town during the past |
year.”
Wrentham furnished three hundred and thirty-six"
men for this war, which “ was a surplus,” as appears |
| services was built by the Universalist society upon
by a report of the adjutant-general, “of seventeen
over and above all demands.” ‘Ten were commis-
sioned officers. The whole amount of money, exclu-
sive of State aid, expended by the town on account
of the war was $31,531.23.
In 1870 Wrentham again lost a part of its territory
A new town
was incorporated by the name of Norfolk, taking from
Wrentham seven thousand one hundred acres, eight
hundred and fifty people, and one hundred and forty
and a large number of its inhabitants.
1 This appears to be erroneous. The list of names appended
foots up two hundred and thirty-six that were in Massachusetts
regiments.
The treasurer was authorized |
|
voters, and property valued at three hundred and fifty-
seven thousand four hundred and seventy-five dollars.
This was done with the assent of the old town.
By a colonial census made in 1776 the population
of Wrentham was 2879. In 1790, after the setting
off of Franklin and also of a part of the town of
Foxborough, the population was 1767.
By the census of 1800 it was................ 2061
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In 1790 the number of houses was two hundred
and forty-three ; the number of families was two hun-
dred and seventy-eight ; the number of free white
males sixteen years of age and upwards was four hun-
dred and seventy-one; the number of free white
females, nine hundred and seven ; number of free white
males under sixteen years, three hundred and eighty-
seven; the number of all other persons was two.
In 1800 Wrentham was the third town in the
county in population, being exceeded by Roxbury and
Dorchester only ; and in 1810 and in 1820 it held
the same relative rank.
In 1832 a bank was incorporated with a capital of
one hundred thousand dollars, andin 1836 this was
| increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Philo Sanford, Robert Blake, John Tifft, Calvin
| Fisher, Jr., Daniel A. Cook, and Otis Cary have been
Calvin Fisher, Jr., and Francis N.
Plimpton have been its only cashiers.
its presidents.
The fourth meeting-house erected near the spot
occupied by its predecessors was dedicated in Septem-
ber, 1834. The old church building at West Wren-
tham gave way some time afterwards to a convenient
house for religious purposes erected by the Baptist
denomination at Sheldonville. A house for religious
the site of the old Baptist meeting-house at West
Wrentham.
Congregational society connected with the main
building.
the gift of Braman Hawes, Hsq., a native of Wren-
There isa chapel for the use of the
This commodious and useful building was
tham, and is denominated “ The Hawes Chapel.” The
Roman Catholics have also a chapel for their religious
uses, and there is also a chapel at Plainville under the
The Epis-
copalians a few years since established a church and
charge, it is understood, of Independents.
erected a fine church building here.
Some years since the town erected a large and con-
668
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
venient building in Wrentham Village, for the accom-
modation of the high school and a grammar and a
primary school. It was also provided with a spacious
and convenient hall for the transaction of its public
business; and the town bade adieu to the vestry of |
the meeting-house in which, and in its predecessors, it
had held its town-meetings for more than one hun-
dred and fifty years. School-houses have also been
built at Sheldonville, Plainville, and at West Wren-
tham within recent periods, and the accommodations
are ample thoughout the town for the children and |
The first
school-house of the fathers, which was to be “ sixteen
youth who go to them for instruction.
foot,” with allowance for a chimney, and was also to |
be for a “ watch house,”” would be regarded as a myth
did not the sober record fully attest it.
‘Twice since the incorporation of the town the events
above related have been commemorated,—once in
1773 by the century sermon, so called, of the Rev.
Mr. Bean, and again in 1873 by the historical ad- |
dress of the late Judge Wilkinson. The sermon was
delivered Oct. 26, 1773, and “ printed at the earnest
request of the hearers for the preservation of ancient
things to future posterity.”
This was not on the Sabbath day, and, it may be
presumed, was honored by a large attendance.
In the second case, notwithstanding the day was
very stormy, a large audience gathered in the meet-
ing-house which succeeded that one in which Mr.
Bean preached his commemorative discourse one hun- |
dred years before. The interesting event had in-
duced a good number of people from other towns and
places to brave the violence of the storm. One of
these, Professor George P. Fisher, of Yale College,
a native of Wrentham, participated in the exercises.
The address was delivered from short notes and was
not published.
The fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of the
Rev. Elisha Fisk was celebrated on the 12th day of |
June, 1849.
on that occasion he reviewed the events of his minis-
try of fifty years, incidentally speaking of events in
the history of the town.
together with an appendix prepared by Mr. Fisk’s
colleague, the Rev. Horace James, giving an account
of the celebration. One passage is quoted : “ The day
of jubilee arrived. The weather was delightful. The
church was filled to its utmost capacity. A multitude
of the sons of Wrentham, and many connected with
them by marriage or other agreeable associations, were
gathered in their childhood’s home to do honor to him
In the sermon preached by Mr. Fisk |
The sermon was published, |
Conclusion.—In concluding the “ Annals of Wren-
tham,” the writer would say he has followed the course
adopted by him in the preparation of some historical
sketches, published in a newspaper in 1873, namely,
he has let the records, from which the early history
is mainly derived, tell their own story, with only such
change of form as to make them narrative, and such
comments as seemed needed for explanation. Judge
Wilkinson, in his address, pursued a similar course,
taking his facts chiefly from the same sources, so far
as he proceeded, but covering much less ground than
the present narrative embraces. His manuscript
(which I have kindly been permitted to inspect) is
unfinished, consisting of notes and memoranda which
_ he probably intended at some time to put into form.
who from their earliest recollection had ministered at |
the altar of God.”
The Rev. Dr. Blake, in his historical address at
Franklin, June 12, 1878, also has given from the
same sources so much of the ancient history of
Wrentham as was needed to introduce the history
of Franklin, whose centennial was celebrated on that
day.
Let it be hoped that this attempt “to preserve (in
the language of Mr. Bean) these ancient things’ may
not be altogether unsuccessful.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. JOSIAH JONES FISKE.
Josiah J. Fiske was born in Sturbridge, Mass.,
Nov. 28, 1785. His ancestors were among the ear-
liest settlers of Watertown, and came from Weybread,
County of Suffolk, England, in 1642. As early as
the eighth year of the reign of King John (A.D.
1208) we find the name of Daniel Fisc, of Laxfield,
appended to a royal grant which confirmed a deed of
land in Digniveton Park, made to the men of Laxfield
by the Duke of Lorraine. This grant is in the public
Simon Fiske held land in
Laxfield early in the fifteenth century, and was
lord of the manor of Stodhaugh.
record office in London.
There are in sev-
eral churches monumental tablets and brasses bear-
ing the arms of the family, which seems to have been
prominent in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk.
Col. F. S. Fiske, of Boston, has in his possession
an interesting copy of the ‘“ Confirmation of Arms
and Grant of Crest from College of Arms, London,”
issued to the Fiske family in 1635. Nathan Fiske
was the first American ancestor, and from him the
line of descent to the subject of our sketch is as fol-
lows: Nathan’ (born Jan. 23, 1671), Henry’ (born
York. After leaving college, in 1808, he was for a |
WRENTHAM.
669
Jan. 24, 1707), David‘ (born Dec. 17, 1759), Josiah
J.,5 the son of David and Eleanor (Jones) Fiske.
Hon. Josiah J. Fiske was graduated at Brown
University, where he was a classmate and friend |
of William L. Marcy, sometime Governor of New |
short time preceptor of an academy in Maine; but
he soon determined upon the law as a profession, and
studied first in the office of the late Nathaniel Searle,
LL.D., of Providence, and afterwards with Timothy
Bigelow, Esq., of Boston.
Mr. Fiske developed marked ability as a lawyer,
and soon found himself in the enjoyment of an ex-
tensive practice. His office at Wrentham became a
favorite resort for students ; perhaps few lawyers, un-
connected with the law schools, have superintended
the legal instruction of a greater number of young |
men. ‘To strong powers of logic and analysis, Mr.
Fiske added both quickness of perception and readi-
ness in expression; he had an energy of character, a
perseverance in carrying out his plans, which no ob-
stacles could discourage ; and if he had continued to
devote himself exclusively to the law, there can be little -
doubt that he would have ranked among the most
eminent in that profession. But he lived in the time
when the great manufacturing interests of New Eng-
land were just being founded. larly foreseeing their
importance, he was tempted to devote to them much
of his own energy, and during the latter years of his
life his attention was given to manufactures almost
exclusively. His own enterprises were located in his
native town, Sturbridge, and the now flourishing vil- |
lage of Fiskdale commemorates hisname. He laid the
foundation of the Sturbridge cotton manufactures ; his
first mill was built in that town as early as 1827, and
in 1834 he built another larger mill, containing ten
thousand spindles and two hundred looms.
Mr. Fiske was of the stamp of man that leaves its
impress on the day and generation.
intelligent, strong ;
He was active,
strong in character and influence, ©
strong in mind and judgment, with that enterprise |
and public spirit which seeks not selfish ends alone,
but labors for the good of all. He found his work to |
do in the world, and, doing it well, found also work
for others. In public affairs he was prominent; pos-—
sessing the well-won confidence of his fellow-towns-
men, he was often chosen to positions of honor and
trust. State senator from 1823 to 1826, inclusive,
he was in 1831 a member of the Governor’s Council.
He was appointed upon the first Board of Railroad —
Commissioners created by the State, and, of many >
minor positions, was aide-de-camp to Maj.-Gen. Crane |
from 1823 to 1827, a member of the Grand Lodge |
_F. A. M., of Massachusetts, and for several years
District Deputy Grand Master.
Like most active men, Mr. Fiske was in advance
of the general thought and sentiment of his time.
Subsequent developments have proved the wisdom of
many of his views for the improvement of the towns
of Wrentham and Sturbridge which may then have
been deemed unwise or impracticable. In his manners
he was always kindly and genial, and this virtue was
above all conspicuous in his home life. His wife,
| Jerusha, was the daughter of Dr. Jenckes Norton, of
Wrentham, and Jerusha Ware. He died Aug. 15,
1838, at Sturbridge, the place of his birth.
Two of Mr. Fiske’s brothers were also graduates of
| Brown: David Woodward, who practiced law in
Wrentham several years, but finally settled in Detroit,
where he died in 1871, and Calvin Park, a physician,
who spent nearly all his life in Sturbridge, and died
in Chicago in 1874. Of the ten children of Mr.
Fiske, Josiah J. and George Jenckes were well known
as members of the Boston firm of James M. Beebe &
Co., contributing largely, by their skill and energy in
the management of the business, to the great success
of that firm. Josiah died unmarried in 1850. George
died at Nice, in France, in 1868, leaving a widow,
Frances Lathrop, the daughter of James M. Beebe, a
son, George Stanley, born in Paris in 1867, and a
daughter, Esther Lathrop, born at Nice in 1868.
JosEpH Norton, the eldest son, and Elizabeth
Stanley are the only surviving children of Josiah J.
Fiske. Joseph Norton Fiske was born in Wrentham,
March 4, 1814, and received his early education at
Day’s Academy. He had at first intended to take a
collegiate course, but developed a strong inclination
for mercantile pursuits, and in 1833 entered the count-
_ing-room of Shaw, Patterson & Co. as clerk, where
he remained five years, and then became the confi-
dential clerk of George B. Blake & Co. In 1841 he
engaged in business for himself, but from 1844 to
1846 was obliged by ill health to remain inactive.—
Mr. Fiske then became a member of the Boston
Brokers’ Board, and opened a banking-house on State
Street. Though he began with a small capital, his
_ business rapidly increased and became very lucrative.
Continuing in it for twenty-four years without inter-
mission, Mr. Fiske retired in 1870, and passed three
years traveling in Europe with his wife. Since then
his time has been gccupied in the care of his own es-
tate and various trusts. He married, in 1849, Char-
lotte Matilda Morse, daughter of Dr. Elijah Morse,
of Mount Vernon, Me., and grand-daughter of Dr.
Jacob Corey, of Sturbridge.
670
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
J. T. BACON.
Joseph T. Bacon was born May 21,1818. He is
the son of George and Avis B. (Fales) Bacon, and
grandson of Kbenezer Bacon, one of the prominent
He
served as senator from his district, and being public-
men of his day in the town of Attleborough.
spirited and possessed of sterling qualities, was looked
upon as a leader in opinion and enterprise by his
fellow-townsmen.
Ebenezer, was one of the early settlers of Attle-
borough.
Joseph T. Bacon, being the son of a farmer in
moderate circumstances, had no special advantages
afforded him for obtaining an education further than
the public schools of his town offered.
At thirteen years of age he was placed to learn a
trade with Robinson & Co., button manufacturers, and
remained with this firm until he was eighteen, when,
in copartuership with his brother Ebenezer, he en-
gaged in the manufacture of jewelry at Robinson- |
ville, making a specialty of rings. Some two or
three years later Edward Richards was associated
In 1838 or 1839, Mr. J. T. Bacon
with the firm.
withdrew from the firm of Richards & Bacon, and |
moved to West Attleborough, where he formed a co-
partnership with Lewis Holmes for the manfacture of
jewelry, and the firm continued, under the firm-name
of Bacon & Holmes, until about 1841, when Mr. |
Holmes withdrew, and Messrs. Hodges and Mason
associated themselves with Mr. Bacon, and continued
to do business at West Attleborough until 1844, when |
the firm moved to Plainville. Their first factory at
Plainville was a small affair, truly, compared with
their present large establishment, but they were suc-
cessful, and gradually, but surely, built up a trade
About 1847, Mr. Mason withdrew,
In 1850, Mr. Bacon
met with serious loss by fire; his factory was burned,
About 1850, Mr. Bacon
formed a copartnership with Messrs. Draper and Tifft.
and retained it.
and later on Mr. Hodges also.
and he had no insurance.
The factory was rebuilt and the business resumed
under the firm-name of Draper, Tifft & Bacon. John
Tifft died in 1851, and Francis L. Tifft, his son, took
his place as soon as he became of age. Josiah Draper
retired, and his interest was continued by his son,
Frank 8. Draper. Mr. J. D. Lincoln was also ad-
Edward Bacon, the father of
the prosecution of the business chiefly in the hands
of the younger partners. They now do a business of
about two hundred thousand dollars per annum, em-
ploying about one hundred and twenty-five hands.
They make stock plate goods, chiefly ladies’ ware.
Mr. Bacon is a liberal Republican in politics, but
will not accept office of any kind. He shrinks in-
stinctively from everything savoring of notoriety.
He married Emeline M., daughter of Harland Hodges,
of Maine. ‘To them were born three children,—
Harland G. (who is in business with his father),
Charles B. (who was a brilliant, promising young
man, but died in his seventeenth year), and a daugh-
ter, Maria (who died at the age of five years).
JAMES DANIELSON LINCOLN.
James Danielson Lincoln was born in Brimfield,
Hamden Co., Mass., March 30, 1823. His father,
Dr. Asa Lincoln, was a native of Taunton, and his
mother, Sarah (Danielson) Lincoln, was a native of
Brimfield.
his mother died, leaving a family of ten children.
After her death he went to live with Fisher Thayer,
an uncle by marriage, residing at what was then
called “ River End,” in the eastern part of Franklin.
Here his boyhood was spent, doing chores about the
house and attending school from twelve to fourteen
weeks each year. When he was seventeen years of
age the family removed to Wrentham. His uncle was
a manufacturer of thread, and young Lincoln had
He attended
Day’s Academy two terms, not neglecting, however,
his duties.in the shop. In 1850 he left Wrentham
and obtained a position in New York, in the boot- and
shoe-store of Howard Mann, where he remained
When James D. was seven years of age
charge of preparing it for market.
about a year. Upon leaving Mr. Mann he was urged
_ by Mr. John Tifft, of Draper, Tifft & Bacon, to con-
nect himself with that firm as salesman, offering him
either a small salary or one-quarter interest in the
business.
Not wishing to connect himself with the proprie-
torship of a business of which he knew nothing, he
chose the salary, with the stipulation that he should
_ have an interest in the business at any time he might
mitted as a partner, and business was conducted
under the firm-name of Draper, Tifft & Co. Later
on Mr. Draper retired, and the firm became Lincoln, |
The business is conducted under
Tifft & Bacon.
the firm-name of Lincoln, Bacon & Co. Messrs.
Bacon and Lincoln have in a measure withdrawn from
the active superintendence of the business, leaving
desire. He went with this firm in March, 1851, and
the following June Mr. Tifft, who had charge of the
business in New York, died, leaving the entire busi-
ness of selling the goods to Lincoln. When Francis
L., son of John Tifft, became of age, a change took
place in the firm. He and Frank 8. Draper, son of
Josiah Draper, took their fathers’ interest in the busi-
?
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WRENTHAM.
671
ness, Mr. Lincoln was admitted as a partner, and the |
firm took its old name of Draper, Tifft & Co., Mr. J. |
T. Bacon and Mr. J. D. Lincoln being the “ Co.”
From that time to the present, through the various |
changes of the firm,—Lincoln, Tifft & Bacon, Lincoln, |
Tift & Co., and nowas Lincoln, Bacon & Co.,—he has
continued to be a partner.
Messrs. Lincoln and Bacon now leave most of the |
active business to the younger members of the firm.
In 1880 he married Eliza Taylor Melcher, of La- |
conia, N. H. He has a pleasant home in Plainville,
where they now reside.
Mr. Lincoln, as a business
man, has been successful and honorable, and in his
intercourse is affable, courteous, and gentlemanly, im- |
pressing all with whom he comes in contact with the
kindliness of his nature and the honesty of his motives.
WILLIAM SHERBURNE.
William Sherburne was born March 30, 1802, in |
Cumberland, R. I. He is the son of William and |
Sarah (Lovett) Sherburne, and grandson of Benja-
min Sherburne. This Benjamin had a large family |
of children. William, his son, was born Dec. 25,
1760, and died Sept. 15, 1846, in his eighty-sixth
year. His wife (Sarah Lovett) lived to be aged
ninety-one years. Their children were Lucy, de-
ceased (Mrs. Darius Cook); Amey, deceased (died
unmarried) ; Henry, deceased ; Nancy, deceased (Mrs. |
Silas Metcalf); Sally, deceased (Mrs. George Gil-
mon); Eleanor, deceased; William; George, de-
ceased ; Eliza, deceased (Mrs. Bradbury C. Hill);
Cornelia, deceased (Mrs. L. Tourtellott) ; and James.
William Sherburne had but limited advantages
in his youth.
His father was a blacksmith, and |
young Sherburne had to work in shop and on
farm at the age when he should have been at
school. He, however, laid the foundation for a_
strong and healthy physique. At twenty-two years
of age he hired out at two shillings per day to work
on the farm which he now owns, and where was born
the woman who afterwards became his wife. This
was Lydia Jenks, daughter of Luke and Roby (Ar-
nold) Jenks. They were married April 16, 1828.
Their children were Roby M., Eliza E., Alice J.
(deceased), William J. (deceased), Alice A. (de-
ceased), Marion L. Immediately upon his marriage
Mr. Sherburne hired a farm and began farming for
himself. Through persevering industry and prudent |
management he prospered, and about 1860 he pur-
chased the farm on which he now resides. He has |
been a resident of Wrentham nearly eighty years, | I.
his father having removed here when William was a
mere lad. In his younger days he did military duty
nine years as a member of the Franklin Artillery
Company. Mrs. Sherburne died July 16, 1876.
| Mr. Sherburne is a Republican in politics, and a
highly esteemed citizen.
RHODES SHELDON.
Rhodes Sheldon, the son of Roger and Huldah
(Streeter) Sheldon, was born in Cumberland, R. L.,
July 21, 1786.
His ancestors came originally from England, where
the family is an ancient and honorable one, and were
among the early settlers of Rhode Island. Roger
_ was by occupation a farmer and shoemaker ; during
the war of the Revolution he made shoes for the
colonial soldiers. He wasa strong advocate of liberty,
and from the signing of the Declaration of Independ-
ence to the day of his death he advocated the aboli-
tion of slavery.
He had quite a large family of children, and of
course could give them only the ordinary common
school advantages. Rhodes was brought up on the
farm, but upon arriving at manhood he began boat-
building,—small craft, such as ships, boats, ete. About
1823 he moved to West Wrentham, and established
| himself in this business, which he continued to the
time of his death. He was very successful, and be-
came quite a large land-owner. He was the leading
spirit of his section, was public-spirited and benevo-
lent, and it was almost entirely through his aid and
instrumentality that the beautiful and thriving little
_ village which now bears his name was built up.
He
always took great pleasure in assisting any worthy and
industrious man in getting a home of his own, and he
would build and furnish houses for his workmen and
give them time to pay for the same by their labor.
Mr. Sheldon was a man of robust and vigorous
physique, peaceable and kindly disposed, and by his
benevolence and friendly spirit endeared himself to
all who knew him. He was not only a successful man,
but an eminently useful man to the community in
which he lived. In politics he was a Whig and Re-
publican, and a Baptist in religious belief. He was
twice married. His first wife was Prusha, daughter of
| Stephen and Huldah Inman, of Cumberland, R. I.
Their children were Stephen, deceased ; Huldah, de-
ceased; Mariette; Nathaniel; George; Orin; William,
deceased; and Willard, deceased; the two latter
twins. All of whom were born in Cumberland, R.
Mrs. Sheldon died Jan. 3, 1850. Mr. Sheldon
672
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
married, as his second wife, Mrs. Catharine Tilton; by |
this latter marriage there was no issue. He died Dee. |
15, 1866.
Of the children, Stephen died in his nineteenth —
Huldah married Milton Grant and died, leav-
Mariette married George Wellman,
year.
ing two children.
of Sheldonville, and is still living.
George, who pays this tribute to his father’s mem-
ory, married Amy A. Aldrich, by whom he had one |
child, which died in infancy.
his first wife he married Mrs. Mary J. Thayer ;
Upon the decease of |
|
they have four children.
All of the sons of Rhodes Sheldon have been en- |
gaged more or less in boat-building, Nathaniel gave |
George re- |
Orin still |
continues the business in connection with William
Sheldon, George’s son. They have the original shop
in Wrentham where Rhodes Sheldon successfully
prosecuted the business for so many years, and also a |
it up and is now engaged in butchering.
tired some years ago from active business.
boat store in Boston for the disposal of their goods.
HORACE L.
The first of this branch of the Cook family of whom |
we have authentic record was Elder Josiah Cook, |
COOK, |
its early settlement. He was a man of stern moral-
|
who preached in Cumberland, R. I., in the days of
ity and rigid uprightness of character. His wife was
Mary Staples. Their son, Abner Cook, was a farmer,
and married Rhoda Thompson, by whom he had chil- |
dren, one of whom was named Horace, who was also
a farmer, and married Lucretia Bates, by whom he
had Amory B., Deiilah O., Ely E. (deceased), Senah |
A. (deceased), Lucretia (deceased), Senah A. (2d,
deceased), Martha A., Horace L., Rhoda T. (de-
ceased), Mortimer C., Massena A., Warren F., and
Alonzo. Horace L. was born Aug. 26, 1816, was
brought up a farmer’s son, and had the advantages |
only of the common schools of his town. He mar-
ried, Jan. 23, 1845, Lucy A. E. Hawkins, daughter |
of Rufus and Anna (Ballou) Hawkins. She was |
born in Cumberland, R. I., Sept. 8, 1826. Their |
children are Eldora L., born Dec. 7, 1845; died Aug.
1, 1847. Frederick H., born Dee. 15, 1848; died |
Jan. 23, 1869. Everard R., born March 6, 1854,
and now resides with his parents. Mrs. Cook is de--
scended from Andrew and Rebecca (Robinson) Haw-
kins, of Smithfield, R. I. Their son, Darius, was
born in that town, and was a farmer by occupation. |
He married Esther Haskall, and had four children,—
Rufus, Sally, Amos, and Polly. Rufus was a car-
penter by trade, married Anna Ballou, and had chil- |
| Cook).
of sessions in the Provincial Assembly.
| government.
| judgment was more highly estimated.
dren,—Charles (deceased), Martin (now residing in
Madison County, Ohio), and Lucy A. E. (now Mrs.
Horace L. Cook is a Republican in polities,
is a prosperous farmer, resides on the old homestead
in West Wrentham first settled by his grandfather,
and has a beautiful home, the result of his industry
_and prudent economy.
JABEZ FISHER.
Hon. Jabez Fisher was born in Wrentham, Noy. 19,
ay Gr
but was distinguished for ready and strong common
sense, and for intuitive perceptions of the proper
adaptation of means to the ends proposed. He was
sound and practical, at the same time able to detect
sophistry and baffle cunning. He was remarkable for
an inflexible adherence to principle.
He received only a common-school education,
He was cour-
teous in manners and strongly desirous of being useful.
He represented the town of Wrentham for a number
In 1774,
in October, he was a member of the House of Dele-
gates, which met at Salem and formed themselves
into a Provincial Congress, also of the Second Con-
gress, which met at Cambridge, and also of the Third,
of which Dr. Warren was president. This last Con-
eress remained in session until July 19, 1775, when
the representatives who had been elected under the
Mr.
Fisher was also a member of this body, and was one
provisions of the province charter assembled.
of the renowned twenty-eight who were then elected
councilors, to act as a distinct branch of the Legis-
lature and to exercise the executive powers of the
John Adams, Samuel Adams, Thomas
Cushing, Robert Treat Paine, and John Hancock
were among those elected. Mr. Hildreth, from whose
biographical sketch of Mr. Fisher the foregoing is
_ condensed, continues, ‘“‘ No member of that honorable
board was in labors more abundant than he. No one’s
No one’s firm-
ness less distrusted.” He was regarded as the special
watchman of the country part of Suffolk (then in-
cluding Norfolk), and relied upon to bring into action
He
never disappointed expectation nor failed in any pur-
all the force, moral and physical, of that section.
pose which he deliberately formed. No man knew
better what was practicable, and no man deliberated
more thoroughly. He was a delegate to the Conven-
tion of Massachusetts for the adoption of the Consti-
tution of the United States in 1788, for which he
labored and voted. He died in 1806, aged eighty-
nine years.
FOXBOROUGH.
673
Cl APT HR. ob, VIP
FOXBOROUGH.
Incorporation of Town—Early History—The First Settler—
Jacob Shepard—List of Early Settlers—Early Votes—The
Pioneer Schools—The First Town Clerk—Church History— |
Early Votes—Manufactures, ete.
FOXBOROUGH was incorporated, June 10, 1778.
The title reads, ‘“‘ In the year of our Lord 1778. An
Act for incorporating certain lands in the County of
Suffolk, formerly belonging to the town of Dorches-
ter, but now to the towns of Wrentham, Walpole, |
Stroughton, and Stoughtonham, with the inhabitants |
living thereon, into a town by the name of Fox-
borough.”
The act recites that the lands formerly belonged to
Dorchester, but such portion as was previously in-
cluded within the limits of Walpole had never been
a part of Dorchester.
Walpole, incorporated Dec. 10, 1724, had before |
been a part of Dedham, incorporated 1636, which
had heretofore been called “‘ Contentment.’’ But by |
far the largest part of this territory was once Dor- |
chester.
The original Dorchester, incorporated 1630,—
‘Mattapan, ’—comprised only the little region be-
tween the Neponset River, the town of Boston, and
the bay; but in 1636 the General Court granted to |
the Dorchester Plantation the ‘‘ Unquety Grant,” con-
taining some six thousand acres, from the south bank |
of the Neponset to the top of the Blue Hills, from |
which was carved Milton, incorporated in 1662; and |
in the following year the court annexed to Dorchester |
the ‘“‘ New Grant,” so called, being all the territory, |
not before granted, between Dedham and the line of |
the Plymouth Colony, about which line there was a>
dispute long unsettled.
The southern boundary line of Dorchester was first |
marked in 1664. It was run again by the agents of
Dorchester from “ Angle Tree,” upon the line of |
Attleborough, to ““ Accord Pond,” on the borders of |
Hingham, Abington, and Scituate, “ twenty-five and |
a half miles and twenty rods.” This old boundary |
line was confirmed to Dorchester by the General Court
in 1720. Dorchester then extended from Dorchester
Point (now South Boston) to within one hundred |
and sixty rods of the line of Rhode Island; about
thirty-five miles as “‘ y® road goeth.”
1 The following chapter was contributed by Hon. E. P. Car-
penter, being an address delivered by him at Foxborough,
June 29, 1878, and is an invaluable contribution to the historic
literature of the State.
43
_ hundred and four years, one month, and six days.
The dismemberment began in 1724, when the
southwest portion of the South Precinct was set off
to Wrentham, formerly a part of Dedham, incorpo-
rated in 1673. The petitioners gave for cause, “that
they lye thirty miles from the old meeting house, and
fifteen from the southern meeting house of Puncapaug,
so that they are under great disadvantages for attend-
ing the public worship there.” The part thus set off
_to Wrentham was larger than one-half of the present
town of Canton. Two years later the remainder of
the ‘“‘New Grant” was set off, and incorporated as
Stoughton, so called for Governor William Stoughton,
of Dorchester. When the question was before the
town of Dorchester, thirty-four voted in favor of the
| partition, twenty-nine against It.
The first precinct or parish of Stoughton, being the
northerly portion, was, in 1797, incorporated as Can-
ton. Previously, however, 7.c.,in 1765, the northerly
| portion of the west part of Stoughton, or Massapoag,
| had been. incorporated as a district by the name of
Stoughtonham ; and by the provisions of the general
act of 1775 that district became a town to all intents
and purposes.
In 1783 it became Sharon, Stoughton remaining a
| town by itself. Thus, from Dorchester came Canton,
Stoughton, and Sharon entire, Foxborough substan-
tially, and a large portion of Wrentham.
When Foxborough, as such, was created, all this
territory belonged to the county of Suffolk; but it
was all set off to the present county of Norfolk when
incorporated, March 26, 1793. John Shepard was
born Feb. 25,1705, and died April 3, 1809, aged one
He
was born in what was then Dorchester, now Fox-
borough; and a most respectable antiquarian has
recently once more given currency to the story that
he had been (through legislative changes) a resident
of three different counties and five different towns,
_ and yet lived in the same house all the time.
As we have seen, Foxborough was carved in 1778
from Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughtonham, and Stough-
ton; principally from the two latter towns. It is
natural, therefore, to inquire what the conduct of these
two towns had been during the Revolutionary struggle.
Stoughton had been a little backward in support of
| the Boston Committee of Correspondence in 1773 and
the early part of 1774, but the County Congress was
held at Doty’s Tavern in Stoughton, now Canton, Aug.
16, 1774, and Joseph Warren was present, and there
was no hesitation afterwards. The town was repre-
sented at the famous County Convention at the house
of Daniel Vose, in Milton, Sept. 9, 1774, when War-
ren said, “On the fortitude, on the wisdom, and on
674
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the exertions of this important day is suspended the
fate of this new world and of unborn millions.” Then
the “ Suffolk Resolves” were unanimously adopted.
On the 19th of April, upon the “ Lexington Alarm,”
nine companies, or four hundred and seventy men,
marched from Stoughton and Stoughtonham. Among
these it is easy to distinguish the Foxborough names.
July 10, 1775, Stoughton and Stoughtonham as-
sembled together, and elected Thomas Crane as their
representative to the General Court, to be holden at
Watertown, July 19, 1775.
Our act of incorporation establishes the territory
we have been discriminating, “ with the inhabitants
living thereon,” “into a town by the name of Fox-
borough.” It is said to be the only town of that
designation in the world, so that there can be no mis-
take as to our identity. Whence the name? The
name itself proves the inhabitants loyal to liberty.
Charles James Fox, born 1749, son of Lord Hol-
land, in Parliament before he was twenty years of age,
was already an eminent man when, in 1774, he opposed
the Boston Port Bill and defended the conduct of the
colonies. He said, in 1775, of Lord North, the prime
minister of George III., “The King of Prussia, nay,
even Alexander the Great, never gained more in one
campaign than Lord North has lost. He has lost a
whole continent.” One of Fox’s biographers says,
“ During the whole American war, Mr. Fox succes-
sively protested against every measure of hostility
directed against the colonies.” Of him the Foxbor-
ough soldiers, who marched in quickstep at the “ Lex-
ington Alarm,” and to Bunker Hill and Dorchester
Heights, had heard, and, whatever the faults of that
famous British statesman, no friend of American inde-
pendence need blush to bear his name.
May 22, 1776, the town of Stoughton passed this
resolve: ‘That if the honorable Continental Congress
should, for the safety of this colony, declare us inde-
pendent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, we, the
inhabitants, will solemnly engage, with our lives and
fortunes, to support them in the measure.” !
It may not be out of place, however, to add here
the tradition that Seth Boyden (then eighteen years
of age), Ebenezer Forest, Samuel Forest, and Oliver
Pettee (father of Martin Pettee), of Foxborough, were,
in the last year of the Revolutionary war, taken by a
British fleet while cruising on an American privateer,
and were thrown into the prison-ship at New York,
whence they were released at the close of the war.
Of Abijah Pratt, who was afterwards a lieutenant in
1 The Revolutionary history will be found on subsequent
pages of this work.
his company, his descendants relate that, enlisting as
an undersized lad of sixteen, he stood on tiptoe behind
the other recruits in an agony lest he should fail to
pass the military inspection.
But who were the inhabitants incorporated? How
Whence did they come,
These questions
are not easily answered, because the town records
contain no list. A distinguished antiquarian has
furnished a list of those males of sixteen years and
upwards, supposed to have resided on the Foxborough
territory Jan. 1, 1777, collated by him from an orig-
inal schedule, prepared at that time by Mr. Hill, one
of the selectmen of Stoughtonham. It is suggested
that there may not have been so many residents, but
it is thought useful to preserve the list, in all one
hundred and six in number :
“January 17, 1777.2 Nehemiah Carpenter, 3;
Jacob Cook, 1; Josiah Robbins, 1; Jacob Lenard, 1;
Joseph Wood, 1; John Comey, 4; John Sumner, 3;
many were there of them?
and how long had they been here ?
| Job Willis, 2; Zebulon Dean, 1; Widow Elizabeth
Payn, 4; William Payson, y° first, 2; Spencer Hodges,
1; Thomas Richardson, 2; John Richardson, 1 ; Daniel
Robeson, 1 ; Seth Robeson, 1; Joseph Payn, 1; Wil-
liam Payn, 2d, 5; Jacob Payn, 1; John Payn, 1;
Lem. Payn, 1 ; Eleazer Belcher, 1 ; Josiah Blanchard,
1; David White, 1; Samuel Balcom, 1; Joseph Tif-
ney, 1; David Forrest, 1; William Clark, 1; Elijah
Mors, 1; Joseph Rhodes, 3; Nathaniel Clark, 2;
Maj. Samuel Billings, 4; Josiah Farrington, 1; Ebe~
nezer Billings, 3; Levi Morse, 1; Ebenezer Hill, 3;
Elijah Billings, 2; David Wood, 3; Tim Clap, 1;
Ezekiel Pierce, 1; Jethro Wood, 1; Capt. Nat. Morse,
2; John Smith, 1; Lem. Lyon, 2; Lieut. Ezra Morse,
2; William Billings, 1; William ———, 3; Zuriah
Atherton, 1; William Clapp, 1; William Comey, 2;
Capt. Israil Smith, 1; Beriah Billings, 1; Jeremiah
Rhodes, 1; Jonathan Billings, 2d, 1; Jonathan Bil-
lings, 3; John Basset, 1; William Wright, 1; Samuel
Bradshaw, 2; David Wilkeson, 1; Thomas Pogge, 1 ;
Joseph Rhodes, 1; Stephen Cobb, 3; Ephraim Shep-
ard, 1; Nathan Clark, 2; total, 106.”
Many of the residents upon the present territory
of Foxborough, previous to 1778, are known, and
_ their places of residence can be identified.
In 1713 the proprietors of the outlying lands in
Dorchester were incorporated into a distinct body
from the town, and were henceforth called ‘“ The
Proprietors of the Undivided Lands.” This body
held its meetings until after 1770, and from it the
title to much of the lands in Foxborough was derived.
2 The figures after each name indicate the number in family.
FOXBOROUGH.
675
Previous to either of these dates, however, ic., |
about 1669 and 1670, there was laid out to William
Hudson two tracts of land adjoining each other, con-
taining five hundred acres, annexed from Dorchester
to Wrentham in 1824, but now in Foxborough, and
known as “Shepard’s Farm.’’ William Hudson con-
veyed the tract to “Thomas Platts, of Boston,
butcher,” Oct. 21, 1676, in consideration of two hun-
dred and seventy-five pounds, “the same situate,
lying, and being in the wilderness, between Dedham
and Seaconet, commonly called or known by the name
of ‘Wading River Farm.’” Under the will of
Thomas Platts, probated Aug. 8, 1692, the farm
passed to his son, Thomas Platts, of Boston, victualer,
who, by deed dated July 11, 1704, conveyed it to
“ Jacob Shepard, late of Mystic (now Medford), but
now of Wading River, planter.” Thus Jacob Shep-
ard’ was certainly here in the wilderness in 1704, and,
so far as any known record, must have been the first
settler of Foxborough. If he had half the trouble
in discovering his place of settlement that I have had
in establishing the fact that he was the pioneer settler,
he must have been endowed with a large share of
perseverance and patience.
In 1718 his widow administered upon his estate,
inventoried at £1339 19s. 6d., and in 1727 partition
of the lands was made between the widow, Mercy,
John, Thomas, Joseph, and Benjamin. His son
John is the patriarch John before spoken of as born
here in 1705, and possibly, nay, probably, was the
first white-born child of Foxborough. The cellar is
still to be seen over which that house stood.
Afterwards, Timothy Morse, of Walpole, bought of
Edward and Samuel Capen three hundred acres of
land, late in Dorchester, but then in Stoughton,—the
southeasterly end of the forty-seventh lot in the
twenty-fifth division.
quent to 1726.
in 1749, who became a settler. A portion of this
land is now owned by Jarius Morse. The name of
Timothy Morse, Jr.; appears in the tax-list of 1742;
that of Eleazer Robbins, from Walpole, appears in
the same list. Robbins owned about one thousand
1 William Shepard, one of the first settlers of Dorchester, ad- |
mitted to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1642,
afterwards moved to the southerly part of the town, near Provi-
dence; then returned nearly to the town of Dorchester, “as
near thereunto as Dedham ;” this was in 1675, or near that time.”
(From History of Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. |
John H. Eastburn, publisher, 1842.)
Was this William Shepard the father of the Jacob Shepard, |
and grandfather of the John Shepard, named on pages 54 and
55 of the “ Centennial Record”? Andisn’t it probable that Wil-
liam settled here on his return from Providence way ?
This must have been subse- |
Timothy sold to his son Timothy |
| town office.
‘years a judge of the County Courts.
acres of what is now called East Foxborough. He
had three daughters. One of them married one Dr.
Winslow, from Freetown ; another married Abijah
Pratt, of Foxborough (to whom we have alluded) ;
and the third married Kingsbury, the great-grand-
father of our present worthy citizen, Joseph A.
Kingsbury. Robbins’ house stood nearly opposite
the present Kingsbury homestead. Of Dr. Shadrach
Winslow, one of our former worthy townsmen, now
nearly eighty-six years of age, writes, “He was a
man of marked mind, and was probably the most
scientific individual who ever resided in the town of
Foxborough. After graduating at Yale College, and
receiving the best medical education the country could
afford, about 1778 he embarked as surgeon on board
a privateer, made several trips successfully, but was
at length taken prisoner and carried to England and
confined in Dartmoor prison for several months, where,
by exposure, he sustained injuries which greatly im-
paired his health, and from which he never recovered.
His profound knowledge of his profession led him to
despise quackery in all its forms, and to which he
never descended. He became a citizen of Foxbor-
ough about the year 1784. Notwithstanding his
talents and high attainments he declined all partici-
pation in governmental affairs, not accepting even a
He loved retirement. Books were his
companions and friends. social and cour-
He was a gentleman in the
He was
teous to all his friends.
full sense of the word.”
The Morses and Boydens came from Medfield ; the
Capens, from Dorchester, now Stoughton; the Bel-
chers, from Stoughtonham, now Sharon; the Ever-
etts, from Dedham; the Carpenters, from Reho-
both.
Seth Boyden’s name appears in the tax-list of
1742. He was the ancestor of all the Foxborough
Boydens. ‘The record shows that he bought a tract
of some two hundred and forty acres (now what-is
known as the Amos and Seth Boyden estate) about
1738. Ebenezer Warren, the brother of Gen. Joseph
| Warren, removed here about 1779 from Roxbury,
where he was born in 1749. A son of Gen. War-
ren, visiting his uncle, died, and was buried in the
old burying-ground; but his remains were removed,
some years since, in a most unceremonious, not to
say uncivilized, manner, in a raisin-box for a casket,
Ebenezer Warren was a stanch patriot and true man,
and always a leading citizen, but of obstinate and
unyielding temper. He was its delegate to the State
Convention which adopted the Federal Constitution,
the magistrate of the infant town, and was for many
The Clarks,
676
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Everetts, Bakers, Carpenters, Pratts, Pettees, and Bel-
chers settled here after 1750.
In 1776 the annual town-meeting of Stoughtonham
was held March 11th.
town offices the following became two years after citi-
zens of Foxborough, viz.: Ebenezer Hill, Selectman ;
_ what after became Foxborough territory, and the sure-
_ ties named in the bond were Elkanah Billings (one of
Of those then elected to the |
the proprietors), Josiah Morse, and Ebenezer Hill,
Foxborough men. The said forty-fifth lot of land
contained four hundred and thirty-seven acres, of
Nathaniel Clark, of the Committee of Correspondence, —
allowance for ‘bad land,” in the whole probably
Inspection, and Safety ; Nehemiah Carpenter, Con-
stable, as he was for many years in this town; Jona- |
than Billings (2d), Surveyor of Ways. Seth Boyden
was collector for the second ministerial precinct in
Stoughton in 1750, as appears from the rate-book, |
now in the hands of his descendants. That precinct
included Stoughton, Sharon, and a large part of Fox-
borough.
They also have “the records of the proprietors of a |
lot of land, being y° forty-fifth lot in y° twenty-five
divisions of land (so called), lying, and being in y°
Township of Dorchester, and now in y* Township of
|
Stoughton, in y° County of Suffolk; and is held in |
common by the said proprietors,—Begun the tenth
day of April, 1739.” This record was kept by Seth
Boyden as the “ Proprietors’ Clerk.” This lot was
partly in the present Sharon, and partly in Fox-
borough, and contained the iron-ore bed worked so |
cast by Atherton at this forge is deposited in Memo-
rial Hall.
long. The sixth article in the warrant, issued March
4, 1738, by Jonathan Ware, Esq., of Wrentham, is
“‘to determine in what manner y° Iron oar and stream
in s* land shall be divided or disposed of.”
Preserved Capen was moderator of the first two meet-
ings, held respectively at the house of Mrs. Mary |
Billings, widow of Beriah Billings, innholder, and |
Capt. Samuel Billings. Both Beriah and Capt. Billings
lived in what now is Foxborough. It was voted that
Capt. |
the iron “ oar,’ then or thereafter found, should be |
reserved to the use of all the proprietors, according
to their interest, each of whom might between the
last Tuesday in August and October “dige oar an-
nually, and at no other time of the year.”
“The Brook or Stream” was also reserved for the
use of the proprietors ‘to build a mill and dam on,
provided they do not raise such a head of water as to
float the adjacent lands or meadows, at any other time
of the year than between y° first day of October and
the 20th day of April, annually.” And in the same
custody we find a bond of Nathan Clark, Jr., ““ Bloomer”
(or maker of iron blooms), and Nathaniel Clark, “ Cord-
winder” (cordwainer or shoemaker), for one hundred
pounds, dated Dec. 20, 1760, and conditioned upon
draining off ‘“‘ their forge pond, by hoysting the gates
by the first day of May, so long as it is improved for
a forge pond.” Nathan Clark and Nathaniel Clark
(the Stoughtonham committee-man of 1776) lived on
which two hundred and thirty-two and one-quarter
acres were set off to Seth Boyden, with an additional
nearly two hundred and seventy acres. By this
record of the last meeting of the proprietors, held
Sept. 12, 1757, it appeared that Daniel Bacon had
‘‘duge and carried off, without leave, seventeen tuns
_ seventeen hundred and fifty pounds of iron oar, and
Michael Woodcock nine tuns and fourteen hundred
By Boyden’s
account he received seventy-five tons of ore as his
proportion in the years 1740 to 1755, inclusive.
It was at this forge and from this irop ore that the
first cannon were cast for the war of ‘“’76,” by one
Uriah Atherton ; and the “grog cups’ used on the
occasion are now in the hands of one of his descend-
ants. This honor is claimed by Bridgewater; but
there a well-authenticated tradition that the
“ Bridgewater folks” came here to learn the trade, and
A cannon-ball
of iron oar, without proper leave.”
is
proved themselves ready apprentices.
Boyden was a man of intelligence, and held a full
share of offices in Stoughton before the incorporation
of Foxborough, as the ancient papers we have to-day
would show. Among them isa warrant addressed by
the Selectmen of Stoughton, April 25, 1768, to Seth
Boyden, directing him “to take care of and award
the wages,” viz.:. ‘ All y° roads lying in that part of
Stoughton called Robinses Corner” (7.e., Robbins), as
the part of Foxborough where Boyden lived appears
to have been then called. He was to give the high-
way tax-payer the proffer of doing their proportions,
etc., in labor at “ £0 2s. 4d. a day for a man, and
£0 4s. 8d. a day for a man and yoke of oxen and
cart.”
Amos Boyden was early a surveyor in Foxborough,
as appears from a warrant addressed to him in the
' second year of incorporation (7@.e., 1779), directing
him ‘to take and award all y* highways or roads in
your squardren,” etc. Also, “all y* other roads be-
longing to y° town of Foxborough in that part that of
late belonged to Stoughton.”
The expense of the school in “ Robinses Corner”’ is
show by the following receipts. It was, perhaps, as
burdensome to our fathers proportionally as to us;
but we find no record of complaint for what are called
“public burdens :”
FOXBOROUGH.
677
“THE Town or SroucuTon to Sera Boynen, Dr. Marcu, 1772.
d.
£ 8.
By Cash paid to Jeremiah Fisher for keeping School
in Robinses Corner six weeks the sum of thirty-
SIX SHilliMgGS .........ceceeseeeeecerccces soccsccecs eves cesees 1 16 0
To boarding sd School Master two weeks in Feb-
ruary and March, 1772, at five shillings and four
pence per week ten shillings and eight pence...... 0 10 8
Zee Os <S
“Sroucuton, July ye 10, 1772.
“ Per me, SetH BoyDEN.”
The schoolmaster’s wages were six shillings a week.
“Sept first 1773
“Received of Seth Boyden fifteen Shillings for Keeping
School in Stoughton five weeks in July and August in the year
1773 Rect by me
“LyprtA Morse.”
Lydia received three shillings a week. Judging ©
|
confidently anticipate that at no distant period that
number will actually attend town-meetings.” The
expectations of the committee were more than real-
_ its polls numbered 695.
by the name, she was of the neighborhood talent, and |
boarded ‘ to hum.”
According to the list, which has before been given
at length, there were, at the time of incorporation,
sixty-four families, containing one hundred and six |
cept that of Dover and Stoughton (the mother-town) ;
male inhabitants, sixteen years of age and upwards,
in that portion of Stoughtonham which became Fox-
borough. This makes no account of the inhabitants
living upon the lands of Wrentham, Walpole, and
Stoughton, incorporated with those of Stoughtonham.
The names of quite a number have been named of |
bors of Sharon, Walpole, Mansfield, and Wrentham.
those who, before incorporation, dwelt upon the lands
of Stoughton and Wrentham.
In 1765 Stoughton, including the present Stough-
ton, Sharon, Canton, and all of Foxborough (except
such portions as once belonged to Wrentham and
Walpole), contained a population of 2295, and 567
male inhabitants, sixteen years and upwards, or al-
most exactly one in four of the whole. In 1777
Stoughton contained 532 males, sixteen years and
upwards; Stoughtonham, 300. In 1778 Stoughton
had 504 polls in valuation, Stoughtonham 209, and
Foxborough (now appearing in census for the first |
time) had 113. Stoughton and Stoughtonham had
ized Nov. 9, 1840, when, under the stimulus of the
‘Log Cabin Campaign,” the town polled 252 votes;
but that number was not again reached for years. In
1875 the population of Foxborough was 3168, and
It has, therefore, increased
about sevenfold since its incorporation in these re-
spects. The soil of the lands set off as Foxborough,
better known as ‘“‘ Foxbery” at that time, was not
rich or productive, and the people who dwelt upon
them were poor also, and rather looked down upon
by their wealthier neighbors of Walpole, Wrentham,
Sharon, and Mansfield. In 1781 the State tax of
the town was less than that of any town in Suffolk
County save Hull.
In 1796 its State tax was the smallest paid by any
of the towns in Norfolk County; in 1810 the small-
est except that of Dover; in 1820 the smallest ex-
and in 1830 the smallest, still excepting Dover.
In 1876 there were twenty-four towns in Norfolk
County ; of these, fourteen towns had a greater val-
uation than Foxborough, nine had a less valuation.
In amount of taxable property it surpassed its neigh-
In population it is the twelfth town of Norfolk County.
Of the first settlers of Foxborough as a town, John
each lost to Foxborough, and all three had doubtless |
lost by the ravages of the war.
According to the proportion of Stoughton and
Everett was a blacksmith, Aaron Everett a carpenter,
Joseph Everett, a tanner and currier and a glove-
maker.
calico.
Swift Payson was the first town clerk, 1778 and
1779. He was son of the Rev. Phillips Payson,
pastor of Walpole, one of the eleven candidates voted’
for, in 1729, for minister of the church in Dorchester.
The good parson established his son as a farmer in
This Swift Payson was a humorous,
Passionately fond
One citizen made hats and another stamped
Foxborough.
whimsical, but kindly character.
_of music, his first accumulations, as a boy, were de-
Stoughtonham, the population of Foxborough at its |
_ long concealment, the father cried, ‘‘ Where did you
incorporation must have been about 450. In 1781
it had 133 polls, and had, perhaps, nearly 550 inhab-
itants. In 1790 the census gave the town a popula-
tion of 640; in 1800, 779; in 1810, 870; in 1820,
1004; in 1830, 1168; in 1840, 1494; in 1850,
1880; in 1860, 2879; in 1875, 3168. Ata town-
meeting held Nov. 11, 1852, a committee appointed
to consider the expediency of building a town house,
' get that fiddle ?”
voted to the purchase of a violin. Horrified at the
sound of the instrument, accidentally heard after a
“T bought it, sir,’ was the appa-
rently innocent reply. ‘Then sell it at the first op-
portunity ; let me never hear it again.” Shortly the
Ministerial Association met with Mr. Payson, to whom,
"sitting in the parlor, demurely entered the lad with
his violin. ‘Gentlemen, would either of you like a
first-rate fiddle? My father says I may sell it, and I
reported that “the whole number of voters are sup- | thought it only right to give you the first chance.”
posed not to fall much short of 200, and we may | It is to be hoped the boy’s wit saved his fiddle.
LG
678
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
may have done good service in Foxborough, for tradi-
tion says our people, in the midst of hardship and
privation, were yet gay and _ pleasure-loving, and
“ often danced on sanded floors to the scraping of the
catgut ;’ and the discovery of red ears at huskings |
was the same then as now. Joseph Hewes lived in
the house afterwards occupied by Col. Henry Hobart,
well remembered as one of the strongest and most re-
liable citizens of Foxborough.
ticed medicine, and removed to Providence, R. L,
where he accumulated considerable property.
John Everett, the blacksmith, lived in a large |
house, sheltered by two fine old trees, an elm anda |
white-wood tree. Upon a limb of the last he hung a
tavern sign which welcomed the wayfarer.
Joseph Comey was the village shoemaker; Simon
Pettee was a gunsmith; Stephen Pettee, a farmer ;
William Pettee, a laborer and a famous singer; Ben-
jamin Pettee lived in what is known as Daniel Car-
penter’s ‘old house ;” Forrest, Guild, and Jedediah |
“ New State.” |
David Stratton, the Shepards, Sherman, and Clafflin |
Morse lived in what is now called
(another shoemaker) lived in the southern part of the
town.
On the great road from Worcester to Taunton lived
Grover, Shaw, the Paines, Seth Robinson, Ebenezer |
On the road leading to |
Warren, Spencer Hodges.
Mansfield (through East Foxborough, or “ Robbinses
over Robinson Hill was laid out) lived Robins, Kings-
ilies.
families.
Near the northeast corner of the town lived Eleazer
Belcher, who cultivated a farm, made potash, and kept
a little Before Belcher, however, Joseph
Rhoades, living a mile from any other person, kept a
store in his corn barn. The Morses lived near Swift
Payson, on the road to Walpole, or what is and was
store.
one hundred and twenty-five or one hundred and fifty |
Another branch
At the
Centre were Leonard, Cook, Jeremy Hartshorn, Sam-
years ago called “ Crack Rock.”
of the family lived at Robinses Corner.
uel Baker, and Nehemiah Carpenter.
It is said that the old Deacon Baker house, alias
Bird house, has sheltered six generations, and always
The old Ironside Pa-
triots, Baker and Belcher, who lived there at the time
of the tea-tax, declared “tea shall not be drank in
this house ;” but Mrs. Belcher’s taste for the cup was
loyal except in one instance.
stronger than her patriotism, and, detailing her
daughter as guard at the door, she would indulge in
The
a “sip’’ of tea in the absence of her liege lord.
Joseph Hewes prac- |
than fourteen feet square.
Corner,” before the roads through Witch Woods or |
except a space at each end to enter.
bury, Pratt, Bird, Comey, Sumner, and Leonard fam- |
Near Sharon lived the Boyden, Clap, and Clark |
disloyal cup still exists, but in the hands of loyal sub-
jects.
Moseley was a deserter from an English man-of-
war, who hid himself in Foxborough, where, long
after, his wife joined him. He bought a piece of
land of Samuel Mann, in the dense woods, for which
he paid four dollars. On it he built a log cabin with
one room and loft reached by a ladder. Afterwards
a rude shelter was put up for cow and pig. Near by
A flat rock was the door-
sill, upon which played successively eleven daughters,
some of whom became mothers of highly respectable
families. Roses long grew spontaneously where the
rude home of the sailor fugitive had been.
Francis (or Francois) Daniels was a Frenchman,
from Normandy ; a Protestant, deeply religious. He
came to Boston as a ‘‘ stow-away,” and was advertised
and sold for one hundred dollars to pay his passage.
He was purchased by John Hewes and brought to
this town, and not only redeemed himself from servi-
tude, but poverty, by his industry and perseverance,
breaking up quite a large farm with the rudest imple-
ments ; the farm is now owned by one of his descend-
was a never-failing spring.
ants, and his blood flows in the veins of many of
us. You can see here to-day his sabots, or wooden
shoes, that he wore when he came to this town.
The first school-house in the town was not more
There were on one side
three seats running the whole length of the building,
There was an
entry just large enough for the door to open and shut
without injury to the children. The room was lighted
by three windows, one on each of three sides, each
containing twelve panes of small glass, six by eight
inches. ‘There never was such an article as a desk
for the teacher. Private kindness furnished a small
table, with a single drawer, and a comfortless chair.
A male teacher kept the winter school, and was
expected to teach reading, writing
5)
and arithmetic,
with something of English grammar; but the female
teacher of the summer school was allowed to dispense
with the latter of the “ three R’s.”
understand how to knit and sew, for the accomplish-
But she must
ments of young ladies in that age were the marking
of linen, making thread lace, and embroidering mus-
lin.
All the people west of Foxborough Centre sent
their children to this school-house, which was always
full. The children wore coarse homespun cloth, stout
leather shoes, and yarn stockings, and the girls had
For, as has
been said before, the Foxborough people at that early
striped shawls pinned beneath the chin.
day were very poor, and money was exccedingly scarce.
FOXBOROUGH.
679
The women spun wool and flax, and wove cloth. |
When the good dame had a few yards of linen, or >
some spare sheets, she took them to the calico artisan,
who stamped them with bright colors for dresses.
Carriages were very rare in the country towns. In
1753 a tax was imposed upon them, for the purpose —
In 1757
there were six carriages in Stoughton ; but it may be
doubted whether either of these was owned in that
part of Stoughton which was incorporated in Fox-
borough. Two women often rode on the back of one
horse, which they caught, saddled, bridled, and
mounted at the horse-block, without masculine assist-
of encouraging the linen manufacture.
ance,
The simplicity and rude fashion of living one hun-
dred years ago gave to our fathers
“An undergoing spirit to bear up
Against whatever ensued.”
In the act of incorporation the motive recited by
the Legislature for passing it is substantially as that
passed fifty-two years before by the ancestors of some
of them, for being set off from Dorchester to Wren-
tham,— |
“ Whereas, a number of inhabitants belonging to the towns
of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton, and Stoughtonham have |
represented to this Court the inconvenience they labor under
on account of their distances from their places of publick wor-
ship in the towns to which they now belong, and have earnestly
and repeatedly requested that they may be incorporated into a
town, be it therefore,” ete.
The controlling suggestion then was the inconven-
ience of the petitioners in attending ‘ public wor-
ship.” Probably some of them lived at least ten or |
twelve miles from the meeting-house, the stated ser- |
vices of which the law compelled them to support, |
|
and which alone they had a right to attend, save by |
a courtesy, then rarely expected or extended, for it |
must not be forgotten that until 1833 all tax-payers |
were compelled by law to support public worship in the
towns where they resided. In that town and no other
did they pay, or could they pay, for preaching. There, |
and nowhere else, had they a right of property therein,
or felt themselves at home.
of creed to fill the pews. ‘To transport the large
family of those days over such roads as then were,
twenty or twenty-five miles, to meeting and home
again, was indeed a Sabbath-day’s journey.
an intolerable grievance.
There was no shrinkage
It was
It was so great a griev-
ance in the Foxborough case that the earnest and re-
peated request must have been effectual long before |
probably, but for a reason about to be given. It ap-
pears that as early as 1757 the royal policy was adopted
of opposing the incorporation of new towns, because |
thus the size of the House of Representatives was
increased,—a body that was generally hostile to the
king’s prerogative,—and so, when absolute necessity
seemed to require a new organization, it was conferred
in the shape of a “ district’ instead of a township,
without the right of representation, as in the case of
Stoughtonham, in 1765, and Mansfield, in 1770.
Hence, if Massachusetts had remained a province,
the Governor would have been reluctant to organize
Foxborough as a district, and pretty certainly would
not have assented to its incorporation as a town. Its
people were uninfluential, poor, and patriotic. They
were such
“ As dare to love their country and be poor.”
After the expulsion of the royal Governor there
was, of course, no longer any objection of a similar
character to the incorporation of towns.
But the years 1775-77 were busy and crowded
years, full of labors and terrors for both people and
Legislature, and in this way it probably happened
that Foxborough was not made a town till 1778.
It was not customary, certainly, to incorporate a
| town or district until it was clearly in a situation to
provide “ publick worship” for itself.
In almost every such case its capacity to that end
had been previously tested as a precinct or parish.
Foxborough had not been a precinct, but it had a
_meeting-house, or an apology for one, supposed to
have been erected as early as 1763, perhaps about the
commencement of the effort for separate organization.
Nehemiah Carpenter and Jeremy Hartshorn gave
the land for a common, on which to build the church,
and for a burying-ground.
It was centrally located, but was covered with rocks,
shrub-oaks, and bushes, with a few sterling oaks, that
should have been spared. The building was spacious
At
the first town-meeting it was voted *‘to choose a com-
enough, but the people were too poor to finish it.
mittee of three persons to provide for the laying the
floor and making the doors of the meeting-house, and
to provide for the glazing so many of the windows as
the committee shall see fit.”
It had been used for religious services without
doors or windows, as a mere shelter from the storm.
It was better than worshiping on the naked hills or
under the shrub-oaks. It was many years before the
ceiling or walls were plastered or the most ambitious
thought of painting it. It grew dark with exposure,
and seen on the plain by the traveler, from north or
south, it looked like a black cloud.
‘What house is that?” asked a stranger. “It is
Ale
the Lord’s house,” answered the citizen.
680
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
thought it was the Lord’s barn,” retorted the irrever-
ent stranger.
All the town-meetings were held in the meeting-
house, as was customary; indeed, everywhere the
town was the parish, and immediately took upon
itself (as indeed the law obliged it) the care and ex-
pense of providing for “ publick worship.” The
meeting-house was for many years the only public
building in the town, and scarcely any town-meeting
occurred in which there was not something done
about it.
erect pews—were many times sold to obtain money
‘¢ Pew spots’ —7.e., flooring upon which to
p > $
for necessary repairs or improvements, as (March 2,
1799) “will purchase stuff enough to finish of y°®
meeting-house.” No committee on public buildings
ever had more thought or care. Plans of improve-
ments were submitted, pews were constructed in the
galleries, a porch was built on one side, and long after
on the other side.
The
town chose a committee to seat the singers in the
hinder seats on the floor at publick vendue.”
meeting-house. In 1788 it was voted that “Serviors |
clear the bushes from around the meeting-house, and
allow the men the same price for their labor as they
worked on the highway.”
pence half-penny per square in 1790 for mending the
windows.
Aaron Everett got six-
In the same year leave was granted to
build horse-sheds, and, long after, to erect a horse-
block “the fore side of the meeting-house, they de-
fending the same,’ and so on, again and again.
Clearly the town thought it owned the meeting-
house; and perhaps, legally, it did, as well as the
land under it. But the town had not originally built
the building, as it was erected before any town was
In 1821, Rev. Thomas Williams,
being about to leave the society, offered it five hun-
incorporated,
dred dollars (the amount of his original settlement)
The offer
if it would erect a new meeting-house.
was at once accepted by a bare majority.
‘““The town voted to sell the two |
' town.
The work of tearing down the old building began |
the next morning by volunteers, amid wild excite-
ment, and denunciation by some.
Dec. 22,
warned the town to assemble at their meeting-house
on Monday, the 4th day of January, 1822, “ to see,”
among other things, ‘if the town will repair their
1821, the selectmen, by their warrant,
meeting-house, or do or act anything relative to the
premises.” ‘The record of this town-meeting mourn-
fully commences: ‘“ Pursuant to the foregoing war-
rant the town assembled on the spot where the meet-
ing-house stood. Voted, to direct their treasurer not
to prosecute any person or persons on account of the
parish taking down their meeting-house.”
The town’s “ meeting-house” had disappeared, and
they certainly never had any other. They were not
permitted to use the new brick meeting-house, built
in 1822, and taken down in 1855 or 1856, and for
many years a place was hired for the transaction of
the town’s business."
A hundred years ago the minister was the most
important and influential person in a New England
Foxborough was not fortunate. A strong
pastor would have given stability to the people and
been a natural leader, in temporal as well as spiritual
things. Rev. Mr. Britt supplied the pulpit, perhaps
before as well as after the incorporation, and for many
years the town chose a committee to procure preach-
Several clerzymen declined overtures for settle-
ment, apparently on account of a want of harmony
in the proceedings. Rev. Mr. Kendall was ordained
in 1786, with great unanimity, and dismissed with
greater unanimity in 1800. Then the Rev. Daniel
Loring was called by the casting vote of old John
Shepard, when near one hundred years of age, and
in two years dismissed, serious disaffection having
The only useful and successful
ers.
meanwhile occurred.
man among the early ministers was Rev. Thomas
Williams, before alluded to, who came from Provi-
dence to Foxborough. Church psalmody made the
usual dissension in Foxborough, and the peace-loving
Mr. Williams found it necessary to employ the diplo-
macy of a Talleyrand in introducing music to the
choir. |
The first bass-viol was manufactured by Marcus
Everett, as to the wood-work, and finished by George
Holbrook, a bell-maker by trade, and a famous music-
It cost four dollars, and was an excellent
instrument. When it was brought into the choir the
old Frenchman, Francis Daniels, was horrified. In
vain did some learned in Scriptures reason. There
might be biblical authority for the harp, and even the
viol, but certainly none for the bass-viol; and the
only compromise attainable was that he should quit
the church when the profane performance began and
teacher.
return when it was over.
The first intruding denomination was the Baptist,
next the Universalist, and lastly the Catholic.
The first Baptist meeting-house was located near
the entrance of the road to “‘ Witch Woods,” and the
1 Jan. 4, 1822, to Noy. 14, 1836, town-meetings were held in
Union Tall, over the school-house, which was built in 1793,
near where the Baptist Church now is; then in Sumner's Hall
(where Union Building now is); from March 1, 1847, to April
7, 1856, in Cocasset Hall; April, 1856, to March 29, 1858, in
American Hall (now Knights of Honor Hall); since then in
town hall.
FOXBOROUGH. ’
681
house now occupied by Ashael Dean was the parson-
age. It was removed early in May, 1843, to the site
of the present town hall or house, and enlarged and
otherwise improved. When their present church was
built it was sold at auction, and was converted into a
box-manufactory, which was destroyed some two years
since by fire.
The Catholics have built their third house of wor-
ship, the others having been destroyed by fire.
In the early part of the century the Foxborough
Female Benevolent Society, afterwards the Ladies’
Charitable Society, was established, and became the
source of much good. Dues were paid either in
money or straw braid.
After some years George Stratton became owner
of the iron-foundry. He also kept a store at Fox-
borough Centre, and his son kept the tavern, once
conducted by Benjamin Comey. From Stratton the
foundry passed into the hands of Gen. Leach, of
Easton, and at his death to those of Martin Torrey
and Otis Cary.
In the first years of its organization, being the last
of the war, the town suffered severely from the State
and Continental charges and burdens. Papers in the
Massachusetts archives show that the town was more
than once relieved from excessive and disproportion-
ate rates and quotas. Like other towns, it in vain
attempted to regulate the “price of things,” con-
stantly rising with the depreciation of the currency.
To show how great that depreciation was we need
only give one or two illustrations. In 1780 the town
voted £4068, or more than $20,000, for mending
the highways and bridges, paying some $60 per day
for labor. In 1776 it voted $1100 for highways and
bridges. In 1780 the State tax of Foxborough was
£16,411, or more than $80,000. Sept. 4, 1780, the
town voted to raise £21,000, or more than $100,000 ;
but afterwards reduced the amount to £16,000. Oc-
tober 9th, Voted to levy £15,000 to procure beef on
a requisition for the army, and to defray other town
charges.
But the following year there was an attempt |
to resume specie payments, for it was voted to raise
“(100 Spanish milled dollars for highways.”
The truth is, the depreciation was such that a hun-
dred paper dollars were worth about one dollar in
specie.
For three different years the town treasurer of Dor-
chester paid out thousands more than he received,— |
so rapid was the downfall of currency. May 18, |
1781, the town treasurer owed Foxborough £13,679.
In 1782 the rate of Eleazer Fisher was remitted;
rate, £124 10s.; silver rate, £0 11s. 4d. It will not
be attempted at this time to produce much from the
town records. A futile attempt was made as early as
1782 to support preaching by voluntary contributions :
‘““ Voted, To have contributions every Sunday after
divine service is over, to pay ministers.” The plan
has often failed since.
There was frequent legislation against crows and
blackbirds. There was a town defaulter as early as
1785, and to settle the defalcation the town took a
In 1794
the selectmen were voted a committee to open a sub-
farm and traded the same for preaching.
scription for the relief of sufferers by fire in the town
of Boston. As will be observed, Foxborough early
adopted many popular measures. In 1798 the town
voted “to allow 66 cents for eight hours’ work, and
$1.33 for eight hours’ work of a man and a team suf-
ficient to carry aton weight.” This was an eight-hour
law.
April 6, 1801, ‘* Voted, To admit the use of instruments of
music in public worship.”
In 1803 it was “ Voted, Not to let the swine run at large,”
but the pigs had influence enough to procure a reconsideration
of this vote, and ran at large some time longer.
In 1804, *‘ Voted, That the Selectmen vendue Lemuel White
and wife, two of the town’s poor, or support them the best way
they can devise.”
May 5, 1804, “‘ Voted, to purchase a hearse.” The town had
already bought ‘a grave-cloth,” and it was soon voted to build
a ‘ herse-house,” to be under the care of the Selectmen, and
March 2, 1812, voted to paint the ‘ herse-house.”
Jan. 9, 1826, “ Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to
remove Daniel Dassance, as soon as convenient, from the House
of Correction, at Dedham, and build a cage and place it within
his mother’s house, and him the said Dassance therein, under
the care of the Selectmen.”
Dassance was a poor, insane person, whom the town
was treating according to the custom or necessity of
the time, who was afterwards provided for in the hos-
pital at Worcester.
May 3, 1830, “ Voted, That in our opinion the wearing of
mourning apparel ought to be discontinued.”
Jan. 7, 1833, ‘ Voted, The town express their cordial appro-
bation of the sentiments contained in President Jackson’s
| Proclamation.”
Hard drinking was almost universal when Fox-
borough was incorporated. um raised a meeting-
house or a barn, or built a bridge. Every employer
furnished it; every workman drank it. The only
mechanical interest was the iron-foundry. It was a
densely-wooded region, and the great specie-raising
industry was charcoal-making. It was said that “ the
only export was charcoal, but that the imports were
threefold, —molasses, codfish, and New Lngland rum.”
Ruin fell upon the best men in the town, and the
town itself. Distress was universal. The straw man-
ufacture, then in its infancy, somewhat mitigated suf-
fering ; for by its aid the mother and little children,
682 ‘
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
whom the husband and father had abandoned, were |
enabled often to keep the “ wolf from the door.”
Rev. Mr. Williams, Melatiah Everett, Hsq., and
Stephen Rhodes are entitled to great credit, not only
because they clearly appreciated the necessity of re-
form, but had the courage to undertake it against dis-_
couragement and fierce opposition. The movement
to suppress intemperance began in 1817, much earlier
Rum had
conquered New England; but the manliness of her
than in most cases, and was triumphant.
people overthrew the tyrant, as it is to be hoped it
will yet again.
Perhaps increasing prosperity had much to do, also,
with the improved tone and increased self-respect of
the people of Foxborough.
We have just alluded to the straw manufacture, of
which it is now possible to speak only in the briefest
The honor of being the first American
manner.
manufacturer of straw bonnets is ascribed to Betsey
Metealf, of Providence, R. I., who imitated an im-
ported Dunstable. She then was a girl of twelve
years ; but, as Mrs. Baker, she afterwards carried on
the business, at first as a monopolist, but soon with
It is said that Eunice, daughter of
Aaron Everett, made the first bonnet in Foxborough.
competitors.
Soon after, Sally Mann made one. The straw was at |
first cut with a pair of’ scissors.
Straw bonnets soon became common in Foxborough
and Wrentham, where Amariah Hall, who kept store, |
Cornelius Metcalf,
coming to Foxborough, married Hepsebeth Sumner,
and bought the place formerly occupied by the first
minister, Mr. Kendall. Mrs. Metcalf had great skill
in making the straw bonnets.
took them, paying in goods.
She adopted several |
children, took apprentices, and carried on the business
in a small way. Metcalf Everett first made straw
goods for the New York market. Elias Nason then
kept a store, paying for straw goods partly cash and
partly in other goods.
Nehemiah Carpenter was
afterwards associated with Nason in this business.
Daniels Carpenter and John Corey afterwards sepa- |
rately manufactured straw goods on a much larger
scale, paying cash for labor.
John Corey was lost in the burning of the steamer
“ Lexington,’ on Long Island Sound, in the winter
of 1840.
Edson Carpenter and Milton, John E., and Henry
H. Sumner, sons of John Sumner, afterwards carried |
on stores, where straw braid and bonnets were received |
n payment for goods.
The Sumner brothers, under the firm-name of J. KE.
Sumner & Co., manufactured largely of straw goods,
and sold imported stock to smaller manufacturers.
Foxborough Foundry on Mill Street (usually called
Cary’s Foundry) has been in operation more than
one hundred years, having been built in 1781 by
George Stratton, Uriah Atherton, Joseph Hines, and
John Knapp.
Pond’s box-factory and saw-mill was started in
1850 by Daniels Carpenter, Lucius Pond, J. Fisher
Pond, and V. S. Pond.
Dr. Gardner Peck, formerly a successful physician
Thus
gradually the business grew and developed, until, in
1844, Oliver, Warren, and HE. P. Carpenter, as asso-
ciates in business, built what then was considered a
in Foxborough, engaged in the manufacture.
marvel of a straw-factory, or works.
It was what is now the ‘ Verandah House,” used
as a boarding-house. The business increased rapidly,
and after several additions and alterations the first
works were found altogether too limited, and in 1853
the Union Straw-Works were established; but the
growth of the business made it necessary to enlarge
its limits, which was done in 1856. The business in-
ereased from $75,000 in 1844 to nearly the amount
of $2,000,600 in 1865.
through its straw business, a name that in many for-
Foxborough has made,
_ eign places is known better than the city of Boston
itself.
Certainly to this business Foxborough is indebted
for her modern prosperity.
On the 29th of June, 1778, the inhabitants of
_ Foxborough first assembled in town-meeting, in pur-
suance of the warrant issued by Benjamin Guild, a
magistrate of Wrentham, at the request of Benjamin
Pettee, Swift Payson, Nehemiah Carpenter, Jacob
Cook, Jacob Leonard, Amos Morse, and Samuel
Baker. Josiah Pratt was moderator of the meeting ;
Swift Payson, clerk; Josiah Pratt, John Everett,
Benjamin Pettee, Daniel Robinson, and Joseph Shep-
ard were chosen selectmen; Nehemiah Carpenter was
They
‘Voted to adjourn the meeting for one hour and a
chosen treasurer, and John Comee, constable.
half, then met” and chose five surveyors of highways,
three for a committee of correspondence, five assessors,
two tithingmen, two fence-viewers, two field-drivers,
one sealer of leather, two hog-reeves,—a full comple-
ment of town officers.
The 29th of June, 1778, was a period of gloom
and doubt in the Revolutionary struggle. But our
immediate ancestors were ready to play their part like
men. In 1780 they said, in their petition to the
General Court, ‘‘ We are willing to sacrifice our all in
the common cause, if it should be necessary.”
FOXBOROUGH.
683
CHAPTER, aY i.
FOXBOROUGH—( Continued).
MILITARY RECORD.
The Heroes of Three Wars—War of the Revolution—1812—
War of the Rebellion—List of Soldiers, 1861-65—Patriots of
1776—Soldiers of 1812—Roll of Honor, 1861-65—Veterans
of the War—Militia, 1796.
THE territory of Foxborough was made up from
parts of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton, and Stough-
tonham (now Sharon). Wrentham was incorporated in
1673 ; Walpole, in 1724 ; Stoughton, in 1726 ; Sharon,
in 1765; Foxborough, on the 10th of June, 1778.
It was born, therefore, amid the throes of the Revo-
lutionary period. Lexington, Bunker Hill, the siege
and evacuation of Boston, were memorable deeds
already quite passed by in the rapid rush of events. |
Washington had occupied and evacuated New York; |
Long Island and Staten Island had been lost to the
enemy, who had, moreover, taken the forts upon the |
Hudson River, and overrun the Jerseys, occupying —
Philadelphia. The fame which Washington won by
the brilliant engagements at Trenton and Princeton
had been somewhat dimmed by the indecisive or dis-
astrous engagements at the Brandywine, Germantown,
and Monmouth Court-House ; but the failure of the |
Gates and Conway intrigue to displace him from the
chief command demonstrated what a strong hold he
already had upon the affections and respect of his
countrymen.
In the North the patriots had been more fortunate.
\
At Bennington, on the 16th of August, 1777, the |
sturdy Stark had defeated the Hessian Colonels
Baum and Breyman, in the glorious battle of Ben-
nington.
This victory reanimated the people of New Eng-
land and New York, and prepared the way for the
- overthrow and surrender of the proud army of Bur-
goyne, Oct. 16, 1777.
The finances of the United States were in a most
deplorable condition. The liabilities contracted by
Congress amounted to $40,000,000 ; Massachusetts
alone owed $5,000,000.
for the war amounted to at least $65,000,000.
Continental money depreciated to at least six for
_tham for three years’ service.
The entire debt contracted |
one in New England, and eight for one in the South. |
Ata later period the money wages, for one year, of |
Ezra Carpenter, here in Foxborough, upon the farm
of Benjamin Pettee, now owned by Daniels Carpen-
ter, was only sufficient to buy him a pair of cowhide
shoes.
Thus the financial status of the infant republic was
wellnigh desperate. Yet faith and hope were strong.
June 14, 1777, the flag of the stars and stripes
had been adopted. Though harassed and depreciated,
the immortal Washington was
“Patient of toil, serene amidst alarms,
Inflexible in faith, invincible in arms.”
In that year, too, Lafayette had brought his sword,
his youthful enthusiasm, and his loyal devotion to the
American cause. Jan. 30, 1778, France and the
United States signed two treaties,—one of friendship
and commerce, the other of defensive alliance; and
this alliance, embroiling England with France, event-
ually rescued our independence from the countless
dangers that beset it. :
June 13, 1778, the British Commissioners—the
Earl of Carlisle, William Eden, and Governor John-
stone—communicated to Congress proposals as a basis
of peace, an extension of colonial trade: no military
force to be quartered in any colony without the con-
sent of its Assembly; an arrangement for sustaining
the Continental bills of credit and their ultimate dis-
charge ; a representation of the colonies in the Parlia-
ment of Great Britain, and of the British government
In short, King George
offered almost everything short of total independence ;
in the colonial assemblies.
but Congress peremptorily refused to treat unless the
independence of the States was first acknowledged or
the troops withdrawn. This was three days after the
incorporation of our little town. Five days later, on
the 18th of June, Philadelphia was evacuated by the
British.
Thus, amidst the mingled hopes and fears of Ameri-
cans, Foxborough began its existence asa town. The
inhabitants of the territory embraced in it had already
evinced their willingness to share in all patriotic perils
and sufferings. When enlistments were first called
for, Lieut. Timothy Morse recruited twenty-four men
in the crowded bar-room of the old tavern at Wren-
My grandfather, Ezra
Carpenter, was at work in a ditch on the land now
owned by his son, Daniels Carpenter, when the min-
ute-men were first summoned by the alarm, upon the
news of the battle of Lexington. He dropped his
tools, ran for his musket and knapsack, seized a parcel
of bread and meat, bade good-by to his friends, and
started to join his company at Wrentham ; but, failing
to find it there, he continued his march alone to Ded-
ham, and there joining other comrades, they continued
on and overtook the company at Roxbury.
He was at the siege of Boston, and there, while
' doing guard duty, had a narrow escape from a cannon-
684
ball, that came so near to him that he lost a portion
of his shirt from his back and was thrown headlong
to the ground, and reported by the soldier on guard
with him as having been killed.
of eighty-nine, and the speaker has often listened with
boyish enthusiasm to his stories of Revolutionary
service, protracted for three years. He was, doubtless,
a soldier of Putnam’s af Long Island; he certainly
crossed the Delaware, under Washington, on the mem-
orable Christmas-eve of 1776, and on Christmas morn-
ing, at eight o’clock, rushed in with his comrades upon |
the surprised and sleepy Hessians, confused with the |
last night’s debauch. They had thrown their fresh-
baked bread into the ‘‘ horse-pond ;” but it was, never-
theless, rescued on the points of bayonets, and proved,
after a shaving process, a savory morsel to the half-
starved Americans. ‘This Foxborough soldier and his
comrades, a number of whom lived and died within
my remembrance, but of whose particular history I
have no knowledge, wintered in 1776-77 at Morris-
town, in comparative comfort; but in 1777-78 the
distress in the winter quarters of Washington’s army
was terrible, and the old campaigners often dwelt upon |
its details. Dec. 10,1777, the army went into winter
quarters at Valley Forge.
were quartered in log huts, each containing fourteen
men. For want of shoes, ali the late marches had
been marked with blood from wounded feet.
up all night before the camp-fires.
quarter were unfit for duty, because barefoot and
otherwise naked. Provisions failed; more than once
there was famine in the camp.
Such was the service and suffering of the Foxbor-
ough soldiers in the Revolution. As there were, of
course, no records until after 1778, we are unable to
find the responses the town would, if in existence,
have made to the stirring appeals of James Otis,
John Adams, Hancock, and Samuel Adams, ad-
dressed to the little rural municipalities ; but we find,
in the very first warrant issued for a town-meeting, |
dated June 12, 1778, “Article 5th: to see if the tion of 1860, and its immediate consequences, culmi-
town will carry on the war by way of a rate, or act
or do anything thereon they shall see fit ;” feeling
carrying on the war.
tionary soldier, | may be pardoned for expressing the
gratification I have experienced in serving as your rep-
resentative upon the commission which has deposited
the noble statue of Samuel Adams in the capitol at
Washington as the gift of Massachusetts to the nation
and her tribute of admiration to him, often called “ the
pilot of the Revolution.”
Eleven thousand soldiers |
For lack |
cf blankets, many of the men were compelled to sit”
More than one- |
He lived to the age |
nating in the fall of Fort Sumter.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
It is said and claimed that Uriah Atherton, of
Foxborough, cast at Sharon the first cannon of the
Revolutionary war.
The Revolutionary patriots of Foxborough bore the
names of Boyden, Billings, Carpenter, Forrest, Harts-
horn, Howe, Morse, Everett, Pettee, ete.; in all
twenty-four in number.
The same names reappear, in the war of 1812,
among the thirty-eight men furnished by the town to
the light infantry company which reported at Rox-
bury, serving fifty-six days in and about the forts of
Boston Harbor. Daniel Everett was its captain; Asa
Plympton, lieutenant ; Amos Morse, ensign. Of the
soldiers of 1812, four are still living,—Alexander
Boyden, Francis Carpenter, Daniels Carpenter, and
Lyman Comey,—whose united ages are quite three
hundred and thirty years.
July 2, 1812, the town voted “to make up to the
soldiers detached from the militia in Foxborough and
inhabitants of Foxborough, with the government pay,
twelve dollars per month for May, June, July, Au-
gust, September, and October, and ten dollars for No-
vember, December, January, February, March, and
April, if they are called into active service.”
Aug. 22, 1814, it was voted “to make up to the
soldiers of the last detachment, and all who may be de-
tached in Foxborough previous to March next, eigh-
teen dollars a month each, and each five dollars
bounty.” At a meeting Nov. 7, 1814, the part of
the vote about bounty was reconsidered.
It may be worth while to note that in 1815, at
the close of the war, one hundred and fifty-two votes
were thrown for Governor; and, in the absence of
statistics showing the number of inhabitants of the
_ town at that time, we are led to infer that Foxbor-
ough had a large representation of soldiers in the
war of 1812.
the Massachusetts regiment in the Mexican war,
Foxborough furnished one man to
whose name was Henry Hunnewell; but, as it is
well known, that war was not popular in this region.
Time passed and brought us to the Presidential elec-
The deadening
spirit of compromise and submission, which domi-
and assuming, as it were, the whole responsibility of |
As the grandson of a Revolu- |
nated in the large commercial cities in the winter of
1860 and 1861, had a palsying effect upon the patri-
otism of the country; but, with the outrage to the
flag, American manhood flamed forth. Fort Sumter
fell on Saturday, April 13, 1861. On Monday, April
15th, Col. A. B. Packard, of Quincy, commanding
the Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Militia, received
orders to appear at Boston on the following morning
with his command. The adjutant, Henry Walker, of
FOXBOROUGH.
685
Quincy, sent them at once to the several companies
by special messenger, who reached the last company —
(Company G, of Taunton) in a driving storm of wind
and rain, beating up Capt. Gordon at 3 a.m. of the
16th of April. Company F, of the Fourth, was
known as the “Warren Light Guard of Foxbor-
ough.” It was organized under the act of Jan. 22,
1776, and in 1861 was said to hold the oldest charter —
in the State, granted upon petition, all similar having
disbanded. In 1854 it was changed from an artillery
In 1857 its location
was changed from Norton to Foxborough.
into a light infantry company.
was, of course, in memory of the martyr of Bunker
Hill, whose brother, Judge Warren, resided in Fox-
borough in the house that his lineal descendant, our
The son of Gen. Warren was buried in the
old burying-ground, but his remains were removed
some years since.
cupies.
Its name |
The Fourth Regiment was prepared to march on the
16th, but no transportation could be furnished until
the 17th, and it was quartered for the night in Faneuil
Hall. As it was, it left the State for the seat of war
| before any other regiment. On Wednesday, the 17th,
it left Faneuil Hall at three p.m., and marched to the
_ State-House, where Governor Andrew made one of
his most inspiring addresses. He said, “‘ It gives me
unspeakable pleasure to witness this array from the
good old Colony. You have come from the shores
of the sounding sea, where lie the ashes of Pilgrims,
and you are bound on a high and noble pilgrimage for
liberty, for the Union and Constitution of your coun-
try. Soldiers of the old Bay State, sons of sires who
_ never disgraced their flag in civil life or on the tented
worthy citizen, Henry G. Warren, now owns and oc-
In April, 1861, David L. Shepard was its captain, —
Moses A. Richardson and Carlos A. Hart its lieuten- |
ants,—all of Foxborough. Alvin E. Hall, of Fox-
borough, was sergeant-major of the regiment.
Capt. Shepard received his orders at nine o’clock |
PM., and immediately notified officers and men to |
report at the armory, at the Cocasset House, as early
as possible on the following morning. The members
of the company were scattered well over the town
and out of town, but a large number reported
equipped for duty at about ten o’clock.
solemn moment of parting.
It was a
field, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for
this noble response to the call of your State and your
country. You cannot wait for words. I bid you
God-speed and an affectionate farewell.” Col. Pack-
ard modestly responded: ‘“ Your Excellency, I am
scarcely able to speak. All I can say is, we will en-
deavor to do our duty.” Governor Andrew replied,
“7 know you will endeavor, and I know, colonel, you
will succeed.”” The Fourth embarked at Fall River
on the steamer ‘‘ State of Maine” the same night, and
arrived in New York in the afternoon of the next day.
The boat was improperly ballasted, and her captain
Excitement was intense. |
“‘ Hsquire”’ Bird,—as he was known and called by all, |
and of whom it could be truly said, if it could be said
of any man, ‘‘an honest man is the noblest work of
God,’—inspired with patriotic zeal and fervor, made
: a0
a most feeling and eloquent address to the soldiers
who had been called to defend the honor of their
country, to which Capt. Shepard fittingly replied in |
behalf of the company. There were a number of our |
young men who volunteered to don the uniforms of
members of the company, who had families, and to |
“ fall in” and follow the fortunes of the company, and
did so.
at the State-House.
throughout the entire regiment.
Walker beat the drum for recruits.
“JT want to see my wife.” “No time for leave-
taking,” said the adjutant; “fall in.” “Do you
want an Irishman?” said one. ‘ Do you believe in
the old flag? If you do, fall in.”
marched in his shirt-sleeves.
The same readiness was evinced
The company were followed by a large num- |
ber of friends and citizens to Hast Foxborough, where |
they took the train for Boston, ané promptly reported |
At Quincy, Adjt. |
One man said, |
So he fell in, and |
did not consider her safe to carry troops, so that Col.
Packard telegraphed to Governor Andrew for instruc-
tions. He replied, “‘ If the captain says he can carry
your men, go on; Massachusetts must be first on the
After a short delay, reballasting the
steamer, she proceeded to Fortress Monroe, about the
ground.”
safety of which much anxiety was felt, as it was
insufficiently garrisoned and dangerously situated.
Governor Andrew’s order, issued from the office of the
| Adjutant-General, April 17, 1861, directed “Col.
Packard, of the Fourth Regiment, Second Brigade,
First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, to
proceed to Fortress Monroe, by steamer to be pro-
vided, to enter into the service of the United States as
United States Militia, and, on being joined by Col.
Wardrop’s regiment (Third Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia), he will take command of them also.”
The steamer left New York at nightfall, and was
about thirty hours on the way. Capt. Shepard was
Only two com-
The rest
were sent below under a guard; the fear being that,
ordered to take charge of the boat.
panies were allowed to remain on deck.
if the men were allowed to rush to and fro, the in-
_ adequately-ballasted steamer might capsize. Arriving
at Fortress Monroe at an early hour on the morning
|
| of Saturday, the 20th, and seeing no flag flying from
686
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
it, “we spent,” says an officer of the Fourth, “an
hour of anxiety lying off and on, doubtful who held
the fort. But at length the glorious banner of the
stars and stripes was unfurled, and she landed her
precious freight. We found some two hundred and
fifty regulars, worn out with watching, who heartily |
welcomed us. The fortress was almost defenseless.
We spent the next month in guard and fatigue duty, |
mounting guns, and storing provisions.” The uni-
forms became so threadbare that the men, many of |
them, were obliged to wear their overcoats on parade, |
to cover their new raglan style of pants. As the
regiment was the first to leave Massachusetts, it was
also the first to reach the actual seat of war, and the
first mustered in the service of the United States.
It was mustered into the service April 22d. The
Third Fourth saved Fortress
and Massachusetts
Monroe, whose value to the Union cause was beyond |
all price; for, had it fallen into the hands of the
enemy, no one could estimate the cost in treasure and
blood to have regained the same.
May 27th the regiment went from the fortress to
Newport News, and fortified it.
It was at this time, under a commission from the
town, that the writer visited Fortress Monroe as
bearer of kind messages and remembrances from
of the fortress.
when you don’t know who is around; but I confess
I felt rather more secure and at ease within the walls
But this is a digression, for which
I beg pardon, and will return to our record.
Four companies as a battalion, united with some
Vermont and New York troops, under Maj. Win-
throp, participated in the unfortunate affair at Big
Bethel, where plenty of pluck was exhibited, but
little or no capacity. Company F was not ordered,
but volunteered to go into the fight, and did go, in-
It is
said that history repeats itself, but history would make
a great blunder to repeat the battle of Great Bethel,
if we can believe what is recorded of its generalship
stead of Capt. Bumpus’ company, of Braintree.
on our side. The Fourth was the only organization
which marched into camp that night in regular order
at shoulder arms.
The news of this battle created an intense excite-
ment and feeling through the State, as the report first
came that the Fourth Massachusetts was “all cut to
_ pieces.”
July 3d the Fourth, with the Third Massachusetts,
_ were ordered to occupy Hampton, which they partially
friends at home, and to provide for the needs and |
comfort of our soldiers. Reporting to Gen. Butler,
who was then in command, | obtained a permit, and |
accompanied the general and staff to Newport News.
The stern realities of war were still in-the future, and
when we landed, instead of finding the troops forti-
fying, or watching the enemy, who was said to be
near at hand, behind intrenchments, the scene was
more like an old-fashioned muster-field,—a regular
holiday show.
first one I saw, had embarked in the butchering busi-
ness, and was skinning a pig, shot on “ Uncle Sam’s
farm.’ Another had gone into the horse and mule
business, and was ready to swap or trade on most
favorable terms, as he had purchased cheap of a contra-
band, in the absence of his master. Another had
made an investment in the wood and /ive-feather busi-
ness, and had borrowed a hand-cart to bring his goods
or merchandise to camp, and was quite willing to
-at Long Island, Boston Bay.
fortified.
July 17th they left Hampton for Fortress Monroe
on their way home, having served their time of enlist-
The regiment was mustered out July 22d
They received high
ment.
praises for their service from Col. Dimmock, the
commandant of the fortress, and from Gen. Butler,
who said in a farewell, “ You have done your duty
well. You have all along been in the advance at
Fortress Monroe, at Newport News, at Hampton.”
_I have dwelt with particularity upon its service as a
One of our soldiers, and about the |
throw in the meat of the poultry, and wood to cook
with, if he could only have the feathers returned in
good order for the filling of a bed. I had no occasion
to complain of my rations during my visit, which will
always be held in pleasant remembrance for the hearty
welcome received. I don’t know how I should have
felt if I had been ‘armed and equipped as the law
directs ;’ fora musket is a good thing for coura
re
ge
three-months’ regiment because of the stirring patri-
otism, promptness, and magnetic energy with which
it was rendered at an awful crisis of our history.
On its return to Foxborough, Company F, with full
ranks, was warmly received; an address of welcome
was made by EH. P. Carpenter. But the service of
the Fourth Regiment did not end here. When, in
the early summer of 1862, Gen. Banks retreated
down the valley of the Shenandoah, Governor An-
drew called for more troops (May 26th), the Fourth
Regiment was again ordered out. Lieut.-Col. Walker,
the late adjutant, read the order at Quincy on his way
He drove through the coun-
In forty-eight
to the railroad station.
try and caused alarm-bells to be rung.
hours the regiment had eight hundred men in Boston.
But they were not wanted, as the alarm had passed,
and so they returned home.
In July, 1862, came the call for two hundred thou-
sand nine-months’ men. Jieut.-Col. Walker at once
FOXBOROUGH.
687
tendered the Fourth Regiment, the first offered, and, —
being accepted, went into camp at Lakeville in Au-
gust.
borough company, though we find but a small num- |
ber of the three-months’ men upon the roll-call, as
many of them had enlisted in other regiments, and
the company was recruited for the most part with
new members.
Foxborough, and Benjamin H. Richmond, of Norton,
lieutenants. The company were mustered into ser-
vice September 23d.
sioned major, and sworn or mustered in as such
Capt. Howard was commis-
December 16th, which necessitated the election of |
On the election of First Lieut.
another captain.
William R. Black, of Company G, Taunton, as cap-
tain, Lieut. Moses A. Richardson resigned, and Ben-
jamin H. Richmond, of Norton, was elected first |
lieutenant, and Isaac H. Bonney, of Foxborough, |
second lieutenant. Foxborough is accredited with
Dec. 25, 1862, the
regiment left camp for New York, and thence went
to New Orleaus.
expedition, when the noble old Farragut ran by in
the “ Richmond ;” Col. Walker was put in command
at Brashear City, whence, May 28, 1863, the regi-
ment was again ordered to Port Hudson.
forty-seven men in this company.
Four officers
of the Fourth were in the advance, of whom one was
killed and two wounded. The regiment lost every
fifth man. Ten Foxborough soldiers in Company F
laid down their lives in patriotic devotion to their
country. ‘Their names are found enrolled with the
“ heroic dead” in Memorial Hall, and will be held
in grateful remembrance when your name and mine
shall be forgotten. The regiment was mustered out
Aug. 22, 1863, most of the men having been in ser-
vice eleven months.
the enemy’s works, gallantly leading.
Gen. Emory said, “ It was one
of the best regiments in my whole division. It was
It was remarkable for its camp, po-
lice, and sanitary discipline.
well disciplined.
I remember signalizing
it before the whole division at Baton Rouge, on ac-
count of its extreme excellence in these respects.”
If you would learn more of the history of this regi-
ment, call upon the living witnesses now before you,
for their testimony would be the whole history of |
a Massachusetts regiment, that rendered invaluable
service to the country, and gained imperishable laurels
for itself.
Foxborough men are found enrolled in the Seventh |
Massachusetts, raised by that distinguished officer, |
Company F did not lose its identity as a Fox-—
They went into camp with C. F. |
Howard as captain, and Moses A. Richardson, of ©
It was in the first Port Hudson |
_“ Foxborough Company.”
June 14th, Capt. Bartlett, of Company K, led the |
storming party, and was killed on the very slope of |
Maj.-Gen. D. N. Couch, at Taunton. It was mus-
tered into the service June 15, 1861, and mustered
out July 5, 1864. Upon its standard will be found
a long list of battles in which it was engaged. Of
this regiment, on the 5th of May, 1864, the first day
of the Wilderness, Col. Briggs, of the Tenth, writes,
‘“*Men fell like leaves in autumn: yet the regiment
stood firm, never wavered, till, the ammunition being
expended, it was promptly relieved by Lieut.-Col.
Harlow and the Seventh Massachusetts. Would [
could sound a note to his praise, than whom none is
more worthy !”
Some Foxborough soldiers served in the “ Immor-
tal Sixth Regiment,” when called to serve one hun-
dred days.
Eight companies of the Eighteenth Regiment were
recruited chiefly in Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol
Counties. Col. James Barnes, of Springfield, com-
It was mustered Aug. 27,1861. Fox-
borough had a number of representative soldiers in
this regiment, who have a good record, and two of
Company I are registered with the “ heroic dead.”
About forty men are credited to Foxborough upon
the roster of the Twenty-third Regiment, commanded
by Col. Kurtz. Company K was recruited by Capt.
Carlos A. Hart, in this town, and was known as the
manded it.
It went into camp with
the regiment at Lynnfield, in command of Capt. Hart,
with John Littlefield and Benjamin F. Barnard, lieu-
tenants. The regiment left camp for Annapolis, Nov.
11, 1861, and was mustered out at Readville, July 12,
1865. It went with Gen. Burnside to Roanoke Island.
It fought its first battle Feb. 8, 1862, which lasted
two days; twenty-five hundred prisoners were cap-
It was at New-
bern, Goldsborough, and in other engagements in
North Carolina; and at Drury’s Bluff, Cold Harbor,
and the other terrific battles of Grant’s campaign of
1864, in Virginia. Col. John W. Raymond, the last
commander, says of this regiment, “In closing my
tured in the two days’ engagements.
narrative of the regiment, I cannot refrain from speak-
ing a few words in commendation of both men and
officers during the time I had the honor to command
them. Their excellent conduct while in camp or gar-
_rison, their courage and bravery under fire, their vigi-
lance and fidelity at all times displayed, entitle them
to the highest praise, and have won for them the ap-
probation of all who have been in command over them.
Rest assured that the Twenty-third Regiment, as an
organization, never brought discredit upon their native
State; and I shall count it the highest honor of my
life that I have been privileged to command it.”
Such words, coming from Col. Raymond, are com-
688
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
mendations that every soldier of the regiment may | Elisha White were constituted a committee to pur-
well be proud of, and its record needs no further in- |
dorsement to make it equal to the best.
One Foxborough soldier perished in Company A |
|
|
|
|
|
of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, in which a number |
enlisted, which fought from Roanoke Island to Peters-
burg.
20, 1866.
its colors and said, “I welcome you home. But all
have not returned. Hight officers of the line and two
hundred and ten enlisted men have fallen in battle
and by the casualties of war.
should now transfer your colors to the great compan-
ionship in which they shall henceforth be preserved,
and that, in behalf of a grateful people, I should |
greet and honor your return.”
We had representatives in the Fifty-sixth Infantry,
which left Massachusetts March 21, 1863, which em-
blazons heroic service upon its flag at Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, the Weldon
Railroad, and the pursuit of Lee.
One of our honored dead was of the First Massa-
chusetts Heavy Artillery, previously Fourteenth In-
Tt was not mustered out of service until Jan. |
On the 27th, Governor Bullock received
fantry, which, after guarding the forts about Wash- |
ington for two years, went into the field in 1864, and
Fox-
borough men fought also in the Ninth, Seventeenth,
fought from Spottsylvania to Hatcher’s Run.
ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-
fifth, Thirty-eighth, Fortieth, Forty-seventh, Fifty-
Massachusetts; in her First, Second, Third, and
Fourth Cavalry; in the Third, Twelfth, Thirteenth,
Fourteenth, and Sixteenth Massachusetts Batteries ;
in the First Heavy Artillery, in the Kighteenth and
Twentieth Unattached, in the First Rhode Island
Artillery and Seventh Rhode Island Infantry, and we
had representatives in the regular army, navy, and
Veteran Reserve Corps.
Having made up “ Our Soldiers’ Record,” which
must necessarily be imperfect in some respects for
want of proper time to obtain the required data, we |
It only remains that I | laws of 1861.
chase clothing and supplies for volunteers, and to
meet the various wants of their families.
It was also voted to appropriate three thousand
dollars to procure rifles for the members of the rifle
company, and EK. P. Carpenter was designated as
agent to obtain them.
The government refused to accept this company,
and it was disbanded.
June 15th it was voted to pay aid to the families
of soldiers, in accordance with Chapter 222 of the
K. P. Carpenter, as chairman of the
Relief Committee, made a report of his visit to Com-
pany F, at Fortress Monroe, Va.
July 22, 1862, one hundred dollars was voted as a
bounty to twenty-four persons, who might volunteer
under the recent call of President Lincoln, and the
bounty was afterwards raised to one hundred and
twenty-five dollars.
August 14th the town passed the following vote:
“Wuerras, The town of Foxborough is desirous of standing
shoulder to shoulder with their fellow-citizens of other towns in
filling up the second quota of three hundred thousand men
ordered by the President of the United States to be drafted for
service on or about the Ist of September next; and, whereas,
the citizens believe that our old Commonwealth will fill said
quota by volunteers without a draft becoming necessary ; and,
| whereas, time is of importance, and the towns are not fully
Twentieth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-eighth, Twenty- | aware of the sum the exigencies of the occasion will require,
but have full confidence in the patriotism and judgment of the
selectmen; therefore, Resolved, That the selectmen proceed to
| take such measures as they may deem wise and expedient to
third, Fifty-fourth, and Fifty-eighth Regiments of |
will now refer to the patriotism of the town, as shown
by the acts of its citizens.
enlist such numbers of men as may be required from this town
by said draft; and the town pledges to them that such sums of
money shall be voted to them hereafter as may be necessary to
carry out this vote.”
September 20th a vote was passed approving of the
selectmen’s offer of a bounty of one hundred and fifty
It was voted also to
pay one hundred and fifty dollars to each inhabitant
dollars for nine-months’ men.
of the town of Foxborough enlisting in Company F
of the Fourth Militia Regiment for nine months’ ser-
vice, and to as many others as might be needed to fill
the quota. There were two negative votes. The treas-
urer was authorized to borrow for the purpose a sum
_ not exceeding ten thousand dollars ; it was also voted
Almost immediately upon dismissing their fellow-
citizens of Company F, Fourth Regiment, to the |
field of war, the citizens of Foxborough began to
consider their duty as patriots in a larger way.
At a town-meeting held May 4, 1861, it was voted
that the treasurer shall borrow ten thousand dollars
for a war fund, to be paid in five equal annual install- |
ments, commencing Oct. 5, 1862. E. P. Carpenter,
W. P. Shepard, Otis Cary, J. E. Carpenter, and
|
to extend the same aid to the families of drafted men
as to volunteers.
March 26, 1864, it was voted to reimburse three
thousand nine hundred dollars furnished by individuals
to procure the town’s quota of volunteers under the
calls of Oct. 17, 1863, and Feb. 1, 1864. There was
one vote in the negative.
June 18, 1864, it was voted that the treasurer have
authority to borrow two thousand eight hundred and
FOXBOROUGH.
689
seventy-five dollars to pay expenses incurred in filling
the town’s quota under the call of March 14, 1864.
Aug. 1, 1864, it was voted to raise a sum not ex- |
ceeding one hundred and twenty-five dollars per man |
to fill the quota under the call of July 18, 1864, for
five hundred thousand men. March 11, 1865, it was
voted to appropriate a sum not exceeding three hun-
dred dollars to make up a deficiency in paying one |
hundred and twenty-five dollars each per man to fill
the quota under the call of Dec. 1, 1864, for three
hundred thousand men.
Let us not, in this retrospect, forget the labors and
untiring sympathy of the women of Foxborough. In
the war archives of the commonwealth is a letter
dated April 19, 1861,—the very day when the streets
of Baltimore drank the patriotic blood of Massachu- |
setts,—addressed to Governor Andrew by Miss Fran- |
ces Wight (now Mrs. Coggswell), of Foxborough,
signed by one hundred young ladies of this place,
offering their services as nurses, or to make sol-
diers’ garments, to prepare bandages and lint, to do
Gov-
ernor Andrew, replying, writes, “I accept it as one of
the most earnest and sincere of the countless offers of
devotion to our old commonwealth and to the cause
of the country.” He concludes by asking them to
‘help those who are left behind, and follow those who
have gone before with your benedictions, your benefac-
?
anything for the cause in their power to do.
tions, and your prayers.’’ The good work inaugurated |
by gentle and enthusiastic maidens was, with unabated |
zeal, carried forward by all our women to the end of
the great war for the Union. In this connection we |
must not forget to mention those young ladies who
went out from our midst to teach the freedmen, for
they had battles to fight, which, if it did not cost them
their lives, required sacrifices that proved both their
patriotism and philanthropy.
In an address of this character it were nigh impos-
sible to mention all who were meritorious; but I |
cannot forbear alluding to those most worthy and pa-
triotic citizens, and faithful and true friends of the |
soldier,— William H. Thomas, Ezra Carpenter, Rich- |
ard Carpenter, Edmund Carroll, and Robert Kerr,—
who have gone from among us; and, as we hallow
the graves of our dead heroes, and erect monuments
to their memories, let us not forget their faithful com-
rades in civil life who did valiant service for the cause
for which they laid down their lives. In summing |
up “our record,” I find that 55 men were furnished |
in 1861 for three years; 24 for three years, and 45 |
for nine months, in 1862; in 1863-64, 60 for three |
years, and 23 for one year, including officers and |
men; the whole number furnished was 276, being a |
44
surplus of 13 over the quota. The whole number of
| different men was 178, equivalent to 100 men each
day of the war. Of these, there were 2 majors, 4
captains, 11 lieutenants, 13 sergeants, and 11 corpo-
rals, making 41 commissioned and non-commissioned
officers, and 137 privates; 21 of this number died in
battle or of disease. The amount expended by the
town for bounties and enlistment expenses was
$21,742.48. The amount of private subscriptions
for bounties to volunteers was $7008.33; $1001.13
were spent for clothing and supplies for the soldiers,
being for Company F at Fortress Monroe. Large
contributions of clothing and supplies were sent
through the Foxborough Relief Association and the
Sanitary and Christian Commissions. Money con-
tributions in this behalf may be estimated at $500.
The material interests of Foxborough declined slightly
during the war. In 1860 our population was 2879 ;
in 1865 it was 2769. In 1860 our valuation was
$1,287,735 ; in 1865, $1,284,524.
Never shall we forget the morning when the glori-
ous news came that Gen. Lee’s army had surrendered.
It was a day of great rejoicing. The bells were rung,
the glorious stars and stripes were flung to the breeze,
and saluted with cheers and tears, for men and women
eried for joy, and thanked God for these glad tidings,
that foretold peace and the return of those that had led
us to victory. A procession was formed, and marched
with stirring music through the principal streets and
to the town hall, which was filled. Prayer, earnest
and fervent, was offered by Deacon Hewins, and some
speaking was “in order;’’ but there are times when
there is more eloquence in silence than in the best of
oratory, and this seemed to be the time and occasion.
The war over, the town, in common with almost
all its sister communities, began to consider its duty
towards a fitting commemoration of the valor of its
deceased soldiers, who went forth from it and fell in
the service of their country. March 10, 1866, it was
voted to refer the article in the warrant, in reference
to a monument of the deceased soldiers, to a commit-
tee consisting of five-—K. P. Carpenter, William
Carpenter, Otis Cary, William H. Thomas, and George
T. Ryder,—who made an extended report, March 6,
1867, which was ordered to be printed. The com-
mittee recommended the building of a Memorial Hall
| as the most fitting monument to the valor and patriotism
of the dead, whilst it would be at the same time emi-
nently useful to the living. March 16, 1867, it was’
voted that the committee be instructed to procure
plans and estimates in accordance with this report;
also a plan for a monument, with estimates for cost of
each, and to report on the same. There is, however,
690
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
no question that the original report (to be found on
the town records) substantially settled the question,
and secured the building of the useful and substan- |
stial structure that adorns our village,—the Memorial
Hall. It was erected in 1868, at an expense of some
thirteen thousand dollars, including town appropria-
tions and subscriptions, or gifts made by individuals.
It was dedicated on Friday, the 17th of June, with
impressive ceremonies. Hon. George B. Loring was
the orator of the day, and made a most appropriate
and eloquent address.
ROLL-CALL OF FOXBOROUGH’S SOLDIERS, 1861 TO
1865.
Fourtn Reement, Company F. (Three months.)
22, 1861; July 22, 1861,
David L. Shepard, capt., must. April 22,
ex. of service.
Moses A. Richardson, Ist lieut., must. April 22, 1861;
1861, ex. of service.
Carlos A. Hart, 2d lieut., must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861,
ex. of service.
Wm. H. Torrey, sergt., must. April 22,
ex. of service.
John F. Shepard, sergt.,
ex. of service.
John M. Welch, sergt., must. April 22, 1861;
of service.
Edward E. Bird, sergt.,
ex. of service.
Samuel D. Robinson, corp., must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861,
ex. of service.
Lewis L. Bullard, corp., must, April 22, 1861;
ex. of service.
Frank O. Pierce, corp., must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex.
of service.
Lucius W. Allen, must. May 22, 1861; July
service.
July 22,
1861; July 22, 1861,
must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861,
July 22,1861, ex.
must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861,
July 22, 1861,
22, 1861, ex. of
of |
| William A. Morse, must. April 22, 1861;
Charles D. Bacon, must. May 6, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
James S. Bemis, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of |
service.
Isaac H. Bonney, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Samuel N. Bryant, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Hiram F. Buck, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex.
service. |
James Carpenter, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service,
Gabriel P. Chamberlain, must.
ex. of service.
George H. Claflin, must. April
April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861,
22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service. |
Henry A. Fales, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
William H. Fales, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
George M. Fillebrown, must. April 22, 1861;
of service.
Albert KE. Forrest, must. April
service.
Edward M. Freeman, must. April 22, 1861;
of service.
July 22, 1861, ex.
22
22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
July 22, 1861, ex.
Alonzo W. Fuller, must. May 22, 1861; July 22,
service,
Joseph Gotleib, must. April 22,
service.
1861, ex. of
1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
| Moses L. Green, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Ephraim O. Grover, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Pascal C. Grover, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
David T. Hartshorn, must. May 6, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Edwin P. Jewett, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Joseph H. Joplin, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
William H. Lyons, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Ransom Matthews, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
William H. Pierce, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Charles H. Pond, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
James L. Sherman, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
William H. Sweet, must. May 6, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Charles A. Thompson, must. April 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex.
of service.
| Willard W. Turner, must. April 22, 1861; July 22,1861, ex. of
service.
James White, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of ser-
vice.
Nelson S. White, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Rufus 8. White, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Liscomb C. Winn, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
James A. Wyer, must. May 22, 1861; July 22, 1861, ex. of
service.
Tuirpd Barranion, Company D. (Three months.)
George Draper, must. May 19, 1861; July 23, 1861, discharged.
FourtH Re@imment. (Nine months.)
Charles F. Howard, maj., must. Dec. 16, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
ex. of service.
Company F, (Nine months.)
| Charles F. Howard, capt., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Dec. 6, 1862,
| Moses
Isaac H. Bonney, 2d lieut.,
maj.
A. Richardson, Ist lieut., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Sept. 23,
1862, resigned.
OT.
must. Dec. 27, 1862; Aug. 23, 1863,
died at Indianapolis.
93
Joseph H. Joplin, Ist sergt., must. Sept. 23, 1862; July 14, 1863,
died on railroad.
Liscomb C. Winn, sergt., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
| ex. of service. ‘
Gabriel P. Chamberlain, sergt., must. Sept. 23, 1862: May 31,
1863, died at Brashear City.
Ephraim 0, Grover, corp., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
ex. of service.
FOXBOROUGH.
691
' Pascal C. Grover, corp., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
ex. of service.
Charles B. Winn, corp., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
ex. of service.
Charles T. Sumner, corp., must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
ex. of service.
George H. Grover, musician, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28,
1863, ex. of service.
William M, Adams, musician, must. Sept. 23, 1862; March 6,
18638, died at Carrollton, La.
Joseph H. Alden, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Warren B. Alden, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Dec. 8, 1862, dis-
charged.
Lewis W. Belcher, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Isaac H. Bonney, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Dec. 27, 1862, 2d
lieut.
Charles L. Boyden, must. Oct. 15, 1862; July 15, 1863, died at
New Orleans.
Edwin J. Carroll, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
James S. Carver, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
George H. Copliston, must. Sept. 26, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex.
of service.
William Day, must. Sept. 23, 1862; June 10, 1863, died at
Brashear City.
Joseph H. Dow, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Edwin Dunbar, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Anson Fisher, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service,
HE. Irving Fisher, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service. |
George H. Fisher, must. Oct. 26, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Handel P. Fisher, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Edward M. Freeman, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex.
of service.
George A. Mann, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Cyrus B. Morse, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of |
service.
Klbridge F. Morse, must. Sept. 23, 1862; May 26, 1863, died at
New Orleans.
Jarius J. Morse, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
William A. Morse, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Joseph Myers, must. Sept. 238, 1862; July 20, 1863, died at
New Orleans. \
Charles A. Pettee, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
Charles D. Smith, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of |
service.
Leonard Smith, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of |
service,
Payson F. Smith, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of |
service. |
William A. Stevens, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex.
of service.
Henry C. Sumner, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 13, 1863, died |
on railroad.
David A. Swift, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28,
service.
Charles A. Thompson, must. Oct. 15, 1862; Aug.
of service.
George S. Thompson, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug.
of service.
John Ware, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of ser-
vice.
Preston B. Whittemore, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863,
ex. of service.
James Wight, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of ser-
vice.
Ansel L, Willis, must. Sept. 23, 1862; Aug. 28, 1863, ex. of
service.
1863, ex. of
28, 1863, ex.
28, 1863, ex.
Srxtu Regiment, Company B. (One hundred days.)
Thomas 8. Brigham, must. July 17, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
Timothy Brennan, must. July 17, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
Curtis 8. Childs, must. July 17, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of ser-
vice.
Lewis E. Comey, must. July 17, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of ser-
vice.
Seth N. Kingsbury, must. July 17, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
William T. Wright, must. July 17, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
Company K. (One hundred days.)
Gardner A. Carpenter, must. July 14, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex.
of service.
Benjamin L. Dixon, must. July 14, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
John J. Dixon, must. July 14, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, ex. of ser-
vice.
SeveNTH REGIMENT, Company H.1
Richard H. King, must. June 15, 1861; Nov. 12, 1861, dis-
charged.
Stillman F. Morse, must. June 15, 1861; March 10, 1863, died.
James Prime, must. June 15, 1861; Dec. 3, 1862, discharged.
Company I.
Louis Heckman, must. June 15, 1861; June 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
Nintu Recent, Company B.
Charles Lyons, must. June 11, 1861; Oct. 16, 1862, discharged.
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, Company H.
John R. Nelson, sergt., must. Dec. 25, 1863 ; July 11, 1865, ex.
of service.
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT, Company H.
Alvin E. Hall, 1st lieut., must. Aug. 20, 1861; July 9, 1862, re-
signed.
Chris. T. Hanly, Ist lieut., must. May 5, 1863; Nov. 10, 1863,
discharged.
Chris. T. Hanly, 2d lieut., must. Dec. 25, 1862; May 5, 1863,
lieut.
Band.
Albert E. Forrest, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Aug. 11, 1862, order
War Department.
1 Term of service of all regiments and batteries not otherwise
designated was three years.
692
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Company I.
Christopher T. Hanly, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Dee. 25, 1862, 2d
1st lieut.
George H. Claflin, corp., must. Jan. 2, 1864; Oct. 21, 1864, to
32d Inf.
Wm. C. Grover, musician, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Dec. 30, 1862,
discharged.
James S. Bemis, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Feb. 8, 1863, discharged.
George H. Claflin, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Jan. 1, 1864, re-en-
listed.
Amos L. Fuller, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Dec. 21, 1862, dis-
charged.
Nathan M. Grover, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Jan. 4, 1863, dis-
charged.
Moses E. Harding, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Oct. 2, 1862, dis-
charged.
Leander G. Thompson, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Nov. 29, 1862,
discharged.
Ezekiel J. Tolman, must. Aug. 24, 1861; Nov. 22, 1861, died.
Twentieta ReGiment, Company D.
James Donahue, must. Aug. 9, 1862; Dec. 11, 1862, killed at
Fredericksburg.
Patrick Slattely, must. Aug. 9, 1862; Jan. 15, 1863, discharged.
Company E.
David Caine, must. July 22, 1861; Oct. 23, 1861, died of
wounds.
Donald McGilvery, must. Aug. 9, 1862; Sept. 17, 1862, dis-
charged.
Company I.
Owen Murphy, must. Aug. 9, 1862; Aug. 1, 1864, ex. of ser-
vice. :
Timothy Clifford, must. Feb. 26, 1864; Feb. 28, 1864, rejected.
John Lynch, must. Aug. 9, 1862.
George Proctor, must. March 3, 1864; March 5, 1864, rejected.
TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT, Company K.
Carlos A. Hart, capt., must. Oct. 11, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex.
of service.
John Littlefield, 1st lieut., must. Oct. 11, 1861; May 4, 1862,
resigned.
James L. Sherman, Ist lieut., must. May 3, 1863; Oct. 13, 1864,
ex. of service.
Joshua B. Bowman, Ist lieut., must. Oct. 14, 1864; June 25,
1865, ex. of service.
Edward E. Bird, 2d lieut., must. Nov. 3, 1862; May 23, 1864,
resigned.
James L. Sherman, 2d lieut., must. Nov. 18, 1862; May 3,
1863, 1st lieut.
Edward E. Bird, Ist sergt., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Nov. 2, 1863,
2d lieut.
Lewis L. Bullard, Ist sergt., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Sept. 30,
1862, discharged.
James A. Carpenter, Ist sergt., must. Dec. 3, 1863; June 25,
1865, ex. of service.
Thomas G. Pierce, sergt., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Aug. 1,
discharged.
1862,
William H. Pierce, sergt., must. Sept. 28, 1861; July 10, 1863,
discharged.
Charles W. Stearns, sergt., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864,
ex. of service.
James A. Carpenter, corp., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Dec. 2, 1863,
to re-enlist.
Otis H. Horton, corp., must. Sept. 28, 1861; March 26, 1863,
discharged.
James L. Sherman, corp., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Aug. 20, 1862,
sergt.-maj.
Hiram D. Skinner, corp., must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864,
ex. of service.
Benj. P. Slater, corp., must. Sept. 28, 1861; March 14, 1862,
discharged.
Patrick Hanabury, wagoner, must. March 29, 1864; June 25,
1865, ex. of service.
Ezekiel Ames, must. Sept. 28, 1861; July 11, 1862, dis-
charged.
Benjamin F. Belcher, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Dec. 2, 1863, to
re-enlist.
Benjamin F. Belcher, must. Dec. 3, 1863; June 25, 1865, ex.
of service.
Levi Bennett, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Dec. 2, 1863, to re-enlist.
Levi Bennett, must. Dec. 3, 1863; June 25, 1865, ex. of ser-
vice.
Joseph Brigham, must. Sept. 28, 1861; June 25, 1862, dis-
charged.
Hiram 8. Buck, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Sept. 11, 1862, dis-
charged.
Thomas Carpenter, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex. of
service.
Samuel C. Chestnut, must. Oct. 27, 1861; Feb. 21, 1863, dis-
charged.
William H. Fales, must. Sept. 28, 1861; March 26, 1863, dis-
charged,
David Flahaven, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Dec. 2, 1863, to re-
enlist.
David Flahaven, must. Dec. 3, 1863; June 25, 1865, ex. of .
service.
Joseph Gay, must. Aug. 25, 1864; June 25, 1865, ex. of service.
Patrick Hanabury, must. Sept. 28, 1861; March 28,%1864, to
re-enlist.
William D. Higgins, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex.
of service.
Allen P. Lake, must. Oct. 30, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex. of service.
John Mahoney, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex. of ser-
vice.
Oliver Prime, must. Sept. 28, 1861; March 13, 1863, discharged.
Edward Richardson, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex. of
service.
Hiram A. Snow, must. Dec. 3, 1863; May 16, 1864, missing.
Franklin E. Taylor, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Feb. 16, 1863, dis-
charged. :
Joshua Taylor, must. Sept. 28, 1861; Oct. 13, 1864, ex. of ser-
vice.
| Charles A. Whipple, must. Oct. 12, 1861; May 5, 1862, died at
Newburn.
George W. Williams, Jr., must. Sept. 28, 1861; June 21, 1862,
discharged.
Micajah B. Alley, must. Aug. 25, 1864; Oct. 27, 1864, rejected.
Twenty-rourtH REGIMENT, Company A.
John M. Welch, sergt., must. Sept. 4, 1861; March 26, 1863,
discharged.
Henry J. Barrows, must. Aug. 13, 1862; Oct. 16, 1862, died at
Newburn. c
Wm. R. Goldsmith, must. Aug. 13, 1862; Dec. 4, 1864, ex. of
service.
| Patrick Roche, must. Sept. 27,1861; March 12, 1864, Vet. Res.
Corps.
David Scott, must. Aug. 13, 1862; Dec. 4, 1864, ex. of service.
John H. Sumner, must. Aug. 13, 1862; Dec. 4, 1864, ex. of
service.
Wm. H. Torrey, must. Noy. 30,1861; June 8, 1863, Ist lieut.
FOXBOROUGH.
693
Company G.
Joseph Jewett, must. Sept. 5, 1861; Sept. 5, 1864, to re-enlist.
Company I,
George F. Wallace, corp., must. Jan. 2, 1864; Jan. 20, 1866, ex.
of service.
TWENTY-sIxTH REGIMENT.
Isaac Smith, Jr., ass’t surg., must. Dec. 2, 1862; Noy. 7, 1864,
ex. of service.
TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT, Company D.
Andrew K. Grady, wagoner, must. Dec. 13, 1861; Dec. 19,
1864, ex. of service.
Company G.
Peter Leighton, must. March 29, 1864; Aug. 16, 1864, missing.
Joseph Murray, must. March 17, 1864; Sept. 13, 1864, dis-
charged.
TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT, Company F.
Joseph Boyden, Ist sergt., must. Jan. 2, 1864; July 29, 1865,
ex. of service.
Joseph Boyden, must. Dec. 31, 1861; Jan. 1, 1864, to re-en- |
list.
Company G.
Henry B. Titus, sergt., must. Jan. 2, 1864; June 28, 1865,
discharged.
THIRTIETH REGIMENT, Company E.
Theodore R. Skinner, musician, must. Nov. 5, 1861; Feb. 12,
1864, to re-enlist.
THIRTY-SECOND ReGIMENT, Company D.
George H. Claflin, corp., must. Jan. 4, 1864; June 29, 1865,
ex. of service.
THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT, Company C.
Alfred L. Morse, must. Aug. 6, 1862; May 27, 1865, order War
Department.
Ira C. Sayles, must. Aug. 6, 1862; Aug. 13, 1862.
THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT, Company C.
Alonzo W. Fuller, must. Aug. 19, 1862; Feb. 28, 1863, dis-
charged.
Tuirty-EIGHTH REGIMENT, Company I.
James Nelson, must. Aug. 21, 1862; June 30, 1865, ex. of
service.
William Rich, must. Aug. 24, 1862; June 30, 1865, ex. of ser- |
vice.
FortieEtH ReGimeNntT, Company F.
Edmond Burke, must. Sept. 3, 1862; March 15, 1863, Vet. Res. |
Corps.
Forty-sEVENTH REGIMENT, Company C. (Nine months.)
Bernard E. Backer, 2d lieut., must. Feb. 2, 1863; Sept. 1, 1863,
ex. of service.
Bernard E. Backer, sergt., must. Sept. 23, 1863; Feb. 2, 1864,
2d lieut.
Firty-FrourtH REGIMENT, Company F.
Henry James, must. Dec. 18, 1863; Aug. 20, 1865, ex. of ser-
vice.
Firty-FIrth# REGIMENT, Company F.
Wm. H. Torrey, capt., must. Feb. 7, 1864; July 7, 1865, re-
signed.
Wm. H. Torrey, Ist lieut., must. June 19, 1863 ; Feb. 7, 1864,
captain.
Wm. H. Torrey, 2d lieut., must. June 17, 1863 ; June 19, 1863,
Ist lieut.
Firtry-stxtH REGIMENT.
Fred. D. Forrest, capt., must. Dec. 4, 1863, commission revoked.
Company C.
George Eaton, must. March 10, 1864; June 19, 1865, order
War Department.
Company D.
Jeremiah E. Earle, sergt., must. Dec. 29, 1863; July 12, 1865,
ex. of service.
Leander Clapp, corp., must. Dec. 29,1863; May 6, 1864, killed,
Wilderness, Va.
Patrick M. Driscoll, must. Dec. 29, 1863; January, 1864.
Daniel Mahoney, must. Dec. 29, 1863; Feb. 23, 1864, died.
Company E.
Otis Dean, must. Jan. 12, 1864; June 15, 1865, order Gen.
Park.
| Comfort O. Fisher, must. Jan. 12, 1864; Dec. 30, 1864, order
Gen. Auger.
Edward E. Place, must. Jan. 12, 1864; June 30, 1865, order
War Department. i
Company F.
George E. Bird, must. Jan. 12, 1864; July 14, 1865, order War
Department.
Eliphalet S. Wilson, must. Jan. 12, 1864; July 12, 1865, order
War Department.
Company K.
Edwin P. Jewett, Ist sergt., must. Feb. 25, 1864; Sept. 1, 1864,
promotion.
Liscomb C. Winn, Ist sergt., must. Feb. 25, 1864; July 12,
1865, ex. of service.
Firry-EIGHTH REGIMENT, Company G.
Joseph Merritt, must. March 26, 1864; Oct. 1, 1864.
EIGHTEENTH UNATTACHED CoMPANY.
Wm. F. Boyd, sergt., must. Dec. 7, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
(One year.)
service,
Ethan A. Cobb, sergt., must. Dec. 7, 1864; April 11, 1865, 2d
lieut.
George A. Brock, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
service.
Herbert E. Cobb, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of ser-
vice.
Willis S. Cook, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of-ser-
vice.
Samuel H. Gooch, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
service.
| Cephas P. Grover, must. Dec. 7, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
service.
Lewis F. Holmes, must. Dec. 7, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
service.
Theodore H. Hunniwell, must. Dec. 7, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex.
of service.
Thomas J. Kennedy, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
service.
Zeri B. Martis, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of ser-
vice.
Cyrus B. Morse, must. Dec. 6, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of ser-
vice.
Stillman F. Willis, must. Dec. 7, 1864; May 12, 1865, ex. of
service.
694
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
TWENTIETH UNATTACHED CoMPANY. (One hundred days.) |
Jarius J. Morse, corp., must. Aug. 11, 1864; Noy. 18, 1864, ex.
of service.
E. Irving Fisher, must. Aug. 11, 1864; Nov. 18, 1864, ex. of
service.
Edward Matthews, must. Aug. 11, 1864; Nov. 18, 1864, ex. of
service.
William A. Morse, must. Aug.
service.
11, 1864; Nov. 18, 1864, ex. of
TWENTY-NINTH UNATTACHED HEAVY ARTILLERY.
E. P. Jewett, must. Sept. 1, 1864; June, 1865, close of war.
TWELFTH Batrery. |
Andrew W. Martin, corp., must. March 29, 1864; July 25,
1865, ex. of service.
THIRTEENTH BATTERY.
Patrick Curtin, corp., must. Jan. 27, 1863; July 28, 1865, ex.
of service.
Michael A. MecCostello, must. March 30, 1864; July 28, 1865,
ex. of service.
FourTEENTH BATTERY.
Williams Leonard, artificer, must. Feb. 27, 1864; June 15,
1865, ex. of service.
George Leonard, must. Feb. 27, 1864; June 15, 1865, ex. of
service.
SIXTEENTH BATTERY.
Wn. Hilliard, must. July 28, 1864; Aug. 1, 1864.
Martin Shea, must. March 11, 1864; June 27, 1865, ex. of ser-
vice,
John Smith, must. July 28, 1864; Aug. 1, 1864.
First CAVALRY.
George M. Fillebrown, 2d lieut., must. Oct. 30, 1862; May 12,
1863, Ist lieut.
George M. Fillebrown, Ist lieut., must. May 12,1863; Jan. 25,
1864.
Company B.
- George M. Fillebrown, com.-sergt., must. Sept. 17, 1861; Oct.
30, 1862, 2d lieut.
Herbert F. Dean, must. Sept. 14, 1861; April 4, 1864, promo-
tion.
George M. Washburn, must. Sept. 17, 1861; Nov. 17, 1864, ex. |
of service.
Company K.
Allen F. Belcher, Ist sergt., must. Sept. 23, 1861; trans. to Co.
K, 4th Cay.
Horace E. Dupee, com.-sergt., must. Sept. 25, 1861; trans. to
Co. K, 4th Cav. |
Charles D. Bacon, sergt., must. Dec. 4, 1861; trans. to Co. K,
4th Cav.
Newton W. Bacon, must. Oct. 19, 1861; trans. to Co. K, 4th
Cay.
Charles H. Pond, must. Sept. 19, 1861; trans. to Co. K, 4th
Cav.
Second CAvALry, Company D.
George H. Sanford, must. Feb. 26, 1864; July 20, 1865, ex. of
service.
Company F.
Lawrence Dwyer, must. March 15, 1864; July 20, 1865, ex. of |
service.
Tuirp CAVALRY, Company B.
Patrick Kelcher, must. Feb. 27, 1864; Dec. 15, 1865.
FourtH CAVALRY.
Allen F. Belcher, Ist lieut., must. Feb. 1, 1865; Feb. 20, 1865,
res. brevet capt.
Allen F. Belcher, 2d lieut., must. July 27, 1864; Feb. 1, 1865,
Ist lieut.
Allen F. Belcher, com.-sergt., must. Jan. 1, 1864; July 27,
1864, 2d lieut.
Company K,
Allen F. Belcher, Ist sergt., must. Sept. 23, 1861; Dec. 31,
1863, to re-enlist.
Allen F. Belcher, Ist sergt., must. Jan. 1, 1864; June 6, 1864,
com.-sergt.
Horace E, Dupee, com.-sergt., must. April 21, 1864; Nov. 14,
1865, ex. of service.
Charles D. Bacon, sergt., must. Dec. 4, 1861; Dec. 3, 1864, ex.
of service.
Horace E. Dupee, sergt., must. Sept. 25, 1861; April 20, 1864,
to re-enlist.
Newton W. Bacon, must. Oct. 19, 1861; Oct. 16, 1864, ex. of
service.
Charles H. Pond, must. Sept. 19, 1861; Sept. 24, 1864, ex. of
service.
Company L.
Richard H. King, blacksmith, must. Feb. 18, 1864; Nov. 14,
1864, ex. of service.
VETERAN RESERVE CoRPs.
James R. Albion, must. Aug. 8, 1864.
Myrom Ames, must. Aug. 15, 1864; Nov. 14, 1865, order of
War Dept.
Edward H. Bowker, must. Aug. 19, 1864,
John Devlin, must. April 14, 1864.
Francis J. Flanagan, must. April 15, 1864.
William Greenlough, must. April 15, 1864,
David Haugh, must. April 14, 1864.
Dwight N. Hill, must. Aug. 29, 1864.
Benj. F. Jones, must. Jan. 10, 1865; Noy. 16, 1865, order of
War Dept.
Samuel Keller, must. April 14, 1864.
John Kirchen, must. April 14, 1864.
August Kinttile, must. May 11, 1864.
August Krun, must. July 28, 1864.
Alvah 8. Langley, must. Aug. 13, 1864.
Michael McCarthy, must. July 29, 1864.
Donald McDonald, must. April 14, 1864.
George McDoner, must. April 20, 1864.
Michael McNamara, must. April 14, 1864.
Bernard Mullins, must. July 21, 1864.
John Phillips, must. July 30, 1864.
Wm. H. Pierce, must. Aug. 31, 1864.
John Rooney, must. April 20, 1864.
James E. Smith, must. July 28, 1864.
Leander G. Thompson, must. Aug. 29, 1864.
Francis Traynor, must. April 14, 1864.
George Vandergrist, must. Aug. 15, 1864.
Thomas H. Walters, must. July 28, 1864.
John White, must. Aug. 13, 1864.
ReGuiar ARMY.
John Buchmiller, must. July 18, 1864.
Robert W. Graham, must. March 30, 1864.
John Hogan, must. July 21, 1864.
Frederick W. Kent, must. July 18, 1864,
Joseph McGinley, must. April 8, 1864.
John Montague, must. July 30, 1864.
FOXBOROUGH.
695
Wesley H. Sherwood, must. April 11, 1864.
Elijah Spencer, must. July 18, 1864.
Robert Wallock, must. April 13, 1864.
Henry Karch, must. July 30, 1864.
William F. McAlliston, must. July 30, 1864.
FOXBOROUGH SOLDIERS CREDITED TO QUOTAS OF
OTHER TOWNS.
Sevento Reciment, Company H.
George S. Cook, must. June 15, 1861; June 27, 1864, ex. of
service.
Charles D. Richardson, must. June 15, 1861; Jay. 16, 1863, |
disability.
William F. Frazer, musician, must. June 15, 1861; Sept. 1,
1863, Vet. Res. Corps.
Company I,
William A. Richardson, must. June 15,1861; Feb. 4, 1863, died,
Washington.
TWENTY-FOoURTH REGIMENT, Company A.
Nelson S. White, must. Dec. 5, 1861; Dec. 22, 1863, promoted.
Frrty-sixtH REGIMENT, Company A.
Christopher Martin, must. Dec. 29, 1863; ——- — 1864, order
War Department.
Company F.
George H. Hartshorn, must. Jan. 12, 1864; July 12, 1865, close
of war.
Company G.
Leander Clapp, must. Dec. 29, 1863; May 13, 1864, killed in
battle.
Company H.
George F. Hogle, must. Jan. 27, 1864; July 26, 1864, disability.
Isaac Skinner, must. Dec. 19, 1863; Dec. 19, 1863, rejected.
First Massacuusetts Heavy ARTILLERY.
Uriah S. King, must. March 20, 1862; Oct. 29, 1864, died in
Georgia.
NintH Marne Reciment, Company B.
William B. Grover, must. Oct. 20, 1862; Sept. 12, 1863, medi-
cal cadet.
TuoirD REGIMENT RuHopE IsutAnD Heavy ARTILLERY, Com-
pany M.
Charles Beal, corp., must. Jan. 1, 1863; Aug. 30, 1863, wounded.
Charles Beal, must. March 17, 1862; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted.
Sixta Rwope Istanp BArTrTery.
William C. Winslow, must. Aug. 15, 1862; Feb. 20, 1865, dis- |
ability.
Lixcoty Guarps, Seconp District CotumBiA REGIMENT,
Company G.
John E. Belcher, must. Jan. 13, 1862; Jan. 13, 1865, ex. of |
service.
Joel A. Belcher, must. Jan. 13, 1862; Jan. 13, 1865, ex. of
service.
Joseph W. Belcher, must. Jan. 27, 1862; Feb. 2, 1865, ex. of
service.
THIRTY-THIRD UniteEp States REGIMENT COLORED TROOPS.
Nelson S. White, capt., must. Nov. 12, 1865; Jan. 31, 1866, ex.
of service.
Nelson S. White, Ist lieut., must. Oct. 7, 1865; Nov. 12, 1865,
promoted.
| Nelson S. White, 2d lieut., must. Dec. 22, 1863; Oct. 7, 1865,
promoted.
|
|
Soldiers credited to Foxborough’s Quota, but served in Regi-
| ments other than Massachusetts.
Thomas Carr.
James Cavaglin.
Emery Eighart.
Frederick Hill.
\
service.
Isaac B. Beal.
Seth Boyden.
Samuel Billings.
Jacob Billings.
Ezra Carpenter.
John Carpenter.
Oliver Comey.
Spencer Comey.
John N. Everett.
Ebenezer Forrest.
Samuel Forrest.
Elias Guild.
Jabez Grover.
Dudley Billings.
Comfort Belcher.
Bowdoin Brastow.
Bela Bacon.
Alpheus Bird.
Daniels Carpenter.
Francis Carpenter.
David Capen.
Willard Childs.
Peleg Durfee.
David Davis.
Daniel Everett.
Charles Faxon.
Jabez Fales.
Freedom Guild.
Fisher Hartshorn.
John Hewes.
Elkanah Hodges.
Alexander Boyden.
Charles McGinnis.
William Quinn.
Patrick Randolph.
Henry Williams.
. Navy.
Henry Cleveland, must. May 6, 1861; March 24, 1863, ex. of
The Memorial Tablets.—At the right of the en-
trance to Memorial Hall is a marble tablet, with a
medallion of flint-lock musket, powder-horn, and
cartridge-box in relief, inscribed as follows :
Patriots oF 1776.
Thomas Hartshorn.
Zadoe Howe.
Jesse Hartshorn.
Jeremiah Hartshorn.
Cornelius Morse.
Timothy Morse.
Oliver Pettee.
Abijah Pratt.
John Sumner.
William Sumner.
Daniel Salley.
Thomas Clapp.
SoLpiEerRs oF 1812.
Otis Hodges.
Henry Hobart.
David N. Hall.
Timothy Morse.
Asa Plimpton.
Elijah Plimpton.
Martin Pettee.
Oliver Pettee.
James Plimpton.
James Paine.
Stephen Rhoades, Jr.
Loring C. Shaw.
E. Holmes Sherman.
Robert Shepard.
Martin Torrey.
Asa White.
Amos White.
James Wilber.
Isaac Winslow.
Tt is also known that Elisha Morse, a resident upon
what is now Foxborough territory, served in the
French and Indian war, in 1747. Capt. Josiah Pratt
_ and Capt. Eleazer Robbins, afterwards citizens of this
town, commanded two of the nine companies that
left Stoughton, April 19, 1775, upon the Lexington
alarm. Uriah Atherton, Nehemiah Carpenter, Jr.,
and Dominic Dassance were also in the Continental
Stephen Boy-
army, either as militia or volunteers.
696
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
den and Asa Boyden were also soldiers of 1812; it
is probable that still other names are omitted from the
tablets in Memorial Hall.
Upon the opposite side of the door-way is inscribed
the
ROLL OF HONOR, 1861-1865.
Maj. Charles F. Howard.
Capt. David L. Shepard.
“« Carlos A. Hart.
“« Ww. H. Torrey.
«Nelson S. White.
Lieut. Allen F. Belcher.
«James L. Sherman.
“« Christopher T. Hanley.
«Bernard E. Backer.
“Moses A. Richardson.
“John Littlefield.
“George M. Fillebrown.
«Alvin E. Hall.
Isaac Hl. Bonney.
“¢ Edwin P. Jewett.
«Edward E. Bird.
Sergt. Joseph H. Joplin.
* John F. Shepard.
John M. Welch.
ee Lewis L. Bullard.
«Wm. H. Pierce.
«Charles W. Stearns.
Horace E. Dupee.
Joshua B. Bowman.
«Andrew N. Grady.
Joseph Boyden.
Thomas G. Pierce.
Gab. P. Chamberlain.
Liscomb C. Winn.
Samuel D. Robinson.
«Frank O. Pierce.
«Otis H. Horton.
James A. Carpenter.
«SOW am. H. Fales.
Benjamin P. Slater.
“George H. Claflin.
George 8. Cook.
Pascal C. Grover.
Ephraim 0. Grover.
«Charles B. Winn.
Ezekiel Ames.
Joseph H. Alden.
Wm. M. Adams.
Henry A. Alexander.
Hiram 8. Buck.
Charles D. Bacon.
Benj. F. Belcher.
Levi Bennett.
Joseph Brigham.
James 8. Bemis.
Samuel N. Bryant.
Newton W. Bacon.
Henry J. Barrows.
John KE. Belcher.
Joel A. Belcher.
Joseph W. Belcher.
Charles Beal.
Isaac B. Beal.
Lewis W. Belcher.
Charles L. Boyden.
George E. Bird.
Wm. F. Boyd.
Timothy Brennan.
Thomas 8. Brigham.
Samuel Chestnut.
Thomas Carpenter.
Henry Cleveland.
James §. Carver.
Edwin J. Carroll.
Geo. S. Coppleston.
Patrick Curtin.
Leander Clapp.
Gardner A. Carpenter.
Curtis Childs.
Edgar L. Comey.
Joseph H. Dow.
Wm. Day.
Edwin Dunbar.
Otis Dean.
John J. Dixon.
Benj. L. Dixon.
Herbert F. Dean.
Jeremiah E. Earl.
George Eaton.
Amos L. Fuller.
Alonzo W. Fuller.
Albert E. Forrest.
Edward M. Freeman.
Wm. F. Frazer.
Handel P. Fisher.
E. Irving Fisher.
Anson Fisher.
David Flavaban.
Comfort O. Fisher.
Joseph Gotlieb.
Wm. C. Grover.
Nathan M. Grover.
Wm. R. Goldsmith.
George H. Grover.
Wm. B. Grover.
Joseph Gay.
Cephas P. Grover.
David T. Hartshorn.
Patrick Henneberry.
Wm. D. Higgins.
Moses E. Harding.
Lewis Heckman.
George H. Hartshorn.
Henry James.
Joseph Jewett.
Benj. F. Jones.
Uriah 8. King.
Richard H. King.
Seth N. Kingsbury.
Allen P. Lake.
Charles Lyons.
Bartlett P. Luce.
Wm. H. Lyons.
Williams Leonard.
George Leonard.
Alfred L. Morse.
| Stillman F. Morse.
Ransom Matthews.
John Mahoney.
Wm. A. Morse.
Joseph Myers.
Owen Murphy.
Elbridge F. Morse.
| Cyrus B. Morse.
| Jairus J. Morse.
Rufus 8. White.
Wm. Winslow.
Ansel L. Willis.
John Ware.
Daniel Mahoney.
George A. Mann.
Zeri B. Martis.
James Nelson.
| Charles H. Pond.
| 23d,
| Henry C. Lindley, capt.
| 56th,
Oliver Prime.
James Prime.
Charles A. Pettee.
Edward E. Place.
Edward Richardson.
Wm. Rich.
Charles B. Richardson.
Patrick Roche.
Wm. A. Richardson.
Wm. H. Sweet.
Hiram D. Skinner.
Theodore R. Skinner.
David Scott.
John H. Sumner.
Wm. A. Stevens.
Leonard Smith.
Charles D. Smith.
David A. Swift.
Henry C. Sumner.
Payson F. Smith.
Charles I’. Sumner.
Hiram A. Snow.
Martin Shea.
Joshua Taylor.
Franklin E. Taylor.
Charles A. Thompson.
Willard W. Turner.
Leander G. Thompson.
Ezekiel J. Tolman.
George 8. Thompson.
George M. Washburn.
George W. Williams, Jr.
Charles A. Whipple.
James Wight.
Charles Whipple.
Preston B. Whittemore.
Stillman F. Willis.
Wu. T. Wright.
Isaac Smith, Jr., asst. surg.
Our Honored Dead.—Names inscribed on marble
tablet opposite entrance in Memorial Hall, surmounted
by medallion representing arms encircled by wreath:
Q
2
Regt.
Ath,
4th,
4th,
18th,
23d,
24th,
7th,
7th,
4th,
(Ade
4th,
4th,
4th,
4th,
Ath,
4th,
56th,
ay
PADS
“
eh Me
-
-
Pe Ff eo fa Ff
18th,
BL By
a
Ist, Heavy Art’l’y,
Date of Death.
Lieut. Isaac H. Bonney...Aug.
Sergt. Joseph H. Joplin...July
Sergt. G. P. Chamberlain..May
Ezekiel J. Tolman......... Noy.
Charles A. Whipple........ May
Henry J. Barrows.......... Oct.
Charles D. Richardson...Jan.
William A. Richardson... Feb.
23, 1863.
14, 1863.
31, 1863.
22, 1861.
5, 1862.
7, 1862.
20, 1863.
4, 1863.
William M. Adams.........March 6, 1863.
Stillman F. Morse.......... March 10, 1863.
Eibridge F. Morse...... ...May 26, 1863.
Wallism Day scccsccosssclneses June 10, 1863.
Charles L. Boyden......... July 15, 1863.
Joseph Miyers...........c0see July 20, 1863.
Henry C. Sumner..........: Aug. 13, 1863.
Edwin J. Carroll............/ Aug. 31, 1863.
Daniel Mahoney............ Feb. 23, 1863.
Teander Clapps secs .siessseoes May 13, 1864.
Amos L. Fuller.............Aug. 10, 1864.
Hiram ASSN O Wises scssesecs 1864.
Uriah, S: Kaings.ssc.cccessss. Oct. 29, 1864.
VETERANS OF THE WAR.
Organized June 17, 1878.
James 8. Carver, Ist lieut.
Fred. Whitney.
Wm. T. Wright.
David Scott, 2d lieut.
Thomas B. Bourne, ord.-sergt.
Joseph H. Dow, 2d sergt.
H. B. Hartshorn, drummer.
Henry A. Alexander.
Cyrus B. Morse.
Jabez B. Davidson.
Seth Talbot.
Edwin P. Jewett.
Timothy Howe.
Wm. R. Reed.
Thomas Carpenter.
Allison Cobb.
Wm. Moorhouse.
Sumner Wetherell
Harrison Doty.
FOXBOROUGH.
697
David Flahaven.
James Blanchard.
Patrick Curtin.
Charles A. Thompson.
John Higgins.
Charles D. Smith.
Henry C. Fulsom.
Ansel Willis.
Caleb Josselyn.
V. F. Grover.
Curtis Childs.
Oliver Prime.
John Jackson.
Dexter Inman.
John A. Davis.
Wm. H. Kempton.
Dennis Lovett.
Elbridge Alexander.
Royal J. Packard.
L. Edgar Comey.
Joseph H. Alden.
Abijah M. Morse.
Dennis F. McCarty.
Thomas Brigham.
John Ferguson.
John Wright.
Samuel C. Bourne.
Leander G. Thompson.
A. L. Bundy.
Samuel C. Chestnut.
The following records are taken from a book in the
possession of Mr. A. J. Boyden, upon the first page
of which is written, ‘‘ Militia Book for the use of the
Company in Foxborough, 1790.” Mr. Boyden also
has a roster, of which a copy was printed in the Fox-
| is 45, officers Included, And the Company of foot, commanded ~
borough Zimes of Feb. 28, 1879:
“ Acreeable to an act of Congress, the 9t® of May, 1794, A
deteachment of Eighty Thousand Men be raised, and this states |
propotion is 11885, oficers included, and the 4th Rigaments
propotion is 97, oficers included, and the foot Company in Fox-
borough propotion is one Subbolton, one Serjent, and Sixteen
Privates, which ware deteached and Returned the 8 day of July,
in ye 1794, and ware ordered to be acquipt and hold themselves
in Readiness to march at a Minutes warning, if called for, and
to serve three months after They arrive at the place of Rendez-
vous, if not sooner discharged.
“Mens Names that were deteached and Returned :—
“ Sergent, Asa Paine.
“ Rank and File.
Jacob Billings.
Samuel H. Everett.
Richard Everett.
Zippa Swift.
Job Shearman, Jun,
John Shearman,
Jason Belcher.
Philips Payson.
Joseph Bradshaw.
Lemuel Wight, Junt.
Asa Robinson.
Elkonah Clark.
Cyrenius Pettee.
Oliver Morse.
Elias Guild.
John Sumner, Jun’.
“Acreeable to an Act of Congress, the 24 of June, y° 1797, A |
deteachment of Eighty Thousand men, to be Raised and Rurnd,
Armed and Equipt as the Law directs, and Hold themselves in
Readyness to march at a minutes warning, if called for, and
Serve the Term of three months after they arrive at the place
of Rendezvous, unless sooner discharged.
“This states propotion of the above 80,000 is 11,836, in-
cluding oficers, the second brigade, first divisions, propotion is |
348.
“The 4th Rigament 2¢ Brigades proportion is 89, oficers in-
cluded, and the foot Company in Foxborough propotion, Two
Commitiond officers, one serjent, fourteen privates.
“The names of the men that ware deteacht and Returnd,
Oct. 12, ye 1797, and ware holden to stand in Readiness from
that time for the Space of one year, and after that untill the
Eand of the next sessions of Congress, and No longer.
Sergent, Benjamin Comee.
}
|
}
“ Privates.
Oliver Morse.
Lemuel Paine.
John N. Miller.
Asa Robinson.
Francis Jones.
Elisha Wilbur.
Obadiah Shearman.
“ Rank and File.
Elias Guild.
Asa Shaw.
Leonard White.
James Daniels.
David Capen.
Joel Morse, Junt.
Asa White.
“N.B.—The time mentioned in the orders for the above
named men to Hold themselves in Readyness is expired the 3d
of March, 1799, and they are discharged by order of the Com-
mander-in-chief. Foxborough, May 3, y® 1799.
“The President of the United States, pursuant to an Act of
Congress of the 10 of April, 1812, having required of the Com-
mander-in-chief to take Effectual Measures for having 10,000
of the Militia of Massachusetts, Detached & Duly Organized In
companies, Battallions, Regiments, Brigades, and Divisions.
And the Second Regiment, 24 Brigade, and 1 Div. Proportion
by Capt. Metcalf Everett, has Detached 1 serg. and 6 Privates,
it being her Proportion of the above number.
“‘ Mens Names that were Detached and Returned from Capt. —
M. Everett’s Company :
“ Serg’t, Oliver Capen.
“ Privates.
Isaiah Morse.
Jairus P. Morse.
John Morse, 2d.
Isaac Shepard.
Spencer Leonard.
Oakes Copeland.
“Copy of A Detachment made from Capt. Metcalf Everett’s
Company, July 26th, 1814, viz. :
“SAMUEL PECK, lee
+ Privates.
“ Harrrorp Leonarp, ) Yee
“Copy of A Detachment made from Capt. Metcalf Everett's
| Company, Sept. 20th, 1814.
“Tsaac WINSLOW,
“ ALPHEUS BirD,
1
\ Privates.”
'
“Wirttam Vinson, J
CHAP PER a VEEL:
FOX BOROUGH—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History —Congregational Church—Baptist Church
—Universalist Chureh—Roman Catholic—Chapels—Civil
History—Delegates to Convention—State
Senators — Commission of Insolvency — Representatives —
Justices of the Peace—Selectmen—Town Clerks—Town
House—Memorial Hall—The Howe Monument—Change in
Boundaries—Masonie—Historical Items—The Press—The
Centennial Celebration—Population—Statistical.
Constitutional
Congregational Church.—Soon after the de-
struction of the first meeting-house, erected in 1763:
of this society the second one was erected in 1822,
and dedicated in January, 1823. It was located near
the site of the old edifice, and about one hundred feet
698
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
northwest of Memorial Rock. It was taken down in
1855. The present church was erected in 1854.
The pastors have been as follows: Thomas Kendal,
1786-1800; Daniel Loring, 1804-6 ; Thomas Skel-
ton, 1807-16; Thomas Williams, 1816-21; Willard
Pierce, 1824-39; Daniel J. Poor, 1840-47; Wil-
liam Barnes, 1847-54; Kdmund Y. Garrette, 1854—
57; Noadiah S. Dickinson, 1858-69 (died March
27, 1876); Marshall B. Angier, Jan. 29, 1879-80.
The First Baptist Church was built in 1822,
and cost twelve hundred dollars;
Elm It was about thirty-six by forty feet,
and was the first house of worship in town in which
It was moved in May, 1838,
Street.
a stove was introduced.
to the site now occupied by the town house, where it |
was lengthened twelve feet and a vestry finished in
In 1850 it was sold, and became a
part of the steam-mill of V. S. Pond, which was
burned Jan. 27, 1876.
The Baptist church edifice, now occupied by the
society, stands on School Street.
1850, at an expense of four thousand two hundred
dollars. Improvements were made in 1856 and
1860, and it was enlarged and improved to such an
extent as to make it proper to rededicate the building,
which was done, in the presence of a large congrega-
tion, Jan. 22, 1879.
The pastors have been as follows:
March,
the basement.
Warren Bird,
1822, to October, 1828; Timothy C. Ting-
ley, July, 1831, to Tul 1837; Silas Ripley, Oc- |
tober, 1837, to May, 1841; Edwin B. Bullard, May,
1842, to May, 1843; Silas Ripley, June, 1843, to
September, 1854; Isaac Smith, November, 1854,
January, 1867; Cyrus H. Carleton, November,
1867, died Dec. 25, 1868; William H. Spencer,
it was located on |
It was built in |
b | Seth Boyden, 1809-11, 1826-
September, 1869, to April, 1879; Millard F. John- |
son, Sept. 1, 1879.
The Universalist Church was built in 1843, and
is located at the head of Bird Street, fronting the
common. It originally had a spire in addition to
gale. It
has a finished vestry, anterooms, etc., in the basement.
the belfry, but this was blown off in a severe
The pastors have been as follows:
Mellen, 1843-46; E. C. Rogers, 1846-47; W. G.
Anderson, 1847-48 ; renee Slade, 1848-53 ; oe
Holmes, 1853-57 ; N. C. Hodgdon, 1858 59: C.
Bradley, 1860-65; John M.,
James H. Little, 1869-74 ;
74; Allen P. Folsom,
Merrick,
James Kastman,
1874-76; W. W. Hayward,
ears
Charles W. |
1873- |
1876-77; Q. H. Shinn, 1878; Donald Frasher, 1881-_
83.
Roman Catholic Church.—The first Catholic
Church here was erected in 1859, and destroyed by
| Willard Pierce, 1830, 1840.
fire March 1, 1862.
burned Sept. 12, 1877.
was completed in 1878.
There are also chapels for public worship at Hast
Foxborough and South Foxborough.
It was rebuilt in 1873, and
The present church edifice
DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
1779, John Everett; 1820, Seth Boyden; 1853, Henry Ho-
bart.
Hon. Ebenezer Warren was delegate to the convention, 1788,
that adopted the Federal Constitution.
STATE SENATORS FROM FOXBOROUGH.
Henry Hobart, 1852. | Otis Cary, 1863-64.
James E. Carpenter, 1855-56. | Erastus P. Carpenter, 1872-74.
COMMISSIONER OF INSOLVENCY FOR NORFOLK
COUNTY.
Robert W. Carpenter, 1884-87
REPRESENTATIVES TO GENERAL COURT FROM 1778
TO 1878.
1784- | Martin Torrey, 1849, 1851.
Alfred Hodges, 1850.
James Stratton, 1853-54.
John Littlefield, 1855-57.
Daniels Carpenter, 1858.
Otis Cary, 1860-61.
Robert W. Kerr, 1863-64.
| Ezra Carpenter, 1866.
Frederick K. Ballou, 1867.
Melatiah Everett, 1831. John M. Merrick, 1869.
Henry Hobart, 1832-33, 1835- J. E. Carpenter, 1870.
36. William H. Thomas, 1872.
| George T. Ryder, 1873.
| William A. Thompson, 1875.
| Joseph A. Kingsbury, 1876.
James F. Leonard, 1878.
Benjamin F. Boyden, 2d, 1879.
Fred. H. Williams, 1883-84.
John Everett, 1779-81,
85, 1792.
Ebenezer Warren, 1783.
27, 1829.
Elias Nason, 1812.
John Sherman, 1823-24, 1828,
1839.
Joseph Kingsbury, 1834.
Stephen Rhodes, 1837.
Warren Bird, 1858, 1841.
Silas Ripley, 1839.
Nehemiah Carpenter, 1842.
Francis Dane, 1843-44,
John M. Everett, 1846.
JUSTICES OF
Warren Bird.
R. Walter S. Blackwell.
William Boyd.
Seth Boyden.
THE PEACH.
Alfred Fales.
Thomas M. George.
Freedom Guild.
Edward D. Hewins.
David Capen.
James Capen.
Erastus P. Carpenter.
James E, Carpenter!
Aobert W. Carpenter.
Edmund Carroll.
Julius Carroll.
Otis Cary.
Edwin W. Clarke.
Aaron Everett.
John M. Everett.
Melatiah Everett.!
William Payson.
Gardner M. Peck.
Edward M. Phelps.
Joseph KE. Pond, Jr.
Abijah Pratt.
Henry Hobart.
Noah Hobart.
Alfred Hodges.
Charles W. Hodges.
David Huston.
Lobert W.
Joseph Kingsbury.
James FE. Leonard.
John Littlefield.
John Q. Lynch.
Elias Nason.
Swift Payson.
Kerr.
Isaac Smith.
A. Thomas Starkey.
William H. Thomas.
Ebenezer Warren.
Joseph Warren.
' Also Justices of the Quorum.
aie
FOXBOROUGH.
699
Carmi Richmond.
Frank I. Sherman.
George Sherman.
John Sherman.
Samuel 8S. Warren.
Daniel B. Whittier.
Fred. H. Williams.
SELECTMEN FROM 1778 TO 1878.
Josiah Pratt, 1778-79, 1781-
85, 1794.
John Everett, 1778-79, 1788,
1792-93, 1798-99.
Benjamin Pettee, 1778-79.
Daniel Robinson, 1778.
Joseph Shepard, 1778.
Samuel Billings, 1779, 1786.
Nathaniel Clark, 1779, 1782-
85, 1791-92.
Nehemiah Carpenter, 1780,
1787. :
Swift Payson, 1780-81.
Ebenezer Warren, 1780, 1786,
1789-93.
Aaron Everett, 1781-85.
Simon Pettee, 1786, 1789-90.
Samuel Baker, 1787-88.
Joshua Armsby, 1788.
Joseph Hews, 1789-90, 1795-
99: |
George Stratton, 1791-93, 1798
-1808.
Spencer Hodges, 1794-97.
Abijah Pratt, 1794-99, 1801,
1819.
William Summer, 1799-1805.
Seth Boyden, 1802, 1811, 1813,
1815, 1817, 1829.
Joseph Kingsbury, 1806-8.
Elias Nason, 1809-12.
Jesse Hartshorn, 1810-11.
Ethridge Clark, 1812, 1814.
Stephen Sherman, 1812, 1830-
33.
Jacob Leonard, 1813-14.
Harvey Pettee, 1813-14.
Peter Carpenter, 1814.
Beriah Mann, 1815-19.
John Sherman, 1815-28.
Daniel Everett, 1818-28.
Joseph Warren, 1820-22.
Asa Plimpton, 1823-26.
David Capen, 1827-33.
Silas Smith, 1829,
Henry Hobart, 1830-32, 1834—
40, 1842-45.
Joseph Kingsbury, 1835-35.
Alpheus Bird, 1834-36, 1841.
Ezra Carpenter, 1836-40, 1853
—59, 1862-66, 1871.
Ephraim Grover, 1837-40.
John M. Everett, 1841.
George Sherman, 1841-45.
Willard Plimpton, 1842-45.
Freedom Guild, 1846-49, 1852
-61.
Oliver Carpenter, 1846-47.
Martin Torrey, 1846-47.
Otis Cary, 1849-51, 1867-69,
1874-75.
Job Sherman, 1848-51.
Albert Fisher, 1850-51.
James Stratton, 1852-57.
M. Merrick Torrey, 1852.
James Capen, 1858-61, 1868—
70.
| Jeremiah M. Shepard, 1860-
63.
Elisha White, Jr., 1862-66.
William H. Thomas, 1864-66.
Edmund Carroll, 1867-68.
Charles W. Hodges, 1867.
William H. Cobb, 1869.
James F. Leonard, 1870-71,
1875-77.
Eli Phelps, 1870-73.
Henry G. Warren,
1876-77.
Michael Ryan, 1872.
Benjamin B. King, 1873.
| Alfred Hodges, 1874.
James A. Comey, 1874-75.
Newland F. Howard, 1876-78,
1883.
Erastus P. Carpenter, 1878-83.
Willard P. Turner, 1878-80.
Joseph A. Kingsbury, 1879-
80.
Isaac P. Carpenter, 1881.
Francis D. Williams, 1881-83.
| Carmi Richmond, 1881-82.
William H. Torrey, 1881-83.
| William B. Crocker, 1882-83.
TOWN CLERKS.
Swift Payson, 1778-79.
Amariah Marsh, 1780-83.
Nehemiah Carpenter, 1784-85,
Abijah Pratt, 1786-88. |
Aaron Everett, 1789-1800.
George Stratton, 1801-8.
Beriah Mann, 1809, 1815-19.
William Payson, 1810-14.
Shubal Pratt, 1820-22.
James Paine, 1823-31.
|
|
tithingmen in 1860; none since.
| Melatiah Everett, 1831.
Otis Hodges, 1832-33.
Warren Bird, 1834-47.
| Silas Ripley, 1848-49.
| Nathaniel T. Shepard, 1850-
54,
James E. Carpenter, 1855-60.
William H. Thomas, 1861-72.
James F. Leonard, 1872-77.
| William H. Torrey, 1878-83.
First omitted to chose tithingmen, April 3, 1837.
Chose five
| dred persons.
is occupied on the first floor by the first primary and
the grammar and first intermediate schools.
The town house was built in 1857, at an expense
of $15,496.79, which amount includes the cost of the
land. The building committee were E. P. Carpenter,
Otis Cary, Henry Hobart, Oliver Carpenter, and F.
D. Williams. Vote to build passed March 14.1857;
first town-meeting held in new hall March 29, 1858.
This meeting was opened by prayer by Rev. N.S.
Dickinson. In 1874 an addition was built for school
purposes at expense of $26,244.31. The building is
heated by steam from a boiler in the basement, and is
lighted by gas.
(three cells), cistern (containing thirty-three thousand
The basement contains the lock-up
gallons of water for use in case of fire), the boiler-room,
coal-bins, ete. The first floor of the main structure
contains the lower town hall, thirty-six by fifty-four
feet, with anterooms, town officers’ office (with ante-
room), in which is situated the safe recently erected at
an expense of six hundred and fifty dollars, second pri-
_mary school-room, public entrance to town hall, and
ticket-office. The second floor is occupied by the
town hail, fifty by seventy-five feet, with two ante-
rooms, each twelve by twenty feet. It has a platform
fifteen by twenty-six feet, and gallery seventeen by
forty-five feet. The hall and gallery seat eight hun-
The school-house addition, so called,
second intermediate schools, on the second floor by
Each of
these schools occupies a room thirty-five by twenty-
four feet, furnished with the most improved school-
furniture, and has commodious clothes-rooms, sink-
rooms, and water-closets connected. On the second
| floor are also two dressing-rooms, each fourteen by
fifteen feet (with water-closets), connected with the
platform of the town hall. The upper floor is oceu-
pied by the high school,' which has a room fifty feet
square, with commodious clothes-rooms and water-
closets. The number of children which can be seated
| in these six school-rooms is over three hundred.
The town house is situated on elevated ground,
having a large common in front of and between it
and South Street.
house is situated a few rods northeasterly of the
addition. Cocasset engine-house is similarly situated,
southeasterly of the building.”
The Union Straw-Works stands on Wall Street,
and occupies, with machine-shop, foundry, gasometer,
Foxborough steam fire-engine
bleach-house and yards, stables, ete., about two hun-
dred and ten thousand feet of land. Opposite are
1 Foxborough high school was established by vote of the town
passed April 3, 1865.
2 April 6, 1857, selectmen directed to establish a legal fire
department.
700
the Veranda and Hamlet Houses, boarding- houses —
owned by the proprietors of the Union Straw- Works.
The expense of building these works, including the |
addition built in 1856, exceeded one hundred and
Connected with these works,
fifty thousand dollars.
and owned by the same corporation,—the Union and —
Bay State Manufacturing Company,—are the “ West
Branch,” a large three-story building on Main Street
(formerly the manufactory of Foxborough Jewelry
Company), and the “South Branch” (known as
“Nason’s Factory’’ when built, in 1810), situated |
on Water Street. These buildings are managed by
William T. Cook & Co. (W. T. Cook and L. Porter |
Faught) for the corporation.
The Old Carpenter House was the first building |
erected in the Centre. It stood on a leading way off
It was built
in 1749-50 by Nehemiah Carpenter, who came to
South Street, and near the town house.
this place from Rehoboth. It afterwards served as an
inn, and was known as the “Old Tavern.” It was
torn down in 1880.
The Old Stone Factory, or Foxborough Laundry,
is located in the section known as “ New State,” on
Granite Street, at the head of Cocasset Pond. It
was erected about 1825 by Simon Pettee, and was |
for many years used for the manufacture of cotton
cloth.
Memorial Hall was erected by the town in 1868,
in the old burying-ground near the common, at a cost
of thirteen thousand dollars.
dome, on which is a large figure of a Union soldier |
with arms at rest. The interior is handsomely finished
in oiled chestnut, the sides not occupied by the me- |
morial tablets being fitted with cases containing the
books of the Public Library. Over the entrance is a
marble tablet inscribed, ‘‘ Soldiers’ Memorial. Krected
of the United States at the right and of Massachusetts
at the left. At the right of the entrance is the marble
tablet with names of Revolutionary soldiers, and on
the left the tablet with Foxborough’s roll of honor;
immediately opposite, and surmounted by a large figure
of the Goddess of Liberty in colored glass, is the tablet
containing the names of ‘“ Our Honored Dead.”
The Warren House was one of the first houses of
the modern style of architecture.
It is built of pebble- |
stone with granite trimmings, with slated roof and —
| nexed to Walpole.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
cover on.” The cover referred to is a cast-iron urn,
surmounted by an acorn dated 1810, and there is set
in the urn a slate tablet, inscribed, “The grave is
waiting for your body, and Christ is waiting for your
soul ; O may this be your cheerful study to be pre-
pared when death doth call.” This slab and urn
having been broken, it was replaced by the Centennial
Committee, the original acorn being retained. The
granite capstone is inscribed, ‘“ Wrought by the de-
ceased, 1810,” and “ Repaired by his son, Z. Howe,
M.D., 1841.”
Change in Boundaries.—Since the incorporation
of the town the following changes in its boundary-
lines, etc., have been made,—viz., June 20, 1793,
county of Norfolk established, thus removing Fox-
borough from Suffolk County. Feb. 3, 1819, boun-
dary-line between Wrentham and Foxborough estab-
lished. Feb. 7, 1831, part of Wrentham annexed to
Foxborough. Jan. 30, 1833, boundary-line between
Sharon and Foxborough established. March 27,
1833, and March 28, 1834, part of Foxborough an-
Feb. 28, 1850, part of Sharon
annexed to Foxborough.
The fire department consists of steam fire-engine
and hand-engine, hose, three carriages and supply
wagon, two engine-houses.
St. Alban’s Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was first in-
stituted in Wrentham in 1818. Charter returned to
Grand Lodge in 1844. Reorganized in American
Hall, Foxborough, in December, 1855, by fourteen
members, since which over two hundred and fifty
have joined it. Since reorganization, four flourishing
lodges have been set off from it.
Historical Items.'—‘‘ Oct. 20, 1635, about sixty
men, women, and children, with their property of all
kinds, left Dorchester for the valley of the Connecti-
_ cut,—or Quonticut, as it was then ealled,—which had
by the Town, A.D. 1868,” with bronze coat of arms |
been described as extremely fertile. Among these
were Mr. Rossiter, Mr. Grant, Mr. Smith, Mr. Car-
roll, Mr. Morse, Mr. Leonard, Capt. Clapp, and others.
_ A portion of this number found a well-watered place,
The Howe monument stands in rear of Memorial |
Hall.
It is inscribed, “This monument was erected |
by Dr. N. Miller to the memory of his friend, Mr. |
ZADOCK HOWE, who died 1819, eset. 77, and who |
fought under the Great WASHINGTON.
To those |
who view, before you're gone, be pleased to put this |
about twenty-five miles southwest of Dorchester, in
what was afterwards known as Stoughtonham, and
here they decided to remain.” (From Baker's ‘‘ His-
torical Collection of Massachusetts.” )
Leonards, Morses, and Clapps were names found
Three Morse brothers were
living on the stream now known as Rumford River,
among earliest settlers.
about a mile from East Foxborough village, long be-
fore Foxborough Centre had a resident.
““Ceesar Augustus Weatherbee died in Foxborough
1 Furnished by Robert W. Carpenter, Esq.
FOXBOROUGH.
701
in 1808, aged one hundred and twenty-six years.”
(Foxborough Journal, Oct. 17, 1873.)
“ A large tract of land, on which is situated Sharon,
Wrentham, Walpole, and Foxborough, was purchased
in 1663 or 1665 of King Philip by the Massachu- |
| those poverty-stricken times.
setts Bay Colony, by Capt. Daniel Fisher, a lawyer of
Dedham. Fisher was a captain of Ancient and
Heavy Artillery Company ; representative from 1658
to 1682, except 1659 and 1670; Speaker of the
House of Deputies in 1680; assistant in 1683; died
in Dedham, November, 1683.” (From “ History of
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, 1842.’’)
Foxborough Local Newspapers.— The Salma-
gundi Journal, edited by J. K. Carpenter and pub-
lished by Edson Carpenter, was issued from Novem-
ber, 1849, to January, 1850.
Bonnet Case (a fair paper), was issued Jan. 12
and 13, 1853.
Country Times, edited and published by Henry C.
Buffum, was issued from April 12, 1856, to April 5,
1857.
Home Library, edited by John Littlefield and pub-
lished by William H. Thomas, was issued from June
13, 1857, to Dec. 12, 1857.
Eagle and Flag, edited by T. E. Grover and Ed- |
win M. Bacon and published by William H. Thomas,
was issued from January, 1863, to November, 1863. |
Norfolk County Chronicle, edited by E. W. Clarke
and E. M. Bacon and published by William H. Thomas, |
was issued from Noy. 14, 1863, to Oct. 1, 1864.
Foxborough Journal, edited by Robert W. Car-
“That the one hundredth birthday of a town which has
made the progress during that period that this has done should
be joyously and thankfully observed, with a certain degree of
pride and self-commendation, is not to be wondered at.
“One hundred years ago the residents of Foxborough were
but few in number, and they were of a poorer class, even of
They had of town property one
small church building, without doors, and with unglazed win-
dows, used as a place of worship and for the storage of powder.
“Their principal industry was the tilling of the soil; yeta
few hoop-poles and considerable charcoal were produced and
exchanged with the citizens of larger places for the few neces-
sities of life which could not be produced {from our own soil,
| such as new rum, molasses, and codfish.
“The number of inhabitants of this newly-organized town
did not exceed four hundred and fifty.
“ At the present time we have a population of nearly thirty-
two hundred souls; a town house that cost nearly twenty-five
thousand dollars, with a school-house addition worth as much
more; six other school-houses, valued at from six hundred to
two thousand dollars each; a thirteen thousand dollar me-
morial hall, with an excellent public library of nearly three
thousand volumes therein; two commodious engine-houses ;
fire apparatus (with an able department to use it), which cost
| not Jess than ten thousand dollars, and which is worth, when it
penter and published by James M. Stewart, was |
issued from Feb. 21, 1873, to Sept. 27, 1878.
Foxborough Times, edited by EK. W. Clarke, R.
W. Carpenter, W. C. Macy, D. L. Lowe, and F. H.
Williams, and published by Pratt & Clarke, Pratt & |
Carpenter, Pratt & Macy, Pratt & Lowe, and Pratt & |
White, has been issued from March 28, 1873, to the
present time.
Gazette, edited by R. W. Carpenter and published |
| people to expect from it a celebration of its centennial anni-
by J. E. Carpenter & Son, was issued from Nov. 28,
1874, to March 6, 1876.
The Centennial Celebration.—The centennial of |
the incorporation of the town of Foxborough was
celebrated June 29, 1878, with imposing ceremonies.
Hon. Otis Cary was president of the day, and Hon.
K. P. Carpenter delivered the historical oration.
The Foxborough Times, in referring to this event, |
says,—
“The close of the first century of the corporate existence of
our beautiful town was most appropriately and successfully ob-
served, after a long and laborious work of preparation, on Satur-
day and Sunday last.
| a much larger sum.
is considered the amount of property it has saved to our citizens,
We have an excellent and nearly self-
supporting town farm. Our church societies, four in number,
have each a convenient church edifice. Our common, at the
Centre, is a prettily laid out green, with fence, walks, and
shade trees, second to none inthe State. We have an assessed
valuation of over one and a half millions of dollars; an in-
dustry which tends to cultivate the taste of our citizens for that
which is neat and tasty, that stops not its refining influences at
the portals of the manufactory where they are inculcated, but
they are carried into the homes and every-day life of our citi-
zens, causing them to vie each with his neighbor in prettily
arranging and keeping his grounds and buildings, thus making
our town, as a whole, so neat as to give it the title of ‘the Gem
of Norfolk County.’
—an industry which has given employment in a single year to
3291 persons, and paid for labor in this town and vicinity $399,-
We refer, of course, to the straw business,
| 676.15. It has produced 2,473,819 hats, caps, etc., in one year,
valued at cost at $1,493,986.40; and that we have other indus-
tries will not be doubted by those who witnessed the trade pro-
cession of Saturday. Our citizens are, on the whole, an intel-
ligent, energetic, and generous people, well-to-do in this world’s
Our
town is noted for its enterprise and liberality, which caused
goods, and above the average communities in morality.
versary which should be second to none, and one which would
| be an honor to the town and its citizens.”
Population.—In 1790, 640; in 1800, 779; in
1810, 870; in 1820, 1004; in 1830, 1166; in 1836,
1416; in 1840, 1294; in 1850, 1978; in 1855,
2570; in 1860, 2879; in 1865, 2778; in 1870,
3057; in 1875, 3168; in 1880, 2954; in 1883,
3000.
Statistical—Population, 3000. Valuation, $1,-
500,000. Averate rate of taxation in five years but
$12.45 per $1000. Public property, consisting of
town house and school building ($40,000), fire appa-
ratus and engine-houses ($10,000), memorial hall and
702
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
public library —2500 volumes—($17,500), town farm
($4000), school-houses ($8000), and other property,
making total value over $80,000.
$15,000, funded at 4 per cent.
with sidewalks lined with beautiful shade trees, graded
schools, public library, liberal supply of well-stocked
stores, good postal, railroad, telegraphic, telephonic,
Excellent streets,
and hotel accommodations.
Distance from Boston 25 miles, from Providence 20
miles, from Taunton 15 miles, Attleborough 9 miles. |
Boston and Providence and northern division of Oid
Colony Railroads pass through the town, giving un-
excelled freight facilities. Freight rates the same as
from Boston. Nine passenger trains daily to Boston.
Societies—Royal Arch Chapter, Masonic Lodge,
Knights of Honor, Good Templars, Order of Golden
Cross, G. A. R. Post,—nearly all being flourishing
and prosperous and occupying commodious halls.
Foxborough Brass Band, organized 1844; Foxbor-
ough Savings-Bank, incorporated 1855.
Public Halls—Town hall seats 600, lower town |
hall seats 200, Samaritan Hall seats 300, Union Hall
seats 100.
Among the business enterprises now located in this
town are the manufacture of straw hats (the largest
straw-factory in the world), felt hats, sewing-machines,
leather-board, packing-boxes, lumber, paper boxes, tin-
ware, stoves, boilers, hollow-ware, stereoscopic views,
slates, clothing, millinery goods, harnesses, carriages,
baskets (2), toilet and common soaps (4), boots and
shoes (6), brooms, music-clamps, dental goods, ex-
tracts and medicines (3), cider and glue, two iron
foundries, planing- and saw-mill, steam laundry, steam
printing-office, wool scouring-mill, two grist-mills, two —
Other products are
lumber, wood, hoop-poles, charcoal, blacksmith work,
granite quarries, and others.
florists’ and green-house goods, ice, meats, cranberries,
butter, milk, garden and farm produce.
Foxborough is a growing village, one of the pret- |
tiest and healthiest in the State, with town house, |
school-houses, engine-houses, memorial hall, public
/ 3
library, excellent fire department, and other public
property valued at nearly one hundred thousand dol-
Town debt but
| growth and continued prosperity of the town.
lars, with a debt of but sixteen thousand dollars |
(funded at four per cent.), and the rate of taxation is
small and constantly decreasing ; situated but twenty-
five miles from Boston, with seven trains to that city
each day; freights to all points the same as from
Soston,
The Union straw-works, the largest straw shop in
| (now Wakefield) Academy.
the world, is located here, and residents are desirous |
of having new industries located in the town, and will
encourage and assist any which may come.
the Baptist Church at East Stoughton.
| afforded.
The manufactory of the Rotary Shuttle Sewing
Machine has just been established here, and other new
enterprises are under way, all of which insures the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ISAAC SMITH, M.D.
Isaac Smith, born March 5, 1809, in Milton, Mass.,
was son of Lemuel and Mercy (Sumnee) Smith.
Isaac Smith, grandfather of Dr. Isaac, was probably
a native of Bridgewater, as that was the residence of
his father, but passed most of his life in Randolph,
engaged in agriculture. Lemuel, his son, was a shoe-
He had six sons and one daughter,—(1)
Lemuel, Jr., who died aged twenty-three years. (2)
Clarissa, she married first Mr. Ham, of Lisbon, Me.,
and second, Mr. Horton, of Gloucester. She is now
a widow, has one child living, a son, Albert Ham.
(3) Isaac. (4) Edmund, he was a physician in Bos-
ton for many years, where he died, and is buried at
Milton, his native place. (5) Albert is a wholesale
boot and shoe dealer in New York City. (6) Luther
N. married in Lisbon, Me., moved to Aroostook
County, and died there of heart-disease. He was a
farmer. (7) Francis A. married a Miss Bosworth,
of Plympton, and resides in Stoughton; is a book-
maker. Isaac Smith had only such educational ad-
vantages as the common schools of his native village
After his twelfth year he left the paternal
home to battle with the world and win such fame
and fortune as might fall to his lot. He had only a
bright mind, a brave heart, determined will, and will-
ing hands; he shrank from no labor, however dis-
tasteful, that would help him in his onward and up-
ward course. He first hired out as a chore-boy and
general farm laborer, living two years with one family ;
then he went to Stoughton, and obtained employment
His in-
dustry and perseverance soon won for him the con-
maker.
in a boot and shoe manufactory as a cutter.
fidence of his employer, and in the absence of the
regular manager he acted as superintendent. Here
During this time every spare
hour and moment was devoted to study. When he
was nineteen years of age he went to South Reading
Here he continued his
he remained five years.
study for two years, working out of school hours to
pay his board. In the course of these two years he
was authorized to preach, and was called as pastor of
His means
a
1
Ze
WS
rt
FOXBOROUGH.
703
were very limited, and he accepted the call, and at
twenty-two years of age he was settled as a pastor.
His parish being small, the young minister had here
ample time and opportunity for the continuance of his
beloved studies. He remained in charge of this pas-
torate for twenty-three years, making many and strong
friends. In the session of 1850 he represented the
town of Stoughton in the State Legislature. His
predilection had always been for the study of medi-
cine, and, after having pursued a scientific and classi-
eal course, he commenced his study with special refer-
ence to the practice of medicine. Dr. Smith did
what probably no one else has ever attempted,—he
took the college catalogue, and with that as his guide
he purchased the necessary text-books, and completed
the entire course of study as set forth therein, and
with such success that Dartmouth College granted
him the degree of A.M.
His early medical education, like his other attain-
ments, resulted mainly from private application, with
occasional assistance in the society of his father-in-
law, Dr. Macomber, and subsequently a full course of
study with Dr. Haines, a graduate of Castleton Medi-
cal College, Vermont. After several years’ assiduous
and earnest study, he passed examination and obtained
the degree of M.D. from the University of Vermont.
In 1854 he accepted a call to preach from Foxbor-
ough, Mass., and came to that place as pastor of the
Baptist Church, where he officiated for twelve years,
when his voice failed, and he gave up the ministry
and adopted the practice of medicine, which, for the |
last seventeen years, has been his work. About the
time of his entering the ministry, July 30, 1832, he
married Angelina Macomber, of Marshfield. (Mrs.
Smith’s paternal grandmother was descended from
Peregrine White. grandfather, Gad
graduate of Har-
vard College in 1768; he was also a surgeon in the
Continental army. Her great-grandfather, Gad Hitch-
cock, Sr., was an Armenian minister, and graduated
at Harvard in 1743.
Her maternal
Hitchcock, was a physician, and a
The Hitchcocks and Macombers were both of Scot-
tish origin, Macomber being a Gaelic name, signifying |
son of the counselor.) Their children were, (1)
Alonzo, who died in infancy; (2) Angelina M., died
aged six years; (3) Charles M., now pastor of Spring
Hill Baptist Church, of Somerville, where he has
been for thirteen years.
from Judson University, Arkansas; has one child,
W. French, a Harvard graduate, who, after finishing
Her father, Charles Macomber, |
was a physician and a Harvard graduate in 1799. |
He received degree of D.D. |
| twenty-two years of age,
his college course, went to Germany, where he con- |
tinued his studies for two years, and received the |
degree of “ D.Ph.” from Gottingen University. He
is now at Boston, as Massachusetts State assayer.
He has one child, Inez. (4) Isaac, Jr., graduated
at Dartmouth, receiving degrees of A.M. and M.D.
He married Annie L., daughter of Oliver Carpenter,
and had one child, Bertie C., now at Brooklyn, N. Y.
He was a prominent surgeon and physician of Fall
River, and but a short time prior to his death (Jan.
20, 1881) received an appointment as Professor of
Clinical Surgery in the Boston College of Physicians
and Surgeons. .
Dr. Isaac Smith is a self-made man of the highest
order. His energy and perseverance have been re-
warded by both a high social position and sound
financial standing. In all the relations of life he has
done his work well. His strong adherence to friends,
and chivalric, steadfast, and tender devotion to wife,
children, and a large circle of friends, have often been
marked, and caused him to be reverenced by many
who will long remember his pleasant and instructive
words. He has honored the positions he has held,
and from the stand-point of a hale old age, can look
back upon a laborious, useful, and well-spent life.
JAMES EDSON CARPENTER.
James Edson Carpenter, the eldest son of Kdson
Carpenter and Sarah Reed (Jones) Carpenter, grand-
son of Peter Carpenter, and great-grandson of Nehe-
miah Carpenter (the first resident of Foxboroug
Centre), was born in Foxborough, in a building then
standing where the ‘“ Cocasset House” now is, Jan.
30, 1829. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Jones,
was a soldier in the French and Indian war.
An ambition to obtain knowledge was early fos-
tered by his mother, who had been a school-teacher,
and was of a naturally studious family. From in-
struction obtained from her and from the public
school he became fitted for Day’s Academy, Wren-
tham, at theage of twelve. He attended this academy
two years and a Mansfield school one term, and then
became a clerk in his father’s store, having pro-
gressed in mathematics and Latin beyond the point
The
above completed his elementary instruction, yet he
now expected of a high school graduate.
never ceased to be a student, becoming, by attentive
study at leisure moments, a proficient Greek and
Latin reader.
He remained in his father’s employ until he was
during which time he
showed abilities as salesman and book-keeper of no
He edited and published, in 1849, the
mean order.
704
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
first local newspaper, the Salmagundi Journal. In
1852 he opened “ country stores” in South Walpole
and East Foxborough ; continuing these but little |
more than a year, he returned to his father’s store,
and there continued until 1855, at which time he
built the American Hall building and devoted his
entire attention to public business.
o, and so
In early years he was a pronounced Whig,
remained until the organization of the American |
party, in which he was one of the first to be enrolled,
and in behalf of which he was a zealous worker.
introduced and advocated its principles in his native
town, and exerted himself in obtaining for it numer-
ical strength and party power. He tenaciously held
to the tenets of this party, and in 1857 assisted in
organizing the order of American Phoenix, which, it
was hoped, would continue the work in which the
“ American” was engaged when the more important
question of abolition of slavery caused it to suspend
its labors. He joined the Republican party at its
formation, and worked with it until the Greeley cam-
paign ; he then became an “ Independent,” and so
remained until a few years prior to his death, when
he returned to the Republicans, voting for such of
their nominees as were total abstinence men, and
‘scratching’ all who were not. As a nominee for
Presidential elector on the Greeley ticket, he received
the largest number of votes cast in this State for any
candidate on that ticket.
He was always opposed to the Prohibition party,
although for the greater part of his life a strict total
abstinence man in theory and practice. Until en-
gaging in business in Washington, in 1864, he never |
used liquor or tobacco in any form, but he then and
there contracted habits which afterwards contributed
In 1876 he became
largely towards his adversities.
interested in the Temperance Reform movement, and |
continued an earnest worker therein until his last
sickness. He was president of the Foxborough Good
Samaritan (Reform) Club several terms, and to his
exertions the club was indebted for its hall, and the
town for the improvement of an unoccupied school-
house, now the Samaritan Hall building.
While in the Senate, to which he was elected when
twenty-five years of age, he decided to study law, and
entered the office of Hon. S. C. Maine.
He was
He |
admitted to the bar of the Superior Court in 1857, |
and to that of the United States Cireuit Court in |
1867.
ginning of his last sickness he had a large practice,
and at one time had offices in the cities of Boston,
New York, and Washington.
where accounts were in controversy, and where sound
His services in suits
From the date of his admission to the be- |
|
| Union and the New England Gallery of Patents.
legal knowledge was demanded, were valuable, and
his opinions sought and respected by his brother
lawyers.
He was first elected upon the School Committee in
1852, and he served on that board nearly half the
time during the remainder of his life. As town
clerk he served from 1855 to 1861. He also served
many years on the auditing and minor committees,
and us moderator of town-meetings. He was in the
State Senate in 1855 and 1856, serving on the Com-
mittees on Claims, on Bills in the third reading, and
as Chairman on the Committee on Prisons. In 1870
he was a member of the Elouse of Representatives,
serving on the Committee of Probate and Chancery.
He held a commission as justice of the peace, and of
| the quorum, and sat as magistrate on many cases, but
ceased to act as trial justice when the prohibitory law
was enacted. He was postmaster during the admin-
istration of President Lincoln, and assistant post-
master several years previous. He was one of the
corporators, and for many years treasurer, of the Fox-
borough Savings-Bank and of the Foxborough Loan
Fund and Building Association. He also represented
a number of life and fire insurance companies as
In 1858 he purchased a right from the
owners of the Morse patent to construct a telegraph
agent.
line from Mansfield to Franklin, and organized the
Massachusetts Central Telegraph Company to build
and operate it ; the line was built as far as Foxborough,
and an office opened in the American Hall building.
In 1862 he was one of the most interested and per-
sistent in obtaining a charter for the Foxborough
Branch Railroad Company, and was a director and
clerk of the corporation until after it had obtained
additional powers and become the Mansfield and
Framingham Railroad Company.
About this time he became interested in patent-
rights, and in addition to his other business instituted,
and for several years managed, the National Inventors’
He
acted as director and treasurer of no less than thirteen
corporations or associations having for their object the
In 1870 he
formed a company to manufacture straw goods in
manufacturing of patented articles.
Foxborough, and a charter was issued to the Fox-
borough Straw-Works, but actual business was never
commenced.
He was deeply interested in Freemasonry, and was
one of those who were instrumental in the building
of the Masonic Hall. He was a member of St. Al-
bans Lodge, Keystone Chapter, Pawtucket Council,
Royal and Select Masters, Lafayette Lodge of Per-
fection, and of Boston Commandery of Knights Tem-
\
4
FOXBOROUGH.
705
plar. He was a warden of St. Albans Lodge six |
terms, and the Master of the lodge three years. In |
1859 he was a member of St. John’s Encampment |
of Knights Templar, and accompanied it on its pil- |
egrimage to Richmond, Va. In 1863 he was a mem-
ber of the Union League, and assisted in spreading
its influence. |
To those few who were intimately acquainted with
him he was genial and unreserved, entertaining and
instructive ; but he was naturally reserved and studious,
more inclined to seek the companionship of his library
of standard works than that of “society,” while the
loss of his property added to his retiring and reserved
demeanor.
fortune, but he lost all through investments in petro-
leum stock and advances to the Gilmore Petroleum
Company, of which Governor Gilmore, of New
Hampshire, was president and he the treasurer.
The last few years of his life were spent in an unsuc-
cessful attempt to retrieve his financial losses.
He had two brothers—Thomas Williams C., died
1872, aged thirty-six, and Francis Augustus C., died
1867, aged twenty-four—and two sisters—Sarah Isa- |
bel C., died in 1835, aged one year, and Mary Palmer
C., died in 1851, aged thirteen.
brother, after graduating at Harvard College, entered
his office and was reading law until removed by death.
Nov. 9, 1851, he was married to Rowena Augusta, |
daughter of Jeremiah and Anna (Carroll) Boyden, |
of South Walpole.
daughter of Nehemiah Carpenter, who was his ances-
They had four children, all of
whom are now living. Robert Winthrop C., born
June 4, 1853, studied Jaw with his father and was
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court on attain-
ing his majority, June 4, 1874. He now practices
He had at one time acquired a moderate
His youngest
Her grandmother was the grand- |
tor, as above stated.
law, is a justice of the peace, and commissioner of
insolvency for Norfolk County. Charles Edson C.,
born Feb. 24, 1857, is a clerk in Attleborough; |
Eugene Maine C., born Oct. 14, 1859, is a printer
in Foxborough; Anna Isabel C., born June 6, 1868,
is attending Foxborough High School.
His mother died in Providence, R. I., Aug. 10, |
His
1883, aged eighty years and fourteen days.
father and widow still reside in Foxborough.
He was confined to his house by his disease nearly
a year prior to his death, and died in Foxborough,
Jan. 30, 1880, aged fifty-one years, and was buried |
with Masonic ceremonies, in Rock Hill Cemetery,
Feb. 1, 1880.
45
THE HODGES FAMILY.
On the enrollment list of Taunton in 1643 appears
the name of William Hodges. Tradition says he was
one of three brothers, William, John, and Richard,
who came to America as early as 1633. John and
Richard settled in Salem, and William in Taunton.
William is mentioned by Governor Winthrop as com-
mander of a ship in voyages to and from England in
connection with Capt. John Gallop, whose daughter,
Esther, afterwards married Henry, son of William.
William died in 1654, leaving two sons, John and
Henry. From John and Henry have descended the
two great branches of the Hodges family in Southern
Massachusetts.
Henry, born in 1652, who married Esther Gallop
| in 1674, is ancestor of the Hodges family of Norfolk
County. According to his will, proven in 1717, he
left eleven children,—William, John, Joseph, Henry,
Benjamin, Ephraim, Mary, Esther, Charity, Elizabeth,
and Abigail. His son Henry married Sarah Leonard,
and died in 1735, in his seventieth year, leaving four
sons and several daughters,—Josiah, Eliphalet (who
came from Taunton and settled in Sharon, now Kast
Foxborough, on the land where Marcus P. Hodges
now lives, between 1738 and 1745), James, Henry,
Anna (married George Williams), Abigail (married
Mr. Harvey), Betsey (married Benjamin Wilbur),
Eliphalet, born 1712, married Abigail Fillebrown, of
Mansfield ; their daughter, Isabel, married John Evy-
erett, of Wrentham, and had children,—George,
Eliphalet, Sally, Stephen, John and Abigail.
son of Henry and Sarah (Leonard) Hodges, was born
1710, married Mary Cooledge, of Watertown, and
died in 1798. His wife died in 1808, in her eighty-
seventh year. Their children were Benjamin, Lydia,
Pheebe, Molly, Sarah, Betsey, and Josiah. (Henry,
grandson of the first Henry, well known as Capt.
Josiah,
Hodges, lived in Taunton, married Mary, daughter of
Joseph Eddy, and died in 1779, aged fifty-five, leav-
| Ing six sons,—Zephaniah, Spencer, Henry, Elkanah,
James, and Abiathar. Spencer, son of the third Henry,
married Mercy, daughter of Nathan Dean, and had
children,—Spencer, Elkanah, Otis, Lydia, and Mary.
| Spencer, Jr., married Esther, daughter of Swift Pay-
| son, of Foxborough; Elkanah married Trulove Clark,
who now lives in Foxborough, aged ninety-two years;
Otis married Virginia Clark; Lydia married Leonard
White; Mary married Melzar Skinner, of Mansfield,
and removed to New York. Spencer, Jr., left three
children,—Spencer P., Esther C., and Henry. EI-
kanah left one son, Albert, and one daughter, Elvira,
who married Sanford Leonard, of Foxborough. Otis
left two sons, George and Henry.) Benjamin, son
706
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of Josiah and Mary C. Hodges, born in 1745 and |
died in 1814, was a farmer, and cleared and pre-
pared for cultivation a large tract of land near the |
present Hodges homestead. He married, first, Hsther, |
daughter of Robert and Ruth (Fisher) Allen, of Wal-
pole. She was born in 1749 and died in 1780. Their |
children were Sewall, Daniel, and Esther. He mar- |
ried, second, Miriam, daughter of Josiah Pratt, of Fox- |
borough, born 1755, died 1825. Their children were
Rachael and Hannah (twins), Joseph, James (who
died in infancy), Benjamin, and Annie. Sewall and
Daniel located on the ancestral domain, where they
always lived as prosperous farmers, and died within
twelve days of each other. (Daniel married Nabbe
Richards; Esther married Moses Richards ; Rachael
married Solomon Richards; Hannah married Thomas
Billings, of Canton; Joseph married Nancy Hodges,
and moved to Belmont, Me.; and Annie married
Amos Barden, of Walpole.)
Srwatut Honpaes, son of Benjamin and Hsther
(Allen) Hodges ( William', Henry’, Henry’, Josiah‘,
Benjamin®, Sewall®), was born Feb. 3, 1773. His
education was obtained under the difficulties of a hun-
dred years ago in the little old school-house at Kast
Foxborough, whose broad, open fireplace, big stones for |
andirons, and big logs for burning, remained Jonger in
memory than the lessons acquired. He married, first, |
Sally, daughter of John and Unity (Shepard) Bil- |
lings, of Canton, Nov. 6, 1805. She was born Feb.
27,1778, and died May 1, 1816. They had four chil- |
dren,—Sally, married James Daniels, of Foxborough ; |
Mary, married Job Sherman (see his biography) ; |
Alfred married Jerusha Comey, died in 1875, leaving
two daughters,— Martha L. and Emma B.; and Orna,
who married Allen C. Doolittle, has one daughter,
Sarah B. Mr. Hodges married, second, Judith, daugh-
ter of Seth and Mary (Harkness) Sherman, of Bel- |
lingham, Nov. 6,1817. She was born Sept. 17, 1784, |
and died April 30, 1862.
William S. (died aged two years); Abigail S., mar-
ried Richard Battey, of Smithfield, R. I., died Nov.
21,1882; Ruth A., married, first, Solomon Sherman ;
had three children,—LEllery C., Elbridge G., twins, and |
Louis A., who died in 1878; second, married 8. C. |
Shepard, of Mansfield ; Judith S., married Asa Stone,
of Providence; Anne Maria, married Zelotes Buck, |
of Clinton, and has three childrenn—Elma M., Abby
H., and Edward H.; David S8., died aged four years.
In 1834, Mr. Hodges built that part of the Boston
and Providence Railroad passing through his farm.
After the double track was laid, Oct. 22, 1849, while
crossing the track he was struck by a train, and so
They had six children,— |
severely injured that his death occurred in a few hours. |
Mr. Hodges has worthily borne the character of his
ancestor, the first Henry, who was called ‘ Honest
Henry,” and, like his immediate predecessor, has been
an honorable, industrious, and valuable citizen. He
was kind and indulgent in his family relations, a
strong friend, firm in principle, and exemplary in con-
duct.
ments, signing the first temperance pledge in town.
He was ever a friend to the poor and to the slave.
He cast the first ‘‘ Free-Soil” vote in the town of
Sharon, willing to be deemed radical in the conscious-
ness of being right. He was of a reflective turn of
mind, and delighted in studying the creative forces of
nature, and tracing all things from cause to effect.
He stood in advance in great moral move-
He was an appreciative reader, and contributed to es_
tablish and support a circulating library in Foxborough
in order to obtain the reading matter he desired. He
was a member of the first parish church in Sharon,
was a cordial friend and supporter of the Rev. Jona-
than Whittaker, and when his pastorate terminated
by a schism in the church and society, Mr. Hodges
following his convictions of right and duty, became
a member of the Friends’ Society in Mansfield.
All of his children, beside the common school, at-
tended a Friends’ school in Providence. One of his
daughters writes concerning him: ‘He was the
teacher of my lifetime. Whatever good there is in
me I owe to him. He was truly a religious man, for
few more than he reverenced the Bible. Many of his
explanations of texts are still fresh in memory. His
views were spiritually in advance of the age in which
he lived.”
BENJAMIN Hopags, son of Benjamin and Miriam
| (Pratt) Hodges (William', Henry’, Henry’, Josiabt,
Benjamin’, Benjamin®), was born April 11, 1789.
He was an agriculturist from childhood on the home-
stead of his father, was educated at the common
schools of his native town, and during all the long
years of his quiet, uneventful life seldom left his
native town or his ancestral acres. He married,
Nov. 8, 1811, first, Hannah, daughter of Josiah
and Susan (Morse) Talbot, of Sharon. They had
six children,—Benjamin F. (married Julia Dassance,
and resides in Chelmsford; their children are Julia
A., Mary J., Anna M., Jesse, and Francis), Emeline
(married Stephen L. Boyden, of Foxborough; their
children were Charles L., died in the army of the
Rebellion, Hannah E., Benjamin F., of Foxbor-
ough, Amos J., resides in Philadelphia), Lucy
(married Asahel Dean, of Foxborough; has two
children, Marcus P. and Lucy A.), Lewis (died
young), Marcus P. (who lives on the old homestead),
and Catharine F. (married Nahum Dunbar, resides
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FOXBOROUGH.
707
|
in Chelsea, and has three children, Mary F., Charles
G., and Anna). Mrs. Hannah Hodges died Jan. 19,
1838, in her fiftieth year. Mr. Hodges married,
second, Susannah Sumner, of Foxborough. She
died Sept. 1, 1877, in her eightieth year, leaving no
children.
Unostentatious and unassuming, Mr. Hodges was |
ever a good citizen, of sterling honesty and upright-
ness, kind in his family relations, and very genial and
social in his associations with all coming within his
sphere. By persistent industry and steady economy
he acquired a competence while health and vigor
were vouchsafed him, and did not withhold the en-
joyment of the fruit of his labor until old age came
on. He joined the Congregational Church in Sharon,
and afterwards became a member of the Congrega-
tional Church in Foxborough, the meetings of which
Al-
ways temperate, he took care of his health, and was a
he attended during the many years of his life.
well-preserved man, retaining his faculties in a re-
He
was much interested in and enjoyed especially the an-
markable degree to an unusually advanced age.
nual gatherings of the Hodges family at the old
homestead. Here for twenty-two successive years
from fifty to eighty descendants of Josiah Hodges
met in social reunion, usually accompanied by a picnic |
on the lawn west of the “old house.” Of this merry
circle none were happier than Benjamin Hodges.
The last gathering occurred the year previous to his
death, which took place Dee. 9, 1882, in his ninety- |
third year.
We are indebted to Mrs. Mary H. Sherman for
the ancestral history and material for this sketch.
JOB SHERMAN.
Job Sherman, son of John and Polly (Skinner)
Sherman, a lineal descendant of Philip Sherman, the |
first American ancestor and eighth in line, was born
in Foxborough, May 15,1805. The following an- |
cestral history was furnished by Mrs. Mary H. Sher- |
man, of Foxborough: “The earliest records I find of |
the Sherman family are the names David, Nathan, El- |
nathan, and Joseph. David had sons,—Jacob, John,
Nehemiah, and Elkanah. John had children, Job,
John, Lucy, Charity, and Elizabeth. Job, the son
of John and Ruth (Allen) Sherman, was born in |
Rochester, Mass., in 1746, married Elizabeth, daughter |
of Experience and Hannah (Nichols) Holmes, and |
died in Foxborough in 1857, aged ninety years and |
four months, surviving his wife twenty years. He |
lived several years in Middleborough, and in the |
| spring of 1781 came to the south part of Foxbor-
ough, where he bought a tract of land, for which he
paid in Continental money. He built a log cabin,
and, with only a dog for company, made his improve-
ments and cultivated the land during the first season.
He had no fences, his faithful dog protecting his
crops from the foraging herds, then permitted to
roam at will through the forests. In the autumn he
moved his family of wife and six children into the
log’ cabin, which was their home until he built a
frame house in 1784. They experienced all the trials
incident to a pioneer life. In the winter of 1789
snows fell so deep that for three weeks they were cut
off from all communication with the outside world,
and their first visitor was a Mr. Freeman, who came
on snowshoes from the house where Francis Carpen-
ter lived in 1870. This house of Mr. Sherman’s
is now occupied by his grandson, Obadiah Sherman.
Job Sherman was a member of the Society of Friends,
and probably the first meeting of that society in the
county was held in his house, April 15, 1795. The
children of Job and Elizabeth Sherman were Susanna,
Obadiah, Job, John, Stephen, George, Experience
H., and Elizabeth. They received only a common-
school education, yet three of them, Obadiah, Stephen,
and John, were qualified for teachers. Obadiah is
still remembered by several as a teacher of consider-
Five of the
sons located, lived, and died on or near the old home-
stead. The two daughters never left the old home,
lived to a good old age, and died unmarried. John,
the third son of Job and Elizabeth Holmes Sherman,
born Dec. 2, 1775, married Polly, daughter of Solo-
mon Skinner, of Mansfield. They both died in 1842,
able note for many successive winters.
leaving eight children,—Mary, John, Laura, Job,
Albert G., Eliza, Solomon, and James H.; none are
living except Job. Albert G. and James H. died in
California; Albert G. left a son, William Russell.
Eliza married Jerry A. Olney, lived in Putnam,
| Conn., died July 15, 1883, leaving five children,—
Louisa B., Albert S., Ellen M., Adelaide KE. and
Adeline A. (twins). John Sherman, son of Job, was
a man of sterling worth; in proof of which we give
the following extract from a town report and letter
from the town clerk: ‘‘ John Sherman was the seventh
generation from Philip Sherman. He early exhibited
a great love for reading and study, and notwithstand-
ing his limited means for obtaining an education, ac-
quired extensive information. He thus became a
wise counselor and a useful citizen. He served as
selectman in Foxborough fourteen years in succession,
and was looked upon by all as one of the first advisers
in town affairs. He was three years representative
Q
708
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASS
ACHUSETTS.
]
in the General Court, and was frequently chosen
school committee man, and served on other important
committees in town. He died July 12, 1842, aged
sixty-six years. ‘To the family of the late John
Sherman, Esq.; Respected Friends; In compliance
with a vote of the town of Foxboro, I communicate
to you a copy of resolutions adopted in town-meeting |
July 18, 1842, by the inhabitants of Foxboro in town- |
meeting assembled. Resolved, that we regard as es- |
pecially impressive that Divine Providence which has
recently and suddenly removed an estimable citizen,
Resolved,
and, as it were, a father, from our town.
that the public services and private virtues of Jobn
Sherman, Esq., lately deceased, are held by us in re-
spectful remembrance, and that we present to his
bereaved family the assurance of our affectionate con-
dolence. With like sentiments and regard, I am
yours sincerely, Warren Bird, Town Clerk.”
Jos SHERMAN obtained his education at the dis-
trict schools of Foxborough, where he has always re-
sided. He served an apprenticeship of four years
with Gen. Shepherd Leach in his iron-foundries at
Foxborough, Chelmsford, and Walpole. His remu-
neration was one hundred dollars each year and board,
also an allowance of one-half pint of rum or molasses
each day. He refused both. He was employed in
iron-foundries for several years after his apprentice-
ship. In 1830 he married Jane W. Ellis, who died
in December, 1831, leaving a daughter (Jane E.),
who died in her fourteenth year. Mr. Sherman mar-
ried again, 1841, Mary, daughter of Sewall and Sally
(Billings) Hodges, of Sharon (now East Foxborough). |
They have had four children,—Herbert E., Frank L., |
John H. (deceased), and Albert H. (deceased).
Herbert E. married Adeline A., daughter of Jerry
A. and Eliza (Sherman) Olney, of Putnam, Conn.,
in 1875; they now reside in Providence, R. I., and
have two children,—Stella L. and Janet H. Frank
I. married Clara M., daughter of W. A. Crowley, of
Mansfield, and resides on the “home-place ;” they
Both
Herbert and Frank have had good school advantages,
have two children,—Jessie and Arthur L.
and are well-skilled civil engineers.
After his work in foundries Mr. Sherman returned
to Foxborough, and has ever since been a busy and
He
owned the homestead together.
successful farmer. and his brother Solomon
Each built a new
house, and until Solomon’s death carried on the busi-
ness in company. Solomon married Ruth A., daugh-
ter of Sewall Hodges, died in 1870, and left three
sons,—KHllery C. and Elbridge G. (twins), and Louis
A., who died in 1878. |
Job Sherman has well sustained the reputation of |
his ancestors. His life has been an uneventful and
quiet one. He never has traveled one hundred miles
from home. Honest, industrious, and with good
judgment, he has served his day and generation well,
and is now a cheerful and contented old man. He,
as well as his wife, is a strong advocate of total ab-
stinence from spirituous liquors. He is a Republican
in politics. He has been honored with the confidence
-and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, and has served
several years as selectman, assessor, school committee-
man, and in other positions of trust and responsi-
bility.
ALFRED HODGES.
Alfred Hodges was born Feb. 16, 1809. He re-
ceived his education at the public schools of his
native town and at the Friends’ School in Providence,
R. I. He chose merchandising as a pursuit, and was
a man much respected in his community. He pos-
sessed in a high degree the confidence of his fellow-
towsmen, and was frequently called upon to fill
positions of trust in the town. He represented the
town of Foxborough in the Legislature, and held
various other offices. He married, Oct. 19, 1838,
_Jerusha Comey, third daughter of Oliver and Keziah
Leonard Comey. They had one son, who died Oct.
7, 1841, aged about two years, and two daughters,
who are now living. He died April 3, 1875.
CHAPTER (UT xX?
WALPOLE.
Pioneer History—The Dedham Covenant—Indian Proprietors
—Primitive Condition of the Country—Early Settlements—
The Cedar Swamp—Petition for Precinet—Incorporation of
Town—The French and Indian War—Capt. Bacon’s Com-
pany from Walpole—Slavery in Walpole—Deacon Robbins’
Slave “ Jack’’—War of the Revolution—Resolutions of the
Town—List of Revolutionary Soldiers—War of 1812—Capt.
Samuel Fales’ Company of Light Infantry.
Tue town of Walpole was one of the subdivisions
of the old mother-town of Dedham, and for nearly
one hundred years the history of this town is the
history of Dedham.’
In 1635 the General Court of the colonies made a
grant to twelve persons of land lying in Dedham for
the purpose of founding a settlement. Nearly all of
1 The following chapter is condensed from an able historical
address delivered by Henry E. Fales, Esq., at Walpole, Sept.
28, 1881.
2
See history of Dedham elsewhere in this work.
col gw)
oa
Cg gee
WALPOLE.
709
the early settlers came to Dedham from Watertown
and Roxbury, and the settlement was founded the
year after (1636), and called Contentment. When
these men came to Dedham to form their settlement,
they joined in the following covenant:
“1, We whose names are hereunto subscribed, doe, in the fear
and reuerence of our Allmightie God, mutually; and seuerally
p mise amongst our selves and each to other p’fesse and practice
one trueth according to that most p’fect rule, the foundacion
whereof is euerlasting love.
“2, That we shall by all means laboure to keepe of from us
such as ar contrarye minded, and receaue onely such unto us
as be such as may be p’bably of one harte with us as that we
either knowe or may well and truely be informed, to walke ina |
peaceable conversation with all meekness of spirit for the edifi-
cation of each other in the knowledge and faith of the Lord
Jesus: and the mutuall encouragm’t unto all temporall comforts
in all things: seeking the good of each other out of all which
may be deriuded true peace.
“3, That if at any time difference shall arise betwene p’ties
of our own said towne that then such p'tie and p’ties shall pr’s-
ently referre all such difference unto some one, 2 or 3 others of
our said socictie to be fully accorded and determined without
any further delay if it possibly may bee:
“4, That every man that now or at any time here after shall
haue lotts in our own said towne shall paye his share in all such
rates of money, and charges as shall be imposed upon him rate-
ably in p’portion with other men as allso become freely subject
vnto all such orders and constitutions as shall be necessariely
had or made, now or at any time here after from this day fore-
warde, as well for loveing and comfortable societie, in our own
said towne as allso for the p’sperous and thriueing condicion of
our said fellowshipe especially respecting the feare of God in
which we desire to begine and continue what so euer we shall
by his loving fauoure take in hand.
“5, And for the better manefestation of our true resolution
here in, euery man so receaued; to subscribe here vnto his
name thereby obligeing both himself and his successors after
him for euer as we have done.”
When these men came into Dedham they adopted
a liberal and honest policy towards the Indians.
though they had a grant of this land, yet they were
careful to extinguish the title of the Indians, and as |
late as forty-nine years after the establishment of the
settlement certain descendants of the former Indian
proprietors claimed rights, and they were purchased
Al-
found in examining the old records and the old annals
| the great cedar swamp spoken of, and spoken of at a
very early time. It is conceded by all the Dedham
historians that that cedar swamp is the cedar swamp
between the plain and South Walpole. The lumber
which could be procured there was a necessity to the
settlers, and was early sought for. As early as 1646,
ten years after the people first established the town,
Ralph Day was allowed twenty shillings for beating
the drum at the meeting-house, to be paid in cedar
_ boards. On the 4th of May, 1658, an agreement
was made between the town and Eleazer Lusher and
Joshua Fisher to erect a saw-mill on the Neponset
In 1674 it passed into
the possession of Thomas Clapp, and a highway was
| River near the cedar swamp.
soon after laid out from the town to the cedar swamp
near the saw-mill. It is said this mill stood where
the mill of Caleb Ellis afterwards did, but after an
examination of the records, I am pretty thoroughly
convinced it stood within the limits of the present
town of Walpole.
The moving cause of the settlement of the town
was the support of preaching and of religious worship,
and as the settlement extended south and away from
Dedham, the people living upon this territory could
/ not be accommodated by the churches in Dedham,
and efforts were made for the erection of a parish or
| precinct in this region.
Incorporation of Town.—In 1721 a petition was
presented to the General Court of the colonies, pray-
ing that the south part of Dedham, which doubtless
included what is now Walpole, might be incorporated
as a parish for the purpose of supporting religious
This petition was opposed and defeated,
but four years afterwards it was renewed, and Walpole
I have not been able to find at the
State-House the original petition for the incorporation
worship.
was incorporated.
of the town, although I found this petition of 1721;
and deeds given, and those deeds are still in preser- |
vation.
When these people came here to found this town
The
It was
the upland was mainly covered with timber.
meadows were open and could be mowed.
from the meadows that they derived their principal
stock of hay for their cattle. The woods were filled
with animals, and as late as the incorporation of this
town a bounty was paid for the destruction of wolves,
wild-cats, and rattlesnakes.
tlement extended at a very early period up to within |
the limits of the present town of Walpole. I have
but I have here the act of the Legislature of the
Province of Massachusetts Bay incorporating the
town:
“Whereas the South part of the town of Dedham, within
the county of Suffolk, is competently filled with inhabitants,
who labor under great difficulties by their remoteness from the
place of public worship, etc., and have thereupon made their
application to the said town of Dedham, and likewise addressed
this court, that they may be set off a distinct and separate town,
and be vested with all the powers and privileges of a town;
and the inhabitants of Dedham having consented to their being
set off accordingly, and a committee of this court having viewed
the said town of Dedham, and reported a proper divisional line
Q : | between the two parts thereof,—
Various circumstances tend to show that the set- | E
“ Be it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council
and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the au-
thority of the same, That the southerly part of the said town of
710
Dedham be and hereby is set off and constituted a sep[a] [e]-
rate township by the name of Walpole; the bounds of the said
township to be as follows,’”—I will omit the boundaries,—
“ Provided, that the inhabitants of the said town of Walpole
do, within the space of eighteen months from the publication
of this act, erect and finish a suitable house for the publick
learned, orthodox minister of good conversation, and make
provision for his comfortable and honorable support; and like-
wise provide a schoolmaster to instruct their youth in writing
and reading; and that thereupon they be discharged from any
further payments for the maintenance of the ministry and
school in the town of Dedham.”
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY,
MASSACHUSETTS.
viding for his wife, he bequeathed nearly all his prop-
erty to the first church, and in his will was this clause:
“And further my will is, that if my negro servant,
named Jack, shall live to be chargeable by reason of
old age or infirmity, or both, and my aforesaid wife
worship of God, and, as soon as may be, procure and settle a |
Thus, when the political structure of Walpole was —
built, the church was the foundation, and the school
was the cap-stone.
Dedham had consented to the separation, I judge
from the records that they did not do it very gra-
ciously.
Here is what the Dedham annalist says about it.
This is all the record:
1724,
ing the boys in order on the pulpit stairs.
Dedham.”
Voted to give Jarvis Pike twenty shillings for keep-
Walpole set off from
That is how the town of Dedham gave away her
all that. She
took her name from the great English statesman, Sir
Robert Walpole, and she took the place with the
other municipalities of this old province of Massa-
daughter. But she has grown for
chusetts Bay, and from that time to this she has kept
step with them, and I know of nothing connected |
with her history for which any Walpole citizen ought
to blush or hang his head with shame. From that
time, 1724, we find by the records that they held
their meetings, they selected their representatives,
they supported their ministers, they paid for their
schools, and during the different wars which followed
they did their part as should well become them.
In the Crown Point expedition in the French and
Indian war a company went from this town, com-
manded by Capt. William
pedition a company went from Dedham, commanded
by Capt. Eliphalet Fales, and there appears upon his
3acon. In the same ex-
roll the names of a great many Walpole men. I
have seen the old rolls, worn and stained after the
lapse of a hundred and twenty-five years, which con-
tain the names of the men who went from within the
limits of this town to serve their country against their
enemies in Canada and elsewhere.
Slavery.—Slavery once existed in Walpole. The
records of the church show that at least one slave was
owned and kept here. One of the famous men one
hundred and twenty-five years ago was Deacon Ezekiel
Robbins, who kept the Brass Ball Tavern. When he
died he left no children, and by his will, after pro-
Although the act recited that | after,
| trying days?
shall not sell him, as she is hereby empowered to do,
then my w/7d/ is that the aforesaid church in Walpole
shall take tender care of him and suitably provide for
him all the remainder of his life, and afford a decent
burial after his death.”
The records of the church show that they received
the legacy with the condition. This will was admitted
to probate in 1772, and Mrs. Robbins died shortly
You will find upon the church record year
after year a charge of so much paid for the support
of “ Jack.”
dollars for advertising him when he ran away, and one
One year you will find a charge of six
year you find a vote instructing the committee to in-
quire into the legality of his marriage with a certain
woman with whom he lived. In 1810, when the death
of “Jack” oceurred, there is a statement of the expen-
diture of one hundred and sixty-three dollars and thirty-
three cents for his funeral. It is evident that Jack
had a big funeral, and that it was celebrated with be-
coming honor. Perhaps some of you may remember
the old colored woman who lived this side of the plain,
and how she used to travel about from place to place.
She was the woman with whom Jack lived, and con-
cerning whom a church committee was instructed to
inquire whether they were legally married or not.
War of the Revolution.—The first question which
any patriotic citizen of Walpole will be likely to ask
is, What was the course of this good town in those
“And,” says Mr. Fales, “I am glad
to say to you, ladies and gentlemen, that I have ex-
amined the records with especial reference to these
events, and I say to you that I closed the examination
with pride that the town of my nativity stood up so
manfuliy and bravely in resistance to British oppres-
sion.”
They were a series of resolutions reported by a com-
mittee consisting of Aquilla Robbins, Enoch Ellis,
Seth Bullard, George Payson, and Samuel Cheney.
The resolutions were ringing with patriotism and
In 1773 they passed some ringing resolutions.
ra) to
independence, and were adopted by the town and
incorporated upon the records.
Sept. 26, 1774, the town voted to join with other
towns in sending a representative to the Provincial
Congress, and chose Nathaniel Guild representative.
Dec. 19, 1774, the fourteen articles of association of
the American Congress that met at Philadelphia the
5th of September were adopted, and by vote entered
upon the town’s book, and there you will find them
WALPOLE.
AL
,
recorded. Then they voted to purchase two field- |
pieces, and chose Benjamin Kingsbury, captain,
Ebenezer Clapp, and Ensign Theodore Mann a com-
mittee to purchase them. Then they chose a Com-
mittee to join with other towns as a Committee of |
Correspondence and Safety, and in 1778 this little town
voted to raise by taxation five thousand pounds to
help carry on the war.
But that is not all that Walpole did in the Revolu-
tion. I want you to go back with me to the 19th of
April, 1775, to two little towns in Middlesex County.
You have heard of the lights in the Old North
Church, and the rapid ride of Paul Revere through
Medford and Lexington to Concord. You have heard
how the minute-men rallied and were slain upon
Lexington Green. You have heard how the British
Regulators marched into Concord, and to enable them
to carry out their work of destruction, they posted
four companies of light infantry at North Bridge to
guard the approach to the town, and you have heard |
how the minute-men from Acton and Concord and
Lincoln met upon the hill, and were formed in bat-
tallion by Adjutant Hosmer, the Acton men led by
Capt. Isaac Davis, the young gunsmith who that
morning bade his wife and little children good-by,
with the words, ‘ Hannah, take good care of the
children,” and was borne back that night to his home
lifeless and cold. You have read that when the ques- |
tion of attacking this British guard was discussed,
Capt. Davis said, “I haven’t a man that is afraid to
go,” and so they marched up the river-bank by the
right flank with trailed arms, and were met by a rat-
tling volley from the British infantry, and Capt. Davis
and Hosmer fell dead, and Major Buttrick cried,
“ Fire, fellow-soldiers; for God’s sake, FIRE!”
And then was fired “the shot heard round the |
world.”
“You know therest. In the books you have read,
How the British Regulators fired and fled,—
How the farmers gave them ball for ball,
From behind each fence and farm-yard wall,
Chasing the Red Coats down the lane,
Then crossing the fields to emerge again
Under the trees at the turn of the road,
And only pausing to fire and load.”
Now, you will ask me what Walpole did then. I
will tell you.
pole men from taking part in the battle, but she sent
alarm, with a population of less than eight hundred,
—almost one-fifth of the entire population gathered
Time and distance prevented the Wal- |
cord!” The alarm was given, and the men gathered
from the centre of the town, from the mill, from the
shop, the south end, from the plain, from the other
parts of the town, and took the road over to Medfield |
Dover, and Sherborn, on towards Concord ; two com-
panies, with twenty-five additional men in a Medfield
company, responded to the alarm. Ladies and gen-
tlemen, the least we can do for these men is to re-
member them and speak their names, and when I
found the old, brown, worn, moth-eaten rolls, these
rolls of honor, I had them copied, and I want to read
the names of these men, because I see before me the
I tell you the best
patent of nobility that an American boy or man can
descendants of so many of them.
have is the fact that his grandfather fought in the
Revolution.
““ WaLpoLe, December ye 4th, 1775.
«A muster roll of the company in the colony’s service which
marched from S. Walpole on the alarm last April ye 19: 1775,
under the command of Capt. Jeremiah Smith in coll. John
Smith’s Regiment.
“Jeremiah Smith, Philip Robbins, John Boyden, Oliver
Clap, Benjamin Hartshorn, Ebenezer Fales, Abel Allen, Jere-
miah Fales, Elijah Plympton, Ichabod Clap, Aaron Fales,
Timothy Man, Joseph Ellis, Jonathan Boyden, Jeremiah
Blake, Asa Page, Joshua Allen, Samuel Copp, Joseph Tucker,
Amos Morse, Aaron Blake, Joseph Fales, Eliphalet Fales, Ed-
ward Cleavland, Joshua Boyden, Timothy Cudworth, George
Cleavland, Matthias Puffer, Samuel Allen, Charles Page, Moses
Fales, Benjamin Man, Joseph Carrill, Jr., Nathinel Guild, Jr.,
Fisher Hartshorn, Ebenezer Page, Joseph Page, Thomas
Nason, Elijah Clap, Asa Plympton, Jonathan Carrill, Christo-
| pher Smith, Timothy Hartshorn, John Dexter, Jonathan Kin-
dall, John Cleavland, Thomas Page, Eliphalet Clap, Moses
Fales, Jr., John Frizel, Eliab Lyon, David Boyden, Jeremiah
Dexter, Theodore Man, Asa Fisher, Abiather Fales, Jonathan
Boyden, Jr., Abner Gould, Ebenezer Clap, Jr., Eleazer Clap,
Aaron Ferington, Philip Bardians, Jr., Joseph Man, Jonathan
Dexter.”
“A muster roll of a militia company in Walpole in coll. John
Smith’s Regiment: Seth Bullard, Captain, Eliph’t Ellis, Lieu-
tenant, Enoch Ellis, Ensign, Samuel Smith, Thomas Pettee,
Henry Partridge, Eben. Gay, Nathaniel Nason, Eben. Harts-
| horn, Aaron Clark Fales, Jotham Morse, Eleazor Partridge,
Ezekiel Boyden, Benoni Morse, John Ellis, Moses Ellis, Jacubd
Kingsbury, Seth Kingsbury, John Boyden, Richard Hartshorn,
Henry Smith, Jr., Solomon Kingsbury, Asa Ellis, Jacob Gould,
Calvin Gay, Jabez Boyden, John Hartshorn, Bexalel Turner,
Ziba Baker, Ebenezer Day, Samuel Thompson, James Clap,
Jacob Clap, Elisha Hall, Eliphalet Ellis, Joseph Boyden, Sam-
uel Guild, Joseph Guild, Ebenezer Farrington, William Pettee,
Josiah Whittemore, Obadiah Morse, Nathaniel Gay, Benjamin
Kingsbury, Ebenezer Fales, John Gregory, John Lewis, Abner
Turner, Nicholas Harris, Joseph Kingsbury, Samuel Boyden,
| Ebenezer Farrington, Jr., Thomas Howard, Josiah Hall, Seth
one hundred and fifty-seven men to respond to the
and marched to Concord. Go back with me in mem- |
ory and see the messenger come riding in and saying,
“The British are going to destroy the stores at Con- |
Hart, Elihu Lawrence, Moses Chamberlain, Asa Kingsbury,
Tsiah Lyon, Amos Ramsdale, Samuel Rhodes, Joshua Hews,
John Day, John Boyden, Samuel Cheney, George Payson, Seth
Payson.”
Then, in addition to these full companies, one con-
taining sixty-seven men, three more than the maxi-
712
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
mum, and the other containing sixty-four men, I find
twenty-five names upon the roll of a Medfield com-
pany who were commanded by Capt. Sabin Mann, all
Walpole men:
“Joshua Clap, Lieutenant, William Bacon, Ensign, Benja-
min Carroll, Benjamin Potter, Jeremiah Boyden, Jeremiah
Smith, Ichabod Reed, Samuel Hartshorn, Elias Mann, James
Fales, Willaber Nason, Amos Turner, Seth Clap, Samuel Fuller,
Joshua Clap, 3d, David Purrington, James Smith, David Morse,
Peter Lyon, Abel Baker, Abiel Pettee, Stephen Fuller, Joseph
Day, John Lawrence, Stephen Dexter.”
One hundred and fifty-seven men! And it must
be that they included every able-bodied man, with a
fair share of the boys and cripples. Later on in the
war a company from Walpole, under command of
Capt. Aaron Guild, helped build the intrenchments
upon Dorchester Heights, which movement resulted
Another
company marched from Walpole under Capt. Fisher
Be-
sides these, there were men that served in the Conti-
nental army. You have all heard the story of Hol-
land Wood, the old artilleryman, who was with
in the evacuation of Boston by the British.
in what was known as the Warwick expedition.
Washington when he crossed the Delaware, and you
have heard the story of his strength, when, at the
battle of Monmouth, his gun fell from its position,
and with his own unaided strength he raised it and
put it upon its carriage, and when it was so hot it
burnt through the sleeve of his coat. I assure you
our good old town stood up in the front ranks in those
days, and I do not believe the breed has all run out
yet.
After the close of the war the town went on as
did other towns, the people cultivating their farms,
building their dams, erecting their mills, filling their
We
all of us know of the old historic companies of our
fathers, the Walpole Light Infantry, formed in 1802
under command of Capt. Samuel Fales, and when it
school-houses, until the war of 1812 came on.
was called upon by the government, under the com-
mand of Capt. Warren Clap, they marched to Boston _one hundred pounds settlement; fifty pounds of the
and performed all the duties that were required of
them.
After the war came peace once more, and then we
_ remaining fifty the year following.
went on with our career of prosperity as a town until |
the dark days of the Rebellion; but these events are |
so fresh in the minds of you all that I need not dis- |
cuss them at length here. I know, and you know,
that at the first call Walpole sent her men to fight
the battles of liberty and union, and the events of
that war made our country and government a stronger
and better government and country than ever it was
before.
' contrast.
CHAPTER LX.
WALPOLE—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History—First Congregational Society—Ortho-
dox Congregational Church—Congregational Church, East
Walpole—Methodist Episcopal Church—Methodist Episcopal
Church, South Walpole.
The First Congregational Society in Walpole.’
—The history of this society dates from the incor-
poration of the town, in 1724, though religious ser-
vices were undoubtedly held in the settlement before
that date.
The earliest record bears date March 30, 1725. It
was voted then by the people of the town to build a
meeting- house. Subsequently measures were taken
for the “‘ support of preaching” and the securing of a
minister to live with the people.
Many meetings were held over the perplexing
question of the proper size of the house, but at last
it was decided to build one thirty-eight feet long and
thirty-two feet wide, smaller than was at first pro-
posed.
Pending the erection of the house religious meet-
ings were held in the homes of the people, as were
the regular town-meetings.
In 1726 work was actually begun on the building,
but for many years it remained unfinished. Therefore
there is no account of a dedication. There is no record
of a formal ‘‘raising.” There were, originally, but
twelve pews, but this number was greatly increased
as the congregation grew, and as the people tired of
the rough benches. The congregation steadily in-
creased until, in 1743, the seats on the floor and in
_ the gallery being all occupied, the town voted to build
‘a second tier of galleries.”
The first minister called by the town was Rey.
Joseph Belcher, who wrote his acceptance May 17,
1728. He was to receive fifty pounds as salary and
settlement to be paid the year he was ordained, the
For some reason,
not recorded, the town voted, May 5, 1729, to dismiss
Mr. Belcher.
June 8, 1729, Rev. Phillips Payson preached for
the first time in Walpole. Jan. 30, 1730, he ac-
cepts a call of the town, voted Oct. 20,1729. The
letters of Mr. Belcher and Mr. Payson are in strong
The one is fervent, enthusiastic, abound-
ing in pious phrases, the other is brief, business-like.
The one condition stated in Mr. Payson’s letter is,
1 By Rev. J. H. Weeks.
WALPOLE.
713
that the town shall furnish him all the firewood he
may need, that it shall be four paces in length, and
that it shall be brought to the house.
Mr. Payson was ordained and installed minister of
the town Sept. 16,1730. The town, when making
preparation for this great event, voted that Ebenezer
Fales should entertain the ministers taking part in
the ordination service, and that he should be paid
The ministry of Mr. Payson
covers a period of nearly forty-eight years. It is not
stated who presided at the organization of the church.
July 2, 1730, the following persons were embodied :
James Bardens, Ebenezer Fales, Kleazer Partridge,
Samuel Kingsbury, Peter Fales, Thomas Clapp,
Joseph Carryl, Moses Chamberlain, Ebenezer Rob-
bins, Joseph Smith. Samuel Kingsbury was the first
deacon of the church, having been elected Oct. 8,
1730. Ebenezer Fales, elected Dec. 10, 1731, was
the second deacon.
admitted to the church by Mr. Payson was two hun-
“ five shillings a man.”
to)
The whole number of members
dred and seventy-two.
In the early years of his ministry Mr. Payson was |
greatly troubled by the unchristian behavior of some of
the members of the church. There are many records of |
“ discipline.”
was the minister’s thorn in the flesh. He seemed to
have a genius for mischief, but the church was faith-
ful to the commandment and forgave him many times.
As the years pass, however, cases of discipline grow
rarer, the pastor’s good influence doubtless being one
of the causes.
There was one man in particular who |
| Rev. George Morey, who was pastor forty-six years.
| He was called by the town March 10, 1783, and
Very little matter of general interest is recorded for |
many years. At every annual town-meeting the two
important items of the minister's salary and his fire- |
wood are discussed and voted upon.
grew towards his prime and the society enlarged, it |
was easy to pass a vote for the original salary, and
even to increase it. As the minister’s physical and
mental powers waned, it was deemed necessary to
reduce the salary somewhat. But, on the whole, a
good understanding existed between minister and
people through this long pastorate, and as young and
old man, Mr. Payson enjoyed the respect of his people,
while most of the years were passed in quiet and
peaceful labor. The thoughtfulness of his people is
shown in a vote of 1772.
‘Voted to build a seat in the pulpit for the benefit
of Mr. Payson, if it is desired.”
then old and becoming infirm.
The minister was
Mr. Payson lived to
see the colonies fully committed to an armed conflict
with Great Britain. In the meeting-house were held
the important meetings of that war-time. Here was
first read and administered, without doubt, the oath
As the minister |
of allegiance, a strong, patriotic expression.
Here the
people ratified the fourteen articles of the ‘ Associa-
tion of the Grand American Congress.” Here they
elected their representatives, voted money and pro-
visions for the support of the army, and talked elo-
quently of their wrongs.
How strange to find the first meeting-house and
first pastor drawing to their decay together! Mr.
Payson died Jan. 22,1778, and in 1781 the meeting-
house was condemned, the town voting to build a new
one on the same spot.
The new building was raised in 1783. In June of
that year it was voted to appoint a committee “to get
ministers to pray with us at the raising.” Adam
Blackman was the head carpenter. The building
was sixty feet long and forty feet wide. When it
was finished no one knows; for, as in the first case,
meeting-house bills came up, the regular subject of
All
discussion in town-meetiny, for several years.
| the material of the old building that could be so used
was worked into the new. ‘This building was fur-
nished with a belfry, in which was placed, in 1791, a
bell.
the west side, the other on the east.
The entrance was through two porches, one on
With the new meeting-house came a new minister,
ordained November 19th of the same year. During
his pastorate Mr. Morey admitted to the church one
He died July 26,
His pastorate was not marked by any great
hundred and fifty-two persons.
1829.
event or change, so far as his own charge was con-
cerned. He lived, as Mr. Payson, to see his country-
men engaged in war with Great Britain, and realized
how profoundly a small community like his own could
be moved, for Walpole was loyal always.
After his death, according to his directions, all his
manuscripts were destroyed. We are not able, there-
fore, to determine the quality of his preaching or—his
literary ability; but it is said he used certain mys-
terious signs and abbreviations that would have made
the task of deciphering his writings to-day hopeless.
Indeed, the
It
was doubtless owing to the influence of his preaching
His Calvinism was of a mild type.
theology of Walpole had never been very harsh.
that, with the advent of his successor, the great
majority of his people espoused the Unitarian side in
the controversy over the doctrine of the Trinity. He
has left one impressive monument in the row of noble
elms planted by his hands near the site of the old
homestead, on the Medfield road.
Several amusing stories are still told of “ Parson”
Morey. As he was busy cut of doors one day, one
714
of his church members came up cay id. i: coos
Morey, my mind is greatly troubled over this matter
can you tell me something to relieve
“You better go home
of original sin ;
me?” And the parson said,
and think of your own sins, for you have enough of
them to think about.”
Just before the time for starting for meeting on a
Sunday the horse was brought to the door, and the
parson, standing at the window, watched to see the
bell swing in the belfry on the hill, and before the
sound actually reached his ears he had started for the
door. The horse had become so accustomed to his
promptness, and had so associated it with the sound
of the meeting-house bell, that one morning, when
the parson was delayed, he trotted decorously off to
meeting, and took his place in the familiar shed near
the meeting-house.
Once Mr. Morey preached an eloquent and power-
ful sermon against card-playing.
adjusting the pulpit-cushion, he dislodged a pack of
cards, which fell upon the heads and into the laps of
the venerable deacons, who sat just beneath. Imagine
the astonishment of the preacher, the stupefaction of
the deacons, the horror of the older ones in the con-
gregation, the mirth of the younger!
On the 15th of November, 1826, Mr.
Storer was ordained and installed junior pastor of the
church and society in Walpole. For several years it
had been evident to the people that their old pastor
had become too infirm for the duties of his position,
though he would not admit it, but endeavored, hero-
ically, to meet his people’s wants.
The resolutions passed in a meeting of the town
are highly creditable to the people, and recognize fully
the ability and fidelity of their pastor, and express —
The sum
of one thousand dollars was voted Mr. Morey, and it
was decided that he should keep the title of pastor as
their great gratitude for his long service.
long as he lived.
There was a notable
Mr. Storer.
of those attending the council :
land; Porter, of Dorchester ;
Richmond, of Dorchester; Pierce, of Brookline ;
Lowell, of Boston; Saunders, of Medfield ;
Providence; Rev. Messrs. Ware, Pierpont ; Gannett,
of and Dewey, of New Bedford.
2 os ane
Storer was understood to be a Unitarian, and the
of Roxbury; Harris,
Boston ;
presence of certain ministers at his ordination would,
of itself, members of the
church in Walpole, still holding firmly to the doctrine
of the Trinity, and considering it their duty to still
profess it, finding little sympathy among the other
indicate it. But several
Next Sabbath, in |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
apes of the caaeern addressed a letter to the Con-
gregational Church in Walpole, praying that they
might be dismissed from membership in order to form
a second church.
A meeting of the church was immediately held,
but the subject was referred to the next regular meet-
ing, that all the members might be present and the
matter be fully voted upon.
Before action could be taken by the church the
petitioning members organized what is now known
as the Second Church, or Orthodox Congregational
Church. At the regular meeting of the old church,
action on the petition was indefinitely postponed. The
original members of the Second Church, therefore,
were always members of the First. During the min-
istry of Mr. Storer church and society prospered
greatly, one hundred and twenty-one members being
received into the church. Being of a social nature,
well educated, and, as a preacher, magnetic, Mr.
Storer became very popular. His removal to Syra-
cuse, N. Y., to take charge of an important church
there, in 1839, was considered a calamity. Some of
the fine trees on Common Street attest the interest he
felt in the town which he had made his home. His
short ministry was, however, a ministry of power, and
John P. B. |
he is still remembered with respect and affection.
Under date June 18, 1837, Mr. Storer makes his
last record: ‘“ Voted, That the church accept the in-
| vitation to join with the Second Parish in Roxbury
gathering at the ordination of |
We find the following names in the list |
Drs. Nichols, of Port- |
Kdes, of
Mr.
in the ordination of Mr. Theodore Parker as their
Pastor.”
Before Mr. Storer left Walpole it was determined
The
porches and all projecting portions that would inter-
fere with its march were cut away, and it was lifted
from its foundations and swung around, rear end first,
being guided by a pole stuck in the ground midway
the old and new sites.
In its second place it has rested to this day, not
outwardly the same, for a spire has been run up, a
to move the meeting-house to a new site.
new front built, and a vestry put underneath.
With the rededication of this meeting-house, which
they called a new one, there was the installation of a
new minister. Rev. John M. Merrick received a call
from the church and society August, 1839. Decem-
ber 11th of that year was memorable, it being the
date of his installation and of the rededication. The
The sermon was by
Mr. Merrick was
pastor twenty-six years, resigning his charge in 1865.
N. H., March 20, 1871,
pastor of the Unitarian church and society. The re-
corder says of his sufferings in his last days, ‘ He
meeting-house was crowded.
Rev. George Ripley, of Boston.
He died in Charlestown,
bore all with patience and a Christlike resignation.”
During his ministry in Walpole forty members were
admitted to the church. His son, Prof. John M.
WALPOLE.
|
|
|
|
Merrick, connected with the College of Pharmacy in |
Boston, rapidly rising to eminence as a scientist and
writer on various subjects, died suddenly in Walpole
in 1879. Mr. Merrick presided at the council called
to examine his successor, Rev. W. B. Smith, and at
the installation made the address to the people.
Mr. Smith was installed Oct. 5, 1865, Dr. Hedge,
of Brookline, preaching the sermon.
ministry all things prospered, and he
affection and confidence of his people.
absence in Europe, in 1874, considerable
made in the interior of the meeting-house.
gained the
During his
change was
leries were removed, the pulpit was lowered, and a
recess made at the rear of the pulpit.
J. Young, of Cambridge, preached the sermon at the
reopening.
the pastor from Europe, his letter resigning his pas-
torate came, taking the people by surprise, and bring-
ing sorrow to very many.
which he was then suffering, and which occasioned
his resignation, Mr. Smith has not recovered.
removed to Grafton, where he now lives.
his ministry of eight years Mr. Smith admitted to
church membership thirty-nine persons. Pending
the selection of a successor to Mr. Smith, Professor
Young, of Cambridge, preached for the society.
March 22,
stalled pastor, Rev. J. F. Lovering preaching the
sermon.
sons were admitted to church membership.
Hamblett was greatly liked as a preacher. Impul-
sive and enthusiastic, he did not spare himself, but
being burdened by sickness, he found himself unable
to perform all the duties or meet all the demands of
his position, and in 1882 he resigned, removing to
his old home in New Hampshire, where he hoped to
recover his lost health, and where he still lives. He
left many interested friends in Walpole.
In November, 1882, Rev. J. H. Weeks, the pres-
ent pastor, preached for the first time in Walpole.
He took charge of the pulpit January, 1883, but did
When all were looking for the return of |
During his ministry of five years four per- |
Mires)
| only eternity will reveal.
During his»
The gal- |
Prof. Edward |
|
From the disease from |
| Rev. Jonathan Curtis, scribe of the council.
He
During |
}
|
|
not begin the actual work of the pastorate until April |
of that year.
The society is now in good condition, |
and hopeful as to the future, having in its member- |
ship and congregation leading citizens of the town,
A movement towards the erection of a
chapel for Sunday-school uses has been started. The
church and society have several funds at their dis-
posal, left them by will.
the town.
715
has been increased this last year, and a new interest
in that direction has already manifested itself.
Orthodox Congregational Church.'—No one can
write the history of a church. A church is a living
soul, not a machine. It has an inner life whose record
is alone in heaven. We can measure the length and
the breadth and the depth and the power of a river,
but a church,—its full history, its influence, its power,
We may tell some inci-
dents connected with its growth, we may outline a
sketch of its external life, and this is all.
The history of the Orthodox Congregational Church
It
was organized at the house of Mrs. Catharine Allen,
of Walpole, Mass., covers less than sixty years.
Nov. 13, 1826, the following ministers and dele-
gates composing the council: Rev. Ebenezer Burgess
and Nathaniel Guild, of Dedham; Rev. Warren
Pierce and Deacon Ebenezer Forrest, of Foxborough ;
Rev. Moses Thatcher and Artemas Woodward, of
North Wrentham; Rey. Jonathan Curtis and Philip
Curtis, of Sharon.
Rev. Ebenezer Burgess was chosen moderator, and
T wenty-
nine persons appeared before the council stating that
they desired to be formed into a church of Christ for
their own edification and improvement in divine knowl-
edge, for the better maintaining of gospel ordinances
and public worship among themselves, as well as for
the general promotion of vital religion and the ex-
1877, Rev. F. P. Hamblett was in- |
After long and
careful examination the council voted unanimously to
tension of the Redeemer’s kingdom.
organize the petitioners into a church according to
their request. The following twenty-nine persons
' then assented to and signed the ‘“ Confession of Faith”
and entered into ‘ Covenant” with God and with each
other, and thus became the original members of the
Orthodox Congregational Church of Walpole: Henry
Plimpton, Aaron Guild, Joshua Allen, Jonathan
Wild, Rhoda Bird, Keziah Thompson, Lucy Nason,
Phebe Robbins, Nabby Robbins, Keziah Kingsbury,
Susanna Plimpton, Mercy Billings, Anna Ellis, Lucy
Morse, Cynthia Guild, Priscilla Lewis, Catharine
Everett, Sarah Smith, Catharine Allen, Mary Nason,
Jerusha Clapp, Miriam Smith, Susanna Lewis, Milley
Baker, Joanna Hill, Patty Bowker, Unity Allen,
John P. Allen, Susanna Smith.
The church thus formed worshiped for about a
_ year in the upper part of the building still standing
the representatives of the original families who settled |
The church membership |
on the corner of Main and East Streets, and adjoin-
Until
they were prepared to call a pastor, they were minis-
ing the site of the present house of worship.
1 By Rey. Francis J. Marsh.
716
tered unto by pastors in and around Boston, among |
ning of Mr. Bigelow’s ministry was forty-eight.
whom were Rey. Dr. Lyman Beecher and Rev. Dr.
Green, of Boston. Of the original members only
one is now living, but the descendants of many of
them are still represented in the church and society.
The society which is connected with the church——
called the Orthodox Congregational Society—dates
back to Oct. 4, 1826, with an original membership of
seventy-four persons. Henry Plimpton, John Black-
burn, Oliver Lincoln, Levi Clap, Nathan Ware were
the first committee of the society; and John Black-
burn, Henry Plimpton, Everett Stetson the trustees
of the society. The first clerk was George P. Ellis,
who held the office but one year, and was succeeded
by John Morse, who served nearly nine years. Dur-
ing its history this society has had but four clerks;
the present incumbent, Samuel Allen, having served
thirty-five years.
The first treasurer of the society was Josiah Hill,
who held the office thirteen years. He was succeeded
by Asa Hartshorn, who served twenty years; while
the present treasurer, the third the society has had, ’
Metzgar W. Allen, has held the office fifteen years.
At once, upon the organization of the church and
society, steps were taken looking to the erection of a |
meeting-house ; and by the earnest labors and many
sacrifices of the members, and by the good provi-
dence of God in increasing their means and their
membership and blessing their endeavors, a house of
worship was completed, and in September of the fol-
lowing year, 1827, was dedicated to the worship of
the Triune God. It was a happy day for the little
company of disciples. Many were the thanksgivings
to God, and many were the prayers that God would |
bless His people in their new relations, and would |
ever manifest His special presence in this sanctuary.
The sermon was preached by Rey. John Codman,
D.D., of Dorchester.
The total expense of the building, without the
vestry or galleries, which were added several years
afterward, was less than three thousand dollars.
On the 25th of April, 1867, after having been
thoroughly remodeled at an expense of seventeen
thousand dollars, the house was rededicated to the
worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Rev.
idward G. Thurber, the pastor, preaching the sermon.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Asahel
Bigelow, of Boyleston, Mass., a graduate of Harvard
College and Andover Seminary. He was installed
March 12, 1828, and dismissed Jan. 1, 1849. The
council of installation was a large one, consisting of
thirty-seven members, and included Rev. Lyman
Beecher, D.D., and Rev. John Codman, D.D.
_G. Thurber, of Monroe, Mich.
| 14, 1863.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The number belonging to the church at the begin-
During his pastorate of twenty-one years, which was
the longest that the church has ever had, one hun-
dred and sixty were added to the membership. Mr.
Bigelow was pre-eminently a Bible preacher, and so
plain and clear were his teachings that even the chil-
dren could understand. He was a man of deep piety
and earnest prayer. A diligent student, he was much
in his study, ‘searching daily the Scriptures whether
those things were so.” After a long and faithful
service here he removed to Hancock, N. H., where
he labored twenty years more, and then passed to his
reward at the age of eighty years.
The second pastor of the church was Rev. George
H. Newhall, of Athol, Mass. He graduated at Am-
_herst College in 1845, and from Andover Theological
Seminary in 1850, and was installed Sept. 10, 1850.
A young man, coming to his first pastorate, he brought
all the freshness and ardor of youth, and by his earnest
Christian life, his genial spirit, and love of men for
But his
ministry was cut short by his early death. Aug. 24,
1853, he died, at the age of twenty-seven, and was
buried here in the midst of his people. Though for
less than three years he ministered, yet his influence
still abides with the church, and his memory is
their sake, he soon became greatly beloved.
precious.
He was succeeded by Rev. Edwin H. Nevin, of
Cleveland, Ohio, who was installed Nov. 15, 1854.
Within three years he was called to the pastorate of
Plymouth Church, Chelsea, Mass., and April 7, 1857,
was dismissed by council to accept this call. He is at
present residing in Philadelphia, Pa.
After two years of brief supplies of the pulpit,
Rev. Joseph W. Healey, of Andover, Mass., was
called to the pastorate and installed Sept. 14, 1859.
In the summer of 1862, Mr. Healey, being invited
to minister in the Hanover Street Congregational
Church, of Milwaukee, Wis., was dismissed by coun-
cil from this church. Thirty-nine were added to the
church during his ministry.
The fifth pastor of the church was Rev. Edward
His collegiate course
was taken at the University of Michigan, and his
This
Here he was or-
theological at Union and Andover Seminaries.
was Mr. Thurber’s first pastorate.
dained to the ministry of the gospel Oct. 29, 1862.
After serving a year he was installed as pastor Oct.
During Mr. Thurber’s ministry of nearly
eight years—the second longest the church has had
—the meeting-house was thoroughly remodeled and
' rededicated.
WALPOLE.
717
Kighty-eight were added to the membership in the
eight years, and of these nearly one-half, forty, were
added in one year. During Mr. Thurber’s pastorate,
also, the first complete manual of the church was
published. May 3, 1870, he was dismissed, and en-
|
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tered at once upon the pastorate of the Park Presby- |
terian Church, Syracuse, N. Y., where he still remains.
Very soon after this Rev. Heman R. Timlow, of |
East Cambridge, Mass., was called, and Sept. 28,
1870, was installed. Dismissed by council July 26,
1872, to enter upon editorial work, he resided for |
some time at Montclair, N. J. Since, however, he
has resumed pastoral labor, and is minister of the
Protestant Episcopal Church at Burnt Hills, N. Y.
He was succeeded by Rev. Bela N. Seymour, who |
supplied the pulpit about one year and then was
ealled to the Congregational Church of New Ipswich,
N. H. He is now settled in Connecticut.
Rev. Henry L. Kendall, of Barrington, R. I., a grad- |
uate of Brown University and Andover Theological
Seminary, became the eighth pastor of the church.
He was ordained Jan. 27, 1875. arly in 1876 an
urgent call came to him from the First Congrega-_
tional Church of Charlestown, Mass., which he ac-
cepted.
as a minister of the gospel.
Mr. Kendall was a man of unusual talents
A clear thinker, an
earnest preacher, and of a nature that attracted men to
himself, he was “ thoroughly furnished” for his work. |
But at the early age of thirty-four he was called to
his reward.
Sept. 27, 1876, Rev. Calvin G. Hill, of Hamilton,
Mass., was installed as the ninth pastor of the church.
Mr. Hill graduated at Amherst College and Bangor |
Theological Seminary. His pastorate—being the third
longest the church has had—continued until Aug. 1,
1881, when he was dismissed by council, and soon
after became pastor of the First Congregational
Church of Milton, Mass.
graduating at Amherst College and Andover Theo-
logical Seminary, began his ministry here Jan. 15, |
1882.
By this review it will be seen that the church has
had a pastor over them for forty-nine out of the fifty-
eight years since its organization. The average term
of the ministry of these pastors has been five years”
nearly ; but this average is large because of the length
of the first pastorate, that of Rev. Mr. Bigelow, which |
was twenty-one years.
church has had four hundred and seventy-four mem-
bers, and its present membership is one hundred and
eighty-one.
Its Sunday-school has been coexistent with itself,
The tenth and present |
pastor, Rey. Francis J. Marsh, of Leominster, Mass., |
During all its history the
the anniversary of each being observed annually, No-
vember 13th. Among the first superintendents we
find the names of Deacon Everett Stetson, Daniel
Allen, Jr., Jeremiah Allen, and Willard Lewis. Mr.
Myron H. Piper is the present superintendent, and
the membership of the school is two hundred and
fifty.
The church has also several missionary societies
connected with it, and thus in various ways is reach-
' ing out its hand to do the work of the Master.
Congregational Church, East Walpole.'—April
28, 1877, a meeting was called at the house of Mrs.
Selany Smith for prayer, and to consult about ob-
serving the Lord’s Supper, and it was voted by the
Christian people that Rev. C. B. Smith be requested
to present at an adjourned meeting a statement of
belief and covenant for the purpose of a permanent
organization.
May 5th, the brothers and sisters met at the same
place, and after kind discussion it was voted to organ-
_ize by adopting the statements recorded as the sub-
stance of our religious faith and covenant, and
Brother William Rhodes and Mr. Joseph Cheney to
provide the elements used at the Lord’s table, and to
serve as deacons of the church; also voted to observe
the sacraments once in two months from the first Sun-
day in May, 1877.
May 6th, eighteen persons united in observing the
| Lord’s Supper, one being baptized.
July 1, 1877, the sacraments were again observed,
Mrs. Ellen N. Brown being baptized, and was added
to the church. Services were held in Bird’s Hall, its
free use being given by the Hon. F. W. Bird. Meet-
_ ings had been held in Bird’s- Hall occasionally before
|
this for some two or three years by different preachers
and laymen from out of town, but nothing permanent.
About this time Rev. C. B. Smith came among us,
and has still remained.
Everything went on quietly in a union way until
September 3d, when at a regular meeting of the church
it was voted to choose a committee for the purpose of
considering the propriety of calling a council to rec-
ognize the church and recommend it to the fellow-
ship of other churches, if thought advisable to do so,
and to determine the time of inviting such churches
to meet in council as they should think advisable.
The pastor, Deacon William Rhodes, and Brothers
S. G. Fuller and J. A. Brown were chosen said
committee.
Oct. 18, 1880, in response to letters missive, an
ecclesiastical council assembled in Bird’s Hall, in
1 Contributed by John A. Brown.
718
East Walpole, to consider the purpose of recognizing
the church as an orthodox Congregational Church.
Council organized by choosing Rev. C. G. Hill as_
moderator, and Rev. Weston, scribe.
The following churches were represented: Nor-
wood, Walpole Centre, Sharon, Dedham, and Revere.
Council voted to recognize and recommend us to |
the fellowship of orthodox Congregational Churches. |
The public services were held at 7 P.M.
of the Scriptures by F. O. Winslow, of Norwood. |
Prayer on consecration by Rev. C. G. Hill. Right
hand of fellowship by Rev. Ellis Mendell. Address
to church by J. P. Bixby, of Revere.
Dec. 6, 1880, the Lord’s Supper was observed,
and after it Mr. J. A. Brown was chosen clerk.
April 20, 1881, the church was admitted to full
membership in the Massachusetts Suffolk South Con-
ference, which held their meeting at Boston High-
lands, Deacon Rhodes and the pastor being present in
behalf of the church.
June 6, 1882, at a meeting held at Deacon Wil- |
liam Rhodes’, it was voted to erect a church building,
and the following trustees were chosen: Deacon Wil-
Reading |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
can be secured. The sum paid for the lot was one thou-
sand dollars. N. W. Fisher is secretary and treasurer.
Methodist Episcopal Church, South Walpole.’
—Methodism was introduced into South Walpole by
Rey. Benjamin Haines in 1818. The meetings were
held in a private dwelling, the residence of Mr. Eliph-
alet Smith. The next year a Methodist class was
formed by Rev. Isaac Jennison, who then resided in
Mansfield. In 1822 a church was organized with its
officers, among whom was Josiah Hall, who served in
| that capacity faithfully and with great honor thirty-
In 1830 the first church edifice was
erected under the pastoral charge of Rev. Francis
Dane. It was built on the site of the present par-
sonage, donated to the society by Silas Smith. The
house, when completed, was dedicated that year to
the worship of God by Rey. Lewis Bates. The sec-
ond church edifice was erected in 1846, under the
five years.
_ pastorate of Rev. D. L. Winslow, and was dedicated
liam Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel G. Fuller, and |
Simon Gould, who was chosen treasurer of the com-
mittee.
Fuller were chosen to solicit money for same.
Oct. 14, 1882, Deacon Rhodes and wife gave the
land for the church. It was erected by Frank
Smith, of Franklin, and dedicated May 18, 1883,
with the following service: Valedictory by F. O.
Winslow ; invocation by Rev. F. J. Marsh; reading
Scripture by George Hill; singing by congregation ;
history of church by Rev. C. B. Smith; music;
sermon by Rev. A. H. Plumb, D.D., of Boston ;
prayer of dedication by Rev. J. Coit; benediction by
pastor.
The cost of the church was a trifle over two thou-
Mrs. Susan Thompson and Mrs. Elizabeth —
- Boyden and Rev. Willard Smith.
sand dollars, the sum being all paid at the dedication. |
Their present membership is nineteen, and the usual
congregation about fifty.
res y
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Walpole |
Centre was formed in 1874, with a membership of
twelve. The first minister was
lowed by Rev. J. H. Vincent, one year; Rev. H. V.
Webster, one year; Rev. E. Comstock, one year;
Rev. KE. C. Farwell, one year; Rev. I. O. Holman,
two years; Rev. M. D. Hornbeck, one year; Rev.
Rev. M. D. Sill is the
The present membership is about
A. A. Kidder, one year.
present pastor.
fifty.
ing the town house one year ago, and propose to erect
The society purchased an eligible lot adjoin-
tev. Mr. Noon, fol- |
a chapel thereon the present year if sufficient funds |
to the worship of God by Rev. Charles Adams, D.D.,
at the cost of three thousand seven hundred dollars.
The following board of trustees were then appointed :
Josiah Hall, Silas Smith, Caleb S. Ellis, R. Clapp,
J. Boyden, A. Ellis, and M. Smith.
In 1834 the church was favored with a very exten-
sive revival, and many were added to the church, the
fruit of which still remains. Among the converts were
two young men of great promise, who afterwards en-
tered the ministry and became members of the New
Their names are Rev. Luman
This revival was
under the labors of Rev. William R. Stone. More
than forty pastors have served the church during its
history of sixty years. The present pastor is Rev.
O. W. Adams. The membership is about seventy.
The trustees are H. L. Boyden, E. P. Boyden, J. D.
Hunt, C. S. Ellis, George Scott, E. C. Boyden, W.
Shephard.
England Conference.
CHAPTER, Loar
WALPOLE—( Continued).
The Press—The Walpole Standard—The Walpole Enterprise—
The Norfolk County Tribune—The Walpole Star—Manufac-
turing Interests—Civil History—The Town Hall—Military
History—Number of Men Furnished—Amount of Money
Expended—Roll of Honor—Memorial Tablets.
THe first paper bearing a Walpole head was the
Walpole Standard, which was printed in Franklin
and was started early in October, 1870, by James M.
1 By Rev. O. W. Adams.
WALPOLE.
#19
Stewart, of the Franklin Register. This paper ap-
peared every Friday and lived to see the eighth volume.
The Walpole Enterprise was started Saturday, March —
1, 1878, by E. H. Hosmer, of Walpole, who, after |
about six months, sold the paper to T. 8. Pratt, of
Mansfield. Charles M. Thompson, of Walpole, was |
its next editor, and he remained until June, 1881, |
when Charles J. McPherson succeeded him, and after |
three months bought the paper out, and the Norfolk
County Tribune was started in its place. The Tribune
lived about ayear. On June 17,1882, The Walpole
Star appeared, being published by Charles J. Mc-
Pherson, and met with a greater success than any of
its predecessors. It is still flourishing, and gives |
promise of long life. Its size, as also the Standard |
and Enterprise, is an eight-column folio, while the
Tribune was a nine-column folio.
Town Hall.—The present town hall was dedicated |
Sept. 28, 1881, an historical adddress being delivered |
on the occasion by Henry E. Fales, Esq. It is a
substantial and commodious brick structure, with a
town clock in the tower. It is beautifully located,
and reflects much credit upon the building committee
and the citizens of the town of Walpole.
Military History.—The first vote in reference to |
the Rebellion is under date of April 30th, when it was
voted that the treasurer borrow not exceeding $5000
to pay soldiers belonging to Walpole and to aid their
families.
The town furnished about one hundred and twenty-
six men for the war, one of whom was a commissioned
officer. The whole amount of money expended for
war purposes, exclusive of State aid, was $14,564.47. |
The whole amount paid for aiding soldiers’ families —
and expended by the State was $10,203.54.
The selectmen during the Rebellion were as follows :
In 1861-63, Nathaniel Bird, Calvin Hartshorn, M.
B. Boyden; in 1864, James G. Scott, J. H. Leland,
Horace Draper; in 1865, J. G. Scott, J. H. Leland,
and J. P. Tisdale.
The town clerk in 1861-64 was Palmer Morey
(Mr. Morey died in August, 1864, and Samuel Allen
was appointed for the balance of the year); in 1865, |
George P. Morey. The treasurer in 1861-63 was
Samuel Gilbert; in 1864-65, Samuel Allen.
Manufacturing Interests.'—Neponset River rises |
in Foxborough and enters Walpole at the extreme
south corner, takes a northerly course to the centre,
then changes to an easterly course, and enters Nor-
wood just below Holingsworth & Vose’s paper-mill,
formerly known as Hon. F. W. Bird’s lower will. |
1 By Beeri Clark.
| ing grain, also tended toll-gate.
ford Lewis made cotton from clippings.
_as the Henry 8. Clark privilege.
| burned while they were in business.
On this stream are fen separate and distinct water
privileges, with a combined fall of one hundred and
fifty-one feet. A description of each privilege sepa-
rately will be given as correctly as records and personal
information will permit, beginning at the south and
following the river to the last one in town.
The first fourteen-feet fall is known as Elbridge
Smith privilege. In 1814 it was the property of
Timothy Gay, of Dedham, with a grist-mill located
there, it being near the Boston and Providence turn-
pike, where a toll-gate was; the miller, besides grind-
A few years after it
became the property of Daniel & Elbridge Smith,
who built a factory for manufacturing cotton goods.
Several gentlemen occupied it only each for a short
time. Sumner, of Canton, made rubber lining; Brad-
There is no
record to be found of any other transaction. The
property is now owned by George Fisher, of West
| Dedham.
The second privilege, twenty-one feet fall, is known
A deed dated Suf-
folk County, 1720, signed by Theodore Mann Clothier
to his son, Timothy Mann, later called colonel, who
at a still later date deeded to his son, Timothy Mann,
shows clearly the business there for many years. In
1812 there were two privileges, one five hundred or
six hundred feet below the other. Col. Timothy Mann
James Richardson & Co.
About
Clothier occupied the lower.
manufactured nails, etc., at the upper mill.
that date Col. Timothy Mann manufactured cas-
When he
retired the Boston and Walpole Manufacturing Com-
pany carried on the same business, of which the Hon.
simeres, satinets, etc., in his two mills.
The upper mill was
It was rebuilt
by Eli Bonney, Leavitt Kingsbury, and David Rug-
In 1820, Hall J. Howe and
James Richardson formed a copartnership, and com-=
Truman Clarke was agent.
gles, who never used it.
menced manufacturing broadcloths and cassimeres.
About 1825 the Hon. Truman Clarke and wife, daugh-
ter of Timothy Mann, came in possession of the prop-
erty, and commenced a successful career in the manu-
facturing of woolen goods, broadcloths, and cassimeres.
The lower mill was burned about this time and never
rebuilt. The high reputation of his goods and his char-
acter as an honest business man secured for him a wide-
spread acquaintance, and soon placed him in affluent
circumstances. He was honored by an election to a
| seat in the Massachusetts Senate, and filled offices of
responsibility in town. He retired from business,
_ leased his factory to Mr. Whitehouse & Co., who con-
tinued but a short time the same business.
720
In 1836, John Mann began the manufacturing of
1837, April 1, he formed a co-
boots and shoes.
partnership with Hon. Truman Clarke, known as the |
firm of Clarke & Mann, South Walpole. They bought
of the Boston and Providence Coach Company their
stable, converted a part of it into a boot- and shoe-
shop, and the remainder to a dwelling. The connec-
tion continued twelve years with success, at which
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
time Mr. Mann bought the interest in the business of |
Mr. Clarke, and continued the same until the exten-
sive fire of Boston curtailed his means. He affirmed
that the business had increased from fifty thousand
to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year.
His reputation for making a first-class calf boot was
not excelled. In 1851, Henry 8S. Clarke, son of
Truman Clarke, formed a copartnership with Naaman
Welmarth, styled Clarke & Welmarth, who leased
Truman Clarke’s factory, and made stocking yarn.
In 1862, N. B. Welmarth retired. Henry S. Clarke
continued until his death, in 1881. His widow and
The eldest, W. H. Clarke,
nearly twenty-one years of age, now runs the mill.
three children remain.
Boot and shoe business was not connected with the
Clarke privilege.
The third water privilege, twelve-feet fall, is called
the Old Rucaduc. Previous to 1812 it formed a part
of the farm belonging to William Bacon, who, with |
Horace Smith and Eliphalet Smith, were the first
owners.
Clap, in company, owned and ran a saw-mill, shingle-
Mr. Bacon wanted an
Mr. Smith called it a
mill, and carding-machine.
aqueduct to irrigate his land.
rucaduc, which gave the privilege that name.
still later date, which we cannot name, no record can
be found, Daniel Smith and Elbridge Smith bought
In 1812 an old resident reports that Wil- |
liam Bacon, Eliphalet Smith, Maj. Smith, and Horace |
At a |
the privilege, and erected a cotton-factory (the old |
one having decayed and fallen down), and manufac- |
D. & KE. Smith
conveyed this property to Jenks, who manufactured
tured cotton-thread several years.
cotton-thread and silk-covered bonnet-wire. Jenks
conveyed it to William H. Cary, who used it for the |
manufacturing of cotton-thread.
veyed it to James Ogden, who used it for a shoddy-
In 1877,
James Ogden conveyed this privilege to the Alden
Feb. 23,
1881, by an act of Legislature, the name was changed
to Walpole Emery-Mill.
been made to the mill.
mill. In 1876 we find it in his possession.
Kmery Company, who came from Ashland.
Extensive additions have
A railroad track connects it
with the Old Colony Railroad, adding convenience,
ete. Mr. John Way is the present superintendent.
Warren
W. H. Cary con- |
soyden at one time was engaged in the |
| dam and saw-mill there.
manufacturing ladies’ boots, and also in making
shirt- bosoms.
Mason Pierce, engaged in his early years in manu-
facturing shoes, South Walpole, for over thirty years
past has been a Boston expressman.
The fourth water-power privilege, a seven-feet fall,
Previous to 1806,
Aaron Blake obtained a right to flow the meadows
about one mile above the centre of Walpole; built a
In 1806, Samuel Nason
and Jason Boyden ran the saw-mill, and also had a
is called the Blackburn privilege.
erist-mill on another dam a short distance below, with
a fall of twelve feet. June 11, 1811, John Black-
burn, a manufacturer from Medway, purchased the
two privileges, and soon after erected a building for
the manufacturing machinery. In the upper part of
that machine-shop the renowned George Blackburn,
in company with his father, John Blackburn, com-
menced his career in manufacturing cotton yarn.
They continued until the building was burned down.
George Blackburn afterwards became the owner of
several factories,—one in Mansfield, one in Ashland,
and another in Fitchburg, where the noted cotton
sail duck ten and seven-twelfths feet wide was made.
His father for several years after was engaged in the
business of farming. 1846, John Henry Blackburn,
son of John Blackburn, in company with Ollis Clap,
bought the foundry of Deacon Everett Stetson, situ-
ated on the bank of Stetson mill-pond, and removed
the personal property to its present situation on the
Blackburn privilege, and there engaged in casting all
kinds of light work,—stoves, machinery, fire-frames,
ete. The copartnership continued one year. Mr.
Blackburn carried gn the same business seven years,
at which time (about 1840) Lewis and Erastus Rob-
bins took the business and carried it on one year and
ahalf. J. H. Blackburn gave up manufacturing and
commenced farming. He had previously introduced
a grist-mill and a shingle-mill, which are now in run-
ning order and in his possession. In a part of this
building William Hart and Stephen Sanford engaged
for two or three years in the manufacture of cotton
warps for satinets. Five hundred feet below this
dam is an old building which goes by the name of the
Old Mill, built by John Blackburn, which at one time
was used by Hart & Sanford in manufacturing bat-
ting. Asa Whitman manufactured lamp-wicks there.
Ephraim Shepard occupied it, sawing wood-work for
carriages.
The fifth water-power privilege, eighteen and a half
feet fall, is known as Union Factory. Here, in 1812,
according to the memory of our oldest residents now
living, who inform us that Samuel Fales, a manufac-
WALPOLE.
721
turer of snuff, was located. Thaddeus Clap and
Samuel Fuller had a tan-yard. Eliphalet Clap owned
a forge, and manufactured wrought iron and nails.
Daniel Ellis was a clothier. In 1813, Oliver Clap,
Warren Clap, Daniel Ellis, Daniel Payson, and Kd-
ward G. Cundal, styled Oliver Clap & Co., bought
the land (on which the factory was built) of Eben-
ezer Clap, also the right to convey the water through
his land, giving to said EH. Clap an_ obligation,
binding each jointly and severally forever to build the
fence around the land and protect against injury by
washing, or gullying, or injuring the land in any way.
The Walpole Union Manufactory (cotton and woolen),
Oliver Clap, president; Warren Clap, treasurer ;
Oliver Eldridge, proprietors’ clerk. It was a fine
edifice, sixty by forty feet, four storigs and a half,
erly end surmounted with a musical bell, which pealed
forth its daily notes for over sixty-seven years, except
during periodical depressions, which all factory inter-
ests have at times been obliged to pass through. Not
one in Walpole but what have been obliged to stand
idle at some time.
It was a stock company and_ superintended by
agents.
David Fairbank is reported as the first, Maj. |
Alfred Allen is reported as the second, and Asa Whit- |
man as the third.
Whitman became the owner of the twenty-four shares
in Diamond Factory, and April 11, 1842, deeded that
property to his son. (See history of Diamond Fac-
After a series of years, his con-
° ° ° ° |
nection having been severed with Union Factory, Asa
carpet lining, cotton batting, cotton
tory.) In September, 1844, Warren Clap, Benjamin —
Banks, E. W. Clap, and the Manufacturers’ Insurance
Company deeded each one-eighth part of Union Fac-
tory to Amory Warren, who deeded to W. R. But-
terworth, who manufactured cotton cloth for a con-
siderable length of time. In 1847, Mr. Cook, from
order, manufactured cashmirettes, using a part of
Hon. Truman Clark’s factory in finishing them. Dee.
15, 1848, Charles F. Tilinghist deeded the property
to Smith Gray, James 8. Shepard, and William H. |
Messrs. Gerish & Glover have leased this property to
Stephen Pember, since which time (September, 1881)
it was burned down, and a flat-roof, one-story build-
ing erected thereon. Mr. Pemberton hired a small
factory on the banks of Union Dam, owned by Mr. J.
B. Cram, in 1881, and in a few days that was burned
to the ground, since which Mr. Cram has rebuilt, and
is now manufacturing ticking.
The sixth water-power privilege, Walpole Centre,
Willard Lewis, nine feet waterfall.
In 1812, Daniel Clap, clothier, was located here
(how long he had been there the historian is unable
to say), and continued several years afterwards. In
1821, Harlow Lawrence, who had been an employé
in the Union Factory, purchased this privilege, and
| built a fine building two and a half stories, sixty by
besides the basement, with a bell-tower on the south-
forty feet, with a bell-tower surmounted with a bell,
and fitted it with machinery for the manufacturing of
cotton thread, and continued successfully until he
died. After his death it stood idle for a while.
George Guiler continued the manufacturing of
thread about ten years in the interest of the heirs.
A Mr. Blackington leased and continued the same
business for a term of years.
Previous to 1863, William Lewis had been manu-
facturing list carpets quite extensively.
Feb. 21, 1863, Deacon Willard Lewis purchased
of the heirs of Harlow Lawrence this factory, water-
power, and privilege, and commenced to manufacture
government lint for the army, and also list carpeting,
calking, and
cotton percolator, used for straining rosin at the
South.
Mr. William Hart built a machine-slop near the
old Lawrence Factory. He was an accomplished
mechanic, employed at one time quite a large number
of hands, and continued his business until quite an
Providence, after putting the factory in complete |
Cary. May, 1852, Messrs. Gray, Shepard, and Cary |
conveyed by deed the Union Factory and privilege to |
Charles Manning, Henry R. Glover, and Jerome B. |
Cram, styled Manning, Glover & Co., who continued
the manufacturing of curled hair mattresses, cotton |
batting and wicking until July, 1872. The copartner-
ship was then dissolved, and the property came into
the possession of Jerome B. Cram.
thirds, Henry R. Glover one-third.
tinued manufacturing curled hair and mattresses until
He owned two- |
Mr. Cram con- |
aged man. His machine-shop was after a while con-
nected with the Lawrence Factory, previous tothe
purchase of Willard Lewis. That factory has been
burned down since his purchase, and a two and a half
story brick building stands on the old site. Messrs.
Willard Lewis & Son now continue manufacturing.
The Stetson water-power, twelve feet fall, is owned
by Edward P. Stetson. In 1795, Ebenezer Harts-
horn was the owner, and had a grist-mill, acting in
In 1796,
Joshua Stetson bought the privilege, and commenced
the capacity of a miller and a farmer.
His mechanical
skill and upright manner of doing business soon
brought him to the notice of the trading commu-
nity, who soon gave him the credit of manufacturing
the manufacturing of farming tools.
1880, when he sold his interest to Smith Gerish. | the best hoe in the country. The fame of the Stet-
46
G22
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
competence. His son, Everett Stetson, continued the
business his father left to him until 1830.
Capt. Joshua Stetson died Feb. 14, 1863. Joshua
Stetson, Jr., was proprietor of a cotton-factory on this
privilege from 1850 to 1867.
tion of making the best ticking in the market. <A
copartnership, Stetson & Bullard, 1844 (see Diamond
Factory report). Deacon Everett Stetson, in 1846,
sold to J. H. Blackburn and Ollis Clap a foundry
of which he had previously been the proprietor.
They removed the personal property to the Black-
burn privilege. He had also been the owner of a
card-clothing factory, situated near his dwelling-house,
at which time (1855) he bought the entire Stetson
privilege, and removed his factory to its present po-
sition near the dam, and continued the same until
1867, when he was succeeded by his son, Edward P.
Stetson, who still continues the business. Here
are running machines the inventor of which, Elea-
zer Smith, who lived and died here, and was buried
within sight of this factory, the world ought to
honor,—Eleazer Smith, who invented a machine for
pricking the leather, cutting, crooking, and setting
card-teeth, all in one operation, also a machine for
cutting and heading nails, etc. The present proprie-
tor of this card-clothing factory has made extensive
additions and improvements, which in appearance and
convenience does him credit. His business is exten-
sive.
Mr. Iva Gill, the oldest living manufacturer in
town, began the manufacturing of fur-napped hats in
1823, changed later to fur-felts. He has occupied
buildings on this privilege since 1855. He was the
successor of Rand & Hooper, hatters. They were
the successors of a Mr. Roberts, a hatter.
The eighth water-power privilege, with two dams
combined, formerly known as Daniel Ellis and Deacon
Henry Plimpton, power eighteen and a half feet, is |
Tn |
now known as Linden Spring and Axle-Works.
He had the reputa- |
1810, John Stanley, Thomas Stanley, and William |
Appleton carried on the manufacturing of tacks and |
snuff. Previous to that time it was a part of the farm
belonging to Roland Willett, and deeded to them Jan. |
25,
1816,
Henry Plimpton came into possession of the upper
1818, Daniel Ellis
became the owner of the lower privilege, and Danicl
1810 (the lower privilege).
privilege, and manufactured hoes.
Ellis & Son continued the business of a clothier and
Daniel Ellis died in 1835 ;
his son continued the business till 1837, when George
manufacturing satinet.
Deacon |
Blackburn took possession and continued three or four |
son Hoe spread far and wide, He continued the | years. A Mr. Freeman then took the factory and
business until 1827, at which time he retired with a | manufactured negro cloth one year.
/ manufactured satinet there one year.
Calvin Turner
Park Sterns
and Blackburn deeded, Aug. 29, 1844, the lower
privilege to Deacon Henry Plimpton, who manufac-
tured satinets and hosiery yarn a short time, then, in
connection with his upper privilege, continued the
manufactory of hoes, steel springs, ete. 1835, O. W.
Allen & Co., Henry Plimpton, O. W. Allen, and Jere-
miah Allen manufactured twine on the lower privilege.
Everett Stetson manufactured wadding there. In
1848, C. G. & H. M. Plimpton (Calvin G. Plimpton),
sons of Deacon Henry Plimpton, formed a copartner-
ship, and continued the forge, steel spring, axle, and
numerous other kinds of tools and implements used
in farming and machinery, filling quite extensive
orders from California until 1865, at which time they
sold the property to the Linden Spring and Axle
Company, of which Hubbard W. Tilton was a large
owner and agent.
Stephen Pember hired a part of this privilege a
few years since, and used it for a shoddy-mill until it
burned down.
The ninth water-power privilege is a fifteen-feet
fall, of which Hon. F. W. Bird is proprietor. In the
year 1817 or 1818, Eliphalet Rhoads carried on a grist-
mill here. Dean Sales & Co. manufactured cotton
cloth, known as Neponset Manufacturing Company.
They, in 1835, sold to Silas Smith and others, who
formed a copartnership known as the Neponset Paper-
Mill Company, and manufactured printing paper.
Dec. 20, 1836, the Neponset Paper-Mill Company sold
the property to Jabez Coney, Jr., of Dedham. He
continued the business until Nov. 8, 1838, at which
time the Hon. Francis W. Bird purchased the entire
property of him. For a few months Mr. Bird ran
the mill on news-printing paper, after which he made
coarse paper for hardware, sugar, and other various
uses, and has continued increasing the variety of paper
of that class until the business has increased five or
sixfold. F. W. Bird & Son are now owners of the
mill.
Tenth privilege, Bird’s lower mill, twelve feet
water-fall, paper-mill, was built by George Bird,
father of F. W. Bird, in 1817-18. Run by Bird &
Son, George and Josiah N. Bird, afterwards by Josiah
N. Bird, who sold it to F. W. Bird, April 1, 1833.
They made the same kinds of paper as the upper mill.
Hon. F. W. Bird, a part of the time with partners,
owned it until March, 1882, when he sold it to Hol-
lingsworth & Vose. Of late years the mill has been
confined to first-class manilla paper.
Hon. F. W. Bird & Son now occupy a new
WALPOLE.
723
brick mill, erected on the site of the old one, a few
years ago burned down, equipped with the most im- |
proved machinery, and running night and day in
order to fill orders. Mr. Bird’s business career has
been long and noted, meriting the respect of the
community at large, public-spirited in the full sense
of the word, a free giver to many charitable pur-
poses, often filling offices of responsibility in his own
town, Massachusetts Legislature, and Senate.
The eleventh water-power privilege, a fifteen-feet
fall, is the Diamond Factory, situated on Spring
Brook, which rises from Moose Hill and the springs
at its base in Sharon, taking a northwesterly direction
and emptying into the Neponset River at the centre
of Walpole, near the factories of Bradford Lewis &
Son. This factory is situated about three-quarters of
amile above. Aug. 20, 1814, Jonathan Wilde and
wife deeded this privilege to Samuel Hartshorn and
Daniel Kingsbury, with dam, fifteen-feet water-fall,
and a factory to be built thereon by said Jonathan
Wilde. A company of farmers, mechanics, capitalists,
and traders formed a copartnership and owned this
factory and privilege. As no record of it can be found,
and no one that I have been able to find knows who
they all were, will give the names of those who I have
heard were stockholders. Josiah Hill, Daniel Kings-
bury, Nathaniel Guild, Herman Guild, James Guild,
Ebenezer Hartshorn, Samuel Allen, Robert Robertson,
one of the proprietors, Daniel Kingsbury, agent, and
manufactured cotton cloth several years. Hartshorn &
Kingsbury manufactured cotton cloth in 1868. Hemp |
twine was made there.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Diamond Manufac-
turing Company was incorporated ; number of shares,
twenty-four. ‘Twelve shares signed over to Smith
Gray by Daniel Carpenter, of Foxborough, identified
him as interested there. March 14, 1842, Asa Whit-
man, who had been a manufacturer of cotton cloth
for a term of years, signed by deed this property to
his son, Henry C. Whitman, who, Aug. 1, 1844,
signed his interest to Smith Gray, who, Oct. 1, 1844, |
leased to Stetson & Bullard—Joshua Stetson, Jr.,
and William Bullard—for five years this Diamond
Manufacturing Company's property. In 1858, Simeon
Clap was the owner of this factory.
manufacturer of straw bonnets from 1842 until 1850;
a manufacturer of lamp-wicking and twine until he
purchased this privilege, after which he manufactured
stocking-yarn, twine thread, and Java canvas. Mr.
Clap died in 1881, since which time this property has
been conveyed to Bradford Lewis & Son, and is used
for burring wool.
He had been a |
The Royal Smith Machine-Shop is situated one-
quarter of a mile above Diamond Factory, on Spring
Brook. Oct. 3, 1840, Royal Smith erected a ma-
chine-shop, and carried on the manufacturing of cotton
and woolen machinery about six years. It was, after
lying idle a term of time, used for the purpose of
cleansing waste. About the year 1860 it took fire
About four years ago (1880),
Nathan Clark bought the privilege and built a saw-
mill, rebuilt the dam, and within the past year has
and burned down.
built an additional building in which he has a planing-
mill, gig-saw, and a shingle-mill. His son, Alton N.
Clark, is the owner and proprietor.
In old times, eighty years or more, there were two
furniture manufacturers in Walpole,—Josiah Hill and
Horace Guild. Josiah Hill, on Hast Street near
where now stands Catholic Church ; Horace Guild, on
Walpole plain.
Bradford Lewis & Son, manufacturers and dealers
in cotton waste for cleaning machinery. In 1872,
Bradford Lewis built a factory on Neponset River,
where Spring Brook empties into that river, in which
he has continued the manufacture of cotton waste for
cleaning machinery to the present time.
In 1881 he erected a paper-mill near by his other
factory, in which he has made bookbinders’ board,
and still continues the same.
Mr. Lewis had, previous to building these two
buildings, been engaged at intervals of time in manu-
facturing. In 1864 at South Walpole, in 1868 with
his brother, and also at G. P. Morey’s mill privilege,
| principally in the same business above mentioned.
Feb. 27, 1829, by an act of the General Court of the |
Deacon Jeremiah Allen seems to have been the
first, or at least one of’ the first, manufacturers of twine
here. In 1832 he began the business in the Allen
In 1866 he
formed a copartnership with Samuel Allen, Jr. They
neighborhood, near his residence.
built another factory, running parallel, near the old
one, and continued the business until the death—of
Jeremiah Allen.
Samuel Allen, Jr., then purchased the interest be-
longing to him, and has continued the same, lately
associating with himself his son, now Samuel Allen &
Son. They manufacture several hundred kinds, in
different lengths, size, color, etc., confining the manu-
factory to one building, leasing the other to Aaron
K. Clap, who is engaged in manufacturing jewelers’
Samuel Gilbert, who
had been for many years a manufacturer in Walpole,
died Dec. 26, 1883, aged eighty-three years and
four months.
cotton and absorption cotton.
He learned the hoe manufacture of
Joshua Stetson, and, after his day’s work was done,
used to engage in the manufacture of straw bonnets.
724
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
More than fifty years ago he built a shop, and em-
ployed quite a number of girls there, and a large
number about town, manufacturing straw bonnets.
He was associated, in company with Horace Plimp-
ton, for several years, after which he continued, until
quite late in life, manufacturing for D. D. Curtis,
Medfield, who pays him a handsome tribute of re-
spect: “For twelve years or more he has manufac-
tured for me without a fault. He was honest and
true. He died honored and respected.” Horace
Plimpton was engaged in the manufacture of hoop-
skirts from 1859 until 1869. Prince & Woodward
succeeded them a short time. John Blackburn suc-
J. B. Hannahs & Barney
manufactured hoop-skirts a short time. J. B. Han-
nahs, in 1841, commenced manufacturing carriages
Billings Ellis commenced the manu-
ceeded him a short season.
for a season.
facture of carriages, wagons, and sleighs in 1849, and
has continued the same business to the present day.
Ephraim Shepard began the manufacture of carriages
in 1822, and continued it quite extensively, at one
Mr. Nathaniel Bird
came to Walpole in 1801, engaged in the manufac-
time for thirty years or more.
ture of chaises and coaches until 1821, at which time
his factory, and himself and brother, were burned to-
gether.
April 11, 1825, Squire M. Fales was proprietor of
a foundry in the west part of Walpole. Gen. Leach,
of Easton, purchased the works, and changed into a
blast-forge, melted the ore, and manufactured ma-
He con-
tinued the business until 1845, at which time he sold
chinery of most descriptions then in use.
the property to Thomas and George Campbell for the |
A portion of West Walpole |
containing that has since been set off to Norfolk.
manufacture of paper.
John Bowker was for many years engaged in the |
manufacture of straw goods. Simeon Clap, in 1842,
was engaged in the manufacture of straw goods.
Brook, about half a mile westerly of the town house.
Mill Brook takes its rise in Dover, runs southerly
through the east corner of Medfield, and empties into
Neponset River, near Bradford Lewis & Son’s mills. |
The land occupied by this privilege lying on the
south side of this brook was formerly a part of Par-
son Morey’s farm, that part lying on the north side
was the property of William Robbins in 1860. In
the year 1840, Lewis W. and Hrastus Robbins built
the dam, erected a machine-shop and manufactured
Erastus Robbins died, and |
axles, ete., until 1853.
his brother purchased the personal property of the
company and carried on the business until 1855.
In 1854 this privilege became the property of the
Morey privilege, sixteen-feet fall, is situated on Mill | Aquilla Robbins, 1748-67.
Hon. George Morey, of Boston. In 1863 it was
transferred to Palmer Morey, and in 1868 it was
transferred to George P. Morey, its present owner.
Lewis W. Robbins and John P. Holmes leased the
machine-shop and continued the axle and machinery
manufacture until 1858.
A saw-mill and shingle manufactory had been es-
tablished for quite a length of time, which, together
with the machine-shop and privilege, was let to Brad-
ford Lewis, 1868, and used for manufacturing cotton
waste, who ran the saw- and shingle-mill a few years.
In 1873, E. Frank Lewis hired the whole privilege,
ran the saw- and shingle-mill until 1876, at which
time they were sold.
In 1873, Mr. Lewis commenced the business of
wool-scouring, which has increased, and now, with a
full supply of water, is enabled to scour two hundred
thousand pounds per week. He has also extensive
ice-houses.
Walpole Dye and Chemical Works, Henry D.
Dupee, proprietor, is situated at the junction of the
New York and New England and Old Colony Rail-
roads, and was incorporated in March, 1872. Seven
buildings, inclosed in an area of about three acres ;
manufacture colors and mordants used in print-works.
Bleaching establishment, R. 8. Gray, proprietor.
About fifty years ago, Smith Gray commenced the
bleaching and coloring business on the now known
| Deacon Willard Lewis privilege, afterwards discov-
ering the beautiful clear spring water in abundance,
where now the present proprietor, Robert S. Gray, is
doing business.
Civil History.’
TOWN CLERKS.
George Payson, 1778.
Stephen Felch, 1779-99.
Asa Kingsbury, 1800-8.
Samuel Hartshorne, 1809-14.
Harvey Clap, 1815-32.
Joshua Stetson, Jr., 1833-44.
Palmer Morey, 1845-64.
| George P. Morey, 1865-83.
Samuel Kingsbury, 1724-28.
Ezra Morse, 1729.
Samuel Kingsbury, 1730-38.
Joshua Fisher, 1739-47.
Stephen Felch, 1768-73.
Seth Clap, 1774-75.
Benjamin Kingsbury, 1776.
Seth Clap, 1777.
List of Representatives.'—Previous to the year
1740 there seems to have been no action of the town
as to the choice of a representative. From the year
1740 to 1767 the town voted each year not to choose
a representative.
Joshua Clap was chosen representative in 1768.
Seth Kingsbury was chosen representative in 1769.
Joshua Clap was chosen representative from 1770 to 1772,
inclusive.
Enoch Ellis was chosen representative in 1773.
1Compiled by George E. Morey.
WALPOLE. 725
Enoch Ellis was chosen a delegate to represent the town in
the Provincial Congress in 1774.
Enoch Ellis was chosen a delegate to represent the town at
the Congress to be held at Watertown, for six months next en-
suing, in 1775.
Benjamin Kingsbury was chosen, July 10, 1775, to represent
the town at the Great and General Court to be held at Water-
town the 21st day of said July.
Joshua Clap was chosen representative in 1776.
Benjamin Kingsbury was chosen representative in 1777.
Seth Bullard was chosen representative from 1778 to 1780,
inclusive.
There was no choice of representative from 1781 to 1783,
inclusive.
Seth Bullard was chosen representative from 1784 to 1786,
inclusive.
Enoch Ellis was chosen representative in 1787.
Seth Kingsbury was chosen representative in 1788.
Shubael Downs was chosen representative in 1789.
Seth Bullard was chosen representative in 1790.
No representative was chosen in 1791 and 1792.
Oliver Clap was chosen representative from 1793 to 1795,
inclusive.
Seth Bullard was chosen representative from 1796 to 1798,
inclusive.
Moses Ellis was chosen representative in 1799.
Seth Bullard was chosen representative in 1800.
William Bacon was chosen representative in 1801.
Oliver Clap was chosen representative in 1802.
William Bacon was chosen representative in 1803.
Asa Kingsbury was chosen representative from 1804 to 1808,
inclusive.
Daniel Kingsbury was chosen representative from 1809 to
1816, inclusive.
No representative was chosen in 1817, 1818, and 1819.
Jesse Boyden was chosen representative in 1820 and 1821.
Voted not to elect a representative in 1822.
Harvey Clap was chosen representative from 1823 to 1825,
inclusive.
Voted not to elect a representative in 1826.
Joseph Hawes was chosen representative from 1827 to 1831,
inclusive.
Phinehas Ellis was chosen representative in 1832.
Truman Clarke was chosen representative in 1833 and 1834.
Joseph Hawes was chosen representative in 1835.
Joshua Stetson, Jr., was chosen representative in 1836, 1837,
and 1838.
Emmons Partridge was chosen representative in 1859.
Palmer Morey was chosen representative in 1840 and 1841.
Oliver W. Allen was chosen representative in 1842 and 1843.
George Bullard was chosen representative in 1844 and 1845.
Francis W. Bird was chosen representative in 1846 and 1847.
Asahel Bigelow was chosen representative in 1848 and 1849.
Palmer Morey was chosen representative in 1850 and 1851.
Voted not to choose a representative in 1852.
Henry Plimpton was chosen representative in 1853.
Harvey Boyden (2d) was chosen representative in 1854.
Jeremiah Allen was chosen representative in 1855 and 1856.
In 1857 Representative District No. 11, Norfolk County, was
formed, consisting of the towns of Milton, Sharon, Canton, and
Walpole, and no representative was chosen from Walpole from
1857 to 1861, inclusive. ‘
Elbridge Piper was chosen representative in 1862.
Naaman B. Wilmarth was chosen representative in 1863.
No representative was chosen from Walpole in 1864.
John M. Merrick was chosen representative in 1865.
Francis W. Bird was chosen representative in 1866.
No representative was chosen in 1867.
Francis W. Bird was chosen representative in 1868.
No representative was chosen in 1869, 1870, and 1871.
Willard Lewis was chosen representative in 1872 and 1873.
Samuel Allen was chosen representative in 1874.
No representative was chosen in 1875.
Francis W. Bird was chosen representative in 1876 and 1877.
Henry S. Clarke was chosen representative in 1878.
No representative was chosen from Walpole in 1879 and 1880.
George HE. Craig was chosen representative in 1881 and 1882.
Military Record.—The following are the names
of persons enlisted for the quota of Walpole in the
late war:
Nine-months’ Men.
Achorn, Albion G. Hartshorn, Lowell E.
Babbitt, Willard M. Hartsborn, Frederick A.
Brown, Winslow E. Hartshorn, Horace B.
Baker, Stephen T. Hutchinson, James E.
Babcock, Epriam A. Nudd, John A.
Bowditch, Asa W. Nickerson, George W.
Duff, Robert H. Ridge, Edwin B.
Fuller, Henry C. Rhodes, Charles J.
Fisher, Nathan W. Smith, Ruel V.
Fales, Francis H. Spear, Horace A.
Fisher, Albert. Lewis, James A.
Fowler, Josiah. Tisdale, Francis A.
Gray, Charles L. Thomas, Henry A.
Gilmore, James S. Boyden, Frank L.
Gilmore, Luman W. Park, Ebenezer B.
Guild, William F.
Three Years’ Men.
Adams, John. Coates, Sylvester.
Allen, Joshua. Daggett, James A.
Allen, Edward K. Dailey, John.
Allen, Melzar W. Dorethy, George E.
Achorn, Henry C. Drugan, William F.
Alford, G. H. T. Drugan, John A.
Blackington, James E. Driscoll, Patrick.
Bacon, Warren. Dolph, William.
Bacon, James W. Earley, John E.
Baker, Harlan P. Flood, Patrick.
Bacon, Charles D. Frizell, John W.
Bacon, Newton W. Fisher, Albert.
Briggs, Benjamin M. Fisher, Martin.
Boyden, Frank L. Farrell, Felix L. C.
Boyden, James 0. Finney, Michael.
Battersby, Joseph A. Griffin, Michael.
Brooms, John. Griffin, James.
Bailey, Philo. Gilmore, Luman W.
Bill, Horace. Gray, William H.
Borzenius, Martin. Green, Hamilton.
Becker, Heinrick. Gibson, Richard.
Brooks, Joseph R. Hall, Lewis A.
Blitt, Lewis. Hartshorn, Menzies.
Cheeney, John B. Hartshorn, Sidney S.
Clinton, Edward. Herne, Patrick.
Clark, John A, Hayford, Harvey L.
Corcoran, Cornelius. Hartshorn, Lowell E.
Carr, Thomas. Hopkins, James F,
Calvert, Robert. Hartshorn, George H.
Cave, Joseph. Hickox, Charles.
Clarke, George. Hutchins, Frank.
Cowden, Jason. Howard, Norman.
726
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Richardson, N. H. F.
Ramsbottom, Job.
Reeney, William T.
Ryan, Patrick.
Ragan, James.
Haskell, Charles T.
Jackson, Samuel.
Kenney, Wallace.
Kraufman, Christian.
Lyon, William H.
Lewis, George W. Rummalls, Alexander T.
Lumbers, Frederick.
Luce, Joseph.
Mylod, Warren M.
Mitchell, James A.
Manter, William G.
McKew, John E.
Merrill, Albert F.
McDonald, J. Alexander.
McGinnis, John.
Morse, George H.
Merrill, Albert F.
Maxwell, William H.
Mansfield, George.
Russell, George A.
Sheriden, Frederick.
Stone, Silas E.
Shepard, Daniel G.
Spear, Charles N.
Smith, Adelbert.
Smith, John H.
Sturnley, Alfred.
Scott, Winfield H.
Sackett, Norman A.
Stevens, Robert W.
Tattersall, Richard.
Tittatson, Eugene.
Tisdale, Francis A.
Whelden, John F.
Wiggin, John.
Washburn, Andrew.
Walker, Robert H.
Young, George W.
Martin, Thomas.
McClair, Eugene.
Nickerson, Joshua C.
Piper, Samuel N.
Piper, Elbridge B.
Piper, Albion M.
Riley, John.
List of persons enlisted to the credit of Walpole’s
quota in naval service :
Seamen.
O’Brien, James.
Sullivan, Daniel.
Stevens, Edward.
Sturtevant, Edwin.
Shackley, George A.
Shackan, John F.
Stephenson, George.
Fairfield, George W.
Needham, Patrick.
O’Neil, Peter.
O’Sullivan, James.
O’Sullivan, Timothy.
O’Brien, Thomas.
O’Helhayen, Henry.
O’ Harriman, James.
Day, Moses, substitute for Edward P. Stetson.
McCarty, John, substitute for John D. Ellis.
Nixson, Iseac, substitute for Charles D. Hartshorn.
Ryan, Thomas, substitute for Jerme B. Cram.
Glann, Mark, substitute for George P. Morey.
Campbell, George D., substitute for Charles S. Mason.
One Hundred Days’ Men.
Fales, Milton E.
Fisher, Simon E.
Gay, George W.
Gray, Charles L.
Kerby, Patrick.
Rhodes, Charles J.
Gill, George H. Fisher, Nathan W.
Roll of Honor.—The following is a list of the |
names as they appear on the new Soldiers’ Memorial
Tablets in the town house :
“The citizens of Walpole, honoring the faithful services of
their sons in aiding to suppress Rebellion, and maintain the in-
tegrity of the Nation, have erected these tablets.
“In MEMORIAM.
Elbridge B. Piper, died April 18, 1862, in hospital at Newberne, |
N:. C.
John W. Frizell, died May 18, 1862, in hospital at Port Royal,
8. C.
Patrick Herne, killed in battle at Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862.
John E. McKew, killed in battle at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec.
13, 1862.
| Henry L. Godbold, died in hospital at Washington, D. C., Sept.
27, 1862, of wounds received in battle.
Martin L. Fisher, died Aug. 18, 1862, in New York.
James 8. Gilmore, died Feb. 26, 18638, in hospital.
William C. Manter, died Feb. 13, 1863, in hospital at Fairfax,
Va.
John G. Woods, died June 30, 1864, in hospital at City Point.
Samuel Jackson, died July 4, 1864, in hospital at Washington,
D. C., of wounds received in battle.
Charles N. Spear, died Oct. 29, 1864, in hospital at Newberne,
N.C.
Lowell E. Hartshorn, died Dec. 16, 1564, in Andersonville
Prison, Ga.
“Roti or Honor 1861-1865.
David W. Lewis, capt. Vt. 9th Regt.
Henry L. Godbold, 1st lieut. 1st Penn. Artillery.
Silas E. Stone, asst. surgeon, 23d Mass. Regt.
Samuel N. Piper, q.-m. sergt., 23d Mass. Regt.
James W. Bacon, sergt., 33d Mass. Regt.
Jason Lewis, sergt. 46th Mass. Regt.
Charles N. Spear, corp. 23d Mass. Regt.
John W. Frizell, corp. 28th Mass. Regt.
Wm. F. Drugan, Regt. 1.
John A. Drugan, Regt. 2.
Henry W. Stevens, Regt. 7.
Patrick E. Driscoll, Regt. 12.
Charles E. Leland, Regt. 13.
“ Regiment 18.
George H. F. Alford. N. H. F. Richardson.
George W. Lewis. John McGinnis.
John Wiggin. George E. Dorethy.
John H. Smith. Job Ramsbottom.
Patrick Herne.
“ Regiment 23.
Daniel G. Shepard.
8. S. Hartshorn.
Joshua Allen.
Harlin P. Baker.
Patrick Flood.
Battalion 16.
Edward Clinton.
Warren Bacon.
M. B. Hartshorn.
Warren Mylod.
Elbridge B. Piper.
Melzar W. Allen.
“ Regiment 26.
Henry E. Achorn. William T, Reeney.
“ Regiment 33.
John C. Nickerson.
Silas W. Nickerson.
Fred Sheridan.
George W. Young.
James E. Blackington.
James A. Daggett.
John Dailey.
Michael Griffin.
Lewis A. Hall.
John E. McKew, Regiment 35.
Benjamin M. Briggs, Regiment 39.
“ Regiment 42.
Ebenezer B. Park.
Simon &, Fisher.
Milton E. Fales.
Patrick E. Kerby.
Thomas Shea (2d).
Paul V. Smith.
George W. Gay.
George H. Gill.
Tra Fisher.
* Regiment 44.
Winslow E. Brown.
Stephen T. Baker.
Albion G. Achorn.
Willard M. Babbitt.
WALPOLE.
H. B. Hartshorn.
John A. Nudd.
George W. Nickerson.
Edwin B. Ridge.
Charles I. Rhoades.
Francis A. Tisdale.
Henry A. Thomas.
James A. Lewis.
Josiah Fowler.
Horace A. Spear.
Elisha Morse.
Patrick Kinlehan.
Asa W. Bowditch.
Robert H. Duff.
Henry C. Fuller.
Nathan W. Fisher.
Francis H. Fales.
Albert Fisher.
Charles L. Gray.
James 8. Gilmore.
Luman W. Gilmore.
L. E. Hartshorn.
Fred A. Hartshorn.
James E. Hutchinson.
“ Regiment 56.
Edward K. Allen. George H. Morse.
Samuel Jackson, Regiment 58.
John G. Woods, Regiment 59.
Martin L. Fisher, Cavalry 1.
James F. Hopkins, Battalion 1.
* Cavalry 4.
Patrick Ryan. Winfield H. Scott.
Michael Kinney.
John Brown, Cavalry 5.
Frank L. Boyden, Battalion 11.
Wallace Kenney, Battalion 14.
“ Battalion 16.
James A. Battersby.
Julius Boyden. Robert W. Stevens.
James O. Boyden. James A. Mitchell.
“ First Rhode Island Artillery.
William G. Manter. John Campbell.
William H. Lyon. John Higgins.
Albert F. Merrill. Horace C. Briggs.
John A. Gray.
John E. Earley.
“ Navy.
Samuei Guild.
Moses Day.
John McCarty.
Isaac Nixon.
Thomas Ryon.
Mark Glann.
George D. Campbell.
“Aimy Substitutes for Walpole Men.
Albin M. Piper.
Frederick A. Griffin.
Philo Bailey.
Henrich Beeker.
Jason E. Cowden.
Charles H. Haskall.
Charles H. Kickox.
Frank Hotchkiss.
Christian Kaufman.
George Mansfield.
Joseph Luce.
Morten Personlius.
Michael Robinson.
Norman A. Sackett.
George A. Russell.
Alexander T. Rummall.
Martin Thomas.
Frederick Lumber.
William Spain.”
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EVERETT STETSON.
The ancestor of the Stetson family in America was
Robert Stetson, who came from the county of Kent,
England, and settled in Scituate in the year 1634.
He was one of the most noted and valuable men in
Plymouth Colony, and held many offices of trust and |
leaving his son Edward P. as his successor.
| Oct. 10, 1797.
T27
responsibility. Everett Stetson, seventh in descent
from Robert, was the son of Capt. Joshua and Nabby
(Everett) Stetson. His father was extensively en-
gaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements.
Stetson’s hoes were famed far and wide. He was an
active, energetic business man, and a captain in the
militia, by which title he was universally known. He
had two sons, Joshua and Everett, the younger of
which is the subject of this sketch. Everett Stetson
was born in Walpole July 31, 1803, and died in the
same town Nov. 9, 1870. He married, Oct. 6, 1825,
Mary P. Adams, of Medway. Their children were
| Aaron E., who died in September, 1875, and Edward
P., who still resides in Walpole.
Mr. Stetson received a common-school and aca-
demic education. He learned his father’s trade, and
was engaged in that business from 1827 until 1830.
He then entered the foundry business, in which he
continued till 1845, when, finding that it could not
be carried on successfully without removal to a larger
centre, he started the manufacture of machine card
clothing for cotton and woolen machinery. This was
not an easy undertaking, and for success required
perseverance, energy, and untiring industry, which
characteristics Mr. Stetson possessed in a large de-
gree. This business he established on a firm basis,
and after carrying it on for more than twenty years
(from 1845 to 1867) he retired with a competency,
Everett
Stetson was an influential member of the Congrega-
tional Church at Walpole for many years. He held
the office of deacon from 1828 to 1870, and was also
a superintendent of the Sabbath-school. By his death
| Walpole lost a good citizen and the church a true
Christian helper. While unostentatious in his giv-
ing, he did not withhold a helping hand from worthy
charities or public benefactions, but gave liberally.
He was a man of strict integrity and many virtues,
and one whose life well merited the confidence and
esteem which he received.
EBENEZER STONE, M.D.
Dr. Ebenezer Stone was born at Sherborn, Mass.,
He was of old New England Puritan
ancestry, being of the seventh generation in lineal
descent from Gregory Stone, who emigrated to New
| England from Nayland, Suffolk Co., England, about
1635, and became one of the earliest settlers of Cam-
bridge, Mass.
Gregory Stone (1) married at Nayland, July 30,
1617, Margaret Garrad. She died Aug. 4, 1626,
and he married as his second wife the widow Lydia
728
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Cooper, of Dedham, Essex Co., England, who accom-
panied him to New England. He took the freeman’s
oath May 25, 1636.
Church at Cambridge, and was the last survivor of its
original members. He was also a magistrate, and a
representative to the General Assembly in 1658. He |
He was a deacon of the First |
and was graduated A. B. in 1820, and two years later
died at Cambridge, Nov. 30, 1672, aged eighty-two |
years.
The eldest son of Gregory Stone (1), by his first
wife, Margaret Garrad, was John Stone (2), born at
Nayland, England, and baptized there, according to
the parish records, July 31, 1618. He came to
New England with his father, and in 1638, while still
under age, settled at Sudbury, Mass., but after his
father’s death he inherited the homestead at Cam-
bridge, and resided there during the remainder of his
life. He was a deacon of the church at Sudbury, and
ruling elder of the church at Cambridge, and repre-
sentative to the General Assembly in 1682 and 1683.
He married in 1639, Anne Howe, daughter of Elder
Edward Howe, of Watertown, Mass., and died at
Cambridge, May 5, 1683.
The fourth and youngest son of John (2) and
Anne (Howe) Stone, was Nathaniel Stone (3), born
at Sudbury, May 11, 1660. He married, April 25,
1684, Sarah Waite, daughter of Capt. John Waite,
of Malden, Mass., and died at Framingham, Mass.,
October, 1732.
The second son of Nathaniel (3) and Sarah (Waite)
Stone, was Ebenezer Stone (4). He was born at
Framingham, Mass., April 16, 1688; married May
10, 1721, Prudence Pratt, daughter of Joseph Pratt,
of Framingham, and died at Framingham in 1739.
Silas Stone (5), the fourth son of Ebenezer (4) and
Prudence (Pratt) Stone, was born at Framingham,
April 29,1728. He married, Jan. 25, 1750, Hliza-
beth Russell, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Russell,
of Sherborn, Mass. About 1763 he removed to
Duplin, N. H., being one of the first settlers of that
town, and he died there in 1777.
Silas Stone (6), the fourth son of Silas (5) and
Elizabeth (Russell) Stone, was born at Natick, Mass., |
April 5, 1755. He accompanied his father to Dublin,
N. H., but after his father’s death he returned to
Massachusetts and settled in Sherborn, where, Jan. 9,
1781, he married Jeanette Twitchell, daughter of
Deacon Jonathan Twitchell, of Sherborn.
at Sherborn, July 12, 1820.
| he took the degree of M.D. in 1824.
He died |
friends who were gone before.
Dr. Ebenezer Stone (7), the subject of this sketch, |
was the sixth son of Silas and Jeanette (‘Twitchell ) |
Stone.
for books, and he early decided to complete his educa-
He inherited from his father an unusual love |
tion by a collegiate course and to follow a professional |
career. Having pursued his preparatory studies under
Rev. Joseph Wheaton, of Holliston, and Charles
Train, of Framingham, he entered Brown University,
took the second degree of A.M. After graduating
from college he began the study of medicine with Dr.
John Kitridge, of Framingham. He completed his
medical studies at the Harvard Medical School, where
Soon after he
settled at Walpole, Mass., where the remainder of his
life was passed and where he pursued the practice of
his profession nearly up to the time of his death.
He married at Walpole, Nov. 23, 1831, Elizabeth
Holbrook Hawes, daughter of John Holbrook and
Achsah (Barber) Hawes. She was born at Roxbury,
Mass., May 10, 1809, and died at Walpole, Aug. 18,
1860.
sons and two daughters, all of whom, except one
daughter, survived their father. Dr. Stone died Aug.
13, 1869, in the seventy-second year of his age.
During the later years of his life he was assisted in
his practice by his son, Dr. 8. E. Stone, who had also
followed the profession of medicine and who succeeded
The son still fills at Walpole
the place so long held by his father.
The life of a country physician offers few events to
add interest to a sketch of the nature of this one.
The record of Dr. Stone’s life is simply one of ardu-
ous duties well and faithfully performed. Outside
his professional labors, his chief interest was in the
cause of education, and he gave much time and atten-
tion to the schools of the town, where his sound learn-
ing and scholarly tastes made his advice and assist-
ance of great value. His character is well described
in the following extract from a notice of him pub-
lished at the time of his death :
“He was remarkable for calm, deliberate considera-
tion of questions of importance, and the value of his
In
consequence of certain peculiarities of habit and man-
ner he did not escape without wounds, but he never
failed to win respect for fidelity to his own convic-
tions. Contemplating the inevitable changes of
nature and aware of his own diseased physical con-
dition, he looked forward to the approaching close of
life with utmost serenity,—as a journey onward to
Of this marriage were born six children, four
to his father’s practice.
judgement upon contingencies of serious result.
DS t=)
another home, and a reunion with the kindred and
He continued the
faithful service of his life ‘ without haste and without
rest,’ until, after a few days of physical suffering, and
in the confidence of Christian faith and hope, he laid
down his work on earth and entered on the work and
the joys of immortality.”
ss
<e
WALPOLE.
729
FRANCIS WILLIAM BIRD.
Francis William Bird was born at Dedham, Mass.,
Oct. 22, 1809.
children.
as early as 1807, at Mill Village, Dedham, and fol-
lowed that calling till 1835. His death occurred in
1854. When Francis was nine years of age his father
removed to East Walpole.
attended school about six months of the year, and
spent the rest of the time at work in his father’s
mill. He was then sent to Day’s Academy, at
Wrentham, and in 1827 entered Brown University,
graduating in 1851.
about one year he was compelled to desist from all
mental labor. Then, with health partially restored,
he decided to enter business. On April 1, 1833, he
commenced business in a mill hired of and formerly
run by his brother, Josiah N. Bird, at East Wal-
pole. This mill he bought in 1854.
bought the mill of the Neponset Paper Company,
next above him on the same stream, and soon after
formed a copartnership with his father and brother-
in-law under the firm-name of George Bird & Sons.
In 1842, George Bird & Sons failed, and Mr. Bird
passed through bankruptcy. After F. W. Bird had
been cleared of his legal liabilities he again went to
work at the same place and in the same business, and ©
in a few years was able to pay all the old debts in|
full. He is now at the head of the firm of F. W.
Bird & Son, his partner being his son, Charles Sum-—
ner Bird.
Mr. Bird has been long and prominently connected
with Massachusetts politics. He was first elected as
member of the Legislature of 1847. He has since
been a member of that body, in 1848, 1867, 1869, |
1877, and 1878. He was a member of the Execu-
tive Council in 1852, 1863-65; a member of the
Constitutional Convention in 1853, a State senator in
1871, and the Democratic candidate for the Governor-
ship in 1872.
Mr. Bird married, in 1834, Rebecca Hill Cooke, |
daughter of Benoni Cooke, of Providence. Of this
union one daughter was born. Mrs. Bird died in
1835, and the child in 1836. In 1848 he married
Abby Frances Newell, daughter of Joseph R. Newell,
of Boston. Six children have been born to them, all
of whom survive except the oldest son, who died in
1874.
One who has known Mr. Bird well in different re-
lations for more than thirty years adds the following
remarks upon his character and life:
‘‘He has been a very prominent figure in the polli-
He was son of George and Martha |
(Newell) Bird, and is the last survivor of eight |
His father was engaged in paper-making
Francis in his early years |
By reason of ill health for
In 1838 he |
_ tics of Massachusetts from 1846 to the present time
| (1884). In 1846-48 he was active in the anti-
slavery section of the Whig party, sometimes called
‘“‘ Conscience Whigs,” then led by Charles F. Adams,
Charles Sumner, Stephen C. Phillips, Henry Wilson,
John G. Palfrey, and Charles Allen, and, though
much younger than most of these gentlemen, was
called into their conferences and enjoyed their confi-
| dence. He joined the Free-Soil movement in 1848.
| From that time until the abolition of slavery in the
| United States and the reconstruction of the South
on the basis of equal rights, he was one of the most
| efficient organizers of the political movement against
slavery known as Free-Soil and later Republican, and
exercised a marked influence on its policy and nomi-
He uniformly attended its conventions, par-
nations.
ticularly the State Conventions ; and his open rooms
during the previous evening, where he met delegates
in a friendly way and conferred as to pending ques-
tions and candidacies, were for a long period a centre
Altogether no man in his day has
| of great interest.
done so much to bring together in a social way those
who were united by the idem sentire de republica.
As Governor Andrew said of him, he ‘deserved
gratitude for what he had done to promote good-fel-
lowship. Though a doctrinaire in his theories,
Mr. Bird has in his political course kept practical re-
sults in view, and he efficiently promoted, in 1850,
the union between the Free-Soilers and Democrats
which made Mr. Sumner senator and Mr. Boutwell
Governor. He has, however, always opposed ambigu-
ous and timid courses, even in seasons when popular
| currents were running strongly against direct and
| courageous action. He stood firmly in 1853-56
_ against the Know-Nothing, or Native American party,
when his anti-slavery associates in large numbers
_ joined in or dallied with it; and in periods of pres-
sure, when many were wavering and disposed to make
concessions, he always supported a radical and uncom-
promising policy against slavery. In all the conflicts
of Massachusetts politics for twenty-five years, in all
the efforts to place the State on the highest plane of
moral and political antagonism to slavery, no man’s
counsels and co-operation were more valued. At
critical periods involving public interests or their own
political careers, two public men may be named who
turned to him with a confidence which they gave to
few others,—Charles Sumner and John A. Andrew.
| He refused in 1872 to support President Grant for a
re-election, disapproving certain features of his admin-
istration, and condemning particularly his unjust
treatment of Mr. Sumner. He has since acted gen-
erally with the Democrats, though refusing to sustain
730
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
their nominations when deeming them unworthy of
support.
“Mr. Bird has taken a constant interest in the |
affairs of his State. He has guarded with vigilance
the public treasury, and has been assiduous in pro-
moting what he deemed the best plans for utilizing
the public property. He has often started, organized,
and led the opposition to schemes for wasting the |
funds of the State in ruinous investments in rail-
roads, notably in the Hoosac Tunnel, and, after the
first two loans, in the Boston, Hartford, and Erie.
‘As a controversialist, both in politics and in mat-
ters relating to public property and interests, he has
hardly had a peer in the history of the State. His
writings and reports in pamphlets and newspapers
have been marked by a faithful study of the facts, a
clear and forcible treatment of the subject, and when it
seemed necessary, a trenchant discussion of individual
action and conduct.
“Tt is very rare that any man has had so wide a
circle of friends, varying, indeed, opposite in their
tastes and opinions. On three different occasions
they have borne testimony to his worth and services,
—on his fiftieth birthday, at the Revere House, in
Boston, when Mr. Andrew, in behalf of himself and
other intimate friends, presented him with a memorial
of affection ; on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his mar-
riage, when, from the neighborhood and distant places,
early and later friends went to Kast Walpole to give
their congratulations ; and on the commemoration of his
seventieth birthday, when he was met at the Revere
House by about two hundred friends, from all walks
in life, divided in pursuits and associations, and was
congratulated at the dinner in speeches from gentle-
men well known in the public life of the State.
‘“ Without large means, Mr. Bird has observed great
simplicity in his ways of life. He has suffered from
ill health for a long period, but his vital force has
enabled him largely to counteract physical disability.
He will be remembered for his originality, freshness, |
and sincerity, his tender sympathies in bereavement,
his loyalty in friendship, and his generous help to the
unfortunate.
been various, find his strong personality vividly
stamped on their minds, not as one of a familiar
type, but separate and distinct by itself, adding a new
experience of human character.”
Those whose knowledge of men has |
© HAP Ey =e oes
MILTON.
Pioneer History—The First Settlements—Stoughton, Glover,
and Hutchinson—Grant of the Territory to Dorchester—Re-
lease of Indian Title—Cutshamoquin—Location of First Set-
tlements--King Philip’s War—Prominent Early Settlers—
Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens--Robert Vose,
Robert Tucker, Benjamin Wadsworth, Joseph Belcher, Oxen-
bridge Thatcher, John Swift, Peter Thatcher, Dr. Miller,
Samuel Miller, Governor Belcher, William Foye, Col. Gooch,
Governor Hutchinson, James Smith, Oxenbridge Thatcher,
Jr., Samuel Swift, Nathaniel Tucker, Seth Adams, William
Foye, Jr., Joseph Gooch, Benjamin Pratt, Col. Joseph Vose,
Job Sumner, John Miller, Benj. Wadsworth, W. 8S. Hutchin-
son, Josiah Badcock, Samuel Henshaw, Edward H. Robbins,
Rufus Badcock, Thomas Thatcher, Jesse Tucker, J. S. Boies,
Nathaniel J. Robbins, John M, Forbes, Solomon Vose, Roger
Vose, Charles P. Sumner, etc.
For six years after the arrival in Massachusetts
Bay of Governor Winthrop, with the charter, in 1630,
and the great accompanying emigration connected
with this movement, all the territory comprised within
the present borders of Milton remained a part of the
undivided lands of the colony, and during this period
three gentlemen, who were doubtless members or
stockholders of the company before they left England,
—lIsrael Stoughton, John Glover, and William Hutch-
inson,—selected a part of the Jand dividends to which
they were entitled within our limits.
probably attracted by certain natural advantages which
belonged to the locality,—the water-falls in the river,
the convenience for ship-building offered by the tide-
waters, an abundant supply of ship-timber, and, above
Stoughton
and Glover were prominent men in the Dorchester
They were
all, the fertility of much of the land.
plantation, and the pioneers of civilization upon this
soil. ;
Mr. Stoughton selected one hundred and sixty
acres of land connected with the lower falls, including
nearly the whole of Milton Hill, and the front on
the river to the bend, where the ship-yard of Mr.
Briggs was located. Nearly all this property con-
tinued in him and his heirs for more than twenty
He
was an active, public-spirited man, of the true Crom-
years, when it was sold to John Gill, in 1656.
wellian type, engaged in every movement for the
_ benefit of the colony, resisting the conspiracies of the
Indians, founding the college, and during the twelve
years of his residence in Dorchester, the whole time
occupying an important place as deputy or councilor
1 The following chapter was contributed by Mr. James M.
Robbins, being an address delivered by him June 11, 1862. The
original address is here presented in a condensed form, to adapt
it to our work.--Eprror.
MILTON.
731
|
in the government. or commanding the forces in the |
|
Indian wars in Connecticut and Rhode Island. In |
1644 he left his family and embarked for England, |
where he died the following year, the colonel of a |
Parliamentary regiment engaged in the great revolu- |
tion of that day.
Mr. Glover selected a lot directly south of Milton
Hill, of one hundred and eighty acres, on the flat
fronting on the northwest by the brook, and south- |
east on the centre line of the town, where he laid out |
a farm, and after the annexation of this territory to
Dorchester, built a house near where the brook
reaches the road by Mr. Davis’. This farm was oc-
cupied many years by his agent or tenant, Nicholas
Wood, until it was sold in 1654 by the heirs to Rob-
ert Vose. Mr. Glover, besides employing himself.
much in commerce, was often representative for |
Dorchester, and many years assistant or councilor. |
Capt. Johnson describes him as a plain, sincere, godly |
man, strong for the truth, and of good abilities. His |
name is frequently mentioned as attending the meet-
ings of the company in London before the emigration. |
He left several sons, and his posterity is numerous in
New England now.
Mr. William Hutchinson belonged to the Lincoln-
shire company, who came with Rev. Mr. Cotton and
settled at Boston. Mount Wollaston, or Braintree,
was early ceded to the town of Boston, with a view
of supplying the inhabitants of the peninsula with |
Mr. Hutchinson
laid out a large tract, doubtless supposing it to be
such lands as they might desire.
within the Braintree line, but when a survey was |
made in laying out the towns of Braintree and Dor- |
chester, a large part of Hutchinson’s lot was found
to fall within the line of the latter town; in fact, in- |
cluded the whole east corner of the town of Milton, |
The
title, however, was confirmed to him, including all the
land east of Gulliver’s brook to the present Quincy
line, and was sold in 1656 by his son, Capt. Edward |
Hutchinson, to Anthony Gulliver, Stephen Kinsley, |
and Henry Crane.
Mr. Hutchinson’s career in Massachusetts was very |
soon terminated through the proceedings instituted
by the colony and clergy against his wife, Ann Hutch-
besides a large tract within the Braintree line.
inson, upon the charge of heresy, of which she and
some of her adherents were convicted, by a synod
held at Cambridge, and banished from the colony.
Edward, the son of William Hutchinson, soon re- |
turned to Boston, and spent a long life as a most
active and useful citizen in Massachusetts, and was
finally killed in the service of the colony at Brook-
field, in Philip's war, 1676, in command of a cavalry
he had heretofore given to Callicot for himself.
corps. His posterity made a figure for four genera-
tions, in almost every post, civil and military, in the
colony. Governor Hutchinson, his great-grandson,
was long connected with the town.
In 1636 the town of Dorchester obtained a grant
of nearly the whole territory now comprising the
town of Milton, which was the first of a liberal series
of grants made by the colony to that important town.
This movement was the signal for the commence-
ment of the actual occupation and settlement of Mil-
ton, and the twenty-five years which passed, during
the connection with Dorchester until the independent
establishment of the town, sufficed to collect about
thirty families, with which the town’s separate career
began. It was usual, in occupying new territory at
that time, to obtain a release of the Indian title from
their chiefs; and accordingly, in October, 1636, the
Neponset Sagamore Cutshamoquin, for twenty-eight
fathoms of wampum conveys, for the use of the Dor-
chester plantation, all the land south of Neponset to
the Blue Hills, to Richard Collicot (town corpora-
tions not then created), reserving certain lands which
Mr.
Collicot’s name appears among the early inhabitants
of Dorchester, and he is mentioned as a licensed fur-
dealer, which occupation seems to have brought him
early into intimate relations with the native Indians.
He obtained a lot of one hundred and twenty acres
at Unquety (doubtless the Pratt farm), and built
there a house, perhaps the first dwelling in the town.
He seems to have been a most active and useful man,
—selectman and deputy for the town of Dorchester,
officer of the artillery company, member of the
Synod at Cambridge; at one time trading with the
settlements in Maine, now aiding Governor Endicott
in the Narragansett war, then assisting the apostle
Eliot in collecting the Indians for religious service
at the falls,—an energetic, ubiquitous man, whose
permanent residence it is difficult to fix, but his~con-
nection with our settlement is traced during fifty
years. He was trustee of our meeting-house fund in
1664. He died at Boston, 1686.
John Holman procured a grant of one hundred
and ten acres adjoining Collicot (the Rowe farm),
and settled there very early, and the property re-
mained in his family nearly a century. The Stough-
ton and Hutchinson lots occupied all the northeast
| front of the town, excepting the space between Gul-
liver’s Brook and a line crossing the road near the
Swift house, which space was divided into three
lots, fronting on the marshes,—the first or north lot,
of one hundred and twenty acres, occupied by Wil-
liam Daniels, who built his house near the Foye
732
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
mansion ;' the second, of sixty acres, laid out by Ne-
hemiah Bourne, a London ship-carpenter living at
Boston, who never ‘occupied it, but returned to Eng- |
land with Stoughton, and became a major in his regi-
ment; the third lot, of fourteen acres, fronting on
Gulliver’s Creek, laid out for Bray Wilkins, a Dor-
chester man, who was licensed in 1638 to keep a
ferry across Neponset, to facilitate the intercourse be-
tween Boston and Mount Wollaston before the roads
were made.
The Massachusetts colony was at this time much |
favored by Cromwell, for their early sympathy and
co-operation in the revolution, while all the other
colonies, adhering to the Stuarts, were punished with
restrictions and embarrassments. An exemption from
duties, and free trade with all the world, was permit-
ted to Massachusetts, and this stimulated the business
of ship-building. Several persons of this calling took
up their residence here, in the east part of the town,
such as William Salisbury, Anthony Newton, Walter
Morey, and others. It is probable they were occupied
in building small vessels (of thirty or forty tons) called
shallops, much used about the bay in fishing and coast-
ing trade, and they undoubtedly used the head of the
tide on Gulliver's Creek, where the town still owns
the landing, as such craft could easily be floated out
at spring tides, and that location was more convenient
to get the timber than the banks of the river. The
residence of these persons was mainly in that vicinity.
At this period the principal occupants of the place
were located in the eastern section of the town, and
the latter part of the time they were exempted from
contributing to the support of the Dorchester Church,
by reason of having provided themselves with religious
instruction in conjunction with some persons from
Braintree. No record exists of their place of worship
or who taught them. It is probable that Stephen
Kinsley—who was ordained with much formality as a
ruling elder at Braintree in 1653, and had moved on
to the Hutchinson purchase—first officiated in that
place, which was the only public service held in the
town until the erection of the first meeting-house, in
1671, built on the land set apart and appropriated to
that purpose by Robert Vose on a part of his farm
(near Mr. Barnard’s). Mr. Kinsley had been an
1 On Sept. 24, 1653, at a meeting of the Commissioners of the
United Colonies, holden at Boston, recorded,—“ Having learned
that the wife of William Daniels hath, for three years past, be-
stowed much of her time in teaching several Indians to read,
think fit to allow her £12 for the time past; and to encourage
her to continue the same course, that more of the Indians may
be taught by her, think fit to allow her £3 more beforehand,
towards another year.”
1
|
|
|
|
|
}
|
|
inhabitant and representative of Braintree several
years before he moved here, and he was the first rep-
resentative of Milton. The petition for incorporation
was drawn by him, and is among the archives of the
| State, signed by himself, Robert Vose, and John Gill,
as a committee of the inhabitants.
The principal
argument used was the necessity of providing legally
for public worship.
“The elders continued to be consulted in every
affair of importance as long as the charter continued.
The share they had in temporal affairs added to the
weight they had acquired from their spiritual employ-
ments, and they were in high esteem.” *
There were a few scattered farms in other parts of
the town. Samuel Wadsworth, a young man, son of
a Plymouth pilgrim, moved here from Duxbury, and
selected a large lot running from the centre of the
town, to the southeast line, a mile or more from any
other inhabitant. John Fenno, of Dorchester, occu-
pied a lot near the burying-ground. Robert Badcock
occupied a large lot between the river and the brook,
next to Mr. Vose. All the west portion of the town
was run out into lots, about sixteen hundred and fifty,
and divided among the inhabitants of Dorchester,
magistrates and ministers receiving large lots, and
persons of less note small strips a mile long and hardly
wide enough to build acorn-barn upon. Of these, the
Brush Hill lots were first occupied, but there is no
sufficient evidence of the presence of inhabitants there
before the incorporation.
The main landing-place on the river was originally
designed by Mr. Stoughton to have been fixed where
Mr. Brigg’s ship-yard was located, but was changed
to its present site, near the falls, on petition of John
Gill, in 1658. Four hundred acres of land in the
' centre of the town was laid out for the benefit of the
Dorchester Church, in 1659 ; afterwards divided with
the Milton Church.
The Neponset tribe of Indians were removed from
_ their proximity to our settlement in 1656, and placed
on a large tract of land at Punkapog, granted to them
by the town of Dorchester, at the urgent solicitation
of Mr. Eliot, who regarded the movement as essential
to their welfare.
‘“ T will now advert,” says Mr. Robbins, “‘ to another
- subject which seems to belong to this period, and
which by some may be considered too uncertain to
A certain locality
within our present borders has long been known,
merit a place in our history.
without any data as to the origin of the name, as
Scotch Woods. The explanation I am about to offer
* Hutchinson, vol. iii. p. 181.
MILTON.
733
is unsupported by any record, and is entirely con-
jectural with myself. In 1643, John Winthrop, J?.,
eame from England, and brought one thousand
pounds’ worth of stock and divers workmen to begin
He had formed in England a com-
pany for this purpose. The General Court of Mas-
an iron-work.
monopoly for twenty-one years, freedom from taxes
and trainings of the laborers, and a very liberal
erant of the colonial lands to be made when the
works were completed. The town of Boston was
greatly interested in the undertaking, and the location
of the works at Braintree was encouraged by a grant
of three thousand acres of land, still belonging to
Boston, at that place. This tract is the same land
which was purchased seventy years afterwards, in
1711, by Manasseh Tucker, Samuel Miller, and John
Wadsworth, of Milton, and divided by the court be-
tween Braintree and Milton at that time. The fifteen
hundred acres attached to our jurisdiction forms the
present Scotch Woods settlement.
the largest stockholders of this iron company, re-
siding in London, viz., John Beex and Robert Rich,
chartered a large ship, bound to Jamaica, to touch at
Boston and land there two hundred and seventy-two
Scotch prisoners taken from a lot of eight thousand
prisoners captured by Cromwell, Sept. 3, 1650, at the
battle of Dunbar. The ship arrived at Boston in
May, 1651, and landed the prisoners consigned to
In 1651 two of |
the agent of the iron-works, and their names are all |
recorded in the Boston records.”
In July of the same year the Rev. John Cotton
wrote a letter to Cromwell, as follows :
“ The Scots whom God delivered into your hands at Dunbar,
and whereof sundry were sent hither, we have been desirous to
make their yoke easy.
diseases have not wanted physic and chirurgy. They have not
been sold for slaves to perpetual servitude, but for six or eight
years, as we do our own, and he that bought the most of them,
I believe, buildeth houses for them, for every four an house,
layeth some acres of land thereto, which he giveth them as
their own, requiring three days in the week to work for him
Such as were sick of the scurvy or other |
_ that all Scotchmen and negroes shall train,
thus originated the name, Scotch Woods, ever since
attached to the spot. This supposition is confirmed
by an act of the General Court, A.D. 1652, ordering
referring,
doubtless, to their first law exempting the laborers of
the iron company from this duty. These persons
sachusetts encouraged the enterprise by granting a |
may have been employed in cutting wood or collect-
The result of
this operation was that after a large outlay of capital
it was found that every pound of iron made cost more
than two pounds imported from Europe; the com-
pany failed, the sheriff seized their effects, and their
daborers were dispersed and mixed up with the gen-
eral population of the country. The land was prob-
ably a conditional grant, and reverted to the town of
Boston, from which corporation our townsmen bought
it.
The records of the town for nearly eight years from
the beginning are missing, excepting that of a few
births. Two years after the organization, Robert
Vose made a deed of eight acres of land (for a meet-
no . . 7 1
ing bog-ore for the iron company.
_ing-house and other ministerial purposes) to eighteen
_ trustees, probably every church member or freeman
in the town. No church organization was formed
here till 1678, but the principal inhabitants were
members of the Dorchester and Braintree churches.
Of these eighteen persons eight have descendants
still among us, and these families have inhabited the
town during its whole existence, viz.: Robert Vose,
Samuel Wadsworth, Anthony Gulliver, Robert Bad-
_ cock, Thomas Swift, George Sumner, Robert Tucker,
and Henry Crane. The first tax-list on record, of
fifty-nine persons, is dated 1674, and the name of
_ only one of our present families, Teague Crehore,
is added to the above list of trustees in the interval
from 1664 to 1674. Many of the lots in the west-
ern part of the town were soon occupied, especially
at Brush Hill.
(by turns), and four days for themselves, and promiseth as soon |
as they can repay him the money he laid out for them, he will |
set them at liberty.”
We infer from these circumstances that Beex and
Rich, for themselves or the company, thinking to get
some income from their land, which without laborers
was unproductive and inconvertible, embarked in this
speculation, and the mode of disposing of the prison-
ers mentioned by Cotton was only a form necessary
to satisfy the public mind in the matter, and the men
were employed on this land belonging to the freighters
of the ship in the way described in this letter; and
George Sumner, whose father, William Sumner, of
Dorchester, had drawn one of the large lots in that
locality, occupied the same in 1662.
Robert Tucker, who had resided more than twenty
years at Weymouth, came and purchased several ad-
joining lots. He brought a family of four sons and
three daughters ; his oldest son twenty-two years of
age.
1 Governor Bradstreet writes, twenty years later, that some
of the Dunbar prisoners were still in bondage.
2 Robert Vose, John Gill, Richard Collicot, Anthony Gulliver,
William Daniels, Robert Redman, Anthony Newton, William
Salisbury, Stephen Kinsley, Samuel Wadsworth, James Hough-
ton, John Fenno, Henry Crane, David Homes, Robert Tucker,
Robert Badeock, Thomas Vose, Thomas Swift.
734
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS,
Thomas Swift, son of T. Swift, of Dorchester, mar-
ried the only daughter of Mr. Vose, and is supposed |
to have occupied a part of the Glover farm, conveyed
to him by his father-in-law.
Ten years passed from the date of the incorporation
before a new meeting-house was built, the small ac-
commodation for worship in the eastern part of the
town being made to suffice. Mr. Joseph Emerson |
officiated as the first minister for several years, under
adverse circumstances part of the time. Great diffi- |
culty existed in the currency. The whole town, and
a part of the adjoining town of Braintree, with all
their zeal for religious instrnction, could not raise-
fifty-three pounds, or one hundred and seventy-five
dollars, per annum, the stipulated salary. Mr. Emer-
son, who at first was passed about from one parish-
ioner to another, made shift to live without embar-
rassment, but venturing to marry the daughter of the
Rev. Edward Bulkly, of Concord, and establish a
house of his own, ‘“ the country pay,” as it was called,
in which he received most of his dues, compelled him
to open a running account with every man in the
parish. Misunderstandings ensued, rendering his po-
sition disagreeable, and he accepted an invitation to
settle at Mendon, and left the town in 1669.
Some other occurrences, simultaneous with this
period, which affected the whole colony, as well as
our town, deserve mention.
We had grown up into a vigorous community in a
space of thirty-five years, not by the fostering care of
the mother-country, but by her neglect and engross- |
ing engagements elsewhere, although it must be con-
fessed we did receive some encouragement from the
Now, in 1660, all this |
is over; the king is restored again, and some active
partiality of Master Oliver.
enemies of Massachusetts in England enter sundry
complaints against us, and make the charge of various
violations of the charter. The king appointed four
commissioners, armed with full power, to come over
and examine all grievances and correct all abuses.
We had coined money without authority, encroaching
on the king’s privilege; we had prohibited the exer- |
cise of all forms of worship except our own, especially
that of the English Church, and would not allow the
privileges of citizenship except to professors of a
certain creed; and then we had sheltered certain
regicides, who had compassed the death of the king’s |
father, and had committed various other misde- |
meanors.
The arrival of these commissioners caused much |
anxiety, and all the skill and diplomacy of our wisest
Finally, by
giving up the matter of church membership as a
men were used to parry these charges.
_to be superior to those of the whites.
_ gotiate with the Nipmug tribe.
qualification of voters, promising to make no more
pine-tree shillings, and making a sham effort to ar-
rest the regicides, the commissioners went home, and
the colony retained for a time longer the charter.
This result, so earnestly hoped for, was aided greatly
by sundry ship-loads of masts and other presents to
the king. The great benefit to the colony was the
extension of the right of suffrage, which till then had
been confined to a small part of the community ; and
the consent of the colony to tolerate in the future the
service of the English Church, had the beneficial ef-
fect of so far liberalizing the colonial government
that no further prosecutions against other sects as
heretical were enforced. The extreme rigor which
characterized the first years of the colony was in
some degree mitigated when our town commenced its
corporate existence.
Now commences a great struggle, which threatens
the very existence of the colony,—Philip’s Indian
war. Philip, a name given by the English to the
second son of Massasoit, the sachem of the Pokanoket
Indians, with whom the Plymouth Pilgrims enter-
tained such friendly relations, was now at the head
of the tribe living at Mount Hope,—a restless, am-
bitious person, and possessed of much ability. He
entertained the opinion that the English would soon
control the whole country and destroy the native
population, and conceived the idea that by the united
action of all the native tribes they might be resisted
or driven away. He cautiously enlisted the co-oper-
ation of most of the other tribes of New England in
his plan. ‘The matter was communicated to the au-
thorities by one of Mr. Eliot’s praying Indians of
Natick.
All New England was aroused. The Indians had
acquired great skill in the use of fire-arms, and the
number of fighting men among them was supposed
Philip ap-
peared with a large force near Swanzey. But the
_ hope of detaching some of the tribes from the alliance
induced the government to send Capt. Edward Hutch-
inson with a company of horse to Brookfield, to ne-
Hutchinson had a
farm at Marlborough, and was personally known to
the chiefs of this tribe, and they designated him as a
person they would treat with. By appointment he,
with a part of his men, went to meet them in a wood
or swamp, where a large body of Indians were con-
Hutchinson and sixteen of his men were
He was carried down to Marl-
cealed.
shot, mostly dead.
borough, and died a day or two after.
This settled the character of the struggle, and a
war of extermination began, which lasted fourteen
MILTON.
735
months, during which almost every man in New
England capable of bearing arms was called into —
service. The Indians appeared in force in every di-
rection,—in the Old Colony at Scituate, Plymouth, |
|
and Rehoboth; on Connecticut River at Northamp- |
ton and Springfield; in Middlesex at Groton and
Sudbury ; also in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and _
| their way through the savage horde, and Wadsworth,
Maine. Milton, being more sheltered than many
other towns, became the refuge of several families |
from more exposed places, some of whom are still
here by their descendants.
from Medfield, Roger Sumner and Ralph Houghton
from Lancaster, and Thomas Davenport from Casco |
Bay.
The Neponset Indians at Punkapog did not appear
to belong to the conspiracy; but, to make matters
sure, the men of the tribe were all placed under the
command of Quartermaster Thomas Swift, and re-
moved first to Long Island in Boston harbor, and
afterwards brought up to Milton. Maj. Gookin, in
his Indian History, says that Mr. Eliot and him-
self met every other week, in the winter of 1676,
- death.
Edward Adams came |
|
among the Punkapog Indians, who were brought |
from Long Island and placed near Brush Hill, in
Milton, under the care of Quartermaster Swift. They |
came up late from the island, yet they planted some
ground procured for them by Maj. Swift, and they |
got some little corn. Their wives and children were
there with them.
The great interest to Milton in this affair arose
from the death of Capt. Wadsworth and _ several
Samuel Wads-
young men belonging to the town.
worth, already mentioned as an early inhabitant, soon |
after his arrival married Miss Abigail Lindall, of |
Duxbury, and spent most of his adult life here.
was an active, intelligent person, named in the Dor-
chester records before the incorporation of Milton,
was always occupied with the affairs of the planta-
tion and the town, zealous in church matters and the |
military organization, frequently chosen selectman
and representative, and also a justice to settle small
causes. In the war of 1675-76 he was appointed
captain of a company raised in this vicinity, partly
in Milton, to serve the colony.
Brookline, was his lieutenant. In April, 1676, he
was ordered to move with his company to Marl-
borough, to relieve Capt. Brocklebank, of Rowley,
supposed to be in peril at that place. Wadsworth
and his company arrived safe and unmolested. On
the 21st of April news came to him that the Indians
were burning the houses at Sudbury, the adjoining
town. Wadsworth started with his company of
eighty men to meet the foe. Seeing a few Indians,
Big |
John Sharpe, of |
_ both over eighty years.
he pursued them into a swamp, when suddenly, from
all directions, emerged a cloud of savages, greatly
outnumbering his force. He secured a retreat toa
neighboring hill, which he successfully defended four
hours, with the loss of five men only. His ammuni-
tion was expended. The Indians set fire to the wood,
when an attempt was made by the troops to force
Sharpe, Brocklebank, and sixty-five men met their
Fifteen only escaped to tell the tale The
names of his Milton companions are not preserved.
Capt. Wadsworth left five sons, all of whom were
respectable men. His youngest son, Benjamin, be-
came president of Harvard College, and erected a
monument to his father, at Sudbury, which was re-
newed, in 1852, by the State.
The war ended in August, 1676, with the death of
Philip by the hand of one of his own men. The In-
dians had previously met defeat in every direction.
Some of the leaders were executed at Boston; many
prisoners were sent to the West India Islands and
sold as slaves, and those who escaped fled to tribes in
the West.
ever disturbed the colony again, except as allies of
No formidable attack from the natives
our French neighbors in Canada or instigated by
them.
The year 1682 closed the career of two of the
oldest inhabitants, Robert Vose and Robert Tucker,’
Mr. Vose is not mentioned
/ in the Dorchester records until about the time of his
purchase of the Glover farm in 1654; he was then
past middle life, and his three children already of
adult age. We have no means of knowing his antece-
dents. His whole career here exhibits him as a
public-spirited man, who had brought up his children
with care, and who spared no efforts to establish our
Mr. Tucker
had been residing in Weymouth, and all his large
community upon the surest foundation.
family were doubtless born in that place. He came
to Milton about the time of the incorporation, and
purchased several of the lots laid out and drawn by
the inhabitants of Dorchester at Brush Hill.
selected by Mr. Vose as one of the trustees of the
He was
church lot, was selectman and representative, also re-
1 Robert Tucker was at Weymouth about the time that town
was incorporated, in 1635, and is believed to have accompanied
a certain association which came to New England about that
time with the Rev. Mr. Hull, from the town of Weymouth, in
Dorsetshire, giving that name to Wessagusset. This conjecture
is strengthened by the fact that several prominent families of
John
Tucker, a resident of Weymouth, represented the borough of
the name of Tucker are inhabitants of that county.
Weymouth and Melcom Regis in Parliament, twenty years in
succession, previous to our Revolution.
736
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
corder of the town. He was held in much esteem by
his neighbors. He left a large family of four sons
and four daughters, and his character and education
during a long period exercised an important influence |
here. His handwriting indicates a gentleman familiar
with the pen.
In 1680 the town was provided with a respectable
house of public worship and a regularly organized
church.
In 1690 two sons of the town received their degrees
at Harvard, viz., Benjamin Wadsworth and Joseph
Belcher.
Benjamin Wadsworth, youngest son of Capt. Sam-
uel Wadsworth, was born at Milton in 1669, grad-
uated at Harvard in 1690, studied for the ministry,
settled at the First Church in Boston in 1696, and,
after a pastoral service of thirty years, was elected to |
a place |
preside over his Alma Mater at Cambridge,
which he filled with great acceptance twelve years, till
his death, in 1737. His character is portrayed in a
sermon by Rev. Thomas Foxcroft, and also more at |
length by Rev. William Emerson. Dr. Chauncy
speaks of him as “a man of good learning, most
pious, humble, and prudent, and an excellent, plain, |
pathetical preacher.” His death occurred at Cam-
bridge. He left a widow, but no children.!
Joseph Belcher, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Gill)
Belcher, was born at Milton in 1668. He inherited
a large property from his grandfather, John Gill,
when he was fifteen years of age, was educated for
the ministry, ordained and settled at Dedham in
1693, where he officiated thirty years with much sat-
isfaction, and died in 1723. His family of two sons
and three daughters returned to Milton, and for a
time occupied their paternal estate at Milton Hill
(the Hutchinson property). The eldest son, Joseph,
graduated at college in 1717, lived here in 1734, and
was selectmman of the town. Their property at Milton
Hill was sold about 1740 to Thomas Hutchinson, and
the residue of the Stoughton purchase, being the vil-
lage property, was sold to Jeremiah Smith in 1741.
The family left the town at that time.
Cotton Mather preached Mr. Belcher’s funeral ser-
mon. He calls him “a tree of righteousness, who had
all the fruits of the Holy Spirit growing upon them.
Among the articles of his piety was conspicuous, well-
' John Wadsworth, son of Deacon John and Elizabeth Wads-
worth, of Milton, born in 1703, graduated at Harvard College
the Bishop of London as deacon and priest, received
in 1723, studied for the ministry, and was ordained at Canter-
bury, Conn., Sept. 3, ;1729.
Middleborough, separated from his parish, and returned to
Milton in 1742, which was his principal residence until his
1766.
death, in He officiated in several other places pro-
fessionally.
He married Abigail Sproat, of
| Miller.
governed speech, and the management of the tongue,
with which he prevented what the ancients consid-—
ered as making half the sins of our lives, a gentle-
manly temper and carriage, with a sweetness of dis-
position which was a varnish upon these virtues, and
added more lustre unto them.’ As a preacher he
was greatly admired and followed.
Oxenbridge Thatcher, the eldest son of Rev. Peter
Thatcher, was born at Milton in 1681, educated for
college by his father, entered at Harvard before the
age of fourteen, and graduated in 1698. He is said
| to have studied for the ministry, and, after preaching
a few times, changed his calling, and engaged in trade
at Boston, where he lived some twenty-five years, and
was occasionally representative of that town. After
his father’s death he returned to Milton, and occu-
pied his place on Thatcher's plain some forty years.
He represented Milton occasionally, and died here in
1772, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He
is better known as the father of an eminent son,
Oxenbridge Thatcher, the distinguished lawyer and
patriot, who died at Boston in 1767, at the early age
of forty-five years.
John Swift wag the oldest son of Deacon Thomas
Swift. He was born here in 1679, graduated at
Harvard in 1697, and was settled as minister at
Framingham, where he died, after a long service, in
1745.
Mr. Peter Thatcher, the second son of our minis-
ter, was born in 1688, graduated at Harvard College
in 1706, and, after studying the clerical profession,
was ordained and settled in Middleborough in 1709,
and continued there thirty-five years, until his death,
in 1744. Rev. Thomas Prince, of the Old South
Church, published his life, as an example of zeal
and success as a revival preacher.
Dr. Ebenezer Miller was the second son of Samuel
at Milton Hall in 1703, was
prepared for college by Mr. Thatcher, and graduated
at Harvard: in 1722. He commenced the study of
divinity at once, and soon manifested a bias for the
A few gentlemen at
He was born
Episcopal form of worship.
Braintree, with similar tendencies, proposed to estab-
lish a church there, having assurances of aid from
England for the furtherance of this project. For this
purpose Mr. Miller was encouraged to proceed to Eng-
land and procure Episcopal ordination (no Episcopal
organization existing here). He was ordained by
the degrees of Master of Arts from the University of
Oxford in 1727 and Doctor of Theology in 1747, and
was appointed missionary to Braintree by the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
MILTON.
737
He returned, and forthwith entered upon his duties, |
and continued there until his death, thirty-six years
afterwards. Many persons of that persuasion in the
neighboring towns attended his ministrations. It is
believed he was the first native of the Puritan colony
authorized to preach under the Episcopal form.
early from Dorchester to Rehoboth, and during the
Indian war, in 1676, to have left the latter place.
Mr. Samuel Miller first appeared in Milton about
1688, possibly led hither by the attractions of Miss
Rebecca Belcher, with a nice jointure of sixty acres
before a division took place, reserving, however, a
large part of the best of it for their own posterity.
Deacon Manasseh, the youngest son of Robert Tucker,
was about fifty-seven years of age at the time of the
purchase, and continued to reside at the old home-
stead at Brush Hill till his death, in 1743, aged
The Miller family are supposed to have emigrated _
of land on Milton Hill, all of which became his on |
his marriage in 1690.
He built his house on the lot |
at that time (the house stood where Mr. Dudley’s resi-
dence now is, and was taken down some fifty years
ago), and there his numerous family were born. He
was afterwards, in 1711, one of the Scotch Woods
purchasers, and his eldest son, Col. Samuel Miller, |
built his house there at an early day, and the prop- |
erty continued in the family until the Revolution,
when, in 1776, Stephen Miller, of the third genera-
tion, a much respected inhabitant of our town, joined
the royalist party and emigrated to the province of
New Brunswick, where he lived more than forty |
years, and died in 1817, aged ninety-one.
numerous descendants, who are still among the most
respectable inhabitants of that province.
was the one now owned by Dr. Palmer.
Allusion has already been made to the acquisition
of the Blue Hill lands, in 1711, by the purchase,
from the town of Boston, of three thousand acres
His house
He left |
formerly granted to the iron company, and which |
reverted to that town from breach of condition.
grantees were Manasseh Tucker, Samuel Miller, and
John Wadsworth, all of Milton. The court refused
to annex the whole purchase to Milton, but decreed
that it should be divided as to jurisdiction between
the towns of Braintree and Milton, fifteen hundred
acres to each. ;
In addition to the foregoing, a large tract of land
(doubtless a part of the new grant made to Dorchester
in 1637), containing, perhaps, one thousand acres,
bounded on the southeast by the Blue Hill River, and
northwest by the old Milton line, was passed into our
limits by consent of the town of Dorchester. This
latter piece contains Houghton’s pond, and all the
lands within our borders above the stone monument
near the late Thomas Hunt's house.
By these acquisitions, in 1712-13, the area of the
town was extended about two thousand five hundred
acres, nearly one-third of its present surface.
Blue Hill purchasers sold a portion of their lands
47 -
The |
The |
|
\
eighty-nine years; but his eldest son, Capt. Samuel,
then about twenty-six years old, laid out a farm, and
moved very soon to the new purchase. The same
was done by young Samuel Miller, as already related,
and one of Deacon Wadsworth’s sons occupied the
lot next adjoining the old Wadsworth property. The
remainder was soon sold to other persons, and has
ever since formed an important section of the town.
We have now, 1730, reached a new era in our
history,—the ordination of another minister, the
building of a new meeting-house, and a considerable
accession to our taxable property by the settlement
amovg us of sundry persons of wealth and importance
from the neighboring town of Boston.
The Rey. John Taylor, after preaching several
months, was invited to settle here, and was ordained
on the 13th of November, 1728. Mr. Foxcroft, of
the Old South Church, Boston, preached the ordina-
tion sermon, which is in print.
Mr. Taylor was born in Boston in 1704, and was
the son of Mr. John Taylor, who came to Boston
from Wales in the latter part of the seventeenth
century. Mr. Taylor, the elder, married Ann Wins-
low, the daughter of Edward Winslow, of the Pilgrim
family. (She survived her son, and died in Milton
in 1775, at the advanced age of ninety-five years.)
Shortly after the birth of the Rev. Mr. Taylor, his
parents removed to the island of Jamaica, where they
had four more children, viz.: Col. William Taylor,
whose descendants are still with us, and three daugh-
ters. Mr. Taylor, the father, died in Jamaica, and
his widow, with her young family, returned to her
native country. She educated her son John at Har
vard College, where he graduated in 1721, in the
class with Dr. Charles Chauncy, with whom he kept
up an intimate friendship until his death. Two years
after his settlement here he married Elizabeth, the
daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, of Portsmouth,
Mrs.
Taylor died in 1735, at the early age of twenty-seven
years, and some years afterwards Mr. Taylor married
the sister of his first wife, Miss Dorothy Rogers, who
survived her husband. Mr. Taylor left three sons
and one daughter, Mrs. Ann Gilman, of Exeter.
Mr. Taylor died here in 1750, at the age of forty-
six years.
The births of his children, as recorded in the Mil-
N.H. They had three sons and one daughter.
738
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ton records, are,—John, born in 1731; Nathaniel,
born in 1734; William, born in 1735; and Ann, his
only daughter, born in 1732, married Nicholas Gil-
man, of Exeter, State treasurer of New Hampshire,
parents of Governor John Taylor Gilman, Nicholas
Gilman, of the United States Senate from 1805 to
1814, and Nathaniel Gilman, of the Senate of New |
Hampshire.
The new inhabitants referred
the Governor of the province, Jonathan Belcher; the
provincial treasurer, Mr. Foye; Col. Joseph Gooch,
James Smith, Thomas Hutchinson, and others. I
presume this movement was caused in a great degree
by the uncertain condition of the Massachusetts cur-
rency, which rendered real estate investments de-
The Indian wars, and more
to at this time were
sirable for capitalists.
particularly the wars with our French neighbors, who
possessed the present British provinces of Nova Scotia
and Canada,—wars precipitated upon the New Eng-
land colonies by the complications of Huropean
politics rather than any direct cause of quarrel be-
tween the contending parties,—had involved the
province in great indebtedness, which was followed
by the usual expedients of paper promises. The
precious metals had entirely vanished, and the whole
currency consisted of provincial bills, for which no
redemption was provided. Within ten years, ending
| several important matters.
scription of the wedding. His father died in 1717,
having been many years member of the Council, and
Jonathan is immediately chosen to fill his place, in-
herits his fortune, and invests largely in lands in
Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. About the
year 1727 he purchased a considerable landed prop-
erty here of Thomas Holman and Samuel Kinsley
Soon after this he was
sent to England, as agent of the province, to adjust
(the present Rowe estate).
In his absence occurred
the death of Governor Burnet, at Boston; and Bel-
cher, being in London, obtained the appointment of
Governor of Massachusetts, and arrived at Boston
His administration
continued eleven years, and needs no comment, as it
with his commission in 1730.7
is a part of the provincial history. He soon began
his improvements here, built his house, and laid out
his grounds, much under the supervision of Col.
Samuel Swift, second son of Deacon Thomas Swift.
His style of living differed very much from the or-
dinary mode of life here. His official position and
fortune justified the maintenance of a large retinue
of servants and equipages, and entertaining much
company from abroad.’ His public duties prevented
him from spending much time here, and the man-
agement of his property devolved mainly upon his son
| Andrew.
with 1728, their value bad fallen one-half, and a pros- |
pect of further depreciation was in full view. None
of these parties continue among us by their posterity
at the present day, but their improvements are still
visible, and their presence here added value to prop-
erty, gave additional importance to our community, |
and they require a slight notice on this occasion.
Jonathan Belcher, the son of Andrew Belcher, a |
rich merchant of Boston, was born there in 1681.
He was educated with care, and graduated at Har-
vard College in 1699.
chief hope of his father, after leaving college he trav-
An exemplary youth, and the
eled abroad, and spent six years in visiting various
parts of Kurope, and during this time made the ac-
quaintance of a young Hanoverian prince, who after-
wards became king of England as George II., a cir-
cumstance which influenced Belcher’s subsequent
fortunes.’ He came home, and busied himself’ in
his father’s mercantile operations. In 1706 he mar-
ried the daughter of William Partridge, Lieutenant-
Governor of the provinces of Massachusetts and New
Hampshire, who then resided at Piscataqua, now
Portsmouth. The newspapers contained a long de-
1 At this time he formed an intimacy with Dr. Isaac Watts,
the poet, with whom he kept up a continued correspondence till
the death of the latter, in 1748.
Governor Belcher was removed from his office in
1741, principally by the influence of a powerful party,
known as the Land Bank projectors, whose schemes
he opposed. He was afterwards appointed Governor
_of New Jersey, where he died, in 1756, after a service
of ten or twelve years. He was the founder and pro-
moter of Princeton University in that State, and
President Burr preached his funeral sermon, wherein
his virtues are highly exalted, and his valuable ser-
vices in relation to the institution fully stated. His
son Andrew continued in occupation of the family
2 Governor Belcher seems to have had no dislike to a little pa-
rade, although he is usually described as a very humble Christian
gentleman. He came from England in the ‘ Blandford” frigate,
his expected arrival having previously been announced, and
great preparations made at Boston for his reception. Dr. Isaac
Watts, the poet, an intimate friend of Belcher, wrote an ode of
some ten verses on the occasion, which was printed in the
News-Letter. I recollect two lines of them, which I saw in a
newspaper many years ago.
3 In May, 1740, Governor Belcher’s servant ran away, and
was thus advertised :
“The Governour’s Negro Juba haying absented himself, it is
desired whoever may find him would convey him home. He
had on when he went away a Gold laced Hat, a Cinnamon
coloured Coat, with large flat brass Buttons, and cuffed with red
Cloth, a dark coloured Waste-coat edged with a worsted Lace,
leather Breeches, yarn Stockings, a pair of trimmed Pumps,
with a very large pair of flowered Brass Buckles.”
MILTON.
739
property in Milton many years, and often represented
the town in the Legislature; he died here in 1771."
In 1776 the Belcher house was burned. It was then
occupied by the two Mrs. Belchers,—the Governor’s
widow, an elderly lady, and Andrew’s widow, much
younger, —both without children. They took refuge
during the winter with their friend, Mrs. Forbes, then
living at Brush Hill. Madam B. died soon after,
and the younger lady returned to England. The
estate then passed into the hands of John Rowe, Esq.,
a large capitalist of Boston.
Mr. William Foye bought his property here of the
Daniels family, in 1728. He was a native of Boston,
son of a Huguenot Frenchman, was about fifty years
of age when he came here, and had before employed
himself in commerce.
treasurer of the province, and filled that station dur-—
ing part of Governor Belcher’s term. He died here
about 1759, at an advanced age, leaving a widow and
daughter, both of whom lived to a great age; also a
son William, noticed among the college graduates.
The daughter, Miss Elizabeth Foye, died here in 1807, |
in her ninetieth year. Dr. Samuel Gardiner, who
practiced physic here before the Revolution, married |
Mr. Foye’s granddaughter, Miss Mary Cooper.
Col. Joseph Gooch came to Milton, from Braintree,
about the year 1740. He bought land of the Miller
family, built the Churchill house on Milton Hill, and |
The best account of |
lived here some thirty years.
him I have seen is in the diary of President John
Adams (no friend of Gooch, certainly), being part
of a letter written to Jonathan Mason.
Gooch,” he writes, ‘a native, I believe, of Boston,
had a considerable property, and was reputed to be
very rich. He had been educated at the Temple, in
England, and returned to Boston to practice law, but |
had very little success. He had been a man of pleas-
ure, and bore the indelible marks of it on his face to
the grave. He was extremely ambitious, and the
Rey. Mr. Niles, of Braintree, who was well acquainted _
with him, told me he was the most passionate man he |
ever knew. Not succeeding much at the bar in Bos-
ton, he had recourse to religion to assist him; he
joined the Old South Church, to avail himself of the
About this time he was elected |
“ Joseph |
}
influence of the sisterhood and set up for represen- |
tative of the town of Boston, but failed; and disap- |
pointed of his hopes in Jaw and politics, he renounced
the city, came up to Braintree, hired a house, turned
churchman, and set himself to intriguing for promo- |
1 His second son, Jonathan, graduated at Harvard College in
1728, went to England and studied law at the Temple, resided
some years in England, and afterwards served as Governor and
chief justice of Nova Scotia, where he died in 1776.
|
|
|
| ple property.
tion, both in military and civil departments. He in-
terceded with the favorites of Governor Shirley, in
this place, to procure him the commission of colonel
in the regiment of militia, and an election for repre-
sentative of the town in the General Court. He
promised to build a steeple to their church at his own
expense. Assiduous importunity was employed with
the Governor to procure him the command of the
regiment, but this could not be obtained without
cashiering the colonel then in possession. Col. John
| Quincey had been in public life from his early youth,
had been nearly twenty years Speaker of the House,
and many years member of the Council, and was as
much esteemed and respected as any man in the
Province. He was not only an experienced and ven-
erated statesman, but a man of letters, taste, and
sense. Governor Shirley was prevailed on, with great
difficulty, to perform the operation of dismissing so
faithful a servant of the public, and adopting one of
so equivocal a character, and he said, some years
afterwards, that nothing he had ever done in his ad-
ministration had given him so much pain as removing
so venerable a magistrate and officer as Col. Quincy.
But the church party had insisted upon it so peremp-
torily that he could not avoid it,—probably he dreaded
their remonstrances to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
These facts were current at the time Gooch was ap-
pointed colonel and Quincy dismissed.
Thomas Hutchinson, the last provincial Governor
of Massachusetts, was long an inhabitant of Milton,
and, until the political storm which preceded the Rev-
olution began, was held in great esteem by all his
He was the son of Col.
Thomas Hutchinson, a rich merchant of Boston, of
neighbors and friends here.
great liberality and public spirit, and many years of
the Council. Thomas (2d) was born in 1711, was
carefully educated, and graduated at Harvard in 1727.
At first he employed himself in mercantile business,
but soon wearied of this pursuit, and betook himself
He was first chosen
a member of the House of Representatives in the
to the study of law and politics.
year 1737, and selectman of Boston in 1738. About
this time, 1739, his father died, leaving him an am-
He had married Miss Margaret Sand-
In 1740 he was
employed to go to England upon public business
ford, of Newport, the year before.
relating to our currency. He continued to represent
the town of Boston in the House nine years, during
three of which he filled the Speaker's chair. He
was distinguished for eloquence and industry in the
House, and soon acquired extensive influence. He
was chosen into the Council in 1750, and became
judge of probate for Suffolk County. In 1760 he
740
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was appointed chief justice of the colony and Lieu-
tenant-Governor. Governor Bernard left the colony
in 1769, and the duties of Governor then devolved
upon Mr. Hutchinson. He received the commission
of Governor the following year, and held this office
until 1774, when he embarked for England, leaving
his native land forever.
He purchased, in 1743, of Joseph Belcher’s heirs, |
one hundred acres of land on Milton Hill, and built |
the house now occupied by the Russell family, and
resided there a large part of the time for thirty years.
He was very fond of rural pursuits, especially garden-
ing, and, being active in his habits, was often seen
helping his gardener in removing plants and grafting
trees, and his social habits led him into friendly re-
lations with most of the inhabitants. After.the mob
invaded his house in Boston, in 1765, he spent most
of his time here.
The greatest service Governor Hutchinson ren-
dered to the public was in writing the “ History of
which is the most reliable source of
”
Massachusetts,
information on that subject existing, and will per-
petuate his name long after his political errors have |
been forgotten. He had many active enemies among
the leaders of the Revolution, who were never weary of |
representing his errors, and not seldom in amplifying |
them.
side, was exiled from his native land, and his large
He died at Brompton,
near London, before the war ended, aged sixty-nine
He certainly staked everything on the losing
property was confiscated.
ears, and his numerous posterity are still living in |
? d Do
England.
character unimpeachable.
His life was exemplary, and his private
Among his personal effects, confiscated and taken
from his house on Milton Hill, which were conveyed
to Col. Taylor’s barn and sold publicly, were foand a
from England, three years after he left here, wherein
he says, “ I have advantages here beyond most of
the Americans, but I prefer nata/e solum to all other,
and yet hope I may settle peaceably again at Unquety
Hill. I hope to live to see not only my Milton neigh-
bors, but the people of the province in general, con-
vinced that I have ever sincerely aimed at their true
interest, ete.”
James Smith bought, in 1734, of the heirs of
Samuel Trescott, George Sumner, and others, several
tracts of land at Brush Hill, adjoining the Dorches-
ter Church lands, and built his house (the same now
occupied by J. M. Robbins), and made many expen-
Smith was a large capitalist of
Boston, at that time about forty-six years of age, and
had made great additions to his fortune by the busi-
ness of refining sugar. His sugar-house stood next
below Brattle Street Church, in Boston, and was the
building occupied by Dalrymple’s regiment in 1769
and 1770, known in history as Smith’s or Murray’s
barracks, whence Capt. Preston’s company proceeded
to State Street at the massacre of March 5th. He
lived at Brush Hill most of the time for thirty-five
years. His wife, who survived
him, was Miss Elizabeth Murray, a Scotch lady of
the Philiphaugh family in Selkirkshire. He died in
1769. Drake, in his “ History of Boston,” has the
following notice: “On the 3d of August, Mr. James
Smith died at his seat at Brush Hill, Milton, at the
sive 1mprovements.
He had no children.
_age of eighty-one; had been many years a sugar re-
large mass of his private letters and papers, which |
were sold by the finder to the State of Massachusetts
for fifty pounds, and now are bound in several large
folio volumes at the State-House (said to been dis-
covered by the purchaser of some feather beds, in
which they were concealed).
Governor Hutchinson was accused of grasping and
monopolizing public offices; but his nomination as
chief justice was made at the solicitation of most
of the prominent lawyers of the province, and his
judicial career was highly successful, as he had, it was
said, a remarkable power in clearly stating cases to
finer in Boston, and his remains were brought into
town and buried from the house of James Murray,
Esq., in Queen Street.” In the Boston Gazette of
Feb. 4, 1769, is the following: “ Last Thursday was
married at Brush Hill (seat of James Smith, Esq.),
in Milton, Rev. Jno. Forbes, of St. Augustine, to
Miss Dolly Murray, daughter of Hon. James Murray,
Ksq., of Boston.” Mr. Murray was the brother of
Mrs. Smith, and resided some thirty years in Caro-
lina as a planter, and was a member of the Council
of that province. In 1765, having lost his wife and
' several children, he moved to Boston with his two
the juries; and he actually refused, for some time,
the commission of Governor, on account of the ap-
proaching troubles, and finally yielded to the solici-
tations of the ministry, who kept the place vacant,
waiting his decision.
I have a letter written by him +
surviving daughters, afterwards Mrs. Forbes and Mrs.
KE. H. Robbins.
Mr. Smith gave his whole property to his
widow, who married Mr. Ralph Inman, of Cambridge,
in 1771, on which oceasion she gave her Milton prop-
Murray became executor to Smith’s
will.
erty to her two nieces.
Oxenbridge Thatcher, Jr., who has already been
alluded to, in speaking of his father, merits further
notice. Born at Milton in 1720, he graduated at
Harvard College in 1738, and studied law with Jere-
miah Gridley, attorney-general of the province ; estab-
a ee
MILTON.
741
lished himself at Boston, and rose to distinction in
his profession very soon. He was gentle in his man-
ners, but very eloquent.
and was one of the early movers in the Revolutionary
struggle, although his life ended before his views were
He soon enlisted in politics,
realized.
of Writs of Assistance, against the application of
which Otis and Thatcher were engaged in 1761, says, |
“Then and there was the first scene of the first act
of opposition to the arbitrary claims of Great Britain.
Then and there the child Independence was born.” |
Thatcher died of consumption, in 1765, at the early
age of forty-five years.
Samuel Swift, second son of Col. Samuel Swift,
of Milton, was born here in 1715; graduated at Cam-
bridge in 1735, and many years practiced law in
Boston. President Adams speaks of him often in
his diary. He says, in 1766, “‘ Spent the evening at
Sam. Adams’ very socially with brother Swift.”
Again, in 1812, in a letter to William Wirt, who was
writing the life of Patrick Henry, he says, “ Among
the illustrious men who were agents in the Revolu-
tion must be remembered the name of Samuel Swift.”
He died at Boston, in 1775, I believe unmarried.
Nathaniel Tucker, youngest son of Capt. Samuel
Tucker, of Scotch Woods, was born there in 1725,
and graduated at Harvard in 1744. He studied for
the ministry, and settled in New Jersey, where he
married, and very early died, in 1748. He had a
posthumous son, Nathaniel, born in 1748, who, with
his mother, came to Massachusetts not long after.
The widow became the wife of Samuel Davenport, of
this town, and the son married a Miss Dalton, of |
Boston, and was the father of Richard D. and
Nathaniel Tucker. He died here in 1776.
Seth Adams, the son of Edward Adams, Jr., was
born here in 1713; graduated at Harvard in 1753,
and died at his father’s house in 1736, aged twenty- |
three years.
Boston in 1716, was graduated at Harvard in 1735,
went to Nova Scotia before his father’s death, where
his relative, Jonathan Belcher, afterwards chief jus-
tice, was settled. He became colonel of militia, and
provost-marshal of Halifax, which office he held
twenty-two years. He died there in 1771.
Joseph Gooch, the only son of Col. Gooch, was
born in 1728, and graduated in 1747. After his
father’s death, Dr. Pierce says, he moved to Vermont,
where he devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and
died there in 1811, aged eighty-three.
Benjamin Pratt was born of humble parents, and
after attaining adult age, by an accident lost his leg,
Mr. Adams, in describing the great case —
which circumstance occasioned an entire change in
his career. He applied himself to study, entered col-
lege at an advanced standing, and graduated in 1737.
Robert Auchmuty, the eminent judge and admiralty
lawyer, befriended him, instructed him in his profes-
He
soon rose to eminence, and took the first rank in his
profession.
sion, and gave him his daughter in marriage.
He figured in law and politics about
John Adams, in
describing the court before whom was argued the
case of “ Writs of Assistance,” by Otis and Thatcher,
thus describes Pratt: ‘“ In a corner of the room must
twenty years in Massachusetts.
be placed wit, sense, imagination, genius, pathos,
reason, prudence, eloquence, learning, science, and
immense reading, hung by the shoulders on two
crutches, covered with a cloth great-coat, in the per-
son of Mr. Pratt.”
of New York, where his consummate ability secured
him the esteem of all parties. He died there in 1763,
aged fifty-four. In 1755 he purchased one hundred
and fifty acres of land at Milton Hill, and erected
the house recently taken down by Mr. Brooks. His
short and busy life left little time to enjoy his Milton
property. His only child, Isabella, married Samuel
Welles, of Boston, whose family held the property
some seventy years.
The latter half of the eighteenth century was a
He was nominated chief justice
very eventful era of Massachusetts history, and the
occurrences of that time essentially affected this town.
It embraced the Seven Years’ war, known with us as
the old French war, ending in the treaty of Paris in
1763. Then followed the long agitation preceding
the Revolution, which ended by the occurrence at
Lexington, the Fort Sumter of the Revolution.
Then the long and bloody struggle, which ended at
the treaty of Versailles in 1783, acknowledging the
national independence, followed by the period of ex-
haustion of five years, which preceded the adoption
_of the Constitution, when we finally took rank imthe
William Foye, Jr., son of Treasurer Foye, born at
great family of civilized nations. During this period
of thirty years the town added nothing to its material
wealth and very little to its population, the whole in-
There
crease not exceeding one hundred persons.
| were also other causes for the stationary condition of
the town.
ning held large tracts of unoccupied lands in the west-
ern counties of Worcester, Hampshire, and Berkshire,
made large grants to soldiers and to the heirs of those
fallen in the Indian and French wars, and also large
These regions were filled up by
The province, which had from the begin-
sales to speculators.
men from the eastern towns.
tion of the province showed a respectable increase,
A frightful draft was
The aggregate popula-
but not the eastern section.
742
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
made upon our population by the wars with the
French. Massachusetts was regarded by England as
a sort of Switzerland, where men were raised to fight
the battles of others. Levies of five or six thousand
soldiers upon a small population of two hundred |
thousand occurred every few years. Every one of
the old families of this town will find some of their |
members among the victims of these struggles.
When Governor Bernard called for a levy of six
thousand men to accompany Lord Howe to Ticon-
deroga in 1758, a country representative is reported
to have made this short speech: ‘“ Whenever an _
Englishman has his toe trodden on in France, Massa-
chusetts must send half a dozen regiments to Canada
to avenge the insult.
thing.” On the same occasion a committee of the
House reported: ‘“‘ The whole world knows the ben- _
efits derived to Great Britain from the loyalty of the
Colonies, and from the efforts of this Province in
particular, which, for more than a century past, has
been wading in blood and laden with the expenses of
repelling the common enemy, without which efforts
Great Britain at this day would have no Colonies to
defend.”
No coercion was requisite. More men
offered on this occasion than were called for, Maj. |
Stephen Miller and others of this town among the |
number. The expedition was so popular that the
province of Massachusetts erected a very costly mar-
ble monument in Westminster Abbey to Lord Howe, |
killed on the occasion. Massachusetts had also sent
troops to the Spanish Main with Admiral Vernon, in
1741, to capture the city of Carthagena, and also with |
the Karl of Albemarle to Cuba, to capture the city of
Havana, in 1762.
The French war ends, and the whole domination of |
The British
colonies have now a little time to attend to their own
France is swept from this continent.
concerns.
exhibited by the colonies in the recent struggle
showed that the child had attained adult age, and
might set up for himself. It was not altogether the
small stamp tax upon deeds and bills of exchange, nor
three pence a pound duty on tea, that occasioned the
discontent. There were deeper causes than these at
work, although they furnished our orators with fine
materials for agitation. A long list of grievances was
embodied in the famous Suffoik Resolutions, adopted
in a county convention holden at Milton, in the house
of Daniel Vose, Sept. 9, 1774, said to have been
drawn up by Dr. Joseph Warren.
I am heartily sick of this |
| in March, 1776.
enough are forthcoming, and the provincial treasurer
can furnish paper promises without stint. Joseph
Vose was chosen colonel of this district militia regi-
ment in November, 1774. On the 27th of May,
1775, after the affair at Lexington, Col. Vose collects,
in Milton and Dorchester, a posse of fifty or sixty
men, rushes down the harbor and burns the light-
house, destroying all the hay at Nantasket and on the
islands, much to the annoyance of Gen. Gage, who,
besides twelve regiments of soldiers, had some thou-
sands of horses to feed in the town, entirely sur-
rounded by provincial troops.
Col. Vose was soon appointed lieutenant-colonel in
the Twenty-fifth (Greaton’s) Regiment, employed in
the siege of Boston till the evacuation of the town
He was then ordered to Canada,
under Gen. Thomas, where the year was passed. In
the spring of 1777 his regiment joined Washington’s
army in New Jersey. Col. Vose returned home sick,
in charge of the surgeon’s mate, and after some weeks,
having entirely recovered, returned to the army, and
was promoted to cdlonel of the regiment.
Col. Vose served faithfully all the war, was present
at the siege of Yorktown and the surrender of Corn-
wallis, October, 1781, and in the corps of Lafayette,
who writes to Washington in commendation of Col.
After the peace he
returned home, exchanged the sword for the plow-
Vose’s services on this occasion.
share, and spent the long evening of his life upon his
native farm.
Col. Vose had three brothers in the army. His
younger brother, Elijah, attained the rank of lieu-
tenant-colonel, and served during the war with credit.
_ Moses and Bill were also employed in responsible sta-
Some few persons thought that the vigor |
tions. These gentlemen were all known to the elder
members of the present community. ;
The military spirit of Col. Vose has been revived
in the two succeeding generations of his family. Col.
Josiah H. Vose, his youngest son, entered the United
States army before the war of 1812, and after a credit-
able military career of thirty-four years, died in com-
mand of his regiment at New Orleans, in 1845, at the
age of sixty-one years. Edwin Vose Sumner, son of
Elisha and Nancy (Vose) Sumner, grandson of Col.
Joseph Vose, was a major-general during the late
rebellion ; was born in 1796, spent his early youth in
Milton, entered the army in 1819. He rendered bril-
_liant service as a cavalry officer in Mexico, and was
The affair of Lexington, in April, 1775, put an |
end to oratory, arguments, and resolutions. Action
,
is the word, and men and money are called for.
Men :
sent by government, in 1853-54, to visit all parts of
Europe to collect military knowledge.
Job Sumner, son of Seth Sumner, of Brush Hill,
was an undergraduate of Harvard College in 1775.
When the operations of the university were disturbed
MILTON.
743
by the presence of Washington’s army at Cambridge,
“he laid aside his books and procured a lieutenant’s
commission in Col. Bond’s regiment, and remained in
the army through the war. He had attained the
rank of major at the peace, and continued in the mili-
tary service of the general government until his death,
in 1794, which took place on board a packet-ship from
Charleston to New York, where he was buried with
much ceremony by the Freemasons, of which fra-
ternity he was a prominent member, and also of the
Cincinnati Society.
memory may be seen in Trinity churchyard, Broadway,
New York. He was grandfather of the late Senator
Sumner.
to military duty was less than two hundred, but the
full quota of men was furnished during the whole war, ©
and sometimes more.
Seventeen young men belonging to the town gradu-
ated at Harvard College during the last fifty years of |
They all became respectable |
the eighteenth century.
men, and some of them distinguished.
John Miller, son of Samuel Miller, Jr.,and Rebecca
(Minot) Miller, of Milton; born at Milton in 1733;
graduated at Harvard College in 1752;
minister of Brunswick, Me., 1762. He died on a
visit to Boston, Jan. 25, 1789, traveling for his
health.
Benjamin Wadsworth, son of Deacon Benjamin
A fine marble monument to his |
}
_ his death, in 1809.
of the Revolution, and filled the office of judge of
probate for Hampshire County many years, until
He was a member, from Milton,
of the convention which formed the Constitution of
Massachusetts in 1779 and 1780.
Edward Hutchinson Robbins, eldest son of Rev.
Nathaniel Robbins, was born at Milton, Feb. 19,
1758, where he passed his childhood. He was bene-
fited by the instructions of Dr. Jeremy Belknap, who
taught school at Milton two years after leaving col-
He was partially fitted for college by Dr. Lem-
uel Hayward, who also kept a grammar school some
time at Milton. He entered college in 1771, in his
lege.
_ fourteenth year, and finished his collegiate course re-
The whole number of persons in the town subject |
spectably in 1775, occupying a room with his towns-
man, Thomas Thatcher, afterwards minister of Ded-
ham, with whom he continued an intimacy until the
death of the latter in 1813. The last year of his
college life was somewhat interrupted by the affairs
at Lexington and Charlestown. After leaving col-
lege he kept school at Dorchester for a year. In 1776
_he entered the office of John Sprague, Esq., of Lan-
ordained |
caster, and commenced the study of the law. He re-
mained a year at Lancaster, and in 1777 removed to
Bridgewater, and continued his studies with Oakes
Angier, then a distinguished practitioner. Ih 1779
_ he was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice
Wadsworth, of Milton, was born in 1750. He gradu- |
ated at Harvard College in 1769, settled at Danvers
in 1772, died in 1826, aged seventy-six; was in the
ministry fifty-four years.
Hon. John Ruggles, of Milton.
His only daughter married |
William Sandford Hutchinson, son of Governor |
T. Hutchinson, was born at Milton, June 30, 1752.
He graduated at Harvard Coliege in 1770, and died
at Brompton, in England, Feb. 26, 1780, aged twenty-
seven and a half years.
Josiah Badcock, son of Nathan Badcock, was born
at Milton in 1752; graduated at Harvard in 1772;
settled at Andover, N. H.; ordination in 1783; ser-
mon by Rev. B. Wadsworth. Died in 1851. He re-
tired from the desk twenty years before his death, and
lived quietly on his farm.
Samuel Henshaw, son of Samuel, Jr.,and Waitstill
Henshaw, was born at Milton in 1754; graduated at
Harvard College, 1773 ; married Sarah, daughter of
Nathaniel Swift, 1777.
he subsequently married a daughter of the Rev. John
Hunt, of the Old South Church. Mr.
studied for the ministry at first, but relinquished that
calling, and removed to Northampton about the close
His wife died in 1781, and |
Henshaw |
at Milton.
sent his native town in the convention which formed
the He was the
youngest member of this body, which contained
nearly all the prominent men of the State, many of
He was the same year elected to repre-
Constitution of Massachusetts.
whom were his friends through much of his after-
life. He continued the practice of law at Milton till
1785, during four years of which time he represented
the town in the Legislature. He enjoyed the confi-
dence of the community, and his professional business
increased so much that he removed his office to Bos-
ton, where all the courts of law for this sectionwere
then held. In November, 1785, he married Miss
Elizabeth Murray, who had been a resident of Milton
for some years previously, and purchased the Gooe
estate at Milton Hill, where he resided nearly twenty
years, till he removed to Brush Hill in 1805, which
became his residence for the remainder of his life.
His habits were active, and he began to weary of the
confinement of professional life, and soon employed
himself much with other pursuits. He was among
the early purchasers of the commonwealth’s lands in
Maine, and was much occupied in settling and im-
proving the lands, a subject of great interest to him
all his life. In 1792 he was again chosen to rep-
resent the town of Milton in the Legislature, and
744
continued to be re-elected ten years in succession, in
nine of which he occupied the Speaker’s chair. How
well he performed the duties and sustained the honor
of that station is too well known to need any mention.
His extraordinary exercise of memory and promptness
in recollecting the persons and character of the mem-
bers in the duties of appointment, his knowledge of
parliamentary rules, and the local interests of the
commonwealth, became proverbial, and were a great
facility to the public business. During this period
much of his time was employed in other public
He was one of the commissioners for build-
In 1796
duties.
ing the State-House, also the State prison.
he was elected by the House to the United States |
Senate, but the county of Essex urged the necessity
of a practical merchant for the place, and the Senate
made choice of Mr. Goodhue, a merchant of Salem,
whereupon Mr. Robbins at once withdrew his name.
In 1802 he was induced to accept the nomination of |
Governor
whom he had been much acquainted before.
Lieutenant-Governor with
He
continued to fill the duties of
this office till 1807, when the Democratie party
came into power.
was elected,’ and
He was frequently employed in
the service of the State in responsible places, such as
mewber of the Board of War in 1812, commissioner
for treating with the Eastern Indians, and for the
management of Hastern lands, and filled the place of
judge of probate for Norfolk County some seventeen
or eighteen years. He never sought public office,
and never occupied any place of profit, but was often
selected for places requiring judgment and integrity
by the appointing power.
property, and faithfully executed many responsible
trusts, but left no wealth behind. He belonged to
the Federal school in politics, but was no zealous
partisan ; firm in opinion, prudent in action, endowed
with strong love of the human race, never weary of
Strong, with |
| ren.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Rufus Badcock, son of George and Ruth Bad-
cock, born at Milton in 1755; graduated at Harvard
College in 1775. His death occurred in a Southern
State, where he was employed in teaching, in 1793.
Thomas Thatcher, son of Oxenbridge Thatcher,
was born at Milton in 1757, and graduated at Cam-
bridge in 1775. He was settled at West Dedham,
and died in 1813, aged fifty-six. He was an eccentric
man, of studious habits, unmarried, lived a retired
life within his own parish, and was somewhat occu-
pied in teaching. He was a member of the State
convention to discuss the United States Constitution.
He and his colleague, Fisher Ames, represented Ded-
ham. ‘This instrument, now regarded as the sheet-
anchor of our liberties, balanced in a state of uncer-
tainty in the convention many weeks, and finally, in a
House of three hundred and fifty-five, was adopted by
the small majority of nineteen votes only.
Jesse Tucker, son of Jeremiah Tucker and his wife
Mary (Wadsworth) Tucker, was born at Milton in
1758; graduated at Harvard College, 1778, and
studied medicine with his kinsman, Dr. John War-
He served with Capt. Manly as a surgeon in a
public armed ship, was attacked by fever on the cruise,
_and put on shore at Newfoundland, where he died in
_ December, 1779.
He inherited a competent —
serving others, and rather negligent of his own in- |
terests. Greatly esteemed by a very wide circle of
friends, his opinion was much sought for and valued,
and was always at the command of every one. His
fine colloquial powers and social disposition rendered |
his society very attractive. He was the zealous friend |
of religion and education, long a member of the Mil-
ton Church and of various associations for the dif-
fusion of gospel truths. ‘To his personal efforts was
mainly due the establishment of the academy in his
native town. In his domestic relations the cheerful
kindness of his nature was especially conspicuous.
His death, which occurred Dee. 29, 1829, at the age
of seventy-two, was greatly lamented by his friends
and neighbors.
Jeremiah 8. Boies, son of Capt. James Boies, of
Milton, born in 1762; graduated at Harvard College,
1783; was occupied in his father’s business of paper-
making ; married Miss Hannah Clark in 1785. His
father died in 1798, aged ninety-six, and bequeathed
a handsome estate to his son. Mr. Boies became one
of the earliest cotton manufacturers of Massachusetts,
having originated the company at Dorchester, which
_ successfully conducted this business for more than
| forty years.
Mr. Boies died at Boston in 1851, aged
eighty-nine years.
Nathaniel Johnson Robbins, second son of Rev.
Nathaniel Robbins, was born at Milton in 1766, and
graduated at Harvard College in 1784. He occupied
his short life in commercial pursuits, traveling much
abroad, and died at Milton in 1799, aged thirty-three,
from the effects of a liver disease contracted in the
British West Indies.
person, and left a lasting impression upon the memory
He was an agreeable, social
of many of his contemporaries, some of whom sur-
vived him forty or fifty years.
John Murray Forbes was the son of Rev. John
Forbes, a Scotch clergyman, who was stationed at St.
Augustine while the colony of Florida was in pos-
Mr. Forbes, the
father, was married at Milton in 1769, to Miss
Dorothy Murray, the daughter of James Murray,
session of the British government.
MILTON.
745
Esq. J. Murray Forbes was born at St. Augustine, —
and came to Milton with his mother in 1773 ; was
fitted for college by Dr. Samuel Kendall, of Weston ;
graduated in 1787 in the class with John Q. Adams |
and James Lloyd; studied law with John Sprague, |
of Lancaster, and Pliny Merrick, of Brookfield, and
began his professional career at Northfield in 1791.
Afterwards he moved to Boston, and, associated with
C. P. Phelps, practiced law in 1794-95. He was
employed to go to France on business in 1796, and —
spent most of his life abroad ; received the appoint- |
ment of consul to Hamburg, 1801; chargé d’affaires
at Copenhagen, 1810; minister to Buenos Ayres,
1820, and remained there till his death, in 1831. He
died unmarried.
He was a gentleman of fine quali- |
ties, and his protracted residence in foreign countries
was held a great privation by numerous friends at |
home.
Solomon Vose, son of Col. Joseph Vose, was born |
at Milton in 1768, and graduated at Harvard College |
in 1787; studied law with Hon. Levi Lincoln, of
Worcester, and commenced practice at Northfield, —
Franklin Co., which town he frequently represented —
in the State Legislature, and in 1805 he removed to
Augusta, Me., where he died, much respected, in >
1809. |
Roger Vose, son of Robert Vose, of Milton, born |
in 1763, and graduated at Harvard College; studied |
law, and settled at Walpole, N. H., where he was in |
practice many years. He served two terms as member —
of Congress from that district. His death occurred |
in 1841, when seventy-eight years of age.
Charles Pinckney Sumner, son of Job Sumner, —
was born at Milton in 1776; graduated at Harvard in
1796; studied law, and practiced his profession in
He served fifteen or twenty
years as sheriff of the county of Suffolk, and died in
Boston many years.
1839, aged sixty-three. He delivered an eulogy upon
the death of Washington, at Milton, Feb. 22, 1800, |
which was published by the town.
Her records are filled with the noble sentiments of her
citizens, ever fired with the most patriotic ardor ; ever
ready to show their faith by their works, and to let
their light shine before men. ‘They were pioneers in
the cause of freedom. Other communities might hesi-
tate, the men of Milton never !
Turning to history’s page, we find that upon Oct.
25, 1760, began the reign of George the Third.
‘‘ He was narrow-minded, self-willed, jealous of his
royal prerogative, and envious of others’ greatness,
resenting all difference from his wishes on any public
measure as a personal offense against the King.”
June 9, 1756, war was declared against England
by Louis XV.
the Seven Years’ war, and known on this continent
as the French and Indian war, ended Feb. 10, 1763.
March 10, 1764, Grenville, then Secretary of State,
proposed to pay a portion of the expenses of the war
then closed by taxation of the American colonies.
March 22, 1765, the Stamp Act was passed, im-
posing duties on all newspapers, every law paper, all
This war, called in European history
ships’ papers, property transfers, college diplomas, and
marriage licenses.
October 24th of that year (1765) our forefathers
assembled, and the following record of their doings
on that day, we think, needs no further explanation :
“At a Town Meeting legally warned and heid at
Milton on thursday the 24" day of October 1765.
1* William Tucker Esq was chosen Moderator. 2" ‘ly,
the question was put whether the Town would instruct
their present Representative respecting the Stamp
Act, and it past in the affirmative. Voted: to choose
a Committee to draw up instructions, Accordingly,
Doct Sam! Gardner Dea Benjamin Wadsworth, and
Lieut Jazaniah Tucker, were chosen, who withdrew
and after a short time returned with the following
Instructions, which the Town Unanimously Accepted,
and voted that they be recorded in the Towns book,
and an Attested Copy thereof be by the Town Clerk
delivered to Stephen Miller Esq. our present Repre-
sentative.”
“Tnstructions by the Freeholders and other Inhab-
_itants of the Town of Milton, to Stephen Miller Esq.
OH AP THR DXSt PE.
MILTON—( Continued).
WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.
BY H. B. MARTIN.
Few are the towns in which can be gleaned more
interesting history in regard to matters relating to the
Revolutionary period than in the town of Milton.
‘their present Representative.”
“Sir: Being sensibly affected with the calamitous circum-
| stances to which this Country must be soon reduced by the exe-
cution of the Stamp Act unless by some means relieved: we
think proper in the present distressed conjunction of affairs to
give you the following Instructions,
{st That you promote and readily join in representing our
Grievances to the King and Parliament in a suitable manner,
and if Redress may be easily obtained it will be most accept-
able to us; yet as the distress threatened must (if not pre-
vented,) bring Slavery and Ruin, we expect you to promote and
746
join in any measures which may Relieve us, be the expense or
consequences what it will.
justice of a tax where we are not Represented, the sum that
even the Distributors of the Stamps would have for their
trouble, according to the best calculation that has been made,
would be insupportable for us to pay in addition to our Annual
Expenses and the great Debis that we have contracted in the
for if we had no dispute as to the |
| law directs;
last War.—Now if we had been Represented in Parliament or |
could have even been heard by our Agent, we can’t suppose that
such an Immoderate Tax would have been laid on us, if it had
been just to lay any: but if British Subjects in America are
liable to be taxed otherwise than by their own Representatives, |
and may not be allowed Trial by their own Peers, which by
this Act we understand is the ease, they are as Distant from the
Liberty of Englishmen as are the Slaves in Turkey.
«ondly, That you discountenance as far as lies in your power,
the late horrible outrages that have been committed in the town
of Boston, and that you use your utmost endeavors that the |
Offenders may be found out and brought to justice, and that
restitution may be made by them and their Accomplices, if they
have Estates sufficient, to the persons who have suffered by them.
and we could wish that persons who desire to conceal such Of-
fenders were obliged to make satisfaction in their stead, and if
there are not Laws already Sufficient for Restraining such Dis-
orderly persons we desire that you use your endeavors that
Laws be made Sufficient for that purpose, so that all his |
agreement, Oct. 17, 1769, that no goods should be
sent from here till the revenue acts be repealed.
Majesties Subjects in this Province, may have their Lives and
properties secured, if they may be thought worth securing after
the Stamp Act takes place.
“3rdly, We expect that you Enquire by what Authority or
whose advice it was that the Public money was appropriated
for Raising Soldiers, without the consent and in absence of the
General Court.”
29
eo“,
1765, the
Stamp Act was passed; the courts were closed; in
As has already been stated, March
the town of Boston outrages and riots were insti- —
gated ; sworn officials were subjected to great indig-
nities, insulted in every way possible (some tarred
and feathered, and hung in effigy); the mob sacked
and destroyed private houses and pillaged them.
But the people of Milton were a law-abiding people,
and, although they felt as deeply and keenly the
wrongs and insults of Britain, they discountenanced | , : : :
every measure for their country’s welfare,
all such disgraceful acts as these.
And so when in town-meeting assembled, on Oct.
29
22, 1766, their doings on that day amply testify to
the high tone of the Milton of that period, and is a
reminder to the people of to-day that a true man is
ever considerate of others’ welfare,—and if we had no
other record, the one simple case here cited would
stamp the men of Milton of 1766 as nature’s noble- |
men, a title of far more worth than any ever bestowed
by George III.
The record is as follows :
“Ata Town Meeting legally warned and held at Milton, on
Wednesday October 2224 1766.
“1st Dea Benjamin Wadsworth was chosen Moderator.
“2nily, The question was put whether the Town would give
their Representative any Instructions, and it past in the
Affirmative.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“ 3rdjy, Voted to give him the following Instructions.
“Milton Oct 2224 1766., At a meeting of the Freeholders,
and other Inhabitants of the Town of Milton, qualified as the
Voted: Whereas the Inhabitants of this Town
have taken under consideration the clause in the warrant, re-
specting the sufferers in the Month of August 1765, in the
Town of Boston.
“With the utmost Abhorance of any such Unjustifyable
Proceedings by persons unknown, committed on the property of
divers of our fellow subjects, a loss too much for any Individ-
uals to bear in Civil Society, and it not being in their power to
prevent ;—In Dutyfull respect to his Majesties Request, in
Humanity and Generosity towards those Gentlemen who have
suffered, that on the Application of such Sufferers to the Gen-
eral Assembly in a parliamentary way, the Representative of
| this town be directed in his best discretion to use his Influence
that such Losses be made up and paid out of the Public Treas-
ury, and that those persons who were Aiding and Assisting in
Destroying the Property of Individuals in the Town of Boston,
in the year 1765, Contrary to Law and Equity, should be
brought to Justice, and Suffer accordingly.”
August, 1768, the merchants and traders of Boston
entered into an agreement not to import goods from
Great Britain after Jan. 1, 1770, and made a further
Consequently exports from England fell off to such
an extent that English merchants were seriously in-
jured. Lord North, perceiving this, proposed the
removal of duties from all articles except tea.
Oct. 4, 1769, a town-meeting was held in Boston,
when was promulgated that noted document prepared
by Samuel Adams, entitled an ‘‘ Appeal to the World,”
wherein he says, ‘‘ We should yet be glad that the
ancient and happy union between Great Britain and
this country might be restored, but our rights are in-
vaded, and until the Revenue Acts are A// repealed,
the cause of our just complaints cannot be removed.”
March 12, 1770, in town-meeting assembled, the
citizens of Milton, ever ready to uphold and sustain
“Voted: that the Thanks of this Town be given to the Mer-
chants and Gentlemen of the Town of Boston, who have
exerted themselves in so Spirited a manner for the Preserva-
tion of the Liberties of America ;—That this Town will Exert
their Utmost Endeavor to Support those Gentlemen while exer-
cising their feeble efforts, (so called by their Enemies) to Pre-
serve the Liberties of this Province; That this Town will never
Purchase of; or have any Communication with, those persons
that Import goods contrary to the Agreement of Merchants of
the Town of Boston, until they have given full Satisfaction to
those merchants and gentlemen that they have treated with so
much Indignity; That this Town will prevent, (to the utmost
of their power) the use of India Tea, Discountenancing its use
in any one (except where it may be thought necessary for
Health,) until the Revenue Acts, so much and so justly com-
plained of shall be Repealed.”
1772. Parliament having enacted laws of such a
sumptuary and arbitrary character, so repugnant to
MILTON.
TAT
the people of the province, and contrary not only to
the charter, but to the fundamental principles of
common law, among which was one making the sala-
ries of the Governor and the judges to depend upon |
a royal stipend, the inhabitants of the town of Bos-
ton held a town-meeting in the fall of that year
(1772), and after passing resolves respecting the
grievances under which they suffered, the patriot
leader, Sam. Adams, stood up and made that cele-
brated motion which it was said “ gave visible shape
to the American revolution.”
The record says,—
“Tt was then moved by Mr. Samuel Adams that a Committee
of Correspondence be appointed to state the rights of the Colo- | which should always subsist between the three branches of the
nists, and of this province in particular, as men and Christians,
and as subjects; and to communicate and publish the same to
the several towns, and to the world, as the sense of this town,
with the infringements and violations thereof that have been
made.”
The motion passed by a nearly unanimous vote; a
committee was appointed; the work to be done was
divided between them; Adams was appointed to pre-
pare a statement of the rights of the colonists; War-
ren, of the several violations of those rights; and
Church was to draft a letter to the other towns.
Nov. 20, 1772, the committee, at a legal meeting
“The state-
ment of rights, and of grievances, and the letter to
in Faneuil Hall, presented their report.
the towns, were masterly presentations of the cause.”
Committees of Correspondence were everywhere es- |
tablished. How the town of Milton upheld Samuel
Adams and his noble confreries of the town of Boston
the following records amply testify :
‘“* At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabit-
ants of the town of Milton, on Monday, the 4th day
of January, 1773: 1st, the town made choice of
Capt. Lemuel Bent for their moderator; 2dly, voted,
to adjourn the meeting to Friday, the 8th instant.
“ Atatown-meeting in Milton, upon adjournment on
Friday, the 8th day of January, 1773, voted, to choose ©
a committee of five men to draw up instructions to
give their representative; accordingly, Mr. John
Adams, Col. William Taylor, Dr. Samuel Gardner,
Capt. David Rawson, and Mr. Daniel Vose were
chosen for said purpose.
“Voted, to adjourn said meeting to Thursday, the 14th in-
stant, to hear the report of said committee.
“ At a town-meeting in Milton, upon adjournment
from Friday, the 8th day of January, 1773, to Thurs-
day, the 14th instant, the committee chosen on the
8th instant to draw up instructions to their representa-
tive report as follows, viz.:
“To Mr. JostAn How, REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE TOWN OF
Mitton.
“Sir: We have heard read the Letter of Correspondence from
the Town of Boston, with their proceedings, and find many
Grievances there justly complained of; too many to be enu-
merated here; but recommend that Pamphlet to your perusal.
“ Whoever seriously considers the conduct of Administration,
both at home and here, can hardly Entertain a Doubt, that a
plan is formed to subvert this Constitution: First, the British
Parliament making an act to raise a Revenue without the con-
sent of the people by themselves or their Representatives, is a
Grievance of the first magnitude.
“Again: the great difference made between the trial of Sub-
jects here and at home, in the ‘ Act for securing his Majesties
dock yards, and other Naval stores,’ is a very great Grievance.
“ Again: the Crowns making the Governor, Independent of
the people, has a natural tendency to Destroy that Harmony,
Legislature in a free state.
“Again: the making the Judges of the Superior Court, De-
| pendent on the Crown, and independent of the people whose
lives and fortunes are so much in their power, is a great griev-
ance, naturally tending to subvert justice between the King
and Subject.
“Sir: We Recommend to you that the Judges of the Superior
Court have Salaries adequate to their merit and station, and
that they be made as Independent as possible of the Crown and
the people ; and furthermore we recommend and Enjoin you, to
use your Interest and Influence in the House of Representatives
as far as is consistent with the Rights of this people, to Petition
his Majesty, &c. to remove all Grievances we labor under, and in
the mean time in all our Difficulties and distresses, we depend
upon your steadiness, prudence and Firmness: and that you
give not up one jot or tittle of our Rights, but dispute every
| Inch of ground with the Enemies of our Liberties and Free-
dom.
« Mitron Jan 14th 1773.
‘“By order of the Committee, Jonn Adams, Chairman.”
“The question was put whether the town will accept
this report as instructions to their representative, and
it passed in the affirmative.
“Voted: That the Selectmen be a Committee to answer the
letter of Correspondence from the Committee of the Town of
Boston.
“Voted: That the proceedings of the foregoing meetings be
recorded in the Town Bovuk.
“Recorded Pr AmMArtan Buake, Town Clerk.”
We now come to the year 1774; every peaceable
method known or thought of had been tried to induce
Great Britain to give the colonies their just rights;
their love for the mother-country was still warm in
their breasts; they hated the thought of separation ;
the glory of Britain was their glory, but they could
not, would not, be her abject slaves. Still in their
hearts lingered a remembrance of the Britain of the
olden time, and a hope that justice might yet be done.
And so the people of Milton once more met, resolved
once again to try and obtain relief for the wrongs
under which they suffered ; once more in a lawful way
to state their grievances and to scek redress ; peacea-
748
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
bly if possible, but with a determination redress to | for this town to come into respecting the situation of
have, cost what it might.
And here is the record of their doings; a record
which needs not the encomium of any man, for it is a
record the masterly drawing of which it may truth-
fully be said that it may have been equaled, but never
was excelled.
The reader will bear in mind that this Declaration |
of Independence promulgated by the men of Milton
was drawn up in July, 1774, two years before that
celebrated Declaration of the American Congress at |
Philadelphia, and two months previous to the passage
of the famous “ Suffolk Resolves,” clearly showing, as
was before stated, that in freedom’s cause the men of
Milton were pioneers.
“At a town-meeting legally warned and held in
Milton on the 27th day of June, 1774.
“ Mr, Ebenezer Tucker was chosen moderator.
“Voted: To choose a Committee of five persons to consider
and determine upon some proper measures for this Town to come
into respecting the situation of public affairs, and that said Com-
mittee be enjoined to set forthwith, and report as soon as may
be.
“Voted: That said Committee be chosen by a written Vote:
accordingly Capt David Rawson, Mr Ralph Houghton, Ama-
riah Blake, Mr Oliver Vose, and Dea Joseph Clap were chosen
as said Committee.
“Voted: That Mr Samuel Henshaw Jr. and Dr Gardner, be
added to the above Committee.”
‘A paper was read wherein the late General Court
recommend to this town to raise, collect, and pay to
the Hon. Thomas Cushing, of Boston, the sum of £1
18s. 10d. as their proportion of the sum of five hun-
dred pounds, according to the last province tax, to
enable the committee for this province—who are to
meet the committees from the other colonies to delib- |
erate and determine upon proper measures to be by
them recommended to the colonies for the recovery
and establishment of their just rights and liberties,
and the restoration of union and harmony between
portant trust to which they are appointed.
“Voted: To raise the sum of £.3-0-0 by Contribution on the
expected approaching Fast day for the above purpose.”
After transacting various other business relating
solely to town affairs, it was
“Voted: That this meeting be adjourned to the 25th day of
July next.”
“At a town-meeting held by adjournment from the
27th day of June, 1774, to the 25th of the next
July.
‘* The committee appointed at the last town-meeting
to consider and determine upon some proper measures |
public affairs, reported as follows, viz. :
“We the Inhabitants of Milton, acknowledge George the
Third to be our rightful Monarch; we feelingly Declare our-
selves to be his true and loyal Subjects, and next to the Horrors
of Slavery, we detest the thought of being separated from our
Parent State: we have been wont to glory in our connexions
with our Mother Country; our Hearts have been ever warm
with filial affection, and we are ready and willing on all proper
occasions to spend our Blood and Treasure in defence of his
Majesties Crown and Dignity :—and we are Equally ready and
willing to spend our ALL, in Defending our own religious and
civil Liberties when invaded by any human Power ;
“ We have been taught from our Mothers breasts, that our
Freedom is a Jewell of Inestimable Value; that ‘one day, one
hour, of Virtuous Liberty, is worth a whole Eternity of Bond-
age ;’ that Free Government supposes that the conduct of affairs
| may be enquired into, and spoken of with Freedom; that op-
position in a loyal Regular way to measures which a person
thinks wrong, cannot but be allowed ina free Government, for
it is in itself Just, and also keeps up the spirit of Liberty,—
“Accordingly we claim a right, especially in times of Public
Trial, freely to speak against and Zealously to oppose any
Measures, by whomsoever adopted, which are aimed at the De-
struction of our Constitutional Liberties; which alter our good
and ancient Usages, and which are designed to make us Slaves,
for such measures are base and wicked, and ought to be re-
sisted.
“The Destruction of a free Constitution of Government though
men see or fancy many defects in it, (whatever they design or
pretend,) ought not to be thought of without horror, for the de-
sign is in itself unjust, since it is romantic to suppose it legal :
it cannot be prosecuted without the most wicked means, nor ac-
complished but with the present ruin of Liberty, religious as
well as civil, and whoever will thoroughly consider in what de-
gree mankind are really influenced by reason, and in what de-
gree by custom, may be convinced that the state of human
affairs does not even admit an equivalent for the mischief of
setting things afloat, and the dangers of parting with those Se-
| curities of Liberty which arise from regulation of long prescrip-
tion and ancient usage,
** But in defiance of the Laws of God and society: in direct
Violation of Sacred Compact, the British Parliament have as-
sumed a power to alter and destroy our free Constitution of
Civil Government, and to introduce any species of oppression
| whatever.
“Now that such pretended Omnipotency ought to be opposed,
: eis ° : | when assumed by any set of men, unless they have infinite Wis-
Great Britain and the colonies—to discharge the im- | zi Oe eae : ee
dom to direct, and infinite Goodness to stimulate them to a
righteous conduct is a dictate of common-sense, and whether
these are predicable of the present British Parliament let God’s
intelligent creation judge !—And being clearly of opinion that
to withstand such Assumed Power, and to oppose in a regular
way the Oppressive measures which are carrying into execution
by such Power, is a Duty we owe to God, to ourselves, and to
unborn millions ;—
“We therefore RESOLVE, that we will unite with our
3rethren, ‘The Sons of Freedom in America,’ in any proper
measures that may be adopted to defeat the late cruel and op-
pressive Acts of the British Parliament respecting America, and
this Distressed Province in particular: to extirpate the idea of
Tyranizing which is so fondly fostered in the bosoms of those
in power, and to secure to ourselves and to Posterity our inval-
uable Rights and Priviledges,
“A Non-Consumption Agreement, we think the most rational,
MILTON. 749
as it is the most Peaceful, but as Committees from the several |
Colonies on this Continent are soon to meet and ‘ to deliberate
and determine upon some wise and proper measures for the re-
covery and Establishment’ of American Liberties; and as we
doubt not but the Wisdom of America will fix upon such right- |
eous measures as will Eventually prove not only the Salvation |
of this Extensive Continent, but also the Permanent Dignity of ©
Great Britain,
“We therefore RESOLVE, to commit our cause under God,
to them, and to adopt such Righteous measures as shall be by
them recommended to the Colonies as necessary to regain and |
secure our free Constitution of Government.
“‘We wish them a seasonable and joyful meeting, and an
happy union of sentiment: and may God Almighty direct and
protect them.
“We return our sincere thanks to the Town of Boston for
their indefatigable and noble Exertions in the cause of Free-
dom : and beg them still to watch upon the walls of our Jeru- |
salem, and not to be weary in well doing.
“Miron 25. July, 1774.
“Davin Rawson, RatpH Hoventon, AMARIAH BLAKE,
Oxiver Vose, JosepH CLAP, SaAmveL HensHaw Jr, SAML.
GARDNER, Committee.
“Voted: That said Report be read paragraph by paragraph,
and the accepting or not accepting each paragraph to be put to
vote separate; accordingly said report was read, and each and
every paragraph was accepted.
“Voted: That Capt David Rawson, Col William Taylor, Dr
Samuel Gardner, Amariah Blake, and Mr Ralph Houghton, bea
Committee to correspond with the Committees of Correspond-
ence in the Towns through this Province and through America,
as Occasion may require.
“Voted, That the Committee send a letter to the Committee
of Correspondence for Boston, thanking them for their Public
spirit, and noble Zeal for the weal of America.
“Voted, That the Town Clerk send an attested copy of the
transactions of this Town respecting Public affairs to the Com-
mittee of Correspondence for Boston.”
With this record the space in this work allotted to
Milton is full, which we regret, as the next record in
chronological order would be an account of the pas-
sage of the famous “ Suffolk Resolves.”
These resolves, drawn up and presented by Gen.
Joseph Warren, were read several times, and unani-
mously adopted, paragraph by paragraph, at a con-
vention of delegates of every town and district in the
county of Suffolk (embracing at that time the terri-
tory now known as the county of Norfolk), held at
the house of Mr. Daniel Vose, in Milton, on Sept. 9,
1774. They were forwarded to the Continental Con-
gress then in session at Philadelphia, upon receipt of
which, Sept. 18, 1774, they were then read, creating
the wildest enthusiasm. (For copy of these resolves,
see Frothingham’s “‘ Life of Warren.) Many other
items of interest relating to Milton in the Revolu-
tionary era could be adduced did space allow.
_years before, in 1662.
CHAPTER LXIYV.
MILTON—( Continued).
Ecclesiastical History—The First Congregational Society—The
First Evangelical Society—The Second Evangelical Society
—Lower Mills Baptist Church.
The First Congregational Society.'"—Two hun-
_dred years ago, on April 24, 1678, this church was
formed. The town had been incorporated sixteen
Two years after (1664),
Robert Vose had deeded “ eight acres of land for a
_meeting-house and other ministerial purposes, to
eighteen trustees, probably every church member or
freeman in the town,” and eight years later (1672) a
meeting-house had been built, during the incumbency
of Rey. Thomas Mighill, of Rowley, whose eight
years of service closed here in 1677, and he settled
That early church build-
ing,” of which no known trace remains, stood not far
from here, near where Mr. William P. Blanchard
now resides, corner of Centre Street and Vose’s Lane.
permanently at Scituate.
2
Previously to its erection, religious services had been
held in the eastern part of the town, under the con-
duct of Rey. Joseph Emerson.
the currency worse than it is to-day, and poor Mr.
Emerson, not “ passing rich”’ on fifty-three pounds—
or one hundred and seventy-five dollars
The times were hard,
a year,
_ 1Condensed from an able address delivered by Rey. Frederick
Frothingham, Sunday, April 28, 1878.
2 That this was not the first meeting-house erected in Milton
appears from the following extract from the old town records:
“At a town meeting the last day of September 1670 it was
agreed by the towne vote that ther should be a convenient
meeting-house for the townes use built neare about Goodman
Vose his loked barre, & also that the old meeting house should
be repaired to meet in this Winter and Seargeant W™. Blake,
Seargeant Rob’. Badcock, Seargeant Sam. Wadsworth, Thom
Swift, Antony Golliford and Robert Tucker was chosen by the
towne to see the old house repaired as soon as they can and tu
geat the new one built in one yeers time if they can.”
The following votes show how the cost of the new meeting-
house was provided for: ‘‘ Upon a training-day the 224 of Oct.
1670 it was agreed by a vote of the Train Band and several
other that were present that 6 acres of the Town Land should
be Cleared of the Tim and wood to By nails & Glass for the
new meeting-house.”
The meeting-house was to be paid for by the proceeds of
the wood from the above six acres. The town levied a rate of
(fifty pounds) £50 towards the erection of the building. Each
man could pay his share of that rate by cutting and hauling a
portion of the wood to the town landing. Laid on the town
landing it was reckoned at one shilling and three pencea cord!
On Jan. 10, 1670/1, the town voted that if the 6 acres wood
do not suffice to pay for the meeting-house, so much more shall
be allowed out of the land “as will pay all the Rats for that
building.”
750
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
which his people were too poor to raise, “ made shift
to live without embarrassment” by being “ passed
about from one parishioner to another,”
his marriage, difficulties arose, and, called to Mendon,
he left the town in 1669. Not until the 24th of
. > - : ae 7 fe
April, 1678, was a church organized. The ‘“ princi-
pal inhabitants were members of the Dorchester or
Braintree Churches.” But on that day, solemn ser-
vices being held in the meeting-house at Dorchester,
Governor Leverett being present, but the rain and
snow keeping away many of the magistrates, “ by the
assistance of the elders and delegates from the churches |
of Boston, Weymouth, Braintree, and Dedham,” this
church was formed. ‘Twelve men “ of y* Brethren of
Milton w" y® chh was Gathered,” of whom five were |
members of the Dorchester Church, one of the Second
Church, Boston, one of the Weymouth Church, and |
five “admitted to covenant” at that time, joined
themselves together there and united in the following |
covenant:
“ We whose names are subscribed, being called of God to Joine
until, after |
ourselves together in Chh communion, from our hearts acknowl- |
edging our owne unworthynesse, of such a priviledge, or of y®
Least of god’s mercys, & likewise acknowledging our owne dis-
ability, to keep Covenant, with God, or to performe any spirit-
uall duty, w° hee calleth us unto, unlesse, y° Lord Jesus doe in-
able, thereunto, by his spirit dwelling in us. Doe, In y® name
of Christ Jesus our Lord, & in trust & confidence of his free
grace assisting us: Freely Covenant & bind our selues, solemnly,
in y® presence of God hims. his holy Angells, & all his servants
here present, y* wee will by his Grace assisting, Indeavour con-
stantly to. walk together as a right ordered, Congregation of
Christ, according to all y® holy rules of a Church body: rightly
Established, so farre as wee doe already know it to be our duty ;
Or shall further vnderstand it out of gods holy word: Promising
first & aboue all, to give up ourselues & our ofspring unto y®
Lord, God father son, & Holy-Ghost, y® only true and liueing
God, & to Cleave unto him as our cheife & only Good, and unto
| help us) to keep it forever, & where wee shall faile, y& to waite
upon our Lord Jesus, for healing & pardon for his Names
sake.”
The names to this covenant are Anthony Newton,
member of Dorchester Church; Robert Tucker,
member of Weymouth Church; William Blacke,
member of Dorchester Church ; Thomas Swift, mem-
ber of Dorchester Church ; George Sumner, member
of Dorchester Church ; Thomas Holman, admitted by
covenant; Ebenezer Clap, member of Dorchester
Church ; Edward Blacke, member of Second Church,
Boston ; George Lion, admitted by covenant ; James
Tucker, admitted by covenant; Ephraim Tucker,
admitted by covenant; Manassah Tucker, admitted
by covenant.
For about two years they gathered around Rev.
Samuel Mann, of Wrentham, driven thence by the
Indian war, and afterwards returning to his people.
Then came their own first minister, ‘ the never-to-be-
forgotten” Peter Thacher, of whom, fifty years later,
Cotton Mather says, “The precious flock at Milton
obtained this gift of our ascended Saviour.” Six-
and-forty years, from 1681 to 1727, he labored here,
and “made his flight’ hence to “the comfortable
_ chambers’ of God’s “house of many mansions” in his
our Lord Jesus Christ as our only Saviour, our Prophit, Preist |
& King, our spirituall head & Husband; & for y* furthering of |
us to Keep y* blessed Communion with God & his son Jesus |
Christ, & to grow up more fully herein, wee doe likewise prom-
ise, by his Grace Assisting us to Endeavour ye Establishing,
Be, My
amongst ourselues of all his holy Ordinances, we hee hath ap-
pointed for his Chh here on Earth, & to Observe all & Every of
y™, in such sort, as shall bee most agreeable unto his will; Op- |
poseing, unto y® utmost of our chh power y* Contrary. And | the same authority, “he fed his flock with two ser-
lastly wee doe hereby Covenant & promise, to further unto y¢
utmost of our power, y® best spirituall good, of such other, &
of all & Every One, y* may become members of y* Congrega- |
tion, by mutuall Instruction, reprehension, Exhortation, Con-
solation, & spirituall watchfulnesse, over one another, for good;
& to be subject in & for y® Lord, to all y° Administrations & Cen-
sures, of y® Chh, soe far as y® same shall be guides according
to ye Rules of gods most holy word in a way of order peace &
vnion; with all promising to walk orderly in a way of fellow-
shipe, & Communion with all y® Chhs of Christ among us ac-
cording to Rule. yt y® Lord may be one & his name one in all
y® Chhs.
“This Covenant wee doe by solemne act of Chh Confedera-
U
tion Enter into, with full purpose of heart (as y® Lord shall |
seventy-seventh year. A man he was of uncommon
gifts and acquirements, descendant and progenitor of
a race of ministers,—‘‘ his grandfather was an eminent
preacher at Old Sarum,’—and well fitted for the
central position of influence assigned at that time in
Massachusetts to the minister. He seems to have
been physician to his people’s bedies as well as to
their souls, spending, Says Cotton Mather, “in medi-
cines, it may be some scores of pounds, and a great
part of his yearly salary, which he freely bestowed
’ ay, it may be,
He for years
preached to the Indians at Punkapaug, “a monthly
lecture, & furnished himself with skill in their Ses-
quipedalian language,” says Cotton Mather, ‘that he
might be able to do it.” ‘On y° Lord’s days,” says
upon the invalids among his people ;’
on those of all the country around.
mons. The manna was rained no less than twice in
every Sabbath. He many years kept up a monthly
He catechised as an Angel of the little ones.
He neglected not the pastoral visits.”
lecture.
“He often gave
his presence at the private meetings of his neighbors,
who met in course at one another’s houses for agree-
able devotions. Among these he took a special cog-
nizance of, and had a special affection to, the societies
of his dear YOUNG MEN, and always manifested a very
great joy to see his children walking in the truth ;
and as great a care that they might none of them
MILTON. 751
decline from good beginnings. He would sometimes
go to them, and preach to them, as well as pray with
them; and one of the sermons which he bestow'd
upon them, they were at the expence of publishing, |
that they might enjoy it as their perpetual monitor. —
ybok!
It is entitled ‘THe PERPETUAL COVENANT. What
an interesting glimpse is here of the life of that young |
time! And it gives us no hint of the fireless churches, |
in which the long services of worship and fast, ordi-
nation and council, were held, sometimes lasting,
especially those of ordination and installation, through
a large part of the day,—no hint of the solitariness, ©
rudeness, and danger of the ways through which the >
brave worshipers thronged to the house of public
worship, on foot, on horseback; in wet weather, in |
ox-carts; on snow-shoes or sledges in winter; and—
whose very difficulty enhanced the sweetness and
preciousness of the service and society of the house
of God.
for college, not a few of whom made a mark ‘in the
history of New England. How he could stand it
Mather answers by referring to bis “ travels” and “ the
Besides all which, he trained young men
exercise, than which the medicina gymnastica never
prescribed a better. Thus, our ancient Peter held out
so well, that even when he was old, he could gird
So Peter
Thacher lived and labored, in surroundings which
himself, and go almost whither he would.”
perhaps the poorest of Milton’s present dwellers would
eall hard, but so richly and faithfully that, as Cotton
Mather says, he and his people ‘“‘ were so far from
being weary of one another, that their mutual en-
dearments were never stronger and more /ively, than |
at the time when his death translated him to the
upper chambers.”
“ Lamentabie animosityes & divisions,’’* as this fine
brave soul calls them, had caused him to hesitate about
accepting the “unanimous, frequent & affectionate
calls’ which the Milton people gave him, and
towards the close of his ministry they threatened to |
reappear. A new and larger meeting-house was
needed, and where to put it was a disputed question,—
not finally settled till after many town-meetings and
The town no
On
the admission of his son to church-membership in
votings running through seven years.
doubt had grown both in numbers and wealth.
1715 he says, with a delicious unconscious parental
exaggeration, “‘ He is 176 members in full communion
admitted by myself,”* among whom he had recorded |
‘“‘ Peo my Indian servant (though now a free woman ).”
In 1724 he records ‘* Hagar my negro woman.”
1 Chureh Record, in his own writing.
* Milton Church Record, p. 6.
At |
| =
_ the time of his death, twelve years later (1727), he had
_admitted two hundred and fifty-three. The Lord’s
| Supper was administered by him for the first time
here* in 1681, June 19th, to “about fourscore com-
municants.” This would imply a pretty large con-
In the same period, on the other hand,
he had “attended the departure of all the founders
” most of them long-lived men and be-
queathing longevity to their children, and, better
than that, a character and quality simple, strong,
and _ serviceable. The new church was not built
till the year after his death. It stood near the
road, in front of the spot now occupied by this Mil-
ton Church. Its size was fifty feet by forty, and
twenty-eight high, with a belfry, in which the town-
meeting of April 3, 1729, voted to place “a bel” to
weigh three and one-half hundred-weight “ orose”’
(three hundred and ninety-two pounds), the expense
to be raised by “supscription.” The sound of that
little ‘“‘church-going bell” might well be as modest
and diffident as that of the gentle and beloved parson
John Taylor’s voice, whose tones floated up into its
vibrations. The town voted him liberty to cut tim-
ber in the ministerial land*—of which it had two
hundred acres set apart for the support of the min-
istry, etc.—to build him a house; also that he shall
have first choice of a place to build a pew for the
ministry in the new meeting-house, and that his pew
be built by the town. It was further voted that those
_ who “draw pus shall sit in them themselves with so
many of their family as conveniently can sit with
them, and the rest of their family to be seated with
the rest of the town.”
gregation.
of the town,
_ In that meeting-house Mr.
Taylor labored through the most of his ministry.
Ordained Nov. 13, 1728, he died Jan. 26, 1749-50,
“after above twenty-one years eminent service in y°
ministerial office in y* Town of Milton.” His strength
_ seems to have lain in his gentleness and worth rather
than in self-assertion. A man apparently of real-eul-
_ ture, by his contemporaries held “ remarkable for his
high rank in the republick of letters,” he is described
by Dr. Chauncy as “an agreeable, pleasant compan-
ion, and a friend that might be depended upon,” but
so shrinking that he would seldom preach from home,
and would allow nothing of his to appear in print.
Mr. Thacher’s private diary by Mr.
McKean. He adds that the second celebration of the Lord’s
Supper took place July 24th, after five weeks, and the third
September 4th, after six weeks.
3 This is quoted from
£ The town records of Oct. 21, 1728, contain a vote in town-
meeting ‘‘ that there should be wood cut in y® land needful for
fire at Mr. Taylor’s ordination.” For what purpose this fire
does not appear, as the practice of heating churches was not
4 yeu.
752
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
At his death Dr. Chauncy, by his orders, committed
all his papers to the flames.
him as “rather an agreeable than a great man, rather
pretty and delicate in his sentiments and expressions
than strong and nervous.
not the strongest. Few were more universally be-
loved while they lived, and lamented when dead
among those of their acquaintance.” |
During his ministry Deacon Manasseh Tucker, the
last of the original twelve who founded the church,
died, April 9, 1743. The church took the occasion,
that earlier generation having passed away, on the
sixty-fifth anniversary of its formation, to renew their
“ Coy’ with God & one another, which They did
accordingly,’ says Parson Taylor, ‘“ April 24", when
the members of the C"® Male & Female manifested
their Consent to their Fathers Cov‘ by standing up
while I read It over with a small Variation as the
Change of Circumstances required.”
About thirteen months after Mr. Taylor’s death
Mr. Nathaniel Robbins was ordained, Feb. 13, 1750 |
—51.
ning through four-and-forty years, closing with his
A long and honorable service was his,—run-
death, May 19, 1795,—a period heaving with the agi-
tations of the Revolution. Mr. Robbins was a pa-
triot. At the battle of Lexington, fought when he
was fifty years of age, two of his brothers were in
He seems to have been
eminently a man of affairs, and in 1788 was sent by
the town to the convention which adopted the
Federal Constitution.
Capt. Parker’s company.
His practical wisdom showed
itself in various ways. At his ordination a settle-
|
Dr. Chauncy describes |
and the young, tender and faithful; is it wonder
that he kept his church free from fanaticism and
united and rational? How much he may have
served to prepare for the changes that were to come
His head was clear, though |
_ and sold.
ment of one thousand pounds old tenor—equal to five |
hundred dollars—was allowed him, and a salary of |
five hundred pounds, or two hundred and fifty dollars,
per annum, and twenty-five cords of wood.
bought land and built him a house and gradually ac-
quired a considerable farm,—now owned by Col. H.
S. Russell,—which doubtless was a faithful friend to
him, as well as an abode of hospitality to many others
in those distressful days. Then he showed rare tact
putes.
refused to call any man master on earth, or to sac-
rifice truth to prevailing opinions, however conducive
to popularity, to consideration, and consequence. Such
candor and liberal principles were the more deserving
of praise, since, in the first period of his ministry, Milter
) 1iton,.
such a spirit and temper were not common.” So, in
preaching, “plain and pathetick ;” in prayer, apt and
easy ; in charity, so large and just that he would not
allow even the good in bad men to be forgotten ;
in service to the unfortunate, the sick, the sorrowing,
But he |
In his preaching, says Thomas Thacher, “ He |
spending their money before they raised it.
| £5 2s. above the valuation.
and skill in adjusting apparently unmanageable dis- |
when the Unitarian controversy broke out, we may
imagine, though can never know.!
In the latter part of his ministry the question of
a new meeting-house again arose. Hxactly why does
not appear, for the town could hardly have recovered
from the exhaustion of the Seven Years’ war, the
Revolution, and the long depression before the adop-
tion of the Constitution. Indeed, in the thirty-two
years ending with 1783, Mr. James M. Robbins
says, Milton added nothing to its wealth and little to
its population,—“ the whole increase,” he says, ‘ not
exceeding one hundred persons.” In 1785 its popu-
lation did not exceed twelve hundred persons, with two
A town-meet-
ing, however, voted, Oct. 3, 1785, to build a new meet-
ing-house sixty-six by fifty-two feet,—that in which
hundred and sixty-seven ratable polls.
we meet to-day. Take sixteen feet off its length and
twelve off its breadth, and you will get an idea of the
surface dimensions of that older building, in which
for seven-and-fifty years—a united church, the one
church of Milton—our fathers worshiped. The cost
was to be raised by selling the old church at auction,
selling the pews in the new one, and assessing the
balance on the polls and estates throughout the town.
And two years were to be devoted to the building of
the church. In six weeks (Nov. 14, 1785) the pews
on the lower floor, sixty-two in number, were valued
Valued at £904, they sold for £1191 2s.;
£287 2s. being thus bid for a choice.
valuation set on a pew was £24; the lowest £11.
The highest bid for a choice was £6 12s., by William
Taylor ; the lowest, £3 12s., by John Crehore, Jr.,
and John Marshall. ‘Ten weeks later the twenty-four
gallery pews were appraised and sold. Valued at
£150,—the values ranging from £10 to £4,—they
sold at £209 8s., the bids running from £1 10s. to
The amount raised by
The highest
these sales was £1400 10s., and this before ground
broken Those simple-
minded fathers of ours apparently did not believe in
Is not
that pretty good doctrine to build a church upon?
was for the new church.
! During Parson Robbins’ ministry Whitefield preached in
Ilis friends sought to get the meeting-house for him.
But to this Mr. Whitefield is re-
ported to have said that “true religion would not flourish in
His preaching was
held under the large tree which stood in front of the Foy house
on Milton Hill, and which blew down in the memorable gale of
1857.
Robbins would not consent.
Milton until they got a new minister.”
MILTON.
753
On May-day, 1787, they began to frame the house. famous Dr. Pierce, of Brookline. But the town would
June 19th they began to raise the frame. “ And
altho four days ware Barely sufficient,’ says the
record, “for accomplishing that important Difficult
& Dangerous part of the Bussness yet as the Quantity
of the Timber was Large and also very hevey as
thare was No damage sustained or the most triffling
accident hapned during the whol time these singular |
Circumstances were generally Considered as evident ©
Tokens of the divin favour and supernatural Protec- |
tion.” December 31st the committee in charge of
the building “‘ ware agreeably entertained with the
Exhibition of very elligant clock Presented as a do-
nation to the Town by Mr. Edward H. Robbins.” ?
On the first day of the year 1788 the new church
building was dedicated. It had cost seventeen hun-
dred pounds,—five thousand six hundred dollars. The
not concur, and not till two and a half years after
Mr. Robbins’ death was a new minister, Rev. Joseph
McKean, ordained here. Young, bright, eloquent,
and from childhood of uncommon promise,—a promise
which his young manhood’s labors here did not disap-
_ point,—he raised hopes for a long and excellent career.
old church standing on the road was pulled down. |
Mr. Robbins, on occasion of the dedication, was fur- people whom this goodly succession of ministers
Tn |
nished a new horse-hair wig and black gown.
the spring,’ we are told, “every man in the parish
brings a young elm-tree and plants it in the yard.
The three Dutch elms before the door were brought
from Brush Hill.”* The building stood sideways to
the road and faced southwest.
the west side, with sounding-board, according to the
not always bad fashion of that time. Sixty years
were to pass ere an organ’s voice should here be heard.
Here the last eight years of Mr. Robbins’ ministry
centred.
Rey. John Pierce* (June 19, 1796), afterwards the
1The record adds: “ This Butifnll Machine Justly Esteemed
very ornimantal is really much more valuable on account of
its use and Conveniency ; for while it serves to distinguish those
artificial Periods of Time that measure and Constitute the ag- |
gregate Term of univarsall Mortal Duration at the same time
reminds us of the Constant and unintrupted Succession of those
' those names are a revelation.
It was open to the |
roof, had galleries around, and a pulpit high up on |
On his decease, in 1795, the church called |
moments that will infailably & shortly reduce that Portion of |
time alloted to mortals to one single point.”
2 They were brought by Governor E. H. Robbins.
were originally four.
There
The one nearest the southwest drive-way
was blown down in the September gale of 1815. Like many other |
trees which shared its fate at that time, it was replaced, and it
flourished for about twenty years. In 1835, however, when the
meeting-house was turned round, as it showed signs of decay
and obstructed one of the approaches to the church, it was cut
down.
Of the other elms, more being offered than were required for |
the yard of the church, Mr. William Taylor took the remainder
and planted them on the opposite side of the road in front of
his land, where they remain “ unto this present.”
3 They who call the old times better than the new may find a |
grain of comfort in the following “little story.’ Dr. Pierce
used to say, in his jovial fashion, that Mr. John Swift was the
cause of his not coming to Milton. Being a man of influence,
he made such a fuss in the town that the town refused to ratify |
48
.
_change that was to come.
But a sharp attack of lung disease brought his min-
istry to an end, after seven years of service, in 1804.
After his recovery, Harvard College weleomed him to
the Professorship of Oratory that John Quincy Adams
had held, which for ten years he filled acceptably, and
whence he went to Havana, in 1818, to die, at the
_ early age of forty-two.
In his theology Mr. McKean was not Calvinist but
Arminian, preparing thus the way for the great
But before naming his
successor let us pause a moment to glance at the
served. ‘Their story is largely
“The short and simple annals of the poor.”
We know little of them beyond their names. But
They are history of
the best kind. They tell, if not of attainment, of,
better yet, aspiration. How quaint and how relig-
iously suggestive !— Mindwell Tucker, Preserved Lion,
Silence Lion, Waitsti/l Williston, Charity Liscum,
Experience Tolman, Deliverance Trot, Recompence
Wadsworth, Freegift Cogshell, Comfort Foster, Sub-
mit Badcock, Hopestill Feild, Bethel Blair, Content
Marah, Reform Knowlton, Supply* Vose. Surely
the people that of themselves run to names like these
are such as will have ‘“ Religion in Common Life,”
if that be possible. They will not be empty and idle
men or frivolous women. Indeed, “tramps” and
idlers stood small chance of immunity at their hands.
They builded ships and mills, and bridges and roads.
In 1785, already seven mills kept the Neponset-at
work,—one chocolate, one saw, one grist, one slit-
ting, and three paper,—and orchards abounded, yield-
the vote of the church in favor of inviting Mr. Pierce. And
the weighty ground of Mr. Swift’s opposition was that he did
not like Mr. Pierce’s stepmother.
+T cannot forbear adding to this list of names that of ‘ Role
on God,’”’ which was given to a son of John Cotton. Its owner,
I am informed, became minister of Sandwich, Mass. This,
however, is not given as one of the Milton names.
A curious glance into the history of this class of names is
afforded by an extract from the ancient record of the First
Church of Dorchester. After mentioning that Wait Clap,
daughter of Roger Clap, was baptized 24 1 mo 50,—i.e., March
24, 1650,—the record says: ‘‘Louetenant Clap declared y*®
Reason why he called his child Watt was because he did
suppose the Fall of antichrist was not Farre off.”
754
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ing ample supply of cider.
chief occupation, although even then the town began
But agriculture was the
to develop the character which marks it to-day.
Milton furnished her full quota to the Revolutionary
war, and more. When Boston, in the severe winter
of 1780, was so blocked by snow as to suffer for fuel,
Milton farmers came to its relief with heavy supplies
from the woods of Milton and Quincy, carried ‘“ by
way of the river on the ice to Boston.” And so they
were “not slothful in business,’ because ‘“ fervent in
Honorable names in
the pulpit, on the bench, in council, at the bar, in
spirit, serving the Lord.”
business, and in war arose among them, and of noble
women not a few. Seventeen young men graduated
from this town at Harvard College in the last
half of the eehteenth century, all of whom proved
“respectable,” and ‘some of them distinguished.”
Thomas Thatcher, in his sermon on Mr. Nathaniel
Robbins, 1795, says, ‘This town hath been cele-
brated for a pacifick temper and liberal sentiments,
even from its first incorporation ; so that in the course
of one hundred and fifteen years I never heard of
one ecclesiastical council being called, on account of
any religious grievance.”
Twenty-eight months passed after Mr. McKean’s
retirement before his successor was settled,—the Rev.
Samuel Gile, ordained Feb. 18, 1807. He came to
a very different Milton from that of one hundred and
twenty-nine years before. The seething activities of
those years of war at home and abroad,—religious |
controversy, political agitation, the free breathing of |
the free air of this new continent, the independent life
and self-zoverned movement of society in New Eng- |
A
liberal spirit had grown up, which could no longer
be subdued.
tion of the monarchy in England, compelling the tol-
eration of the Church of England in this colony, had
paved the way for it.
land,—all had made their impress on this town.
The death of Cromwell and the restora-
The Quaker agitation, cul-
Roger Wil-
minating in 1658, had helped to it.
liams’ great brave call for freedom of conscience and |
the separation of State from Church, furthered it.
The English Acts of Uniformity certainly could not
repress it. The question of the witches; the revival
under George Whitefield; the protest of Methodist
and Presbyterian, with Baptist, Quaker, and Episco-
J
| Calvinist ; they Unitarian.
| Unitarian.
And cer-
tainly the war for independence and the upheavings
of the French revolution could not fail of influence.
Thus the very atmosphere of New England thought
and life had changed. A town situated like Milton
could not fail to show the change. Hence, although
excellence of character and loyalty to conviction might
insure to the new minister a hearty welcome to his
post of duty here, and the cordial respect and good-
will of all classes of the people-of the town,—yet that
very excellence of character and loyalty to conviction
might, when questions arose, and a “ parting of the
ways” was reached, make separation inevitable and
towns,—all did their share towards it.
_ decided. And so it proved here.
In 1809, within three years after Mr. Gile’s settle-
ment, the rigid and the liberal tendencies in the ©
churches of Boston and vicinity came to an issue in
the Second Church in Dorchester, where. Mr. John
Codman had been settled the year before, Mr. W. H.
Mr. Codman would
not exchange with the ministers of the Boston Asso-
ciation, although, as I understand, he had been, if he
was not at that very time, a member of it. He was
His disappointed people
tried to move him, but in vain. ‘They wrote to the
ministers with whom he did exchange, requesting
them not to come; but come they would. Twice
they dismissed him, but he would not go. At last
they put a guard on the pulpit-stairs to prevent his
entrance; but for all that he preached. So the con-
troversy waxed, to be settled at last by those opposed
agreeing to sell their pews and leave the parish.
Channing preaching the sermon.
Eleven years later, in 1820, the controversy reap-
peared in the First Church in Dedham, but with a dif-
ferent issue. There Mr. Lamson was settled, against
the remonstrance of two-thirds of the church, as a
The protesting two-thirds of the church
members seceded, claimed to be the true church of
Dedham, and carried their case before the Supreme
Court. There it was decided against them.
“Tt was laid down, that a church separating from a parish,
| for any cause, lost its existence; that never in Massachusetts
palian, against being taxed “to support the ministry |
and repair the meeting-house,” which they did not |
agree to; and, finally, of Murray, the preacher of the |
new gospel of Universalism, added to their own theo- |
logical controversies and the Boston influence, which
did not allow the inhabitants generally to be taxed to
support the ministry, as they were in the country |
had a church a legal existence apart from a parish. The law
knew of parishes as corporations, and deacons as corporations,
and ministers as corporations; but the church proper was no
corporation or guasi-corporation, and could not, therefore, hold
property apart from the parish, whatever its faith.”
Not the seceding church members, but the parish,
had the legal right to the title, property, records, and
furniture of the First Church of Dedham.
This momentous decision, a decision opening its own
opportunity of self-denial and martyrdom, bore fruit
in the history of this first church of Milton.
MILTON.
755
The new minister proved to be Calvinistic rather —
than liberal, while the parish was preponderatingly
liberal. Had Mr. Gile been left to himself, a rup-
ture might have been avoided. Perhaps the wonder
is that it did not come earlier. Not till twenty-one
years after his settlement does the First Unitarian
Society appear in the records of this parish (July 4,
1828). It was composed chiefly of members of the
parish whom Mr. Gile’s ministrations failed to satisfy.
It met in the present high-school building, under
the preaching of Rev. Charles Chauncy Sewall.
It |
appears as making overtures to this parish for an _
equitable division of the ministerial lands belonging
to the parish. As negotiations proved fruitless, and
as danger appeared of the alienation and loss of the
- ministerial lands, the First Unitarian Society dis-
solved, and its members resumed their place in the
parish, and asserted their rights in open parish meet-
ing. The question of exchanges was the point on
Gile had agreed to exchange with ministers of the
Boston Association. As division lines were more
sharply drawn, it became increasingly difficult for him
to do so; and yet the more urgently his people re-
quired it. Nearly eleven years the question was agi-
ing tree, because it must. The tree must enter on a
more varied and richer life. The two branches were
in it from the first, though bound up in the one trunk.
Which of them is the true First Milton Church?
Both claim so to be: which is correct? Could
numbers settle the question, they would settle it in
this one’s favor. Could Massachusetts law settle it,
the decision would be the same, for it awards to this
parish the title, records, property, and furniture of the
ancient First Church of Milton. Could adherence to
the theologic letter of the old covenant settle it, the
verdict must go the other way.
Thus, four-and-forty years ago, this ancient church
became distinctly Unitarian. So it has continued
until this day.
One of its first acts, after the induction of a new
minister,—Rev. B. Huntoon, installed Oct. 15, 1834,
—was to adopt the New Testament “as the only
_ Divinely authorized Creed for Christians, and an all-
which discussion turned. At his settlement, Mr. |
tated, terminating then in arrangements for a sepa-
ration between him and his people.
council” —7.e., a council composed of representatives
of both parties—proving impracticable, an ex parte
A “mutual |
council, representing the majority of the parish, was |
« |
convened to consider and pass on the matter. It met
| Lucretia Babcock, Moses Gragg
at Mrs. Atherton’s tavern, Jan. 6, 1834, the house |
now occupied by Mr. D. G. Hicks, on the corner of
Canton Avenue and Atherton Street.
presented the case for the parish.
appear. The council, composed of Revs. Peter Whit-
ney, of Quincy; John White, of West Dedham; Al-
van Lamson, of Dedham; James Walker, of Charles-
Horace Mann |
Mr. Gile did not |
sufficient rule of faith and practice.” Forty-eight
persons signed their names to this acknowledgment,
‘“‘beseeching Almighty God so to assist and direct”
them “in discharging all the duties of this present
life, that” they “ may obtain life Eternal through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Of these forty-
eight some are still present with us, though most
have “ fallen asleep.”
The following is the list: Benjamin Huntoon,
Susan Huntoon, John Ruggles, Betsy Ruggles, Betsy
Ruggles, Jr., Esther Soper, Lemuel Babcock, Jr.,
Rebekah N. Gragg,
Edward Capen, Mary Capen, Nathaniel Davenport,
Nancy Davenport, Jeremiah Crehore, Joann Crehore,
Catharine Dunbar, Mary B. Clarke, Matilda Vose,
Walter Cornell, Mary Cornell, Amy Batty, Stephen
Babcock, Rufus P. Sumner, Susan Sumner, Samuel
cD)
_ Adams, Margaret L. Babcock, Charles R. Kennedy,
town; Lemuel Capen, of South Boston; and Samuel |
Barrett, of Boston, each of them accompanied by one
deacon of his church, voted unanimously that Mr.
Gile had lived in habitual violation of the under- |
standing between him and his parish regarding minis-
terial exchanges, and recommended that his connec-
tion with the parish be dissolved. On Jan. 20, 1854,
it was dissolved. He retired with his friends, and
they formed the neighboring society, under the name
of the “ First Evangelical Church, Milton,” in whose
ministry he continued till his death, in 1836.
Thus the old order of things came to an end, and
anew order began. The time had come when the one
Kphraim Hunt, Jr., Simon Ferry, Rhoda Ferry,
John J. Low, Francis M. Clark, Eliza A. Clark,
Lydia 8. Ford, Mary A. Clark, J. S. Foord, James
Tucker, Thomas Snow, Lewis Davenport, Lucretia
Babcock, Lydia Davenport, Dana Tucker, Rebecca
Tucker, Nathaniel T. Davenport, Sarah Davenport,
| Elmira Thayer, Elizabeth Simpson.
must become two,—the one trunk dividing into two |
branches. The division came as it comes in the grow-
Soon arose agitation about a new meeting-house.
The “ new wine,” perhaps, suggested “ new bottles.”
But surely new bottles were not needed. Although it
was voted to take down this building, better counsels
prevailed, and contented themselves with turning it
round and remodeling it, and setting off a portion of it
for a Sunday-school room. A new clock was given by
John J. Low, a chandelier and pulpit-lamp by Francis
Low, and by Mrs. Low a damask curtain for the
756
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
pulpit. Mr. Samuel H. Babcock gave a pulpit car-
pet, chair, and Bible, and Miss Louisa G. Davenport
one hundred and fifty dollars. All of these donors,
except Miss Davenport, were citizens of other towns.
On Dee. 9, 1835, the building was dedicated anew to
God, with “solemn and interesting’’ services, the
music led by Deacon Martin. In 1851 it received a
| was given to Rev. Albert K. Teele, who accepting the
invitation thus extended, was installed during the
latter portion of that year, continuing his ministra-
tions over the society for twenty-five years,.to the
great acceptance of the parish, being released finally
December, 1875, at his own desire, the society sorrow-
_ fully accepting and acceding to his request that the
new change; in 1868, a new organ; and, finally, in |
| A 3
_ him and them as pastor and people should terminate ;
1871, another change, which made it as we see it
to-day. Long may it stand, an emblem of the en-
during, a symbol from the past, a silent voice speaking |
the name of the All-Holy!
Quietly, meanwhile, it has done its work, under
the peculiar conditions of a widely-scattered and very
shifting membership. Five ministers it has had
since the new epoch in its history began,—Huntoon,
Angier, Morison, Washburn, and the present pastor,
Rev. Frederick Frothingham.
The First Evangelical Society of Milton was
organized in 1834, it being an offshoot, so to speak,
of the old First Church, organized in 1678.
By the records we find that Rey. Samuel Gile was
ordained as pastor of the First Parish on Feb. 18,
1807, and continued his ministrations with that so-
ciety for twenty-seven years, when, on account of a
difference of opinion on doctrinal points, Mr. Giles’
connection with the First Parish was dissolved Jan. 6,
1834, those of the parish agreeing with him in senti-
ment, or who were drawn to him by strong personal
attachments, severing their relations with the First
relations existing for a quarter of a century between
kindlier relations than which on the part of both
pastor and people never probably existed.
Rey. Dr. Teele, although having resigned his charge,
still continues a resident of the town, honored and
beloved by all her citizens, and ever taking an active
part in all good works.
After an interim of six years, various candidates
having been heard, the choice of the society fell upon
Rey. Calvin G. Hill, the present pastor, who, installed
/some two years since as Dr. Teele’s successor, is an
|
|
Parish and forming a new society, now known as the |
_he then withdrew, in other fields to labor, leaving the
“ First Evangelical Society.”
Mr. Gile continued his pastorate over the society
thus formed until his decease, which occurred very
suddenly on Sunday, the 16th day of October, 1836.
At noon of that day, soon after reaching home, hav-
ing officiated at the morning service apparently in the
best of health, a trumpet from heaven sounded sum-
moning him from the scenes where he was greatly
beloved, not only by his own people, but by all the
inhabitants.
rev. Samuel W. Cozzens, who was called to suc-
ceed the Rev. Mr. Gile, was installed May 24, 1837.
He was a man of commanding ability, of great lit-
erary attainments, and continued as pastor of the so-
ciety for the space of ten years, when at his own
request he received a dismissal, soon after removing
Mr. Cozzens died at Medfield, Aug.
7, 1875, being brought thence for interment in
Milton.
For some three years after the retirement of Mr.
from the town.
Cozzens the church was without any settled pastor,
earnest worker in the Lord’s vineyard.
The Second Evangelical Society of Milton was
organized Nov. 9, 1843, in that portion of the town
then known as the “Railway Village,” now called
Kast Milton. Its house of worship was erected June
18, 1846. For some eight years or more after its
organization the society did not have a regularly set-
tled pastor, preachers hired for a shorter or longer
term ministering to the spiritual wants of the people,
when the parish giving a call to the Rev. Edwin
Leonard, he was ordained over the society March
25, 1852, continuing with them some eight years;
society without a pastor, and although some twenty-
three years have since elapsed, and many are the
preachers that have held forth to this congregation,
no call has been given to any to permanently settle
different clergymen officiating, when, in 1850, a call |
over the Second Evangelical Society.
The Lower Mills Baptist Church of Dorchester
and Milton was organized Oct. 13,1882. Previous
to its organization services had been held for nearly
two years by an organization known as the Lower
Mills Baptist Mission. Twenty-five members united
in forming the new church. On Nov. 22, 1882, a
council was convened from neighboring Baptist
churches to recognize the church and ordain its
pastor. Rev. George W. Bosworth, D.D., Secretary
of Massachusetts Baptist State Convention, gave the
address of recognition, Rev. O. P. Gifford, of Boston,
preached the sermon, and Rev. A. T. Dunn, of Bos-
ton, gave the right hand of fellowship. The pastor,
Rey. Nathan Hunt, has had charge of the church
from his ordination until the present date. During
that time the membership has more than doubled, and
MILTON.
757
the church has received many other signs of tem-_
poral and spiritual prosperity. A hall is still used as
a place of worship, but efforts will probably be made
at no distant day to secure a more suitable place.
Ci As PT BR, aLexXey..
MILTON—( Continued).
The Crehore Estate—The Sumners—The Wadsworths—The
Vose Place—The Robert Tucker Place—The Oldest House in
Milton—The Tucker House—The Billings House—The Blue
Hills—The Foye House—The Hutchinson House—The Rob-
bins House—-The Governor Belcher Place-—-Milton Cemetery
—Detailed History—Different Purchasers—Ancient Inscrip-
tions—Tombs.
Ancient Homes and Estates.'—I can make out
but five families who now live on land taken by their
ancestors at the first settlement of this place.
widow of John Crehore holds a part of the original
Crehore estate.
(Kingsbury Sumner) Perry live on land owned by
their ancestors, the Sumners.
cultivates, as his homestead, land which has been in
his family from the earliest period of our history.
The grandfather of the Hon. Charles Sumner was
born and lived on some part of the Brush Hill
Sumner estate.
The Wadsworths, Jason, Thomas, Thatcher, and
Josiah, live on land which has never been out of the |
hands of their ancestors since it was first cultivated.
The heirs of the late Col. Josiah H. Vose still
occupy the place which has been owned by their
family since 1654. And heirs of the late Mrs. Mary
Boies Clark not only live on land owned by their an- |
cestor, Robert Tucker, the first of the name in Milton,
but it is probable that they live in the very house |
that he built a short time before his death. In his
will, made in 1682, he speaks of his ‘“ new house,”
and as that, as Mr. Robbins thinks, is the house now |
_ different points along the principal roads, and several
standing next beyond the Robbins house, on Brush
Hill, it must have been built as early as 1680, and is
undoubtedly the oldest house in Milton. Next to it
in age, and of a date not much more recent, is the
Billings house. Both these houses are of a primi-
tive order of architecture, and evidently belong to a
| hundred inhabitants.
The |
present century, and was a favorite place of resort,
especially at the cherry and strawberry seasons, for
parties from Boston and the neighboring towns. The
Blue Hills were more visited in those days than now,
when the summit of Mount Washington is hardly a
day’s journey from Boston.
The other ancient houses in Milton belong to a
later period, and to a much higher style of architec-
ture. The Foye house, long occupied by Mr. Samuel
Littlefield ; the Hutchinson house, better known to
the present generation as the Russell house; the In-
man, or Robbins house, on Brush Hill; and the Goy-
ernor Belcher place (his house was burned in 1776)
were not only in themselves among the finest in this
neighborhood, but they have also associations of his-
torical interest.
Governor Hutchinson’s house, as Mrs. Robbins
informs me, was confiscated after he fled from the
country.
passing from his hands, became the residence of
It was purchased by Samuel Broom, and
_ James Warren, whose wife, Mercy Warren, was the
The heirs of Simon and Rhoda |
| war.
Mr. Rufus P. Sumner |
author of a valuable history of the Revolutionary
Thomas Lee, of Cambridge, owned it for a little
while, and sold it to Patrick Jeffrey, who had married
| Madam Haley, a sister of the noted John Wilkes, of
England. Jeffrey's wife left him, and he died at his
home in Milton, in 1812. The estate was afterwards
purchased by Mr. Barney Smith, and is now owned
_ by his grandchildren, the heirs of his daughter, the
late Mrs. Lydia Russell, mother of the late Jonathan
Russell.
Milton Cemetery.—As no movement seems to
have been made to secure a common burial-place in
Milton until ten years after theeincorporation of the
town, it follows that those who resided within the
limits of “‘ Unquity” (a contraction of Unquityquisset,
the old Indian name of Milton) before and after in-
corporation, must have buried their dead in Dorches-
ter, or by common consent have appropriated ene-or
more places for this purpose within their own limits.
At this time there doubtless were settlements at
Twelve years after incorpora-
tion, the records give one hundred and twenty-five
period when building materials were plenty and labor |
was scarce. The Billings house continued in that
family for many generations. The house was widely
known as a public-house before the beginning of the —
1 Contributed by Rev. John H. Morison, D.D.
tax-payers, from which may be inferred a population
of from four to eight hundred or more. It is hardly
probable that their only place of burial was the dis-
tant cemetery in Dorchester. The supposition is that
the inhabitants had used the field of Reedman (after-
wards Redman) for this purpose, and thus were led to
fix upon this place as the common burial-ground.
The first notice found in the records respecting the
“ Burying Ground” is as follows :
758
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“The 24 Feby. 1672. Robert Reedman was allowed to be
payedd out of the towne Rate tene shillings to pay for forty
rods of Land for the Burying Place apprised and staked out by
Anthony Gulliver, William Blake, Robert Babcock.
Reedman being present and consenting thereto—and was agreed
betwixed the Towne and Robert Reedman that the towne should
fence out this forty rods of land, with a sufficient stone wall,
within two years, from Robert Reedman’s land.”— Town Rec-
ords, vol. i. page 1.
width on the road, and extended back about seven
rods to the rear, or southerly side of the range of |
tombs now in the central part of the ground, the most
westerly tomb in the range being in the southwesterly |
These tombs are the oldest in the
ground, and are supposed to have been built about the
year 1719, the town having voted at the March meet-
ing of that year, ‘That Capten John Billing shal
angle of the lot.
have liberty to build a tomb in our Burying Place at
the Direction of the Selectmen.”
The ministerial tomb was probably built in 1729,
it having been voted at the March meeting of that
year, ‘That Mr. Oxenbrig Thacher should have lib-
erty to build a Tomb in our burying Place for the
Rever* Mr. Peter Thacher his Father deceased, and
that Lieut. Henry Vose and Mr. Benjamin Fenno
should order the place for said Tomb where there
may be convenient room.”
This tomb was not built on the Reedman lot. At,
or previous to, this time a small addition was made
In 1760, Madam Elizabeth Foye, and others, con-
veyed to the town by a deed of gift half an acre and
Robert _ SIX rods of Jand to enlarge the burying-ground. The
only notice of this grant to be found upon us records
or files of the town is as follows :
At a town-meeting, held July 7, 1760, ‘ Voted to
choose a committee to take security of Mrs. Elizabeth
| Foye of a piece of land adjoining our Burying Place.
The above-mentioned lot was about six rods in|
Samuel Miller Esq. Benjamin Wadsworth and Mr.
_ Josiah How was chose a committee for the above said
on the easterly side, where the side avenue and min- | 4"* ay
| Reign, Annoque Domini 1760.
isterial tomb now are, by taking some ten or twelve
rods from the adjoining land, at that time owned by
Samuel Henshaw; but of this there is no record.
As early as 1699: attempts were made to enlarge |
| “Signed, Sealed and Delivered
the burying-place, and in that year a committee was —
chosen ‘“‘to treat with any person that shall appeire |
to be the tru owener of the burying place fild as it is
commonly called, for the obtaining an addition of land
necessary to enlarge our burying place, or to treat of
a price for the whole tracte. and to make their return
to the Town at the next town meeting.”
The “ burying place fild” is supposed to be all that
part of the Amory lot purchased of ©. Breck
T. Hollis, Jr., which lies northerly of an old line of
wall where the land begins to slope off to the swamp
and
or low ground. Nothing appears to have grown out
of this attempt to enlarge the ground, unless perhaps
the small addition, where the ministerial tomb now
stands, may have been made at this time.
ceca to enlarge the ground were made again
4, 1738, 1749, and 1751, but without success,
the owners of the adjoining land (Samuel Henshaw
and William Foye) declining to sell.
purpose ; Voted that the said committee return ye
hearty Thanks of this Town to Mrs. Elizabeth Foye
for a grant of a piece of land to enlarge our Burying
Place.”
The original deed is lost. The following is a copy
of it, taken from the “Suffolk Records,” lib. 97,
fol 1132:
“Know all men by these presents, that we Elizabeth Foye,
widow, Elizabeth Foye, spinster, and Mary Cooper, widow, all
of Milton in the County of Suffolk, from a Regard to the In-
habitants of the said Town of Milton, and in consideration of the
sum of one shilling paid us do Give, Grant, Bargain and Convey
unto the said inhabitants half an Acre and six Rodsas staket by
Mr. How of Land in Milton aforesaid, heretofore the Estate of
Wm. Foye Esq. deceased, the same lying between the now Bury-
ing Ground in said Milton, and Land lately sold to Mr. Josiah
Howe of said Milton.
“To have and to hold the said half an Acre and six rods as
staket by Mr How, of Land unto the said Inhabitants for a
burying Ground forever.
“Tn witness whereof we hereto set our hands and seals this
| first day of September, in the thirty-fourth year of his Majestys
Exiz® Foye (and a Seal).
EvizABeta Foye Jun™ (and a Seal),
Mary Cooper (and a Seal).
in presence of
Benjamin Fessenden
Mary Babbidge
“The six rods between the 6 &7 line
as also between the 11 & 12 line was
done before signing.
September the first A.D. 1760 Elizabeth Foye,
Elizabeth Foye and Mary Cooper personally appeared and ac-
knowledged the above Instrument to be their deed.
““Sam!, Minuer, Jus. Peace.
“SUFFOLK 88.
“ FKeby. 4, 1762.
and Examined.
Received and accordingly Entered
Pr Ezek! Gotpruwalt, Reg.”
The Foye lot is situated on the westerly and south-
erly sides of the Reedman lot, being bounded westerly
by the easterly side of the central avenue of the pres-
ent ground (old cemetery), and extending back some
six or seven rods in the rear of the Reedman lot.
At the time of the above enlargement the ground
had become filled with graves, and the supposition is
that a few burials had already been made upon the
Foye lot.
The next enlargement was made Sept. 15, 1794, by
the purchase of three-quarters of an acre of land, at
a
MILTON.
759
the rate of twenty-four pounds per acre, viz.: half
an acre and twenty-two and a half rods from the heirs
of Deacon Howe, and seventeen and a half rods from
Col. Joseph Vose.
The Howe lot is directly in the rear of the Foye lot,
extending back nine rods to the present southerly
bounds of the old cemetery, and includes also a strip
of land ten feet wide on the westerly side of the
burying-ground, “to be reserved for a lane,”—which
lane is now the central avenue.
The Vose lot is a strip of land about a rod wide on
the easterly side of the Foye and Howe lots, which
was reserved for and is now occupied by tombs.
April 21, 1837, Francis Amory, Esq., “in con-
sideration of one dollar and divers other good causes,”
conveyed to the town of Milton, for the purpose of |
enlarging the ‘“ Graveyard” of said town, a lot of
land adjoining the same, containing by estimation one
acre and one quarter. This embraces that tract lying
between the central avenue and the wall recently re-
moved.
Dec. 11, 1854, the town purchased of Charles
Breck and Thomas Hollis, Jr., eighteen acres and
one hundred and sixteen rods of land, for the sum of
eighteen hundred and four dollars.
the rear and on the westerly side of the old cemetery,
embracing all of the “ Burying place fild,” and ex- |
tending through the swamp and over the opposite |
hill.
This new lot, being long and narrow, and
reaching an inconvenient distance from the main —
entrance, required an additional avenue to the high-
way.
April 21, 1858, Joseph McKean Churchill, Esq.,
“in consideration of the sum of One Hundred and |
twenty-five dollars, and from love and affection for my
native town and the inhabitants thereof, in order to
furnish a convenient access to the New Cemetery
lately purchased and laid out by said town,” conveyed
to the town a lot of land on the easterly side of Gun-
Hill road, containing one acre, and opening the south-
ern part of the cemetery to Gun-Hill road.
For the purpose of straightening the wall on the
easterly side of the cemetery, and bringing the wall
of the new cemetery in line with that of the old cem-
etery, C. M.S. Churchill, Esq., “from regard to his
native town and in consideration of one dollar,” con-
veyed to the town the necessary amount of land, by
deed Feb. 10, 1870.
At the March meeting, 1874, the trustees were
authorized to purchase twelve acres of land lying on
This tract lies in |
the easterly side of the cemetery, and extending from |
Center Street to the rear line of the grounds.
The purchase was made at once ; the new grounds
| Edward Adams,
were inclosed and connected by avenues and paths
with the old, and made ready for use.
The whole amount of land now embraced in the
cemetery is as follows :
By survey of Thomas Crehore, 1794, 1 acre, 2 quarters, 18 rods.
Amory, grant, 1837, lacre, 1 quarter.
1854, 18 acres, 2 quarters, 36 rods.
1858,
1870,
1874, 12 acres.
Town purchase,
J. M. Churchill, grant,
C. M.S. Churchill, grant,
Town purchase,
1 acre.
8 rods.
Total, 34 acres, 2 quarters, 20 rods.
First Purchase.—Within the old, original grounds
is situated the Crehore lot, in which are tablets bear-
ing ancient inscriptions, as follows:
In memory of M's Ann Crehore, wife of M™ William Crehore,
who died Mc 25th, 1797, Ai. 70.
In memory of M* Jsaiah Crehore, who died Noy. 34, 1770,
aged 77 years.
Mrs Lydia Crehore, wife of Mt William Crehore, died Deemt
6th, 1785, in the 26 year of her age.
Here lies the remains of Capt. John Crehore, who departed
| this life Feb. 2°, Anno Dom. 1775, aged 64 years.
Here lies the body of Timothy Crehore, who died Aug. 15%,
1739, in y® 734 year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of Mts Ruth Crehore, she died June 27%,
1750, in y® 824 year of her age.
Here lies the remains of Dea® Timothy Crehore, who de-
parted this life Dec. 26, Anno Dom, 1755, in y® 67" year of his
age.
Here lies y® body of Hannah Crehore, daughter of Deacon
Timothy Crehore & M's Mary his wife, died Jan. 11‘, 1735, in
y° 21st year of her age.
Interred in this vicinity are the descendants of
Teague Crehore, who settled in Milton about the year
1645.
The following is a record of ancient inscriptions on
| all tablets in Milton Cemetery from 1687 to and in-
cluding 1800:
Erected in memory of Mt Seth Adams, who departed this
life Oct ye 12th, 1782, aged 41 years.
Stop, my friend, and think on me,
I once was in this world like thee,
Now I lie mouldering in the dust,
In hopes to rise amongst the just.
Here lies buried the body of Seth Adams, Bat? Art’, son of
M: Edward and Mrs Rachel Adams. He died June the 26%,
1736, in the 234 year of his age.
Here lies buried the body of Mts Rachel Adams, wife to Mt
She died Nov. the 14th, 1727, in the 424 year
of her age.
Here rests our Friend Mt John Adams, who departed this
life June y® 11, 1790, aged 81 years.
As corn maturely ripe is gathered home,
So his remains are brought into the tomb,
To sleep in silence till that glorious day,
When Christ his light shall roll the stone away.
760 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Here lies buried the body of Mt Edward Adams, who died When Christ shall call his children to the skies,
Sept the 2294, 1743, in the 61st year of his age. | Then hope in glory with the saints to rise.
In memory of Sarah Adams, dau of Mt John Adams & B. Adams, Sculptor.
Sarah his wife, who died Jan. 28", 1766, aged 13 years & 10 In memory of Martha Bent, who died Dec. 4, 1766, in the
mos. 66% year of her age.
In memory of Seth Adams, son of M™ Lemuel Adams and Here lies y® body of Rachel Bent, wife to Joseph Bent; died
Mrs Hannah Adams, who died Jan. 20, 1796, aged 11 years. July ye 5th, 1775, in y® 524 year of her age.
In memory of Lemuel Adams, son of Mt Lemuel Adams & Here lies y® body of Joseph Bent, aged 52 years; died Mch
Mrs Hannah Adams, who died Jan. 25%, 1796, aged 13 years. | 31st, 1728.
In memory of M*s Sarah Adams, late Consort of M" John In memory of Mr Eben Bent, who died Sep. 10*, 1796, aged
Adams, who died Noy. 16, 1774, aged 63 years. | 59 years.
Death is a debt to nature due, | This bed, thy dust shall keep in peace.
As she has paid it so must you. | In memory of Mts Melanda Bent, widow of Capt. Lemuel
In life then strive to get prepared Bent, who died Oct. 20th, 1796, aged 67 years, 5 months.
HEEB I IA LE E38 In memory of Nathaniel Bicknell, son of Mt Nathaniel Bick-
Here lyes y® body of Eliphalet Adams, son of Mr John & | nell and M*s Elizabt his wife. He died July yé 27, 1775, in y®
Mrs Sarah Adams. He died Feb. 5th, 1747, in’y® 5t2 year of. | 20th year of his age.
his age.
In youth, in time of health, my young friends,
John, son of M* John and M's Sarah Adams, aged 20 months | prepare for death.
& 10 ds, Dect August ye 28th, 1735.
In memory of 2 Children of M* Nathaniel & M's Lucy Ar-
nold, viz.:
Here lies buried the body of M* Ebenezer Billings, who died
Sep. 16, 1766, aged 47 years.
In patience and meekness few did him excell,
Faithful in Milton, where he did dwell;
Reason we have, and fully trust,
That his soul is among the just.
Nathan, died Jan. 1t, 1792, in y® 6t year of his age;
Betsy P., died May 34, in y® 34 year of her age.
Here lie two children of M* Nathan and Mts Luey Arnold:
John, died Dee. 31, 1795, aged 8 years 9 months;
Betsey, died Dee. 15, 1794, aged 6 months Here lies buried y® body of Mt Joseph Billings, who departed
Se} . g 8. |
this life July y® 18, 1765, in y® 84 year of his age.
M's Maria Billings, wife of Mt Ebenez™ Billings, who died
December 19, 1785, in y® 40™ year of her age.
Here lies buried the body of Mt John Badcock, Junr, died
April 10%, 1767, aged 24 years.
In memory of Mt Nathan Badcock, who died Jan. 29t, 1777,
in the 60‘ year of his age Marian Billings, daug. of M™ Moses & M's Marian Billings,
ie.
i c th, 1732, a ths.
Here lies the remains of M's Susanna Badcock, the late ami- gE eres co anon ‘ : :
able Consort of Mt Nathan Badcock, who died Aug. 7th, 1774, In memory of M* Ruhanah Billings, wife of Mr Joseph
aged 55 years. Billings. She died Feb. 2°, 1740, aged 54 years.
In faith she died, in dust she lies, Here lies her rest in peaceful dust,
But faith forsees that dust shall rise, Till God in glory raised the just.
When Jesus calls, while hope assumes In memory of M* Amariah Blake, who died May ye 19t,
And breaks her joy among the tombs. 1792, in y® 60% year of his age.
Here lyes buried y® body of Mt William Badcock, who de- Dear partner of my mortal cares,
parted this life Meh 18, 1772, aged 54 years & 4 days. I bid you all adieu,
Beneath this stone death’s prisoner lies, I hope to meet above the Skyes
The stone shall move, Death’s prisoner rise, You and your children too.
When Jesus with almighty word In memory of Mts Susanna Blake, Consort of Mt Enos Blake,
Calls his dead saints to meet their God. who died Aug. 16th, 1776, in the 29 year of her age.
Sacred to the memory of M's Bathsheba Badcock, daut of Here lyes buried y® body of M™ William Blake, who died Oct.
Mr William & M'* Hannah Badcock, who died April 28th, 1792, | ye 15%, 1736, in ye 415* year of his age.
vet. 31 years. In memory of M's Bathsheba Blake, the wife of M™ Ziba
When this vain life of care and trouble’s o’er, Blake, who died Oct. 6%, 1778, aged 51 years.
We die to live, and live to die no more. I once did stand as thou dost now,
Here lies y® body of Nathaniel Badcock, Juner, aged 34 | To view the dead as thou dost me,
years; died January y® 224, 1718-9. | : But soon you'll lie as low as I,
a4
Here lies buried the body of Mt George Badcock, dec? Men | While others stand and gaze at thee.
In memory of two children, only sons of Mt Enos and Mrs
In memory of M's Mary Bates, widow of M* William Bates, | Rachel Blake viz:
of Weymouth, who died Dee. 30%, 1799, aged 87 years. Lemuel, died Oct. 22¢, 1792, in the 14 year of his age;
The sweet remembrance of the just | Stephen, died Oct. 74, 1792, in the 7 year of his age.
Shall flourish when they sleep in dust.
8%, 1734, in y® 46 year of his age. |
Thus are those flowers wither’d in their bloom,
Vive Mori. | By death’s cold hand brought early to the tomb;
Erected in memory of Mt Samuel Bent, who died Dec. 14th, | But mark the goodness of the pow’rs above,
1797, aged 26 years. | It can’t withhold them from redeeming love.
Early I left my earthly home of clay, | They’re safely landed on the peaceful shore
Which rests in silence till that great day, Where sin, disease & death are known no more.
MILTON.
761
Ziba Blake, son of M* Ziba and M's Susanna Blake, died
Aug. 24th, 1793, aged 13 mos. & 16 days.
Tho’ young, yet not too young to die,
Prepare for death immediately.
Make sure of Christ while life remains,
And death will be eternal gain.
.
Here lies buried the body of Mts Elizabeth Bodwick, who
departed Noy. 224, 1758, in the 60 year of her age.
Here lies buried y® body cf M* William Bodwick, Dec Oct.
y® 15th, 1752, in ye 55 year of his age.
Here lies buried the body of M* Alex™ Boies, who departed
this life the 298 of Oct. 1773, aged 36 years.
In memory of Mt James Boies, who died the 11 day of
July, 1798, aged 96.
This stone fixed here to hold in remembrance the place where
the remains of M* James Nelson Boies are deposited, who died
on the 24 day of July, 1782, anno etatis 215*.
Here lies buried y® body of M's Elizabeth Boys, wife to M*
Jeams Boys, daughter of Mt Jeremiah Smith, who departed
this life Nov. y® 20%, 1763, aged 32 years.
In memory of M* Josiah Brown. He died December y® 31%,
1775, in y® 35 year of his age.
Here’s interred Clarissa, daughter of M™ John & Polly Bussy ;
died April 19%, 1796, zt. 19 months.
Elizabeth Clap died Dect ye 20%, 1701, aged 37 years.
Here lyes buried y® body of Deac® Nehemiah Clap, who de-
ceased July y© 188, 1743, in ye 54 year of his age.
Here lies buried y® body of Ensign Ebenezer Clap, died July
30%, 1712, in y® 69 year of his age.
George Clark, son of M™ George and Mrs Lydia Clark, Dor-
chester, died Mc‘? 21st, 1770, aged 1 year.
Seth Clark, son of Mt George & M's Lydia Clark, Dorchester, |
died Jan. 13, 1771, aged 5 weeks.
In memory of M's Lydia Clark, wife of Mt George Clark, of |
Dorchester. She died M* ye 1st, 1776, aged 31 years.
In the book of life divine,
My God inscribe my name,
There let it fill some humble place,
Beneath the slaughtered Lamb.
Here lies the body of Mt Thomas Cradock and Prusilla his
wife and their daughter Ann, the wife of Mt Thomas Edwards,
who departed this-life November 24, 1752, aged 24 years.
Farewell forever then to all that’s gay !
You will forget to sing and I to pray,
No more with cheerful songs in cooling bowers,
Shall we consume the pleasurable hours.
All joys are banished, all delights are fled,
Ne’er to return, for A**’s dead.
Here lies buried y® body of Mt Benjamin Crane, who de-
parted this life June y® 24", 1771, in the 79 year of his age.
In memory of Rebecea Belcher Crane, daug. of Mt Jeremiah
& M's Rebecca Crane, who died Oct. 34, 1792, in the 8t year of
her age.
Here lies two children, sons of Mt Jeremiah & M's Rebecca
Crane :
Charles, died Sept. the 234, 1792, in the 6 year of his age;
Jeremiah, died Oct. 14, 1792, in the 2 year of his age.
Here lies the body of M's Abigail Crane, the wife of MF |
Benjamin Crane.
her age.
She died June 4, 1755, in ye 57th year of
In memory of M's Abigail Crane, wife of Mt Henry Crane,
who died Sept. 24, 1795, aged 58 years.
Could grateful love recall the fleeting breath,
Or fond affection soothe relentless death,
Then had this stone ne’er claimed a social tear,
Nor read to thoughtless man a lesson here.
In memory of M? Willam Crane, who died Noy. 10, 1785, in
y® 41st year of his age.
Isac Crane, son of M™ Isac & M's Pontas Crane, died Oct. 34,
1727. ABtat 3 years.
Also Enos Crane died Sep. 82, 1865, age 20 months.
Here lies y® body of Mary Crehore, daugh? of Capt. John &
Mrs Mehitable Crehore, died Oct. 224, 1748, in ye 218t year of
her age.
Ambrose Davenport, son of Mt Adam & M's Mary Davenport,
died Sept. 14", 1787, aged 3 years and 3 months.
Life is uncertain, death is sure,
Sin’s the wound and Christ the cure.
In memory of M's Elizabeth wife of Mt Lemuel Davis, who
died Mch 28, 1795, in y® 424 year of her age.
In memory of two children of Mt Lemuel and M's Elizabeth
Davis, Viz. ¢
Sally Tucker, died Dee. 18, 1794, aged 5 months;
Charlotte died Mch 224, 1795, aged 3 years.
Here lies buried the body of M* John Dickerman, who died
14% of August, 1729, in ye 64t® year of his age.
Here lies y® body of Mary Fenno, dau’ to Benj & Mary Fenno,
aged 22 years and 27 days. Dec‘ April y® 16t, 1725.
Erected in memory of M™ Enoch Fenno, who died Sept 19,
| 1796, aged 41 years.
Adieu, bright soul, a short farewell!
Till we shall meet in realms above,
In pleasant groves where pleasures dwell
And trees of life bear fruits of love.
Here lies interred the remains of M* Joseph Fenno, who de-
parted this life Jan. y® 19, 1767, aged 32 years.
In the cold mansions of the silent tomb,
How still the solitude, how deep the gloom,
Here sleeps the dust unconscious, close confined,
But far, far distant dwells the immortal mind.
Here lies y® body of M? Robert Field, who died Jan. ye 224,
1759, in y® 74 year of his age.
Here lies buried y® body of Robert Field, died September 24,
1719, in y® 67 year of his age.
Here lies y® body of Mt Ebenezer Field, who died Dec™ y®
15th, 1748, in y® 324 year of his age.
Here lies y® body of Mary Field, wife of Robert Field, died
| April y® 24, 1799, in y® 60 year of her age.
Here lies buried y® body of Anna Field, y® wife of M* Robert
Field, she departed this life y® 13 of November, 1728, in y® 44%
year of her age.
Mehetebel Field, y® daughter of Robert & Anna Field, aged
3 days, died 21t of Sep. 1719.
Here lies buried the body of M's Hannah Fuller, wife of Mr
Benjamin Fuller, aged 30 years, died Dec" y® 15%, 1746.
Here lyes interred the remains of M's Abigail Glover, the
| Consort of Mt Elijah Glover, and daughter of Mt Samuel & M's
She died Feb. 8t®, 1760, aged 84 years.
Here lies buried the body of Mt Samuel Glover, who died Aug.
24, 1761, in the 60‘ year of his age.
Here lies buried the body of M™ Elijah Glover, son of Mt
Mary Kinsley.
762
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Thomas & Elizabeth Glover of Dorchester, who departed this life
July ye 15t, 1770, in y® 45 year of his age.
Stop here, my friend, and cast an eye,
As you are now, so once was I,
As Iam now so must you be,
Prepare for death and follow me.
Sacred to the memory of Dea. Cornelius Gulliver, who died
Jan. Ld‘, 1808, aged 65 years.
Mrs Ann Gulliver, wife of Dea. Cornelius Gulliver, who died
Feb. 6%, 1806, aged 53 years.
Also M® Elisha Gulliver, son of Dea. Cornelius and Mts Ann
Gulliver, who died Oct. 31, 1799, aged 23 years.
‘Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life: he that be-
lieveth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Here lies the body of M's’ Hannah Gulliver, widow of Mt
Nathaniel Gulliver, she died June 1st, 1760, aged 80 years and
4 months.
Here lies the body of Mt Stephen Gulliver, who departed this
life the ninth day of May, 1771, in the 40 year of his age.
A soul prepared meets no delays,
The summons comes, y® man obeys,
Swift was his flight, and short the road,
He closed his eyes and saw his God.
The flesh rests here, till Jesus come
And ealls the body to his home.
Here lyes y® body of Mary Gulliver, wife to Jonathan Gul-
liver, aged 34 years, & 8 months & 5 days, died February y® 16,
1704.
Here lyes y® body of M* Nathaniel Gulliver, who died March
25th, 1743, in ye 68th year of his age.
Here lies buried y® body of Anthony Gulliwer, aged 87 years,
died Nov. y® 28th, 1706.
Here lyes y® body of M'™* Hannah Gulliver, widow of Mr
Nathaniel Gulliver, she died June 1st, 1760, aged 80 years & 4
months.
Erected in memory of Sarah Gulliver, wife of Jn°® Gulliver,
who died Oct. y® 1st, 1799, aged 64.
Here lies buried y® body of M* Caleb Hearsey, died Feb. 29,
1755, in the 57 year of his age.
Here lies the body of John Hearsey, who died Dee. 15t, 1725,
in the 66‘ year of his age.
Here lies the body of M's Hannah Hearsey, wife to Mt Caleb
Hearsey, died April 4th, 1742, in the 40 year of her age.
Dan! Hensher, son of Samuel & Waitstill Hensher, died Oct.
y® 25, 1719, in y¢ 8 year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of M* Daniel Hanshaw, who died August
y® 25%, 1732, in ye 90" year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of M's Waitstill Hanshaw, wife of Mr
Samuel Hanshaw, she died May y® 17*", 1737, in y¢ 53 year of |
her age.
Here lyes y® body of Mary Hensher, wife to Daniel Ilensher,
died November y® 19t4, 1719, in y® 83 year of her age.
Abigail Holman, wife to Thomas Holman, aged 57 years,
died March yé 1st, 170%.
Here lies y® body of Patience Holman, aged 42 years, Dec
June 29, 1713.
Memento
M ori
Fugit
Hora
Here lies y® body of Mt Thomas Holman, aged 63 years, died
August ye 4th, 1704.
Fenno Houghton, son of Mt Elijah & Mts Mary Houghton,
died Jan. 20, 1773, aged 1 year.
Here lyes buried the body of M's Ruth Houghton, the wife
of Mt Joseph Houghton, who departed this life May ye 234,
1792, in the 50‘ year of her age.
Here lies interred the mortal parts of Deacon Nathaniel
Houghton, who died M¢ch y® 13t, 1732, aged 76 years.
Cease tears, y® body of a friend
Ye to y® grave do only lend,
A common lot, here Christ has been, —
Triumphant over death & sin.
He has awoke, so shall the just,
And gather up their crumbs of dust.
Comfort, O friend, the gospel cries,
Seed that is quickened always dies.
Here lyes buried y® body of Mt’ Ann Houghton, wife of M*
Joseph Houghton and daughter of Mt John & M*s Ann Wil-
liams, who died July 14, 1773, in y® 224 year of her age.
Here lies buried the body of Mt’ Deborah Houghton, y® wife
of Dea. Nathaniel Houghton, who departed this life Feb. the
27th, 1772, in y® 70 year of her age.
In memory of M's Sarah, the wife of Mt Isac Howe, but
lately the wife of Mt Lazarus Baker, she died Sep. ye 11,
1755, in ye 615t year of her age.
Erected in memory of M's Sarah Howe, Relict of Dea. Josiah
Howe, who died Nov. 18, 1797, 4 81.
Tired with the troubles & the cares
A long train of four-score years,
The prisoner smiled to be released,
She felt her fetters loosed and mounted to her rest.
Here lies the body of Mt Isac How, who died Sept. y® 7%,
1769, in y® 55 year of hisage. An instance of sudden death in
the midst of useful life.
Dangers stand thick through all the ground,
To push us to the Tomb,
And fierce diseases march around,
To hurry mortals home.
But Ill repine at death no more,
Vl cheerfully resign
To the cold dungeon of the grave
These dying limbs of mine,
Since God and my Redeemer lives,
Who often from the skies
Looks down and watches all my dust,
Till he shall bid it rise.
Erected to the memory of Deacon Josiah How, who departed
this life Oct. 34, 1792, in the 74% year of his age.
Here stands his urn,
He’ll ne’er return, :
He’s gone to Christ above.
His body’s dead,
His spirit’s fled,
His song’s redeeming love.
Isac How, y® son of Mt Josiah & M's Sarah How. He died
June 18th, 1752, in ye 34 year of his age.
Josiah How, y® son of Mt Josiah & Mt’ Sarah How. He died
June 19%, 1752, in y® 6 year of his age.
John How, son of Mt Josiah & M's Sarah How, died Jany 224
1755, in y® 3° year of his age.
In memory of Samuel Maynard Humphrey, son of Mr? Na-
thaniel & M's Martha Humphrey, who died Sept. 4, 1791, aged
20 months.
—— =
Sh ete ee = ea =
MILTON. 763
In memory of Mts Rhoda Jones, the wife of Mt Joseph Jones,
who died Oct. 4th, 1702, aged 55 years.
Here lyeth y® body of Elizabeth Jones, daughter to Mt Tim-
othy & M's Elizabeth Jones, died Dect 4th, 1740, in y® 21 year
of her age.
Here lyes y® body of M' David Jones, aged 45 years, died
May yé 34, 1741.
In the memory of M* John Keith, who died June 8*, 1796,
aged 21 years.
He whom the Lord doth free,
The noblest freedom gains,
Freedom from vice & misery,
And sins of closing chains.
Here lies the body of M's Abigail Kneeland, wife of Mt John
Kneeland, died May 17, 1770, aged 33 years.
The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish when they sleep in dust.
Here lies buried the body of Mt John Kinsley, who died Sept.
y® 13th, 1748, in y® 69 year of his age.
Here lyeth the body of Capt. Samuel Kinsley, who departed
this life Oct. ye 294, 1755, aged 58 years.
In memory of M's Simeon Lamb of Charlestown, who died
of the small-pox Sept. the 25, in the year 1792, and the 21%
year of her age.
Here lyes the body of Mts Hannah Lankester, Relict of Mt
William Lankester, who died April 9t*, 1742, aged 79 years.
Erected in memory of Miss Mary Mac Carnney, who died
Jan. 4th, 1791, aged 20 years.
Sleep in darkness till that glorious day,
When Christ my light shall roll the stone away.
In memory of Mary Milton, aged 23 years, died Feb. 8th, |
1702.
In memory of Mt John Newton, who died Feb. 16, 1774, in
the 87" year of his age. |
Here lies the body of Jerusha Park, who died Sept. 234, 1767, |
age 17 days. Also the body of Sarah Park, who died Sept.
17th, 1767, aged 11 days; children of Mt Edward & Mrs Jerusha
Park.
In memory of M's Ester Pierce, wife of Mt Charles Pierce,
who died May 10, 1787, in ye 23 year of her age.
Why mourn you thus, my relict friend & kin?
Lament you, when I lose, not when I win.
Here lies buried y® body of Chloe Pierce, daughter of M* |
William and M's Unice Pierce, who died June 30th, 1774, aged
8 weeks. :
In memory of William Pierce, son of William & Mts Lydia
Pierce, who died Dect 24, 1770, aged 3 years & 3 months.
In memory of three daughters of Mt William & M** Unice
Pierce, viz.
Miss Deliverance Pierce, who died Sept. 5th, 1792, At 38
years.
Miss Martha Pierce, who died Feb. 10th, 1791, Ait 24 years,
and
Miss Unice Pierce, who died Oct. 10%, 1788, At 17 years.
Lovers and Friends, Oh God !
By thy resistless frown,
The gloomy vale have trod,
And to the grave gone down.
In memory of Deliverance Pierce, wife of Capt. William
Pierce, who died April 28, 1748, in ye 49t" year of her age.
Here lies buried y® body of M™ William Pierce, who died
April 17%, 1731, in y® 724 year of his age. :
In memory of Mr William Pierce, who died Feb. 1st, 1793,
aged 65 years.
Why do ye mourn departed friends,
Or shake at death’s alarms,
’Tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to his arms.
Here lies buried y® body of M's Elizabeth Pierce, wife of Mr
William Pierce, who died June 6%, 1735, in y® 67 year of her
age.
Here lies buried the body of M's Hannah Pitcher, y® wife of
Mr John Pitcher, who departed this life Sept. y® 24, 1772, aged
77 years.
Here lies buried the body of Thomas Rawlins, aged about 70
years. Departed this life July y® 7, 1693.
Here lyes buried the body of Abigail Rawlins, aged 72 years,
departed this life March y® 20%, 1711-12.
In memory of Miss Esther Rawson, dauht of David Rawson
Esq. & Mrs. Mary his wife, who died of y® small pox Oct. 27t,
1792, aged 31 years & 6 months.
Death a debt to nature due,
Which I have paid and so must you.
In memory of Miss Sally Rea, the daught of Mt Jeremiah
Rea and M's Bridget his wife, who died Noy. 11t®, 1792, in the
24th year of her age.
Stop, my friend, and think of me,
T once was in the world like thee,
Now I lie mouldering in the dust,
In hope to rise among the just.
In memory of M's Mary Ruggles, the wife of Mt John Rug-
gles, who died Nov. 234, 1773, aged 30 years.
A meek and quiet spirit she possessed,
And proved the religion she professed.
Here lyes the body of Mt Thomas Shepard, Dect Sept. y*
| 29th, 1719, in ye 87 year of his age.
Here lyes the body of Mt Ralph Shepard, Dec? Jany y® 26%,
1724, in ye 36 year of his age.
Sacred to the memory of Benjamin Smith, paper maker, son
of Mt Richard Smith of North Britain in the Shire of Aberdeen.
He died May 6th, 1792, in the 37 year of his age.
Could grateful love recall the fleeting breath,
Or fond affection soothe relentless death,
Then had this stone ne’er claimed a social tear,
Nor read to thoughtless man a lesson here.
Here lies the body of John Stimpson, aged 56 years, Dec
Aug. y® 11%, 1732.
In memory of Katherine Soper, wife of Samuel Soper, who
died Feb. 17, 1776, in y® 224 year of her age.
In memory of Katherine Soper, daughter of Samuel and
Katherine Soper, who died Jany 16, 1769, in y® 5 year of
her age.
In memory of Mrs Elizabeth Sumner, wife of Col. Seth Sum-
ner, who died May 9th, 1784, in the 488 year of her age.
Life is uncertain, death is sure,
Sin’s the wound, Christ the cure.
Erected in memory of Mt Abijah Sumner, who died Feb. 24,
1797, in the 84th year of his age.
In memory of M's Harriet Sumner, wife of M* Benjamin
Sumner, who died 14t® Aug. 1800, aged 28 years.
No more, my friend, dont mourn for me,
I’m gone into eternity,
Make sure of Christ while life remain,
And death will be eternal gain.
764
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Here lyes y® body of M's Sarah Sumner, wife of M* Josiah
Sumner, she died Dec. y® 11, 1741, in y® 25t year of her age.
Here lies y® body of Ruth Sumner, daug. of M™ Ebenezer &
Mrs Susanna Sumner, died May 24, 1754, in y® 215t year of
her age.
Erected in memory of Mt David Sumner, who died Noy. 11",
1789, in the 72 year of his age. Also his 2°4 wife Mary Sum-
ner, who died Dec. 25, 1821, in the 89 year of her age.
In memory of Mt Jazaniah Sumner, who died May 6, 1778,
aged 66. Also his wife M's Judith Sumner, who died Noy. 5%,
1799, aged 68.
So sleep the saints and cease to groan,
When sin and death have done their worst,
Christ has a glory like his own,
Which waits to clothe their waking dust.
Here lies buried the body of M* Benjamin Sumner, who de-
parted this life May y® 28", 1771, in y® 88 year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of Deacon George Sumner, aged 81 years,
died y® 11t® day of December, 1715.
Here lyes y® body of Joseph Sumner, son of Mt Benjamin &
Mrs Elizabeth Sumner,*he died May ye 224, 1731, in ye 21st
year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of Mts Elizabeth Sumner, wife of M' Benj.
Sumner. She died Oct. 34, 1735, in y® 50 year of her age.
Here lyes buried y® body of Mt George Sumner, he died Dec.
18th, 1732
752,
in y® 67t® year of his age.
Here lyes buried y® body of Mary Sumner, y® widow of
Deacon George Sumner, aged 47 years. Dec’ ye 15 of April,
1719.
Here lyes buried y® body of Deacon Roger Sumner, aged 66
years, Dect May yé 26, 1698.
Here lyes y® body of Mts Susanna Sumner, wife of Mt Eben-
ezer Sumner, she died y® 7th of July A.D. 1760, in ye 47th year
of her age.
In memory of M's Susan Sumner, wife of Mt Jabez Sumner,
who died in Child-bed May 1st, 1793, in the 40 year of her age;
the child died at its birth.
Here lyes y® body of M's Susanna Sumner, y® daughter of Mr
George Sumner, Jun.dec’. She departed this life May 11, 1752,
in y® 21st year of her age.
Here lies buried the body of Mt George Sumner, died Aug. 26,
1730, in y® 27 year of his age.
In memory of M® Nathaniel Swift, who died May ye 13th,
1767, in y® 47 year of his age.
Here lies interred the remains of M's Ann Swift, the virtuous
consort of Samuel Swift, Esq. She exchanged this life for a bet-
ter May 19, 1762, in the 82 year of her age.
Reader, remember thou art born to die,
Hark from the grave to youth this is my ery,
Withdraw, prepare, think, Act Accordingly.
Luke xvi. 31.
Here lyes y® body of M's Elizabeth Swift, wife to M* Thomas
Swift, she died Dec. 12, 1756, aged 32 years.
Here lyes y® body of Sarah Swift, wife to Deacon Thomas
Swift, aged 75 years, Dec’ Feb. ye 4t4, 1717-8.
Here lyes the body of Betsey Swift, daut of Mt John & Ms
Elizabeth Swift, died Meh 25, 1774, aged 10 months & 29
days.
In memory of M"™ Rebekah Swift, the virtuous wife of Mr
Nathaniel Swift, who died 6 Sept. 1793, Aut 70.
The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish when they sleep in dust.
Here lies interred the remains of Samuel Swift, Esq. who
departed this life Oct. 13, 1747, aged 64 years.
Who never did a slander forge,
His neighbor’s fame to wound,
Nor harken to a false report,
By malice whispered round.
Who to his plighted vows & trust
Had ever firmly stood,
And tho’ he promised to his loss,
He made his promise good.
Sacred to the memory of M's Judith Swift, wife of M™ Eben-
ezer Swift, who died April 224, 1784, aged 55 years.
I once did’st stand as thou dost now,
To view the dead as thou dost me,
But soon you’! lie as low as I,
While others stand and gaze at thee.
Here lyes the body of Lydia Swift, dau" to M Ebenezer &
Ms Judith Swift, who died July 10, 1758, aged 4 years & 5
months.
Here lies buried y® body of Deacon Thomas Swift, aged 82
years & 8 months. Died Jany ye 31st, 1717-8.
Here lyes buried y® body of M* Thomas Thacher, son of Mt
Peter Thacher, aged 28 years, who died Dec™ 19th, 1721.
Mrs Theodora Thacher, y® daughter of Rey. Mr. John Oxen-
bridge, Pastor of y® first Church of Boston, and wife of M* Peter
Thacher, aged 38 years, 3 months & 23 days, was Translated
from Earth to Heaven Noy" y® 18th, 1697.
This Stone Sacred to ye memory of M*s Sarah Thacher, Con-
sort of y® late Oxenbridge Thacher, Jr. Esq™. who died ye 3d
of July, 1764, Ait 39. Demands from thee, oh reader, y®
tribute of a tear to her memory, and a thought on thine own
dissolution,
In memory of M* Lewis Thomas, who died on his way from
Boston to his parents Mt Hushai & M*s Lucy Thomas in Mid-
dleborough, with the yellow fever, August 25%, 1798, in his
28th year.
Though the great God who reigns on high
Hath doomed the race of man to die,
Yet saints thereby are cleansed from sin,
And in glory rise again.
Here lyes buried y© body of M* Samuel Trescott, who died
July 30%, 1730, in y® 84 year of his age.
Here lyes buried y® body of M's Margaret Trescott, widow
of Mt Samuel Trescott, she died March 19th, 1741, in ye 90
year of her age.
Luther, son of Samuel & Hannah Toplif, stillborn Noy. 16%,
1734.
In memory of Mary Paine Tufts, daughter of M? William &
M's Peggy Tufts, who died Sept. 24, 1791, in the 24 year of her
age,
Sleep, sleep, sweet babe, and take thy rest,
God called thee home, he thought it best,
Wipe off your tears, your eyes let dry,
We learn from this we all must die.
Here lye buried the remains of Susanna Tucker, the wife of
M' Jazaniah Tucker. She departed this life Oct. 24, 1776, in
the 65 year of her age.
Here lies interred the body of M's James Tucker, who de-
| parted this life Dect ye 224, 1750, in y® 71% year of her age.
Here lyes buried the body of Deacon Nathan Tucker, who
departed this life Nov. 84, 1776, aged 58 years.
In memory of Mts Mary Tucker, the widow of Mt Joseph
Tucker, who died Oct. 7, 1792, in the 59 year of her age.
MILTON.
765
In memory of M's Elizabeth, wife of Mt Samuel Tucker, wh
died Mch 10, 1791, in y® 66 year of her age. ;
In memory of Mary W. Tucker, daughter of Mt David &
Mrs Mary Tucker, died Nov. 224, 1792, aged 12 years.
Thrice blessed are the pious dead,
Who in the Lord shall die,
Their weary flesh as on a bed
Safe in the grave shall lie.
In memory of M* Joseph Tucker, who died May 224, 1789,
in the 64 year of his age.
To God I now resign my breath,
And safely walk the vale of death,
With Christ I’ve lived, with Him I'll die,
And pass to immortality.
Here lyes y® body of M's Waitstill Tucker, the widow of
Dea® Manasseh Tucker.
87 year of her age.
Here lies y® body of Mrs Sarah Tucker, the widow of Mr
James Tucker, she died Sept. y® 16, 1756, in y® 74 year of
her age.
Here lies the body of Deacon Manasseh Tucker, who died
April 8th, 1748, in y® 89 year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of James Tucker, of Milton, aged 77 years.
Dec® Mar‘ ye 13th, 1717.
In memory of Sarah Tucker, daughter of M™ Samuel & Mrs
Elizabeth Tucker, who died Feb. 10‘, 1766, in y® 24 year of
her age.
Here lies buried the body of M* Manasseh Tucker, Jr., the |
son of Deacon Manasseh Tucker, who died March 10, 1730, in
the 424 year of his age.
Ebenezer, son of Mt Ebenezer Tucker & Elizabeth his wife.
He died Sept. 26, 1775, aged 10 years and 4 months.
Here lies buried the body of Deacon William Tucker, who |
departed this life Dec. ye 9t, a.p. 1771, in y® 64** year of his
age.
The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish when he lies in dust.
His works of piety and love,
Remain before the Lord,—
Honor on earth & joys above
Shall be his sure reward.
In memory of Mts Mary Tucker, once y® amiable consort of
Capt. Jeremiah Tucker, who departed this life Sep. y® 21s*, 1766,
in y® 40 year of her age.
In memory of Mt Samuel Tucker, who died May 26*, 1776,
in y® 57 year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of M's Rachel Tucker, wife of M*™ William
Tucker. She died Jany 25, 1744, in y® 34 year of her age.
Here lies buried the remains of Capt. Samuel Tucker, who
departed this life Dect 25, 1758, in the 72¢ year of his age.
Here lies y® body of Esther Tucker, dau™ to Mt Jazaniah & |
M's Susanna Tucker.
year of her age.
Here lyes y® body of Mts Jean Tucker, widow of Mt Ebenezer
Tucker. She died Feb. 17, 1743, in y® 57 year of her age.
Here lyes y® body of Mt James Tucker, son of M* James &
Mrs Sarah Tucker; he died Dect the 7, 1732, in y® 234 year
of his age.
In memory of Mt Thomas Vose, who died March ‘9, 1775,
in the 36 year of his age.
A soul prepared needs no delays,
The summons comes, the soul obeys ;
She died March y® 19, 1748, in ye |
She died July ye 19th, 1755, in y® 13th |
Swift in his flight and short the road,
He closed his eyes and saw his God.
The flesh rests here till Jesus come,
And claim the treasure from the tomb.
In memory of Moses Vose, who died Sep. 6th, 1793, aged 21
years, 3 mon. 2 days. Also Elijah Vose, died Sep. 17%, 1774,
aged 1 year 12 days. Sons of Moses & M's Hannah Vose.
| In memory of M's Abigail Vose, Comfort of Mt Edward Vose,
Decea‘, who died Sept. 8", 1778, in the 64" year of her age.
Here lyes buried the body of Lydia Sumner Vose, daughter
of Mt Benjamin & Mrs Esther Vose, who died May 6t%, 1779,
aged 1 month.
Here lyes y® body of Samuel Vose, aged 21 years and about
9 months, Dec* Dec. 13th, 1717.
William Vose, son of Mr Nathaniel & Mts Ruth Vose, died
Oct. ye Sth, 1773, aged 1 year & 14 days.
The sweet delights we here enjoy
And fondly call our own,
Are but short favors borrowed now
To be repaid anon.
*Tis God that lifts our comforts high
Or sinks them in the grave,
He gives, and blessed be his name,
He takes but what he gave.
In memory of M's Mary Vose, wife of Dea" W™ Vose, who
died Oct. 25, 1792, in the 38t year of her age.
| And their children, viz.:
Edward Roger, died July 5th, 1783, Ait. 4 years.
| Ebenezer, died July 25t2, 1783, at. 9 months.
| Philena, died Oct. 20th, 1792, Ait. 11 days.
| Here lyes y® body of Thomas Vose, son of Mt Josiah & Mrs
Ruhamah Vose, died May 26, 1778, aged two months.
To the memory of Mrs Lucy Vose, the second wife of Mt Ebe-
She died May 30), 1797, aged 58 years.
Religion against decay can arm,
And ever lend mortality a charm.
| nezer Vose.
Here lyes buried the body of Esther Vose, daughter to Ben-
jamin & M's Esther Vose, who died Jan. 28, 1771, age 1 year &
2 months.
Happy the babe who priveledged by fate
To shorter labor and a lighter weight,
Receives but yesterday the gift of breath,
| Ordered to-morrow to return to death.
| In memory of M? William Vose, who died May 13, 1776, in
| the 44th year of his age.
Charles Vose, son of Mt Benjamin and Mrs Esther Vose, died
| August 34, 1793, aged 6 years.
Here lies the body of Mr Elijah Vose, who departed this life
| Nov. 5t, 1766, in the 58t® year of his age.
Great God, I own Thy orders just,
And nature must decay,
I yield my body to the dust,
To dwell with fellow clay.
Hoping to see Thy lovely face,
With strong immortal eyes—
To feast upon Thy wondrous grace
With pleasure and surprise.
| Here lies buried the body of M* Edward Vose, who departed
| this life May y® 31, 1770, in y® 50 year of his age.
| In memory of M* Ebenezer Vose, who died O*t, 24, 1788, aged
| 55.
| The sweet remembrance of the just
| Shall flourish when they sleep in dust.
766
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Here lies buried Mts Eunice Vose, wife of Mt Ebenezer Vose, |
who died June 20, 1707, in y® 31%* year of her age.
A meek and quiet spirit she possessed,
And practiced the religion she professed.
In memory of Miss Polly Howe Vose, who died Dec. 7, 1797,
aged 21 years.
Though early made a sacrifice to death,
With cheerful hope she could resign her breath;
Her sickly form she now has left behind,
And freed from all that could disturb her mind.
In this grave lies buried Esther Vose, the late virtuous & amia-
ble consort of Mt Nathan Vose. She departed this life Feb. 28,
1775, in the 23 year of her age.
A soul prepared needs no delay,
The summons comes, the saints obey;
Short was her life, but well improved,
She closed her eyes and saw her God.
Her flesh rests here till Jesus come,
And claim the treasure from the tomb.
Here lyes buried the body of Lieut. Henry Vose, who died Me»
26th, 1752, in ye 87” year of his age.
Here lies buried y® body of Capt. Thomas Vose, he departed
this life ye 9" day of March, 1760, aged 62 years, 11 months &
8 days.
Stand still, reader, and spend a tear
Over the dust that slumbers here;
And, while you’re musing here on me,
Think on the glass that runs for thee.
Fanna Vose, daughter of M® Daniel & Mts Rachel Vose, died
_ Sep. 9%, 1775, aged 3 months and 6 days.
John Vose, Jun., son of Mt Joseph & M's Ruhamah Vose, died
Sept. ye 11%, 1775, aged 10 months & 6 days.
Here lies y® body of Mr Lemuel Vose, who died O°, 1st, 1764,
in y® 34th year of his age.
Here lies the body of Peter Vose, son of Capt. Thomas &
Mrs Patience Vose, died Feb. 9, 1764, aged 18 years, 5
months & 26 days.
In memory of M's Patience Vose, Relict of M™ Thomas Vose,
of Milton, and daughter of Joseph & Ruhamah Billings. She
died April y® 34, 1800, aged 85 years.
Here sleeps a Christian, full of faith and love,
She lived in cheerful hope, resigned her breath
To join her kindred spirits blest above—
Reader, be such your life and such your death.
Here lies y® body of Mt Jonathan Vose, who died February,
1760, in y® 50 year of his age.
Here lies interred the remains of M's Abigail Vose, widow of
Lieut. Robert Vose, who departed this life Decem™ ye 28th, 1769,
in y® 724 year of her age.
The graves of all his saints he blessed,
And softens every bed,
Where should the dying members rest
But with the dying Head.
Here lies buried y® body of Lieut Robert Vose, who departed
this life April 20%, 1760, in y® 67 year of his age.
Rufus Vose, son of Mt John & M's Mary Vose, died Sep. y®
18th, 1750, aged 18 mon. & 20 days.
Here lies buried the body of Nathaniel Vose, Juni, who
departed this life December 18, 1756, in y® 52 year of his age.
Here lies y® body of Zebiah Uoce, dafter of W™ Uoce, aged
17 years, died March y® 26th, 1718.
Here lies y® body of William Uoce, aged 44 years, died Dec.
ea Tal The
Here lyes buried the body of Rubin Vose, son of Mt Nathaniel
& Mrs Rachel Vose, died May y® 9t2, 1760, in y® 215t year of his
age.
Here lyes buried the body of M's Elizabeth Vose, wife to
Lieut Henry Vose, who died Oct. y® 18, 1732, in y® 66% year
of her age.
In memory of M's Marian Vose, who departed this life Oct.
25th, 1785, in ye 57 year of her age.
In memory of Rachel Vose, dau of Mt Nath! & Mts Rachel
Vose. She died Sept. ye 1st, 1775, aged 32 years.
The sweet remembrance of ‘the just
Shall flourish when they sleep in dust.
Here lyes buried the body of M* John Vose, son of MF
Nathaniel & Mts Rachel Vose, who departed this life Oct. 27%,
1752, in y® 27 year of his age.
Here lyes buried the body of M* Thomas Vose, son of Capt.
Thomas Vose, deceased Aug. 16%, 1722, in y® 55 year of his
age.
Here lyes y® body of Eli Vose, son to Mt Thomas & Mrs Pa-
tience Vose, he died Feb. y® 8h, 1749, aged 3 years.
Mary Vose, daug" to Mt Jonathan & M's Mary Vose, died Noy.
10th, 1744, in ye 4th year of her age.
In memory of Mt Zephaniah Walker, who died July 8, 1775,
aged 21 years.
Come hither, mortal, cast an eye,
Then go thy way, prepare to die.
Here read thy doom, for die thou must,
One day, like me, be turned to dust.
Here lyes the body of M’s Elizabeth Wadsworth, the widow
of Dea™ John Wadsworth. She departed this life May 6%,
1766, in the 89% year of her age.
In memory of Rey. M" John Wadsworth of Milton. Edu-
cated at Harvard College. Ordained at Canterbury Sept. 17%,
1728. Died at Milton June 15t, 1766, aged 63 years.
Here lies buried, waiting for the coming of the Lord, the body
of Mt John Wadsworth, only son of M™ John & M*s Abigail
Wadsworth, who was suddenly removed (not without hope)
from his lamenting friends into the invisible state, May 27,
1752, in the 21% year of his age.
Young man, your bones shall flourish as an herb.
Reader, art thou also ready ? At such an hour as you think
not, the Son of Man cometh.
Here lyes y* body of Deacon Ebenezer Wadsworth, aged 56
Dect Augt ye 1st, 1717.
[The Oldest Stone in the Cemetery.]
Here lyes y® body of Christopher Wadsworth, aged about 24
years & 5 mos.
| years, died y® 4t2 of December, 1687.
Here lyes the body of Mt Edward Vose, Dect Jan. y® 29th,
1716, in y¢ 80 year of his age.
65 years. Dect May y® 18t4, 1712.
Here lies buried the body of M's Waitstill Vose, widow of
Capt. Thomas Vose, died Jany y® 8, 1727, aged 84 years.
|
|
|
Here lyes y* body of Abigail Vose, wife to Edward Vose, aged |
|
Joseph, son to Elijah & Sarah Vose, died Sep. y® 29, 1735, in |
y® 4b year of his age. ‘
Hlere lies the body of Esther Wadsworth, wife of Benjamin
Wadsworth. She departed this life July 24, 1777, in the 61st
year of her age.
She constantly manifested entire trust in God, through the
merits of Jesus Christ, and the most animating and agreeable
| apprehensions of the eternal world.
A lovely faith can smoothe the face of death,
Bid youth and beauty sacrifice their breath ;
MILTON.
:
767
Can tread the gloomy valley without fear,
And part with all below without a tear.
Here lies buried the body of Deacon Benjamin Wadsworth,
who departed this life Oct. 17%, 1771, in y® 64 year of his age,
having served in y® office of deacon in y® Church at Milton 28
years; he lived respected and died lamented.
How rich y® store’ of grace lay hid behind
The vail of modesty, no human mind
Can search, no friend declare, no fame reveal—
Nor has this mournful pillar power to tell.
Yet there’s a hastening hour, it comes, it comes
To rouse y® sleeping dead, to burst y® tombs
And set y® saints in view. All eyes behold,
While y® vast records of y® skies unrolled
Rehearse his deeds y* spread his worth abroad,
Ye Judge approves & Heaven & earth applaud.
Here lyes y® body of Elizabeth Wadsworth, y® daughter of
Deacon Benjamin Wadsworth & M's Esther his wife. She died
Feb. y® 14t, 1750, in ye 14™ year of her age.
Here lies buried the body of Deacon John Wadsworth, son to
| 4th, 1724, Ait. 59 years.
tombs are given, and the names of those deposited
therein appear as far as it has been possible to ascer-
tain. The enumeration of the tombs commences at
_ the northeast corner of the old cemetery.
Rawson Toms.—Here lies buried the body of Mts Theodora
Gulliver, the wife of Capt. Jonathan Gulliver, aged 54 years,
died Dect. 7th, 1732.
Here lies entombed the body of Captain Jonathan Gulliver,
who departed this life July the 34, 1737, in the 78 year of his
age. ;
MInistERIAL Tomp.—Here ly the remains of M's Susanna
Thacher (second wife of the Rev. Peter Thacher), who died Sept.
Rey. Peter, first Pastor of the Church
in Milton, who died Dect 17", 1727, in the 77 year of his age,
and the 47 of his Pastorate.
M's Elizabeth Taylor, wife of the Rev. John Taylor, who died
April 17, 1735, At. 27 years.
Rey. John Taylor, who died Jan. 26, 1750, in the 46th year
| of his age.
Capt. Samuel Wadsworth, who died Jany 31st, 1733, in y® 60 —
year of his age.
In memory of Abigail Wadsworth, dau to ye Rey. Mt Jo®
& Mrs Abigail Wadsworth of Milton.
1758, aged 23 years.
When this you see, remember me.
Sarah, daughter to Recompence and Sarah Wadsworth, aged
12 years, 8™5 & 28 days. Dect April y® 17%, 1728.
Here lies inter’d y® remains of Lieut. Samuel Wadsworth,
who departed this life Nov. Anno Dom. 1754, in y® 69 year of
his age.
Here lyes y® body of Mts Mary Wadsworth, Relict of Deacon |
Ebenezer Wadsworth, Dect Meh ye Sth, 1738, in ye 77 year of
her age.
In memory of Mts Sarah Weston, wife of Mt Abel Weston,
who ied Jan. 15, 1797, in the 20 year of her age.
Swift as the sun revolves the day,
We hasten to the dead:
Slaves to the wind we puff away,
And to the ground we tread.
Tis air that lends us life when first
The vital bellows heave,—
Our flesh we borrow of the dust,
And when a mother’s care has nursed
The babe to manly size, we must
With usury pay the grave.
Erected in memory of Mt John Willson, who deceased April
17%, 1790, aged 19 years.
Here lyes y® body of M* Peter White, who died Jan. y® 224,
1738, in y® 77 year of his age.
Here lyes y® body of Mary Wyat,! wife to Edward Wyat,
aged 92 years, Dec’ Feb. y® 6, 1705.
Sally Young, daughter of Mt John & M* Miletiah Young,
who died Jan. 4, 1791, aged 5 years, 9 months and 7 days.
Tombs in Milton Cemetery, 1883.—There are sixty- |
four tombs in the cemetery. The proprietors of the
1 The following, from the Dorchester Town Records, refers to
Mrs. Wyat:
“The Old widow wiate Bing 94 years of age and on that had
Layd So many women that she was instrimintall for the brinin
into the world on thousand on hundred and on Children.”
She died Jan. y® 1%, |
Edward Sherburn Taylor, aged 14 days, 1750.
Samuel Gile, Jr., died Oct. 5, 1827, aged 18 years.
Samuel Gile, D.D., died Oct. 16, 1836, aged 56 years.
Mary H. Gile, wife of Samuel Gile, D.D., died June 25, 1862,
aged 83 years.
JosePxH Bascock Toms (S. H. Bascock, 1831).—Here lies en-
tombed John Babcock, son of Joseph Babcock, who died Sep-
tember 25, 1792, aged 6 years.
Mrs Hannah Babcock, wife of Joseph Babcock, who died Feb.
23, 1794, aged 46 years.
Mrs. Grace Babcock, wife of Joseph Babcock, died Sept. 11,
1810, aged 60 years.
Joseph Babcock, Esq., died May 28, 1813, aged 67 years.
Stephen Babcock, died Aug. 15, 1845, aged 67.
Dantet Vose’s Tomp.—Here lies entombed M's Patience
Holbrook, wife of Dr. Amos Holbrook and daughter of Daniel
Vose, Esq., & Mts Rachel his wife, who died Mch 18th, 1789,
Ait. 25.
M: Jeremiah Smith, died April 16, 1790, Ht. 86.
Mrs Rachel Smith, wife of Mt Jeremiah Smith, died May 8th,
1791, At. 85.
Daniel Vose, Esq., died Dee. 7, 1807, At. 67 years.
Rachel, wife of Daniel Vose and daughter of Jeremiah &
Rachel Smith, died Jan. 25, 1821, aged 84.
Daniel Vose, son of Daniel and Rachel Vose, died May 29,
1837, aged 58 years.
Henry Gardner, born in the Old Province House, Boston,
Aug. 2,1779; died June 19, 1858 :—his wife, Clarissa, daugh-
ter of Dr. Amos Holbrook, born in Milton, Aug. 23, 1784; died
in Dorchester Feb. 10, 1860.
Their Children: Clarissa H., born Feb. 10, 1811; died July
11, 1836.
Matilda S., born Aug. 16, 1822; died Aug. 28, 1841.
H. C., wife of Henry J. Gardner, born Sept. 6, 1818; died
Sept. 2, 1869.
Their Children: Elizabeth W. Gardner, born Noy. 11, 1851;
died March 21, 1857.
Henry G. Gardner, born Sept. 3, 1854; died March 31,
1873.
Frederick W. Gardner, born Jan. 9, 1846; died Jan. 30,
1879.
Clifford Gardner, born Feb. 5, 1857; died Aug. 20, 1879.
Davin SumNer’s Toms.—Mrs. Althea Cain, wife of Mr.
David Cain, died May 26, 1806, Ht. 79.
Mr. David Cain, died Oct. 21, 1811, Mt. 72.
768
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Mary D. Hobart, daug. of Moses L. Hobart & Betsey Hobart,
died Aug. 24, 1808, aged 1 year.
Toms or E. G. Tucker anp J. A. Crenore.—George Tucker,
born at Milton, March 8, 1750; died (by accident) Jan. 19, 1805.
His wife, Sarah [Glover], born at Milton, July 1, 1758; died
May 22, 1833.
Mary A. Atherton, first wife of Ebenezer G. Tucker, born
at Stoughton, Noy. 19, 1805; died at Milton, Dec. 22, 1832.
Anna T. Alexander (née Atherton), second wife of Ebenezer
G. Tucker, born at Stoughton, April 5, 1804; died at Stough-
ton, Oct. 1, 1875.
Henry, son of E.G. & A. T. Tucker, born at Milton, July
27,1835; died at East Boston, Jan. 5, 1861.
Edwin, born at Milton, Sept. 27, 1837; died at Milton, Sept.
14, 1841.
Toms or Tuomas CREHORE.
Tomes or CHARLES ADAMS.
Toms or Tuomas Ho.tuis.
Toms or Anner H. BowMANn.
Toms or N. & S. Davenporr & J. Crenore.—Mr. Phineas
Davenport, died Jan, 31, 1840, aged 67 years and 10 months.
Mrs. Hannah Davenport, died Aug. 19, 1843, aged 62 years
6 months.
Miss Sarah Davenport, died March 7, 1858, aged 35 years 6
months.
Mr. Francis Davenport, died Feb. 4, 1857, aged 52 years 11 |
| much beloved by all.
months.
Toms or Swirt Herrs.—Mr. Ebenezer Swift, died Jan. 17,
1805, aged 80 years. John Swift, died Jan. 14, 1819.
Swift, died Sept. 26, 1838.
Toms oF DanieL Brices.—Entombed here, M's Jane Briggs, |
wife of Mt Daniel Briggs, died Jan. 25,1791, At. 26.
Miss Sophia Briggs, daug. of M™ D. & M's Jane Briggs, died |
July 28,1796, At. 9 years.
Martin, son of M* Daniel & M's
Jan. 20, 1803, At. 12.
Jane Briggs, was drowned
Mrs. Alice Briggs, wife of Mr. Daniel Briggs, died Jan. 6, |
1806, aged 40 years.
Capt. Thomas Briggs, brother of Mr. Daniel Briggs, died |
April 20, 1810, Bt. 52.
Mr. Daniel, son of Mr. Daniel Briggs, died Oct. 15, 1814,
aged 25.
Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Daniel Briggs, died Dec. 2, 1823,
aged 49.
Mrs. Nabby, wife of Mr. William Briggs, and sister of Mr.
Daniel Briggs, died Nov. 14, 1815, aged 59.
Mr. Benjamin C. Briggs, son of Daniel Briggs, died at Port-
au-Prince, July 24, 1825, aged 25.
Mr. Daniel Briggs, died at Milton, Aug. 11, 1825, aged 71
years.
Sophia S. B. Briggs, died May 10, 1832, aged 26.
Mrs. Susanna Briggs, wife of Capt. Thomas Briggs,
Noy. 14, 1848, aged 73.
At Nevada City, California, July 19,1851, Mr. Martin Briggs,
aged 47, son of Mr. Daniel Briggs.
Mary S. Fisk, died Nov. 8, 1853, aged 56 years.
died
John |
Capt. Nathaniel Thomas, died at Milton, Feb. 28, 1856, |
aged 79.
Jane Thomas, died Feb. 5, 1863, aged 77 years 8 months.
Tomsp or Davenport & BiLLincs.—Entombed here, M's
Mary Davenport, wife of Mt Adam Davenport, died Dec. 31,
1793, At. 43.
Ambrose Davenport, son of Mt Adam & M's Mary Davenport,
died Feb. 28, 1795, At. 6.
Elizabeth, Lydia « Jeremiah, children of Joseph & Rebecca
Billings, aged 16, 9 & 3 years, died April, 1796.
Hannah W. Davenport, wife of Eben. Davenport, died Sept.
3, 1804, aged 27 years. .
Mr. Henry Vose, Obt. March 26, 1808, Ait. 56 years.
Mr. Joseph Billings, died Jan. 2, 1809, Ait. 54 years.
Elizabeth L. Billings, died Jan. 1, 1810, aged 7 years, daugh-
ter of Mr. Joseph Billings.
Charles Joseph Billings, died Feb. 28, 1811, aged 20.
Mr. Ebenezer Davenport, died Noy. 24, 1817, aged 47 years.
Mr. Anthony W. Baxter, died Sept. 15, 1822, aged 50 years.
Mrs. Hannah Vose, wife of Henry Vose, died Jan. 26, 1825,
aged 73 years.
Mrs. Rebecca Billings, widow of Joseph Billings, died Oct.
22, 1835, aged 78 years.
Mrs. Hannah 8. Billings, daughter of Rebecca & Joseph Bil-
lings, died Oct. 19, 1862, aged 78 years.
Mr. Ebenezer Billings, died March 11, 1837, aged 41 years.
Mrs. Mary D. Billings, widow of Ebenezer Billings, died May
11, 1864, aged 70 years.
Children of Eben. & Mary D. Billings—Mary Rebecea Bil-
| lings, died April 27, 1848, aged 20 years.
Samuel James Billings, died Aug. 9, 1864, aged 41 years.
Hammatt Billings, died Nov. 14, 1874, aged 56 years.
Joseph E. Billings, died Aug. 15, 1880, aged 59 years.
Mr. Adam Davenport, died Aug. 13, 1825, aged 81 years.
Mrs. Mary Davenport, died Dec. 17,1837, aged 65. She was
Tuayer Toms.—Abbott L. Thayer, died July 26, 18438, aged
8 years. :
Nancy R. Thayer, died Nov. 21, 1854, aged 64 years.
Gideon F. Thayer, died March 27, 1864, aged 70 years.
Uncle Lord, died Feb. 17, 1869, aged 82 years.
Elizabeth Briggs, died July 22, 1874, aged 53.
WituraAm Crenore Tomp.—Ruth Lyon, died Oct. 6, 1811,
aged 30 years.
William B. Crehore, died May 13, 1815, aged 50 years.
Widow Chloe Crehore, died Aug. 29, 1814, aged 81 years.
John Shephard Crehore, died Jan. 1833, aged 66 years.
His wife, Hannah, died May, 1851, aged 86 years.
Rebecea, wife of William B. Crehore, died Noy. 1854, aged
89 years.
Charles C. Crehore, died Feb. 12, 1879, aged 85 years.
Toms or JAcop GILL.
Coats Toms.
Toms or Narwan Vose.—Mr. Edward Vose, died Aug. 7,
1811, aged 26 years.
Capt. Rufus Pierce, died April 7, 1812, aged
Prerce Toms.
60.
Capt. Samuel Pierce, died Sep. 24, 1822, aged 50.
Mrs. Elizabeth, widow of Capt. Rufus Pierce, died Aug. 17,
1829, aged 72 years.
William Briggs, born Noy. 15, 1760; died July 17, 1831.
Jeremiah T. Fenno, died Jan. 26, 1845, aged 62.
Elizabeth, widow of William Briggs, died Dec. 27, 1864, aged
| 88 years.
Margaret, widow of Jeremiah T. Fenno, died Aug. 14, 1857,
aged 74 years.
Hosarr Toms.
Toms or Dr. Amos Hotprook.—Amos Holbrook, born Jan,
23, 1754; died June 17, 1842.
Jerusha Holbrook, his wife, born March 12, 1764; died
Nov. 11, 1838.
William E. Vincent, born March 2,
1858.
1793; died April 12,
MILTON.
769
Toms oF JESSE SUMNER.
CoPpELAND Tomb.
Fouuier Toms.
James Tucker Tomsp.—Susanna S. Talbot, died Aug. 17,
1825, aged 17 years.
Elijah Tucker, died Dec. 1, 1831, aged 67.
Betsy Tucker, died Sep. 3, 1835, aged 71.
Mrs. Rebecca Tucker, died Jan. 7, 1844, aged 40.
Miss Sarah Tucker, died Noy. 29, 1849, aged 93.
Mr. James Tucker, died Jan. 14, 1851, aged 84.
Mary Tucker, died Feb. 11, 1867, aged 68 years 9 months.
P. O. THacner Toms.—George M. Thacher, born March 5,
1809; died June 2, 1858.
George W. Thacher, 6th Reg. M. V. M., born June 16, 1837; |
died at Fort Delaware, Del., Sep. 18, 1864.
Samuel G. Williams, born Jan. 25,1795; died April 19, 1878.
Peter Oxenbridge Thacher, a.p. 1826.
On the 22d of February, A.p. 1827, were deposited here the
remains of the Rey. Peter Thacher, D.D., Pastor of the Church
in Brattle Square, Boston, who died Dec. 6, 1802, aged 51.
And of Elizabeth, his wife, who died Jan. 26, 1816, aged 71
years.
James Brake Toms.—Deposited here the remains of Ann
Grey Blake, died Oct. 2, 1813, aged 11 months.
Mary Blake, died Oct. 10, 1813, aged 2 years 7 months.
Susan Weld Blake, died Oct. 14, 1817, aged 19 months.
James Blake, born March 13, 1780; died July 3, 1851, aged
71 years, 3 months, 20 days.
Mrs. Elizabeth Blake, born May 22, 1778; died Dec. 16,
1855, aged 77 years, 7 months, 27 days.
TomB OWNED BY THE Town or MILTON.
Marx Hoxtircswortr Toms.—Charles Mark Hollingsworth,
died Aug. 29, 1809, aged 4 years.
Charles Mark Hollingsworth, died June 11, 1824, aged 14
years.
McLean Hollingsworth, died Sep. 15, 1825, aged 2 years.
Leander Nelson Hoilingsworth, died Feb. 6, 1827, aged 18
years.
Mark Hollingsworth, of Brandywine Hundred, Delaware,
died Feb. 27, 1853, aged 78 years.
Waitstill Hollingsworth, died March 31, 1858, aged 78 years. |
Maria Harvey Cornell, died Aug. 21, 1865, aged 48 years.
George Hollingsworth, died March 20, 1882, aged 68 years.
Toms or ApAms AND Bent (Naruanieu T. Benr).—Deposited
here the remains of Josiah Bent, died April 26, 1856, aged 66 |
years.
Rev. Josiah Bent, died at Amherst, Mass.,
aged 42 years.
Samuel Adams Bent, died Feb. 1854, aged 24 years.
Susanna Bent, died Oct. 16, 1857, aged 81 years.
Josiah Bent, Jr., died Nov. 9, 1862, aged 37 years.
Emma Nelson Bent, died in New York, Jan. 15, 1862, aged
7 years 3 months.
READ AND GULLIVER Tows.—Lemuel Gulliver, obt. Jan. 4,
1840, aged 80.
Elizabeth Vose Gulliver, obt. April 19, 1839, aged 9 months.
Mrs. Elizabeth, consort of Mr. Lemuel Gulliver, obt. July 11,
1842, aged 71.
Lemuel §. Gulliver,
months.
Abby V. Gulliver, obt. Sept. 18, 1853, aged 13 years 4
months.
Mrs. Emeline G. Gulliver, obt. Feb. 18, 1870, aged 58.
Sarah E. Gulliver, obt. Nov. 17, 1870, aged 35.
49
obt. Jan. 6, 1849,
Nov. 19, 1839, |
aged 5 years 4 |
READ.
Asa Bullard, M.D., obt. May 1, 1826, aged 61.
Abigail Bullard, obt. Jan. 19, 1832, aged 68.
Caroline Bullard, obt. Nov. 16, 1839, aged 39.
Edward Bullard, obt. Noy. 7, 1807, aged 9.
Clarissa Read, born Sept. 5, 1785, died June 27, 1848.
CrurcHiLtt Tomp.—
“Tn my Father’s house are many mansions.”
“Tn Christ shall all be made alive.”
Asaph Churchill, died Jan. 20, 1841, aged 76 years.
Mary Churchill, wife of Asaph Churchill, died Jan, 21,1859,
aged 75 years, 5 months, 23 days.
Juliette Churchill, died May 30, 1862,
months.
Mary Churchill, died Feb. 14, 1828, aged 16 years.
Charles M. 8. Churchill, died Oct. 7, 1822, aged 3 years.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.”
aged 49 years 6
Toms or J. CAMPBELL.
Toms or Baxscock, Fretps & ADAMS.
BALpwin Toms.
Evian Vose Toms.
Toms or Joann McLean.—Hugh McLean, died December,
1799, aged 75 years.
Agnes McLean, died March, 1821, aged 82 years.
John McLean, died Oct. 16, 1823, aged 62 years.
Sarah Amory, wife of Francis Amory, died Oct. 8, 1828, aged
49 years.
Ann Lee, widow of John McLean and wife of William Lee,
died Sept. 11, 1834, aged 60 years.
Francis Amory, died July 6, 1845, aged 79.
F. Amory, A.D. 1842.
Toms oF DAnret L. GrBBens.
Tomes or ExvisAn D, Witp.—Alpheus and W. Withington,
1815.
NATHANIEL TuckER Toms.—tL. Tucker, 1815.
J. Rowe Toms.
Sumner Toms.
Morron Toms.
Wuitney Tomes.
Rogpins Toms.—Rey. Nathaniel Robbins, died May 19, 1795,
aged 69 years.
M's Elizabeth Robbins, died May 2, 1793, aged 61 years.
Miss Lydia Robbins, died Aug. 31, 1786, aged 27 years.
Mr Nathaniel J. Robbins, died May 7, 1799, aged
years.
Miss Sarah Hutchinson, died Dec. 5, 1788, aged$66 years.
Edward H. Robbins, died Dec. 29, 1829, aged 72 years.
Emmons Tome.
33
T. Hunt Tomes.
WeEnNtTWoRTH Tomes.
Baxter Toms.
Myers Toms.
J. V. MARSHALL Toms.
Henpry Toms.
O. T. Rogers Toms.
WituiAM GLOVER Toms.
Moses WessterR Toms.
G. W. Haut Toms.
Hurcarinson Tome.
770
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Also three tombs located in the central part of the
old cemetery, first purchase,—
Frenno Toms.— Last.
Mitier Toms.— Middle.
Briiiies Toms.— West.
These tombs are the oldest in the grounds, and are
supposed to have been built about the year 1719.
At the March meeting, 1719, the town voted,
“That Capten John Billing shal have liberty to buld
a Tomb in our Buring Place at the direction of the
Selectmen.”
CPAP SIE a lax Vel:
MILTON—( Continued).
BY H. B. MARTIN.
Civil and Military — Representatives—Town Clerks — Town
Treasurers—War of the Rebellion—List of Soldiers, ete.
Representatives to General Court.—The fol-
lowing is a list of those persons chosen by the inhab-
itants of the town of Milton to represent said town in
the Great and General Court from the year 1682
down to the present time.
The first record of the election of a representative
to the General Court is in these words:
“ 4 Town-meeting 16, 12 mon., 1682, the Inhabitants being
orderly assembled, &c.—The freemen chose Ralph Houghton a
deputie for the General Court.”
The next item found upon the records relating to
a representative to the General Court is as follows:
“March 6, 1693. It was voted that Thomas Vose should be |
cleared of his Province Rates, for his serving as Representative
at the General Court.” At the said meeting “ It was voted that
Thomas Swift should be abated four pounds out of his Prov-
ince Rates, for his serving as Representative at the General
Court.”
sons Nathaniel and Edward, should be abated their Province
Same date, “It was voted that William Blake and his
and town rates, till he be paid eight pounds, fifteen shillings
for his serving as Representative at the General Court, in the
time between the revolution and this present government.”
In the following order were chosen,—
April 30, 1694, KE. Clap. May 17, 1708. Geo. Sumner.
May 10, 1697. Wm. Blake. a an ky 0) ed f
“ 13, 1698. Thos. Vose. sO 19, 1710. EB. Tucker.
Ԥ 00. = . co C65 ska lil es
WU LOZ. . | 14, LAL2: ee
Feb. 22, 1703. Geo. Sumner. co 185, UnL3. ee
April 21, 1703. Thos. Vose. | © 18,1714.
May 8,1704. “ ss str 195 LiLo. .
«“ 14,1705. “ « “ 14,1716. «“
< 20: 1706. *° ts “20, 1717. J. Wadsworth.
May
ay
19, 1718.
18, 1719.
9, 1720.
13, 1720.
22 1721,
7, 1721.
21, 1722.
20, 1723.
1724.
1725.
18,
17,
15, 1727
13727
13,
1730
22,
1728.
1729.
1731.
1731.
1732.
16, 1733.
13, 1734.
19, 1735.
17, 1736.
15, 1737.
16, 1738.
15, 1739.
19, 1740.
18, 1741.
17, 1742.
16, 1743.
14, 1744.
20, 1745.
19, 1746.
18, 1747.
16, 1748.
15, 1749.
E. Tucker.
“
. Eph. Tucker.
“ “
. O. Thatcher.
Eph. Tucker.
“ “e
“ce
“ “ee
“ “
“ we
N. Clap.
oe
B. Sumner.
“ee
“oc
Saml. Miller.
Saml. Swift.
Saml. Miller.
of iz
Saml. Swift.
Saml. Miller.
“ “
21, 1750.1
22, 1751
Ls bio2s
16, 1753.
15, 1754.
14, 1755.
19, 1756.
18, 1757.
24, 1758.
16, 1759.
14, 1760.
20, 1761.
17, 1762.
16, 1763.
16, 1764.
5, L765 «
21, 1766.
20, 1767.
16, 1768.
17, 1769. B. Wadsworth.
23, 1770 as
21, 1771 “
15, 1772. Josiah Howe.
IS lito. “E “
16, 1774. Steph’n Miller
it
“ “e
Joseph Bent.
Saml. Miller.
“ “
“ce
J. Tucker.
“ee
A. Belcher.
Steph. Miller.
J. Tucker.
“
J. Wadsworth.
. Jon. Gulliver.
J. Wadsworth.
| Sept. 22, 1774. Capt. D. Raw-
son.
Jan. 23, 1775. Capt. D. Raw-
son.”
May 22,1775. Capt. Daniel
Vose.?
| July 12,1775. Capt. Daniel
Vose.
May 21,1776. Eben. Tucker
and Joseph Clap.
May 22,1777. Eben. Tucker.
June 29, 1778. Daniel Vose.
May 17, 1779. Seth Sumner.
June 28,1779. E. H. Rob-
bins.*
Aug. 9, 1779. A. Blake5 and
Allen Crocker.6
Aug. 9, 1779. S. Henshaw.*
Jon. Gulliver. |
May 22, 1780. es
Oct. 10, 1780. «“
May 10, 1781. E. H. Robbins.
A LIS2 a eee ce
« 13, 1783. Seth Sumner.
«13, 1784. E. H. Robbins.
(2) iS 5 ie us
ce LG, Wise
May 14, 1787. Hon.
Warren.
James
May 15, 1788. Joseph Blake.
“ 41,1789.. “ «“
«10, 1790. Seth Sumner.
emmy lyase © se
, 7,1792. E. H. Robbins.
“e 6, 1793. “e “
“ce 6, 1794. “e “
‘“ 6,1795. * «“
“ee 3; 1796. “e oe
“ee 2, 1797. “ce oe
ss TyAl0 Sime eee es
oe 6, 1799. “ce “ec
ss by L800 < ae
£6. ASLO oe ss
“ 3 1802. “ee “
“14, 1803. David Tucker.
‘ 7 S04 nce LY
“ 6, 1805. ve “
“ 55 1806. “ee “
“ee 4, 1807. “ “ce
«2 1808 anaes aes
“ee iW 1809. “ee “
May 7,1810. Wm. Pierce
and Asaph Churchill.
May 6, 1811. Wm. Pierce.
“17, 1811. Jacob Gill.
May 4,1812. A. Churchill
and William Pierce.
3, 1813. Jacob Gill.
. 2, 1814. S. K. Glover.
« 1, 1815. J. Houghton.
& 6; 18163 "** s
May
o,
‘
1 Voted not to choose a representative.
° To Provincial Congress.
’ To General Court, held at Watertown.
* To State Convention.
5 To Concord.
ts DOP eee Ser
.
=
— a
MILTON.
(ical!
Nov. 14, 1836. E. J. Baker
and Nathaniel Thomas.
Nover lon l8e te IN: Thomas
and James M. Robbins.
5, 1817. J. Ruggles, Jr.
“ 4, 1818. “ee ‘ee “ec
“ee 3, 1819. “ “ce “
1, 1820.1
16, 1820. B. Smith® and |
J. Atherton.§
May 7, 1821.1
Oct.
and Nathaniel Thomas.
Noy. 11, 1839. E. G. Tucker.
Bs 6, 1822. B. Smith. ce USA 05 cea U3
May 5, 1823. Barney Smith sé 8, 1841. Charles Breck.
and William Pierce. ee 14, 1842. “¢ ss
May 3, 1824. Barney Smith
and William Pierce.
Noy. 13, 1843. Thomas
Wadsworth.
May 2, 1825.1 Noy. 13, 1844.7
« 1, 1826. F. Davenport.| “ 10,1845, S. Emerson.
e¢ lS 2a ss jee lO e4Ge4
a Dyls28.7 <6 ss | ‘“ 8, 1847. Jason Reed.
May 4, 1829. John Ruggles, “ 13, 1848. G. W. Greene.
and John Swift. | “ 12, 1849. Jason Reed.
May 3, 1830. John Ruggles.; “ 11, 1850. “ &
G aU ie ee ae ; “ 924, 1851. A. J. Mosher.
Nov. 14,1831. James Camp-| ‘“ 8, 1852. No choice.
bell and Thomas Hunt. | March7, 1853. J. M. Church-
Noy. 12, 1832. John Ruggles | ill.8
and Josiah Bent. | Nov. 14, 1853. Jason Reed.
Nov. 11, 1833.7 ee LoS looters Wie Martine
Nov. 10,1834. J. S. Foord| “ 6, 1855. S. Babeock.
and Jason Houghton. | “ 4, 1856. Amos Poole.
Nov. 9, 1835. Moses Gragg
fT — a |
and Jason Honghton.
Eleventh Norfolk District.
Nov. 4, 1857. Joseph M.j Nov. 6, 1866. George Vose.
Churchill. 1867. None from Milton.
1858. None from Milton. LSGSsy 1° £6 fg
159. “§ “« «& | Nov. 2, 1869. John Sias.
Nov. 6, 1860. J. M. Robbins. «8, 1870. D. W. Tucker.
«5, 1861. Samuel Cook. BG isyale é
1862. None from Milton. 1872. None from Milton.
1863. “ oe “ec 1873. “ec “se “cc
Noy. 8, 1864. G. W. Greene. | Nov. 3, 1874. E. L. Pierce.
“7, 1865. George Vose. 287 Ke
Fourth Norfolk District.
1876. None from Milton. 1880. None from Milton.
TO Be Ce Viefoal, | a
Nov. 5, 1878. H. E. Ware. | Nov. 7, 1882. H. B. Martin.
eA, 1879. “ 6, 1883. J. W. Bradlee.
Town Clerks.—The first record of the election of
a town clerk in Milton is in these words:
“ At a Towne Meeting the 10th of March, 1670-
71, Thomas houlman was chosen to be the townes
Clarke, to have the Towne book, and Record such Vots
as the towne due from time to time legally pass.”
The next record relating to the choice of a town
clerk is as follows: ‘‘ Dec. 8, 1673, Robert Tucker
was chosen Towne Recorder,” etc. By the records we
find that he held the office until 1677, when John
|
|
Nov. 12, 1838. E. G. Tucker
from 1678 to 1682, when Ralph Houghton was
chosen, and held the office for one year.
1683, Thomas Holman was again chosen, and served
until 1686, when John Kinsley was elected, who held
the office until 1689, when Thomas Vose, Sr., was
chosen, and held the office for two years; he was fol-
lowed by Ebenezer Clap, who also served two years,
}
_and surrendered up the office as town recorder on
T. |
March 6, 1693, to Capt. Thomas Vose, who was upon
that date chosen as town clerk.
Capt. Vose was elected each successive year to the
position of town clerk until 1708, when Ephraim
Tucker was chosen annually to the office for a period
_of twenty-two years; then came John Daniell, who
served from 1730 to 1734. March 4, 1734, Nehe-
miah Clap was elected, and held the office until Aug.
1, 1743, when Ephraim Tucker was again elected, and
held the office until his successor, Benjamin Wads-
_ worth, was chosen, May 20, 1745.
Mr. Wadsworth
held the position for seventeen years, when he turned
it over to Stephen Clap, March 14, 1763, who, in
turn, vacated it in 1765, when Elijah Wadsworth was
chosen ; he held the office three years, or until March
14, 1768, when Amariah Blake was chosen, serving
until 1779; then Samuel Henshaw served one year,
when Amariah Blake was again chosen, serving until
March 13, 1786, when John Ruggles was elected, and
held the office twenty-one consecutive years, or until
March 9, 1807; then James Foord was chosen to
the position each year for seven years, finally relin-
quishing the office March 14, 1814, upon being elected
register of deeds for the county of Norfolk.
Upon the retirement of Mr. Foord, March 14,1814,
John Ruggles, Jr., was elected, and, what was some-
what remarkable, held the office the exact period
(counting in years) in which the same office was
held by his father, namely, twenty-one years, or until
March 9, 1835.
Upon that date Nathan C. Martin was elected,
holding the office four years. =
March 11, 1839, Jason F. Kennedy was chosen,
he also serving for four years, or until March 13,
1843, when Jason Reed was elected, serving the town
faithfully in that capacity for thirty consecutive years,
or until his decease on July 13, 1873.
Kinsley was chosen, who held the office one year, |
when Thomas Holman was chosen, and held the office
® Delegates to revise the Constitution.
7 Voted not to send a representative.
8 Delegate to Constitutional Convention.
Henry B. Martin was appointed town clerk, pro
tempore, in 1873, owing to the illness of Mr. Reed
(he not being able to attend to the duties of the office),
and acted in that capacity until the annual election of
town officers, March, 1874, when he was chosen as
town clerk, holding the office by virtue of the several
successive annual elections up to the present time,
January, 1884.
772
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Town Treasurers.—It was long after the incor-
poration of those towns that were settled at an early
period in the history of the “ Province of the Massa-
chusetts Bay” before the inhabitants made any selec-
tion of a person to keep guard over the public moneys.
A “ watch-dog of the treasury” was then unknown,
—in fact, for many years after the settlement of the
town the “ treasury” was a mythological nonentity.
People in those days—‘“in the good old colony
times””—were not burdened with riches; they did not
lay awake nights contriving schemes and inventing
modes to defraud the community, as some of their
descendants have since done; it is true, that occa-
sionally some enterprising merchant would “ rise with
the lark” for the purpose of putting a little sand in
his sugar, or a little water in his rum, but even those
were not then common occurrences.
As a matter of fact, what few treasures our revered
ancestors had were laid up “‘ where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, or thieves break through and steal.”
Such being the case, although it may seem “ pass-
ing strange’ to the men of to-day, nevertheless, al-
though the town of Milton was settled in 1640 and |
incorporated in 1662, the first item on record relating
to the choice of a town treasurer is under date of |
1733,—ninety-three years after the first settlement |
| 1824, serving eleven years, or until March 9, 1835,
of the town,—and is as follows :
“March 12, 1733. Mr. George Badcock was
chose Town Treasurer.”
Under date of December 20th, the same year, is
found this record: “It was put to Vote to the Town
whether they would reconsider the vote of the choice
of Mr. George Badcock to be Town Treasurer, he
being infirm and unable to serve in that Office—and
it past in the affirmative.”
later, when the town, by a vote passed on March 10,
1739-40, chose Nehemiah Clap, the then town clerk,
to act also as town treasurer; Mr. Clap continuing to
hold the position as town treasurer until his death,
July 18, 1743, when Ephraim Tucker was elected to
serve for the balance of the year. March 12, 1744,
Benjamin Wadsworth was chosen town treasurer,
‘serving that and the succeeding year; but at the an-
nual March meeting of 1746, and again in 1747, we
find this record: ‘‘ Voted, to have no Treasurer.”
March 14, 1748, Benjamin Wadsworth was again
chosen, and held the office for twenty-one consecutive
years, or until March 13, 1769, when Josiah Howe
was elected, serving until March 13, 1775. Then
Amariah Blake held the position one year, when
William Tucker was chosen, serving six years.
March 11, 1782, Josiah Howe was again selected for
the office, this time serving for three years, or until
March 14, 1785, when John Ruggles was chosen,
holding the office for many years, and upon his re-
tirement being succeeded by his son, John Ruggles,
Jr. They together retained and served the town in
that capacity until 1821, a period of thirty-six years.
March 12th of that year Jedediah Atherton was
chosen to succeed Mr. Ruggles, holding the office
three years, when Jesse Vose was elected, March 8,
_ when Isaac Gulliver was chosen, serving four years.
‘Tt was voted that the Selectmen succeed Mr)
Badcock, that was chosen Town Treasurer, and to do
the work his Office obliged him to do.”
We have no reason to doubt but that the above
vote and the instructions of the town to the select- |
men therein embodied, were carried out to the let-
ter, and to the full satisfaction of the towns-people ;
and when we take into consideration that at that |
period the Board of Selectmen consisted of five mem-
bers. and that the whole amount raised for defraying
’ ying
all town charges during the year (exclusive of the
March 11, 1839, Charles Breck was elected, holding
the office for nineteen years, or until March 1, 1858,
when Jason Reed was chosen, Mr. Reed holding the
office until his decease, in 1873.
Consequent upon the illness of Mr. Reed, in 1873,
Charles Breck was by the selectmen appointed town
treasurer, pro tempore, serving in that position until
March, 1874, when he was again elected, and re-
elected each subsequent year to date (1884).
CHAPTER LX Vane
MILTON—( Continued).
War of the Rebellion.— A ppended are the names
' of those soldiers who enlisted for the term of three
ministerial tax) was but 160 pounds 11 shillings and |
4 pence, it would not seem that the duties of the
Board as disbursing officers were very arduous or |
wearisome; and so we may suppose thought the
staid citizens of “ ye olden time,” for by the records
we judge that that duty devolved upon the board (as
it had in all previous years) until some six years
years, and who formed part of Milton’s quota, in the
war of the Rebellion.
The list is complete only as far as that the soldiers
whose names are herewith given were accredited to
Milton as part of her quota. Many names there are
that should find place upon the Milton records, names
of her honored and illustrious sons, who, living in
MILTON.
173
other places at the outbreak of the war, enlisted and
were accredited to the quotas of those towns or cities
where they at that time resided.
As an illustration I will here cite two cases which
came within my knowledge.
officer in the city of Boston was Louis N. Tucker ;
the best drill-officer in the city of San Francisco was
James Sewall Reed, both Milton boys, with that ardor
and love of country which has ever characterized the
They enlisted, and with
great zeal entered into the arduous duties thenceforth
devolving upon them, duties which but few men out-
side of the regular army were competent or able to
citizens of their native town.
the raw recruits, who, in immense numbers, were
swarming to do battle for their country; and thus,
' mainly through the exertions and the important pre-
paratory work by them performed, were sent to the
for the Union.
After months of laborious work thus performed
they, too, started for the front, one to return with
honorable scars received in defense of the old flag,
the other dying upon the field of battle while gal-
lantly fighting for his native land.
The subjoined list is given in alphabetical order,
without designation of rank:
Allen, William 8., Co. C, 33d Regt.
Angell, Moses E., Co. A, 14th Regt.
Bacon, Albert J., Co. D, 35th Regt.
Badger, Algernon S., Co. I, 26th Regt.
Baker, Edward K., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Bull, Lyman, Bat. D, Art.
Barrington, John, Co. B, 18th Regt.
Baxter, George O., Co. E, Ist Regt.
Boale, William, Co. E, 7th Rest.
Bent, George F., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Blackman, Elbridge, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Bradlee, J. Walter, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Broad, Horace S., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Bronsdon, Amos H., Co. A, 13th Regt.
Bronsdon, Charles, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Burditt, Charles E., Co. E, 1st Regt.
Burditt, George W., Co. E, Ist Regt.
Burleigh, N. G., band, 18th Regt.
Chamberlain, James, Co. E, 7th Regt.
Chamberlain, Patrick, Co. D, 22d Rest.
Chandler, Jonathan H., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Clark, George E., band, 20th Regt.
Clark, Philip C., Co. A, 18th Regt.
Collins, Edward, Lieut. U.S.A.
Cook, Charles W., Co. HE, 35th Regt.
f ‘Corey, Stephen, Co. C, 27th Regt.
Crossman, John G., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Collins, John H., band, 7th Regt.
: Dalton, George W., Co. E, Ist Regt.
Davis, Walter S., Co. F, 22d Regt.
el le
——
At the commencement of hostilities the best drill- |
perform. Night and day they were employed drilling |
front some of the most efficient troops that did battle ©
Dow, James E., Co. C, Ist Regt.
Dyer, Andrew J., Co. C, 18th Regt.
Everett, N. Stanley, Co. A, 13th Regt.
Fessenden, William H., Co. L, lst Regt.
Fisher, Herman, Co. E, 7th Regt.
Fisher, William I., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Forbes, William H., Co. E, 1st Cav.
Gilbert, Wallace H., Co. F, 22d Regt.
Graham, Charles H., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Gunnison, Edwin L., Co. A, 29th Regt.
Grant, Everett A., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Hall, George W., Jr., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Hastings, Frank B., Co. D, 13th Regt.
Hebard, Henry J. A., Co. A, 13th Regt.
Hicks, David F., Co. B, 15th Regt.
Holmes, Abraham, Jr., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Hopkins, Edward F., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Hoyt, T. D. V., Co. M, Ist Cay.
Hunt, Charles C., Co. I, 58th Regt.
Hunt, Isaiah, Co. I, 35th Regt.
Huntington, Edward L., U.S.A.
Ingraham, Sewell §., Co. I, 24th Regt.
Jones, John P., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Kirby, Patrick T., Co. I, 7th Regt.
Kittredge, Henry G. W., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Lacy, John, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Leavitt, Albion E., Co. I, 26th Regt.
Littlefield, Charles G., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Lord, George F., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Lord, James F., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Lord, William H., Co. L, 1st Regt.
Loring, Abraham M., Co. H, 39th Regt.
Lycett, James, Co. E, 7th Regt.
Madden, Thomas, Co. H, 18th Regt.
Mahoney, John, Co. E, Ist Regt.
Martin, Albert T. B., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Martin, John W., Co. D, 24th Regt.
MeWhirk, Alexander, Co. D, 24th Regt.
Merrill, Thomas, Co. E, 7th Regt.
Moses, George F., Co. B, 39th Regt.
Moulton, George H., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Moulton, Luther, Jr., Co. I, 58th Regt.
Moulton, Charles H., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Munroe, William, Co. F, 22d Regt.
Murray, James, not stated.
Murray, John, Co. E, 35th Regt.
Myers, Nathaniel T., Co. M, Ist Cav.
Myers, Samuel G., Co. D, Ist Cav.
Nightingale, James H., Co. HE, 7th Regt.
Nightingale, William H., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Noble, Joseph A., Co. K, Ist Cav.
Nye, Hiram T., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Page, Chester S., Co. H, 39th Regt.
Pearce, George W., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Pearce, Thomas L., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Parsons, Joseph A., Co. I, 26th Regt.
Pickering, George H., not stated.
Perkins, Stephen G., 2d Regt.
Ransom, George H., 9th Bat.
Raymond, George T., Co. I, 13th Regt.
Robertson, James B., Co. H, 18th Regt.
Rockwood, William 0. V., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Rooney, Patrick H, Co. I, 26th Regt.
Rowe, John F., Co. L, Ist Cav.
Russell, George S., Co. H, 39th Regt.
Scaff, John, Co. E, 7th Regt.
774
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Seibert, John, Co. I, 26th Regt.
Shannon, Edward, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Sias, John (2d), Co. I, 38th Regt.
Simmons, John D., Co. C, 33d Regt.
Simpson, John E., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Skinner, Otis A., Co. I, 13th Regt.
Spear, Jobn M., Jr., Co. D, 24th Regt.
Spiller, James F., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Sweeney, Terrence, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Thayer, Frederick A., Co. E, 7th Regt.
Thayer, Charles H., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Thayer, Samuel G., Co. E, 35tn Regt.
Vose, George E., Co. I, 38th Regt.
Whittier, Napoleon B., Co. EH, Ist Regt.
Wigley, James, Co. I, 38th Regt.
Williams, Claudius, Co. I, 38th Regt.
The following were the enlistments for the nine
months’ service :
Alden, Samuel W., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Baker, Jonathan, Co. I, 42d Regt.
Badger, William F., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Bartlett, Benjamin J., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Boden, William F., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Bolster, Charles, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Breck, Charles E. C., Co. B, 45th Rest.
Brigham, William F., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Bronsdon, William B., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Caswell, Henry P., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Churchill, Joseph M., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Conklin, Edward D., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Cunningham, John J., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Cunningham, Patrick, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Cunningham, Peter, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Cunningham, William, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Davenport, Nathaniel T., Jr., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Delunnoy, Desire, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Dennison, Jeremiah, Co. B, 43d Regt.
Dunican, Patrick, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Emerson, John H., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Halliday, George W., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Higgins, John, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Hollis, Abijah, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Jewett, Jonas W., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Jones, Benjamin F., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Jones, Elbridge, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Leavitt, William S., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Littlefield, Henry W., Co. D, 45th Regt.
Lord, Joseph B., Co. I, 44th Regt.
Mathes, Daniel, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Merrill, William, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Moffatt, Elijah W., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Morrissey, John, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Morrissey, Thomas, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Morse, Alfred L., Co. E, 44th Regt.
Murphy, James, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Niles, Jerome S., Co. C, 45th Regt.
Nolan, Christopher, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Norton, Edward, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Ochs, Joseph, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Pierce, George, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Shaw, Joseph A., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Skinner, George E., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Snow, Elbridge, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Snow, James H., Co. B, 45th Regt.
Thompson, James A., Co. B, 45th Regt.
|
Rooney, Bartholomew, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Vialle, James L., Co. G, 42d Regt.
Ware, William, Co. C, 44th Regt.
Wellington, Henry F., Co. B, 45th Regt.
White, Edward P., Co. EH, 44th Regt.
White, James E., Co. G, 44th Regt.
Williams, Thomas, Co. B, 45th Regt.
Williams, John M., Co. B, 45th Regt.
CHAPTER LXViEE
MILTON—( Continued).
Town Hall—The Blue Hill National Bank—The Milton News—
Post-Office.
Town Hall.—The present town hall, one of the
finest structures of its kind in the commonwealth,
was dedicated on the evening of Feb. 18,1879. The
building is a substantial structure of brick and stone,
contains a spacious hall, capable of seating five hun-
dred people in the body of the hall and two hundred
in the gallery, and has also convenient offices for the
various town officials, the whole fitted up with every
modern convenience. The style of architecture is
Gothic, and is artistic and pleasing to the eye.
The announcement of the opening of the building
drew thither a large number of visitors from all the
country round about, and the scene was an animated
one all the afternoon. The exercises of the dedica-
tion in the evening, in spite of the very forbidding
weather, were attended by an assemblage of the town’s
people that crowded the hall. The exercises were
opened by the Cadet Band of Boston, which gave the
spirited “ Light Cavalry” overture, by Suppe. Col.
Henry S. Russell presided, and, after brief remarks
of congratulation on the success which had attended
the enterprise of building the hall, called upon the
Rev. A. K. Teele to offer prayer. The report of the
building committee was read by its chairman, Mr. W.
H. Forbes. It reviewed the history of the enterprise,
and gave full particulars in regard to the cost of the
The
vote authorizing the appropriation of thirty-five thou-
various parts of the work and other details.
sand dollars for the work was passed by the town
March 4, 1878, and the committee, consisting of
William H. Forbes, George Vose, Edward L. Pierce,
Samuel Babcock, Samuel Gannett, J. H. Wolcott,
Albert K. Teele, Charles L. Copeland, and Horace E.
Ware, was appointed to carry out the work. Mr.
Copeland resigned, and his place was filled by James
M. Robbins. Mr. Nathaniel J. Bradlee, of Boston,
was employed as consulting architect, and the plans
MILTON.
775
of Messrs. H. W. Hartwell and George T. Tilden
were accepted. The contracts were awarded as fol-
lows: Mason-work, W.C. Poland & Sons, of Boston ;
carpenters’, Creesy & Noyes, of Boston; roofing, J.
Farquhar’s Sons, of Boston ; copper-work, L. Cush-
ing & Son, of Waltham. The two last-named con-
tracts were afterwards included in that with Creesy &
Noyes, as well as all glazing and painting, except the
decoration of the two halls and the front entrance,
which was done by W. J. McPherson, of Boston.
The work on the cellar was begun June 3d, and the
corner-stone was laid about the 10th of July. The
work was carried on without interruption until its
completion. The cost was as follows: Masons’ con-
tract, $13,077.82 ; carpenters’, $14,924.56 ; painting,
$550; architects, $1500; total for building proper, |
$30,052.38 ; grading, gas-fixtures, furnaces, and sun-
dries, $1458.58 ; total cost of the work, $34,959.09.
chairman of the selectmen, received the keys from
the committee, making brief remarks, after which
followed an extended historical address by the Hon.
Edward L. Pierce, which was listened to with great
interest.
Town-meetings were held until 1836 in the parish
meeting-house, now belonging to the First Congrega-
tional (Unitarian) society. In that and the succeed-
ing year they were held in the stone meeting-house |
In 1838 the town occupied |
at the Railway Village.
its first town house, then just completed, which cost,
with land included, the modest sum of $2684.32,
i}
|
and was paid for out of the surplus revenue which —
the United States had divided among the States, |
this commonwealth dividing its share among the
towns.
The Blue Hill National Bank of Milton, incor-
porated in 1832, under the title of the “ Dorchester
|
and Milton Bank,” with a capital of $100,000, was |
first located in the ancient town of Dorchester.
In the year 1850 a gang of burglars, under the
notorious Jack Wade, raided the institution, securing
funds to the amount of some thirty thousand dollars ; _
as a large portion of the money thus taken was in
bills of the bank, it was thought advisable to alter the
name by which the bank was known ; accordingly, in
the year 1851, by statutory provisions the name was
changed to “Blue Hill Bank,” and some thirteen —
years later, in conformity to a law passed by Congress —
“for the establishment of a National Banking Sys- |
tem,” the name of the bank was again changed, De-
cember, 1864, to ‘‘ Blue Hill National Bank.”
Congress by special act, 1881, authorizing the re-
March, 1882, to its present commodious quarters in
the Associates’ Building, Milton.
Since its incorporation the bank has had the fol-
lowing officers: Presidents, Moses Whitney, 1832 to
1848; Hananiah Temple, 1848 to 1854; Asaph
Churchill, 1854 to 1876; Eleazer J. Bispham, 1876
to date (1884). Cashiers, Hananiah Temple, 1832
to 1836; Joseph L. Hammond, 1836 to 1848;
Eleazer J. Bispham, 1848 to 1876; Sarell J. Willis,
1876 to date (1884). The capital at the present
time is $200,000.
The present board of directors are HK. J. Bispham,
Laban Pratt, Henry S. Russell, Samuel Gannett, A.
L. Hollingsworth, Joseph KE. Hall, and Horace EK.
Ware.
The Milton News.—The first newspaper published
in Milton, bearing date April 29, 1882, was a venture
"undertaken by Mr. Frederick P. Fairfield, of Boston,
At the conclusion of the report, Mr. Babcock, |
it being issued weekly, and bearing the title of The
Milton News. After having published the above
sheet some six months, Mr. Fairfield sold out his
right, title, and interest to Mr. W. A. Woodward, the
present proprietor.
Post-Office.—The date of the first establishment of
a post-office in Milton was January, 1803. The first
postmaster appointed was Samuel H. Glover: date of
appointment Jan. 1, 1803. He was succeeded by
Moses Whitney, who was appointed Dec. 9, 1805.
Gen. Whitney held the office until 1817, when he
resigned in favor of his friend, Nathan C. Martin,
| who was appointed Nov. 4, 1817, holding the office
for nearly twenty-two years. Mr. Martin being about
to remove from the town, resigned his trust in 1839,
when Edmund J. Baker was appointed, April Ist of
that year (1839), and held the position until Jan. 19,
1844, when George Thompson was appointed. The
appointment was held by him until May 29, 1849,
when Nathan C. Martin again received the appoint-
ment, occupying the position until his death, Aug.
26, 1864, making the whole term of his incumbency
some thirty-seven years. Upon Oct. 20, 1864, Louis
N. Tucker received an appointment, but declined to
serve, when Henry Pope was appointed, Jan. 12,
1865, holding the office until his death, when his
wife, Abigail F. Pope, was appointed, March 3, 1880,
continuing in office until her decease, in 1883. July
16, 1883, Henry A. Pope was commissioned, holding
the position at the present writing (1884).
Conclusion.—We can no more fittingly close our
history of this grand old town than by quoting the
following from an address delivered at the dedication
of its town hall by one of her most eminent citizens,
moval of the bank to the town of Milton, it removed | the Hon. Edward L. Pierce:
776
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“We have in the pleasant places where our lines have fallen
blessings which came to us without effort or sacrifice of ourselves
or our fathers. There are no four square miles in our country
—perhaps, without exaggeration, we might add on the globe—
more endowed with all that is attractive in scenery than those
which are covered by our municipal jurisdiction. Here are no
morasses, no pestilential districts, no blasted heaths, no wastes
where allis parched, scraggy, and repulsive, no dead level weari-
some to eye or feet; but the whole space filled with a pure and
health-bringing air, which rises from the sea and descends from
the hills, spread out in varied landscapes, diversified with eleva-
tions and intervales, with forests and fields watered by unfailing
brooks, and even the hills fed by perpetual springs. Here on
our fair heritage are combined the Blue Hills to the south, from
which came, according to Roger Williams, the Indian name of
our beloved commonwealth, Massachusetts ; the Neponset River,
flowing along our northern border, and the ocean view to the
east. You who have journeyed in other lands, along the Cha-
rente, the Loire, or the Arno, what fairer prospect have you seen
than the eye sweeps as you stand on Milton Hill, looking on the
river, as with changing tide it spreads outa broad lake, or with-
draws to its narrow bed; on eminences crowned with villas; on
villages nestling in valleys or covering elevations ; on church-
spires testifying to Christian worship; on the islands and beacon-
lights in the harbor of New England's metropolis; on ships
departing and returning on their errands of commerce and
civilization 7
“ Looking southward on the same highway, the old Plymouth
road, the eye glides along a scene hardly less picturesque which
embraces the intervale and the hills beyond. Standing on Brush
Hill, with no intervening obstruction between you and the Blue
Hills, there lies spread out before you nature in one of her royal
moods, a study worthy of some gifted artist. Passing on to the
south, and ascending the hills themselves, which in a less modest
nomenclature than ours would be classified as mountains, and
there, on the summit, lies before you a magnificent panorama
of cities, villages, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, the ocean,
where one may contemplate with reverence the works of the
Creator, the intelligence of man, the life and growth of society,
and the events of history which have transpired in successive
generations within the bounds of the horizon.
“Nor is the natural beauty of this township confined to such
favored sites as these, but it is distributed among our farms and
along our roads. I have seen the artist sitting by our longest
brook, which rises in the Blue Hills, and, flowing through the
Hobart woods, falls into the Neponset, sketching the overhang-
ing branches, the old trunks, and the flowering meadows by its
side, and placing on canvas beauties of which we live altogether
too unconscious. Coming at the close of day from the railway
station to my home, with the twin churches before me and the
Blue Hills in the background, looking westward I have often
paused to gaze on sunsets as finely colored as any I have ever |
seen on Italian skies. We have, indeed, villas and lawns which
art has constructed and spread out, but, better still, we have
retained the primitive forest, where woodcock, partridge, quail,
and rabbit still linger; we have highways not too broad and
lined with graceful elms; we have still, and long may we retain,
that freshness of nature which makes the charm of Milton as a
home and place of rest. If some lover of nature gifted with
imagination like Wordsworth, who glorified with sentiment the
Lake district of England and peopled it with ideal forms, shall
ever be born or come to live among us, he will find all about
him food for his contemplative spirit and poetic genius.
“Tt has been customary at dedications like this to review the
history of the town from its settlement. But I decline a task
formed by our townsman, Mr. Robhins. The chronicles of its
churches have been written by two of its pastors and present
citizens, the Rev. Dr. Morison and the Rey. Frederick Froth-
ingham, both of whom are with us this evening.
“Our town has been conspicuous for the good sense and solid
character of its citizens, and in some epochs for names which
When our fathers contended for ex-
istence against Philip of Pokanoket, her Capt. Wadsworth fell
bravely with his gallant and devoted band in the swamps of
mankind will remember.
Sudbury, and in a graveyard of that town is a monument with
the inscription, ‘Captain Samual Wadsworth of Milton, his
Lieut. Sharp of Brookline, and twenty-six other soldiers fight-
ing for the defence of their country were slain by the Indian
enemy and lye buried in this place.’
served their country with honor in the army of the Revolution
and in the war with England of 1812, and theirs and other
names of our citizens are among the recorded heroisms of our
The Voses and Sumners
civil war. In an early period this town gave a president to
Harvard College in the person of Benjamin Wadsworth. Some
of its citizens have been identified with the civil and judicial
history of the State.
some historic scenes, the preaching of John Eliot and George
Whitefield, and the passage of the Suffolk Resolves in the
house of Capt. Daniel Vose, drawn by Joseph Warren, and re-
garded as the earliest organized demonstration for independence
in the colonies.
The town has witnessed within its limits
“There has been a continuity in the life of this town rare in
Growing in population by natural increase
rather than by accessions from other places, there has been a
steady flow of influence and character from one generation to
another. Eight of the original trustees, to whom, in 1664, a
tract of land was eonveyed for ‘a meeting-house and other
ministerial purposes,’ have always since had and still have de-
scendants in the town bearing their names, and in some instances
living upon and holding, without break in the chain of title,
their ancestral acres,—the Voses, Wadsworths, Tuckers, Sum-
ners, Gullivers, Babeocks, Swifts, and Cranes. It has a remark-
able record for longevity, including in successive generations
an unusual number of inhabitants who have lived to fourscore
years, and even passed in health and vigor far beyond that
limit.
municipal history.
The long service of many of its clergymen signifies its
Five active pastor-
ates, those of Peter Thacher, John Taylor, Nathaniel Robbins,
Samuel Gile, and John H. Morison, span a period of one hun-
dred and sixty-seven years, of which those of Thacher and
Robbins were each nearly half a century in duration. Three
lives, always identified with the town, connect us with the early
part of the eighteenth century. Nathaniel Robbins, the third
minister of the Milton Church, lived from 1726 to 1795. His
son, Edward H. Robbins, an early Lieutenant-Governor of the
State, lived from 1758 to 1829; and we have with us this even-
conservative and steady-going character.
ing, next in the line, worthy alike of sire and grandsire, the
Hon. James M. Robbins, who, at the age of eighty-two, is in
the full enjoyment of his powers and active for the public good.
“The tone of municipal life has been at all times sensibly
For-
tunate the people who have this advantage! thrice fortunate
affected by the superior intelligence of leading citizens.
the people who value and profit by it! The town has probably
counted among its citizens, at different periods, more graduates
of Harvard College than any one of similar population in the
State, and their trained intellects and large views have been felt
We greet this
evening, as one of our most welcome guests, a representative of
the ancient university, Mr. James B. Thayer, Royall Professor
of the Dane Law Schoo!l,—no longer of us as a citizen, but always
at all periods in its social life and public action.
which at our second centennial anniversary was so well per- | of us as a friend,—whose scholarly tastes, neighborly offices,
MILTON.
117
and beneficent activity in civic duties remain in fresh remem-
brance.
deserves mention.
among our people, with no sharp divisions into sects, occupa-
tions, and family groups. Wealth here is not supercilious and
exclusive, but hospitable, open-handed, and sympathetic. There
is little of poverty and dependence, but a general condition of
comfort. There are no wide estates tilled by tenants, but, more
than in most communities, each man is the owner of the house
he lives in. As the result, there prevails a sense of self-respect
and of respect for others.
“In political controversies the vote of the town has been
steadily for freedom, for the support of the government, and the
honest administration of State affairs. In commemoration of
|
|
the ratification of Jay’s treaty, by which Washington upheld |
against clamor the peace of the country, an arch was erected
over the bridge at the lower mills, at the instance of Capt. John
Lillie, an officer of the army of the Revolution, then a citizen
of the place, which bore this inscription, ‘We unite in defence
of our country and its laws,’ a resolution to which the town and,
may I be permitted to add, his descendants have ever since been | the Boston Law School since its foundation, a period
loyal.”
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EDWARD L. PIERCE.
Edward Lillie Pierce, son of Col. Jesse and Eliza |
8. Pierce, was born in Stoughton, Mass., March 29,
1829. He received early instruction from his father,
and was prepared for college in the academy at Bridge- |
He was
graduated at Brown University in 1850, standing in
some departments at the head of his class, and carry-
water and in a classical school at Easton.
ing off an unusual number of literary prizes. His in-
terest while still a youth in public and literary ques-
tions is shown in his articles published in 1848-50 in
passed nearly a year at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the law
q __ | office of Salmon P. Chase, then a senator and since
“There is another feature in the character of the town which |
AP enidly spirit) of association: ‘prevails | chief justice of the United States, with whom from
that time he maintained relations of friendship and
confidence. In 1857, he published his book on “‘ Amer-
ican Railroad Law,” which at once took a conspicu-
ous place in legal literature, and was regarded by
many lawyers and judges having special knowledge
and experience in this branch of the law as the best
In 1881 he published a
new treatise on ‘‘The Law of Railroads,’ availing
treatise on the subject.
himself of the multitude of new cases though follow-
ing largely his original methed. This is now deemed
He also pre-
pared for the railroad commissioners in 1874 an
elaborate index of the “Special Railroad Laws of
He has been one of the lecturers at
the standard authority on the subject.
Massachusetts.”
_ of ten years.
In 1857, Mr. Pierce took an active part in opposing
the narrow and proscriptive policy towards citizens of
foreign birth which was at that time strongly urged in
Massachusetts ; and a valuable letter from him, filled
with statistics and advocating the most liberal treat-
ment of foreigners, was printed in the newspapers and
afterwards extensively distributed in pamphlet form.
Mr. Pierce continued in the practice of his profes-
sion until the breaking out of the Rebellion. In 1860
he represented his district in the National Republican
Convention at Chicago, and supported the nomina-
tion of Mr. Lincoln. In February, 1861, when the
_ Massachusetts Legislature was considering the sub-
| ject of modifying the ‘‘ Personal Liberty Laws,” he
|
the Democratic Review on “The Independence of the |
Judiciary,” “The Executive Veto,” and “ Sir Thomas
More,” and in his essay on “ the relation of education
to wealth and industrial prosperity,” which was pub-
lished in the “ Transactions of the Norfolk Agricul-
tural Society” in 1852. From college he went to the
Law School at Cambridge, where he was graduated in
1852.
tion to his studies that had marked his course in col-
lege, and received the first prize offered to his class for
an essay on ‘*‘The Consideration of a Contract.” In
1853, he wrote an able and learned article for the
Boston Post on “Secret Suffrage,’’ a question at that
Here he displayed the same devoted applica-
time of marked interest in the politics of Massachu- |
setts, which was reprinted and widely distributed in
England by the ‘‘ Ballot Society,” and referred to as
authority in Parliament.
At the beginning of his professional life Mr. Pierce
appeared before a committee of the Legislature and
made a vigorous and very able argument against the
proposed changes, which was printed, and is known to
have made a strong impression upon the committee,
and was warmly commended by Governor Andrew and
Mr. Sumner.
In the very first week of the civil war, Mr. Pierce
enlisted in Company L of the Third Regiment of the
Massachusetts Militia, went to Old Point Comfort,
and took part before the week was out in the destruc-
tion of the Norfolk navy-yard. He performed his
duties as a private soldier in all respects until July.
when he was detailed to collect the negroes at Hamp-
ton and set them to work on the intrenchments of
that town. This was the beginning of the employ-
ment of negroes on our military works. Mr. Pierce’s
views on putting them into service as laborers and
soldiers were in advance of those of the government,
as may be seen in his article on ‘* The Contrabands at
| Fortress Monroe,” published in the Atlantic Monthly
778
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of November, 1861, which at the time attracted
much attention, being written nearly two years before
Col. Shaw led the first negro regiment out of Boston.
In December of the same year, Mr. Chase, Secre-
tary of the Treasury, despatched Mr. Pierce to Port
Royal to examine into the condition of the negroes
upon the Sea Islands. It was a delicate service, for
the government had as yet taken no position as to the
In February, 1862,
Mr. Pierce returned to Washington and made a very
status of the slaves of rebels.
able and exhaustive report in which he assumed the
freedom of these negroes and the duty of the govern-
ment to protect them. This report was published in
the New York Tribune, and thence extensively copied
both in England and America. One of the English
papers, making a full abstract, entitled it ‘ Mr.
The work which
he had recommended was placed in his charge by the
Pierce’s Ten Thousand Clients.”
government with full authority, and in March, 1862,
taking with him teachers and superintendents, nearly
sixty in number, he again sailed for Port Royal, and
entered upon this most difficult and important work.
He oceupied the Sea Islands having nearly two hun-
dred plantations and ten thousand negroes, planted
fifteen thousand acres in cotton, corn and potatoes,
had the negroes instructed in their duties and rela-
tions, started the schools, and became as it were the |
founder of a new State and a new civilization among
the blacks. Largely owing to his suggestions, Freed-
men’s Aid Societies were formed, through whose in- |
strumentality a vast amount of good was accomplished.
In June, 1862, Mr. Pierce made his second report |
|
to the government, setting forth what had been done. |
These reports, afterwards reprinted in the Rebellion
Record, were widely noticed and praised, both by |
American and European journals. They were com-
mended at that time by the Westminster Review, Earl |
Russell in the House of Lords, the Revue des Deux |
Mondes, and Gasparin, and later in the histories of |
the Rebellion by Wilson and the Count of Paris.
In the spring of 1863 he was again employed at the
South on similar duty. The care of the negroes
having been transferred to the War Department, he
was asked to continue in charge under its authority, but
declined.
In 1883, he gave to the white and colored |
people of St. Helena Island, 8. C., the scene of his |
former labors, a library of eight hundred volumes of
modern editions of standard works of history, biog- |
raphy, travels, popular science, general literature, the
best novels, and valuable books of reference.
Mr. Pierce was on duty at Morris Island in August, |
1865, when, without any previous request or knowl-
edge on his part, he was notified of his appointment as
collector of internal revenue for the Third Massachu-
setts District, which office he held from October, 1863,
to May, 1866, discharging its duties with the same
fidelity and diligence which had heretofore marked
his career. A vacancy occurring at this time in the
office of district attorney for the district comprising
Norfolk and Plymouth Counties, Governor Bullock
at once appointed him to the position. He was
elected by the people to the same office in 1866, and
re-elected in 1868. In October, 1869, he resigned
this office and accepted the position of secretary of
the Board of State Charities, which he held until
his resignation, in 1874. In his reports, as secretary
of the board, besides the routine work of the office, he
treated with fullness certain topics of permanent in-
terest connected with crime and pauperism. Among
them were those of ‘‘ Executive Pardons,” ‘“‘ Habitual
and Juvenile Offenders,” and “ Out-Door Relief.” In
his concluding report he reviewed foreign institutions
and methods, giving the results of his observations in
his visit to Europe in 1873. These papers are now
consulted as authority on the matters which they dis-.
cuss, and furnish the most thorough and exhaustive
treatment of these important subjects which has been
made in this country.
In 1875 and 1876, Mr. Pierce was a member of
the Massachusetts Legislature, and served on the
Judiciary Committee, being its chairman the second
year. Besides giving his attention to the ordinary
business which falls to this committee, he originated
and carried through a most important measure limiting
and regulating municipal indebtedness, which is gener-
ally regarded as one of the most salutary laws which
has been enacted by the Legislature for many years.
Mr. Pierce’s best known literary work is the “ Me-
moir of Charles Sumner,” the first two volumes of
which were published in 1877. ‘The author was spe-
cially qualified for this duty intrusted to him as one of
the literary executors of the distinguished statesman,
having been during the whole of Mr. Sumner’s pub-
lic life his close and intimate friend. This work of
love was executed with rare discretion, excellent
taste, and sound judgment. Seldom have the fune-
tions of a biographer been performed so thoroughly
and conscientiously. The narrative is perspicuous,
full without diffuseness, lucid and animated, and free
It is entitled to rank
among the few great biographies.
In 1880, Mr. Pierce delivered the oration before
the Alumni of Brown University, the subject being
“The Public and Social Duties of the College Grad-
In this admirable address he discussed in a vig-
from rhetorical pretension.
uate.”
orous and scholarly spirit the relations of educated men
ee
ibe
A!
PS
WALL:
|
MILTON. 779
to the community and the country, and enforced with
|
|
|
|
power and earnestness the claim which the world has |
to their best work and endeavor. Two years later he
received from Brown University the degree of LL.D.
He has ever kept up an interest in his A/ma Mater,
and has been for two years the president of the associa-
tion of its graduates in Boston and vicinity.
From his youth Mr. Pierce has been a frequent |
contributor to newspapers and periodicals.
|
Among >
his papers and addresses not already mentioned are |
_ lic men, to whose acquaintance his writings and ser-
the following: ‘“ Report to Governor Andrew on the
Condition of Massachusetts’
Monroe ;”
Soldiers at Fortress |
address delivered at the Town House in |
Milton, Oct. 31, 1868, on “ The Two Systems of Gov- |
?
ernment proposed for the Rebel States ;’
February, 1874, before a committee of the Massa-
chusetts Legislature in favor of rescinding the reso-
lutions passed the preceding year censuring Senator
Sumner for his course in the Senate with regard to
the battle flags ; “‘ Speech on Municipal Indebtedness,”
delivered before the Massachusetts House of Repre-
speech in |
Mr. Pierce has always taken an active part in public
affairs. He was the originator of the public library,
of which he has been a trustee since its organization.
He gave, in 1879, the address at the dedication of
the new town house, and in 1882 delivered the ad-
dress at the dedication of the new town house in
Stoughton, his native town.
Mr. Pierce has several times visited Europe, where
he has made extensive journeys, and has had the ad-
vantage of personal intercourse with scholars and pub-
vices were an introduction. His life has been a busy
one, and although yet in his prime, with apparently
many years of usefulness and honor before him, he
has nearly realized in himself the ideal conception of
the duty of the scholar to humanity, so finely por-
_trayed in his address at Brown University in 1880.
sentatives, April 9, 1875; ‘ Address at Milton on —
Memorial Day,” May 30, 1870; speech at Faneuil
Hall, June 27, 1876, on the nomination of Mr.
Hayes as President; lecture before the Long Island |
Historical Society at Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1877, |
on “The Private Life and Literary Friendships of
Charles Sumner ;” article entitled ‘A Senator's
(Charles Sumner’s) Fidelity Vindicated,” in the
North American Review, July-August, 1878 ; “ Ad-
dress before the Suffolk Bar on George S. Hil-
lard,” January, 1879; speech at the public dinner
given to Carl Schurz in Boston, in March, 1881. He
was the author of the resolutions of the Republican
State Conventions of 1867, 1869, and 1872, and has
been chairman of the committee on resolutions at
different times. He again represented his district in
the Republican National Convention at Cincinnati in
1876, where he served on the committee on resolutions,
and made an earnest speech against a proposition to
exclude Chinese immigrants from the equality recog-
nized by the Declaration of Independence. He was
also a member of the Republican National Convention
meeting at Chicago in 1884. He was appointed by
President Hayes in December, 1878, assistant treas-
urer of the United States, but declined the appoint-
ment. As soon as he was old enough to be a voter
he began to address popular meetings and write for
the newspapers in favor of what was then known as
the Free Soil party, and has continued from that time
until the present (1884) to take part as a speaker and
writer in political discussions.
In Milton, where for many years he has resided,
Sincere and loyal to his personal and political associ-
ates, he has ever been true to his convictions of truth
and duty. A vraceful, earnest, and convincing orator,
a clear, forcible, and polished writer, of marvelous in-
dustry and exhaustive power of research, few men of
his age have accomplished so much work of varied
character and importance. Much of his time from
early manhood has been devoted to the interests of
humanity, as illustrated in his long service in the
political movement against slavery, in his work for
freedmen, and in his connection with efforts for the
improvement of prison administration and kindred
reforms.
LIEUT. HUNTINGTON FROTHINGHAM WOLCOTT.
The name of Huntington Frothingham Wolcott,
although he died before he had reached the age of
twenty years, will be long remembered by many. He
came of a family which had rendered public and
conspicuous service to the country for two centuries,
and almost as a boy he heard and heeded the call
which summoned him to bear his part in preserving
| the nation his ancestors had helped to found.
Henry Wolcott, who emigrated from England and
| was the ancestor of the family in this country, was
the son of John Wolcott, of Tolland, in Somerset-
shire, England, and was baptized in the adjoining
parish of Lydiard St. Lawrence, Dec. 6, 1578. He
married, Jan. 19, 1606, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas
Saunders, of Lydiard St. Lawrence. He held a good
estate in lands, as the title-deeds still in existence
show, and was already passed middle life when, “ to
avoid the persecution of those times against dis-
senters,”’ he emigrated to New England, sailing, with
780
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
his wife and three oldest sons, from Plymouth, Eng- | Lower House of the first General Assembly held in
land, on the 20th of March, 1630, in the ship ‘“‘ Mary
— Connecticut.
and John,” of four hundred tons burden, Capt. |
Squeb, master, in a company numbering one hundred
and forty souls. They “came by the good hand of
the Lord through
preaching or expounding of the word of God every
the deeps comfortably, having
day, for ten weeks together,’ and arrived at Nan-
tasket May 30, 1630,
Roger Clap, thus describes their landing: ‘‘ When
One of their number, Capt.
of that great ship of four hundred tons, would not
In 1643 he was elected a member of
the House of Magistrates, as the present Senate was
then styled, and to this office he was annually re-
elected during life. In the year 1640 he appears to
have visited England, where, by the decease of his
elder brother without issue, he had inherited the
family estate, and it was probably in the same year
that he brought to this country his two daughters and
| . . . .
his son Simon, whom he had left as children in Eng-
we came to Nantasket, Capt. Squeb, who was captain |
bring us into Charles River, as he was bound to do, |
but put us ashore and our goods on Nantasket Point, |
and left us to shift for ourselves, in a forlorn place in
this wilderness. But, as it pleased God, we got a
boat of some old planters, and laded her with goods ; |
and some able men, well armed, went in her unto |
Charlestown, where we found some wigwams and one |
house, and in the house there was a man which had
a boiled bass, but no bread that we see.
eat of his bass, and then went up Charles River until
the river grew narrow and shallow; and there we |
landed our goods, with much labor and toil, the bank |
being steep ; and, night coming on, we were informed |
that there were hard by us three hundred Indians. .
In the morning some of the Indians came and stood
But we did |
land until the family should become settled in their
new home. He died May 30, 1655.
Simon Wolcott was admitted a freeman in 1654,
at the age of thirty years, and Oct. 17, 1661, he
_married Martha Pitkin, sister of William Pitkin,
In
1671 he sold his estate in Windsor, and moved to
Simsbury, where he had received from the General
Court a grant of land, and where, in 1674, he was
attorney-general and treasurer of the colony.
_ chosen a townsman or selectman, and was appointed
to command the train-band, a position of danger and
_ responsibility, as this was a frontier settlement, and
at a distance off, looking at us, but came not near us. |
But, when they had been a while in view, some of |
them came and held out a great bass toward us, so we
sent a man with a biscuit, and changed the cake for the
Afterwards they supplied us with bass, ex-
changing a bass for a biscuit-cake, and were very
bass.
friendly unto us. . . . In our beginning many were
in great straits for want of provisions for themselves
and their little ones.
Oh! the hunger that many >
suffered, and saw no hope in an eye of reason to be |
supplied, only by clams, and mussels, and fish.
But bread was with many a very scarce thing, and
flesh of all kinds as scarce.”
Such was the landing of this company of “ very
Godly and religious people’ upon the bleak and bar-
We |
did quickly build boats, and some went a-fishing. |
in 1714 he was chosen into the Council.
ren coast of Massachusetts two hundred and fifty |
years ago.
the first list of freemen made in Boston, Oct. 19,
1630. He received a grant of land in Dorchester, a
The name of Henry Wolcott appears in |
part of his estate being within the present limits of |
the town of Milton, but in 1635, in the face of in-
credible hardship and suffering, he moved to Windsor,
Conn., with a considerable number of the Dorchester
settlers. In 1637 he was elected a member of the
|
committee, twelve in number, which constituted the »
King Philip’s war was then raging. ‘In 1675 the
town was destroyed by the Indians, and Simon Wol-
coit returned to Windsor, having lost all his property
in this unhappy enterprise. He died Sept. 11, 1687,
his death being hastened, according to his son’s ac-
count, ‘by gloomy anticipations of the oppression
and suffering which awaited the colonists under the
coming administration of Sir Edmund Andros.”’
His youngest son, Roger, was born Jan. 4, 1679,
and married, Dee. 3, 1702, Sarah Drake, of Windsor.
He says in his autobiography, “I never was a scholar
in any school a day in my life;” but he so well im-
proved his slender opportunities for education that his
He
was chosen selectman in 1707, and two years after
was elected a representative in the General Assembly.
In 1710 he “ was put on the Bench of Justices,” and
mind was early well stored with varied learning.
He was
appointed judge of the County Court in 1721, and
judge of the Superior Court in 1732, of which court
he afterwards became the chief justice. He was
In 1745 he re-
ceived a commission as major-general, and was second
in command under Sir William Pepperell in the
From 1750 until
1754 he held the office of Governor of the colony.
chosen Deputy Governor in 1741.
famous Louisburg expedition.
He wrote and published a volume of “ Poetical Medi-
tations,’ more remarkable for their tone of piety and
patriotism than for their rhythmic melody or smooth
versification. He died in the eighty-ninth year of
his age.
MILTON.
781
His son, Oliver Wolcott, was born Nov. 20, 1726. |
He was graduated at Yale College in 1747, and mar- |
ried, Jan. 21, 1755, Lorraine, daughter of Capt. |
Daniel Collins, of Guilford. He settled in Litchfield, |
and was chosen representative of the town in the
General Assembly. From 1774 to 1786 he was an
assistant or councillor. He was chief justice of the
Court of Common Pleas for the county, and was for
many years judge of the Court of Probate for the
district of Litchfield. He served in the militia in|
every grade of office from that of captain to that of |
major-general. ‘He was chosen a member of the |
Continental Congress, and in July, 1775, was ap- |
pointed by that body one of the Commissioners of |
Indian Affairs, a trust of great importance, its object
being to induce the Indian nations to remain neutral |
during the war. In 1776 he signed his name to the
Declaration of Independence, and from then until
1783 he was constantly engaged, either in Congress
or in the field, in furthering the national cause.
From 1786 to 1796 he was annually elected Lieu-
tenant-Governor, and in the latter year he was chosen
Governor, which office he held at the time of his
death, which came upon his seventy-first birthday,
Dec. 1, 1797. His Alma Mater, Yale College, con-
ferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. Such
is a brief and imperfect record of the public services |
rendered to his country during a time of danger and
doubt by Oliver Wolcott.
The youngest son of Oliver Wolcott was Frederick |
Wolcott, who was born Nov. 2, 1767. He was gradu-
ated at Yale College in 1786, with the first honors of |
his class, and at commencement delivered the saluta-
tory oration in Latin. He married, Oct. 12, 1800, |
Betsey, daughter of Col. Joshua Huntington, of Nor-
wich. She came of a family renowned in the annals
of the State. Her grandfather, Gen. Jabez Hunting. |
ton (Yale College, 1741) consecrated his wealth to |
the cause of independence, and was appointed major-
general of the entire State force. Three of her uncles
attained the rank of general in the service of their
country, and the name of Huntington was for gener-
ations honorably known in the military and civil his-
tery of the State and nation. Frederick Wolcott was
appointed clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in >
1793, and in 1798 clerk of the Superior Court of.
Litchfield County. He was a representative in the
General Assembly, and in 1808 he was chosen a
Presidential elector. From 1810 to 1823 he was a
member of the State Senate. In 1796 he was ap-
pointed judge of probate, and this office he held until |
his death, a period of over forty years. He was twice
offered a nomination for the office of Governor by the
honorable life.
|
party in power, but these nominations he declined,
partly on account of his health and partly because
through life he was little covetous of high office or of
popular applause. A man of magnificent physique,
of high literary attainments, of sterling integrity, re-
spected and beloved by all, his memory is still cher-
ished in the town where he passed his useful and
He died May 28, 1837, at the age
of seventy years.
Oliver Wolcott, Jr., an older brother of Frederick
Wolcott, succeeded Alexander Hamilton as Secretary
of the Treasury in the cabinet of Washington, whose
intimate friend he was, and, after leaving, in 1800,
the cabinet of John Adams, he was for ten years
Governor of Connecticut, as had been his father and
grandfather before him. He was one of the leading
Federalists when that party embraced the foremost
intellects of the day, and added new lustre to the
name he bore.
J. Huntington Wolcott, the oldest son of Frederick
Wolcott, was born in Litchfield, Aug. 29, 1804. He
was early compelled to seek his livelihood, and coming
to Boston with no capital save his own manhood and
a name not unknown in the history of his country,
he entered the employ of the distinguished mercantile
house of A. & A. Lawrence & Co., in which firm,
This
firm bore a leading part in the development of the
while still a young man, he became a partner.
great manufacturing and commercial enterprises of
New England, and, until its dissolution, its reputation
was unsurpassed for probity, sagacity, and energy.
To these interests Mr. Wolcott gave much of the
active work of his life, and the added population and
wealth which they have brought to New England are
due in great measure to the men who had the fore-
sight to perceive that the prosperity and power of
Massachusetts, as compared with her sister States, can
be maintained only by her higher skill in diversified
During the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Wol-
cott was treasurer of the Boston Sanitary Commission,
industry.
and has always exhibited an example of public-spirited
He married, Nov. 12, 1844,
Cornelia, daughter of Samuel Frothingham, of Boston,
and liberal citizenship.
whose ancestors, living for generations in Charlestown,
belonged to the old Puritan stock of New England.
She died in little more than five years after her mar-
riage, and Mr. Wolcott married as his second wife her
sister, Harriet Frothingham.
In 1851, Mr. Wolcott bought an estate in Milton,
and thus, after the lapse of two hundred and twenty
years, became a citizen of the town in which his great-
oreat-great-grandfather had first settled, after landing
from the voyage of seventy days in the year 1630.
782
Wolcott descended, and to them, perhaps, he owed in
part the impulse which led him to give his young life
freely to his country. Born in Boston, Feb. 4, 1846, |
he passed seven months of each year of his boyhood
in Milton, and his strong love of nature and of
country life made this the home to which his affec-
tions always turned. As he passed from childhood
into youth the unusual beauty and strength of his
Of a
physique of rare vigor and grace, of a pure and re-
fined spirit, of a charm and dignity of manner which
impressed themselves upon ali,—a leader in all athletic
character were manifest to all who knew him.
sports, a good rider and boxer,—of a manly and gen-
erous nature, he was admired and beloved by all who
knew him, whether they were his associates and com-
panions at school, or the poor whose sufferings he
was ever ready to alleviate.
The opening of the war of the Rebellion found him
a boy of only fifteen years; but as the conflict went
on with varying fortune to the national cause, his
nature was stirred to its lowest depths by the national
call to arms, and he was eager to throw himself into
the struggle which maintained the unity of the nation
and abolished the disgrace of slavery. He was for
two or three years commander of the battalion of his
school, whose efficiency in drill and evolution received
the high praise of Governor Andrew, and of the mili-
tary officers who were from time to time invited to |
review it. He studied carefully and thoroughly
many works on military drill and tactics, and made
himself an expert swordsman and a practised shot
with the rifle and revolver. His earnest wish to bear
his part in the conflict for national existence grew in
intensity, and before he had reached the age of nine-
teen years he received from Governor John A. An-
drew a commission as second lieutenant in the Second
Regiment of Massachusetts Cavalry, and was ap-
pointed aide to Maj.-Gen. Alfred Gibbs.
some weeks in the military camp at Readville, thus
He passed
becoming familiar with the routine of camp duty and
discipline. In March, 1865, he joined the staff to
which he had been assigned, which was a part of the
command of Gen. Sheridan, and he thus took part in
the toilsome and brilliant campaign which resulted
in cutting off Lee’s retreat from Richmond, and com-
pelled his surrender to Gen. Grant’s force. These
were weeks of arduous marching and constant fight-
ing. Lieut. Wolcott took his place side by side with
veterans in the war, and his energy, coolness, and
| Martin.
Appomattox brought to an end this great civil war,
and the grand review of the victorious army at Wash-
ington celebrated the nation’s restored unity and the
death of secession as a possible doctrine in American
politics. In this review Lieut. Wolcott took part
with the command to which he was attached; and
some who saw him on that memorable occasion wrote
after his death, which was so soon to follow, “It was
impossible not to notice particularly young Lieut.
Huntington Wolcott with his manly bearing and
inspired face.” ‘ He seemed the ‘impersonation of
one’s ideal of noble youth.” The painter, William
M. Hunt, who has reflected honor upon American
art, and who knew him well, wrote after his death,
“He combined the character of the lovely boy and
noble and devoted patriot and soldier in a more
striking manner than any one I have ever known.”
But on the very eve of that day of national re-
joicing his system succumbed to the insidious hold of
camp fever, contracted during his few brief weeks of
arduous and exhausting service, and although ten-
derly transported to his boyhood’s home in Milton,
which he loved so well, he died June 9, 1865, in the
prime of his mauhood, at the age of nineteen years
and four months. <A few weeks before he went to
the front he had said, ‘“‘ I should be glad to die for
my country,” and this joy was given him, to lead a
pure and unsullied life, and to die in the service of
the nation to which he owed an inherited loyalty so
fervid and strong. His memory will not soon fade
from the recollection of those who knew him, and
is perpetuated upon the memorial tablet in the town
hall of Milton, and in the title of the Grand Army
post of the town which has chosen his name to des-
ignate its organization.
NATHAN C. MARTIN.
A history of the town of Milton would be incom-
plete that did not contain the name of Nathan Cook
Owing to circumstances beyond control we
are unable to present our readers with a portrait,
which we doubly regret, as in his younger days he
was noted as being the handsomest man in Norfolk
County.
He was a noble specimen of manhood, portly and
of regular features, very prepossessing in appearance,
gallantry under fire elicited the special notice of his |
commanding officer at the battles of Dinwiddie Court-
House, Five Forks, Clover Hill, “* April 9th,” and “on |
and in manner most courtly and genial.
He was the son of Henry and Mary (Sessions)
Martin, and was born in Woodstock, Conn., Oct. 25,
1790.
BROOKLINE.
783
His early education was such only as was afforded
by the common schools of his native town, which at
that period were kept only during the winter months.
His opportunities, therefore, for instruction were small, |
but such as they were he improved, so that by
close application and study, and with scarcely any
instruction, except what he himself was able to glean
from books, he became a successful teacher, not only
of the grammar school but in the teaching of music,
and also of penmanship, his success was marked ;
|
schools for the instruction in those branches being
taught by him not only in Milton, but in many of
the surrounding towns.
At the early age of seventeen he was employed to
teach one of the public schools in his native town.
In a very brief period his reputation as a teacher
became so marked that in the following year a com-
mittee from the town of Holland, Mass., waited upon
him with a request to him to take charge of a school
in that town. Leaving the paternal dwelling in 1808,
he took up his residence in Holland, where he taught
some two years with good success.
Coming to Dorchester in 1810, to visit a townsman
of his native place who was teaching there, he was
offered a position as teacher of a school at the Lower |
Mills Village (so called), which, upon accepting, he
immediately entered with energy upon the work before
him, teaching some seven years in the town with such
success that upon his resignation the school committee
gave him the highest praise possible by the statement
that ‘for excellence in their studies, and for good |
deportment, his school outrarnked any other school in
the town.”
In the year 1817, having resigned his position as
teacher, he opened a store in Milton for the sale of
general merchandise, which business he so ably con- |
ducted that his friend, Mr. Benjamin Bussey (at that |
period the richest man in Massachusetts), invited him
to accept of a partnership with him in conducting
a business enterprise in the city of Boston; but the
offer, though a very advantageous one (one which,
if accepted, was reasonably sure to bring him a com-
He seemed to have had no
desire for riches, but rather, caring naught for wealth,
offered daily invocations to the Lord “ more of his
grace than goods to lend.”
petency), was declined.
that probably no man in the town—albeit there were
many that were college bred
knowledge of the English classics.
was somewhat remarkable, in all of which he served
with credit to himself, and with satisfaction to the
public.
He was postmaster of Milton for thirty-seven years,
judge of the District Court, major of the First Regi-
ment Massachusetts Militia, deacon of the Third
Religious Society of Dorchester (of whose choir he
was leader for nearly thirty years), town clerk of Mil-
ton, and a member of the school committee.
In the early days of the temperance movement he
enrolled himself as an ardent worker in the cause, and
was for many years prominent in his efforts for the
suppression of the evils resulting from the traffic in
intoxicating liquors, delivering addresses in many
places, ete. His sound sense made him a believer in
moral as opposed to legal suasion, and as he believed
so he taught.
He left not riches, founded no professorship, en-
dowed no institute of learning, but his whole life was
spent in the service of his fellow-men. He died Aug.
26, 1864, leaving a name which will ever be honor-
ably inscribed in the annals of the town.
CH AP THR LX X:
BROOKLINE.
BY BRADFORD KINGMAN.
Topography of the Town.—Brookline is the
most unique and picturesque town in the vicinity of
the metropolis of New England. It lies in the ex-
treme northeast corner of Norfolk County, in latitude
42° 19’ 32” north, and longitude 71° 00’ 7” west
of Greenwich, and was bounded on the northeast by
| Charles River, on Cambridge and Boston, about one
and one-half miles. In 1855 the northerly part of
the town bordering on the river was ceded to Boston,
so that the northerly bounds as now situated are the
| south side of Brighton Avenue and the east side of
St. Mary’s Street.
On the east it bounds the Back
Bay territory of Boston, about one-half mile, and
southeast by Boston (formerly Roxbury) about two
_and a quarter miles, and on West Roxbury about two
His passion for study commencing in early life was |
continued through middle age, and with such diligence |
had a more intimate |
_and on Brighton nearly two miles.
The number of important official positions held by |
him, fairly thrust upon him by his fellow-townsmen,
and three-quarter miles ; on the southwest it is bounded
by West Roxbury, about three-quarters of a mile, and
on Newton about one mile; on the northwest it is
bounded by Newton about three-quarters of a mile,
It runs northeast
and southwest about four and three-tenths miles, and
southeast and northwest about one and two-thirds
784
miles. Previous to the setting off the northerly por-
tion of the town the territory comprised four thousand
six hundred and ninety-five acres ; since that time it
contains four thousand three hundred acres, or about
seven square miles, and has forty miles of roads.
Hills.— Brookline is not what might be termed an
elevated township, but like most towns near the sea-
shore the land gradually rises from the water to the |
interior till it reaches the highest point, which is
Lyman’s, or Cabot’s, Hill, which is three hundred and
thirty-six feet above high-water mark.
That portion of the town included in Corey, As-
pinwall, Fisher, and Gardner Hills, and the territory
south and west from a line formed by Boylston Street, |
from Hammond Street to the junction of Boylston
and Heath Streets, and Chestnut Hill Avenue, thence
across to corner of Dudley and Warren Streets, near |
Robert C. Winthrop’s entrance or gateway, and from
this point to Boston line, near Rockwood Street, ex-_
cepting the vicinity of Hammond Street, and between
Hammond Street and Newton line, and the South |
Street district, embraces about one-third of the area
of the whole town, and is over one hundred and ninety
feet above high-water mark.
Among the highest elevations in the town are
Lyman’s Hill, so called, situated between Boylston |
and Heath Streets, on the south of Boylston and
north of Heath Streets. On the east, at a short dis-
tance, is the residence of Hon. Theodore Lyman,
M.C., and formerly the home of his late father, Gen.
Theodore Lyman,—a magnificent residence, with a
lawn and location bearing a strong resemblance to
many of the country-seats of distinguished men in |
England.
On the southerly side of the hill, known as the |
White estate, is the residence and grounds of Walter |
C. Cabot, which are quite extensive.
Next in order is Hyde’s Hill, on the southerly side
of Newton and nearly opposite Clyde Street. This
hill is occupied as a farm by William J. Hyde, and
is three hundred and nine feet above high-water mark, |
The third highest hill is on the westerly side of
South Street, nearly opposite Grove Street, near the
standpipe of the Brookline Water-Works, which is
three hundred and six feet in height.
From this last-named point, running northwest and |
southeast westerly of Newton Street, isa long range of
highland called Walnut Hill, or Denny’s Hill, with
an average height of two hundred and eighty-three
feet.
Another high elevation is that south of Goddard
Avenue and north of Newton Street, two hundred
and seventy-eight feet high, sometimes called Avon |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
Hill, but which has lately been known by the name
_of Goddard Heights. This land has been owned in
| the Goddard family for a long time, hence the name.
| Abijah W. Goddard is the present proprietor.
We next come to Corey’s Hill, a beautiful elevation
of several acres in extent, all of which are cultivated
to the summit. In 1869 an avenue was built over
this hill to Brighton, that the many visitors might
have an easier ascent to the top. A fine macadam-
ized road-bed was thoroughly built, with paved gut-
ters, and a plank walk laid for pedestrians. Previous
This land has
been owned in the Corey and Griggs families for a
to this time it was only a rough path.
long time, till of late new owners have appreciated
Some
have resorted thither upon the advice of their phy-
sicians, and with satisfactory results to their health ;
for, curious as it may appear, the air is warmer in the
winter season by four to six degrees on the hill than
in the valley below, while the cool, refreshing breezes
This
hill, from its peculiar position and prominence, is
destined to become more and more sought after as a
| place of residence by those who appreciate widely-ex-
| the location and erected residences on the same.
of summer are soft, cheering, and refreshing.
tended views.
On some fine afternoon in summer-time let the
reader start from the easterly end of Summit Avenue
on Beacon Street and by slow degrees make the ascent.
As he nears the summit the prospect widens, till he
sees a beautiful panorama spread out before him in
nature’s loveliness at his very feet. Let us notice a
few only of the many fine objects to be seen from the
highest point on the hill. Looking to the southwest
we see the famous Chestnut Hill Reservoirs, two
picturesque sheets of water, with the unequaled drives
around the same, the granite-arched entrance to the
_inclosure, and the fine borders of granite, and grass,
so charming to the eye. Farther to the left may be
_ seen some of the other hills of the town, also famous
| for their location and the views to be had from the
_ same, as Aspinwall’s, in near proximity to where we
stand, while farther away are Fisher’s, Lyman’s,
Chestnut Hills, and Goddard Heights at the extreme
south part of the town, and as we turn our eye still
farther are the villages of Dedham, Hyde Park, and
Roxbury Highlands, with their towering church
Passing these and still farther
|
spires distinctly seen.
away, our eyes catch glimpses of the Blue Hills of
Milton, from which Massachusetts derived her name,
and again to the north of these are Dorchester
Heights, rendered famous in the Revolution, and
then the full bay is spread out before you, with the
white sails of large and smaller craft floating back
BROOKLINE.
785
and forth on the blue waters, while steamers are lively
bearing hundreds on excursions of pleasure to near
and remote places, while now and then the majestic
floating-palaces bound for foreign countries may be
seen. Directly to the east may be seen the gilded
dome of the State-House, with Beacon Street dividing
the waters of the Back Bay, and the elegant resi-
dences crowded on both sides of the same, also broad |
Commonwealth Avenue, which, together with the
many fine residences, public buildings, and churches
in the new section of the capital city, makes a fine
picture.
To the left of the city we cannot fail to notice that
ever-to-be-seen granite monument, standing on the
ground rendered memorable by the battle of Bunker’s
Hill. A little stretch of the vision to the north of
this colossal structure are the cities of Malden and
Somerville, and the towns of Everett, Arlington, and
many others. Casting our eye to the left of the
above-named places, we see the tall chimneys of Hast
Cambridge, showing enterprise in the manufacturing
business.
To the north of where we now stand is the seat of
learning named in honor of John Harvard, with the
numerous buildings belonging to the same, while
farther on to the westward may be seen the tower
and cemetery of Mount Auburn, and the tall chimney
of the United States Arsenal at Watertown, from
whence, if it be near sunset, we may hear the gun
and see the smoke of the powder. ‘To the north of
this eminence, in the distant view may be seen the
snow-capped White Mountains of New Hampshire
rising majestically, also the towering ‘* Monadnock”
is distinctly visible, while to the west in solitary gran-
deur is the lofty ‘‘ Wachusett.” From this elevation
over forty church spires may be counted. And while |
we have named some of the many distant views, we
will mention a few of those near at hand. With the
exception of the rocky conglomerate ledge at Rox-
bury, there are but few of the rough, ragged rocks or
chitecture, and are embowered in groves of fruit and
ornamental trees. The business portion of the town
or village is a short distance to the southeast on the
one hand, nestling at the foot of the mount, while on
the east and north is the beautifully winding and cir-
cuitous Charles River, up which Winthrop and his
party made explorations, also the rural settlements at
Longwood. The rear slope of this hill contains a
natural growth of woods, while the surrounding pros-
pect is beautified by evergreen foliage of many a
shade, orchards laden with fruit, vintages bearing the
ripening clusters, and if it chance to be late in au-
tumn, all is lighted by the rich tints of the maple,
birch, beech, and elm. Another and remarkable
feature of the view is its uninterrupted distinctness
in the lines of avenues and streets, all of which are
clearly defined, while to the ocean the picture expands
with equal breadth and beauty. Within a few years,
on one of the large buttonwood-trees, which were the
last of the many trees remaining on the summit of this
hill, was a tin signal used by the United States Coast
Survey as a point from which they made their calcula-
tions. This drive over Summit Avenue was the fav-
orite drive of Professor Agassiz. On his first visit
to this place early in the afternoon, he was so charmed
with the view that he remained till dark to take in
the inexhaustible richness of the prospect ; for four
succeeding days he took the same drive, and ever
afterwards it was his most frequent place of visitation.
President Eliot is often seen on horseback commun-
ing with nature alone on this grand height, and is said
to have pronounced this one of the most delightful
spots in the country.
One of our own townsmen, who has had an ample
opportunity of observation, a gentleman of taste and
culture, says, ‘“‘In all my travels in Europe tever
have I seen so much loveliness as presents itself to the
_ eye from the summit of Corey Hill.
barren cliffs in this vicinity, but large, regular rolling
_ every appreciative beholder, would be an attempt to
swells of land, all crowned with verdure to their sum-
mits, while their slopes are covered with fruit-trees. |
The valleys between these hills are fertile, adorned with
grass and grain of every kind, and flowers of every
hue; gentle rills wind through the meadows, marking
their courses by a fresher green and a belt of luxuriant
growth,—these all blend in perfect harmony, and pre-
sent a prospect fraught with all that is rich in agri-
culture and pleasing in rural scenery. With this |
charming prospect is spread before you the presence
of hundreds of handsome dwellings, many of them
of the “ Queen Anne” and Italian Villa style of ar-
50
Another has written: ‘To depict the beauties of
this place, or to make manifest to others the inward
emotions and ecstasies which well up in the bosom of
portray that which is indescribable.”
The air of the hill-tops is pure,
The water is sparkling and clear ;
No home hath the city, I’m sure,
Like ours in the spring of the year.
The next prominent elevation is that well known
as the Aspinwall Hill, of little less height than some
of the other eminences in the town, but none the less
beautiful. This land is on the southerly side of
Washington Street, and extends from Cypress Street on
the east to Beacon Street on the west, and to the rail-
786
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
TAS oe | eer ; ae,
road on the south, and embraces something like ninety | A short distance to the southwest of the last-named
acres of land, orfginally forming the Benjamin White
farm.
In 1788, Dr. William Aspinwall purchased about
forty acres of the highest portion of the hill, and in|
1803 erected the mansion-house on the same, now
oceupied by a grandson of the doctor, of the same
name. ‘The view from this mansion commands a fine
landscape picture for miles around, and although not
as high as some others, the scenery is delightful.
Recent enterprise is developing portions of this hill, |
by building superior streets and laying out the lands
for residences, which we notice are now coming into
market through the Aspinwall Land Company, an
association organized for the purnose of placing some
of the best land, for the erection of fine buildings, to
be found in the town. The surface of this hill is well
covered with wood, consisting of the sturdy oak, chest-
nut, and walnut.
Fisher’s Hill, sometimes called Henshaw Hill, is
two hundred and forty feet high, and is near the cor-
ner of Brighton and Boylston Streets, has a fine broad
top, from which the view of the surrounding country
is exceedingly elegant, and on account of the eleva-
|
|
|
locality is another high spot of land called “ Fair-
_mount,”’ situated on the south side of Dudley Street,
_ of the higher hills.
| distinctive name of a river.
and on the southerly side of the old Boston reservoir.
The prospect from this hill, like all the hills in Brook-
line, is fine, but quite limited in comparison with many
The north side of this is covered
with residences, and there are more fine locations here
to be found.
To the north of the village of Brookline, and near
to the village of ‘‘ Allston,” is an elevation known as
‘“‘ Babcock Hill,” on which is a mansion-house, which
has formerly been occupied as a private residence,
where at one time Holmes Hinckley, Esq., of the
‘‘ Boston Locomotive Works,” had his home, and
later occupied by Shadrach Robinson and the Hon.
Alanson W. Beard, late collector of the port of Boston,
but is now a hotel, known as the ‘“‘ Hawthorne House.”
Rivers and Ponds.—The town of Brookline is
well watered by numerous small streams, some of
which are not of sufficient size to be dignified by the
The principal stream is
_ the well-known ‘ Charles River,’ which formed the
tion and near proximity to the town, the Brook- |
line Water-Works have erected a reservoir for the
supplying water to her citizens. The ease with which
the ascent may be made by carriage to the summit of |
this hill makes it a place of resort for pleasure-driving.
Among the lesser heights of the town may be men- |
tioned ‘‘ Bradley’s” Hill, formerly called “ Walley’s”
Hill, from Thomas Walley, who resided near the cor-
ner of Cypress and Walnut Streets. Capt. Bradley
purchased this property about 1820, and erected upon
the same several small tenement-houses, or bought and
removed thither old houses, till the settlement became
notorious.
Meeting-House” which he erected on the highest
part of the hill, in which Capt. Bradley would imi-
tate church worship from an old pulpit which he had,
and from which he would hold forth on the Sabbath
to a base crowd, and generally winding up the service
by treating “all around.” This church, so called, was
an old barn, with a spire erected on the same, so that
north boundary of the town previous to the change
of the line between Boston and Brookline in 1855.
This river, which has been called ‘‘ Massachusetts,”
—the Indian’s name of which was ‘‘ Quinobequin,’—
rises in Hopkinton and Milford, and flows through the
towns of Bellingham, Franklin, Medway, Medfield,
Sherburne, Natick, Dover, Dedham, Needham, New-
ton, Weston, Waltham, Watertown, Brighton, Brook-
line, Cambridge, and Charlestown, to Boston Harbor.
The tide extends up about four miles from Boston to
Watertown. It is au exceedingly circuitous river,
encircling in its course the larger part of the city of
Our readers will not forget the “Sham |
Newton, the centre of its channei forming the bound-
ary line on the north, west, and south of that city.
|The falling off from its natural direction at Dedham,
and leaving one-third of the water to continue a route
seemingly concordant with its general course, is a very
seldom occurs in the history of rivers.
a stranger would at once suppose it to be a church, |
while it was only a carpenter-shop.
oddity Mr. Bradley delighted. Just previous to his
death a Mr. Hart purchased the premises and _ re-
moved the buildings to other localities, and the land
now belongs to the “Goddard Heirs.” This is a de-
lightful spot of land, and will no doubt eventually be
used for elegant residences. It lies just south of the
railroad and Aspinwall Hill.
In this kind of |
extraordinary circumstance in its nature, and such as
By this phe-
nomenon the towns of Brookline, Boston, Brighton,
Newton, Roxbury, Dorchester, and a strip from the
towns of Dedham and Watertown, form an island, or
rather are circumscribed by the waters of Charles
| River, Mother Brook, Neponset River, and Boston
Harbor.
larly circuitous that in passing from Dover to Sher-
burne over its bed in a straight line to its estuary or
outlet is fourteen miles, while, taken by the serpen-
tine course of its water, it measures thirty-eight and
In one portion of this river it is so singu-
' a half miles.
BROOKLINE.
187
The next in order for size and importance is the
well-known “ Muddy River,” having its source as an
|
outlet for “ Jamaica Pond” and “ Ward’s Pond,” in |
Roxbury, and the ground around Chestnut Street, |
runnng in a northerly and northeasterly direction ©
into the “ Back Bay,” sometimes called ‘ Charles
River Bay,” the centre of the stream forming the
boundary line between Roxbury (Boston) and Brook-
line. The early settlement of the locality called
“ Muddy River” was named from the fact that this
river was naturally muddy, owing to its peculiar loca-
tion.
itants there were two landings on this stream, known
as “Cotton Landing” and “ Aspinwall’s Dock,” where
bricks and wood were landed. In order to a proper
understanding as to how these docks were of use,
the reader must bear in mind that the course of navi- |
gation was unimpeded up this channel as far as the |
bridge near the old railroad station.
Another small stream commences in the vicinity of
Chestnut Hill Reservoir, and following the line of the |
At one time in the history of the early inhab- |
New York and New England Railroad in an easterly |
direction, it empties into Muddy River near the works
of the Brookline Gas Company.
its rise near W. B. Cowan’s farm and the vicinity
of Warren Street, running in a northerly direction,
and between the old reservoir belonging to the city of
Boston, and Fairmount, and so on to the last-named |
stream, near Cypress Street Station.
The next stream has its origin in the easterly
border of Brighton District, and follows in an easterly
A small creek has |
}
|
|
|
direction through the farms of the late James Bart- |
lett and Deacon Thomas Griggs, but a short distance |
north of Washington and School Streets, and through
the land of Aspinwall, where it enters Muddy River,
just south of “ Aspinwall Avenue.”
There is also a small creek starting in the low
ground near Beacon Street, in the late Marshal |
Stearn’s (now William Stearn’s) land, and running
northerly to “‘ Swallow Pond,” so called, at the corner
of Freeman and Essex Streets, and from thence on to
west of ‘‘ Cottage Farm Station.”
hood Cemetery,” and uniting with the waters leading
from “ Hammond’s Pond” at the southwest corner or
outlet of the pond, and running southerly through the
meadows to the west corner of Brookline, where there
was a sufficient accumulation of water at Newton
Charles River.
through what is well known as “ Bald Pate Mead-
ows,” through the south part of Newton by Palmer’s,
through “ Brook Farm” to Charles River, near “‘ Cow
Island.” This stream was known as “ Pond Brook,”
or “* Palmer Brook.”
A small stream known as ‘Smelt Brook,” having
| its source in the northeasterly corner of Brighton Dis-
trict, and then running northerly across Brighton
Avenue and the Albany Railroad, it empties into
This forms the boundary line be-
tween Brookline and Brighton at the extreme north-
west corner.
Ponds.—There are but three sheets of water in
the town, viz.: the original “ Boston Reservoir,” on
Boylston Street, the “ Brookline Reservoir,’ on the
summit of ‘“ Fisher’s Hill,” and one pond known as
‘‘Swallow Pond,” sometimes called ‘ Hall’s Pond,”
where it is said they have never been able to find any
bottom.
Trees and Shrubs.—William Wood’s description
in the earliest settlement of New England well de-
scribes this section :
“Trees both in hills and plaines, in plenty be,
The long liv? Oake, and mournful Cypris tree,
Skie-towering Pines, and Chesnuts coated rough,
The lasting Cedar, with the Walnut tough;
The rosin-dropping Firr for masts in use;
The boatman seeke for oares, light, neat grown, Sprewse,
The brittle Ash, the ever-trembling Aspes,
The broad-spread Elme, whose concave harbors waspes ;
The water-spongie Alder, good for nought,
Small Elderne by th’ Indian Fletchers sought,
The knotty Maple, pallid Birtch, Hauthornes,
The Hornbound tree that to be cloven scornes,
Which, from the tender Vine oft takes its spouse,
Who twinds imbracing armes about his boughes.
Within this Indian Orchard fruits be some,
The ruddie Cherrie and the jettie Plumbe,
Snake murthering Hazell, with sweet Saxaphrage,
Whose Spurnes in beere allays hot fevers rage,
The diars [dyers] Shumach, with more trees there be,
That are both good to use and rare to see.”
Boundaries.—In 1632 considerable aceessions
_were made to the town of New Town (now Cam-
Charles River, into which it empties a short distance |
bridge) by the arrival of Rev. Mr. Hooker and his
_ company, numbering forty-seven in all, who removed
Another stream rises in the low ground around |
Hammond Street, and running southerly of “ Holy- |
Street, in early days, to drive a water-wheel in the |
saw-mill of Krosamon Drew, on the dividing line be- |
tween Newton and Brookline; thence passing on
from Mount Wollaston by order of court. They re-
moved to New Town with the impression that New
Town would be the metropolis of the colony. In
May, 1634, scarcely three years from their beginning,
they complained of straitness for want of land, espe-
cially meadow, and requested leave to look for en-
Mes-
sengers were sent in different directions to explore,
largement and removal, which was granted.
and, from the flattering accounts about Connecticut,
on the 4th day of September they asked leave to
788
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
remove to Connecticut. The question of their re-
moval occupied the attention of the court for several
days ; the principal reasons for their removal were
want of accommodations for their cattle. ‘“ So as they
were not able to maintain their ministers, nor could
they receive any more of their friends to help them.”
| the summer of 1636, Mr. Hooker, Mr. Stone, and
After hearing the argument the court put it to—
vote upon the question of their removal to Con-
necticut, and of the deputies fifteen were in favor of
their departure and ten against it.
and two assistants were in favor of granting their
request, and the deputy and all the other assistants
opposed to their removal. Upon this state of things
there grew up great differences of opinion between
And
in consequence of the disagreement the whole court
the Governor, the deputies, and the assistants.
agreed to keep a day of humiliation to seek the Lord,
The Governor |
which was done, Rev. Mr. Cotton preaching the ser- |
mon from the text Haggai ii. 4: “ Upon the strength
of the magistry, ministry, and the people,” after which
gistry, Y> people,
things went on smoothly, and the congregation at
New Town (now Cambridge) came and accepted of
the enlargement of land that had previously been
tendered to them by Boston and Watertown.
The enlargements of land granted by Boston and
Watertown to quiet the people in New Town (now
Cambridge) were what is now Brookline, Brighton,
about one hundred men, women, and children, com-
posing the whole of Mr. Hooker’s congregation, left
New Town, and traveled one hundred miles through
a trackless wilderness to Connecticut. They arrived
safely at Hartford, and laid the foundation of that city.
When Rev. Mr. Hooker and his congregation re-
moved to Hartford, the proviso that had been placed
in the grant of land to them—viz., that the lands
and Newton, excepting that portion which had pre- |
viously been assigned to individuals.
These grants, or donations, of land to New Town
were made upon condition that Mr. Hooker’s com-
pany should not remove, as appears by the following, ©
which is a true copy of the record,—Sept. 25, 1634 :
“Also it is ordered, that the ground aboute Muddy Ryver,
belonging to Boston, & vsed by the inhabitants thereof, shall
hereafter belonge to Newe-Towne, the wood & Timber thereof
groweinge & to be groweinge to be reserved to the inhabitants
should revert to Boston if they remove from thence—
took effect immediately, and a committee was appointed
to settle the boundaries between New Town and
Muddy River, who made the following report in
April, 1636:
“We whose names are underwritten, being appointed by the
Court to set out the bounds of the New Town upon Charles River,
do agree that the bounds of the town shallrun from the marked
tree, by Charles River, on the Northwest side of the Roxbury
bounds, one and a half miles North east, and from thence three
miles northwest, and so from thence five miles Southwest; and
on the Southwest side of Charles River, from the Southeast of
Roxbury bounds, to run four miles on a Southwest line, reserving
the proprieties to several persons, granted by special order of
the Court. “WILLIAM SPENCER.
““NicHoLtas DANFORTH.
“WILLIAM JENNISON.”
The above description was undoubtedly intended to
restore the territory of Muddy River to Boston, or as
much of it as the committee judged expedient.
At the General Court, held March 2, 1638,
“Tt is ordered that New Town shall henceforward be called
Cambridge.”
After the changing of the name of the town the
report of the above-mentioned committee—Spencer,
| Danforth, and Jennison—was not satisfactory, and
of Boston, provided, & it is the meaneing of the Court, that if |
Mr. Hooker & the congregacon nowe setted here shall remove
hence, that then the aforesaid meadowe ground shall returne |
to Waterton, & the ground att Muddy Ryver to Boston.”
After the enlargement of New Town was settled
(in April, 1635), Ensign William
chosen to set out the bounds between New Town and
Roxbury, whose report is as follows:
Jennison was
“The line between Roxbury and New Town is laid to run
southwest from Muddy River near that place called ‘ Nowell's
Bridge’ a tree marked on four sides, and from the mouth of the
River to that place; the south side is for Roxbury, and the
north for Newtown.
“ WILLIAM JENNISON.”
This line was intended to carry out the gift of
Boston to New Town, by which the whole of Muddy
River, more or less, became a part of New Town, and
so remained nearly two years. In the early part of
the towns of Boston, Muddy River, and Cambridge
appointed committees Dec. 20, 1639, to settle the
boundary lines.
Here follows the doings of the said committee :
“We whose names are underwritten being appointed by the
towns to which we belong, to settle the bounds between Boston
(Muddy River) and Cambridge, have agreed that the partition
shall run from Charles River, up along the channel of Smelt
Brook to a marked tree upon the brink of said Brook, near the
first and lowest reedy meadow; and from that tree, in a straight
line, to the great red oak, formerly marked by agreement, at the
foot of the great hill, on the northermost end thereof; and from
the said great red oak to Dedham Line, by the Trees marked by
agreement of both parties this 2. 8. 1640 (August 2, 1640).
“THOMAS OLIVER,
“WILLIAM COLLBRON,
“ For Boston,
“RICHARD CHAMPNRY,
“Joun BripGe,
“GREGORY STONE,
“JoserH ISAAC,
“THomas MARett,
“ For Cambridge.”
ys
ae a
BROOKLINE.
789
The boundaries of the town of Brookline have, for
the most part, remained as originally laid out by the
different committees from the adjoining towns, and as
agreed upon in 1639 and 1640. The _ principal
changes that have been made were on the easterly and
northerly borders of the town, adjoining Roxbury,
Boston ; these have been varied several times. The
first of any account was made in 1824, when a com-
mittee was chosen to establish the boundary line be-
tween Boston and Brookline.
sisted of the mayor and aldermen of Boston, and the
selectmen of Brookline, who proceeded to view the
premises, and agreed upon the bounds. Upon the
22d day of February, 1825, the Legislature ratified
said agreement.
This committee con- |
The next change made was by the Legislature in |
1844, the act having been signed Feb. 24, 1844.
On account of the annexation of Brighton to Bos-
ton, it became desirable that Boston should be joined
to her own territory in Brighton. For this purpose —
Brookline relinquished a portion of her land on the
northerly borders of the town, adjoining Charles
“Secrion 2. The said inhabitants hereby set off to the city
of Boston shall continue to be a part of Brookline for the pur-
pose of electing state officers and members of the executive
council, senators and representatives to the general court, repre-
sentatives to Congress, and electors of president and vice-presi-
dent of the United States, until the next decenial census shall
be taken, or until another apportionment shall be made; and
it shall be the duty of the board aldermen of said city of Bos-
ton to make a true list of the persons residing on the territory
hereby annexed to said city, qualified to vote at such elections,
and post up the same in said territory, and correct the same as
required by law, and deliver the same to the selectmen of said
town of Brookline seven days at least before any such election ;
and the same shall be taken and used by the selectmen of Brook-
line for such election, in the same manner as if it had been pre-
pared by themselves.
“Section 3. This act shall not be construed to divest or de-
prive the town of Brookline of any legal rights of drainage
which it now possesses.
“Secrion 4. This act shall not take effect until accepted by
| the city council of Boston.
River, as appears by the following act of the Legis- |
lature:
“Aw Act to annex a portion of the Town of Brookline to the
City of Boston.
“Be it enacted, &c., as follows:
“Section 1. That part of the town of Brookline contained
within the line described as follows: beginning at a point in
the centre of the channel of Charles River on the boundary
line between the town of Brookline and the city of Cambridge,
where the westerly line of St. Mary’s Street, in the town of
Brookline, extended in a northerly direction, would intersect
the said boundary line; thence running southwardly by the
westerly line of said St. Mary’s Street extended to the scuth-
erly line of Brighton Avenue; thance continuing in the same
direction by the westerly line of St. Mary’s Street, to the north-
erly line of Ivy Street; thence turning a little and running
_ of Brookline is not devoid of interest.
south-easterly by the south-westerly line of St. Mary’s Street, |
and by the continuation of the same to the present boundary
line between Boston and Brookline in the centre of the channel
of Muddy River; thence easterly following said boundary line |
to the present boundary line in the centre of the channel of
Charles River; thence by the centre of said channel of Charles
River to the point of beginning,—with all the inhabitants and
estates therein, is hereby set off from the town of Brookline
and annexed to the city of Boston, and shall constitute a part
of the sixth ward thereof, until a new division of wards shall
be made; and such territory so annexed shall form part of the
county of Suffolk: provided, that the said territory and the in-
habitants thereon, set off as aforesaid, shall be holden to pay
all such taxes as are already assessed or ordered to be assessed
by said town of Brookline for the present year, in the same
“« Approved, June 18, 1870.”
Again, in 1872, the Legislature was called upon to
change the course of Muddy River for the purpose of
public improvement, and for sanitary uses, etc. This
act was approved April 27, 1872.
Geology of the Town.—The geological formation
Its principal
features are of the amygdaloid or conglomerate rock,
‘“ Brochant”
describes this rock, so common in this vicinity, as a
kind of * wacke,’’ a substance intermediate between
basalt and clay, resembling indurated clay. A range
of hills and ledge of this conglomerate species of rock
extends from Chestnut Hill on the west to Cohasset,
and towns on the South Shore.
The rocky portions of Brookline are of the gray-
wacke formation, and of moderate elevation.
Graywacke is sometimes beautifully amygdaloidal,
—that is, it contains numerous rounded or almond-
shaped nodules of some other mineral. Such is the
These rocks are commonly
so common in Eastern Massachusetts.
formation in Brookline.
called “ plum-pudding stone.”
In the westerly portion of the town, near where the
ancient saw-mill formerly stood on Newton Street, and
also on Hammond Street, are some beautiful speci-
It is found in
In that see-
mens of “diorite,” or greenstone.
rounded masses and in small quantity.
tion of the town near the New Jerusalem Church on
High Street, are occasionally found some clear, fine
_ specimens of transparent quartz rock.
manner as if this act had not been passed; and provided, fur- |
ther, that all paupers who have gained a settlement in said
town of Brookline, by a settlement gained or derived within
said territory, shall be relieved or supported by said city of
Boston, in the same manner as if they had a legal settlement
in said city of Boston.
In the extreme westerly portion of the town there
is some slate rock, but not enough to make any note
of, while just over the line is a large amount of that
kind of rock, near Newton Centre.
The graywacke stove, common in this town, fur-
nishes a coarse stone only fitted for a common wall;
790
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
!
but sometimes its stratification is so regular, and its |
grain so fine, that it is much used for underpinning
stepstones, etc.
quarried in Brighton near the line of Brookline, and
in the ledge at Parker Hill.
In the vicinity of Boston the graywacke occupies
Fine specimens of this variety are |
a basin, of which the Blue Hills form a southern |
boundary, the porphyry hills of Lynn and Malden, a
northern, and the greenstone ranges of Weston and
Waltham a western, boundary. The argillaceous
slate connected with the graywacke is all found along |
the northern and southern sides of this basin, while
the central portion of this basin, including Brookline |
and Roxbury, are occupied by conglomerates and
graywacke.
Although this rock is prominent in the limits of
Boston Highlands, this rock in no place rises to any-
thing like mountain ridges, and for the most part it
occupies extensive plains or gently undulating ground.
Diluvium also is so abundant over every part of it
that it is only occasionally, and at distant intervals,
to be seen. Among these, the most noticeable in
Brookline, and perhaps the best and most marked, is
in the vicinity of the First Parish Church, where
there are some fine samples, which are plainly to be
seen. The next best is the ledge beyond the dwell-
ing-house of Timothy Corey, near to the line of
Brighton, and so on through the southerly part of
Brighton and Newton to Chestnut Hill.
On account of the low level, and the transported
fragments spread over this rock in many places, it is
But it is quite
evident that it underlies nearly, if not all, of the sur-
face of the town of Brookline and the immediate
vicinity to the depth of seventy-five to one hundred
feet at least.
difficult to ascertain its exact limits.
The bed-rock of this conglomerate mass
may be seen in the gravel-bank at Babcock Hill, on
Harvard Street, owned by John Gibbs and others.
There may be seen one of the clearest proofs of the
glacial drift in the striated surface of these rocks,
showing it to have been the original surface of the
rock previous to the deposits of the drift period.
The material of which this hill is composed is not
very different from the other hills in the town, but is
a confused mass of pebbles, clay, and bowlders, with
some sand.
It is pretty well decided by those competent to
judge, that at some time in ages past the whole of
this section of country was covered with ice to the
depth of from one to two thousand feet, hiding all
trace of the earth’s surface, and that this field of ice
crept over the same in a northwest and southeasterly
direction. This mass of ice covered the highest hills,
and in its course took everything with it that could
possibly be moved, bearing in its folds large bowlders
and various débris, polishing and grooving the tops
As
this mass of ice melted, the accumulation of stone
and rubbish of every description that adhered to the
same was deposited wherever it chanced to be, and
The hills of Brookline
and Boston also are the results of these deposits. If
we penetrate to the centre of Corey, Aspinwall, or the
other hills near by, we should find a mass of clay,
of rocky hills in its onward course to the sea.
oftentimes in large masses.
pebbles, and bowlders mixed in the most confused
manner, the matter remaining to this day just where
it was left ages ago. Around these hills, and near
the central core of till, we find beds of sand, clay, and
The lowlands in the vicinity of the
marshes, and elevated somewhat, are mostly sand and
coarse gravel.
gravel, from the washing and waste of the bowlder
clay. The black peat, or soils of the low ground near
the brooks and rivers, are of a more recent formation,
and are composed of vegetable matter.
Description of the Land.—The soil of Brookline
and vicinity has from the early settlement of the
country been of excellent quality for agricultural and
horticultural purposes, as umay be seen from the fol-
lowing letter, written in 1629, one year previous to
the settlement of Boston, by Rev. Mr. Higginson to
his friends in London:
“T have been careful to report nothing but what I have seen
with my own eyes. The land at Charles River is as fat, black
earth as can be seen anywhere. Though all the country be, as
it were, a thick wood for the general, yet in divers places there
It is thought here is
good clay to make bricks, and Tyles, and earthern pots, as need
be.
“The fertility of the soil is to be admired at, as appeareth in
the abundance of grass that groweth everywhere, both very
is much ground cleared by the Indians.
At this instant we are sitting a brick kiln on work.
thick, very long, and very high, in divers places,
“But it groweth very wildly, with a great stalk; and a
broad and ranker blade; because it never had been eaten by
cattle, nor mowed by a scythe, and seldom trampled on by foot.
It is scarce to be believed how our kine and goats, horses and
hoggs, do thrive and prosper here and like well of this country.
Our turnips, parsnips, and carrots, are here both bigger and
sweeter than is ordinary to be foundin England. Here are stores
of pumpions, cowcumbers, and other things of that nature.
Also divers excellent pot herbs, strawberries, pennyroyal,
wintersaverie, sorrell, brookelime, liverwort, and watercresses ;
also leekes and onions are ordinarie, and divers physical herbs.
Here are plenty of single damask roses, very sweet; also, mul-
berries, plumbs, raspberries, currants, chessnuts, filberds, wal-
nuts, smalnuts, hurtleberries, and hawes of white-thorne, near
as good as cherries in England. They grow in plenty here.”
The soil in this vicinity is mostly composed of
the graywacke, of a deep brown color, and is among
the best in the State, as it contains more calcareous
matter than the slate variety, decomposes more readily,
BROOKLINE. 7
91
and furnishes the best soil found over this formation |
of rock.
tile and well wooded upon the arrival of the English
settlers, as we find the following statement as early as
1633, that there was “good ground, large timber,
and a store of marsh-land and meadow.”
was “ arable ground and meadow.”
While the land in most parts of the town is well
adapted for the purpose above named, there is also a
|
|
|
|
Here also |
| brow of the hill.
portion of country in the extreme southwest border of |
the town which has not been of much use, and any |
one visiting the city and riding for pleasure would be
surprised to find within a circle of six miles from the
State-House a place of such uncultivated territory.
To the west of Newton Street there is an extensive
tract of land which is comparatively an unknown re-
gion. Once heavily timbered, the original forest was
cut away, and no heavy timber has since been allowed |
to grow there, yet it is an unreclaimed wild, covered |
with birches, alders, red maples, and many trees of
larger growth.
were exterminated elsewhere, and foxes, muskrats,
minks, owls, and other wild game have until re-
cently, and do perhaps still, tempt adventurous sports-
men to tramp through these rocky and swampy fast-
nesses.
The land lying hereabouts- on both sides of the
street, both in Brookline and in Newton, to the ex-
tent of several hundred acres, was in the year 1650
conveyed by Nicholas Hogdon, of Boston and Brook-
line, to Thomas Hammond and Vincent Druce. John
Druce, his son, received it by will from his father.
Bears lingered there long after they |
Erosamon Drew, whose name is spelled in six dif- —
ferent ways in old documents, came from Ireland in
his youth. He married Bethiah, Vincent Druce’s |
daughter. The elder Druce, who seems to have been
a wealthy man for those times, left his son-in-law con-
siderable property.
A most curious and elaborate old deed, dated in
1683, conveys a tract of sixty-four acres of woodland |
for fifty-five pounds to Krosamon Drew, from “ Vin-
cent Drusse and Hlizabeth his wife,” in which an im-
. perfectly scrawled V for his name, and E for hers, are
their only attempts at penmanship.
John Druce was a soldier in Capt. Prentice’s com-
show a slight curving bit of roadway near Newton
_ line, diverging from the street on the left, and joining
We judge that all the land in this vicinity was fer-
it again at Newton line.
The passer-by upon the street would scarcely notice
the grassy entrance to this curve, and perhaps fail to
observe, unless attention was called to it, an old roof,
to be seen almost on a level with the street, below the
Yet this curved bit of road was
the original street or old road dipping down into the
valley, for what good reason nobody now living knows,
unless it was because down here was “ Erosamond
Drew’s saw-mill,”’ and there must be a way to get to it.
A brook, which is the natural outlet of Hammond’s
Pond, flows through the swampy lot opposite and un-
der the road.
bushes and young trees of this swamp, which was
once an open meadow, and was flowed at certain sea-
It is nearly concealed by the rank
sons of the year, by which means water-power enough
was gained to run the saw-mill.
Below the level of the road, down the declivity
of the hill, and standing endwise to the now de-
serted and grassy old roadway, is a low house’ (the
roof of which was above mentioned) falling into
It is not less than
This was
Erosamon Drew’s house, and over the brook close to
it stood his saw-mill, and here all the sawing of boards
for miles around was accomplished. The owner of the
ruins, though still inhabited.
two hundred years old, and perhaps more.
saw-mill was evidently a thrifty and good citizen, as he
held various offices of trust in the town, being one of
the selectmen, assessor, a member of the grand jury,
and one of the committee on building the first church.
There were three sons of EKrosamon and Bethiah
Drew, who died young, or at least unmarried.
Ann, the only child of this parentage who lived to
marry, was born in 1683. In 1710 she became the
wife of Samuel White, Esq., and was the Madam
Ann White of whom an account was given.
Ann White, the only daughter of this marriage,
became the wife of Henry Sewall, son of the chief
justice of that name.
One of her sons married into the Sparhawk family,
of Cambridge. There are also descendants of one of
the daughters still living bearing the name of Wol-
pany, a troop of horse, in King Philip’s war, and in|
July, 1675, was mortally wounded in the battle near
Swanzey. He was brought home, and died in his own
house ; he was but thirty-four years of age. His son
John, who was but a child then, was probably the
father of the doctor who settled in Wrentham.
—cott and Ridgway.
An examination of the new map of the town will |
From one of the sons comes a
branch of the Goddard family, so that there are still
lineal descendants of Erosamon Drew in existence.
An old deed of Isaac Hammond in 1693 conveys
land bordering on the saw-mill lot to Erosamon Drew.
By another deed in April, 1731, Drew conveyed ten
acres of his land to his son-in-law, Samuel White,
1 Since destroyed by fire.
792
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
&
“by reason and in consideration of the Love, good-—
will and affection which he hath and doth bear toward
him,’ which was certainly a very substantial proof of
his satisfaction with his daughter’s marriage.
This deed was witnessed by James Allen, the first
minister of this town, and “ hugh scot; but Hrosa-
mon Drew’s signature, alas, was only “his mark,”’—a
round scrawl, for he could not write his name.
The deed was acknowledged before ‘‘ Samuel Sewall,
flows, and which were once rich with cranberry-vines,
The old road down which
are now all bush-grown.
_teams drew heavy logs and took away the finished
boards is so narrow, rough, and winding as to be
At the side of the road, and near
the end of the house, is a little patch fenced with
brush, which was every summer blooming and gay
almost unsafe.
with purple amaranths and other well-kept flowers,
| which lent a bit of brightness to the lonesome and
J. Pacis,” and rounds off in sonorous Latin, “ Annoq
Regnis Regis Georgius Magna Brittanica quarto,” ete.
In August of the same year by another deed he
gave his house and all his movable property to his
son-in-law, wife, and two children for his being * help-
ful to him in his old age.” In fact, from 1711 to this
late date he seems to have been at short intervals be-
queathing all his worldly goods to this beloved son-
in-law.
to be seen in Newton Cemetery. The last of the
The gravestones of all the Drews are still |
Drews was gone before the middle of the last century, |
and large portions had been sold off the Druce and —
Hammond property and that part of Samuel White's
land which he inherited from his wife's father.
In the Revolutionary times this great tract which
still lies wild, was in the hands of Tories, who, it is
said, secured some of King George’s cannon and hid |
them in the thick woods, intending,
time came, to use them for the royal cause.
when the right
that time never came, and the Tories were forced to
escape to the British provinces, where they stayed
It was sold and
The
old saw-mill came into the hands of one of the Jack-
till their property was confiscated.
divided among many owners, and so remains.
son’s, and afterwards of Edward Hall, who formerly
was a blacksmith on Washington Street.
For many years Erosamon Drew’s old house was
called “ the huckleberry tavern,’ because the tenant
then occupying it was skillful in making a kind of
wine from the abundant huckleberries of the sur-
rounding pastures, and on election days and other
festive occasions the scattering residents of the adja-
But |
otherwise neglected spot. ‘The picturesque old place
is a fit one for the location of the scenes of a poem
or a novel.
Title to the Soil— When the success of the plan-
tation at Plymouth had become well known through-
out a large portion of England, it aroused a great in-
terest in the cause of colonization, and preparations
Between 1620
and 1630 the number was small that came to New
for emigration were made in earnest.
England, and only a few settlements were made.
In 1628 an energetic movement was made, having
A patent?
was granted to Henry Rosewell and others, convey-
in view the settlement of Massachusetts.
ing land lying between a line drawn three miles north
of the Merrimac and a line drawn three miles south
of Charles River, and extending east and west from
the Atlantic to the Western Ocean. In the follow-
ing year (1629) the number was enlarged, a royal
charter obtained creating a corporation under the
_name of the ‘‘ Governor and Company of the Massa-
chusetts Bay in New England.” The territory of
| Brookline, then a part of Boston, lies within this
cent parts of Brookline and Newton often resorted |
thither for the mild stimulants of society and huckle-
berry wine. The old saw-mill was taken down about
thirty years since, and time, with the slow fingers of
decay, is taking down the old house. It was a curi-
ous old place, the roof behind sloping almost to the
ground.’ A part of the old flume and some of the
stone underpinning of the saw-mill are still to be
seen,
The extensive meadows through which the brook
' Destroyed by fire a few years since.
grant, under this patent.
The jurisdiction over and general property in the
soil within the limits named in the above royal grant
was conferred by the charter given to the Company of
the Massachusetts Bay, while at the same time it was
conceded by the colonial government that the native
Indians had a prior right. In other words, the power
given in the English charter was little more than a
right or permission to purchase of the natives. |
The usual course of proceeding in such cases was
to obtain, from the chief or sachem of the .tribes in-
habiting the territory wanted, a deed of release, which
was based upon such consideration as might be agreed
upon, the General Court confirming their title, or such
conditions as they thought best.
Thus we find, soon after the arrival of the early
settlers with their charter, they commenced negotia-
' tions with the natives, and procured a deed of release
’ The original document is among the archives of the State
at the State-House,
“A perpetuity granted to Henry Rosewell and others of parte
3oston, with the following indorsement:
of Newe England, in America. Wolseley.”
BROOKLINE.
793
from them, signed by “ Chickatabut,” chief of the
Massachusetts tribe. the evidence of which we find
in the following confirmatory deed given, over fifty
years after their first settlement, thus establishing the
fact that the same was honorably purchased and ami-
cably arranged :
INDIAN DEED.
‘Go all to Mhome these prests. shall come. I Charles Josias,
ALIAS JOSIAS WAMPATUCK, sone and Heire of Josias
Wampatuck, late Sachem of the Indians Inhabiting the Massa-
chusets in New England, and Grandson of Chickatabut, the
fformer Sachem Send greeting :—
“ForasmucH as I am Informed, and Well Assured from
Severall Antient Indians, as well those of my Council as others,
that upon the ffirst Comeing of the English to Sitt Downe and
Settle in these parts of New England, my Above-named Grand-
ffather, Chickatabut, the Chiefe Sachem, by and with the Ad-
vice of his Councill, for encouragement thereof, upon Divers
good causes and Considerations him thereunto moving. Dip
give, grant, Sell, alienate convey and confirme unto the English
Planters and Settlers, respectively and to their Severall and
respective heires and Assignes forever. ALL THAT NECK, TRACT
OR PARCEL OF Lanp, scittuate, Lyeing, and being, within the
Marracuuserts Coxony, in Order to their Settling and Build-
ing a Towne there: now knowne by the Name of Boston, as it
is Invironed and Compassed by the Sea, or Salt Water, on the
Northerly, Easterly, and westerly sides and by the Line of the
Towne of Roxbury on the Southerly side, with all the Rivers, har-
bours, Bayes, Creekes, Coves, flatts and appurtenances whatso-
ever thereunto belonging. As also severall other outlands belong-
ing unto the st Towne on the Southerly and Easterly sides of
Cuar.es River. And the Island Called Deer IsLanp, Lyeing
about Two Leagues Easterly from the said Towne of Boston,
betweene Pudding-Point Gutt and the Broad Sound, soe called,
s? Island containeing One Hundred and Sixty or Two Hundred
Acres of Land more or less; with the privilidges and appurte-
nances thereunto belonging.
particular Alotments and other Conveniences, and given, Alien-
ated, and Transferred, to and from one another, Haveing been
peaceably and quietly possessed, used, Occupied and Enjoyed,
for the Space of about ffifty and flive years last past by the said
first Grantees y™ heires Successours and Assigns. And now
stand quietly and peaceably possessed thereof at this day.
Wuicu, saip Neck & Lanps have |
since been Distributed and granted out among themselves into
“WHEREFORE, I the say4 Charles Josias, alias Josias Wam- |
patuck, Sachem and William Hahaton, Robert Momentauge,
and Ahawton, Senior, my Councellors (by and wt! the allow- |
| QuIETLY without any manner of Reclaime Challenge or Contra-
ance and advice of William Stoughton and Joseph Dudley,
Esq?s my Prochain Amy’s and Guardian’s), as well for the rea-
sons and Considerations abovemencond as for and in Consider- |
ation of a Valuable Summe of Money to me and them in hand
welj and truely paid by Elisha Cooke, Elisha Hutchinson Esq’s,
Mess's Samuel Shrimpton, John Joyliffe, Simon Lynde, John
Saffin, Edward Wyllys, Daniel Turel Sent, Henry Allen, John
Faireweather, Timothy Prout Sen", and Theophilus Ffrary, of
Boston, afforesaid, for and in the behalft of themselves and the
rest of the Proprietated Inhabitants of y¢ towne of Boston, above- |
said the receipt of which stsumme of Money as ffulland Lawfull |
Consideration, wee do hereby acknowledge to have received; |
and thereof, and of every parte, and parcel thereof, doe ffully
acquitt and discharge the s¢ Elisha Cooke, Elisha Hutchinson,
Samuel Shrimpton, John Joyliffe, Simon Lynde, John Saffin,
Edward Wyllys, Daniel Turel Sent. Henry Allen, John ffaire- |
weather, Timothy Prout Sen™. and Theophilus Ffrary, and |
every of them, their and every of their heires, Executors, and
Administrators, & Assignes, forever by these Presents. Have
& hereby Doe for the ffurther Confirmation and Ratification of
the s4 Guift, grante, bargaine, or sale of the st Grand Sachem,
Chickatabut, ffully, freely, and willingly, approve, ratifie, Estab-
lish, Enfeoffe, and confirme the same; and Doe also ffully and
Absolutely remise, release, and for ever quitt claime unto the
said Elisha Cooke, Elisha Hutchinson, Samuel Shrimpton, John
Joyliffe, Simon Lynde, John Saffin, Edward Wyllys, Daniel
Turel, Sent. Henry Allen, John Faireweather, Timothy Prout,
Sent and Theophilus Ffrary, theire heires, and assignes respect-
ively forever, Soe farr as their owne severall and respective
rights, and Interests, are or may bee: And farther, for and in
behalf of the rest of the Proprietated Inhabitants of st Town of
Boston and precincts thereof Severally and their several] and
respective heires and assignes, for ever. According to the Sev-
erall Interest, rights title and propriety which each person, re-
spectively hath right unto, and now Standeth seized, and pos-
sessed of, ALL THE AFORES? Neck & Tracr oF LAND, now called
and knowne by the name of the Towne of Boston, and all other
Lands whatsoever, within the st Township or precincts thereof,
Easterly and Southerly of and from Charles River; with all and
every the Houseing, Buildings, and Improvements thereupon,
and on every part and parcell thereof; And the Island afores?
called Deer Island, and the buildings thereon, with all Har-
bours, Streams, Coves, flatts, waters, Rivers, Immunityes, rights,
benefitts, advantages, Libertyes, privilidges, hereditame™s and
appurtenances whatsoever, to all and every y® aforementioned
premises belonging or in any manner or wise appurtencing: or
therewi'®, heretofore or now, used, occupied, or Enjoyed; Also
all the Estate, right, title, interest-property, claime & demands
of me the $4 Charles Josias, alias, Wampatuck, and of all and
every of my before named Councellors, of in and to the same
and every part parcel or member thereof. To HAVE AND TO
HOLD, all and singular the abovementioned Lands, prem-
isses, and appurtenances every parte and _ parcel
thereof unto them the said Elisha Cooke, Elisha Hutch-
inson, Samuel Shrimpton, John Joyliffe, Simon Lynde, John
Saffin, Edward Wyllys, Daniel Turel, Sen™ Henry Allen, John
ffaireweather, Timothy Prout Sent and Theophilus ffrary, their
and
heires and assignes respectively forever for and in behalf of
themselves, So far as their owne Severall and Respective rights
and interests are or may bee therein; And further for and in
behalf of y® severall and respective proprietated Inhabitants of
y® st Towne and precinets thereof, their Severall and respective
heires and assignes forever, According to the Interest, title, and
proprietary, we? each person hath, or may have just right unto;
and Standeth now Seized & possessed of; And to their onely
proper use benefitt and behvofe forever. FREELY, PEACEABLY &
diction of me the s Charles Josias alias Wampatuck and my
above named Councellors or either or any of us our or either, or
any of our heires, Executors, Administrators, or assignes and
without any account, Reckoning, Answere Summe or Summes
of money in time to come to be made, yeilded paid or done.
Soe Tuart neither I the s¢ Charles Josias alias Wampatuck, my
Councellors, our or either of our heires, Executors, nor any
others by from or under me, us or them or any of them shall or
will by any wayes or meanes hereafter have aske, claime, chal-
lenge or demand, any Estate, right, title, or Interest of in or to
y® premisses ; or any part, or parcel thereof. Burt, are and shall
be utterly Excluded and forever Debarred from the same by
vertue of these presents. ANp I the said Charles Josias, alias
Wampatuck, and Councellors affores? for us and every of us,
our and every of our heires Execut®s Administrators and sue-
cessors respectively, Doz hereby covenant promise grant and
794
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
oblige unto ye aforenamed Grantees their heires Executors Ad-
ministrators and assignes by these presents, do warrant main-
taine and defend the aforementioned premises, all and every
parte, and parcel thereof unto them the s¢ Grantees their heires
and assignes forever as aforesaid for and in behalfe of themselves,
and.others the Proprietated Inhabitants according to their re-
spective rights and Interests; Against all and every person and |
persons whomsoever Lawfully claimeing or demanding the same
or any parte and parcel thereof. AND at any time or times
hereafter upon demand to give, pass, make ffull and ample re-
lease confirmation, and assurance of all and every the s?
premises, unto y®s? Grantees, their heires and assignes to y® uses
afores?: and to doe and performe any other act or acts, device
or devices in the Law necessary or requisite thereunto, as in
Law or equity, can or may be devised, advised or required—In
witness whereof I s? Charles Josias alias Josias Wampatuck,—
William Hahaton—Robert Momentauge, and Ahawton Sent
my Councellors, have hereunto Sett our hands and Seales y®
Nineteenth day of March, Anno Domi, One Thousand Six hun-
dred Eighty and ffoure, 1684/5, Annoq RR§ Caroli Secundi
Anglie, &e XXXVII
“CHarues A Josias.
Signum
“ AHAWTON m SENT
“Signed, Sealed and Deliv- eur
a)
ered in presence of us. “ WILLEM HAHATO!.
“Wriutiam WILLIAMS his
“EE. LypDe. “ Ropert & MomMeENTAUGE.
marke
nO
( five
[seals
° 3K. sk
“Charles Josias & William Ahawton Jun™ in ye Behalf of
himself and his father Ahawton, Indians, Acknowledged y®
Aboves* writing to be their volluntary Act & Deed March 19
1684, Coram
Jas Russell, Assist
“We underwritten Prochain Amyes and Guardians to Charles
Josias, Sachem of the Massachusetts Do consent and approve of
the Above s‘ confirmation of title and release of clayme.
“ WILLIAM STOUGHTON.
“JosepH DupLEy.
“David, son & Heire of Sagamore George & in his right hay-
ing some claym to deere Iland doth hereby for Just Considera-
tion, relinquish his right to the Town of Boston, of all his right
& claym thereto and consents to y® aboves’ Deed of Sale. As
witness his hand & seal.
“In presence of us WinL1AmM WILLIAMS.
“ BENIMAN Dowspr.
“ Boston ffebruary 18t 1708. Received and Recorded with the
Or, ’neath the forest leaves that o’er them hung,
They council held, or loud their war-notes sung.”
The very first mention of the name of the locality
known as Muddy River in history informs us that
there were Indians here at the time when the Eng-
lish settlers were coming over in 1632, and there
is every reason to believe that the territory in and
around Boston was at a much earlier period occupied
by aborigines. These native occupants of the soil
numbered about fifty thousand. They were divided
into tribes, and each tribe subdivided into numerous
smaller tribes. The Agawams occupied territory ex-
tending from the mouth of the Merrimae River to
| Cape Ann; the Wamesits, at the junction of the Con-
cord and Merrimac Rivers, on the west side of the
Merrimac, and on both sides of the Concord; the
Nashuas, at Nashua; the Namaoskeags, at Amoskeag.
The home of the Penacooks, or Pawtucket Indians,
was in the Valley of the Merrimac and the contigu-
ous region.
The Massachusetts tribe dwelt around Massachu-
setts Bay, and was under the government of the
_ three thousand warriors.
famous Chicatabut, who had under his command
His dominion was bounded
on the north and west by Charles River, and on the
south extended as far as Weymouth and Canton, in-
cluding this section. As before stated, these larger
tribes were divided into numerous smaller divisions,
and each had its sachem, or sagamore, kings and
petty lords, each having a settlement of their own.
It is supposed that one of these tribes occupied a se-
cluded spot on a knoll in the centre of Longwood,
then a primeval forest, and in the centre of the old
On this
spot the natives had about one-eighth of an acre of
land, in square form, inclosed by palisades of cedar,
Cedar Swamp, or Great Swamp, so called.
_ around which was a ditch three feet in depth, and a
Records of Deeds for the County of Suffolk Lib XXIV. t ffol |
101, et se:—
“pr ADDINGTON DAVENPORT, Regist’.”
[Indorsed on the back] “ Josias, Sachem & other Indians, |
Confirmation of the Town of Boston & Lands belonging.
March 1684.”
dat‘,
Indian History.
“There was a time when red men climbed these hills,
And wandered by these plains and rills ;
Or rowed the light canoe along yon river,
Or rushed to conflict armed with bow and quiver,
parapet three feet in height, with an opening or gate-
way on each side, one of which was towards the
swamp. ‘Traces of this ancient fort were visible as
late as 1845, which were removed by William Amory,
Esq., the owner of the estate, who erected a beautiful
residence near the same.
The following is an account of the Indian settle-
ment by Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, as described in
his address at the dedication of the new town hall, in
Brookline, Feb. 22, 1873:
“Tess than two years had thus passed since the birth, or
certainly the baptism, of Boston, when the first recognition or
mention of the locality in which we are interested to-day was
entered in his journal by Governor Winthrop. That record, I
_ think, is full of implication and suggestion as to the condition of
the site on which we are now assembled, as well as in regard to
| the immediate circumstances and surroundings of the Massachu-
setts colony. Swarms of savages were still hovering around |
them. ‘Ten sagamores and many Indians,’ we are told, were |
assembled in this very neighborhood. A sagamore is second |
only to a sachem, or king of the tribe, and the titles are some- |
times employed indiscriminately. Ten sagamores would thus
imply a large number of warriors under them. They were evi- |
dently understood to be lying in ambush, the Governor’s phrase |
being that our musketeers were dispatched ‘to discover, etc.’
John Underhill was the most trusted captain of that day, bear-
ing very much the same relation to the Massachusetts colony
which Miles Standish bore to the earlier but wholly distinct and |
independent Pilgrim colony at Plymouth. Twenty musketeers |
were sent with Capt. Underhill, more than twice the number
which Miles Standish took with him when he was dispatched on |
a similar expedition ten years before, and when he achieved his
grandest victory, or what is called his ‘ capital exploit.” Every-
thing indicated danger, or certainly the strongest apprehension |
of danger, and before another week had elapsed, although this
particular party of Indians had been ‘broke up’ or dispersed, |
we find Governor Winthrop recording the gravest reasons for
suspecting that a conspiracy existed among the Narragansett
men and the Neipnett men, under pretense of quarreling with
each other, ‘to cut us off to get our victuals and other substance.’ |
And then the record proceeds: ‘ Upon this there was a Camp |
pitched at Boston in the night, to exercise the Soldiers against
need might be; and Capt. Underhill (to try how they would |
behave themselves) caused an alarm to be given upon the quar-
ters, which discovered the weakness of our people, who, like men
amazed, knew not how to behave themselves, so as the officers
could not draw them into any order. All the rest of the planta-
tions took the alarm and answered; but it caused much fear and
distraction among the common sort, so as some which knew of |
it before [that is, which knew that it was a false alarm], yet |
through fear had forgotten, and believed the Indians had been
upon us. We doubled our guards, and kept watch day and
night.’
“Such is the picture which Massachusetts and its principal
town present to us, as we unfold the page which contains the
earliest record of what is now called Brookline. There was
plainly no settlement here at that day, or the Governor would |
have sent that little army of musketeers to assist and rescue the
inhabitants, and not merely to discover and break up an am- |
bush of the natives.
so? May we not well rejoice that there was no handful of
Aud may we not well rejoice that it was
scattered planters here to encounter the wild savagery of those |
‘ten sagamores and many Indians?’ and that Underhill and his |
BROOKLINE.
| dians.
twenty musketeers heard at Roxbury that they were already |
Yes, my friends, let us thank God to-day that the |
dispersed ?
narrative of our beautiful village—I might rather say of its
prehistoric period—does not open with a scene of massacre.
Let us thank God that yonder river‘ Muddy,’ as it was called
—was not crimsoned and clotted with the gore of either white
men orred men. Let us thank God that our brook was not
destined to be called ‘ Bloody Brook.’
“T do not undervalue the gallantry and heroism of those
upon whom the dire necessity has been laid, whether in earlier
or later days, to wield the sword and wage war to the death
against an Indian foe. Brookline, as we shall presently see,
has exhibited her full share of such heroism. I fully recognize,
too, that a real and inexorable necessity has often existed for
suppressing and punishing by force of arms the lawless ferocity |
of the savage tribes. The early colonists must have abandoned
their plantations altogether unless they were ready and resolved |
to defend them at all hazards against the conspiracies and
treacheries and mad assaults of the aboriginal race which sur-
rounded them on every side. Even at this hour there may be
795
Modoes or Apaches uncontrollable except by force. But we
may all still sympathize with the sentiment which was so ex-
quisitely expressed by the pious John Robinson, in Holland,
when he heard of the first great victory of Miles Standish, in
which six Indians had been slain, ‘It would have been happy
We
may all rejoice to remember, also, that within a few months
only of the date of this record about the Indians at Muddy
River there arrived at Boston, and was immediately settled at
if they had converted some before they had killed any.’
_ Roxbury, where the first planters of this village so long went
for their Sunday worship, a godly minister from England, who
made it his special mission, in the same spirit which had actu-
ated those brave Jesuit priests in Canada, to Christianize and
civilize the natives, and who, during the next thirty years, had
not only preached to many of them, and taught many of them
to pray, but had accomplished the more than herculean labor of
translating the whole Bible into their language. No more
| marvelous monument of literary work in the service of either
God or man can be found upon earth than that Indian Bible of
the noble John Eliot; nor can any of us fail to admire and ap-
plaud the earnest and seemingly successful efforts for the in-
troduction of a more humane and Christian policy towards the
Indian tribes still left in our land by the illustrious soldier
who has just been called again to the executive chair of the
United States. There has been nothing more creditable to our
country, since, for a similar exhibition of humanity in the re-
moval of the Cherokees beyond the Mississippi, William Ellery
Channing paid that most eloquent and most enviable tribute to
Winfield Scott.!
“Pardon me, my friends, for such a digression.
to have traveled a long way out of our little Brookline record :
but it has only been, after all, to explain and amplify the grati-
fication I could not refrain from expressing, and which I am
sure you all feel with me, that those ten sagamores and their
followers were fairly dispersed before Underhill and his mus-
I may seem
keteers arrived here.”’
In 1617 a fearful pestilence prevailed among these
natives of the forests, called by the French “ Les
Hommes des Bois,’—‘‘ Men Brutes of the Forest,”
resulting in the destruction of thousands of the In-
“The people died in heaps, whole families
and tribes perished, so that the living were in no wise
able to bury the dead,” and for seven years afterwards
the bones of the unburied lay bleaching on the ground
around their former habitations. This epidemic is
said to have been the yellow fever or smallpox.
We may thus judge that at the time of the early
settlement of Boston the natives had become so re-
duced in numbers as to render occupation of the soil
by the English settlers much easier than it would
have been at an earlier period. In this immediate
vicinity but little difficulty was had with the natives ;
undoubtedly the famous friend of the Indians, well
known as the “ Apostle” Eliot, had much to do with
moulding the character of the natives from the rude
| and barbarous life of the tribe into a more civilized
and enlightened community. When he passed back
and forth, as he did often, from Roxbury, where he
1 Channing’s Works, vol. v. p. 113.
796
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
was pastor of the church, to “‘ Nonantum Hill,” New-
ton, his route from the Punch Bowl village was _
through Walnut and Heath Streets, Pond and Reser-
voir Lanes, to Newton. On his way he often called
at the Indian village or settlement of Praying Indians,
which occupied the territory on the west side of |
selected from their midst, usually five or seven, whose
Brighton Street, known as the “ John Ackers farm,”
including Ackers Avenue.
to light in the tilling of the soil, and for many years
Many relics are coming
“ Alas for them! their day is o’er;
Their fires are out on hill and shore”
Allotments of Land.—Among the first acts of the
citizens of Boston as soon as it became a municipality,
was that of dividing the land out to different settlers.
For that purpose a certain number of persons were
duty it was to define the number of acres, amount,
_and location of their lots. These persons were usually
after the last Indians had disappeared from these |
early scenes some aged remnants of the tribe who
had removed to the far West visited these old graves |
| 1634 and 1640:
and most picturesque spots, and the land thereabouts |
of their fathers. This locality is one of the wildest
such as any one who had never explored would hardly |
suppose could be found within the limits of such a_ ton, Mr. Bellingham, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Olyvar, Mr. Colborne and
The.
present lane is narrow, rocky, winding, steep, up hill |
town as Brookline, and so near to Boston.
and down vale, bordered with briers and gay with |
wild flowers, or attractive with berries in their season.
Although it is so secluded, since the Chestnut Hill
Reservoir was built, every one should visit this lo- |
cality. In the days when the many allotments were
made, the “Great Swamp,” or “Jacob Ehiott’s
Swamp,’ was often alluded to, which was adjoining |
the above-named locality, leading from Ackers Ave- |
nue to the reservoir.
In the journal of Judge Sewall we find a statement
under date of March 27, 1688, of “three Indian
called ‘‘ overseers of the town’s occasions,” “ towns-
men,” and ‘ allotters.”
We here append a record of those granted between
“10th moneth, day 18th (1634).—Att a generall meeting upon
publique notice ;
“ Imprimis :—It is agreed that Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Codding-
William Balstone shall have power to devide and dispose of all
such lands belonging to the towne (as are not yet in the lawfull
possession of any particular persons) to the inhabitants of the
towne, according to the Orders of the Court, leaving such por-
tions in Common for the use of newe commers, and the further
benefitt of the towne as in their best discretions, they shall think
fitt; the lands hyred by the towne to be also included in this
Order.
“The 14th of the 10th moneth 1635.—At a genrall meeting
upon publique notice :
“ Imprimis :—It is agreed by general consent; that Mr. Wil-
liam Colborne, Mr. William Aspynwall, Mr. John Sampford,
William Balston and Richard Wright, or four of them, shall
| lay out at Muddy River a suflicient allotment for a farm for our
children being alone in a wigwam at Muddy River, |
the wigwam took fire, and burnt them so that they all
died.”
mation.
Where this wigwam stood we have no infor-
As the principal settlement in the earliest
days of this town was in, around, or west of the cen-
tre, or west of the head of Cypress Street, so it was
necessary to have a central position for a guard-house
or fort in case of invasion. ‘The garrison-house for
the protection of the inhabitants was located in the |
rear of the old Caleb Clark house, at the corner of
Cypress and Walnut Streets. It was a simple log
house, with one door ; no windows except in the upper
part of the house. The upper part of the house pro-
jected over the lower three or four feet all around.
In the floor of this projection were holes or scuttles,
through which hot or cold water could be poured in
case of fire, or in case the Indians came too near the
This was the store-house or fort for the
town, into which all the inhabitants gathered for
building.
protection from the savage foe in the event of an
alarm. Whether this fort was ever attacked we know
not. Thus much for the history of the times when
our fathers began the settlement and the territory
was somewhat occupied by the native Indians.
teacher Mr. John Cotton:
* Ttem :—It is agreed that Mr. William Colborne shall have
his proportion of ground for a farm unto,him, laid out att Muddy
River near unto and about his house which he hath there built,
by the other four, before mentioned vizt., William Aspynwall,
John Sampford, William Balstone and Richard Wright or three
of them.
“ Ttem :—That the two Elders Mr. Thomas Ollyver, and
Thomas Leveritt shall have their proportion of allotments, for
theire farming layd out at Muddy River by the before named
five persons, viz., William Colborne, Wil iam Aspynwall, John
Sampford, William Balstone and Richard Wright or four of
them.
“ Ttem :—That the poorer sort of the inhabitants, such as are
/ members or likely so to be, and have noe cattell, shall have their
proportion of allotments for planting ground and other assigned
unto them by the Allotters, and layd out at Muddy River, by the
aforesaid five persons or foure of them, and those that fall be-
tweene the foote of the hill and the Water, to have but 4 acres
upon a head and those that are farther off, to have five acres for
every head, the plott to begin next Muddy River side:
“The Ath of the 11th moneth called January 1635.—Item :—
It is agreed that hereafter from this day none shall fell any
Wood or timber at Muddy Ryver or any other place of private
allottments but upon their owne allotments.
“ Ttem :—That all such as have felled any trees in any the
appointed place for private allotments shall eyther cart away
the same within this six monthes or else the owners of the
ground shall have it.
“ Ttem :—It is agreed that every one shall have a sufficient
way unto his allotment of ground wherever it be, and that the
Inhabitants of the towne shall have libertie to appoint men for
ee atlas SR grt i EMA Re RE 2 <a Sorel snd AAW y oh tae tA
—
BROOKLINE.
797
the setting of them out, as need shall require, and the same
course to be taken for all comon High-ways both for the towne
and countrie.
“ The 23d of the 11th moneth 1635.—Att a generale meeting
upon publique notice;
“ Ttem :--That such of the poorer inhabitants whose allot-
ments were other where, should have libertie for 3 years, to
plant at Muddy Ryver where the rest doe plant, upon such
part of their Allotments, as themselves are not able for the |
present, to plant; they in regard thereof making their part of
fence and leaving such fence as they doe make in due repara- |
tion and not taking away any of the Wood or timber upon those
allottments.
Teacher, Mr. John Cotton, shall have unto his lott at Muddy
Ryver all the ground lying betweene the twoe brooks, next
to William Colborne’s allotment there and soe to the other
end unto shortest overcut beyond the hill towards the north-
west.
“The 12th of the 10th moneth (1636).—Att a meeting this
day of Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, Willyam Hutchinson,
Robert Keayne, John Newgate, William Coulbourne, John
with Richard Bulgar and on the south East with Muddy River
and North East with Beniamyn Ward :
“2. Beniamin Ward, 12 acrs, bounded on the South-West
with Edward Browne, on the North West with the Cedar
swamp and on the South East with Muddy River, and on the
North East with Jobn Cramme:
“3. John Cramme sixteene acrs bounded on the southWest
with Beniamin Ward, on the North East with the Cedar swamp,
and on the south East with Muddy River, and on the North-
West with Robert Houlton :
“4, Robert Houlton sixteene acrs bounded on the south
West with John Cramme; on the North West with the Cedar
| swamp, and on the south East with Muddy River, and on the
“15 of the 9th moneth 1636.—-Also it was agreed that our |
Coggsehall, William Brenton, John Sanford and William Bal- |
stone, it is agreed that Edward Belchar, William Talmage,
Thomas Snowe, William Dewinge and John Arratt, the ser-
vants of William Brenton, shall have their great Allottments at
Muddy River, and also, our brother Robert Hull and Thomas |
Wheelar: Also it is agreed that not above one dwelling house
shall be built upon any one lott without the consent of the
Towne’s overseers.
“The 9th of the 11th moneth called January 1636.--Att a
meeting this day of Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, William |
Hutchinson, Robert Keayne, John Newgate, William Coul-
borne, John Coggeshall, William Brenton, John Sanford, and |
| with Alexander Becke, on the North East with a little marsh at
William Balstone—-
“Tt is agreed that the Captaine Underhill shall have a great
Allotment of 80 acrs of Upland and 20 acrs of marsh ground,
in the most convenient place, after the laying out of the former
graunted Allotments att Muddy Ryver.
“Tt was further agreed that our brother Isaac Grosse shall
have a great Allotment at Muddy River. :
“The 7th of the 12th moneth called February 1636.—Att a
meeting this day of Thomas Leveritt, William Hutchinson,
Robert Keayne, John Newgate, John Coggeshall, John San-
ford, Willyam Brenton and Willyam Balstone,
“Tt was agreed that our brother Thomas Alcock shall have
his great lott layd out at Muddy River.
“Also that our brother Thomas Savage shall have seaven
acrs of the marsh ground att Muddy Ryver, layd him out for |
the keeping of his Cattle (being in number five) by our brother
William Coulbourne and others.
“29 of the 2d moneth, 1637.—Also it is ordered that the feild
fences at Muddy Ryver shall be made sufficient before the 7th
day of the next third moneth, by equall proportion of acrs
upon the planters thereupon, in default of 12d. for every acre |
then undone.
“ The 2d of the 4th moneth 1637.—Also, that Thomas Flint
hath allotted unto him 24 acrs of the marsh ground at the
mouth of Muddy River, there to be layd out for him.
North East with Jarrat Bourne:
“5. Jarrat Bourne eight acres bounded on the South West
with Robert Houlton, on the North West with the Cedar
swamp and on the South East with Muddy River, and on the
North East with John Bigge.
“6. John Bigge eight acrs bounded on the South West with
Jarratt Bourne, on the North East and South East with Muddy
River Marsh, and on the North West with William Beamsley :
“7, William Beamsly sixteene acrs bounded on the South
East with John Bigge and on the South West with the Cedar
swamp and on the North East with Muddy ryver marsh and
on the North West with Thomasyn Scottua, widdow.
“8. Thomasyn Scottua, widdow, sixteen acrs bounded on
the South East with William Beamsley, on the South West with
the Cedar swamp and on the North East with Muddy River
Marsh and on the North West on Alexander Becke:
“9, Alexander Becke eight acrs bounded on the South East
with Thomasyn Scottua, widdow, on the South West with the
Cedar Swampe and on the North East with Muddy River
marsh and on the North West with Raphe Route, laborer:
“10. Raphe Route twelve acrs bounded on the South East
the mouth of Charles Ryver and on the Robert Reade on the
north west.
“11. Robert Reade eight acrs bounded on the South Hast
with Raphe Route and the said little marsh, on the North
East with Charles River running from thence towards the
south West a quarter of a myle in length towards the sur-
veyors marke and on Mathew Ines on the North west:
“12. Mathew Ines eight acrs: bounded on the south East
with Robert Reade, on the North East with Charles River of the
same length towards the South West and on Anthony Hawker
on the North West:
“13. Anthony Hawker eight acrs: bounded on the South East
with Mathew Ines, on the North East with Charles River and of
the same length to the South West and on John Pemmerton on
the North West:
“14. John Pemmerton eight acrs: bounded on the South East
with Anthony Hawker on the North East with Charles River
and of the same length to the South West and on George Griggs
on the North West:
“15. George Griggs twentie and eight acrs: bounded on the
os
South East with John Pemmerton, on the North East with
“ The 8th of the 11th moneth called January, 1637.—Also, |
whereas att a Generall Meeting the 14th of the 10th moneth, |
1635, it Was by generall Consent agreed upon for the laying
out of great Allottments unto the then Inhabitants, the same
are now brought in bounded as followeth :—
“ Imprymis :—Edward Browne, eight acrs, bounded on the
south west with Mr. Willyam Coulborne, on the North West
Charles Ryver and of the same length to the South West: and
on James Fitch and Richard Fitch on the North west:
“16. James Fitch and Richard Fitch sixteen acrs: bounded
on the South East with George Griggs and Edmund Jackson, on
the North East with Charles River and on the North West with
Watertowne and on Anne Ormesby, widdow, on the South
west:
bounded on the
South East side and both ends, with the Cedar Swamp and on
Nathaniell Woodward the elder, on the South West :
“17, Anne Ormesby, widdow, eight acrs:
798
“18. Nathaniell W
bounded on the South East with Anne Ormesby, the widdow, on
the North East with the Cedar swamp, the South Hast side ex-
tending 60 rodd and the North West side 80 rodd towards the |
Southwest : |
“19. James Johnson eight acrs: bounded on the South East |
with Nathaniel Woodward, being 80 rodd in length; and on |
Nathaniell Heaton to the Northwest.
“90. Nathaniel Heaton twenty acrs: bounded on the South
East with James Johnson, being 80 rodd in length, and on
Edmund Jackson to the Northwest :
“91. Edmund Jackson eight acrs: bounded on the South East
with Nathaniel Heaton and of the same length towards the |
North East and on the North West with James Fitch and Richard
Fitch and on the Southwest with a Swamp:
“992. Richard Bulgar twenty acrs: bounded on the South
East with Edward Browne and on Mr. William Coulborne on
the North East, with the Cedar Swamp and Nathaniel Wood- |
ward, the North West side being 80 rodd in length:
“93. Elizabeth Purton, widdow eight acrs: bounded on the
South East with Richard Bulgar and of the same length towards
the South West and North East and on William Salter towards
the North West:
“94 William Salter eight acrs: bounded on the South East
with Widdow Purton of the same length to the South West and
North East and on William Wilson to the North West.
“95. William Wilson twelve acrs: bounded on the South
East with William Salter and of the same length to the South
west and North East and on William Townsend to the North-
west : :
“96. William Townsend eight acrs: bounded to the South
East with William Wilson, on the North West with a Swamp, |
by Mr. John Coggeshall’s Wigwam and William Dyneley :
“97, William Dyneley foure and twenty acrs: bounded on |
the South East with William Townsend, and on the North East |
by the said Swamp, extending to the southwest, about 40 rodd
in length and on Richard Tappin to the Northwest:
“98, Richard Tappin, four and twenty acrs: bounded on
the South East with William Dyneley and on the North Hast
with the said Swamp, extending to the South West about 40
rodd in length and on the North West to Newtowne, a small
peece of land lying betweene. |
“929. Francis Bushnall foure and twenty acrs, lying in the |
forme of a Triangle: bounded on the South with William Coul- |
borne and on the North East with Richard Bulgar, Widdow |
Purton and William Salter and on Henry Elkyn to the North-
west:
“30. Henry Elkyn eight acrs: bounded on the South Kast |
with Francis Bushnall and on the Southwest with Mr. Willyam
Coulborne; being about 70 Rodd in length and on Richard
Fairbancke to the Northwest:
“31, Richard Fairbancke three and twenty acrs bounded |
on the South East with Henry Elkyn and on the South end |
partly with Mr. Willyam Coulborne, being 80 rodd in length on
the Northwest syde :
“39, John Mylam, fourteene acrs: bounded on the South |
East with Richard Fairbancke, being 80 rods in length to the |
South West and North East, and on Robte Walker to the North
West:
33. Robert Walker, fourteene acrs: bounded on the South
East with John Mylam, on the Northwest with James Davisse
and a fresh marsh by Newtowne, being 80 rodd in length to the |
Southwest and Northeast :
“234, James Davisse, tenn acrs: bounded on the Southeast
with Robte Walker, on the North East with the said fresh
marsh extending from it to the Southwest about 40 rodd, on |
plus betweene:
“35. William Pell, five and twenty acrs, bounded on the
South West with Mr. Willyam Coulborne and a brook running
betweene Mr. John Cotton and him on the Northwest syde
being 80 Rodd in length:
“36. Robert Reynolde five and twenty acrs: bounded on the
South East with Willyam Pell, and John Cranwell and George
Baytes, on the North West with Newtowne, being on the North-
west syde, half a myle in length:
“37. John Cranwell, ten acrs: bounded on the South Hast
with Mr. John Cotton, on the North East with the said Fresh
brooke and on the Northwest with Robte Reynolds and George
Bay tes :
“38. George Baytes fifteene acrs: bounded on the North Hast
with John Cranwell, on the South East with Mr. John Cotton,
and on the North west with Roberte Reynolds:
“39. Philemon Pormont thirtie acrs: bounded on the North
East with John Cranwell, on the South Hast with Mr. Thomas
Leveritt and by a peece of ground lying between him and Mr.
John Cotton, on the Northwest with Newtowne:
“40. Robert Mear twenty acrs bounded on the North Hast
with Mr. Thomas Olyvar, on the South East with Roxburie and
on the Southwest with Captaine John Underhill, his land lyeth
in the forme of a tryangle:
“41, Edward Bendall, five and thirty acrs bounded on the
| South East with Roberte Meares, on the North East with Mr.
Thomas Leveritt, extending itself to the North West side about
70 rodd in length and on Thomas Wardall to the South West:
“42, Thomas Wardall twenty acrs: bounded on the south-
| east with Edward Bendall, on the North East with Mr. Ley-
eritt, extending itself on the North West side 80 rodd in
| length:
“43. Mr. William Blackstone fifteene acrs bounded on the
South East with Thomas Wardall extending itself eighty rodd
in length to the Southwest and North Hast, and on Robte Tytus
| to the North West:
“44, Robert Tytus twenty acrs: bounded on the South East
with Mr. Blackstone; extending it self 80 Rodd in length to-
wards the Southwest and Northeast and on William Courser to
| the Northwest :
“45, William Courser, tenn acrs: bounded on the South East
with Robert Tytus, being 80 Rodd in length to the Southwest
and North East and on Alexander Winchester to the Northwest :
“46. Alexander Winchester twenty acrs: bounded on the
Southeast with William Courser, being 80 Rodd in length to-
wards the Southwest and North East and on Henry Burchall to
the Northwest : i
“47, Henry Burchall fifteen acrs bounded on the South Hast
with Alexander Winchester being 80 Rodd in length to the
| Southwest and North East and on Robert Turner to the North-
west :
‘48, Robert Turner ten acrs bounded on the South Hast with
Henry Burchall, on the Northwest with Newtowne being 80
Rodd in length to the Southwest and North Hast:
“49, William Denning ten acrs bounded on the South Hast
with Roxbury, being 80 Rodd in length to the Southwest and
North East and on Joseph Arratt to the Northwest :
«50. John Arratt. ten acrs: bounded on the South Hast with
| William Denning being in length 80 Rodd to the South West
| and North East and on Captaine John Underhill to the North-
west:
“51. Captaine John Underhill four score acrs: bounded on
the South East with John Arratt being 92 Rodd in length on
the North west syde :
52. William Talmage fifteen acres: bounded on the South
(8 eee ee eee —™————t
(see
BROOKLINE. 799
East with Captaine John Underhill, being 80 Rodd in length
to the Southwest and North East and upon Thomas Snow on the
Northwest :
“53. Thomas Snow tenn acrs bounded on the South East
with William Talmage, being 80 Rodd in length to the South-
west and North East and upon Isaack Grosse on the North-
west :
“54. Isaack Grosse fifty acrs: bounded on the South East
with Thomas Snow, beinge 80 Rodd in length to the southwest
and North East:
“Mr. William Coulborne a hundred and fifty acrs, bounded
on the North West by Francis Bushnall, Henry Elkin, Richard
Fairbanck and William Pell, to the west by William Pell, to the
south by a fresh brooke running betweene him and Mr. Cotton,
to the North East by Edward Browne and to the East by Muddy
River:
“Mr. John Cotton, all the ground lying between the twoe
brooks, next unto Mr. Coulborne’s Allotment, and so to the
other end, unto the shortest Cutting over beyond the hill to-
wards the North West, conteyning twoe hundred and fiftie aers,
(be it more or lesse,) bounded on the North by the said fresh
brook, on the West by John Cramme and George Baytes, on
the South by a fresh brooke running between him and Mr. Lev-
eritt and on the East by Muddy River:
~ “Mr. Thomas Leveritt a hundred acres: bounded on the
North by the sayd fresh brooke running betweene him and Mr.
Cotton, on the West by Edward Bendalland Philemon Pormont:
on the South by Mr. Oliver, the East end being a sharp angle,
“Thomas Oliver a hundred acrs: bounded on the North
with Mr. Leveritt, on the West with Roberte Meares; on the
South with Rocksbury, the east end being a sharp angle:
“ Mr. Thomas Oliver fifteen acrs of the same Marsh: bounded |
on the South with Muddy River, on the West with Jarratt
Bourne, the browes of his upland being 80 Rodd in length, and
on the North with Mr. Leveritt :
“Mr. Thomas Leveritt fifteen acrs of the same Marsh next
adjoining, bounded on the South with Mr. Oliver, on the west
with the browes of the Upland there being 80 Rodd in length,
and on the North with Mr. Coulbourne :
“Mr. William Coulborne tenn acrs of the same marsh,
bounded on the South with Mr. Leveritt, on the West with |
browes of the Upland, there being 80 Rodd in length, and on the
North with Robte Walker:
“Robert Walker five acrs of the same marsh: bounded on
the South with Mr. Coulborne; on the West with the browes
of the Upland there being 80 Rodd in length and ten Rodd
broad :
“And for the more cleare distinetions of all these, the
Markes and Lymmitts of the survayors are extant :
“The 19th of the twelfth moneth, called February, 1637.— |
Also there is graunted to John Love to have a housplott and
also a great Lott at Muddy Ryver:
“ Also to Thomas Scottoe a great Lott at Muddy Ryver, for
three heads :
“Also, to brother Isaac Perry, a houseplott neere to brother
Robte Walker’s and a great Lott at Muddy Ryver for three
heads :
“Also to Silvester Saunders a great Lott at Muddy Ryver |
for two heads:
“Also to Ralph Mason a great Lott at Muddy Ryver for six |
heads.
“The 16th of the second Moneth called April 1638.—Also a |
great Lott is granted to Edmund Oremsby for three heads, at
Muddy River:
“Also to our brother, Thomas Wheeler, a great Lott at
Muddy Ryver, for three heads:
“ Also, to Jacob Wilson a great Lott there for three heads:
“ Also, to Mawdit Inge, a great Lott there for three heads :
‘Also there is granted to William Hudson the younger, a
great Lott at Muddy Ryver for three heads.
“ The 9th of the fifth moneth called July, 1638.—It was agreed
that Robert Reynolds shall have five acrs of Marsh ground att
Muddy River in exchange for five acrs of his upland there, to
be laid out by Mr. Coulborne:
“The 8th of the 8th moneth 1638.—At a meeting this day of
Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, Robert Keayne, William
Coulborne, John Newgate, James Penneand Jacob Elyott,
“There was granted to Mr. William Tinge the having of his
great Lott at Muddy Ryver for Eight persons and Forty and
twoe heads of Cattell, in present possession and thirtie heads to
come, foure hundred aers and an hundred more:
“24th day of the 10th moneth.—Also, Esdras Reade, a Taylor, is
this day allowed to bee an inhabitant, and to have a great Lot
at Muddy River, for 4 heads:
‘« The 21 of the (1th Moneth, January 1638.—At a meeting this
day of Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Leverett, Willyam Coulbourne,
Robert Keayne, Robert Harding, James Penne, and Jacob
Elyott, leave was granted to John Odlyn to make use of a peice
of Marsh ground at Muddy River, conteyning an acre, lying
against the third Lott there until the Towne shall see occasion
for further disposing of it:
‘* Also, this day, our brother Robte Scott, hath for the sume of
£13 16s, sould 23 aers of Upland att Muddy River, that was our
brother Richard Fairebanckes great Allotment, unto our brother
Thomas Savage, his heirs and Assignes forever :
“Further, at the same meetinge, it appeared by a Writing
dated this same 18th day of 12th Moneth 1638, that Thomas
Scottow, of Boston, Joyner, hath sold to Thomas Grubb of the
same, all his six acrs of ground, lying at Muddy River ‘ad-
joyning to ny Mother’s Lott there and which I bought of her :’
“The 25th day of the 1st moneth called March 1639.—Our
brother, Mr. Gryffen Bowen hath a great Lott granted unto
him at Muddy River. ;
“Likewise our brother Richard Holledge hath «a greai Lott
granted unto him there for three heads:
“Further at this Meeting it appeared by a Writing, dated the
first day of August, 1638, that Mr. John Underhill hath sur-
rendered unto Mr. Thomas Makepeace of Dorchester, his house
in Boston, with an hundred Akers of upland ground at Muddy
River and tenn acrs of meadow or marsh ground there, and his
share of Woodland in the Ilands, with a garding at the house
and another behind Mr. Parker’s house, to the quantity of halfe
| an Aker and somewhat more, and also neare half an Aker upon
the fort hill, for the Some of an hundred pounds:
“Tt is Also ordered that all the Corne feild fence at Muddy
River shal be made sufficient before the 20th of this next 2nd
Moneth, Aprill, upon penaltie of every Rodd then undone vit.
viiid. And to be seene unto by our brethren John Audlyn and
Edward Baytes. And for the Charge of the fence, the broken
| up ground to pay for every acr three thirds thereof, and the
unbroken up twoe thirds of the Charge of every Acr.
“The 29 of the 5th moneth, July 1639.—There is granted a
| great lot to our brother John Smyth, Taylor, at Muddy River,
for three heads:
“Also, John Leveritt hath granted unto him a great Lott at
Muddy River for tenn heads:
“30th day of the 7th moneth; Sept. 1639.—Also, to Mr. David
Offley a great Lott at Muddy River for 15 heads:
“ The 28th day of the 8th moneth October 1639.—Also a great
Lott granted to our brother Nathaniell Woodward, at Muddy
River for three heads:
“ The 30th day of the 10th moneth, December 1639.—There is
800
graunted to Richard Sherman a great Lott for seaven heads att
Muddy River if it be there to be had:
“Also, our brother John Kenricke hath a great Lott allowed
to him at Muddy Ryver for four heads:
“Also our brother George Curtys hath a great Lott granted
to him there for 2 heads:
“At this day it was agreed that 500 aers at Muddy River for
perpetuall Commonage to the Inhabitants there and the towne
of Boston, to begin at the outer bounds of Mr. Hibbin’s Lott,
and soe to goe into the Country, as the Land will afford, before
any other allotments are laid outt hereafter:
““Whereas at a former meeting there was granted to our
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
brother Thomas Scottoe a great Lott at Muddy River for three |
heads, which as yet have not beene layde out, for him and that
now he is inereased to fyve heads. He is, therefore, now al-
lowed to have said Lott for five heads :
“927th day of the 11th moneth 1639.—Also to Henry Messenger
a great Lott at Muddy River for 2 heads:
“Also to our brother Joshua Scottoe a great Lott there for 3
heads:
“Also to Thomas Painter, Joiner, a great Lott at Muddy
River, for 4 heads:
“ Also, there is further granted to Mr. William Ting, in regard
that his great Lott at Muddy River is not yet layd out, nor
could be in regard to the Bounders between Boston and Rox-
bury were but lately determined, and that now the number of
his Persons and Cattell are increased, there is further granted to |
him an hundred acrs more, to be layd unto his Lott formerly
granted, The Brethren’s Lotte and the Commonage there alredy
granted being first layd out:
“ Also, there is granted to our elder Mr, Thomas Olyvar all
the fresh meadow belonging to Boston, lying under the foote of
the great Hill at Muddy River, next Newtowne, bounds there.
“Also there is granted to Mr. William Coulbron a parcell of
fresh meaddowe adjoining to the little fresh brooke parting be- |
tweene us and Newtowne bounds at Muddy River and Running |
into Charles Ryver there:
“ The 24th day of the 12th moneth February 1639.—Also, there
is granted to William Blanton, Carpenter, a great Lott at Muddy
River for 3 heads.
“Also thereis granted to Leonard Buttles, bricklayer, a great |
Lott at Muddy River, for 4 heads:
“Also there is granted to ould Robert Wing a great Lott at
Muddy River for 4 heads :
“ The 30th day of the 1st moneth, March 1640,—-It is ordered
that Mr. Willyam Coulbron and Jacob Elyott shall set out to
brother John Odlin such quantity of Marsh ground at Muddy |
River as they shall think Convenient for him, and shall Certify
the same at the next towne’s meeting, that a pryce may be sett
of the same, upon payment Whereof, the said Marsh ground to
be granted to the said John Odlyn and to his heirs forever.
| former graunt at muddy river, hath graunted him to be added
_ thereto, five acres if it may be laid out adjoyning to his former
“ Also Willyam Colbron and Jacob Elyott are appointed to |
lay out the high Ways at Muddy River towards Cambridge.
“ The 27 day of the 2nd moneth, April, 1640.—At a meeting this
day of Mr. John Winthropp Governor, Mr. Richard Bellingham,
Assistant, Captaine Edward Gibbones, Mr. William Colbron,
Mr. William Ting, Mr. John Cogan and Jacob Eliott.
“First, that William Hibbins should have his greate Lott at
Muddy River (yt it be there to be had,) as neare his land he
bought as may be, without wrong to others; and for this end
Ordered, |
_ Common towards the northeast, with Roxbury land towards the
Mr. Colebron and Goodman Eliott are to vue the place and |
Certify at the next meeting what may bee donne.
“ Edward Grosse is graunted a lot for twoe heads at Muddy
River, if it be there to be had after former grants are served:
“John Odline is to have 8 Acres of Marsh at muddie river |
for 4£ which he payd downe; and Ed Grubb six acrs there for
a
_3£; and Ben Gillum 10 aers for 5£; and Joh Davis 8 aers for
4£, to be set out by Mr. Coleburne and Goodman Eliott after
Mr. Hibbins is served:
“The 25th of the 3d moneth called May 1640.—Also To Wil-
liam Hibbins is graunted a parcell of meadowe at Muddy River,
Containing by estimation about 10 Acres, inclosed by a greate
swampe on the one side and greate Rocks on the other, pro-
vided it fall not in any former graunt; if wee can better accom-
modate him heare after, he is content to resigne his againe.
“The 31st of the 6th month 1640.—Theodor Atkinsone is
graunted his greate Lott for twoe heades, at muddie River, yt
it be there to bee had after others are served that had their
graunts before him:
“The 26th of the 8th moneth 1640.—There is sould to our
brother John Odline one Acre and halfe of marsh at muddy
river adjoining the 8 acres formerly sould him for which he
hath payd in hand 15s.
“‘Also at the same meeting our brother Thomas Grubb and
our brother Garrett Bworne are appoynted overseers of the
fence at muddy river in the Common feyld to See it made by
the first of Aprill; and in default of every Rod not then re-
paired and made, the owners of the said land are to forfett 3s.
4d p rod; and the said overseers shall have power to distraine
for such moneys soe groing due:
“Our brother Peter Oliver graunted unto him sixtie acrs of
land at muddy river, if it bee there to be had; of the which
there is graunted some marsh, if there be any there, always
provided that those graunts before graunted are first served.
“Our Brother James Oliver hath graunted to him 40ti acres
at muddy river, if it be there to be had when those afore graunted
are served.
“There is at this meeting a bridg appoynted to be made at
muddy river; Mr. Coleburne, our brother Eliott and our brother
Peter Oliver are appoynted to see the same donne.
“There is likewise granted, this day, to William Hibbins,
three hundred acrs of land at muddy river, bounded by Cam-
bridge line on the one side, Mr. William Ting’e on the other
side and Dedhame line on the other, with the ordinary allow-
ance for rockes &ce.
“Our brother John Biggs hath sould unto him 4 acres of
marsh, at Muddy River, for 10s. per acr, the former grants
being made good:
“Our brother William Talmage being layd out shorte of his
graunt and bounding upon Cambridge line:
‘Also he hath graunted him 3 acres of marsh at muddy river,
paying therefor 10s. per acre if it be there to be had when former
graunts are performed :
“Our brother Ed Fletcher hath graunted him a greate Lott at
muddy river, for three heads, the which is supposed was formerly
graunted to him:
“Tt is ordered at this present meeting that there shall be noe
more land graunted at muddy river nor the Mount until such
lands as are alredy graunted are layd out, and the residue of
the land knowne what the aers are.
“The last day of the 9th moneth 1640.—Mr. William Ting,
his Allotment formerly graunted him at muddy river conteyning
600 acres in all, is thus bounded: namely, with lands as yet in
southeast; with Dedham land towards the southwest; and with
land graunted William Hibbins towards the northwest:
“28th of the 10 moneth 1640.—Our brother Mr. Wentworth
Day, his suit for a lot at Muddy River:
“Our brother Day desireth at Muddy River to have a Lott
and the townse men have taken-it into Consideration :
:
BROOKLINE.
801
“The townsmen have taken into consideration likewise the
sute of Miles Tarne for a Lott for five heads:
© The 22d of the last moneth 1640.—Brother Courser of Bos-
ton hath sould and resigned up his Lott at muddy river, it
being 10 Acres, to our Brother Alexander Beck of the same
towne.
“29th of the First moneth 1641.—It is graunted that those
Lotts formerly graunted our twoe Elders Mr. Oliver and Mr, |
Leyveritt in the full proportion of land as it now lieth, shall by
this order be confined unto them, although their Lotts doe
amount to a greater quantity of land than was intended at the
graunting thereof:
“ The 26th of the 2nd moneth 1641.—Our brother Mr. Went-
worth Day hath graunted unto him 100 acres of land for his
great Lott at Muddy River, out of a parte of that land which
was appoynted for the Comune.
“There is graunted to our brother Henry Webb to purchase
3 acres of marsh at muddy river if it be there to be had:
“William Hibbins hath Confirmed unto him that fresh marsh
which was formerly graunted him, at muddy river, valued at
10 acrs formerly but proveth to bee about 18 acres bounded
with a rock on one side and a great swampe on the other.
“31st of the 3d month—Our brother Robert Turner is
graunted that land which lieth betweene his lott and Cambridge
nue line soe fare as the lemyts of his lot retcheth, it lieing
along by the side thereof and noe further:
“To our bro Thomas Scottua is granted a small quantity of
salt marish lying betweene his great lott and Charles River.
“The 7th of the 12th month 1641.—There is granted unto
Robt. Reynolds three acres of marish at muddy river for which
he is to pay six shillings eight pence unto the Town, according
of the Aspinwall family and others. Then came the
land of Rev. John Cotton, since passed into the hands
of the Davis family. Next was Thomas Leverett,
south of the Cotton estate, and bounded on the north
by a brook. The other was the land between Thomas
Leverett and Roxbury line.
Early Settlement of Muddy River.—During the
first seventy-five years of the settlement of Boston
the territory comprising what is now known as Brook-
line was known as ‘“ Muddy River,’ or “ Muddy
River Hamlet,” otherwise called ‘‘ Boston Commons.”
The name of Muddy River was given to it on account
_ of a stream that formed the easterly boundary of the
to what he should have payd for that parcell of marish which |
was to be purchased by him at Hog [land but is now sold unto
Thomas Marshall :
“ This 4th day of 1st moneth 1642.—At a general town meet-
ing upon lawfull warning, It’s Ordered that the residue of the
Townes Lands not yet disposed of (excepting those that are
layd out for commons at Boston, Braintry and Muddy River)
shall be devided amongst the present Inhabitants (together
with such as shall be admitted within two months now next
following) and yt in this manner, vizt: a greater Proportion
to them that have had lesse than their due, and the lesse to
them that have had more and proportionable to them, that have
had none and this is to be done by the select men chosen for
the towne’s businesse.”
We see by the foregoing list of allotments that the
most of the land was in the hands of residents of
Boston, and but a small portion of the names of pro-
prietors of the soil are represented in the present
population. The easterly section of the town had
only five owners adjoining Muddy River, and run-
ning westerly as far as the “great hills’ or there-
abouts.
Chief Justice Sewall was the largest owner, at a
later period, who came into possession of his estate
by marriage with a daughter of John Hull, the mint-
master, including lands around ‘ Cottage Farm,”
“Chapel Station,” “ Longwood,” and the “ Stearn’s”
farm. Adjoining his estate on the south boundary
was that of William Colborne, afterwards the estates
of Aspinwall and Sharp, now owned by descendants
51
place, the water of which was somewhat turbulent.
There is but little mention made of this place in
the early history of the colony. The first we find in
print is in ‘* Winthrop’s Journal,’ page 88, where
mention is made of Indians heing assembled at that
place, as follows :
“Notice being given of ten Sagamores and many Indians
assembled at Muddy River, the Governor sent Captain Under-
hill with twenty musketeers to make discoveries; but, at Rox-
bury, they heard that they were broken up.”
It is supposed these Indians erected a fort in the
northerly part of the town, near Charles River, which
they were obliged to abandon.
Again, we find in Wood's “ New England Pros-
pect,” 1633:
“The inhabitants of Boston, for their enlargement, have
taken to themselves farm houses in a place called Muddy River,
two miles from their town, where is good ground, large tim-
ber, and store of marsh land and meadow. In this place they
keep their swine and other cattle in the summer, whilst corn
is on the ground, at Boston; and bring them to town in the
winter.”’ .
Also in Josselyn’s “Two Voyages to New Eng-
land,” p. 162, published in 1675, is a similar account,
Viz. :
“Two miles from the town, at a place called Muddy River,
the inhabitants have farms, to which belongs arable grounds
and meadows, where they keep their cattle in summer, and
bring them to Boston in the winter.”
In an English account of “ King Philip’s War” is
the following reference to Muddy River:
“On 28th August, 1675, happened here, at eleven o’clock at
The like was
never known before. It blew up many ships together, that they
bulged one another ;
night, a most violent storm of wind and rain.
some towards Cambridge; some to Muddy-
Also, it broke down
many wharves, and blew down some houses.
river, doing much hurt to very many.
Thereupon the
Indians afterward reported, that they had caused it by their
‘ Powow,’ that is ‘ Worshipping the Devil.’”
The next notice we find of the place is found in
volume one of ‘“* Winthrop’s Journal,” page 290, as
follows :
802
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“Tn this year (1638), one James Everett, a sober, discreet
man and two others, saw a great light in the night at Muddy
River: When it stood still, it flamed up and was three yards
square. When it ran, it was contracted into the figure of a
swine. Jt ran as swift as an arrow towards Charlton! so up
and down about two or three hours. They were come down in
their lighter, about a mile, and, when it was over, they found
themselves carried quite back against the tide to the place they
came from. Divers other credible persons saw the same light,
after, about the same place.”
The editor of the “ Journal,” in a note, says of this
phenomenon,—
“This account of an ignis fatuus may easily be believed, on
testimony less respectable than that which was adduced. Some
operation of the Devil, or other power beyond the customary
agents of Nature, was probably imagined by the relaters and
hearers of that age; and the wonder of their being carried a
mile against the tide became important corroboration of the
imagination. Perhaps they were wafted, during the two or
three hours astonishment, for so moderate a distance, by the
wind. But, if this suggestion be rejected, we might suppose,
that the eddy, flowing always, in our rivers, contrary to the
tide in the channel, rather than the meteor, carried their
lighter back.”
The following description of Boston was given in
1639. At that time Brookline was called ‘“‘ Muddy
River Hamlet” and belonged to Boston:
“ Boston is two miles northeast from Roxberry ; its situation
is very pleasant, being a Peninsula, hembed on the South side
with the bay of Roxberry, on the North side with Charles
River, the marshes on the back side being not half a quarter of
a mile over, so that a little fencing will secure their cattle from
the wolves. The greatest wants be wood and meadow ground,
which never were in that place; being constrained to fetch
their building timber and fire wood from the islands in boates.
It being a neck they are troubled with three great annoyances
of wolves, rattlesnakes, mushketoes, etc.’’
The inhabitants of the hamlet of Muddy River re-
mained under the care and jurisdiction of the town of
Boston till March 29, 1686, at which time the subject
of schools was brought to the attention of the parent
town as follows, as appears on the early records of
Boston:
Muddy River, ‘‘ Motion for a schoole, referd to the selectmen
to consider of & to make theire report of it to the Inhabitants
at ye next towne meetinge.”
March 29, 1686.—“ A Motion of the Inhabitants of Muddy |
river for a writinge school for theire children was read at a
publique meetinge of the Inhabitants of this towne the 8th of
March 1683,
that use & the selectmen apoynted to choose a place for the
erectinge of a house:”
In answer to said Motion, ‘It was voted that the selectmen
take this matter into consideration and inquire into the reason
thereof and represent it to the next General Towne Meeting
what is necessary to be done therein.”
We find nothing further in reference to any action
of the town, neither any report from the selectmen.
Thus matters remained till the 18th of December of
1 Charlestown.
and that theire town rates may be improved to |
fairs by themselves, and desired more freedom.
that year, at which time the president and Colonial
Council, in answer to a petition from citizens of the
hamlet of Muddy River, granted them exemption
from town rates, and liberty to choose their own
officers, thus practically becoming a separate munici-
pality, although still belonging to Boston.
“New ENGLAND.
“By THE PRESIDENT AND COUNCILL OF HIS Masesties TER-
RITORY AND DOMINION, AFORESAID &CA.
“Wednesday Decembe. 8th 1686.
“Present, the Honble. JosepH Duprey, Esq. President.
WixuiAmM Sroucuton Esq. Deputie Prest.
Epwarp RANDOLPH
Waite WintHrop
RicHarpd WHARTON
JoHn USHER
BARTHOLOMEW GIDNEY &
|
Esqrs.
JONATHAN TYNG J
“Tn answer to the petition of ye Inhabitants of Muddie
River, prayinge to have libertie to erect a school &ca. upon the
hearinge thereof, The President & Councill doe order, That
henceforth the said Hamlet of Muddie River be free from
Towne rates to ye Towne of Bostone, they maintaininge theire
owne high wayes and poore and other publique charges arise-
inge amongst themselves, And that within one yeare next
comeinge they raise a school-house in such place as the two
next Justices of the Countrie (upon a publique hearinge of the
Inhabitants of the said Hamlet) shall determine as also maine-
taine an able readinge and writinge Master there, from and
after that day, and that the Inhabitants annuallie meete to
choose three men to manage theire affaires”
“ EpwarpD Ranpoupn, Seer.
“A true coppie as attests
“ BENJAMINE BULLIVANT
“late Clerke of ye Councill.
“ Muddyriver
“ January 19th 1682. Ata full Meeting of the Inhabitants of
Muddyriver they Voted the acceptance of the late grant of the
president in council as the same was read and is expressed.”
The acceptance of the above order one month after
it had passed the Colonial Council, and the provision
made for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, with
the choice of Ensign Andrew Gardner, John White,
Jr., and Thomas Stedman to “ manage theire affaires,”
is the first item in the ‘“ Muddy River Records.”
The privileges accorded to the early settlers were
of short duration, as we find the following vote of the
town of Boston, dated March 16, 1689-90:
“Voted, that Muddy river Inhabitants are not discharged
| from Bostone to be a hamlet by themselves, but stand related
| to Bostone as they were before the yeare 1686.”
A few more years rolled on. The people of the
hamlet had increased, had been successful in their
business, were in a better condition to regulate af-
In
1698 they applied to the General Court for a confir-
mation of their former privileges, which the people
| of Boston had attempted to deprive them of.
———————————————
BROOKLINE.
803
“ To the Hon. William Stoughton, Lieutenant-Governor of Mas-
sachusetts, the Honorable Council, and the Representatives in
General Court assembled, 25th May,-1698:
“The humble petition of the inhabitants of Muddy-river
humbly showeth ;
“Whereas in the year 1686, the Honorable Joseph Dudley,
President, William Stoughton, Deputy President, and the Coun-
cil, in answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Muddy-river,
praying liberty for a school among them, é&c., did order, that
the Hamlet of Muddy-river be free from Town rates to the
Town of Boston, and other privileges, as in said grant, on the
other side, may more at large appear ;
“‘We, your petitioners, do humbly pray, that the said granted
privileges may be confirmed unto the said Hamlet, with the ad-
dition, that the inhabitants may choose such officers amongst
themselves, as may assess the inhabitants their due proportion,
as may be thought sufficient and expedient for defraying such
necessary charges to said school, and other things; and that
one constable may be chosen, who may be sufficiently impow-
ered to collect the rates for the County and the Hamlet; and
your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray,
“THOMAS GARDNER, ) Jn the name
‘““BeNJAMIN WHITE, + oof the
“ RoGER ADAMS, inhabitants.
‘True list of the names given, 20 December, 1697:
“Joshua Gardner, Joshua Child, Samuel Aspinwall, Peter
Boylston, Nathaniel Stedman, Eleazer Aspinwall, Andrew
Gardner, Thomas Woodward, Solomon Phipps, Ralph Shepard,
Jonathan Torrey, George Bass, Joseph White, Josiah Winches-
ter, John Devotion, Nathaniel Holland, Joseph Buckminster,
Edward Devotion, John Ackers, Benjamin Whitney, Simon
Gates, Thomas Stedman, Sen'., John Grosvenor, John Ellis,
Joseph Gardner, William Sharp, John Parker ;
“The persons whose names are here under written, are other-
wise minded ;
“Timothy Harris, Daniel Harris.
“ Neuters.—John Winchester, Samuel Clark, John Druce,
Erosamon Drew, Dorman Marean, Abraham Chamberlain.”
What became of this petition, or whether any action
was had upon the same, we have no information.
The above petition was simply an aid to a former
request, EUs aes, whieh had been revoked by | have Selectmen, and all other rights belonging to a Township,
the town of Boston, might be restored. About two
years from this date measures were taken to separate
from the town and become independent.
Incorporation of Brookline.—But a short time
had passed when they were dissatisfied with exemp- |
tion from taxation and the permission given them to
manage their affairs in their own way, and they as-
pired to be a town by themselves.
11th of March, 1700, they sent a petition to the
parent town to be a district or hamlet -separate from
the town.
This petition was not very favorably received by
the town of Boston, and instead of listening favorably
to their request, they rebuked them sharply for their
presumption and reproached them for their ingrati-
tude for past favors, and exercised over them all the
authority they possessed in language as follows:
Hence on the |
|
|
| June 29, 1705.
““At a public meeting of the Inhabitants of Boston upon
Publick Warning according to law, held March 11, 1700,—1.
“Upon the Petition of the Inhabitants of Muddy River to
be a District, or Hamlet, separate from the Town for these rea-
sons, following, viz., the remoteness of the situation, which
renders them incapable of enjoying equal benefit and advantage
with other of the Inhabitants of Publick Schooles for the in-
struction of their children, relise of their Poor, and Repairing
of their Highways.
“Their petition being read and reasons given therein de-
bated, It was voted in the negative, and that though they had
not for some years been rated in the Town rate, yet for the
time to come, the Selectmen should vote them in the Town Tax
as the other Inhabitants, and as formerly they used to be, and
for their encouragement it was voted that the Selectmen should
provide a schoolmaster for them to teach their children to read,
write and cypher, and order him his payment out of the Town
Treasury.
“A True Coppie as entered with the records of the Town of
Boston.
“ Examined per JosEPH Provt,
© Town Clerk.”
The treatment which their petition received at the
hands of the people of Boston was such as to make
the inhabitants of the hamlet the more determined to
become separated. They accordingly resolved to
apply to higher power, which they did in the follow-
ing language:
To his Excellency the Governor, Council and Assembly.
“The humble petition of the Inhabitants of Muddy River.
Humbly Sheweth, That they are a Hamlet belonging to Boston,
have been lately settled there and sometime since in the year
1686 being grown to a good number of inhabitants represented
to the Government then in being, praying to be acquitted from
paying duties and taxes to the Town of Boston, being then
willing to bear their public charges of Bridges, Highwaies and
Poor, and were accordingly then released and ordered to main-
tain a Reading and Writing Schoole as the order annexed will
show, which accordingly we have ever since done, and now
further humbly pray that being grown to a greater number of
good settled inhabitants we may be allowed a separate right to
which may further encourage us as we are able to settle a min-
ister and other benefits amongst us, and we shall ever pray.
“ SAMUEL SEWALL, JR.,
“THOMAS STEADMAN, SEN’R,
<“ THOMAS GARDENER, SEN’R,
“ JosEPpH WHITE,
“ BENJAMIN WHITE,
“ JoHN WINCHESTER, SEN’R,
“SAMUEL ASPINWALL,
“ JostsH WINCHESTER.
“Read in Council—The General Assembly sitting, June 17,
1704, and ordered, That the Selectmen of Boston have a copy
of this petition and be heard thereon at ye next Session of
this Court. Isaac ADDINGTON,
“ Secretary.
“ November 1, 1704. In Council, Ordered, That the Select-
men of Boston hee notified to attend on Saturday morning
next, the fourth, current, November 4, 1704.
In House of Representatives,
Read and sent up.”
““ Continued to next session.
804
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The town of Boston continued to oppose the setting
off the hamlet by every means in their power, as may
be seen by the following documents :
“At a meeting of the Freeholdars and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly qualified and warned according to
law, being convened at the Town House in Boston, the 12th day
of March, 1704—5, did then and there chuse, Elisha Cook, Esq., |
Elder Joseph Bridgham, Capt. Ephraim Savage, Capt. Bezour
Allen, and Capt. Oliver Noyes,—To be a Committee to consider
and draw up what they should think proper (on the behalf of
this Town) to lay before the General Court at their next session
relating to a petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of Muddy
River, that the said District be dismist from the Town of Boston
and be admitted to be a Town of themselves. .
“ Attest JoseEPpH Prout,
*€ Town Clerk.”
ported the following :
ing answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Muddy
River:
|“ To his Excellency, Joseph Dudley, Esq., Captain-General and
Commander-in-Chief, and to ye Honorable, ye Council and
Assembly.
“The Answer of ye Selectmen and ye Committee of ye Town
of Boston, to ye Inhabitants of Muddy River.
“ Humbly Sheweth.
“That they have been as easy in this Town as they could in
reason desire. That they have not urged anything in their
petitions to the contrary. This Town has never called on them
| to support the ministry of the town as is usual in like cases in
ye Country. They have not been enjoined to watchings and
wardings, either stated or occasionally, which has layn heavy
on ye body of the Town. That they have constantly had ye
| nominations of their own officers ye town has usually confirmed.
The committee having attended to their duty, re-_
| of ye Town.
“The Committee appointed to consider and draw up what |
might be thought proper to lay before the General Court re- |
lating to a petition of sundry persons of Muddy River, praying
to be dismist from the Town of Boston and admitted to be a
town of themselves.
that several sessions of the General Court had passed after the
time set for the hearing thereof and that consequently the
matter then fell, however if it be again revived by any new
petition or order, we think it proper to lay before the Court the
unreasonableness of their demand, they having been hitherto
Upon perusal of the said petition observed
defray their necessary public charges, many of which might be |
enumerated, and the town charges, now increasing upon us and
the body of ye town abounding with poor, and such as are not
capable to defray, but rather greatly increase the charges for
the Inhabitants of Muddy River at such a time, and being
themselves now grown more oppulent and capable to be helpful
to ye town, to be sent from us seems most unreasonable, and in
them very ungrateful and may bea bad example to others to
endeavor the like, and to Cutt the town into such shreds, as |
will best suit themselves without any due regard to ye public
Intrist, the charge of the Road upon ye neck is great and is
still growing and ye petitions and Inhabitants of Muddy River
have had more benefit and do more to increase the charge of | :
| and Cambridge, and the whole Townshipp of Braintree, and
that way, than all of the rest of the town. Several other things
might be instanced which the Selectmen are well acquainted
with and we think they ought (if the General Court see cause
to proceed on the petition) to pray to be heard therein.
““LIsHa Cook.
“In the name and by order of ye Committee.
“Tn council, June 15, 1705.
“ Read and ordered a hearing before this Court, on Tuesday
the 19th Currant. And that the Selectmen of Boston be noti-
fied thereof.
“TsAAC ADDINGTON, Secretary.
“Sent down for concurrence.
“ June 15, 1705.
“June 20, 1705.
ye premises Before this Court is Slipt.
\ead in ye House of Representatives.
iesolved that since the time of hearing of
There should be a
hearing thereof on /ryday next at three of the Clock in ye
afternoon and that ye Selectmen of Boston be notified thereof.
“Tuomas Oakes, Speaker.
“Sent up for concurrence.
“ Agreed to.”
The selectmen of Boston having been duly notified
agreeably to the foregoing order, submitted the follow-
Upon ye desire and Regular motion for a Schoole in that part
It has bin allowed them. That lately there has
not been more levied on them (and not always so much) as would
defray the charges incident in that Part of ye Town and when
as they mention in ye petition, it would in them in time to
support the charge of a stated ministry thereby importing ye
present inability, which seems a very preposterous arguing.
“The law requiring a settled ministry thereby as one quali-
fication for a Township and some of the subscribers since ye
signing have declared ye contrary Intentions. And that which
makes this ye desire, the more unreasonable is that they have
been hitherto supported by the Town, while they were not able
supported by the Town while they were not able themselves to | themselves to defray ye public charges in too many instances
to be enumerated. That it may be a precident of ill conse-
quences to ye public to divide Townships into small slips of land
rendering them weak and every charge a Burden, tending to
starve learning and religion out of ye countrey, especially when
no reason of state requires. Ye consideration of which we sub-
mit to this honorable Court.
“We humbly offer further to this honorable Court that such
a separation is contrary to ye undoubted right and interest of
Boston, there being 500 acres of land comon in that part of the
Town, which is the Town’s right, but on a separation can be of no
service to the Town. That the Town is very much straightened
in its present boundaries by our former too easy concessions as
was that of the Neck to Dorchester, or the Lane to Newtown
would so much more if Muddy River so near to us should be
separated from the Town. Stumney Marsh, &c., would have a
precident to desire the same so that Boston would only be con-
fined to this Isthmus of a mile long which was never thought
sufficient bounds for a Townshipp, especially at this time when
Boston is daily ye centre of all foreign poor, of saylors widows,
and the refuge of our distressed neighbors from ye frontier who
Insensibly grow upon us, so that upon the whole, we hope your
Excellency’s honorable Court will not grant the Sd. petition.
“June 22, 1705.
“ Per order of the Selectmen,
“ JosepH Prout, Town Clerk.
“ EePHRAIM SAVAGE; >
““Brzour ALLEN,
“OLIVER NoYEs,
>» Committee.”
In consequence of the continued strenuous opposi-
tion to the petition of the people of Muddy River,
another petition was sent to the Legislature in the
fall of 1705, signed by thirty-two citizens of that
village, as follows :
BROOKLINE. 805
“To his Excellency, the Governor, Council, and Assembly, in
General Court convened. The humble petition of the inhabit-
ants of Muddy River, sheweth.
“That at a session of this honorable Court, held at Boston
on 13 August, 1704, the said inhabitants exbibited their hum-
ble petition praying, that the said Muddy River might be al-
lowed a separate village or peculiar, and be invested with such
powers and rights, as they may be enabled by themselves to |
manage the general affairs of the said place. Which petition
has been transmitted to the Selectmen of the Town of Boston,
that they may consider the same; since which your humble
petitioners, not having been informed of any objection made
by the Town of Boston, aforesaid, we presume, that there is no
obstruction to our humble request made in our petition.
“Wherefore we humbly beseech your Excellency, that this
honorable Court will be pleased to proceed to pass an Act for
the establishing of the said place a separate village or peculiar,
with such powers as aforesaid, and your petitioners shall ever
pray.
Josiah Winchester.
John Devotion.
Joseph Gardner.
Thomas Steadman, Jr.
John Ackers.
Josiah Steadman.
Thomas Gardner, Jr.
Ralph Shepard.
Abraham Chamberlain.
Peter Boylston.
John Ackers, Jr.
William Ackers.
Benjamin White, Jr.
Caleb Gardner.
John Seaver.
Henry Winchester.”
“Samuel Sewall, Jr.
“Thos. Gardner. ~
“Benjamin White.
“Thomas Steadman.
“John Winchester.
“Samuel Aspinwall.
““Kleazer Aspinwall.
“William Sharp.
“Edward Devotion.
“Josiah Winchester, Jr.
© John Ellis.
“John Winchester, Jr.
“Thomas Woodward.
“___ Holland.
«____ Gardner.
“Joseph White.
The prayer of the above petition was granted on
the thirteenth day of November, 1705, as appears by
the following record of the town grants :
“Anno Regni Anne Regine Quarte.
“Ata great and general Court for her Majesty’s Province of
the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, begun and held, at
Boston upon Wednesday, 15th May, 1705 and continued by
several prorogations unto Wednesday, 24th October, following
and then met, 13th November, 1705.
“ In Council.
“The order passed by the Representatives, upon the Petition
of the inhabitants of Muddy River, a Hamlet of Boston, read
on Saturday last,
“Ordered, That the praier of the petition be granted; and
the powers & Privileges of a Township, be given to the Inhab-
itants of the lands commonly known by the name of Muddy
River, The Town to be called BRooktyn; who are hereby en-
joined to build a meeting-house, & obtain an able Orthodox
Minister, according to the Direction of the Law, to be settled |
among them, within the Space of Three Years next coming.
“Provided, That all Common Lands, belonging te the Town
of Boston, lying within the bounds of the said Muddy River,
not disposed of, or alloted out, shall still remain to the Proprie-
tors of said lands.
“Which order, being again read, was concurred, and is con-
sented to,
“JosepH DupLey.
“A True Copy Examined by me,
“Tsaac AppINGTON, Secretary.”
Origin of Towns.—The early history of this sec-
tion of country has a peculiar charm to those who
| are descendants of the early settlers, and they may
_take just pride in the fact that this is one of the
_ finest specimens of a New England town. The origin
of these bodies politic has a curious and interesting
It is believed to have been an institution
| originating in and peculiar to the colonies, as nothing
had existed like them in any of the older countries.
The ‘ Hundreds” or Tithings of England may have
suggested the idea, but those have a different purpose.
They are for the purpose of civil and domestic police,
| history.
while the division of a territory into local districts,
bounded by geographical lines, the inhabitants clothed
with corporate powers and duties like the towns of
_old Massachusetts, is an institution originating in
the colonies planted here. It is highly probable the
result, in part, of accident at first, like many other
measures of the early settlers, while, later on, their
wisdom, foresight, and good judgment led them to
adapt their policy to the condition of the people.
_ Many of the early towns simply had the name changed
_ by order of the General Court, as, for example, ‘that
Trimountain shall be called Boston,’ while other set-
_tlements, in process of time, were allowed to organize
and take on the form of town government on certain
conditions, such as the support of the gospel, main-
tenance of highways, and the general management of
municipal affairs, and the support of free schools,
The chief requisition in the incorporation of this
town being the building of a meeting-house and the
supporting of an “ orthodox minister.”
“To be made a Town, then, in 1705, was to be
admitted to an equal partnership in that great com-
pany of Massachusetts municipalities, which were
gradually but surely building up the Colony into a
erand Commonwealth, fit to take its stand and do its
whole share in establishing and upholding an Inde-
pendent and United Nation. The old Colony of Plym-
outh, with all its cherished Pilgrim associations, after
| just threescore years and ten of separate existence,
had been made a part of Massachusetts, only fifteen
years before, under the new Provincial Charter. There
were at that time about eighty-two towns in Massa-
chusetts, not including such as have since fallen within
the jurisdiction of Maine, or other adjoining States ;
there are now, I believe, more than three hundred and
forty. Brookline was the eighty-third, if my careful
friend, Mr. W. H. Whitmore, has counted correctly ;
and she was not slow in attesting her title to be in-
cluded in this goodly fellowship. Her records, in-
deed, afford ample evidence of the patriotism and
| public spirit which have characterized her inhabitants
806
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
in every memorable period from that day to this.”—
Winthrop.
The inhabitants having been duly organized and be-
come a town, entered immediately upon the duties of a
municipal corporation. The first meeting was held at
the old school-house on Monday, March 4, 1706, and
The
the first business was to choose town officers.
following is a record of the first town-meeting :
“ Brooklin 1706
“At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin on Munday
March 4th 1705/6 leagally warned
“Voted that Peter Boylston should sarve as Counstable for
this present yeare
“Voted that five Select-men be chosen to manage the affairs
The parsons chosen by vote of ye Inhabitants to
serve as Select men for this present yeare were Leut. Thomas
of this Town.
Gardner Samuel Aspenwall John Winchester Josiah Winchester
Mr Samuel Sewal
“Voted that Josiah Winchester sen’r should serve as Town
clark for this yeare instant
“Voted that 3 mét parson be chosen for Assessors for this
present yeare
“Voted that Samuel Aspenwall Joseph Gardner and Rogger
Adams should serve as Assessors for this yeare currant
“Voted that Daniel Harris and Samuel clark should sarve as
Tything-men
“Voted that Hleazer Aspinwall Benjamin White jun’r and
Robert Harris should serve as surveighers of High wayes
“Voted that John Winchester jun’r & Edward Devotion
should serve as fence viewers
“Voted that Daniel Harris and Thomas Stedman jun’r should
be overseears of the Common-Lands In Brooklin for this yeare
Currant
‘Voted that Nathaniel Holland and William Sharp should
serve as Hawards or field-drivers for this yeare
“At a Town Meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brooklin March
25 1706 leagally warned
“Voted that John Winchester sen’r should serve as an assessor
for this present yeare in the Rome of Rogger Adams who refused
to serve
“Voted that there should be a Burying place in this Town of
Brooklin.
“Voted that the Burying-place should be on a spot of Land
on the south side of the Hill in Mr Cottons farm pointing be-
tween the two Roads if it can be attaind.
“At this Meeting of the Inhabitants they were desired to
manifest their minds concerning their Building a Méting-house
In Brooklin and setling an Orthodox Minister there which
proposal was declined by them and left to further considera-
tion
“Voted that twelve pound be levied by tax upon the Inhabit-
ants of this Town for Repairing the School-House and for the
1706.
“John Winchester sen’x Samuel Aspenwal and Joseph Gard-
Support of the School for this present yeare.
ner being chosen Assessors of the province Tax to be levied on
this Town for this present yeare, mad Oath to perform the work,
and office of Assessors as the Law Directs adminisr to them by
Josiah Winchester, Town clark, on March, 25, 1708
Ecclesiastical History.— Attending Church in
Roxbury.—On the 10th of December, 1672, the meet-
ing-house belonging to the church in Roxbury, where
the people of Brookline attended, needing repairs, it
was, ‘“ after much debate with love and condescending
one to another, concluded by Voate to build a ‘ nue’
meeting house as near the other as conveniently may
be;” and on the 14th of April, 1674, the selectmen
and the committee met at Sergt. Ruggles’, and “ there
toke account of the number of hands that were hired
In the con-
struction of this building the people of Brookline
contributed £104 5s., and worshiped there until the
erection of their own church, in 1715, one-fifth part
of the church being allotted to them, they having
contributed in that proportion towards the parish ex-
penses.
to help ‘raze’ the nue meeting-House.”
Here follows a list of the contributors:
A List of the names and sums of our Brethren & neiyhbors of
Muppy River that they contribute towards the erecting of a
new meeting house in Roxbury.
£ a, de ee Eh
Thomas Gardner... 10 0 0 | John Clarke......... 3 0 0
John White, Jr..... 10 0 0 | Edward Mills....... 0 10 0
Peter Aspinwall.... 7 0 0 | James Clarke........ ay alt) 0)
John Sharpe, Jr... 5 0 0 | Edward Devotion... 5 0 0
Thomas Boistan.... 5 0 0 | Henry Stevens...... a
Richard Wolford... 1 10 0] John Parker........ 1 10 0
Andrew Gardner... 5 0 0 | Edward Keebe...... a0 0
Joseph White....... 3. 0 0) Goodwife Keebe.... 0 10 0
Moises Crafts....... 20) 0" Mrs: Mather
Clement Corban.... 1 10 0 and ! ORO
John Evens.......... 0 15 0 | James Rementon
John Accers.......+. 1 10 0 | Thomas Woodward 0 10 0
John Winchester... 3 0 0 | Goodman Winches-
Robert Harrise..... 4 0) 0) ter iehcaecceeeeees ce 0 {)
Jobn Harise......... 2 0 0 | Samuel Dunkin..... 1.10 0
Benjamin Child... 2 0 0 —_ — -
Denman Meriam... 1 0 0 Motalerccss eens eer tO Aeon)
For many years previous to the incorporation of
the town of Brookline the people subjected them-
selves to great inconveniences before they were able
to erect a house of worship, and united with a neigh-
boring society. ‘Tradition informs us that they as-
sembled regularly with the church in Roxbury, and
according to the records of that church many were
admitted members on equal terms with its own
members, to partake of the benefit of gospel ordi-
nances.
“Tn the year 1698 the Select men of Roxbury with the Dea-
cons being a commite choson by the Town of Roxbury for seat-
ing people in the meting House they sent to the Inhabitants of
Muddyriver to request of them to send sum Men to set with
them selves In sd commitie to Act for and in behalf of the rest
of the Inhabitants in that Respeet upon which motion the In-
habitants of Muddyriver being notified did convean to gether
to consider of this matter and cam to this result that they would
chuse by voate three men and send to assist In managin the
matter aforesaid. the persons chosen were Leut. Thomas Gard-
ner. Sarg’t Benjamin White & John Winchester who met and
sat with them at time and place appointed at which time it was
demanded what Right and previledg the Town of Roxbury did
aprehend that the Inhabitants of Muddyriver ought to injoy in
sd Meting-house and it was Granted they ought to have a fifth
part and accordingly to defrey one fifth part of the expens &
charge that did arise for Repairing sd Metinghouse. at which
place namely at Mr. John Rugglses house at ye Flower-de-luce
BROOKLINE.
807
in Roxbury upon the 21 of February In the year 1699 thes
three men chosen as a foresaid by the Inhabitants of Muddy-
river did on behalf the Rest of the Inhabitants defray the fifth
part of all past and present charges their part amounting to six
pound & four shilings.”
First Meeting-House in Brookline.— When the
act of incorporation was passed it contained a clause
the settling of an “able orthodox minister” within
But, for reasons not stated, this act
The
first record having reference to the building of a
three years.
was not carried into effect till nine years later.
meeting-house was
March 2, 1713.—‘ Voted that three men be chosen and ap-
pointed to surveigh the limits of this town and to find the cen-
ter or middle thereof and to inquire where a Convenient Place |
may be Procured whereon to build a meeting-house; as neare |
the center of said Town as may be.”
“Voted that Samuel Aspinwall, John Druce & Peter Boylston
be appointed a Committee to Manage the afaire relating to the
Meeting-house aforesaid.”
Several places for building were proposed, but,
owing to a disagreement, a committee of the General |
Court was called to fix upon the location.
“Ata Meeting of the Inhabitants of Brooklin. Regulerly
assembled on December 24 1713. Mr Caleb Gardner jun’r did
offer and tender freely to Give and bequeath raifie and confirme
unto the Town of Brooklin above said. a piece of Land nigh to
his dwelling House, Lyeing west ward therefrom on the left hand
of the Road way Leading to Roxbury. where on to build a Meet-
ing house for the Publick worship of God.
“Voted that Leut. Thomas Gardnar Leut. Samuel Aspin-
wall Mr Joseph White. Mr Thomas Stedman and Mr John
Sever, be a Commite for the sd Town to treate with Mr Caleb
Gardnar above sd about the Bounds of sd piece of Land, and to
Desire of him a Legal Conveighance and Confirmation thereof |
to sd Town.
“Voted that the Meting-House aforesaid should be of the
same Demensions with the Meting-House in the South-west part
of Roxbury.
“Voted that Leut. Thomas Gardnar. Leut. Samuel Aspinwall
Mr Erosamond Drew. Mr Thomas Stedman & Mr John Sever be
a Committee to Manage the Concern or affair of Building the
above said Meeting-House.”
The committee of the General Court decided upon
the above location as the best, and no further opposi-
tion was manifested. It must be borne in mind that
at this time the cemetery lot on the south side of the
road had not been purchased, and neither Cypress |
Street nor the old ‘“ Worcester Turnpike” had been
thought of. The spot where this old meeting-house
stood is that now occupied by Mr. John Townsend as a
stable-lot, formerly the old parsonage ground.
“meting-hous spott” contained about one-quarter of
an acre of land, and cost about fifteen pounds and
eighteen shillings. The building stood with the side
to the road, having entrances at the east and west
ends, and a door in the centre of the front.
This |
On account of the extra expense incurred in the
erection of the meeting-house, Dec. 2, 1713, it was
“voted not to send a Representative to General
_ Court,” as they were ‘too poor.”
The frame of this church was raised Nov. 10, 1714,
and the following anecdote is toid of the two builders,
which enjoined the building of a meeting-house and | —Deacon Samuel Clark and Lieut. Isaac Gardner :
“The young carpenters, when the frame was raised,
played at leap-frog on the ridge-pole. They lived to
be, the one eighty-one years of age and the other
eighty-three, and each came to the same place of
worship in his old age supported by two canes or
| crutches.”
The meeting-house was forty-four feet long and
thirty-five feet wide. It originally contained but
fourteen pews and several long benches.
a gallery, and probably long benches therein for the
children, who, in those days, never sat with their
parents. Afterwards fourteen more pews were added
on the floor and four in the gallery. There was no
steeple to this house till the town voted, in Septem-
ber, 1771, to build one.
It is generally supposed that those who assisted at
the raising had a pretty good time, with plenty to eat
and to cheer, as was the custom at raisings in those
There was
days. It also appears there was some fault found, as
may be seen in the following vote:
October 31, 1715.— Att a Town meeting. Legally Warned
that whereas a Demurr being raised among the inhabitants
of the Town Concerning the cost and manner of the Dinner that
was Provided att the Raising of the meeting House.”
“Voted that they do Allow both of the cost and manner
thereof.”
“Our meeting-house—our meeting-house,—
It stood upon a hill,
Where autumn gales and wintry blasts
Piped around it loud and shrill,
‘“‘ No steeple graced its homely roof
With upward-pointing spire ;
Our villagers were much too meek
A steeple to desire.
“And never did the welcome tones
Of Sabbath-morning bell
Our humble village worshippers
The hour of worship tell.”
The pulpit was of oak, and upon it was kept an
Over the pulpit
hour-glass for measuring the time.
was an immense sounding-board, a thing common in
early days. A clock was a luxury not yet aspired to
by the fathers of the town.
May 16, 1715.—Voted, “that the committee shall lay the
lower floor and gallery floors, fill the walls with brick and laithe
& Plaister with lime, to set up all the Windows and Glaze them
and to make and set up all the Doors, to be performed with con-
venient speed, and that they shall also Clapboard the house
throughout.” Also voted, the committee “shall glaze the win-
dows with Diamond glase.”
808
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The building having at length been completed, it
was dedicated to public worship June 3,1715. Rev.
Nehemiah Walter, pastor of the First Church in Rox-
bury, and for several years colleague with the famous
“ Apostle Eliot,” preached the sermon. Next came
A principal part
of the lower floor was divided into long seats, and
the “ Seating of the meting-hous.”
heads of families were located in situations remote
from their respective households. The seats were
arranged by persons appointed by the town for that
purpose, respect being had to dignity, age, standing, |
ete.
“ March 12 1716
line Legally warned:
Att a meeting of the inhabitants of Brook-
“Voted that the vacant room in the meeting house aforesd.
whereon to erect pews be disposed of by sale to those persons
who by a committe chosen by the vote of the town for that end, |
shall think meet: and consequently a committe was elected : to
wit: Josiah Winchester sen’r Erosamond Drew. Samuel As-
pinwal. John Druce John Winchester Thomas Stedman & Ben-
jamin White Jun’r.
“The Committe Chosen to dispose of the vacant room in ye
meeting house whereon to Erect Pews & to vallue the same
having concluded that Affair made their return. And by order
of the select men it is here Entered % me John Seaver Town
Clerk May 1-1718 & is as followeth—
“To Mr Sam’ll Sewall the sd committe ordered that he should
have that spott or room next the Pulpit on the west. & vallued
it at five pounds, who accepted thereof.
“To John Winchester sen’r said committe ordered that he |
should have the next spott or room westerly of mr Sewall’s &
vallued it at four pounds & ten shillings who accepted thereof.
“To Capt. Sam’ll Aspinwall the said Committe ordered that
he should have that spott or room at the westerly Corner of the
meeting house, & vallued it at three pounds and fifteen shillings
who accepted thereof
“To Lt. Thomas Gardner the said Committe ordered that he
should have that spott or room between Capt. Aspinwall’s And
the westerly Door of the meeting house and vallued it at four
pounds & ten shillings who accepted yr of
“To John Seaver the said Committe ordered that he should
have that spott or room between the westerly Door of the meet-
ing house & the stairs leading to the mens Gallerrie & vallued
it at four pounds « five shillings who accepted thereof
“To John Druce the said Committe ordered that he should
have that spott or room on the left hand of the going up the
stairs. into the mens Gallery & vallued it at three pounds & ten
shillings who accepted thereof.
“To Joseph Gardner the said Committe ordered that he
should have that spott or room on the left hand of the coming
in at the Southerly Door of the meeting house & vallued it at
three pounds & ten shillings who accepted thereof
“To Josiah Winchester sen’r the sd committe ordered that he
should have that spott or room on the right hand of the coming
|
|
|
|
women’s Gallery & the Easterly Door of the meeting house &
vallued it at four pounds and ten shillings who accepted thereof.
“To Ensign Benjamin White the said Committe ordered that
he should have that spott or room on the right hand of the com-
ing in at the east Door of the meeting house & vallued it at
three pounds who accepted thereof,
“To Benjamin White Jun’r the said Committe ordered that
| he should have that spott or room between Ensign White’s and
in at the southerly Door of the meeting house & vallued it at |
three pounds & ten shillings who accepted thereof
“To Thomas Stedman the said Committe ordered that he |
should have that spott or room between Josiah’s Winchester’s &
pounds and ten shillings who accepted thereof.
“To William Sharp the said Committe ordered that he should
have that spott or room between the stairs leading up into the
Peter Boylston’s & vallued it at four pounds who accepted
thereof.
“To Peter Boylston the said committe ordered that he should
have that spot or room at the North corner of the meeting house
between Benjamin White’s and the minister’s Pew & vallued it
at three pounds and ten shillings who accepted yr of
“The said Committe appointed the minister’s pew to be next
| the Pulpit on the right hand of the going up into the Pulpit on
the North”
When Hon. Jonathan Mason purchased the house
formerly belonging to Deacon Benjamin White, now
the residence of Hon. Theodore Lyman, he removed
the old farm-house to make room for a new one in
1809, and between the floors was found a paper con-
taining the following account of the manner in which
the congregation were seated on the ninth day of
March, 1719, as follows:
“Whole number of individuals seated, 66, of whom 28 couples
were men and their wives.
“In the men’s foreseat, in the body seats are seated Josiah
Winchester, Capt. Aspinwall, Joseph Gardner and Edward De-
votion.
“Tn the second seat, are seated William Story, Joseph God-
dard, Thomas Woodward, Daniel Harris and John Ackers.
“Tn the third seat, are seated James Griggs, Samuel Newell,
Abraham Chamberlain, Ebenezer Kendrick and Robert Harris.
“Tn the fourth seat, are seated Thomas Lee, William Davis
and Joseph Scott.
“Tn the front foreseat in the gallery, are seated Caleb Gard-
ner, Josiah Winchester, Samuel White, Henry Winchester,
Joseph Adams, Robert Sharp, Thomas Cotton and Samuel Clark,
Jun.
“Tn the foreseat in the side gallery, are seated Joshua Sted-
man, William Gleason, Dudley Boylston, Addington Gardner,
John Taylor, Stephen Winchester and Philip Torrey.
“In the second seat in the front, are seated Isaac Gleason,
| John Wedge, Thomas Woodward, Jun., and James Goddard.
“Tn the women’s foreseat, in the body seats are seated the
wife of Josiah Winchester, sen., the widow Ackers, the wife of
Joseph Gardner and the wife of EKdward Devotion.
“Tn the second seat, are seated the wife of William Story,
the wife of Joseph Goddard, the wife of Thomas Woodward,
the wife of Daniel Harris, the wife of John Ackers and the
widow Hannah Stedman.
“Tn the third seat, the wife of James Griggs, the wife of
Samuel Newell, the wife of Abraham Chamberlain, the wife of
Ebenezer Kenrick, and the wife of Robert Harris.
“Tn the fourth seat, the wife of Thomas Lee, the wife of Wil-
liam Davis, and the wife of Joseph Scott.
“Tn the front foreseat in the gallery, the wife of Samuel
White, the wife of Henry Winchester, the wife of Joseph Adams,
the going up into the women’s Gallery and vallued it at three |
the wife of Robert Sharp and the wife of Samuel Clark, jun.
“Tn the foreseat in the side gallery, the wife of Joshua Sted-
man, the wife of William Gleason, the wife of Dudley Boylston,
the wife of Addington Gardner, the wife of John Taylor.
BROOKLINE.
809
“Tn the second seat in the front, the wife of John Wedge
and the wife of James Goddard.”
Second Meeting-House.—The old church edifice,
after standing more than fourscore years, was quite
inadequate to accommodate the increased population
of the town. The congregation received quite a large
accession, soon after Dr. Pierce’s ordination, of Dor-
chester people who removed here, following their
fellow-townsmen in whom they took a just pride.
Among these were the Robinsons, Withingtons,
Leeds, Tolmans, and others.
The subject of building a new meeting-house was
soon agitated, and some mischievous person, probably
desiring to facilitate the matter, set fire to the old
one. It was soon discovered and extinguished after
some damage to one of the rear corners.
May 16, 1804, it was voted to build a new meet- |
ing-house on the site of the old one.
This, however, was found to be impracticable for
various reasons, and the vote was reconsidered. On
the 5th of September of the same year it was voted
to build the meeting-house on the spot occupied by _
the present house.
In April, 1805, the corner-stone was laid.
The frame was raised by the help of machinery in |
a few days.
Mr. Peter Banner, an Englishman. This man settled
in Brookline, and for many years after his death his
widow occupied the house in Aspinwall Avenue, until
recently occupied by Mr. Melcher.
: : |
The new meeting-house stood fronting the street, |
_ will come unto thee and I will bless thee.”
with a grass-plat in front of it.
It was sixty-eight feet long and sixty-four feet |
wide, with a porch nineteen feet long and thirty-eight |
feet wide.
side of the porch, eleven feet square.
cellar under the building, it being a rocky foundation,
_play-house for the pastor’s children for many years.
and the house was raised up a little from the ground,
The architect and master-builder was |
There were lobbies or anterooms each
There was no |
and openings on either side in the underpinning af- |
forded space for ventilation.
The height of the house was thirty-five feet and
six inches from the foundation to the eaves. The
spire measured one hundred and thirty-seven feet |
| ancient pewter christening basin, from which Mr.
from the ground.
There were seventy-four pews on the floor and four-_
teen in the gallery. Afterwards, during Dr. Pierce’s |
ministry, some improvements were added. No pro-
vision was ever made for warming the old church, and |
the women carried foot-stoves with them.
The new |
church was warmed by two square-box stoves in which |
wood was burned. The pulpit and the caps of the |
pews were made of Southern cherry-wood, contrib-
uted by Stephen Higginson, Jr.
The bell, which was cast in London and weighed
one thousand pounds, was given by Hon. Stephen
Higginson, father of the above.
Mr. John Lucas, who lived nearly opposite the
Reservoir, gave four hundred dollars, out of which
was purchased a clock.
Richard Sullivan, Esq., who lived on the place now
owned by Mrs. Bowditch, gave a hundred and fifty
dollars for the stone steps.
Mr. Thomas Walley gave an elegant pulpit Bible
valued at thirty-six dollars.
Mr. David Hyslop gave a baptismal basin, which
cost forty-seven dollars.
The whole cost of the house was eighteen thousand
Some additional expenses
(of furnishing probably) brought the amount up to
and eighty-three dollars.
twenty thousand one hundred and ninety-three dol-
lars, and the whole was apportioned on the pews,
which were sold at auction.
No pew on the first floor was priced at less than
one hundred and sixty dollars, and none in the gallery
at less than one hundred and ten dollars. The highest
cost of a pew, including a bonus paid for a choice, was
five hundred and twenty-five dollars,
Dr. Pierce preached a valedictory sermon on leay-
ing the old house, June 8, 1806.
The valedictory sermon was from the text, ‘ Lord,
| [have loved the habitation of thy house and the place
_ where thine honor dwelleth.”
The dedication sermon, June 11, 1806, was from
the words, “In all places where I record my name, I
The next day the work of demolishing the old church
commenced. The ancient pulpit, which had been faith-
fully pounded and belabored by the fists of the ener-
getic Mr. Jackson, was denuded of its upholstery, and
carried into the parsonage attic, where it served as a
The hour-glass, whose sands had run through many a
tedious hour for the unfed souls in the old house, or
had needed turning only too quickly for the more
devotional, now served its time in fleeting minutes
among the attic treasures of the little ones. The
Jackson had bathed the infant brow of many a now
gray-haired father and mother of the town, was turned
to domestic uses in the pastor’s house.
The ancient church for many years, instead of hav-
ing a sexton, was taken care of by a slave belonging
to the Sewall family, as Henry Sewall’s bill against
the town for the services of his “slave Felix” in that
capacity is still in existence.
The first white sexton of whom we can gather any
810
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
account was a man named Blanchard, who lived in a |
little house on the Aspinwall estate, close to Wash-
ington Street. He was succeeded, if we are correctly
informed, by Capt. Benjamin Bradley, who served for
many years in that capacity after the second meeting-
house was built.
In 1829 or 1830, Mr. Elisha Stone succeeded Capt. |
Bradley as sexton of the church, which office he filled
for thirty years.
was the only undertaker and constable in the town for
He lived to lay away all but two of his
own large family in the cemetery whither he had car-
many years.
ried so many of our townspeople, and where he at
last was borne, worn out with the infirmities of age.
Previous to Dr. Pierce’s time there had been pre-
sented at various times to the First Church four silver
tankards. One was the gift of Edward Devotion, in
1744; one the gift of Miss Mary Allen, daughter of
the first minister, in 1750; one was given by Miss
Ann White, and one by Mrs. Susanna Sharp in 1770.
In the same year two silver cups were presented by
Thomas and Mary Woodward, and two more were
given by William Hyslop in 1792. ‘This ancient sil-
ver is still the property of the church, just as it was
presented.
In addition to these, two silver cups were presented
by Miss Prudence Heath, in 1818, and two by Deacon
Robinson and wife the same year.
Third Meeting-House.—The meeting-house and
the minister grew old together. There would have
been something incongruous in the building of a
modern church, with stained-glass windows and new
and fashionable appointments, while Dr. Pierce was
the only minister. The house and the minister were
in perfect adaptation to each other. Many regretted
that the fine, substantial old edifice should be taken
down. It much resembled Dr. Putnam’s church, on
Roxbury Hill, and might have been as well preserved
till the present day; but there being no cellar under
it, furnaces could not be introduced, and it was not
thought advisable to refit a building which must be
warmed by stoves. It was also difficult for Mr. Knapp
to preach in it. In 1848 the new church at present
standing was built.
was laid June 1, 1848.
Dee. 1, 1848.
by Dr. Charles Wild, in the spring of 1849.
First Church of Brookline.—This church was or-
ganized Oct. 26,1717, and the following covenant
was read and adopted :
“We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, apprehending
ourselves called of God to join together in church communion,
The corner-stone for a new church |
The dedication took place |
The shrubbery around it was set out |
He was a plodding but faithful cit-
izen in the duties not only of his office as sexton, but
acknowledging our unworthiness of such a privilege, and our
inability to keep covenant with God, unless Christ shall enable
us thereto, in humble dependence on free grace for divine as-
sistance and acceptance, do in the name of Jesus Christ, freely
covenant and bind ourselves to serve the Lord, Father, Son
and Holy Ghost, cleaving to him as our chief good; and unto
our Lord Jesus as our only Saviour, prophet, priest and king
of our souls, avouching the Lord to be our God, and the God
of our children, whom we give unto him, counting it a high
favour, that the Lord will accept of us, and our children with
us to be his people.
“We do also give ourselves unto another in the Lord, cove-
nanting to walk together, as a Church of Christ, in all the
ways of his worship, according to his word; promising in
brotherly Love, to watch over one another’s souls, and to sub-
mit ourselves to the discipline of Christ in his church, and to
attend the seals and censures, or whatever ordinances Christ
has commanded to be observed by his people; beseeching the
Lord to own us for his people, and to delight to dwell in the
midst of us. That we may keep our covenant with God, we
desire to deny ourselves, and to depend on the free mercy of
God and merits of Christ; and, wherein we fail, to wait on him
for pardon, through his name, beseeching the Lord to own us,
as a Church of Christ, and to delight to abide in the midst of
us.”
This covenant was read in public, and the church
gathered by the Rev. Ebenezer Thayer, pastor of the
Second Church of Christ in Roxbury, Oct. 26, 1717,
At that time
seventeen males and twenty-two females were united
in church fellowship.
one hundred and sixty-seven years ago.
List of the original members of the First Church in
Brookline, Oct. 26, 1717 :
Males.
James Allen. Joshua Stedman.
Thomas Gardner. John Winchester.
John Winchester. Caleb Gardner.
Joseph White. Benjamin White.
Josiah Winchester. Samuel White.
Samuel Sewall. Amos Gates.
William Story. Ebenezer Kenrick.
Joseph Goddard. Addington Gardner.
Thomas Stedman.
Females.
Sarah Winchester.
Abiel Gardner.
Ann White.
Hannah Kenrick.
Tryphena Woodwar
Eunice Clark.
Mary Gardner.
Mary Gardner.
Joanna Winchester.
Hannah White.
Mary Winchester.
Mary Boylston.
Sarah Stedman.
Desire Ackers.
Hannah Stedman. Susanna Gardner.
Elizabeth Boylston.
Elizabeth Taylor.
Francis Winchester.
Rebecca Sewall.
Abigail Story.
Mary Stedman.
The deacons of the First Church in Brookline have
been as follows:
Thomas Gardner, elected Dec. 7, 1718.
3enjamin White, elected Dec. 7, 1718; resigned Feb. 12,
1749.
Samuel Clark, resigned Feb. 12, 1749; died May 7, 1766,
age 81.
BROOKLINE.
811
Thomas Cotton, dismissed to Pomfret.
Ebenezer Davis, elected Feb. 19, 1749; resigned April 5,
1770; died Sept. 30, 1775, age 72.
Joseph White, elected Feb. 19,1749; resigned April 5, 1770;
died Aug. 19, 1777, age 75.
Elisha Gardner, elected April 15, 1770 ; resigned Dee. 2, 1792;
died Jan. 29, 1797, age 70.
William Bowles, elected April 15,1770 ; dismissed to Newton,
‘Sept. 20, 1772.
Samuel Clark, elected Feb. 27, 1797; died March 29, 1814,
age 61.
John Robinson, elected Feb. 27, 1797; died Jan. 13, 1855,
age 92.
Joshua Child Clark, elected May 1, 1814; died July 4, 1861,
age 80.
Abijah Warren Goddard, elected Oct. 17, 1856.
Benjamin B. Davis, elected Oct. 17, 1856; died Aug. 22,
1877.
First Church.—The church having been organized,
and the meeting-house completed, the next in order
On the 23d of July, 1718,
“to seek
divine direction in the ordination of a minister.”
Rev. Dr. Cotton Mather and Rev. Dr. Colman offi-
ciated on that occasion.
Dec. 10, 1716, the following vote was passed, viz. :
was to choose a minister.
a fast was observed in the new church
“Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookline legally
warned, chose mr James Allin to be our settled minister in sd
Town.
“Voted to give mr Allin 100 pounds gratuity for settlement
& 80 pounds Sallary.”
On the 18th of February, 1717, the following per-
sons were chosen to treat with Mr. James Allen, viz.:
Lieut. Thomas Gardner, John Winchester, Joseph
White, Ensign Benjamin White, Josiah Winchester,
Capt. Samuel Aspinwall, and Erosaman Drew.
Mr. Allen having accepted the call extended him,
he was ordained Nov. 5, 1718, as their first pastor.
Rev. Benjamin Colman, D.D., and Rey. Benjamin
Wadsworth, D.D., made the prayers on that occasion ;
Rev. Cotton Mather, D.D., gave the charge, Rev.
Jeremiah Shepard, of Lynn, gave the right hand of
fellowship. Mr. Allen preached his own sermon, as
was customary in the early days of the church settle-
ments: text, Matthew xxiv. 45, 46, 47: “ Who
then is a faithful and wise servant ?”’
Rev. James Allen was the son of Peter and Mary
Allen, born in Roxbury, Mass., June 5, 1692; grad-
uated at Harvard College, 1710.
piety and talents.
He was a man of
ministry he and his people were happily united. Dur- |
ing the troublous times which deeply agitated the |
churches in this region just before the middle of the
last century, he was active in the new measures which
But from certain causes, to such
excesses did it lead, that he, who had during its
progress considered it as the work of God, in a public
were then pursued.
For the greater portion of his |
and explicit manner ascribed it to a very different
origin. This led many to join a new society, which
had for its pastor Mr. Jonathan Hyde, a zealous but
illiterate layman from Canterbury, Conn., who was
ordained Jan. 17,1751. Mr. Allen preached in this
town for about twenty-eight years. He lived on the
south side of Walnut Street, nearly opposite Cypress
Street, where he died of a lingering consumption,
and was buried in the Brookline Cemetery. The
character of Mr. Allen, as given by his contempora-
ries and by others who were well acquainted with
him, is that of a pious and judicious divine, and the
seven publications of his do honor to his head and
He died on the 18th of February, 1747,
aged fifty-six.
The printed works of Mr. Allen were :
1. “A Thanksgiving Sermon.” Psalms exvi. 12.
Nov. 8, 1722.
2. “Tbe Wheels of the World Governed by a Wise
Providence.” Ezekiel i. 15-16. 1727.
3. “The Doctrine of Merit Exploded and Humility
Recommended.” Luke xvii. 10. 1727.
4, “Thunder and Earthquake, a Loud and Awful
Call to Reformation.” Isaiah xxix. 6. A fast-day
sermon occasioned by the earthquake in 1727.
5. “ Evangelical Obedience the Way to Eternal
life.” A sermon to a society of young men in Brook-
line. Matthew xix. 16-17. 1731.
6. “The Eternity of God, and the Short Life of
Man Considered.” A sermon on the death of Samuel
Aspinwall, A.M. Psalms cii, 11-12. Aug. 13, 1732.
7. “ Magistracy an Institution of Christ upon the
Throne.”
1744.
After the decease of Mr. Allen, Rev. Mr. Walley,
who had been supplying the pulpit during Mr. AlI-
len’s last illness, preached occasionally, and May 13,
1747, the following was the action of the town:
his heart.
An election sermon. Isaiah vi. 1. May 30,
“Voted that the Town Desired to hear some other Ministers
besides Mr. Walley
“Voted that the Select Men are to Provide three young Min-
| isters to preach two Sabbath Days Each Namely Mr. Wally Mr.
Checkly and Mr. Hale.”
May 18, 1747. ‘‘ Voted that the Select men are to procure Mr.
Stevens and Mr. Harrington to preach two Sabbath Days
Each”
Several candidates supplied the pulpit till Feb. 12,
1748, when the town voted as their ‘“ choise’ Rev.
Cotton Brown, of Haverhill, Mass., who was ordained
their pastor, Oct. 26, 1748. Rev. Mr. Cotton, of
Newton, and Rev. Mr. Walter, of Roxbury, offered
prayers; Dr. Appleton, of Cambridge, gave the
charge; Rev. Mr. Townsend, of Needham, gave the
right hand of fellowship ; Rev. Samuel Cook preached
9
~/
81
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the sermon from 2 Timothy ii. 2, which was published.
So short was his ministry that his people hardly had |
an opportunity to become acquainted with him before |
He died |
Rey. Cotton |
Brown was the son of Rev. John and Joanna (Cotton)
he was summoned to the world of spirits.
of a violent fever, April 13, 1751.
Brown, and grandson of Rev. Rowland Cotton, of |
Sandwich, Mass., and a lineal descendant of Rev. |
John Cotton, of Boston, who formerly held a large |
amount of land in Brookline, among the earliest allot-
ments. He was born in Haverhill, Mass., about 1726, |
graduated at Harvard College, 1743.
gaged to Mary Allen, a daughter of his predecessor,
Mr. Allen, and the house known as the “ Walley” |
house was erected for him to live in.
lady, however, died in 1750, and he died in 1751, at
the early age of twenty-five, having been pastor two
He was en-
years, five months, and eighteen days.
The eminent Dr. Cooper, of Brattle Street Church,
spake thus of his character at the time of his decease :
‘‘ He was a gentleman, who, by the happiness of his
genius, his application to study, and taste for polite
literature, his piety and prudence, his sweetness of
temper and softness of manners, had raised in his
friends the fairest hopes, and gave them just reason
to expect in him one of the brightest ornaments of
society and a peculiar blessing to the church.”
Mr. Brown was buried in Brookline Cemetery. |
Rev. Samuel Haven, afterwards of Portsmouth, |
N. H., from 1752 to 1806, was invited to settle as
pastor, but did not accept their offer.
Subsequently Rev. Robert Rogerson, a foreigner, ©
received a call from the church and parish, which he |
accepted. But certain difficulties arising among the
He |
afterwards became pastor of a church in Rehoboth,
Mass., where he passed a long life in the ministry, |
highly beloved, respected, and eminently useful.
The next clergyman
people, he was dismissed by a council in 1753.
who accepted a call to the
Mr. Nathaniel Potter, of
was ordained pastor of the
Brookline church was
Elizabeth, N. J., who
church Nov. 19, 1
nection three years and a half.
ladda
755. He remained in this con-
called from a distant city, without credentials, and was
as hastily settled. Of him Dr. Pierce remarked in an
anniversary sermon, that “though professedly ortho- |
dox in faith, he was destined, during a short ministry,
to give woeful emphasis to the apostle’s monition,
‘Lay hands suddenly on no man.’”
A bill presented to the town by Deacon Elisha
Gardner for the expenses of this man’s ordination
possesses a curious interest when viewed with modern
eyes:
The young |
_ he had often preached.
“to monney Pad at The ordanation.
Oldbben ON. cep seses desesek cen Pectaesiene sols £6.0 00 0
OMEN UM slese steeee soacooc S00 pelle Wake 0
COSINE AG asecescsscsocsaneceooewerseas aes Sl. 0: 6
LOMSPUC Outecenncats-cecleecuscnceieescecans
LotUTrcesy (turk YS?) .c.sscececcoecesse 3 0. 0. 0
LOMO Sse eenamenceiccicns dese sataaicceee cent Meets 0
COMPORKeneewssens ces cocceces Secsleciseansiis 3.0 4 6
LOCTAMDTCS!: -sesce catecsnachesesscess 008 0
LOMPUGIN GE PANSicccoeseeeeieevca\eneesicies OP 0
£18. 0 2 6”
Of this charge the selectmen ordered the paying of
£2 8s. 4d., and probably the society paid the rest.
Ordinations in those days evidently involved the
consideration of material as well as spiritual wants
for the time being.
Agreeably to his request, he was dismissed June
17, 1759. He delivered a discourse, Jan. 1, 1758,
from Jeremiah viii. 20, entitled ““A New Year’s
| Gutts2
Immediately after the departure of Mr. Potter the
They
church proceeded to select another pastor.
_were not long without a regular supply for their
pulpit, as on the 24th of December the church and
parish were united in their choice of Rev. Joseph
Jackson to be their pastor. A call was extended to
him, who was then a tutor in Harvard College, where
The following is the letter
of acceptance of the call:
“Mr. Jacksons Answer
“CamBrinGEe Feb’y 2 1760
“To the Church & Congregation in Brookline
“My Christian Friends and Bretheren.
“Having by a Committe appointed by you for that purpose
received an account of your proceedings with regard to the set-
tlement of a Minister, and that the great nead of the Church,
has disposed your hearts to make choice of me however un-
worthy, to take the pastoral charge over you, and to desire my
answer to your kind Invitation
“This is therefore in answer to said invitation to inform you:
| that being deeply sensible of the difficulty and importance of a
right discharge of the Ministerial office, and from such light as
I have been able to obtain, I find inyself disposd to accept of
your invitation, with this Proviso, that it shall pleas’d to engage,
| in case, that Contribution which was Voted shall in any year
He had been hastily |
fall short of thirteen Pounds, Six Shillings & Eight pence, that
you will yearly during the time of my being your Pastor, Make
up such deficiency, so as to make a sum equal to thirteen Pounds,
Six Shillings & Hight pence ( annum which Sum I have been
informed by certain Persons they supposed the condition would
amount to.
“T ask this not from any desire of making a large estate or
living in extravagance at your expense but on the other hand,
that I may be so supported as to give myself wholly to the work
of the Ministry without any incumbrance on my worldly Affairs
—And also that fixing the said Sum may serve to prevent any
future uneasiness, which Tho. I have no reason to expect from
you in particular, might Nevertheless possibly happen If I
Your compliance
with this alteration in your offers [ may rather expect, by being
Should hereafter be necessitated to ask it.
informed in conversation that it was Very likely the Town would
comply with it, and also from that kind & generous disposition
BROOKLINE.
813
you have already discovered to wards me. Thus my friends, I
should choose to Settle among you, to spend & be spent for you,
together with my reasons therefor, which I apprehend are no
ways inconsistent with that Christian spirit which I desire to
exercise to wards you nor with the Character of a Minister of |
Jesus Christ.
“And now may God so overrule your proceedings as shall
most effectually tend to advance his glory & the welfare of your
immortal Souls.
“Tf he should so order it, that I should be your Pastor, may
I have grace given me from above so to impart to you in spir-
itual things as that you may never have occasion to repent of
bestowing on me these that are temporal That the divine bless-
ing may always rest upon you, and that you may have direction |
from Above in all your proceedings, is the earnest Prayer of
him who wishes your welfare in this and the coming world |
“ JosEPH JACKSON”
On the 3d of March, 1760, Moses White, Isaac |
Winchester, Elisha Gardner, and Joshua Boylston |
were chosen a ‘“ Com’ty to provide for y° Counsel ;—
and the sum of Ten pounds to be assessed on the in-
habitants to defray the charges of Said Ordination.”
After the usual preparation, Mr. Jackson was regu-
larly ordained on the 9th of April, 1760. The Rev. |
Seth Storer, of Watertown, and Rev. Dr. Ebenezer
Pemberton, of Boston, offered the prayers; Rev. Dr. |
Nathaniel Appleton, of Cambridge, gave the charge ;
Rev. Samuel Checkley, of Boston, gave the right
hand of fellowship; Rev. Dr. Samuel Cooper, of
Boston, preached the sermon (from 2 Tim. i. 7), |
which sermon was published.
Rev. Joseph Jackson was born in Boston about
1734, graduated at Harvard College in 1753 (com-
menced preaching soon after), and for several years
was tutor in that institution.
“The great Parent of man, and the Supreme Dis-
poser of all, was pleased, in his discriminating good- |
ness, to favor Mr. Jackson with shining mental
powers, which under the advantages of a collegiate
education, were much enlarged. He was quick of
apprehension, clear in perception, and in the compre- |
hension of his understanding or soundness of judg-
ment few excelled him. He was wonderfully endued |
with talents which qualified him for the important
work of the Gospel ministry, and made him a burn-
ing and shining light in this part of the vineyard of |
the Lord,—whose praises is in all our churches.”’
He ever sustained a fair moral character, worthy of
imitation: his regularity and uniform punctuality
were remarkable traits in it. Those well acquainted
with him must have seen his amiable deportment in |
the several relations of life—as a faithful, tender
husband, an affectionate father, a just and equal |
master; as a friend, true to his professions, safely to
be confided in; as a minister, diligent, laborious, |
skillful,
aiming, in his discourses, to inform the |
mind, affect the heart, and regulate the conduct.
| Few composed their sermons with so much ease, and
yet so pertinently. He was a scriptural, intelligent,
and edifying preacher, and judiciously noticed the
dispensations of Providence for the instruction and
benefit of his hearers. Above all, he was a man of
piety and true devotion,—a sincere disciple and ser-
vant of Jesus Christ. He was an example in word,
in conversation, in charity, in faith, in purity, and in
all the virtues which adorn the Christian and minis-
So he lived, and when he died he
received the glorious reward of those who are faithful
to the end. He died July 22, 1796, in the sixty-
second year of his age, and in the thirty-seventh year
of his ministry.
Rey. Jacob Cushing, of Waltham, Mass., preached
a sermon at his funeral, July 25,1796, from the text
Luke xii. 35-37, which sermon was published.
The proceedings at the ordination of Mr. Jackson
terial character.
_ were somewhat like his predecessor, and the bill of
expenses was more than double the appropriation, as
_ may be seen by the following bill :*
“ Brookline, 1760. Elisha Gardner’s accompt to providing
| at the Ordination of mr. Joseph Jackson. old tenor
to cash for Sundries at the ordination...............066 £14. 00. 0
to cash for crambres and Ross water ......sceceeeceseees 2 0050
to cash for butter and Eggs and Pickels.............+. 2. 15. 0
to cash for to pay the Cakes.....0.0..cssccsesssscsseseeees 6. 00. 0
ee Ale Aye (0
Errors Excepted.
Allowed by the Selectmen.”
It appears by the above bill that the rum and sugar
were omitted in this bill, but probably ‘‘ Ross water”
served the purpose instead.
It seems that the church needed some repairs, and
| that, as they were to have a new minister, they must
put the building in good order. The following bill
_ was presented two days after the ordination :
“Aprel the 11 Day 1760.
for work Brookline Meeting house on the Pulpit
Laying a floore in the Same and Raising the
Same and Paint and Painting, for weather Lows dd
Boairds and Doore.......0. ssececoes sececcscecssoccscoes cenees 2.— 2,.-8
caseings for one End of the Meetting hous............... 0.— 5.4
for a Lock for the Doore and a Paire of...... . soteseensace 9.—4
HiNGeS ......c0ccesccceee cesses sences cocescesccss roccerccesecsesseeses 5.-9
for three Bolts and three Quarters of a hundred of
Board Nails) scccercccscssse Diane rasWoawoniedaucciedectemalsecsls tases 4.8
for the Doors and Step. Except ArrowS........-.ssseeeees 1.-10.-0
£4.-17.-9
“ EBENEZER THWING.”
A year later was the following:
“ BrookuinE March 19, 1761.
“The Select men of Brookline in Behalf of ye town to Joshua
Davis Dr. Decem 16th
1 A common occurrence at the present day, to exceed appro-
priations.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
814
To a Shutter for the Meting-house & a Draw for
ye Bible Puting up ye SaMe........-....ccescaeesccsecees £0.-— 5.-4
To a bench for the School and mending seats......... 5.4
10.-8
“Errors Excepted
“Josnua Davis.”
Mr. Jackson married Hannah, daughter of John
Avery, Esq., of Boston, and had two children, a son
and daughter. Sarah Atherton
Thayer, of Braintree; second, Stephen Thayer.
His son, Joseph, graduated at Harvard College,
1787; student of medicine at Portsmouth, N. H.,
where he died, Aug. 19, 1790.
Oct. 2, 1800.
After the death of Joseph Jackson, at a meeting
of the town held Aug. 29, 1796, Dr. William Aspin-
wall, Isaac 8. Gardner, Esq., and David Hyslop were
chosen a committee to supply the pulpit. The first
person called to preach on probation was Rev. John
Pierce, A.M., of Dorchester, Mass. Previous to this
time a Rev. Mr. Merrick, a resident of Brighton,
and a native of England, and Rev. Thomas Craft, of
North Bridgewater, who had been dismissed from
Princeton, Mass., and others, supplied the pulpit.
On the 2d day of October, 1796, Dr. Pierce preached
his first sermon to Brookline people, preached four
Sabbaths, and then went to Quincy to fulfill a prior
engagement. Rev. James Hawley supplied the pul-
pit till the return of Mr. Pierce. On the 27th of
November, 1796, he resumed preaching in Brook-
line, and at the end of a few weeks, after preaching
ten sermons, the church held a meeting in the old
married, first,
brick school-house, and passed the following votes :
1. “Voted to proceed to the choice of a gospel minister to
settle in the town by written Votes.”
2. “Voted To choose a committee to wait upon the selectmen
with a copy of the votes passed at this meeting and request
them to calla Town Meeting, to know whether the Town ap-
prove of the choice the church have made of Rev John Pierce
fora gospel minister to settle in this town, and will unite in
making adequate appropriation for his Support.”
3. “Voted, That Messrs Samuel Clark—Ebenezer Davis, and
David Hyslop be a committee for the above purpose.”
4. “Voted, To choose a committee to be joined with such, as
the congregation may see fit to appoint, to wait upon Mr. John
Pierce with a copy of the Votes of the church and congregation
and invite him to settle in this town, and be our minister.”
5. “Voted, That Messrs William Aspinwall, Isaac 8. Gard-
ner and David Hyslop be a committee for the above purpose.”
“Attest, Isaac 8. GARDNER,
“Clerk to the church.”
“ Decem’r 20. 1796.
“At a meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Brookline
holden on the 20th Day of December 1796. for the purpose of
knowing whether the Congregation would concur with the
choice the Church made at their meeting holden on the 13th
Inst. of Mr. John Pierce for a Gospel Minister to settle in this
own;
The mother died |
“Also to know whether the Town will make appropriation
for his settlement and Salary &e.
“Wm. Aspinwall Esquire was chosen Moderator.
“The Inhabitants gave in their votes and upon counting the
same it appeared that Mr. John Pierce was unanimously
chosen.
“Voted unanimously to give Mr. John Pierce Five hundred
Dollars as a Gratuity or settlement.
“Voted unanimously, to give Mr. John Pierce four hundred
Dollars and sixteen Cords of wood Deliv’d at his Door, or one
hundred & six Dollars sixty six tenths & seven mills, in lieu of
the wood, also the use of the Parsonage House Barn &.C. an-
nually, for his salary so long as he shall continue to be our Min-
ister—provided he shall accept Our invitation to settle with Us.
“Then Stephen Sharp and Mr. Ebenezer Heath were chosen
a Committee to Join the Committee Chosen by the Church, to
wait on Mr. Pierce, with a Copy of the proceedings of the
Church and Congregation, and invite him to settle in this Town
and be Our Minister.
“Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
“Attest STEPHEN SHARP Town Clerk.”
“ February 6, 1797.
“At the meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brook-
line, at the brick School house, warnd & assembled according to
Law—For the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee
appointed to wait on Mr. John Pierce & acquaint him of the
proceedings of the church & congregation, and to transact & do
any thing relative to the Settlement of a Minister.
“Stephen Sharp was chosen Moderator.
“Mr. Pierce’s answer being read a copy of which is as fol-
lows. viz.
“ To the Church and Town of Brookline
“Christian Friends
“ Tfaving taken your proposals into serious and attentive con-
sideration, and sought such counsel and direction, as the im-
portance of the subject demands, I take this opportunity to
inform you that I accept your invitation to settle with you in
the ministry.
“As to that part of the terms, which you have left optional
with me, my choice is to receive the wood.
“From the kindness you asa town, have always discovered
towards your ministers as well, as from the unanimity, which
has marked all your proceeding respecting me, I trust you will
ever make provision for my comfortable support ‘so long as I
shall continue to be your Minister.’
“That your brotherly love may continue «& increase, that no
root of bitterness springing up may disturb your harmony, that
you may grow in grace, in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ, and improve in every Christian virtue, is the fer-
vent wish and shall ever be the constant aim of
“your servant
“in the Lord
“Joun PIERCE.
“ CAMBRIDGE, January 31st, 1797.”
Dr. Pierce was regularly ordained March 15, 1797.
There were present representatives of twelve churches,
us a council, convened for the purposes of ordination.
After an introductory anthem, the male members of
the church were asked if they wished to accept of
the Rev. John Pierce as their pastor. An affirmative
reply was made, when the candidate made the follow-
ing response :
“In the same public manner you, my Christian
\
BROOKLINE.
815
friends, again invite me to settle with you in the min-
istry. I renew my acceptance. My inexperience in
the sacred profession I have undertaken fills me with
painful emotions hitherto unknown. I cannot with-
hold my most earnest wishes, as it is the subject of
my constant prayers, that the solemnities of this day
may cement a union which may both promote the
cause of religion and conduce to our mutual happi-
ness.”
Rey. John Bradford, of Roxbury, led the service
in prayer. The sermon—text, 1 Corinthians ii. 10-
15—was by the Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, of
Dorchester, of whom it is said he preached his first
and his last sermons in this town. Ordaining prayer
was by Rev. Peter Thacher, D.D., of Boston. The
charge was by Rev. Jacob Cushing, of Waltham.
Right hand of fellowship was tendered by Rev. |
Eliphalet Porter, of Roxbury, of the church where
our fathers formerly worshiped. The concluding
prayer was by the Rev. William Greenough, of the |
Second Church in Newton, the exercises closing with
an anthem, ‘“‘ Arise, Shine, O Zion,” etc., under the
leadership of Isaac S. Gardner, Esq.
The history of the First Church or the town
would not be complete without an account of the
Rev. Dr. John Pierce.
any other person to give character to the habits and
life of early Brookline. On one occasion a neighbor-
ing clergyman, the Rev. Dr. Putnam, said, “ As I
He perhaps did more than
understand it, Dr. Pierce is Brookline, and Brookline |
is Dr. Pierce,” in 1797. Rev. John Pierce, D.D.,
the son of John and Sarah (Blake) Pierce, was born |
in Dorchester, Mass., July 14, 1773. His father
was a shoemaker, an honest, intelligent, religious |
man; died Dec. 11, 1833, aged over ninety-one years.
From his earliest childhood he had an earnest desire
to become a minister. He commenced to study Latin
with the same woman who taught his mother, and in
1789 entered Harvard College, graduating with high
honors in 1793, with an excellent reputation as a
scholar. After leaving college he was assistant pre-
ceptor of Leicester Academy for two years. In 1795 |
)
cheerfulness and benignity.” His hair from his early
manhood was almost white, and became beautiful in
its snowy whiteness long before he was old. He
remarked during his last sickness that for forty years
he had not known what it was to have a physical in-
He had always had a habit
of rising early, and either sawing or splitting wood or
working in his garden for two hours or more before
breakfast. He was so vigorous a walker that, when
on an exchange anywhere within six or seven miles, he
used to go out and back on foot, and without fatigue.
He was temperate both in eating and drinking,
and economical without a shade of meanness or
miserly tendency.
In March, 1849, Dr. Pierce was seized with a
sharp, sudden illness. Relief was obtained, but not
He continued to suffer great pain, and, as
weeks passed on, seemed gradually failing. During
his long ministry he had lost only thirteen Sabbaths
by ill health, and several of those were in 1805, when
he had a rheumatic fever.
firmity worth namine.
a cure.
He belonged to a long-lived family, and though at
an age when most men grow infirm, he was as elastic
and vigorous as a boy till the day of his first attack of
illness.
All was done that love and skill could suggest to
arrest the course of the disease, but in vain; and it
soon became apparent that the beloved pastor and
friend of the people was soon to be called away. Un-
used as he was to illness, there was no irritability or
impatience, and with unfailing serenity and cheerful-
ness he waited for the end. In August of that year
a new organ was placed in the church, and on Satur-
day, the 18th, there was a trial of the instrument.
This was, of course, an event of great interest to
} . A
one so fond of music as the doctor; and though he
was too feeble to walk or ride, he was carried in his
chair by some of his young friends to the chureh,
There he read some passages from the Scriptures and
a hymn, joining heartily in the singing. At his own
_ special request the tune sung was “ Old Hundred,”
he commenced the study of theology with Rev. Thad- —
deus Mason Harris, of Dorchester ;
e )
Boston Association, Feb. 22, 1796, and preached for
approved by the |
the first time in his native town March 6th, the same |
year. At the close of the year 1796 he became a
tutor in Harvard College, where he remained four |
months, and while there was called to settle in the
town of Brookline, where he spent the remainder of |
his days. He died Aug. 24, 1849, aged seventy-six
years. Dr. Pierce was a fine-looking, tall, large-
framed man, with a countenance “beaming with |
which Dr. Pierce used to say was “the best tune that
ever was written or ever would be.”
All rose and sung the hymn standing, except the
doctor himself, who playfully asked that the old pastor
be excused, as he no longer belonged to “ the rising
generation.”
He was borne to his home by the same loving
hands, never to be carried out again till he was
earried for burial. Daily, however, he received the
visits of a host of friends, who came laden with
flowers, fruits, or other proofs of their affection, and,
in the words of another, “wealth never purchased
816
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and power never won attentions of all kinds so devoted
and loving as were gladly rendered without stint, and
in constant anticipation of his slightest wishes,” not
merely from his own society or townspeople, but
from all sects and many towns and the neighboring
cities.
Dr. Pierce failed very rapidly after his visit to the
church at the trial of the organ, but retained pos-
session of his faculties and consciousness until the
evening of Thursday, August 23d.
His last words were spoken that evening to Mr.
Shailer, who with the family and two or three near
friends were present.
respecting the petition which he should offer for him
in the evening prayer, to which he replied, “ Entire
submission to the Divine will.’ He never spoke
dition of the members of his society, there were none
to charge him with partiality, none to doubt his
friendliness and ready sympathies.
His memory has been kept fresh, and is still dear
to all who knew him, and the recollections of the hal-
lowed months of beautiful serenity and peace and
faith which made his sick-room like the threshold of
the heavenly kingdom have been a ministry of holy
influences to many souls.
In the words of his colleague, in his funeral dis-
course, “Simply thus to dwell upon the life of a
Mr. Shailer made an inquiry |
again, but still reclining in the chair which he had |
occupied for weeks without lying down, he quietly
breathed his last at half-past eleven, in the forenoon,
Aug. 24, 1849, aged seventy-six years.
_ that of the Bible.
No one has any moral right to do for him that
which he always refused to do for himself—class him |
anywhere as a theologian. He must be simply known
as an “ eclectic Christian,” to use his own terms; and
if this phrase is indefinite, it must be remembered
that it has all the precision which he desired.
one point we may, however, be very explicit.
On
He set |
his face like a flint against every form of sectarian |
exclusiveness and bigotry, and was only intolerant
towards those who ventured to judge any body of |
believers in Christ, and to deny them the Master’s
’ ry
name.
Towards some views—more or less prevalent in |
New England of late years—he might have failed a
little in preserving that “charity which is not easily |
provoked ;’ but on the whole, his Catholicism was a
marked trait in his character, which, often severely
tried, was seldom found wanting. He was an earnest,
plain preacher ; dealing generally with practical sub-—
jects, without seeking originality of thought or being
remarkable for any graces of rhetoric.
But his style was that of former days; and few
men have retained so much of their early acceptable-
ness in the pulpit, owing to the impression he made
upon his hearers of his own deep sincerity and un-
feigned piety. You felt that he believed with his
whole heart and soul everything he said, and was
thoroughly in earnest. It was, however, by the daily
beauty of his life as the faithful pastor that Dr. |
Pierce won the confidence and affection of his people
. . . With the same hearty simplicity he visited the
rich and the poor, the refined and the unlearned, and
though there were wide diversities in the social con- |
good man is better than to have entered into a dis-
cussion of the mysteries of Godliness.”
‘“‘ He uniformly refused to be classed with any sect
whatever, or to take any names except those of a
‘Congregationalist? and a ‘ Christian.” He seldom
preached doctrinal sermons. He had no taste for
controversy, and hardly ever indulged in expressions
of his belief clothed in any other phraseology than
For any party to claim him as a
member on account of his opinions would be showing
a sad want of respect to his memory, and an utter
disregard of his feelings and wishes when alive.”
The funeral solemnities took place at the church on
the afternoon of the 27th.
The body was borne from the parsonage to the
church by the same young men who had carried him
thither a week before, attended by eight clergymen as
pall-bearers. Rev. Mr. Shailer read the Scriptures,
the venerable Dr. Lowell, of Boston, offered the prayer
(in compliance with the special wish of Dr. Pierce),
and Rev. Mr. Knapp, his colleague, delivered the dis-
course. ‘The last message of the dying minister to his
people was so beautiful that we give it as repeated by
Mr. Knapp on this solemn occasion :
“When you gather with my friends around my
remains,” he said, ‘read to them those cheering
words of Jesus, ‘1 am the resurrection and the life;
he that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet
shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on
me shall never die.’ And say to my people,” he con-
tinued, “ my faith and hope are there; that I do not
feel that I shall ever die, but only pass on to a higher
life. And beseech them,” he added, “ beseech them,
if they love me, and would express their love, to do
it by remembering me while they seek Christ as their
Saviour and strive to live as his disciples.”
A simple white monument just within the cemetery
wall marks his last resting-place.
Dr. Pierce married, Oct. 31,1798, Abigail, daughter
of Joseph and Jemima (Adams) Lovell, of Medway,
Mass., who had been a pupil of his while preceptor
at Leicester Academy. She died July 2, 1800, leav-
i eS Ss ee a 0 eee eee
BROOKLINE.
817
He
ing a son, who died at the age of two years.
married a second time, May 6, 1802, Lucy, daughter |
of Benjamin and Sarah (Homes) Tappan, of North-
ampton, Mass., by whom they had ten children, viz. :
Sarah Tappan, Elizabeth, Abigail Lovell, Lucy, Fero-
line Walley, John Tappan, Robert, William Blake, |
Benjamin Tappan, Mary Wilde. The widow died at
Brookline, Feb. 12, 1858.
Sermons and addresses by Rev. John Pierce :
]
|
1. Discourse on the Mystery of Godliness, at Med- |
field, Oct. 8, 1797.
2. Eulogy on Washington, Feb. 22, 1800.
3. Discourse on a Christian Profession, at Brook-
line, 1800.
Newbury, Sept. 19, 1804.
continued to preach for seven years.
College, July, 1847. In April, 1847, Dr. Pierce
asked that a colleague might be settled with him.
On the 10th of August of that year, while Mr. Knapp
was in the Divinity School, he received a call to be-
come a colleague pastor with Rey. Dr. Pierce, which
call was accepted, and Mr. Knapp was publicly or-
dained as their colleague pastor, Oct. 6, 1847, and
He was much
esteemed as a pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. Dr.
Frederic H. Hedge in October, 1856. Dr. Hedge,
son of Professor Levi Hedge, of Cambridge, was
born Dec. 12, 1805; graduated at Harvard College,
1825; settled in West Cambridge, Mass., in 1828;
pastor of a Unitarian Church in Bangor, Me., 1835
4. Sermon at installation of John 8. Popkin,
5. Century sermon from incorporation of Brookline. |
Nov. 24, 1805.
6. Valedictory sermon, old meeting-house, June 8,
1806.
7. Dedication sermon, new meeting-house, June
11, 1806.
8. Sermon at gathering of Second Church, Dor-
chester, Jan. 1, 1808.
9. Valedictory sermon, Burlington, Vt., Jan. 9,
1817.
10. Sermon at ordination of Samuel Clark, Prince-
ton, June 18, 1817.
11. Century sermon, church in Brookline, Nov. 9,
1817.
12. Dudlean Lecture on Errors of Church of Rome,
at Cambridge, Oct. 24, 1821.
13. Sermon at ordination of Rev. Benjamin Hun-
toon, Canton, Jan. 30, 1822.
14. Sermon, “ Second Century,’ Dorchester, June
17, 1830.
15. Charge at ordination of Rev. T. B. Fox, Aug.
oy Sol.
16. Sermon in Liberal Preacher, February, 1835.
17. Reminiscences of Forty Years, Brookline,
March 19, 1837.
mayor, at Boston, Nov. 25, 1845.
19. Address at opening of town hall, Oct. 14,
1845.
_bored for sixteen years.
to 1850; pastor of Westminster Church, Providence,
R. L., 1850 to 1856; from October, 1856, to 1872,
pastor of the First Church, Brookline, where he la-
Dr. Hedge married Lucy,
daughter of Rev. Dr. John Pierce before mentioned.
_He is now a professor in Harvard College, Cam-
| remained 1871-72.
_ be said to date from 1805.
bridge.
Rev. Howard N. Brown is the present pastor, son
of Mather C. and 8. A. Brown, born in Columbia,
N. Y., May 11, 1849; fitted for college at Whites-
town, N. Y.; studied at Harvard College Divinity
School, and was ordained at Ilion, N. Y., where he
Settled in Brookline, Sept. 1,
LS:
Baptist Church.—The origin of this church may
In that year Mrs. Beu-
lah Griggs, a member of Rev. Dr. Pierce’s church,
and the mother of Deacon Thomas Griggs, now liv-
ing at the age of ninety-six years (in 1884), in-
“ Father
The first service
1806,
vited Rev. Joseph Grafton, well known as
Grafton,” to preach in Brookline.
was held in Thomas Griggs’ house Oct. 27,
from the text, “Fear God and keep his command-
ments.” And the result of this meeting may be
said to have been the birth of the present church.
Those who held Baptist views in this town previeus
_to 1827 were in attendance on church worship in
18. Address at funeral of Thomas A. Davis, |
want.
20. Address at Brookline jubilee, fifty years, |
March 15, 1847.
21. Disciples called Christians, , Religious Maga-
zine, August, 1848.
22. Election sermon, Jan. 3, 1849.
Rev. Frederic Newman Knapp, son of Jacob
Newman Knapp, of Walpole, N. H., graduated at |
(Harvard College) 1843, Divinity School Harvard ' erected, which was ready to occupy in March of the
52
Newton, Cambridgeport, and Roxbury. During this
year meetings began to be held in private houses,
the preachers of neighboring towns supplying the
In June of that year the first concert of
prayer for foreign missions was held in the house of
Edward Hall, at the corner of Washington and
School Streets.
services increased beyond the means of private houses,
The number of attendants on the
and in the month of February, 1828, a lease of a
lot of land where “ Joyce’s” building now stands was
secured, and a chapel twenty-six by thirty-six was
818
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
same year. Qn the 5th of June, 1828, thirty-six
individuals—eleven brethren and twenty-five sisters
—were regularly recognized as the “ Baptist Church
of Brookline.”
Names of members constituting the church :
Brethren.
Elijah Corey, Jr.
David Hart.
Samuel C. Davis.
Thomas Seaverns.
Arthur Sumner.
veacon Elijah Corey.
Deacon Timothy Corey.
Thomas Griggs.
David Coolidge.
Daniel Sanderson.
Thaddeus Graves.
Sisters.
Mary Irving (2d).
Mary Pool.
Harriet F. Griggs.
Beulah Griggs.
Mary Corey (1st).
Nancy Pierce.
Mehitable Stone.
Lucinda Reckard.
Sarah Richards.
Maria Griggs.
Helen Maria.
Sarah Hall.
Kliza May.
Mary Ann Corey.
Lydia Pierce.
Matilda Ellis.
Sarah Griggs.
Margaret Simmons.
Elizabeth Griggs.
Eliza Hart.
Susan Coolidge.
Mary Corey (2d).
Elizabeth Corey.
Susan Cheever.
Rebecca Stetson.
Almira Sanderson.
‘‘The above-named brethren and sisters were regu-
larly dismissed and recommended by their respective
churches, and constituted agreeable to their request
into a church by the name of the Baptist Church in
Brookline, on June 5th, 1828.”—Chureh Records.
At the expiration of one month after the organiza-
tion of the church, it became evident that increased
accommodations must be had. Accordingly, five gen-
tlemen deeply interested pledged themselves to pay
for a new church, viz.: Deacon Elijah Corey, forty
per cent. ; Deacon Timothy Corey and Deacon Thomas
Griggs, twenty per cent. each; and David Coolidge
and Klijah Corey, Jr., ten per cent. each. The corner- |
stone was laid Aug. 15, 1828, and the new church was
built and dedicated Nov. 20, 1828. The chapel was
converted into a parsonage, which now stands the |
first building south of the new church on Harvard
Street, and is occupied by Thomas 8. Brown.
|
Driver, a student at Andover Theological Seminary, |
was recognized as pastor, continuing till November
following. The next pastor was Rev. Joseph An-
drews Warne, D.D., of London, England, a graduate |
of Stepney College, recognized April 14, 1831, and
preached his farewell sermon Jan. 29, 1837, and
soon after was recognized pastor of the Third Baptist
Church in Providence, R. I. During the past few
years he resided on his farm at Frankford, Pa., a sub-
urb of Philadelphia, where he died March 10, 1881.
He is said to have been “ mighty in the Scriptures,”
| 1877.
On the 25th of March, 1830, Rev. Joseph M.
and was highly esteemed and his memory affection-
He was a man of great force of will
and of marked logical power. In his purchase of ©
land he was remarkably fortunate, so much so that
ately cherished.
by shrewd management he became the possessor of a
comfortable property. Having no children, he gave
his property, amounting to forty thousand dollars, to
_the Baptist Missionary Union, reserving a small in-
come only during his life.
Following Mr. Warne was the long and faithful
pastorate of Rev. William Hosmer Shailer, D.D., of
Haddam, Conn., where he was born Nov. 20, 1807.
He was the son of Smith and Lucinda (Shailer)
Shailer. o, and
His early life was spent in teaching,
| pursued a course of study preparatory to entering Wil-
braham Seminary; afterwards entered the institu-
tion at Hamilton, N. Y., now known as Madison
University, where he graduated in 1835; studied
theology in the Newton Theological Institution nearly
one year. In December of that year he assumed
control of the Literary Institute at Suffield, Conn.
He was ordained at Deep River, Conn., Feb. 26, 1836,
_and thus was teacher as well as preacher for about
one and one-half years, when he accepted a call from
the First Baptist Church in Brookline, commencing
his labors there Sept. 1, 1837.
secretary of the Massachusetts Baptist Association ;
For ten years he was
for thirteen years was secretary of the American
Baptist Missionary Union, and seven years member
of its executive committee. He was always deeply
interested in the work of education, rendering valu-
He became a
trustee of the Newton Theological Institution in
1853, an office which he held till his decease. In
December, 1853, he accepted an urgent call to settle
with the First Baptist Church in Portland, Me., com-
mencing his duties there March 19, 1854, preaching
his farewell sermon to the Brookline Church Feb. 26,
1854.
nearly twenty-four years, and resigned in August,
He died in Portland, Feb. 23, 1881. For
nearly all the time he lived in Portland, and one of
able service in the public schools.
He was pastor of the church in Portland for
the board of managers the larger portion of the time.
For twenty-five years was a trustee of Colby Univer-
sity. In 1858 he became editor and proprietor of
Zion's Advocate, which position he retained until
1873. A school building in the city of Portland
was named Shailer School, as an appreciation of his
services in the cause of education.
He was indeed a ‘born teacher and leader of men,
as well as an accomplished Christian preacher and
pastor.” ‘Always gentle in spirit, as he was wise,
discreet, and true.”
BROOKLINE.
819
The year following the settlement of Mr. Shailer Portsmouth, N. H., eleven years; in Brookline six-
the old house of worship was enlarged and remodeled
throughout.
After the resignation of Dr. Shailer, Rev. Nehe-
miah M. Perkins, of Waterbury, Conn., was recog- |
nized as pastor May 20, 1855. ‘This relation con-
tinued till August, 1858, when, his health failing
him, he was compelled to resign. ‘‘ He was an able
and scriptural preacher.” It was during the pastorate
of Mr. Perkins that the present house of worship |
was commenced, though he did not remain to see it
completed.
The next pastor was Rev. William Lamson, D.D.,
who came here from Portsmouth, N. H., in answer
to a call dated November, 1859. He preached his
first sermon in Brookline Oct. 16, 1859, from the
text, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto
you.” His first service as pastor commenced Dec. 4,
1859; sermon from the text, “The Lord taketh
pleasure in them that fear Him, in them that hope
in His mercy.”
held Jan. 29, 1860.
was by Rev. Baron Stow, D.D., of Boston, who had
been a predecessor of Dr. Lamson, of Portsmouth,
N.H. The fifteen years he passed in Brookline were
_ teen years. Resigned his pastoral charge in February,
1875, on account of ill health, and retired to spend
his last days at Salem and Gloucester. He died at
the last-mentioned place Nov. 29,1882. On the 7th
day of November, 1837, he married Eliza Wonson,
daughter of Capt. Samuel and Lydia (Greenleaf)
Giles, of Gloucester, Mass., and had one son, Samuel
Giles Lamson, who was a paymaster in the army
during the Rebellion, and lost on the steamer
“ Ruth,” which was burned on the Mississippi in
August, 1863, at the age of twenty-three years.
In December, 1875, the church and society united
in a call to Rev. Henry C. Mabie to become their
pastor. He entered upon his work Jan. 1, 1876,
and was publicly recognized January 13. The ser-
mon on that occasion was by Rev. A. J. Gordon,
D.D., of Boston.
The present pastor, Rev. John Billings Brackett,
D.D., was recognized in May, 1880. He was born
| in Woburn, Mass., Dec. 31, 1835; fitted for college
The services of recognition were |
The sermon on that occasion |
of uninterrupted harmony, and his memory is ten- |
derly remembered for his friendships and pastoral
watchfulness of his people. Not only was he highly
respected and loved by his own people, but he was a
man of the community. He had no enemies. Often
was he called into public positions to look after the
schools in the town, and as a trtistee of the public
library, looking after its interests with a zealous care.
The church placed the following on record of his
character and services: “ An eloquent and faithful
preacher, he shunned not to declare the whole counsel
of God; an affectionate pastor, he was beloved by his
flock ; a wise and safe counsellor, his praise was in —
all the churches.”’
liam and Sally (Richardson) Lamson, who was of
New Boston, N. H., who removed to Danvers pre-
vious to the birth of Dr. William Lamson. He was
Dr. Lamson was the son of Wil- |
at Phillips’ Academy, Andover, Mass. ; graduated in
1853 ; graduated at Brown University, 1857 ; took a
theological course in Newton Theological Institution
two years; first settled as pastor in Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., from July, 1859, to November, 1865; pastor
of First Baptist Church of Brooklyn, E. D., from
November, 1865, to April, 1873; in Lynn, Mass.,
from April, 1873, to February, 1878; in Charles-
town, Mass., from February, 1878, to May, 1880.
He was honored with the degree of D.D. by the Uni-
versity of Rochester, N. Y., in 1871.
List of deacons of the First Baptist Church,
Brookline: Elijah Corey, 1828; Timothy Corey,
1828; Thomas Griggs, 1828; Daniel Sanderson,
1846; William H. Jameson, 1855; George Brooks,
1855; Thomas Seaverns, 1863; Samuel C. Davis,
1869; Austin W. Benton, 1874; George F. Joyce,
1874.
Church clerks: Thomas Griggs, 1828; Andrew
H. Newell, 1850: James Edmond, 1853; George F.
| Joyce, 1872; Benjamin F. Baker.
born in that part of Danvers, Mass., known as the |
Port, Feb. 12, 1812; fitted for college at the South |
Reading Academy (Wakefield); entered Waterville
College with the class of 1835, and became a tutor in
that institution. Ordained at Gloucester, Mass., June
7, 1837. Resigned his pastoral charge July, 1839,
and took a two years’ course of study in the Newton
Theological Institution.
Superintendents of Sabbath-schools: Daniel San-
derson, Thomas Griggs, David R. Griggs, Julius S.
bolo] Do")
Shailer, Benjamin H. Rhoades, David R. Griggs,
| George Brooks, H. Lincoln Chase, David Bentley,
From October, 1841, to_
July, 1848, pastor of the same church in Gloucester. |
He was settled in Thomaston, Me., two years; at
George Brooks, H. Lincoln Chase, Thomas 8. Brown,
the present superintendent.
“Englewood” is the name of a small chapel built
by Francis F. Morton, Esq., on Englewood Avenue,
near the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Mr. Morton, as-
sisted by Thomas S. Brown and others, is active in
providing for the wants of that immediate locality.
820
‘
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The Sunday-school is now in a flourishing condition. |
Services are held on the Sabbath at three P.M., and
a prayer-meeting Wednesday evenings.
Harvard Church.—Early in 1844 many people
who had been worshiping with the First Church and
in various places out of town, united for the purpose
of erecting a house of worship of their own as an
Evangelical Congregational Church. They immedi-
ately erected a house on the corner of Washington
aud School Streets, which was dedicated August 26th
of that year. The sermon on that occasion was by
Rev. Edward N. Kirk, D.D., of Boston. On the
same day a church was organized of twenty-seven
persons.
The church records also show that a communion |
service was presented to the church by Mr. T. C.
Leeds, a baptismal vase by Mrs. Anna French, and a
Bible by Mr. J. B. Kimball, and a vote of thanks was
passed to them respectively for their very acceptable
presents.
May 21, 1845, the church extended a unanimous
invitation to Mr. Richard Salter Storrs, Jr., of the
Andover Theological Seminary, to become the pastor. |
He accepted the call, and was ordained October 22
|
|
ensuing, Rev. R.S. Storrs, of Braintree, father of the |
pastor-elect, preaching the ordination sermon.
On the 27th of October, 1846, the pastoral rela-
tion existing between Mr. Storrs and this church was
dissolved by a mutual council, in order to an accept-
ance by the pastor of a call from the Church of the
Pilgrims, in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Nov. 13, 1846, the church unanimously invited
Rev. Joseph Haven, Jr., of Ashland, to the pastorate.
He accepted the invitation, and was installed Dec.
31, 1846.
Professor Ralph Emerson, D.D., of Andover.
On the 12th of December, 1850, Mr. Haven having
received the appointment to the professorship of Moral
Philosophy in Amherst College, the relation between
him and the church was dissolved by a council con-
vened for the purpose.
Deacons.
Elected. Term expired.
Otis Withington, Nov. 18, 1845; Sept. 20, 1858.
John Dane, Jan. 1, 1846; died June 30, 1854.
18, 1870.
21, 1857.
July 24, 1854; resigned March
Nov. 24, 1854;
John H. Dane,
Lewis T. Stoddard, Sept.
The sermon on this occasion was by Rev. |
John N. Turner, Sept. 20, 1858; resigned April 29, 1864.
William Lincoln, Sept. 20, 1858: Sept. 16, 1861. |
Re-elected July 17, 1864; Jan. 20, 1873.
Re-elected Jan. 20, 1873; Jan. 20, 1877.
20, 1877, for 4 yrs.
20, 1861; resigned Sept.
20, 1861; resigned Sept.
Le-elected Jan.
James R. Burditt,
Charles B. Dana,
Geo. L. Richardson, July
21, 1863.
15, 1862.
2, 1872.
Sept.
Sept.
17, 1864; resigned Feb.
Elected. Term expired,
Horatio S. Burdett, June 11, 1869; Jan. 20, 1873.
Re-elected Jan. 20, 1873; Jan. 17, 1876.
Re-elected Jan. 17, 1876, for 4 yrs.
Edward I. Thomas, June 25, 1869; Jan. 20, 1873.
Re-elected Jan. 20, 1873; Jan. 18, 1875.
Re-elected Jan. 18, 1875; Jan. 20, 1879.
Re-elected Jan. 20, 1879, for 5 yrs.
William H. Cooley, Jan. 20, 1873; Jan. 19, 1874,
Re-elected Jan. 19, 1874; Jan. 21, 1878:
Re-elected Jan.
21, 1878, for 5 yrs.
Oliver H. Hay, Jan. 20, 1877, for 5 yrs.
William Lincoln, re-elected 6 years from Jan. 17, 1881.
Horatio S. Burdett, ‘‘ 5 UG Jan. 19, 1880.
Edward I. Thomas, * 6 of Jan. 20, 1884.
Denison D. Dana, oo 6 ee Jan. 25, 1880.
John K. Marshall, “ 6 i“ Jan. 21, 1883.
Jacob P. Palmer, elected 5 ss Jan. 15, 1883.
Clerks.
Elected. Resigned.
John N. Turner, Aug. 23, 1844; Aug. 16, 1854.
George F. Stoddard, Aug. 16, 1844; Sept. 15, 1856.
C. F. Huntington, Sept. 15, 1856; Oct2 se 22a be.
Edward I. Thomas, Oct. 22, 1863; Sept. 19, 1864.
C. F. Huntington, Sept. 19, 1864; Feb. 12, 1869.
Henry B. Eager, Feb. 12, 1869; Jan. oS itive
C. W. Wrightington, Jan. 15, 1877; Jan. 20, 1879.
| H. Edward Abbott, Jan. 20, 1879.
Treasurer.
Henry B. Eager, elected Feb. 2, 1872.
Auditors.
Elected. Resigned.
Edward I. Thomas, Feb. 2, 1872; Jan. 15, 1877.
John A. Howard, Jan. 15, 1877.
Superintendents of the Sabbath-School.
| John Dane, from its formation to his death, June 30, 1854.
S. I. Lovett, from July 21, 1854, to Aug. 15, 1855.
My g
George F. Homer, ‘© Aug. 15, 1855, to Sept. 21, 1857.
J. Emory Hoar, «Sept. 21, 1857, to May 7, 1858.
Charles B. Dana, «May 7, 1858, to Sept. 28, 1859.
George F. Homer, “Sept. 28, 1859, to “~~ 17, 1860:
Charles B. Dana, a 28, 1860, to: 2 Gye oir
John H. Dane, ss ce 16, 1861, tor “sei soos
William Lincoln, s «6 “21, 1863;to: SS Op usbas
George F. Homer, 3 “« 19, 1864, to ‘ 24, 1868.
George W. Merritt, “‘ “21, 1868, to Feb. 1, 1873.
Charles G. Chase, Jan. 20; 1873:
March 21, 1851, the Rev. Matson Meier Smith, of
New York, was unanimously called to the pastoral
charge, and, having accepted the invitation, was in-
stalled by an ecclesiastical council, June 5, 1851.
The installation sermon was preached by Rev. R.
Salter Storrs, Jr., of Brooklyn, N. Y.
In November, 1858, Mr. Smith resigned the pas-
torate, having accepted a call from the First Congre-
gational Church in Bridgeport, Conn., and on the 23d
of that month was dismissed by a mutual council
convened for that purpose.
Oct. 20, 1859, the church gave a unanimous call
BROOKLINE. 821
to Rev. J. Lewis Diman, of Fall River, which was
accepted, and he was installed March 15, 1860, Rev. |
Thatcher Thayer, D.D., of Newport, R. I., preaching
the installation sermon.
debt, and in June, 1874, by the adoption of the present
constitution, Harvard Church was established a free
church forever, in accordance with the desire of its
| chief benefactor, Mr. Hall.
Invited to the professorship of History and Polit- |
ical Economy in Brown University, Rhode Island, in
1864, Mr. Diman accepted the call, and a mutual
council, convened June 29th of that year, dissolved
his pastoral relation to the church.
April 10, 1865, Rev. C. C. Carpenter, of Birming- |
ham, Conn., was invited to the pastorate. He ac-
cepted, and was installed June 29,1865. Rev. Wil-
liam M. Barbour, then of South Danvers, preached
the installation sermon.
In 1867, Mr. Carpenter resigned on account of ill
health, and was dismissed by a mutual council Sep-
tember 18th of that year.
Sept. 24, 1868, the church invited Rev. C. Maurice |
Wines, of Rochester, N. Y., to become its pastor, and |
he was installed Nov. 12, 1868. The sermon was |
preached by Rey. E. C. Wines, D.D., of New York, |
father of the pastor-elect.
Feb. 20, 1870, Mr. Wines resigned his office, and
a mutual council, on April 27, 1870, dissolved the
pastoral relation.
The time having now come when the growing
demands of the community called for a new church
of worshipers, and with more conveniences for service,
That good Providence which had brought the
church to this happy condition continued to bless it
by providing for it a pastor in the person of Rey.
Reuen Thomas, Ph.D., of Wickliffe Chapel, London,
who was installed its minister May 4, 1875. Thus
has the “little one become a thousand,” and may it
not hope that the Lord has reserved for it a history
of blessing which shall exceed the past as far as the
glory of the latter temple surpasseth that of the former.
There is connected with this church a large and
flourishing mission department, called the ‘“ Bethany
Sunday-School.”
noon and Thursday and Saturday evenings, under the
Meetings are held on Sunday after-
direction of Deacon John K. Marshall, superintendent,
and Deacon Dennison D. Dana, assistant superintend-
These meetings are held in Goddard Hall, and
are intended to reach the masses, or a class of people
ent.
who have no regular place of worship, who are always
welcome. These meetings are well attended, and are
doing a great work in providing for a large population.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.—At the junction
of St. Paul Street and Aspinwall Avenue may be
'seen an elegant architectural structure which has
edifice in a more central location for a greater number |
the society voted to build. An eligible lot was secured |
at the corner of Harvard and Marion Streets, and the
corner-stone of the new church was laid with appro-
priate ceremonies July 6, 1871, interesting addresses
being made by Rev. Nehemiah Adams, D.D., of
Boston, and Rev. Albert E. Dunning, of Boston
Highlands.
In May, 1873, the present beautiful edifice having
been completed, was dedicated with appropriate ser-
often been the object of admiration. Approaching it
from any point, but particularly from Harvard Street,
is one of the finest views to be found in this vicinity.
Not as expensive as some buildings used for churches
is this, but taking the peculiar location, the gray-
stone walls and tower, with the dark clustering vines
which almost conceal the walls in midsummer, to-
gether with the beautiful scarlet and crimson foliage
of the autumn months, covering porch and gable,
vices to the worship of Almighty God, Rev. R.S. |
Storrs, D.D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., preaching the ser- |
mon.
progress had tested the liberality and devotedness of
the society to a remarkable degree. The work, how-
ever, under the care of large-hearted men, inspired by
the genius and taste of that eminent artist, Edward
Tuckerman Potter, Esq., had so far surpassed the
original design as to have become encumbered with a
debt of sixty thousand dollars. To free it from this
threatening embarrassment many liberal-hearted men
came forward with generous donations, which, being
lars by Martin L. Hall, Esq. (who had before been
Thus was completed an enterprise which in its |
among its largest contributors), swept away the entire |
renders the whole pleasing to the eye, and displays
good taste in the originators of the same. The build-
ing and surroundings form the most pleasing and pic-
turesque bits of scenery to be found in this region, re-
minding the beholder of the many fine landscape views
of the English seats and rural scenery of England.
The first meeting for church worship by this society
was held in the town hall on the second Sunday of
July, 1849. Prominent among the earliest members
were Eliakim Littell, James S. Amory, Harrison Fay,
Augustus Aspinwall, William Aspinwall, Theodore
Lyman, Frederic P. Ladd, Moses B. Williams, John
Shepherd, James S. Patten. Rev. Thomas M. Clark
| officiated as pastor for a few Sabbaths during his
crowned with the princely gift of forty thousand dol-
vacation. Rev. William Horton, of Newburyport,
was the first settled pastor, who remained for three
years, the society steadily increasing in numbers all
822
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the while. In the latter part of 1850 active meas-
ures were taken towards building a church. <A sub- |
scription was started, the following persons con-
tributing, viz.: Harrison Fay, Augustus Aspinwall,
James S. Amory, Moses B. Williams, John S. Wright,
Benjamin Howard, Theodore Lyman, William Apple-
ton, and others. Mr. Fay gave five thousand dollars ;
Mr. Aspinwall gave the Jand on which the church
stands and two thousand dollars.
time was worth about fifteen hundred dollars.
amount of twelve thousand dollars being subscribed,
was sufficient for the body of the church, Mr. As-
pinwall and Mr. Fay building the tower in equal
thousand dollars
amounts, costing thirteen more,
making twenty-five thousand dollars the total cost.
The bell, costing nearly one thousand dollars, was |
presented by Timothy C. Leeds, a native of this town,
then a resident of Boston.
The building committee were Harrison Fay, Au-
gustus Aspinwall, and Moses B. Williams. Richard
Upjohn, of New York, was the architect. The build-
ing is of stone, built in the most substantial manner.
In May, 1852, Rev. Mr. Horton resigned his posi-
tion, and Dr. John Seeley Stone, of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
formerly of St. Paul's Church, Boston, accepted a_
call as his successor.
consecrated in December, 1852, and Dr. Stone en-
tered upon his duties as rector. He continued here
about two years, and resigned in the fall of 1862 to
accept a professorship in the Episcopal Theological
Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. After a few mouths,
Rey. Francis Wharton, D.D., of Kenyon College,
Ohio, was installed as rector.
summer of 1869, when he resigned, and the following
spring (1870) Rev. William W. Newton, a quite
young and talented man, was installed.
During the pastorate of Dr. Stone, in 1857, a |
chapel was erected near to the church, to complete
which the ladies of the parish contributed four thou-
sand dollars. Mrs. Sarah P. Rogers, of Boston, con-
tributed one thousand dollars towards the same on
condition that it should contain a mural tablet in
memory of her daughter, who died in Cairo, Egypt.
In compliance with the above condition a beautiful
marble tablet in bas-relief, with a tasteful design
representing Mary sitting at the feet of the Saviour,
under which are the words, ‘“ Mary sat at Jesus’ feet
and heard his word;” also an inscription commemo-
rating the death of Mrs. Rogers and her daughter,
as follows:
“Sacred to the memory of Sarah P. Rogers.
Aged 56 years, who died
in Boston, Feb 24, 1858.
The land at that |
The |
The new church was formerly —
He continued till the |
| And of her daughter Sarah,
Louise Rogers,
Aged 19 years, who died
in Cairo, Egypt, March 16, 1856.”
In the easterly end of the church is a memorial
_ window, in the chancel, placed there by the children
of Dr. William Aspinwall as a memorial, which bears
_ the following inscription :
“Tn Memoria h’on Guliemus Aspinwall.
Pat III. Inn. M.D.CCCXLIII. Ob XVI. Aprilis
M. D. CCCXXITII.”
To the right hand of Dr. Stone’s memorial tablet
is a window containing a figure of St. John in
stained glass, with the following words accompanying :
“To the glory of God
and in memory of
William Chadbourne”
_ On the north side of the church, near the organ, is
a black marble tablet with gilt letters, on which is the
| following inscription :
“To THE MEMORY
of
1805.4+Harrison Fay.+1882.
One of the Founders of this Parish
A Warden for twenty one years,
its constant friend
And liberal benefactor.
and
A faithful worshipper with its people
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation.”
At the easterly end of the church, on a polished
|
| metallic plate, may be found, to the memory of their
pastor,
“Rev. John Seeley Stone, D.D., Rector of this Parish,+1852
to 1862.
Powerful as a Preacher The members of the
church on earth ought
to regulate the whole
course of life, Association
habit, and feeling with
reference to future
membership in the church in
Heaven The true church here.
They are both parts of one
and the same communion.
beloved as pastor.
He was remarkable for
the length and character
of his services to the
American Episcopal Church
in which he was born
and nurtured
This tablet affectionately
dedicated to his memory
And to the Glory of God
may best serve its purpose
and fellowship. The earthly
passes, into The heavenly
by recording his own is more than a type of the
Glorified Church there. .
Died, Jan 13. 1882.”
impressive words.
Born, Oct 7. 1795.
New Jerusalem Church.—Previous to 1852 a
few members of the Boston society of the New
Jerusalem, in Bowdoin Street, Boston, who were
residents of Brookline were obliged to go to Boston
Re-
ligious services commenced in private houses, and the
or to have meetings of their own nearer home.
Sunday-school was held in the parlors of the mem-
——— Pape a
BROOKLINE. 823
bers, and sometimes a public conveyance was procured |
to carry them to their church in the city. At length
the members increased, and in 1852 these members
commenced church worship in the town hall. In
April, 1857, a society was organized. Their first pas- |
tor was Rev. Tiley Brown Hayward, a graduate of
Harvard College, 1820. He remained here till 1861.
He was succeeded by Rev. John C. Ager. In 1862
a new temple was erected at the corner of High and
Irving Streets. Mr. Ager continued here till 1864,
at which time he was called to the pastorate of the |
New Jerusalem Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was
succeeded by Rev. 8. M. Warren. Mr. Warren being
called to Europe, Rev. Abiel Silver supplied their pul-
pit during his absence. Rev. Warren Goddard, Jr.,
of Brockton (born Oct. 10, 1849), was the next pas-
tor, who is now in Providence, R. I. Rev, Willard
H. Hinkley, of Baltimore, Md., came to town in
1881, and was installed as their pastor. The church
is a neatly constructed building of stone, in the Eng-
lish-Gothic style, capable of holding about two hun- |
dred and fifty people. Its interior finish is of oak, |
open to the roof, has an organ in the rear of the |
chancel, pastor’s room on one side, and library-room.
The building sits east and west, with a pulpit at the -
east end and a depository for the Word in the centre, |
at the back of the chancel.
In 1882 this society erected a commodious two-
story parsonage on the same lot on which stands the |
church. This society is now in a prosperous con-
dition. ;
St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption.—This
church belongs to the diocese of the Most Reverend
Archbishop J. J. Williams, of Boston. The first |
Catholic services in this town were held in Lyceum
Hall. The first record being July 30,1852. In_
1854 the church on Andem Place was erected, and
the first services held there on Christmas-day of that
year. Rev. Michael O’Bierne was the first priest of
_ the parish, who was succeeded by Rev. Joseph M.
Finotti, in 1856. The church increased in numbers
so rapidly that an assistant was necessary, and Rey.
J. C. Murphy was associated with him as colleague.
Father Finotti closed his labors here at Easter, 1873,
leaving the parish in the care of Rev. Patrick F.
Lamb. He was extremely popular, and devoted
much time in the interests of young people. His
health soon gave out, and he removed to the South in
the hope of restoration. Rev. A. J. Molinari took
charge of the parish for five months, during the
absence of Mr. Lamb. But he died on his way home,
in New York, July 2, 1873, and his body was buried
from St. Mary’s Church, an immense congregation
and quiet underneath the building.
being in attendance at the services. Following Mr.
Lamb was the present pastor, Rev. L. J. Morris, who
began his pastoral labors July 19, 1873. Father
| Morris was born in Lowell, Mass.; educated in the
common schools of that city; afterwards went to
Montreal College, and later to St. Charles’, in Balti-
more, Md., where he remained four years. He was
then sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary, Troy, N. Y.,
where he completed his philosophical and theological
studies, and after a four years’ course he was ordained
May 22, 1869, and was sent to Waltham, Mass., as
curate, where he remained for four years, and from
thence was placed in charge of the church in Brook-
line.
In consequence of a pressure for larger accommo-
dations, land was purchased of George F. Homer, on
Harvard Street, for a new church in October, 1873,
containing 57,000 feet, for $27,000, to which was
added, Aug. 10, 1878, 25,000 feet more at the cor-
ner of Linden Place and Harvard Street, of A. L.
Wood, for the further sum of $13,400, making in all
82,000 feet, at a cost of $40,400. On this very
desirable lot of land a new and elegant brick church
with freestone trimmings has been erected, capable
of holding 1200 people, the principal entrance being
from Linden Place. The corner-stone was laid July
19 with proper ceremony. The dedication of the
new church was Oct. 1, 1882. The architects were
Messrs. Peabody & Stearns; the house cost about
$80,000. This church has a much larger attendance
of church worshipers than any other church in the
town.
Christ’s Church.—Those of our readers who are
accustomed to travel in the steam-cars to Boston,
cannot fail to have noticed a large stone building with
paneled walls, and having a large square tower, making
a fine appearance, near to Chapel Station. This build-
ing was erected by Hon. David Sears, at a time when
that section of the town had no facilities for church
worship. It was erected about 1860, at the private
expense of Mr. Sears, with the hope and expectation
that people of all denominations would congregate
here for church worship. Mr. Sears prepared a lit-
urgy, or book of worship, in which he gives his own
ideas on religious subjects. The plan, which was
purely original in the mind of the projector, has not
succeeded as he might have thought it would, and it
now stands as a memorial of the kind wishes and
good intentions of, and serves as a monument to the
memory of, the originator, whose remains lie in peace
Worship was
sustained for a time here, but was at last given up.
We cannot give a better idea of the intentions of the
824
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
proprietor than to quote his own words in the “Chris- | Robert Amory. The first service in the church was
tian Liturgy and Book of Prayer,” viz. :
© The Christian Liturgy.
“The purpose of Christ’s Church in Brookline, Longwood,
a Gospel Church, the first of the Union of Churches in the Spirit
of Charity—is to provide a Liturgy which shall comprehend
those doctrines, and those only, which are essential to guide the
mind in aright worship of God. It is obvious that men who
differ as to the origin of sin, or as to the precise nature of the |
atonement, may nevertheless equally love God, and may be alike
grateful to him for his mercy, and desire his approval, and seek |
his will, and adore his infinite perfections. They may differ on
many theological questions, and yet may have the same senti-
ments of devout trust and reverential gratitude, and may equally
feel the need of Divine help.
is essential to devotion, why may they not unite in religious
worship? If they will abstain from obtruding into the act of
worship those theological speculations which have no necessary
connection with it, why may they not bow together before that
God which they all adore?
“The Liturgy of the Church of America professes only to
give expression to those feelings which should be in man’s heart
It would leave the theological ques-
tions on which sects divide to be settled by each individual in
when he looks up to God.
his own way, while it would draw all Christian people together
in the sentiment and offices of devotion.”
This house was modeled after a church in Col-
chester, England, and is situated on Colchester Street,
Longwood.
Church of our Saviour.—This church is famous
for its neat and attractive appearance, situated as it is
in one of the finest sections of the town, at the corner
of Monmouth and Carleton Streets, but a short dis-
tance from Chapel Station; not only is it tasteful in |
its external appearance and surroundings, but it is
also exquisite in its internal appointments. It is built
of broken stone, with hammered granite trimmings,
having a tower at the easterly end of the same. This
parish was organized Feb. 19, 1868. Amos Adams
Lawrence and Dr. William R. Lawrence erected the
building as a tribute to the memory of their father,
Amos Lawrence,—an exceedingly appropriate and
beautiful expression of their regard for one whose
memory they delight to cherish.
The marble tablet on the west wall of the church is |
as follows:
“This Church is built in memory of Amos Law-
RENCE, by his two Sons.
March 22, 1868.”
-<-;
The organ, built by Messrs. E. & G. Hook, was |
presented by Mrs. Amos A. Lawrence in memory of |
her
Mrs. F. W. Lawrence.
mother.
Prominent among the mem-
bers of this society are the various branches of the
Lawrence family, the prime movers in its organization, |
S. H. Gregory, Samuel L. Bush, the late Commodore
g
We
George
If they may thus agree in what |
Divine service first held |
The baptismal font was the gift of |
Blake, William C. Hichborn, and Dr. | Gill, Rev. William G. Leonard.
- March 22,1868. Rev. Elliott D. Thompkins was the
first rector. The consecration of the church was by
the late Bishop Eastburn, on the 29th of September,
1868. The second pastor was Rev. Frank L. Norton,
the present dean of the cathedral at Albany, N. Y.
Present officers of the church: The rector is Rev.
Reginald H. Howe; Wardens, S. L. Bush, S. H.
Gregory; Vestrymen, Amos A. Lawrence, W. L.
Chase, A. P. Howard, William H. Lincoln, Francis
_W. Lawrence, John Wales, Thomas P. Ritchie,
Charles Thorndike, Hammond Vinton, G. F. Clarke,
J. L. Carter; Clerk, Hammond Vinton; Treasurer,
J. L. Carter; Sexton, A. B. Marston.
This society have an elegant stone chapel, used for
evening meetings, and rooms for the various benevolent
and charitable objects of the church. Connected with
this church is a guild established in 1880, a parish
aid society, and a church temperance society, beside a
Sunday-school numbering about one hundred. The
number of communicants of the church is about one
hundred and sixty.
Washington Street Methodist Episcopal
Church.—The first attempt to establish a Methodist
church in Brookline was in the early part of 1873.
Three persons from other places saw an opening for,
and the need of, a Methodist Church where people
could worship in their own way in this town. They
united with two others and purchased the building
formerly belonging to the Harvard Congregational
society, at the corner of Washington and School
Streets, for the sum of twenty-four thousand five hun-
dred dollars.
manner, and dedicated to public worship soon after,
and the Rev. E. D. Winslow, of Newton, was ap-
pointed by the New England Conference as their pas-
tor. Bishop Simpson preached the dedication sermon
from 1 John iv. 19. A Sunday-school was connected
with this church of about one hundred members.
The church was refitted in an attractive
_In 1876 the society sold the house, and worshiped
in the town hall till May, 1879, when land was pur-
chased for a church nearly opposite their first build-
ing, on the corner of Washington and Cypress Streets,
and a new church was built by William Wood, which
was dedicated in September, 1879, costing two thou-
sand six hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ninety-
one cents, Mr. Wood presenting the stained-glass
windows and pulpit. The following are the preachers
who have supplied since the commencement: Rev. E.
D. Winslow, Rev. Mark Trafton, Rev. W. S. Robin-
son, Rev. Henry Witham, Rev. M. V. B. Knox, Rev.
KE. R. Watson, Rev. William McDonald, Rev. Joshua
Enoch Doran is
——EEEEeE—EEE=——
———————
BROOKLINE.
825
superintendent of the Sabbath-school, William Wood
secretary and treasurer of the society.
Schools.—It will be seen by the vote allowing
Muddy River to manage their own affairs as early
as Dec. 8, 1686, provision was made for educating ©
the young, viz.: Ordered, “ That henceforth the said |
Hamlet be free from Town rates to Boston, they rais-
ing a School-House and maintaining an able reading
and writing master.” The above act was accepted at
a full meeting of the inhabitants on the 19th of Jan-
uary, 1686-87, also the sum of twelve pounds raised
for the maintenance of said school. What kind of a
building was used for a ‘Scholl hous” we are not
told, but we find that on the 28th of May, 1697, it
needed repairs. Also, on the same day, it was
“ voated that Mr. John Searl should tech school in |
sd Muddyriver from the first Munday in may 1697
until the last day of February 1697” (?).
The first school-house erected by the “hamlet” of |
Muddy River was situated on the ground now occu-
pied by the block of houses of Arthur Williams on |
School Street, then known as “ School-house Lané.”
The lane was narrow, not much more than a cart road,
and bordered on either side by a low stone wall over-
hung by trees, and on the east side by a thick, natural
hedge of barberry-bushes, which nearly concealed the
wall.
A school was kept in this lane from a very early
period, probably the only school in the town while it
was a part of Boston.
a very small and low, square, hipped-roof building,
on the spot above mentioned. Some of the oldest
The original school-house was |
inhabitants can just remember it as a mere hovel
going to ruin in their early childhood.
The second school-house was the same style of build-
ing, a little larger, and stood on the spot now forming
the corner of School and Prospect Streets. We have
been informed that this bit of ground was given to
the town for a school-house lot forever by one of the
early Davis families.
The arrangements in and about this ancient edifice
of learning for the accommodation of teacher and |
pupils would hardly satisfy modern tastes and require-
ments.
On each side of an alley through the middle of the —
_ will forget their hardness? We have heard mention
room the seats were arranged facing the alley, like
were long, narrow
benches, with a plank supported upon legs, running
seats in a street-car, only they
the whole length of the room (except a space for ad-
mission at the ends), and this plank served the pur-
A sort of drawer underneath served
The
pose of a desk.
to hold the books, which were not numerous.
Bible, the Psalter, the Spelling-Book and the Arith- |
metic being all that were used, and not all those at
once. Perhaps they feared softening of the brain.
The teacher’s desk was in the left hand corner farthest
from the door, and the right-hand corner was occupied
by an immense fireplace with a chimney to match.
The clothing was hung on the wall, in the absence of
a clothes-closet.
The wood, of cord length and often unseasoned,
was deposited outside the school-house, and autumnal
The
winter school, taught by a man, used to begin with
the Monday after Thanksgiving, and the boys took
turns, week by week, in sawing and splitting the wood
Friction-matches were one of
the blessings reserved for modern times, so the luck-
rains and winter snows fell unchecked upon it.
and making the fire.
less wights who made the fires had to bring live coals
in an iron skillet, kept for the purpose, from ‘‘ Squire
Sharp’s,” the nearest neighbor, and for some time the
schoolmaster.
‘Squire Sharp” was teacher of the winter school
several years, as was also Dr. Aspinwall. Three
teachers by the name of Allen (not brothers) also
served for several winters. One of them was after-
_wards president of Bowdoin College, Brunswick,
Me., and another became subsequently a Unitarian
clergyman.
Among the female teachers of those days were two
sisters, Nabby and Joanna Jordan, who lived with
their parents in the little house. Many good peo-
ple, now far advanced in life, learned their A, B, C
in that little old building of Miss Nabby or Miss
Joanna. Another of the female teachers for many
successive years was Miss Lucy Aspinwall.
The school-house was built two stories high, with
a place for clothing in the entry and a little room for
fuel in the rear of each room. A platform ran across
the end, on which was the teacher’s desk, opposite to
the door. The seats were arranged to face the teacher,
six in a row, the desks being all under the same
board for one row, but separated inside from one
A square box-stove for wood heated each
room. On each end of the platform were three more
seats, and in front of the desks a narrow board was
another.
placed a few inches from the floor for a seat for the
little children. Who that ever sat upon those seats
made of ‘the soft side of a plank.” That there was
no soft side to those planks none who sat there will
deny their testimony. Poor little urchins of four
years and upwards sat there from nine to twelve in
the forenoon and from one till four in the afternoon,
summer and winter, to read the alphabet once through
from A to Z each half-day, with five minutes’ recess
826
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
only in each session, and a smart application of the
rattan or ruler if they turned round or whispered.
For many years the town appropriated money for
two terms of school in the year, three or four months
each, in summer and in winter.
|
|
The people of the
district then contributed somewhat more that a few .
weeks might be added to the terms. Thus the schools
were kept nearly as many weeks in the year as at
present, only the vacations occurred in the comforta-
ble weather of fall and spring when the children were
in good condition to study, and through the whole of
the sweltering dog-days teachers and pupils were kept
at their tasks.
The first school-house built by the people of the |
town, unaided by Boston, stood on the hill, on the
triangular piece of ground where Warren and Walnut
It was probably a
small wooden school-house, but it must have served
An ancient bill pre-
sented to the selectmen for repairs on this building is
a curiosity.
Streets diverge, near the church.
for a hundred years or more.
It reads as follows:
December ye 6.1758.
to work don at the Skul hous
to shinggeling the ruf and finding 15 shingels, and nales and
Lime to pint it, P20
to Laying the harth and finding 60 ty bricks and wheling 12
whelborrers of Durt to Ras it. 2.00
Lathing and plastern Severl plases 0.1.0
Moses Scott 4.00
We do not find Mr. Scott’s arithmetic or spelling
to indicate that he ever spent much time in the “ Skul
hous,’ except in the exercise of his calling as car-
penter. The indorsement of the selectmen on the
back of the bill orders the town treasurer, Jona Win-
chester, to pay him ten shillings and eight pence for
his work. Another old bill, presented by a female
teacher, who probably taught in School Street, affords
a similar anomaly :
ing School fore months from the seventh of June 1760, at
twenty six shillings and Eaight pence per month. 5.68.”
on which the indorsement reads:
“allowed twenty four shillings pr. month In Consideration
of her haveing a great number of Schollers & there being but
one school Kept.”
We have known of instances where an increase of
the number of scholars did not secure a corresponding
increase of salary, but hope the above is the only
instance on record of an abatement being made for a
similar reason. Perhaps, however, the deficiency was
made up by a tax on the pupils.
This build-
spot was of brick, and was built in 1793.
ing was the Alma Mater of many, if not most, of our
present middle-aged and elderly townspeople. It was
a square, hip-roofed building, fronting eastward, with |
out-blinds, porch or shed, and here school was kept,
always by a male teacher, from April to November.
Then it was closed, and the winter school for many
years was kept by “the master’ in the School Street
school-house. Another school was also kept during
the same time in a small wooden school-house on
Heath Street, nearly opposite the present one.
The brick school-house was not an important build-
ing in town merely for its service in school uses, but
it was also used for town-meetings from the time it
It was at
the brick school-house that the people of the town met
to form a procession on the occasion of the funeral
From
thence they marched to the church, then standing in
was built as long as it remained standing.
services in honor of George Washington.
what is now the garden of the parsonage, and listened
to the eulogy delivered by Dr. Pierce.
After the close of the second war with Hngland the
town began to grow more rapidly. Several gentlemen
came here and built fine houses, and there was a gen-
eral increase of prosperity. The subject of building
a town-house began to be discussed, but met with con-
siderable opposition from old citizens, who thought
the school-house had been good enough for them and
their fathers, and ought to suffice for the coming gen-
eration. However, the more enterprising carried their
point at last so far as to get a vote to build a town-
house. The next thing to be considered was the place
The brothers John and Lewis
Tappan and Mr. Joseph Sewall had built stone houses,
and it was proposed to build a stone town-house.
and the material.
This was opposed, of course, as wonecessary extrava-
gance by the men who thought the old school-house
was good enough. But once more enterprise tri-
_umphed, and the building was decided upon, as well
“The Town of Brookline Depttor to Mary Bowen for Keep- |
as the location. This was the origin of the building
known as the old stone school-house, still standing next
the Unitarian Church.
The contract for building it was let out to mechanics
from Roxbury; but the work is said to have been
badly done. The building was completed in 1824,
and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on the
Ist day of January, 1825.
The lower room was fitted for a school-room, and
the old brick school-house was taken down the same
year. On the spot where the building stood, at the
site of the door, an elm-tree was planted by Mr.
| Ebenezer Heath, and it still marks the spot.
The next school-house of which we hear on this |
The
old plan of keeping the school a part of the year in
that neighborhood and changing to School Street in
b
-
H
BROOKLINE.
827
of population soon made it necessary to have a school |
_ completely fitted and enlarged, and is in a flourishing
the year round in that part of the town.
For several years the town hall, on the second floor
of the building, was a popular place for singing-schools,
political meetings, and lyceum lectures. About the
year 1832, Mr. Isaac Thayer, who had rushed like a_
comet into the quiet atmosphere of Brookline and
left his trail along the horizon for some time after
his departure, started the idea of a series of lyceum |
lectures. A company was organized as the Brook-
line Lyceum Society, and for several winters the hall
was filled with the élite of the town on these occa-
sions.
On alternate weeks a debate was held instead of a
lecture.
season created much discussion and awakened great
interest. An impulse was given to intellectual growth
by the lyceum lectures which was felt throughout the
town. Quiet farmers who scarcely read anything be-
fore but the Bible and the almanac were roused into
new mental life. A premium of ten dollars was of-
fered by the Lyceum Society to the person who should
remember and be able to repeat the most of any lec-
ture heard. A daughter of Deacon Joshua C. Clark
was the successful competitor.
A course of lectures on phrenology the first |
winter continued for a while longer, but the increase | when it became private property. A select private
school is now kept in this building, which has been
condition under the care of Miss Carrie L. Rideout,
formerly a teacher in the public schools of Brookline.
The present High School building is at the corner
of School and Prospect Streets, and near to the site
of the first school in the town.
Classical School—In 1823, Rey. John Pierce,
Richard Sullivan, Elisha Penniman, Henry Colman,
Henry A. 8. Dearborn, Henry Oxnard, Charles Tap-
pan, Lewis Tappan, John Tappan, William Raymond
Lee, John Robinson, Oliver Whyte, Elijah Corey,
Timothy Corey, Thomas Griggs, Samuel Craft, David
8. Greenough, Jr., Joseph Sewall, Ebenezer Craft,
James Leeds, Ebenezer Francis, Ebenezer Heath,
Augustus Aspinwall, and Dr. Charles Wild were
_ incorporated as the Brookline Classical School.
A building was erected on Boylston Street, now
Dr. Shurtleff’s house, where a school was kept for
boys. The first teacher was David Hatch Barlow,
followed by Gideon F. Thayer, the founder of the
The first public high school in Brookline was |
_opened in this building in May, 1843, under Mr.
Benjamin H. Rhoades, a graduate of Brown Univer-
sity, now librarian of Redwood Library, Newport,
R. I. The second town hall was built in 1845.
| Aurelian,’ and other works.
His assistant teacher, James Pierce, a young man |
of great promise and much beloved, though a native
of Dorchester, was related to Brookline families and
well identified with its interests.
He was preparing to enter the Unitarian ministry
when his health failed, and a trip to Europe was ad-
vised.
in the sea.
On the return voyage he died, and was buried
Many hearts sincerely mourned his loss
and still tenderly cherish his memory.
Mr. Rhoades was succeeded by Hezekiah Shailer,
a brother of Rev. W. H. Shailer, who was then min-
ister of the Baptist Church in this town. He was
called a good disciplinarian, as those who experienced
the shakings which he gave in a quiet way after
school were usually reduced to submission as effectu-
ally as if they had been experimented upon with the
“clapper” of his ancient predecessor.
Mr. Shailer was succeeded by Mr. John Emory
After
the school was removed to its present location the
Hoar, the present teacher of the high school.
old stone building continued in use for primary
schools until sold by the town a few years since,
Chauncy Hall School, Boston. This school usually
had from thirty to forty pupils, and was continued
till about 1837.
a year or two with varied success.
After that time it was continued for
George B. Emer-
son, the well-known educator, became the next owner,
residing here for two years, and during that time
spent a winter in Boston, having leased his house to
William Ware, author of.‘ Zenobia,” “ Last Days of
The first named above
was written in the parlor of that house.
Lucius V. Hubbard, Nathaniel Ingersoll, David
Fosdick, Jr., Thaddeus Clapp, Luther Farrar, and
Samuel Rogers, who afterwards became a physician
in Roxbury, taught in this school at different. times.
Devotion Fund.—Two persons have made dona-
tions for schools in the town at different times. Ed-
ward Devotion, who by his will, dated 1743, left the
_ following to the town of Brookline:
“Ttem: in case my Hstate prove to be sufficient to pay my
Just Debts, Funeral Charges and the aforementioned Legacies
and there should be any overplus left then my will is and I
| hereby give the sd overplus to the Town of Brooklyn towards
Building or Maintaining a School as near the Centre of the
said Town as shall be agreed upon by the Town. But if the
said Town cannot agree upon a Place to set the said School
upon then my Will is that the said overplus be laid out in pur-
| chasing a Wood Lott for the use of the School and the ministry
of said Town forever.”
The sum of money, which at the time of its being
received in 1762, amounted to “£739 4s. lawful
| money” for the use of schools, was borrowed by the
State during the Revolutionary war, and when it was
828
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
paid back to the town it was in depreciated Conti-
nental currency. It was put at interest, however,
and in 1845 had accumulated to the
$4531.01, which was appropriated to the building of
the town hall, which was to have two school-rooms
amount of
in it.
Hyslop Donation.—Jan. 4, 1793, “ Voted to accept
the Donation of William Hyslop Esquire for the pur-
pose of Building a School House on, or near the spot
where the Old School House in the middle of the
Town stands.”
“ Voted, that the Town Sensibly imprest with the
(the) great obligations they are under to William
Hyslop Esquire, for his generous Donation for the
purpose of Building a School House in said Town |
for the Incouragement and promotion of Learning
among the Youth of the Rising Generation, Sin-
cerely Return him their thanks.”
College Graduates.—John White, A.M., son of
Joseph and Hannah White; graduate Harvard Col- |
lege, 1698 ; ordained pastor of church at Gloucester, |
Mass., April 21, 1703; died Jan. 16, 1760.
Ebenezer Devotion, A.M., son of John Devotion; |
graduate Harvard College, 1707; taught school
1709; ordained pastor of a church at Suffield, Conn.,
June 28, 1710; died April 11, 1741, aged fifty- |
seven.
Edward White, A.M., son of Benjamin and Han-
nah (Wiswall) White, graduate Harvard College, |
1712; was a farmer, justice of the peace, major in
the militia, and representative to the General Court,
town clerk, selectman, moderator of the town-meet- |
ings, town treasurer, and other public offices ; died |
May 29, 1769, aged seventy-six.
Andrew Gardner, A.M.; graduate Harvard Col- |
lege, 1712; ordained at Worcester, Mass., 1719,
and dismissed Oct. 31, 1722; installed at Lunenburg,
Mass., May 15, 1728, and dismissed Feb. 22, 1732.
Soon after his dismission he retired to one of the
towns on the Connecticut River, in the State of New |
Hampshire, where he died at a very advanced age.
Samuel Aspinwall, A.M., son of Lieut. Samuel
and Sarah (Stevens) Aspinwall, born Feb. 13, 1696;
died Aug. 13, 1732, aged thirty-seven. We find the
following in the New England Weekly Journal, No.
283 :
“BrRookuine, Aug. 21.
“On the 13th inst died here, Mr. Samuel Aspinwall, of this
Town, in the 37th year of his age, after between six and seven
years illness. He commenced Master of Arts, in Cambridge,
1717, and was designed for the ministry; but discouraged by
inward weakness; which after he had been for some little time,
settled here, so advanced, as to take him off from business, and,
at length, proved fatal. He was a gentleman of bright parts,
natural and acquired, a strong memory, quick wit, and solid
=
judgment, pleasant in his conversation, a steady friend, and a
good christian.”
A funeral sermon was also published on the ocea-
sion of his death by Rey. James Allen, in which he
gives him an excellent character.
Rev. Ebenezer White, A.M., son of Deacon Ben-
jamin and Margaret (Weld) White, was born March
29,1713; graduate Harvard College, 1733 ; ordained
minister at Norton, Mass. (now Mansfield), Feb. 23,
1737; died Feb. 18, 1761.
Jonathan Winchester, A.M., son of Henry and
Frances Winchester, born April 21, 1717; ordained
at Ashburnham, Mass., April 23, 1760; died Novy.
27, 1767, aged fifty years.
Henry Sewall, son of Samuel and Rebecca (Dud-
ley) Sewall, born March 8, 1720; Harvard College,
1738 ; a farmer and justice of the peace; died May
29, 1771, aged fifty-one.
John Druce, A.M., son of John and Elizabeth
(Bishop) Druce, born July 13, 1709; Harvard Col-
lege, 1738; became a physician and settled in Wren-
tham, Mass., and had a family.
Charles Gleason, A.M., son of William and
Thankful (Trowbridge) Gleason, born Dec. 29, 1718;
graduate Harvard College, 1738; ordained at Dud-
ley, Mass., Oct. 31,1744; died May 7, 1790, aged
seventy-two.
James Allen, son of Rev, James and Mehetable ©
(Shepard) Allen, the first minister of Brookline, born
Sept. 20, 1723; Harvard College, 1741; died in
December, 1749, aged twenty-six.
Benjamin White, A.M., son of Maj. Edward and
Hannah (Wiswall) White, born Oct. 5, 1724; Har-
_vard College, 1744; a farmer in Brookline, justice of
the peace, and for many years represented the town
in the General Court; afterwards a member of the
Governor’s Council; he died May 8, 1790.
Isaac Gardner, A.M., son of Isaac and Susanna
(Heath) Gardner, born May 9, 1726; Harvard
College, 1747; a farmer in Brookline, justice of the
peace ; killed by the British troops while on his re-
turn from Lexington on the memorable 19th of
| April, 1775.
Hull Sewall, A.M., son of Henry and Ann
(White) Sewall, born April 9, 1744; Harvard
College, 1761; died Nov. 27, 1767.
Samuel Newall, A.M., son of Henry and Ann
(White) Sewall, and grandson of Chief Justice
Sewall, born Dec. 31, 1745; lived single, a counselor-
at-law, in Boston; became a refugee from his coun-
try, proscribed in the banishment act of 1778, and
passed the remainder of his life in Bristol, England,
where he died, May 6, 1811, aged sixty-six years.
His estate in Brookline, inherited in right of his
mother, was forfeited by Jaw, and afterwards purchased
by the late Mr. John Heath.
William Aspinwall, A.M., M.D., son of Lieut.
Thomas and Joanna (Gardner) Aspinwall, born May
23, 1743; Harvard College, 1764; was a physician |
in his native town, besides a successful public man,
often filling positions of confidence, as representative, |
senator, and councilor; he died April 16, 1823, aged
thirty.
Isaac Winchester, son of Isaac and Mary Winches-
ter, born Aug. 5, 1743; Harvard College, 1764,
died in the Continental army.
Henry Sewall, A.M., son of Henry and Ann
(White) Sewall, born Jan. 19, 1749; Harvard |
College, 1768; died Oct. 1772, aged twenty-four.
John Goddard, A.M., son of John and Sarah
(Brewer) Goddard, bern Nov. 12, 1756; Harvard
College, 1777; a merchant in Portsmouth, N: H.,
and also a senator and representative in the New
Hampshire Legislature; he died Dec. 18, 1829.
Elisha Gardner, son of Elisha and Eunice (Searle)
Gardner, born Dec. 27, 1766; Harvard College,
1786; engaged in mercantile pursuits; died in
Savannah, Ga.
Caleb Child, son of Child, born March 13,
1760; Harvard College, 1787; he was a physician.
Joseph Jackson, son of Rey. Joseph and Hannah
(Avery) Jackson, the fourth minister of Brookline,
born Oct. 27, 1767 ; graduate Harvard College, 1787 ;
died Aug. 19, 1790, while pursuing his medical
studies at Portsmouth, N. H.
Wiliam Aspinwall, M.D., son of Dr. William
and Susanna (Gardner) Aspinwall, born in 1784;
Harvard College, 1804; a physician; died, while
practicing his profession in his native town, April 7,
1818, aged thirty-four.
Col. Thomas Aspinwall, A.M., son of Dr. William
and Susanna (Gardner) Aspinwall, born May 23,
1786; Harvard College, 1804; lawyer in Boston;
colonel in the army in war of 1812; lost an arm in
an engagement on Lake Erie; was consul at London
for years; died Aug. 20, 1876.
Rev. Samuel Clark, A.M., son of Deacon Samuel
and Mary (Sharpe) Clark, born July 8, 1782; Har-
vard College, 1805; ordained at Burlington, Vt.,
April 19, 1810; resigned on account of ill health;
died May 2, 1827, aged forty-five.
Isaac Sparhawk Gardner, A.M., son of Gen.
Isaac Sparhawk Gardner and Mary (Sparhawk) Gard-
ner, born April 9, 1785; Harvard College, 1805;
teacher; went to Georgetown, D. C., and thence to
Frankfort, Ky.
BROOKLINE. 829
Samuel Jackson Gardner, A.M., son of Caleb
and Mary (Jackson) Gardner, born July 9, 1788;
Harvard College, 1807; a lawyer, residing in
New York City; died July, 1864, aged seventy- |
SIX.
John Tappan Pierce, A.M., son of Rev. John and
Lucy (Tappan) Pierce, born Dec. 14, 1811; Har-
vard College, 1831; ordained as an evangelist Sept.
15, 1836.
William Penniman, son of Elisha and Sybil
(Allen) Penniman, born
; Harvard College;
died while contemplating the study of divinity, aged
twenty-two, Feb. 13, 1832.
Nathaniel Bowditch Ingersoll, A.B., son of Na-
thanicl and Ingersoll, born ; Harvard
College, 1834; died a youth of promise, May 31,
1836, aged twenty-two.
William Parsons Atkinson, A.M., son of Amos
and Anna Greenleaf (Sawyer) Atkinson, born Aug.
12, 1820; was a teacher; Harvard College, 1838 ;
professor in Institute of Technology, Boston.
Edward Augustus Wild, A.B., M.D., son of Dr.
Charles and Mary Joanna (Rhodes) Wild, born Noy.
25, 1825; Harvard College, 1844; a physician in
successful practice in his native town till the war of
the Rebellion, 1861; he entered the army as captain,
and retired as brigadier-general in the United States
service. (See Military Record elsewhere. )
GRADUATES OF Brown UNIvVeErRsIty.— Luther
Metcalf Harris, M.D., son of John and Mary (Niles)
Harris, born May 7, 1789; 1811 studied medicine
in Roxbury with Dr. Lemuel Le Baron; commenced
practice at Fort Independence in 1814; removed to
Orford, N. H., in March, 1815; removed from
thence to Jamaica Plain in 1820, where he was suc-
cessfully engaged in his profession till his death.
He was also the author of the “ Harris Family
Genealogy.”
Rev. William Leverett, A.M., son of William and
Lydia (Fuller) Leverett, born Jan. 25, 1800; grad-
uate Brown University, 1824; settled pastor of Dud-
ley Street Baptist Church, Roxbury, June, 1825;
resigned July, 1839; installed pastor of Second Bap-
tist Church, East Cambridge, Oct. 4, 1840. and re-
signed in 1849; after a short pastorate at New Eng-
land Village, Grafton, failing health compelled him to
retire from the ministry.
Washington Leverett, A.M., son of William and
Lydia (Fuller) Leverett, born Dec. 19, 1805; Brown
University, 1832; became a professor in Shurtleff
College, Upper Alton, Ill.
Warren Leverett, A.M., son of William and Lydia
(Fuller) Leverett ; graduate Brown University, 1832 ;
830
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
twin-brother of Washington above named ; professor |
in the same college.
George Griggs, A.M., LL.B., Harvard, son of |
Joshua and Lydia Fuller (Leverett) Griggs, born |
at Brown University, 1837; an |
; graduated
attorney and counselor in Boston and Brookline.
James Andem, A.B., son of Moses Andem;
graduated at Brown University, 1845 ; ordained pas- |
tor of Baptist Church, Dighton, Mass., Nov. 13, 1845; |
pastor at North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Jan.
10, 1850.
Augustine Shurtlef?, A.M., son of Dr. Samuel At- |
wood and Eliza (Carleton) Shurtleff, of Brookline, |
born Aug. 24, 1846; fitted for college under the in- |
struction of Rev. Dr. William H. Shailer; entered
Brown University, 1842; graduated, 1846; studied
medicine with his father, andin the Tremont Medical
School, Boston, and Harvard Medical College, two |
years, New York Medical University, one year; re-
ceived the degree of M.D. from Harvard, 1849; in
1850 attended medical lectures in Paris and visited |
the French hospitals ; opened a medical office in Bos-
ton for a few months, and then removed to Brookline, |
his present residence.
Hezekiah Shailer, son of Smith and Lucinda |
(Shailer) Shailer, was-born in Haddam, Conn. ; fitted |
for college with Rev. Dr. Shailer ; graduated at Brown |
University, 1846; immediately chosen teacher of the |
high school in Brookline; taught six years; after-
wards engaged in the book business as a partner of |
Sheldon & Co., in New York; killed by lightning at |
Haddam, Conn., July 9, 1878.
GRADUATE OF THE COLLEGE oF NEW JERSEY,
Princeton, N. J.—Caleb White, son of Benjamin
and Sarah (Aspinwall) White, born March 10, 1741;
graduate Princeton, N. J., 1762; died Dec. 16,1770,
aged thirty years.
A List of Students prepared wholly or in part |
for College at the Brookline High School.— Bacon,
Horace, graduate Harvard College, 1868; merchant |
in New York.
Baker, Edward Wild, graduate Harvard College, |
1882.
Beard, Amherst W., entered Harvard College, 1871.
Benton, Edward A. R., graduate Harvard College,
1875; entered Brown University, 1870 ; afterwards
Ph.D. ; geologist ; resides in Newton.
Bixby, Charles Lee, graduate Harvard College, |
1861; merchant in Boston; resides in Newton.
Bixby, William Herbert, West Point, 1870; in- |
structor at West Point.
Bowditch, James H., graduate Harvard College, |
1869; landscape gardener.
Bradbury, Charles Brooks, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1858 ; teacher in New York.
Brett, Henry, graduate Harvard College, 1869;
civil engineer ; resides in Calumet, Mich.
Briggs, Frederic M., graduate Harvard College,
1879; physician in Boston.
Bush, Franklin Leonard, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1864; Episcopalian clergyman.
Cabot, Franklin, entered Harvard College, 1877.
Chandler, Alfred Dupont, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1868 ; lawyer in Boston; chairman of Board of
Selectmen, Brookline, 1884.
Chandler, Sumner C., entered Harvard College,
1871; lawyer in Boston.
Chapin, Horace Dwight, graduate Harvard College,
1871; lawyer in Boston.
Chase, Henry Lincoln, graduate Harvard College,
1882.
Chase, William Leverett, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1876; merchant in Boston.
Clark, George Clinton, Amherst College, 1858 ;
merchant in Chicago ; became professor in a college
in Chicago and president of education in that city.
Cobb, Albert Wheelwright, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1872 ; lawyer in Chicago.
Creesy, Franklin L., graduate Harvard College,
1882; student in law school.
Cutler, Arthur Trufant, graduate Harvard College,
| 1871; merchant.
Cutler, Herbert Dunning,
lege, 1869.
Deane, Henry Ware, graduate Harvard College,
1869; was a teacher in Boston; died 1875.
Dow, Edward Scott, graduate Harvard College,
1883; student in Harvard Medical School.
Edgerly, John H. W., graduate Harvard College,
eraduate Harvard Col-
| 1883.
Fay, Clement Kelsey,
1867 ; lawyer in Boston.
Ferris, Edward Mortimer, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1874.
Ferris, Lynde R., graduate Harvard College,
1883.
Geddes, James, Jr., graduate Harvard College,
graduate Harvard College,
| 1880.
Gooding, Alfred S., graduate Harvard College,
1877; minister in Brunswick, Me.
Goodnough, Benjamin F., graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1883; A.B.
Goodnough, Zanthus Henry, graduate Harvard
| College, 1882.
Henry, Bertram Curtis, entered Harvard College,
' 1882.
BROOKLINE.
831
Hoar, David Blakely, graduate Harvard College,
1876; lawyer in Boston.
Hobbs, Marland Cogswell, entered Harvard Col-
lege, 1881.
Homer, William Bradford, entered Amherst Col- |
lege, 1863; graduated at Military Academy, West
Point.
Howe, Archibald Murray, graduate Harvard Col-_
lege, 1869; lawyer in Boston, residence in Cam-
bridge.
Joyce, George Frederick, Jr., graduate Harvard
College, 1881 ; teacher.
Kirby, Frederic W., entered Harvard College,
1868 ; architect in Boston.
Lincoln, Albert L., Harvard College, 1872 ; lawyer |
in Boston ; special justice of police court in Brookline.
Lincoln, James Otis, graduate Harvard College,
1873.
Lincoln, Roland Crocker, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1865; lawyer in Boston.
Long, Joseph Mansfield, entered Harvard College,
1881.
Loring, Robert P., graduate Amherst College,
1874; physician; now student of theology at New-
ton.
Mahan, James Francis, entered Harvard College,
1879.
Marston, Edward Chandler, entered Harvard Col-
lege, 1881.
Mason, Allan Gregory, entered Harvard College,
1882.
Mason, John Whiting, graduate Harvard College |
with highest honors, 1882, and is now student at law. —
Morse, James Herbert, graduate Harvard College,
1863; teacher in New York.
Parsons, Theophilus,
1870; manufacturer.
Poor, Henry William,
graduate Harvard College,
graduate Harvard College,
York.
graduate Harvard College, |
1865; merchant in New
Reed, Chester Allyn,
1881.
Ritchie, John, graduate Harvard College, 1861;
manufacturer of philosophical apparatus.
Robinson, James Arthur, entered Harvard College,
1877 ; physician in Taunton.
Shurtleff, Carlton Atwood, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1861; medical cadet in army at Vicksburg;
died, 1864.
Smith, Walter Bugbee, graduate Harvard College,
1870; mechanical engineer.
Soule, Charles Carroll, graduate Harvard College, |
1862; major in army, afterwards in business in St. |
Louis, now publisher and bookseller in Boston.
Soule, Richard Herman, graduate Harvard College,
1870; mechanical engineer.
Stearns, John Joseph, Boston University, 1881 ;
teacher.
Stoddard, John Lawson, graduate Williams Col-
lege, 1872; studied divinity at Yale College, now
public lecturer, and resides in Brookline.
Stone, Milton J., entered Harvard College, 1881.
Slyck, Van, Henry Switz, entered Harvard College,
1877.
Taylor, William H., Yale College, 1878; resides
in New Mexico.
Turner, Nathaniel Dana, entered Harvard College,
1857.
Waldo, Charles Sidney, graduate Brown University,
1874.
Waldo, Clarence H., entered Brown University,
1875.
Wallace, William, Jr., entered Harvard College,
1879. .
Ward, Langdon Lauriston, graduate Amherst Col-
lege, 1879.
Warren, William Ross, graduate Harvard College,
1883 ; in business in New York.
Wellman, Franklin Lewis, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1876; lawyer in New York.
Wellman, Henry Cleveland, graduate Harvard Col-
lege, 1865; died, 1866.
Wells, Benjamin, graduate Harvard College, 1876 ;
teacher in Providence, R. I.
Wetmore, Sidney, graduate Harvard College, 1877 ;
lawyer in Boston.
White, William Howard, graduate Harvard College,
1880 ; lawyer.
Williams, Charles A., graduate Harvard College,
1872; lawyer in Boston.
Williams, Edward Tufts, graduate Harvard College,
1865; physician in Boston.
Williams, Harold, graduate Harvard College, 1875 ;
physician in Boston.
Williams, Moses, Jr., graduate Harvard College,
1868 ; lawyer in Boston.
Wilson, William Griggs, graduate Harvard Col-
i.
favo}
| lege, 1862; lawyer in New York.
Withington, Charles Francis, graduate Harvard
College, 1874; teacher; now physician in Boston.
Wrightington, Stewart, entered Harvard College,
1884.
Students who were in the School of Technology
from the Brookline High School.—Lincoln, Edwin
H., civil engineer in Boston.
Aspinwall, Thomas, civil engineer in Boston.
Fisher, William B.
832
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Haseltine, William, with Boston and Bangor Steam-
boat Company, Boston.
Gooding, Charles S., mechanical engineer in Boston.
Cobb, Henry Ives, architect in Chicago.
Getchell, Alice M.
Pierce, Dean.
Bowditch, Fred C., conveyancer in Boston.
Harris, Charles A.
Wellman, Willard A.
Wilder, Burt G., professor in Cornell University.
LIST OF PERSONS ENGAGED AS SOLDIERS FROM
THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE IN THE LATE REBEL-
LION.
Gen. Edward A. Wild.
Lieut. Wm. L. Candler.
Lieut. Chas. L. Chandler.
Joseph W. Funk.
Charles D. Cates.
Lyman C. Stephens.
Wentworth Wilson.
Julius A. Phelps.
Charles McIntosh.
Benjamin F. Baxter.
Lewis G. Getchell.
Win. Henry Trowbridge.
John C. Withington.
George H. Stone.
Alonzo B. Langley.
Joseph Turner.
Luther H. Gilman.
Mark B. Mulvey.
George W. Funk.
J. Frank Getchell.
George A. Bailey.
John E. Kelley.
Fergus B. Turner.
Charles B. McCausland.
Charles Townsend.
Timothy Goulding.
William J. Bell.
Clarence H. Thayer.
John R. Caswell.
Charles A. Dwyre.
Michael P. Mulrey.
Daniel W. Simpson.
Herbert S. Barlow.
William Gregory.
William Hughes.
James Gaffeney.
John T. Robinson.
Francis Doyle.
Francis H. McIntosh.
John Lynch.
John J. O’Connell.
Michael Gaffeney.
William Bowes.
James C, Withington.
Augustus Waterman.
Frank Howe.
Patrick Reardon.
John Wilson.
Edward Stevens.
John Young.
John Malone.
John Cosgrove.
Wilder Dwight.
Freeman Fernald.
Malcolm G. Kittredge.
Charles 0. Hallett.
John A. Pratt.
William H. Ela.
John Murphy.
Charles A. Moor.
Daniel H. Purrington.
Richard Leahy.
Henry Learnard.
James O’Brien.
Theodore Hanley.
Thomas Dillon.
Michael Lynch.
James Kent Stone.
H. V. D. Stone.
John Lawton,
Bernard Kaiser.
Charles E. Maynard.
Maurice lL. Cooley.
Orrin W. Bosworth.
Julius Pauzlaff.
Fritz Goetz.
Charles Roser.
Frank J. Cleves.
Andrew J. Moore.
Daniel Hill.
Joseph Sayward.
James Welch,
Francis Shattuck.
Augustus Mitchell.
Martin Heinlein.
Andrew Heinlein.
Paschal Barrill, Jr.
B. F. Whitehouse.
John MeGettrick.
Charles F. Fernald.
John E. Farrington.
Martin Dailey.
William Fogerty.
John McGowan.
George Johnson.
Miles Murphy.
Robert Murray.
Benjamin FE. Cartret.
Kdward F, Allen.
James Daley (2d).
Augustus N. Sampson.
George E. Bates.
Albert B. Whiting.
Jobn Cusick.
Edgar James Hobson.
Henry Bell.
Robert Bowes.
Charles F. Neal.
Horace EB. Smith.
Warren Handy.
John E, Kelly.
Francis McNamara.
Benjamin F. Hanaford.
Charles E. Griswold.
Charles H. Perry.
James P. Stearns,
Horace P. Williams.
Thomas G. Warren.
Edward Perry.
Arthur Kemp.
Michael MeGrath.
Alonzo Bowman,
Michael Canty.
Michael Campbell.
Timothy Kennedy.
John Sweeney.
William Sullivan.
James A. Fisher.
Bartholomew Cusick.
Frederick Hutchings.
Eliphalet F. Winter.
A. W. Morse.
George E. Archer.
James A. Dale.
William E. Richardson.
Benjamin B. Edmands.
Henry H. Fuller.
John E. H. Chase.
Joseph H. Dwyer.
George W. Babb.
George H. Bacon.
Albert A. Pope.
Stephen W. Adams.
James H. Pike.
Edward L. Sargent.
tobert Murphy.
James 8. Arthur.
Charles J. Worthen.
Henry H. Shedd.
David J. Mixer.
Otis A. Foster.
John W. Seward.
Edmund Russell.
William H. White.
Maurice Haley.
Robert W. Bruce.
ILorace Hl. Goodwin.
William H. Douglas.
James O. Joslyn.
Casper Crowningshield.
Louis Cabot.
William H. Bartlett.
James W. Sinclair.
Amasa D. Bacon.
Luther L. Esterbrook.
John C. Frost.
Augustus S. Alden.
Lewis R. Allard.
Oscar F. Glidden.
William G. Rollins.
Simeon G. Richardson.
Edward H. Church.
Edwin T. Atwood.
Lyman W. Temple.
Otis N. Harrington.
Frederic F. Brown.
William H. Starkweather.
Stephen H. Johnson.
Asa L. Gowell.
Samuel Abell.
Daniel D. Adams.
Benjamin E. Corlew.
William H. Fitzpatrick.
Charles E. Pierce.
John T. Goodwin.
Daniel Webster Atkinson,
Henry L. Wheelock.
Willard Y. Gross.
Henry Orcutt.
Mears Oreutt.
Hiram P. Ring.
Llewellyn Ham.
Charles G. Colbath.
Jobn C. Wilkins.
William Dwight, Jr.
Charles T. Dwight.
Howard Dwight.
Nicholas Eagan.
Charles Manny.
William Nichols, surgeon.
George M. Rollins.
George G. Stoddard.
Charles E. Rollins.
J. Nelson Bogman,
Frank L. Boyden.
William C. Richardson.
Gershom C. Winsor.
Sidney Heath.
James H. Robinson.
Henry B. Seudder.
Eustis C. Hubbard.
Frank H. Scudder.
George A. Higgins.
Frank Fitz.
E. Clifford Walker.
John Burnham.
William T. Eustis.
Frederic Dexter.
Alfred Winsor, Jr.
George A. Slack.
Edward B. Richardson.
Joseph H. Wellman.
S. W. Richardson.
George H. Adams.
Otis 'T. Morrill.
Edward C. Cabot.
John Leonard.
Albert R. Howe.
Charles C. Soule.
William F. Hall.
Jeremiab McCarty.
Thomas Britt.
BROOKLINE. 833
William Johnson.
George B. Chamberlain.
George F. Dearborn.
William L. Wellman.
William H. Batson.
A. Cowan.
H. G. Porter.
Osavius Verney.
John Ayres.
Joshua W. Carter.
J. H. Chamberlain.
John W. Clark.
W. Gould.
Edward W. Griggs.
Nathaniel P. Harris.
William McCarthy.
Mark W. Sheafe, Jr.
Warren Simons.
Daniel P. Sawyer.
William H. Warren.
Charles T. Chandler.
Charles L. Perry.
John H. Whitney.
Charles H. Whitney.
John C. Woodward.
Horace E. Whitfield.
George Pope.
G. O. Fessenden.
Charles A. Wilkinson.
Thomas L. Smith.
Julius Kuhlig.
Jacob Miller.
Benjamin F. Higgins.
John S. O’Brien.
Thomas Maloney.
R. B. T. Dowdaney.
William H. Steele.
Harry Hazelhurst.
Isaac N. Bridge.
Robert G. Bridge.
C. M. Schafer.
Emil Dupont.
Luther J. Nason.
Charles B. Spencer.
Joseph H. Wellman.
William Johnson.
Daniel Sweeney.
William F. Robinson.
Frank Bryant.
William H. Bradford.
Pierce E. Penniman.
Isaac F. Lobdell.
George Cook.
Henry A. Ferrie.
H. A. Morrill.
Diomes Rosaline.
Trustworthy L. Moulton.
William Ragin.
E. H. Johnson.
John P. Treat.
James Kingsmill.
James Hamilton.
8. F. Douglas.
James Sherman.
George Brown.
John Saunders.
ro
ao
Edward Harris.
Charles Raynold.
Albert McDonald.
Joseph Dykes.
Charles Boston.
Patrick Carey.
Lewis Osley.
Frank Seaverns.
George Perry.
John C, Baker.
E. V. Noyes.
Learned Purcell.
John Keenan.
James M. Richardson.
T. W. Warren.
John Allen.
Henry Bacon.
Lewis Henry Ballard.
Sidney Barstow.
Edmund D. Barton.
Thomas Bell.
Oliver C. Bixby.
Benjamin M. Bond.
John Brown.
John H. Brotherson.
William B. Butterfield.
Thomas Carroll.
Mathew Casey.
Augustus Chapman.
Moses M. Chase.
Thomas Cleary.
Alexander H. Clapp, Jr.
Elbridge G. Collins.
William Collins.
William B. Cowan.
James H. Crowell.
Thomas Cusick,
William Dalton.
James Davenport.
George Dimond.
Walter Calvin Dimmock.
William Driscoll.
Michael Flannery.
John Fizzell.
Patrick Gallagher.
William Gallagher.
James H. Gartside.
Charles H. Granville.
Charles H. Godkin.
Robert Gray.
Alex. Francis Green.
Cornelius R. Guptill.
John Hagenah.
William Haley.
John C. Hardy.
David Harris.
George W. Harris.
James W. Harvey.
George A. Higgins.
Charles H. Hollis.
Joseph Hopkins.
David Howe, Jr.
Henry Jenkins.
Jeremiah Kellogg.
Albert Lanyninder.
Thomas Logan.
Sewall C. Maynard.
Edward Maloney.
Daniel McAllister.
Thomas McCabe.
John McClellan.
Edward McClinchy.
Onslow McLaughlin.
Nelson McNonagle.
Patrick Moriarty.
James Merrill.
Alfred Mitchell.
Owen O. Flynn.
Charley Olsen.
Lewis C. Oulman.
James Penderghast.
Edward S. Perry.
Henry R. Peterson.
Joseph P. Pond, Jr.
Thomas Powers.
John Quinlan.
Samuel S. Reed.
James Henry Rice.
James Rice. John Saunders.
Henry F. Ross. Edward N. Selfridge.
Col. Theodore Lyman was on Gen. Meade’s staff.
Carlton A. Shurtleff, medical cadet.
Edward S. Philbrick was employed by the government at Port
Royal, S. C.
Memorial to the Memory of our Patriotic Dead.
—The list of names as they appear on the tablets is
printed below:
William Samuels.
William B. Seymoure.
Alfred E. Smart.
Asa W. Smith.
John Snow.
John Sylva.
James Tarby, Jr.
Matthew Towle.
Jeremiah Toomey.
Eugene C. Walker.
James T. Walsh.
Patrick Ward.
Charles F. Webster.
Thomas Whalen.
Samuel White.
Burnham C. Clark.
Horace W. Chandler.
Isaiah 8. Coombs.
Joseph Cole.
Thomas Devine.
Richard Harrington.
T. E. Richardson.
HENRY ALBERS.
| 32d Mass. Inf. Died March 30, 1865, Washington, D. C., of
wounds received at Petersburg, Va.
DANIEL W. ATKINSON.
10th Mass. Battery. Killed Oct. 27, 1864, Hatcher’s Run, Va.
JOSEPH BAINS.
U.S. Navy: Steamer Mocecassin. Died Feb. 2, 1865.
GEORGE BAKER.
32d Mass. Inf. Died on the march in Virginia, Sept. 11, 1862.
HERBERT §. BARLOW.
| Ist Mass. Inf. Killed accidentally Jan. 31, 1862, Budd’s Ferry,
Md.
PASCHAL BARRELL, Jr.
| 2d Mass. Inf. Died of wounds, May 12, 1863, received at Chan-
cellorsville, Va.
OLIVER C. BIXBY.
58th Mass. Inf. Killed July 30, 1864, Petersburg, Va.
J. NELSON BOGMAN.
3d R. I. Artillery. Died.
ROBERT BOWES.
17th Mass. Inf. Drowned May 10, 1862, Newberne, N. C.
JOSEPH BURKE.
59th Mass. Inf. Killed May 12, 1864, Spottsylvania, Va.
GEORGE C. BURRILL.
Ist Lieut. 59th Mass. Inf. Killed May 8, 1864, The Wilder-
ness, Va.
CHARLES L. CHANDLER.
Lieut.-Col. 57th Mass. Killed May 24, 1864, North Anna
River, Va.
MOSES M. CHASE.
Corp. Co. G, 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery. Died in Andersonville
Prison Sept. 13, 1864,
834
- HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
JOHN W. CLARK.
Ist Mass. Battery. Died Oct. 4, 1862, Bakersville, Md.
THOMAS CLEARY.
Died April 13, 1864, Annapolis, Md.
ELBRIDGE G. COLLINS.
2d Mass. Heavy Art.
56th Mass. Inf.
GEORGE COLLINS.
Co. B, 2d Mass. Infantry. Died March 26, 1865, at Goldsboro’,
iNerCs
JOHN B. CUSICK.
Killed June 16, 1864, Petersburg, Va.
JAMES A. DALE.
28th Mass. Inf.
Corp. 33d Mass. Inf.
May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.
THOMAS DILLON.
Killed Sept. 17, 1862, Antietam, Md.
HOWARD DWIGHT.
Capt. 4th Missouri Cav.
2d Mass. Inf.
Boeuf, La.
WILDER DWIGHT.
Lieut.-Col. 2d Mass. Inf.
ceived at Antietam, Md.
HENRY P. EDGAR.
U.S. Navy. Died in hospital, Jan. 28, 1864.
CHARLES FREEMAN FERNALD.
Co. H, 2d Mass. Inf. Died May 3, 1863.
JAMES M. FOSS.
Sergt. 59th Mass. Inf. Died Nov. 5, 1864, New York City.
ELISHA T. FRENCH.
Corp. Co. G, 2d Mass. Heavy Art.
ence, October, 1864.
JOSEPH W. FUNK.
11th Mass. Inf. Died Oct. 16, 1864, Washington, D. C.
J. FRANK GETCHELL.
Corp. Ist Mass. Inf. Died Feb. 3, 1865, Falmouth, Va.
LOUIS G. GETCHELL.
Ist Mass. Inf. Killed June 25, 1862, Fair Oaks, Va.
CHARLES H. GODKIN.
2d Mass. Heavy Art. Died Oct. 3, 1864, Andersonville, Ga.
HORACE H. GOODWIN.
Ist Mass. Cav. Died Feb. 3, 1864, Washington, D. C.
CHARLES E. GRISWOLD.
Col. 56th Mass. Inf. Killed May 6, 1864, The Wilderness, Va.
OTIS N. HARRINGTON.
Ist Sergt. 10th Mass. Battery. Died July 30, 1863, Washing-
ton, D.C.
NATHANIEL P.
Sergt. 45th Mass. Inf.
HARRIS.
Died June 19, 1863, Newberne, N. C.
JOHN HAYMON.
56th Mass. Inf. Killed July 30, 1864, Petersburg, Va.
FRANCIS G. HOLMES.
U.S. Navy, Steamer Tuscombia. Died of wounds May 18, 1863.
TIMOTHY KENNEDY.
Killed Dec. 18, 1862, Fredericksburg, Va.
JOHN KILROY.
Died June 14, 1862, Hilton Head, S. C.
WILLIAM H. KINNEY.
U.S. Navy, Steamer Benton.
28th Mass. Inf.
Corp. 28th Mass. Inf.
Killed in action, April 29, 1863.
MALCOLM G. KITTRIDGE.
Died Sept. 14, 1864, Andersonville, Ga.
Died July 1, 1864, of wounds received
Killed May 4th, 1863, near Bayou
Died Sept. 19, 1862, of wounds re-
Died a prisoner in Flor-
2d Mass. Inf. Killed May 3, 1863, Chancellorsville, Va.
FREDERICK KNIBBS.
58th Mass. Inf.
wounds received
SAMUEL G. LAMSON.
Paymaster’s Clerk, U.S. A. Died Aug. 4, 1863, on Steamer
Ruth.
JOHN LEE.
Died June 21, 1865, on Steamer Ashland.
WILLIAM LYNCH.
Corp. 28th Mass. Inf. Died of wounds Jan. 3, 1863.
JAMES McCALLEY. —
Died May 29, 1864, Arlington Heights, Va.
EDWARD MALONEY.
56th Mass. Inf. Died June 138, 1864, City Point, Va.
JOHN MEAD.
16th Mass. Battery. Died Jan. 28, 1865, New Brunswick, Va.
OTIS S. MERRILL.
Died March 2, 1863, Newberne, N. C.
JAMES MILES.
2d Mass. Cav. Killed Feb. 22, 1864, Drainsville, Va.
PATRICK MORIARTY.
56th Mass. Inf. Died Oct. 14, 1864, Danville, Va.
MICHAEL MORRISSY.
U.S. Navy: Steamer W. G. Anderson. Died Dec. 14, 1861.
ABEL W. MORSE.
Killed June 8, 1864, Bethesda Church, Va.
ROBERT S. MURRAY.
Corp. 12th Mass. Inf. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, Antietam, Md.
JEREMIAH O’BRIEN.
Killed May 16, 1864, Drury’s Bluff, Va.
MICHAEL O’NEIL.
Killed July 13, 1863, Donaldsonville, La.
JULIUS A. PHELPS.
Killed June 30, 1862, Glendale, Va.
SAMUEL S. REED.
2d Mass. Heavy Art. Died Sept. 8, 1864, Andersonville, Ga.
CHARLES E. ROLLINS.
44th Mass. Inf. Killed Nov. 2, 1862, Little Creek, N.C.
HENRY L. ROSS.
56th Mass. Inf. Killed May 6, 1864, The Wilderness, Va.
CARLETON A. SHURTLEFF.
Invalided at the Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.
Died June 26, 1864, Brookline.
GEORGE T. STEARNS.
22d Mass. Inf. Died July 5, 1864, Washington, D. C., of wounds
received in The Wilderness, Va.
HENRY V. D. STONE.
2d Lieut. 2d Mass. Inf. Killed July 3, 1863, Gettysburg, Pa.
JOHN GORHAM THAYER.
Capt. Ist Mass. Cav. Died Dec. 28, 1864, Sacramento, Cal.
WILLIAM H. TROWBRIDGE.
Ist Mass. Inf. Died July 6, 1862, Malvern Hill, Va.
JOSEPH W. TURNER.
Ist Mass. Inf. Died June 21, 1862, Fair Oaks, Va.
THOMAS G. WARREN.
22d Mass. Inf. Killed June 18, 1864, Petersburg, Va.
AUGUSTUS WATERMAN.
Ist Mass. Inf. Died Feb. 12, 1865, Searsport, Me.
CHARLES F. WEBSTER.
Co. G, 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery.
1864,
5th Mass. Cav.
59th Mass. Inf.
44th Mass. Inf.
32d Mass. Inf.
24th Mass. Inf.
30th Mass. Inf.
Ist Mass. Inf.
Medical Cadet.
Missing in action, April 20,
Died May 24, 1864, Fredericksburg, Va., of
|
BROOKLINE.
HENRY W. WELLS.
Ensign U.S. Navy. Lost at sea, Dec. 31, 1864.
THOMAS WHALEN.
22d Mass. Inf.
Killed May 10, 1864, Laurel Hill, Va.
CHARLES H. WHEELWRIGHT.
Surgeon U.S. Navy. Died July 30, 1862, Pilot Town, La.
RICHARD H. WYETH.
3d Mass. Cav.
Died while a prisoner, 1864.
The following-named persons, residents of the town
of Brookline, were engaged in the United States
naval service :
John 8. G. Aspinwall, assist-
ant engineer.
Charles L. Bixby, coast sur-
vey.
Danforth.
Joseph F. Green, captain.
William H. Gilson.
Winslow L. Hallett.
Frederic Hutchers.
Stephen Longfellow, coast sur-
vey.
Patrick Mitchell.
John O'Dea.
Sailors in the
Inited States Navy credited to Brookline
Charles 5. Pine.
Thomas O. Selfridge, captain.
Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr., lieu-
tenant.
George G. Stoddard, lieuten-
ant of marines.
George Treadwell.
Henry W. Wells,
mate.
Richard Soule.
Terrance Gallagher.
Patrick Linney.
master’s
1861
to 1865.
Ashton, George E.
Antonio, George.
Armitage, Thomas B.
Ayer, Edward H.
Anderson, John.
Adams, William W.
Altham, George.
Borden, Nathaniel A.
Blake, Samuel.
Byron, William E.
Brown, John E.
Bliss, Frederick.
Barrett, Richard.
Berry, James T.
Boyden, John.
Burk, John.
Byrnes, James.
Bains, Joseph.
Burns, Patrick.
Baring, James.
Butler, Winthrop.
Bruce, W. G.
Brigham, Frank W.
Brickett, George F.
Belmano, F. C.
Bigelow, B. F.
Blackmer, John.
Burleigh, Daniel C.
Castono, Admirian.
Cage, Henry.
Cloth, William P.
Cross, Richard.
Coffin, Benjamin A.
Chase, James W.
Curran, Daniel.
Came, Lewis.
Clancy, Paul.
Conner, John C.
Cutter, Sebastian.
Carr, George W.
Cloutman, Henry.
Coburn, George M.
Cunningham, Michael.
Callahan, Thomas.
Callahan, John.
Curtis, Frank.
Cunningham, Thomas A.
Campbell, William H.
Corrie, Robert.
Colby, Edward P.
Callahan, E. J.
Downey, Jeremiah.
Devoe, Cornelius.
Doyle, Cornelius.
Dunn, James.
Dunn, James T.
Daley, Timothy.
Dailey, John.
Donald, David.
Eldridge, Joshua H.
Ewer, George W.
Edgar, Henry P.
Evans, George.
Ellis, Francis E.
Edwards, Henry D.
Edwards, Shubale P.
Fallon, Michael.
Franklin, Benjamin.
Faber, Henry D.
Fisher, Erastus E.
Faber, John W.
Fitzgerald, Florence.
Frisbee, John B.
Fay, John.
835
Fisher, William.
Franklin, David B.
Fenner, Erastus L.
Flynn, Patrick.
Flug, Rufus A.
Fernands, Mans.
Fisney, Thomas.
Fay, Thomas L.
Gillispee, William.
Gruce, William.
Gross, Amasa J.
Griswold, John N.
Gordon, Henry.
Gould, Charles H.
Garvin, William.
Hartford, Hiram E.
Heher, Patrick.
Holmes, Francis G.
Holbrook, William.
Hartigan, David B.
Hogan, Michael.
Harris, William.
Hart, Daniel.
Harlow, Michael.
Hazen, Edward L.
Holland, Jeremiah.
Harrington, John.
Ignases, Raphael.
Jordan, William.
Johnson, John.
Joyce, Thomas.
Kinney, William H.
Kavill, Henry.
Keene, Patrick.
Kruger, Henry J.
Lehey, Thomas.
Landrigan, William,
Mahoney, Timothy.
Millett, William.
Manwarring, Wilson.
Mahon, John.
Myron, Henry.
Morrissey, Mike.
Merrill, Marcellus R.
Martin, John.
McDermot, Patrick.
McCann, Thomas.
McGrath, Daniel.
Mullen, Thomas.
McDonald, James.
McElhone, Hugh.
Moore, Samuel.
Nolan, John.
Newell, Michael.
Neil, John.
Nash, Peter.
Nolan, John.
Nolan, John.
O’Sullivan, Thomas.
Pike, Walter.
Pinkham, Thomas H.
Quinlan, Michael.
Quirk, William.
Rogers, John.
Russell, Brightman.
Sullivan, Michael.
Stephens, Peter E.
Sterling, Hiram.
Stickney, John S.R.
Stephens, Joel L.
Swarez, Manual.
Sampson, Edward.
Sullivan, Daniel.
Sullivan, Jeremiah.
Sullivan, John.
Spencer, Charles E.
Smith, James W.
Sullivan, Jeremiah.
Sheean, Dennis.
Smith, John.
Sheldon, George.
Trask, Moses H.
Tucker, Hiram.
Thorner, William.
Todd, Joseph.
Treadwell, Frank.
Traynor, Alfred.
Todd, Samuel.
Venton, Henry.
Wood, Samuel.
Wornell, Jeremiah.
Wright, James.
Waltz, Jacob.
Williams, Charles.
Williamson, Anthony W.
Whitney, Patrick.
Welsh, Michael.
Watson, Joseph.
West, William C.
Wilson, John.
Whatson, James.
Williams, George.
Walton, John.
LIST OF SELECTMEN.
From the Incorporation of the Town of Brookline, Mass., to the
Present Time.
Lieut. Thomas Gardner, 1706, 707, 711,
12
Samuel Aspinwall, 1706, ’07, ’11, ’12, 14, ’15, 16, ’17, ’18.
John Winchester, 1706, 07, 708, 709, °10, ’11, 716, 725, ’26, ’33, ’37,
Benjamin White, 1706, ’17, 718
IQ
> AT,
98, 729, °30, ’31, 32.
| Thomas Stedman, 1707, 08, ’09, 710, 713, 716, 718.
Samuel Sewell, 1706, ’08, 709, 710, ’12, ’14, °15.
Erosamond Drew, 1713.
Josiah Winchester, 1713, ’14, ’
John Seaver, 1715, 718, ’37.
Joseph Gardner, 1719, ’20.
Wie
836
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Lieut. Henry Winchester, 1719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24, ’25, ‘36,
740.
Capt. Caleb Gardner, 1719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’25, ’27, 28, ’29, °30, 731.
James Griggs, 1721, ’26.
Peter Boylston, 1722, ’25, ’24.
Samuel White, 1723, ’24, ’25, ’34, ’35, 736, ’39, 40, "41, ’42, 43,
44, 745, °46, 747, 748, 749, °50, ’51, 752, 753, 56, *57.
Isaac Gardner, 1725, ’33, 737, 745, ’46, *47.
Capt. Robert Sharp, 1726, ’27, ’28, ’29, 32, ’34, 35, ’38, 739, ’47,
48, 749.
Deacon Thomas Cotton, 1730.
Abraham Woodward, 1731, *34, *35, ’43, 750, 751, ’54, 755, 756,
57, 758, 59.
Elhanan Winchester, 1751, ’32.
Capt. Edward White, 1733, ’36, 40, °42, °48, ’47, °52, °53.
Samuel Clark, 1733, 36.
Joshua Child, 1733.
William Gleason, 1738, *39.
Capt. Benjamin Gardner, 1738, °55, ’56.
Col. Thomas Aspinwall, 1738, °41, 42, °44, ’45, °46, ’47, °48,
1585 265 95) 0»
Nathaniel Seaver, 1738.
William Davis, 1741.
Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, 1744.
Deacon Ebenezer Davis, 1750, ’51, 759, 760, 61, 62, 63, 764,
766, °85, °86, 791, 792.
Henry Sewall, 1752, ’53, ’60, "61.
Jonathan Winchester, 1754, ’55, ’56, ’57.
Nehemiah Davis, 1754, *59.
Deacon Joseph White, 1756, 758.
Jeremy Gridley, 1760, ’61, ’67.
John Harris, Jr., 1760, ’61, 62, ’63, 64, ’65, 66, °67, 68,
94, 795,
Isaac Gardner, Jr., 1760, 61, ’62, 63, ’64, 765, ’66, ’67, ’68,
Tiling ay eos 7O0s
49,
69,
69,
Capt. Benjamin White, 1762, °63, ’64, °65, 66, ’67, "68, ’70, ’71,
MDa Mos Asm MOy ie MO US, ose Ol Oz.
Capt. Robert Sharp, Jr., 1762, °63, °64, °65, 66.
Maj. Moses White, 1765, ’78, ’79, 783, ’84, 787, ’88, ’89, 90.
Capt. John Goddard, 1767, 68, ’69, 74, ’76, ’78, ’80, ’81,
785, °86, 793.
Thomas Griggs, 1768, °69, ’75, °76.
Elisha Gardner, 1769, ’77.
Isaac Winchester, 1770.
Isaac Child, 1770, ’71, ’72, ’73, 774, °75, 776.
Maj. William Thompson, 1777, ’80.
Capt. Timothy Corey, 1777, °93, ’94, °95.
Elhanan Winchester, 1778.
Capt. Samuel Craft, 1778, ’79, ’87, ’88, *89, ’90, *99, 1800, ’01,
402, 703, 704, 205, ’06, 707, 708,709.
Stephen Sharp, 1779, ’83, ’84, ’93, ’96, °97, ’98, 99, 1800, ’01,
2028203, 10450200 522065,20.750°08,.709) 210) P11) 712,;213:
Capt. William Campbell, 1780, ’81, °82.
Caleb Craft, 1783, ’84, ’91, 792.
Daniel Dana, 1785.
Deacon Samuel Clark, 1787, ’88, ’89, 790, 799, 1800, ’01, 702, °03,
04, 705, 06, 07, 708, ’09.
Isaac S. Gardner, 1791, 792, 796, ’97, ’98, 1814, 715, 716, 717.
Nathaniel Winchester, 1794, ’95.
Capt. Joseph Goddard, 1796, ’97, °98, 1805, 711, 22135145. 1;
UG ealife
Deacon John Robinson, 1805, 706, ’07, 708, 710, 711, 712, 713, ’14,
715, 716, 717, 718, 719, ’20, 21, ’22, 723, °24, 25, ’26, ’27, 728,
29, 30, °31, ’32, 733, ’34.
Eliphalet Spurr, 1807, ’08, 710.
Nathaniel Murdock, 1818, 719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24.
82,
|
|
Oliver Whyte, 1818, 719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24, ’25, ’26, ’27, 728,
?29, 730.
Ebenezer Heath, 1825, ’26, ’27, ’28, ’29.
James Leeds, 1830, ’31.
John Hayden, 1831, 732, ’34.
Charles Stearns, Jr., 1832, 733, ’34, ’35, ’36, 737, ’38, 39, 740, 41.
John Thayer, 1833.
| Daniel Sanderson, 1835, 736, ’37.
Abijah W. Goddard, 1835, ’36, ’37.
Reubin Hunting, 1838.
John W. Bass, 1838, 739.
James Robinson, 1839, 40, *41.
Benjamin B. Davis, 1840, ’41.
Daniel Sanderson, 1842, ’43, ’44, ’45, °47.
David Coolidge, 1842, ’43, 744.
Thomas Griggs, 1842, 743, 744.
| Marshal Stearns, 1845, 746, 749, 755, ’56, ’57, ’58, 759, 760, 61,
’62,, 763, 764, ’65, *66.
James Bartlett, 1845, ’46, ’47, ’48, ’49, 50, °51, 753, 54, 755, 56,
757, 758,59, °60, “61, *62, 763, 764, °65,'166, cOvOs.mous
Hugh M. Sanborn, 1846, ’47, ’48.
Bela Stoddard, 1848.
Samuel Craft, 1849.
| Jerathmeel Davenport, 1850, ’51, ’52, 753.
65, |
William Dearborn, 1850, 751, 752.
David S. Coolidge, 1852, ’53, 754.
John C. Abbott, 1854.
Howard S. Williams, 1855, ’56, 757,
Willard A. Humphrey, 1858, 759.
58, °59.1
| Thomas Parsons, 1858, 59, °60, 61, 62, °63, ’64, 65, ’66, 67, 768,
69, °70, °74, °75.
Edward R. Seccomh, 1860, ’61, 62.
Nathaniel G. Chapin, 1860, ’61, 762, 63.
William J. Griggs, 1863, °64, ’65, ’66, 67, ’68, ’69, ’70.
Edward §. Philbrick, 1864, °65, ’66, ’67, ’68, ’69.
Horace James, 1867, ’68, 69, ’70, ’71, 772, ’73, ’74, ’75, 776,
791805781, 2825
Charles D. Head, 1870, ’71, ’72, ’73, °74, °75.
Augustus Whittemore, 1870.
William Aspinwall, 1871, ’72
78,
(4.
Charles K. Kirby, 1871, ’72, ’73, °74, ’75.
| James W. Edgerly, 1871, ’72, ’73, ’78.
Daniel D. Brodhead, 1873.
Austin W. Benton, 1874, ’75.
| William I. Bowditch, 1876, 77, °78.2
James M. Codman, 1876, 77.
Francis W. Lawrence, 1876, ’77, ’78, ’79, ’82, °83, °84.
Marshall Russell, 1876, ’77.
Oliver Whyte, 1877, ’78, ’79, ’80, 781, ’83, ’84.
Moses Williams, Jr., 1879.
Rufus G. F. Candage, 1879, ’80, 781.
Charles H. Drew, 1880, ’81, ’82, ’83.
Roland C. Lincoln, 1880, ’81.
William D. Coolidge, 1882.
Nathaniel Lyford, 1882.
Charles F. Spaulding, 1883.
John K. Rogers, 1883, ‘84.
Alfred D. Chandler, 1884.
James B. Hand, 1884.
! Voted to have five selectmen in 1858, which has been the
custom of the town to the present time.
* In 1876 the selectmen were overseers of the poor, survey-
ors of highways, a special board of health having been elected.
In 1877 the selectmen, surveyors of highways, and board of
health were one board.
BROOKLINE. '
837
ASSESSORS.
From the Incorporation of the Town of Brookline, Mass., to the
Present Time.
Samuel Aspinwall, 1706.
Joseph Gardner, 1706.
John Winchester, Sr., 1706, 07.
Lieut. Thomas Gardner, 1707.
Ensign Benjamin White, 1707.
We find no record of any election of assessors for the town
between 1707 and 1712.
thorized and appointed to Assess on the property,” and from
1712 to 1737 the selectmen performed the duties of that office.
Capt. Robert Sharp, 1738.
Benjamin Gardner, 1738, ’43.
Thomas Aspinwall, 1738.
Selectmen elected assessors, 1739, ’40, ’41, ’42.
Ebenezer Davis, 1743, ’44, *47, ’48, °53, ’°92.
Nathaniel Seaver, 1743, ’44, *47, ’48, *53.
Samuel Craft, 1747, 748.
William Davis, 1753.
Selectmen elected assessors, 1749, °50, ’51, ’52, 754, 755, °56,
757, 758, ’59, 760, 61, ’62, ’63, 64, ’65, ’66, ’67, 68, 769, 70, ’71,
72, 713, 774, 75, 776, ’77, 778, 779, 780, ’81, 82, *83, 784.
List of Selectmen for names.)
In that year the “Selectmen were au-
2?
(See
No election of assessors in the following years, viz.: 1785,
786, °87, 788, °89, 790, °91, 792, *93, 794, 795.
Selectmen elected assessors, 1796, ’97, ’98, 99, 1800, ’01, ’02,
703, 2045705, 706; 7, 208, 709, 710, 711, 712, 2135714, 715, 716, 717,
718, 7195 720, 721,722, °23, 724, ?25, 726, ’27, °28, °29, 730, 31, 732,
733, 734, 735, °36, ’37, ’38, °39, ’40, 41.
Since 1796 up to 1856, the selectmen were elected to serve as
assessors. From the last date they were annually elected,
separately.
Charles Stearns, Jr., 1842, ’43, *44, °45, ’46, ’47, ’48, 749, ’50,
"51, 753.
Samuel Philbrick, 1842.
Seth T. Thayer, 1842.
Abijah W. Goddard, 1843, ’49.
Timothy Corey, 1843, °44,
Isaac Cook, 1844, ’45, 4.
Jesse Bird, 1845, *46.
Thomas Griggs, 1847, ’48, ’49, °50, ’51.
Royal McIntosh, 1847, ’48.
John N. Turner, 1850, 51, ’60, ’61, ’62.
William I. Bowditch, 1852, ’70.
A. H. Newell, 1852.
William A. Humphrey, 1852, ’53, °54, ’55, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’59.
Augustus W. Seamans, 1853, ’54.
James Robinson, 1854.
Jerathmeel Davenport, 1855, ’56, ’57, °58, 59, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63.
Frederic J. Williams, 1855, °56, 757.
William H. Jameson,! 1855, °56, 757.
Thomas B. Hall,1 1855, 756, ’57, ’58, ’59, 760, ’61, ’62, ’63, 64,
a0by 66, 67, 68,09, "70,71, 772, 73, °74, °%D; 76, 77, 778. |
George Craft, 1855, *56, ’57.
William B. Towne, 1863, ’64, ’65, 66, ’67.
Albert W. Smith, 1864, ’65, 66.
Austin W. Benton, 1867, ’68, ’69, 70, ’71, ’72.
Marshal Stearns, 1868, ’69.
William Aspinwall, 1871.
William Lincoln, 1872, ’73, ’74, ’75, ’76, ’77, ’78,’79, ’80, ’81,
82, °83, 84.
|
|
1 During the years 1855, ’56, ’57, these men were assistant |
assessors only.
Frederic W. Prescott, 1873, ’74, °75, ’76, °77.
Rufus G. F. Candage, 1873, ’84.
J. Anson Guild, 1878, ’79, ’80, 81, 82, ’83, ’84.
William D. Coolidge, 1879, ’80, ’81, '82, °83. Nominated, but
died before election (1884).
TOWN CLERKS.
From the Date of Incorporation.
| Josiah Winchester, Sr., 1706, ’07, ’10, ’13.
Samuel Sewall, 1708, 709, 712, 14, ’26.
Thomas Stedman, 1711.
John Seaver, 1715, 716, 717, 718.
| Edward White, 1719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24, °25.
Samuel White, 1727, ’28, ’29, ’30, ’31, ’32, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737,
738, °39, 40, 41, 742, 743, 44, 745.
Henry Sewall, 1746.
| Ebenezer Davis, 1747, ’48, 49, 751.
Henry Davis, 1750.
Jonathan Winchester, 1752, °53, ’54, 755, 56, ’57.
Isaac Gardner, Jr., 1758, 759, ’60, ’61, 762, ’63, ’64, 65, 766, ’67,
1685769 200, cUlei2 alo, Way 10os
Stephen Sharp, 1776, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87»
788, 789, 790, *91, 792, 798, 794, 795, 796, °97, 798, 799, 1800,
701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, *11, 712, 713.
Oliver Whyte, 1814, ’15, 716, 717, 718, 719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’23, 724,
2.5, °26, °27, °28, ’29, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738,
739, °40, 741,
Otis Withington, 1842, °43, °44, *45.
Artemas Newell, 1846, °47, ’48, 49.
William Aspinwall, 1850, 751.
Benjamin F. Baker, 1852, 753, *54, ’55, 756, *57, ’58, ’59, ’60,
761, 62, ’63, 764, ’65, 766, 67, 68, 69, ’70, 71, ’72, ’73, 74,
75,776, °77, ’78, 779, 780, ?81, 782,783, 784.
Much of the time previous to 1849 the town clerk held the
office of treasurer, as may be seen by comparing list of names.
TREASURERS OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE.
From the Date of Incorporation.
Samuel Sewall, Jr., 1707, 708, 09, °10, °11, ’12, 714, ’15, 718, ’26.
Josiah Winchester, 1713, 716.
Joseph Goddard, 1717.
Edward White, 1719, ’20, ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24, 725.
Samuel White, 1727, ’28, ’29, ’30, ’31, ’32, ’33, 734, 735, ’36, ’37,
738, ’39, ’40, ’41, *42, 43, 744, 745.
Henry Sewall, 1746.
Ebenezer Davis, 1747, ’48, 49, ’51, ’68, 769, 770, ’71, ’72.
Henry Davis, 1750.
Jonathan Winchester, 1752, °53, *54, °55, °56, °57.
Tsaae Gardner, Jr., 1758, °59, °60, °61, 62, 63, 64, °65, ’66, 767,
70.
| Benjamin White, 1773, ’74, 75, ’76, ’77, ’78, °79.
Maj. William Thompson, 1780.
Dr. William Aspinwall, 1781, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85, 86, 87, ’88, 89,
90.
Stephen Sharp, 1791, ’92, °93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97, 98, ’99, 1800,
701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713.
Ebenezer Heath, 1814, °15, 716, ’17, 718, ’19, ’20, 721, ’22, ’23,
1245720, 726, 12, 28%
Oliver Whyte, 1829, ’30, ’31, ’32, ’33, 34, ’35, °36, ’37.
Artemas Newell, 1838, ’39, 40, ’41, ’42, 743, ’44, °45, ’46, 47.
Stephen S. C. Jones, 1848.
Moses Withington, 1849, ’50, ’51, °52, ’53, 754, ’55, 56, 757, ’58,
759, °60, ’61, 762, ’63, *64, °65, ’66, ’67, 68, °69, ’70, *71, ’72,
73, 74, °75, °76, ’77, °78, °79, 780, ’81, ’82, ’83, 784.
838 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
NAMES OF MODERATORS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN- March 7, 1768. Ebenezer Davis.
MEETINGS. oe 6, 1769. William Hyslop.
fy pe : Peete aaeak
From the Incorporation of the Town to the Present Time, with re i se CEE Benjamin L Tite:
the Date of the Meeting. y 2. 1772, re iG PP
March 4, 1706. } “ L 1773. « “ “
5S 3, 1707. | ‘“ 7, 1774 ““ “ “
cs 7, 1708-9. | 7; 6,1775. § “ “
oa 6, 1709-10. | “11, 1776. Stephen Sharp.
ee 5, 1710-11. In these years the name of “ 17,1777. William Thompson.
< 3, 1712. r the presiding officer is not re- “ 2, 1778. Hon. Benjamin White.
“ 2,1713, | corded. “ 29,1779. John Goddard.
% 1, 1714 | & 6, 1780. Col. Thomas Aspinwall.
“21, 1715. | “ 5, 1781. Benjamin White.
PE oy AlGy <9, 1789. “ “
SAS ITLL) “3, 1783. John Goddard.
March 3, 1718. Josiah Winchester, Sr. “ 8, 1784. Capt. William Campbell.
“2, 1719. Edward White. & 7, 1785. Deacon Elisha Gardner.
“ 9,1720. i “ 6, 1786. John Goddard.
pee Gy tial a £ aN ei ec
“5,1722, “17, 1788. Col. Thomas Aspinwall.
ee cores s “ 16, 1789. John Goddard.
bts a 2 aa * 15, 1790. Col. Thomas Aspinwall.
A Se aa e “14, 1791. John Goddard.
£6 7, 1726. Samuel Sewell, Jr. “ 5, 1792. « “
Sige NO MLZ dee ch MD A 1708. nee “
se 4, 1728. Samuel White. « 3,1794. « “
se 3, 1729. 3 a ce 9, 1795. Isaac S. Gardner.
“ 2,1730. it “14, 1796. Hon. William Aspinwall.
ss 1, 1751. Capt. Caleb Gardner. “ 6,1797. “ “ “
w 6, 1752. Capt. Edward White. © 12, 1798. Stephen Sharp.
es 5, 1733, Samuel White. a 4, 1799. fs ee
TRAC SA Ir Eom - STO AS00L wes “6
«8, 17385, ~ Sp 29 S'S Ole were’ ai
Seas OeniraGee | fe Ee a a yee .
SCM lisvan “Sela e “14,1803, «©
“6, 1738 7 - 6 AD 18047 4 <
“5, 1789. 3 og 11, 1805. 66
“8, 1740 re £ « 10,1806. * a“
Ce 22, 174r, s ce OVS Ose ‘6
se, Ub Aiazs 9S 7 (Casa s0Ss mf a
sf 7, 1743. Maj. White. “ 6, 1809. “ “
* 5, 1744. Samuel White. ce M2 1810: “ “
“4,1745. is Co SLi: a
ee 3, 1746. sc ag “ 9, 1812. “ “
ee 2, 1747. ss “ “ 8, 1813. “ “
is 7, 1748. ie e «14, 1814. Isaac S. Gardner.
pee Os 740.4% * = ae Gia) Unie aut di
Wt 5, 1750. My “ CT 4, 1816. “ «
Kiril pun. €¢ ss “ Sc uSi7. “ “
i 2, 1752. * i Scar Dhe2 FS Ota mice Bs
Fé 5, 1753. ‘ % fe 1, 1819. Deacon John Robinson.
sf 4, 1754. Jonathan Winchester. “& 6, 1820. nc . ws
a 3, 1755. ce #6 “ 5, 1821. “ “ “
“¢ 1, 1756. Samuel White. “ 4, 1822. “ “ “
- 7, 1757. a “ 3.18238. << is di
ue 6, 1758. Edward White. “ 1, 1824. “ “ “
«¢ 1759. Jeremiah Gridley. ‘“ 72 1825; “ “ “
de 3, 1760. G: ce “ 6, 1826. “ “ “
“2, 1761. a » oo Sb S279 44 if
«22, 1762. Ebenezer Davis. 7 3. 1828. “ “ “
+ 7, 1763. Jeremiah Gridley. | “ 2, 1829. ‘“ “ “
& 5, 1764. Ebenezer Davis. “ ip 1830. “ “ “
ce 4, 1765. #6 ae “ 7, 1831. ‘“ Ts ‘
as 3, 1766. Jeremiah Gridley. | “ 5, 1832. “ «“ “
ee 2; 1767. sé oe “ 3, 1833. “ “ “
BROOKLINE.
839
March 3, 1834. Deacon John Robinson.
“ 2, 1835. ve a “ec
“ce il 1836. “e ““ “
SY Negigarate ee s
“e 5, 1838. “ “ce “e
“« 4.1839. “
“« 91840. «
Thomas Griggs.
“ee “ec
“ce if 1841. “ce “cc “
ee 7, 1842. « Abijah W. Goddard.
“ 4, 1843. “ec “ee “ec
oe 4, 1844. «Daniel Sanderson.
“cc 3, 1845. “cc a “ce
“ce Zs 1846. “e “ce “
#6 1, 1847. Marshal Stearns.
se 6, 1848. James Bartlett.
ss 5, 1849. George F. Homer.
a 4, 1850. William I. Bowditch.
Gs TI. Nou Es #
“ 8, 1852. “ “
«14, 1853. John Howe.
«20, 1854. William I. Bowditch.
“ 19, 1855. « «“
Sel L856: 6 -
“ 16, 1857. “ee “cc
99, 1858. Theophilus P. Chandler.
«29, 1859. William I. Bowditch.
“26, 1860. se cs
«25, 1861. James Murray Howe.
“ 24, 1862. “ ““ “
«23, 1863. William I. Bowditch.
«21, 1864. George F. Homer.
se: 20; 1865. ¢ fg
co 19; 1866: a &
«18, 1867. William I. Bowditch.
ce 28, 1868. hs “4
ce 22;, 1869. os oe
a PaO E sds “ «
“ 97, 1871.
“ 95, 1872.
George F. Homer.
Charles H. Drew.
co SL, 1873: ee a
“94, 1874. «“ «“
S22 Sid. se =
«20, 1876. William I. Bowditch.
97 1877. «“ «
“< 96, 1878.
“ 95, 1879.
“ 30, 1880.
“ 14, 1881.
William Aspinwall.
Charles H. Drew.
William I. Bowditch.
George M. Towle.
“f 6, 1882. Rufus G. F. Candage.
“ce Gp 1883. “ee “e ae
Feb. 15, 1884. Moses Williams.
|
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}
}
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times, thirteen in succession, between 1800 and 1813.
Deacon John Robinson, the tanner, was elected thir-
teen times between 1819 and 1834. He was also a
selectman for thirty years. The four Whites—EKd-
ward, Samuel, and Benjamin Sr. and Jr.—served
altogether twenty-nine years.
Of Dr. William Aspinwall, who was nine times
elected our representative, between 1790 and 1800,
_ Mr. Winthrop, in his town hall address, said, “‘ No
Brookline Representatives.— Forty-one men have —
been chosen representatives from Brookline. The first
was in 1709, the last in 1883,—a period of one hun-
dred and seventy-five years inclusive.
to be thirty-six years in that period when no repre-
sentative was chosen, either because the law did not
There appears
require it, or because there was no choice during >
those years when a majority vote was required, or
because the town could not afford it, when by law
representatives were paid by the town, or because of
other reasons not of record or not now apparent.
Stephen Sharp was elected representative fourteen
actually too poor to send a representative.
name of his period—in Brookline history, certainly
—has been more honored, or more worthy of being
honored, not always the same thing, than that of the
late Dr. William Aspinwall, so long an eminent
physician of the town, and who, while devoted to
the duties of his profession and to the interests of
his native place, found time to serve the State with
| distinction as a member successively of both branches
of the Legislature and of the Executive Council.”
Dr. Aspinwall died April 16, 1823, at the age of
eighty.
Elections were in April, May, or June until the
year 1832, when the time was changed to November.
In 1714 the town put it on record that it was
Now
(1883) the single item of the annual interest on the
town debt is nearly sufficient to pay for two-thirds of
the whole body of representatives,—two hundred and
forty in number. In 1714 Brookline staggered “ upon
Acc’t of their building a Meeting House and the great
charges thereof.” At present the average annual ex-
| penditure of money in Brookline since 1870 has been
$472,144. Brookline, with only eight thousand peo-
ple, now requires more money annually than the city
of Boston did in 1822 with over forty thousand inhab-
itants, the sum spent that year in Boston being only
$249,170.
Brookline has a taxed capital of $25,000,000. It
pays a larger State tax than all Barnstable, Dukes,
and Nantucket Counties combined, more than all
Hampshire County with its twenty-three towns, more
than all Franklin County with its twenty-six towns,
and more than either one of the cities of Salem,
Lynn, Somerville, or Taunton. Where the interests
of so much property are involved Brookline now owes
it to itself and the commonwealth to select its repre-
sentatives with care.
In very early times the compensation was what the
town chose to vote, each town being obliged to pay its
own representative. In 1710 Brookline voted three
shillings a day to John Winchester for sixty-four days’
service.
It appears by Senate document No. 11, 1879, that
for a considerable period prior to 1858 the compensa-
840
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
tion of each legislator was determined by itself, and
from 1830 to 1857 inclusive it had uniformly been
at the rate of two dollars for each day’s attendance,
with mileage at the rate of one dollar for every five
In 1858
an act was passed fixing compensation at three hun-
miles’ travel, one way, once in each session.
dred dollars for the’ regular session, with mileage at |
the same rate as above;
force until 1865, when it was repealed without the
substitution of any other provision, and from that
time to 1871 each Legislature fixed its own compen-
sation. In 1866 it was four dollars per day, and
from 1867 to 1870 inclusive five dollars per day, with
mileage as above stated. In 1871 the compensation
was fixed at seven hundred and fifty dollars, with
and so remained until 1876. In
1875 it was provided that mileage should consist in
the actual expenses paid for travel, once in each ses-
mileage as above,
sion, each way. In 1876 the compensation was re-
duced to six hundred and fifty dollars, and at present
by the public statutes it is five hundred dollars for
each member of the Senate and House, and one dol-
laa for every five miles’ travel from his place of abode,
once in each session.
LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES TO GENERAL COURT.
John Winchester, 1709, 10.
Josiah Winchester, 1711, °13, °17
Samuel Sewall, Jr., 1712.
Lieut. Thomas Gardner, 1718.
1714, May 17. “Voted. In that upon Deliberation the Inhabit-
ants Declined sending a Representative upon the Acc’t of their
Building a Meeting House and the Great charges thereof for
such a Poor Little Town. We the Inhabitants do desire and
pray this Hon’d House would Exeuse us this year.”
1714, Nov. 29. ‘* Att a Town Meeting, Legally Warned, To
choose a Representative. The Inhabitants Declined sending
Desireing still further to be Excused by the Great and
General Court.”
1715, May 16.
Voted that the inhabitants decline sending a representative
this year by reason of the charge that will arise upon building
ye meeting house.”
1716, May 8. “ Att a meeting of the inhabitants of Brook-
lyn Legaly Warned, the inhabitants Decline choosing a Rep-
resentative.”
No record for 1719.
No record for 1720.
Edward White, 1721,
No record for 1725.
Samuel White, ee "29, 730, 735, 736, 73
1728
3enjamin White, 1]
one.
°22, ’23, ’24, °26, 41, 42, °47.
1, 739, 743, °44, °49.
No record,
17: ]
No record, 1732, ey
Voted not to send, 17
No record, 1738.
Voted not to send, 1740.
No record, 1745.
Voted not to send, 1746,
61, 62, 63, 64, 65, ’66.
48, °50, 751, 52, 753, °54, ’58, ’5Y, 60,
and this law remained in |
“Att a Town Meeting Legally Warned, |
| Rev. F. H. Hedge, 1857, ’58,-
208,
Jeremiah Gridley, 1755, ’56, °57, ’67.
Capt. Benjamin White, 1768, *70, ’71, ’72, 73,
Deacon Ebenezer Davis, 1769.
John Goddard, 1776, ’84, °85, ’86,
Elhanan Winchester, 1777.
Col. Thomas Aspinwall, 1778, ’°79, ’80.
Voted not to send, 1782, °93.
Dr. William Aspinwall, 1790, ’91, ’94, °95, 96, ’°97, 798, °99.
Stephen Sharp, 1800, ’01, 02, *03, 04, °05, 706, ’07, 708, 709, 710,
711, 712.
Isaac S. Gardner, 1813, *14, ’15, *16, 717, 718.
Deacon John Robinson, 1819, *20, ’21, ’22, 723,
430; 73, 782, -o5%
Deacon Joshua C. Clark, 1828, ’29.
Voted not to send, 1834.
David R. Griggs, 1835
Deacon Thomas Griggs, 1836, °37,°38.
No choice, 1839,
Henry J. Oliver, 1840.
Voted not to send, 1841.
Deacon Thomas Kendall, 1842, °43, 44.
No choice, 1845, °46.
John Howe, 1847, °48.
Marshal Stearns, 1849.
William Aspinwall, 1850, “OL.
Willard A. Humphrey, 1852 2, 753.
David Wilder, Jr., 1854.
John N. Turner, 1855.
Abijah W. Goddard, 1856, ’68.
Thomas Parsons, 1857, ’58, 59, °6
Edward R. Seccomb, 1860.
James Bartlett, 1863, °64.
John W. Candler, 1865.
George F. Homer, 1866.
Alanson W. Beard, 1869, ’70.
Austin W. pee 1871, *72.
Moses Williams, Jr., 1873, ’74, 75.
Edward I. ee 18765 770,085 2095, 80s
Rufus G. F. Candage, 1881, *82, ’83.
Benjamin F. Baker, 1884.
°74, 775,81, *83.
"87, °88, ’89, °92.
"24, °25, 726, ’27,
1, 62, ’67.
TRUSTEES OF BROOKLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY, FROM
1857 TO 1883.
58, °59, °60, °61,
79, 273, P74,
Thomas Parsons, 1857,
1617, 708,69), 4105 “il
Sil, 782, 283.
"62, °63, °64, 65, 766,
75, 76,77, °78, 79, °80,
20 60, °61,
Amos A. Lawrence, 1857, 59, °60,
William I. Bowditch, 1857, ’58, *59, 76
e242
Benjamin F. Baker,
766, 767, ’68, ’69,
James Bartlett, 1857,
Marshall Stearns, 1857.
Edward A. Dana, 1857, °58, ’65, ’66, ’67, ’68.
T. P. Chandler, 1857, ’58, ’59, 760, ih , 762, Be; Bee 65, 66.
John N. Turner, 1857, °58, 759,.°60, ’61, °62; 7
James M. Howe, 1857, *58, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62.
Edward Atkinson, 1857
62, °63.
61, °62.
0, ’61, 67, 68, °69, °70,
1857, °58, 59, 60, 61, °62, °63, °64, °65,
70, 71, °72, 773, °%4, 280; Bi, °82, 2838
George F. Homer, 1858, ’59, au Me 62, ’63, 764, 65, °66, 767,
LOS OO a0, Wile ti oomMosme Laan. (Ds
| hanes Aspinwall, 1858, ’59, ve 61, °62, ’63, 764, °65, °66, ’67,
85095 0, de wee on aes 15, "79, °80, 7°81, 7825 783;
eee A. Dupee, 1858, ’62.
E. C. Emerson, 1859, 60, ’61, 62, ’63, °64, ’65, °66, 67, ’68, 769.
William A. Wellman, 1859, 60, ’61, °62, °63.
on
SO Ag LOL TEE EL ne
BROOKLINE.
841
Charles U. Cotting, 1863, “64, °65, ’66, 67, ’68, ’69, 70.
Rey. J. L. Diman, 1863, ’64.
William D. Philbrick, 1863, ’64, 65, 66.
John W. Candler, 1864, ’65, 66, °67, ’68, 69, ’70, ’71, ’72, 773.
Rey. William Lamson, 1864, ’65, ’66, ’67, 768, 69, ’70, ’71, ’72,
73.74, °75, °76.
J. I. Shedd, 1864, ’65.
Charles D. Head, 1866, ’67, ’68, ’69, °70, °71, ’72, ’7
ROWE MSs) AE o0, TOL, “82, Bo.
John C. Abbott, 1867, ’68, °69, ’70.
Dr. Augustine Shurtleff, 1869, °7
“tly “Utey Thy ASUS HIG ee SBS
Edward C. Cabot, 1870, ’71, ’72, °73, ’74.
Dr. Robert Amory, 1871, 772, ’73, °74, 775, ’76, ’77.
eG LH. Candace, 1871, 72; 773, 14, 77.5, 276, 277, 08; 209, 80;
tL ees asa}
Robert S. Davis, 1873, ’74, ’75.
George M. Towle, 1874, ’75, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83.
James M. Codman, 1875, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’79, 80, ’81, 82, 83.
Alfred D. Chandler, 1875, ’76, ’77.
Charles H. Drew, 1876, ’77, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’81, °82, ’83.
John Wells, 1876.
Clement K. Fay, 1876, ’77, ’78.
Rev. Howard N. Brown, 1877, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83.
Henry V. Poor, 1877, ’78, ’79.
Henry M. Whitney, 1878, ’79.
James P. Farley, Jr., 1878, ’79, ’80.
Thomas H. Talbot, 1880.
Dr. T. E. Francis, 1881, ’82, ’83.
William B. Haseltine, 1881, ’82, ’83.
3, °74, °75,
, 71, °72, °73, 74, °75, 776,
|
TABLE OF VALUATION, EXPENDITURES, RATE OF TAXATION, AND DeEpT |
OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE, FROM Fes. 1, 1847, ro Fes. 1, 1883,
INCLUSIVE.
Expenditures TotaliValuee
Dave. for the Year Debt, Feb. 1. : : Tax on
Ending Feb. 1. Hon, May 1- | sida:
1847 $9,335.14 $2,156.43 3,909,200 $2.3
1848.. 10,189.22 6,333.68 4,708,800 1.85
1849... 10,570.06 6,163.76 5,385,600 2.00
1850... 10,977.41 5,163.76 5,382,000 2.10
1851... 12,956.13 3,163.76 5,945.600 2.30
1852... 28,653.14 13,163.76 6,419,320 2.50
1853... 21,626.55 12,500.00 7,185.600 2.50
1854... 22,417.54 15,160.40 8,414,170 | 3.80
1855... 59,284.29 43,500.00 8,776,500 | 4.50
1856... 47 432.06 41,500.00 9,302,000 | , 3.90
1857... 52,869.03 50,500.00 9,569,310 | 5.30
1858... 71,361.71 61,700.00 | 9,217,300 | 5.00
1859... 48,827.25 57,700.00 | 10,320,900 | 5.80
1860... 66,709.96 60,200.00 | 10,799800 | 5.50
1861... 61,665.54 53,200.00 10,910,100 | 6.50
1862... 62,807.54 48,200.00 10,702,600 | 6.20
1863... 122,362.22 88,200.00 | 11,005,200 10.00
1864... 182,143.03 101,905.96 | 9,667,800 | 10.00
1865... 163,548.75 124,655.96 | 10,185,800° | 10.00
1866... 164,645 57 104.405.96 | 10,175,800 | 10.00
1867... 129,007.02 77,655.96 13,801,200 8.00
1868... 151,894.97 79,205.96 14,870,700 | 6.20
1869... 175,856.11 98,505.96 16,313,700 9.00
1870... 242,084.91 155,405.96 18,948,300 | 7.50
1871... 317,087.83 245,800.00 20,879,700 9.70
1872... 473,843.18 473,800.00 29,413,914 8.70
1873... 453,660.31 581,800.00 28,476,000 11.50
eye 591,360.49 816,704.16 27,940,200 11.50
1875... 985,605.68 1 1,346,958.00 27,809,100 11.60
1876... 569,192.86 1 1,395,350.00 27,497,000 12.20
TEA fas 389,455.91 1 1,368,350.00 | 24,968,690 12.50
TST 502,451.5112 1,468,350.00 | 24,944,000 12.50
S79... 436,463.3712 1,444,350.00 22,586,300 12.10
1880... 434,882.79 1 1,451,350.00 22,493,900 12.60
1881.. 403,412.99 1 1,442,554.66 22,869,700 12.00
TSS" ..| 396,189.53 1,439,550.00 23,723,300 10.80
1883.. ..| 414,328.86 1,360,850.00 24,842,800 | 123
1884 | 482,793.95 1,318,950.00 25,822,900 11.50
1Of which, for water in 1875, $391,547.48 ; debt, $400,000. 1876,
$82,777.52; debt, $475,000. 1877, $16,576.22; debt, $500,000. 1878, $10,-
270.51; debt, $500,000. 1879, $9,314.99. 1880, debt, $543,000. 1881, debt,
$41,000.
2 For sewers in 1878, $140,282.35; debt, $125,000. 1879, $19,963.79.
Longevity in Brookline.—Without considering
_the mortality returns of Brookline as compared with
| those of other municipalities in the State, to be found
in town reports and daily papers from time to time,
some statistics are here given on Jongevity, as shown
_in the advanced years attained by more than three
hundred and fifty persons who have died in Brook-
line at the age of seventy-five years and over. The
_ table given below, which is the most complete known,
| has just been compiled from the First Parish records,
from the town records, from tablets and tombstones,
_ and from private sources of information.
| Sir Henry Holland, appointed physician in ordi-
| nary to the queen of England in 1852, writing on the
‘practical question how vitality may best be main-
tained and prolonged into old age,” observes, that
“we must look mainly to four general conditions,
which may be said to include all that is most essen-
tial to the fulfillment of this problem. These are: (1)
_ Air—as belonging to respiration; (2) Aliment; (3)
Exercise of the body; (4) Exercise of the mental
functions.”
We have hardly space to examine how far one or
more of Sir Henry’s conditions served to prolong the
lives of the several persons whose names are here
The venerable Mrs. Mace,
who heads the list as a centenarian, lived on School
| Street, in the house where Mr. P. W. Pierce now
resides ; she was the mother-in-law of Alexander H.
given, nor do we know.
Clapp, the village postmaster in President Franklin
Pierce’s administration. She died of influenza. It
is odd that the borders of the brook from Harvard
Street, by School Street to Park Street and so on,
which at the lower end are now of a doubtful sanitary
condition, should be the places where several of the
oldest people have lived and died, such as Mrs. Mace,
at the age of one hundred years; Deacon John Rob-
_ inson, at the age of ninety-one years, who was a select-
man for thirty years, from 1805 to 1855, and nine
| times our representative; Mr. William Rice, at the
age of ninety-one years; Mrs. Esther P. Chandler,
_at the age of ninety years; and among the living,
Deacon Thomas Griggs, who was three times our rep-
_ resentative, in 1836-38, now in his ninety-sixth year,
and the oldest person in town. Miss Anna Dana,
who has outranked all our spinsters in point of lon-
gevity, passed most of her life in a building which
_ once stood between the present public library and
_ Mr. John Gibbs’ house. Her great age may illustrate
Dr. Holland’s first condition, that of ‘ air—as belong-
| ing to respiration ;” for she is said to have kept her
attic window, above the stairway, open at all seasons
| for forty years. When ninety the window was nailed
842
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
down against her will. When ninety-two she
died.
The number of instances of extreme longevity in
the lower lands of Brookline seems remarkable. But
the condition of these lowlands is changing with the |
Many citizens can now re- |
_the salubrity of the air or the general healthfulness
growth of population.
member the baptismal immersements in Muddy River
not far from the present Downer Street settlement,
where the thought of such a rite nowadays causes a
shudder.
Vigorous out-of-door exercise aided longevity with |
Capt. Robert Sharp's activity cost him his
life when he fell from a load of hay in July, 1765, |
many.
at the age of seventy-eight. He was a prominent
citizen and a large land-owner.
Negro servants, of whom there were many, died at
a good age, such as Cesar, at eighty, in 1792, and
Dinah, at seventy-five, in 1803.
Women in Brookline, as in many other places,
have outlived the men. The list given below includes —
three hundred and fifty-four persons, two hundred
and ten women and one hundred and forty-four men,
or sixty-six more women than men, who died in this
town at the age of seventy-five or over. Between the
ages of ninety and one hundred there are twenty-five
women and only eight men, or over three times as
Married women have outlived
single women nine to one.
Many women as men.
Some persons on the list have lived but a short time
in Brookline, having come to the town late in life.
On the other hand, many who have lived in Brook-
line to an advanced age, and whose names may be
expected, have, for various reasons, moved away in
their declining years, and their deaths are recorded |
elsewhere.
It is common to say of a person who dies, for in-
stance, between seventy-nine and eighty years of age,
that such a one is eighty ; and many whose ages are
here given in years only, were undoubtedly some days |
or months younger than stated.
Our local records are not, and never have been, |
complete ; the printed forms vary with different gen-
erations, and are still deficient in omitting the hus-
band’s name of a deceased wife or widow. The town
records make no pretensions to fullness prior to 1845.
The First Parish records have no entry of deaths
before 1761.
appear to begin about 1721.
early times citizens of Brookline were buried in the
Roxbury cemetery 6n Washington Street, at the cor-
ner of Eustis Street. Under these circumstances the
names of many persons who survived the age of
seventy-five years cannot be obtained.
The tombstones in the old cemetery |
It is said that in very |
The list is arranged according to ages, and where
_two or more are of the same age, then chronologi-
cally. Errors undoubtedly exist; any one who has
ever attempted such a compilation will understand
this.
We are not aware that any person seriously doubts
of Brookline, but here is a record, now for the first
time revealed, which is as significant as it is interest-
ing in support of the fact.
The population of the town is, for comparison,
important.
By the Colonial Census, in 1776, it was........ 502
“United States Census, in 1790, it was. 484
be ee “ce “se 1800, “ 605
“ec “e “ce “ee 1810, “ce 784
‘ “cc “ee “ce 1820, “e 900
“ “ce “ “ 1830, “ 1043
“ “ “cc “ 1840, “cc 1365
“ “ “ee “ee 1850, “ce 2516
“ce “c “ce “ce 1860, “ce 5164
“ “cr “ee “cc 1870, “ 6650
oc ““ “ee “ce 1880, “ce 8053
List oF PERSONS DECEASED IN BROOKLINE AT SEVENTY-FIVE
YEARS OF AGE AND UPWARDS, FROM THE EARLIEST RECORDED
TIMES TO Sept. 15, i883.
Age. Name. Date of Death.
Ys Mm. de
100— 1-18 Reuel, w. of Abram Mace............ Dec. 31, 1850
97- 4— 3 Mrs. Elizabeth [Duncan] Carter....Oct. 3, 1864
97 Mr. Via phi. .scecece aomeneeons Feh. 27; 17/05
96 Elizabeth [Nyben] w. of Daniel
Driscolliecesccocsiecaceccnssscocemeoreeees Feb. 8, 1874
96 Mrs. Ellen [Nyhen] Culinan......... May 25, 1876
95-11-28 Samuel Townsend...................-...-March 2, 1877
95— 7= 6 Benjamin Goddard...... ....s.s-ecsrses Oct. 26, 1861
94 Sarah, w. of Benjamin White ....... Sept. 11, 1801
94 Mrs. Mary [Cavanagh] Flannigan.Sept. 7, 1833
93-— 5 Charlest Stearns... .:.c-csscessacseseeere Feb. 16, 1864
3- 8-28 Mrs..Hannah B, [Friend] Plimp-
HON; wve cs scejscesessech seeteeseeesjeseneee Oct 9, 1873
93- 0-19 Mrs. Ann [Shahan] Wilson........... Nov. 23, 1870
92—- 1- 6 Elizabeth, w. of Timothy Corey....Nov. 18, 1837
92- 1- Miss; Anna. Dand..s:...ccyesccesee notes: Feb. 9, 1847
92 Thankful, w. of Benjamin White...Nov. 17, 1836
92 Mary, w. of Caleb G. Gardner...... Oct. 10, 1851
92 Catherine [Brown] w. of Benjamin
Goddard): s.c.cct.cocesonce socevecesoeeees April 1, 1881
91-11—- 6 Mrs. Catherine [Drawny] Lavery...July 26, 1871
91-10=14 “Moses! Hadley... .:....0ssc.csescleocsevonche Feb. 5, 1872
91- 6 John WRODINSON: ee. cesseessecicoveveorees Jan. 13, 1855
O1— 3-18) AWialliampRices..concesscocedenecenecerseens Feb. 27, 1879
91- 3-16 Eliza, w. of Oliver Whyte............ March 17, 1871
91- 3 Mrs. Joanna Downes Jordan......... Jan 7, 1882
90- 9-10 Lucy, w. of David R. Griggs........ April 20, 1883
90— 7—- 2 Sarah, w. of Deacon Thomas Ken-
Gt easter eres rerriocadeccopasonconcdet June 13, 1870
90-— 3-12 Dr. Walter Channing..............00«- July 27, 1876
90-— 3-10 Bulah, w. of Samuel Griggs.......... Aug. 21, 1847
90— 2-25 Eliza [Babcock] w. of Capt. Inger-
SOll cstenatusceccesercesnesecccestie centers May 9, 1870
90- 1-13 Lois, w. of John Warren.............. Feb. 4, 1878
90- 0-23 Esther| Parsons] w. of Peleg Chand-
LOY sds ccesccisecevsceajestewcsccessacciteterees Feb. 10, 1865
90 Ann, w. of Samuel White............. Feb 12, 1774
90 Mrs. Catherine | Moran] McLauth-
NIMs ccacce en ntesecetetcsconsteowonconiecesere July 5, 1878
90 Mrs. Ann L. [Prince] Jewett......... July 11, 1881
89-10 Jane, w. of Capt. Isaac Cook......... Dec. 24, 1873
89- 8-17 Sybil, w. of Elisha Penniman....... Aug. 7, 1875
89= i=" 5 William) P Page\.-.-..ccecesoccassecess Oct. 23, 1878
89 Mirs. Ruth Adams: ccccess sceocsneciotens Nov. 19, 1762
89 JOShus StCAMAN'..-ccens svete oselene ces Dee.! 11, 1762
89 Mrs. Craft [‘* Mother of Deacon
Davis d.cseoncees sccstaieacecosseteeet Jan 13, 1763
843
85-10-15
85-10-15
85-10
85-10
85-— 7-25
85-— 6- 6
85-— 6
85— 4-14
85- ae
85— 2
85
85
85
85
85
85
85
84-10-20
84-10
84— 7-15
84— 4-22
84— 3-21
84— 3-16
84
84
84
84
84
84
84
84
83-11-17
83-11
83-— 9-27
83— 9-12
83- 9
BROOKLINE.
Name. Date of Death. | Age.
| y. m. d-
Mrs. Rebecca Child..............+0+ -Nov. 26, 1802 | 83- 8-10
Mire Galebh@raitesccasssccsccscocciocerssse: Aug. 2, 1838 | Bee 6-18
James M. Blaney...... 22-00 ..cscesesseses March 31, 1880 | 83-— 4-20
Mrs. Sally B. [Clark] Nickerson Sees March 16, 1868 | 83- 4
GH MDD MG Wiewatsccednecsetanasscisavesacesia== May 14, 1881 | 83- 0- 2
Mhompson! Whayer-sc.ccs-s\cccocesecrenesn March 7, 1861 | 83
Miss Many boyIston!..c-- cesses eaneraes Oct. ie Teale || ee!
WHOMAS WICC seks. csc csevesccsevesscevecssss Dec. 14, 1867 3
Miss Mary Stanton........ BosoANeReCOCOn July 16,1878 | 83
Mrs. Mary [Rohan] Donlan........... Dec. 21, 1882 | 83
Lucy [Stearns] w. of Elijah Corey...May 4, 1874 | 83
Mrs. Sarah [Coburn] W enw Scereness April 28, 1870 | 83
David Coolidge.......... RecsiecassessNOWe ON, Ls ON| mcs
Mrs. Henrietta D’ Aubert. Seeseccnamesance Sept. 14, 1874 | 83
Joseph Hunnewell.. soqeceee ee March 29, 1875 | 82-11
Cornelius ane Beneet cabs Seoteso reese March OES) S2—L0= 2
Mrs. Doreas [Gardner] Arnold socno00s May 7, 1871 | 82- 9- 1
Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, F.R.S............March 1, 1766 | 82— 7-14
Abigail, w. of Timothy Harris. nooorece Sept. 9, 1767 | 82-7
Mrs. Abraham Woodward.............. June 27,1771 | 82- 6
Mrs. Thomas Woodward....... ........April —, 177 82-5
DOWMAH ALIS. ssccccccnccaselsoscewecccccaee Feb. 3, 1796 | 82— 4
IMTS reland ec cccsesesseceescee es assecenet April 17,1796 | 82- 3
Mist sara rTrOW Di ecssecesscesaciececesiecs Feb. 17, 1825 | 82
Patrick Meliaurhilinve..c...s<c-s20-o0-0=0 Nov. 13, 1881 | 82
Theophilus R. Marvin.................00. May 9, 1882 |
Mrs. Mary [Lewis] Caswell............. June 4, 1874 | 82
Mehitable M. [Dawes] w. of Samuel 82
GOd dard reencesecerenlecneosecsersiceeene’s Sept. 27, 1882 | 82
Frances, w. of Henry Winchester... Nov. 21, 1765 | 82
Mrs. John Elan Sweecesicneeeslecesonsecesoct Sept. 10, 1774 | 82
Elizabeth, w. of Capt. Samuel Par- 82
GEIGS Casewceeaesnacaircssecusclssseesisesewoss Jan. 6, 1814 | 82
Rachel, w. of Roswell Clapp.......00. June 16, 1854 | 81-11
Mrs, Tabitha [Kidder] Laughton.....April 23,1859 | 81-11
Danielle Cartityicesrassss---sstesecscneees Dec. 8, 1870 | 81-10- 8
sRONMIS-eWirtolteecessess'ssscsntes/s-eacsasens June 29, 1874 | 81- 9- 1
Mrs. Hannah) Horanecs..::.-..+-:¢2ses- Jan ig 1876 | 81- 8
John Murphy........ Rennncacdescoccieocses Nov 5, 1880 | 81- 6-15
Mrs. Margaret Boyle.............sccsee«s July 25, 1883 | 81- 6
Mrs. Nancy {Jackson} Webster. LAnneoon March 12, 1861 | 81- 4-10
Mrs. Susannah [Bradford] Parker...Feb. 11, 1881 | 8I- 4
Voli) God dardsssecssescesincencsastaoctecees April 13, 1816 81-3
Hannah [Seaver] w. of John God-
(EUR caqandocnconauD coscoctno oscecanconioa May 31, 1821 | 81- 2
Parley OPM. csssesccisesessscleeoscseee June 12,1867 | 81
Mrs. Elizabeth [McGuigon] Mc- | 81
(ital Wissreccsecaects cecsccticcsetcess ene ie ence Sept. 1, 1879 | 81
Capt. Joseph Goddard..............ss00 Dec. 10,1846 | 81
iMiliy BHR OTC Yycoecocossoctesicccescosajsescesees May 13, 1859 | 81
eter banneksscaccssssncsseccavcscsrcnse es July 5, 1835 | 81
OHanlesiGOdG ard tacesccscseccssesclteeues Jan. 29, 1883 | 81
Capt. Isaae Cook........ Seana secetaeneece March 20, 1865 | 81
Mrs. Mehitable [Bigelow] Adams....Nov. 11,1877 | 81
PONMIS CAVE caste cceces ceseceticw<ssriss ce se Dec. 12,1756 | 81
Jerusha, wife of Dr. Zabdiel Boyls- | 31
WOW epee ot eciceccnccciseecscbecroctvoceeses April 15, 1764 | 81
Mrs. Major Edward White............. Dec. 31,1780 | 81
William) Hiyslop\s-s:cocserccs sealacrecetes Aug. 11,1796 | 81
Abraham @CKSONEstsccsecsecessccsece dan, 15,1807 | 81-11-25
Mrs eianm whwlopes:-csceccocece'once= sae July 9, 1847 ; 80-10-25
Simon) McMahon::...2s. sescesessisscscooes Jan, 22, 1882
Charles Stearns............ cosa coco soon0t Oct. 24,1879 | 80-— 9-24
Miss Eliza Murdock............ paceaneee Oct. 8, 1880 | 80- 9-21
Mrs. Betsy [Bennett] Fuller........... July 15,1859 80- 9-21
Eliza [Eliot] w. of Benjamin Guild.July 24,1874 | 80- 7-17
Gauistavusy Black.scrsssessccstecesscossss © Jan. 22,1881 | 80- 7- 4
Miss Mary Ann Rice......... pacledosaceced April 19,1870 | 80— 4-19
Mrs. mi ATUL DS ssccscoccsasaes ss.co ses Nov. 8, 1767 | 80- 2-21
Mrs. Esther Harris...............0.......NoV. 6, 1801 | 80- 1-21
WallebCraftsc....cssjcsccsesccieoteesesscocese Jan. 8, 1826 | 80- 1- 2
WilliamUNe Roads ttstscccesesccscneesss Feb. 16,1853 | 80- 1
AMUGl Iso LEsCObtsisccecscrcsseoncacers Feb. 7, 1857 | 80- 0-23
Jamess Mitchells recesses ccescecsccelcceses April 14, 1879 | 80
SOHMPHOGANssssscescesseseeccsesecscones Sept. 2, 1881 | 80
Luke Mooney occouson 1 CQCecs BOBEAOaSeCCEuO Jan. 10,1883 | 80
Hannah [ Heath] w. of John Howe. -April 3, 1883 | 80
Hemmry? WinCOlns.2.:.0<es.\cccsessssicscoceese May 11, 1882 | 80
Susan [Wheelwright] w. of John | 80
Candlerecsscecssssasecetcecteece senescence Aug. 23,1882 | 80
Mrs. Susan G. H. [Griggs] Jackson. Nov. 10, 1873 | 80
Dawid. Ws Griggee.s...c0sseessscsescseeees March 5, 1870 | 80
Name.
Samuel Goddard..................000-..... March
Benjamin B. Davis................000-.--/ Aug.
MrsSanah Chenery -...:.c-s: cscsssee Dec.
Hredencks Cabot ja.acens-scerescserotanes June
Miss Elizabeth Bowditch Martin.....May
ID TOS MATIN) MRO caeeasaneeniatassanasiccnecer=s June
WaNvelpllanniGowasearesiiec(casnesacaes cede se Dee.
ig aa.c Gand nsrcpesscsans[-se-anee-secieeteor March
Mary Russell, w. of Geo. Searle....../ April
Elizabeth, w. of Luther Thayer...... Jan.
George Thompson ........-..seeesceseeees March
Abigail, w. of Samuel Woodward....May
BHOMAS NEU sssssdlacscessscaacanciescence= Oct.
John Reardon :scsescstecccccesss--aste tees May
Mrs. Hannah [Brough] Wallace...... May
Mrs. Rhoda [ Hunting] Seaverns......Feb.
Mrs. Elizabeth [Ashby] Putnam...... Dec.
Mrs. Fannie [Linnell] Taylor......... Aug.
Mrs. Sarah Goodnough.................. Feb.
Miss Susan Heath...........-.00sscscese- March
Mrs. Sarah H. [ Power] Johnson nocnOc May
Mrs. Mary B. Blaney............00.s000. Sept.
Mrs. Mary M. [Lovell] Loring........ Feb.
Ebenezer Sargent.............006 ssseess. Sept.
Abigail [Woodward] w. of Ephraim
VW Tio océgadoccas dsacsanacnouaacoen asaco Feb.
Wid OWAVO0U cceccccrecscccalessesrtssseraees Jan.
Ann, w.of Benjamin French.......... Oct.
WanielePertyencesaccessstiecssssaneacsecers Oct.
Nancy F., wife of Charles Stearns...Aug.
Mrs. Abigail Tolman................s00e Dec.
Mrs. Mary [McKinnon] MeMillen...June
Mrs. Abby A. [Beale] Quinney........ Oct.
Peter Hazeltine Green...........02.s000 Oct.
Mrs. Caroline [Adams] Cook.......... June
Miss Sarah S. Gardner............-s000 April
Mrs. Rebecca [Mann] Newell......... Feb.
Miss Harriet Etheridge...............-. June
Deborah, w. of Benjamin Seaver.....April
Miss Eunice AMES se csseese ces sestasecces May
Mrs. Hannah [Dotan] Burrill ss0006¢ Aug.
Mrs. Elizabeth C. [Jones] Reynolds. Feb.
Susannah [Stone] wife of Jabez
Wishetacccccsclessocorsstnces wacestes e2-5--0aN.
MassvAmn Hs Heathis-..cesslsccseoses ess May
Deacon Samuel Clark............-ssee00 May
SOlOMOMMEIN eee cccsstocescccsesesesicnsens July
SOhMMEATE Stace sceeesececetsesr actecssecars Dec.
Patty, w. of Benjamin Hill............ April
Miss Molly Jackson..............0.+000 March
Robert JANSON Ee s-+s2.-cecssccssslsoscsosss Noy.
Lydia, w. of Nathaniel Murdock.....Sept.
Mommas! Mendallisseecccleco-encssocsose <= Oct.
Lucy, w. of Joseph White.............. March
Thomas) Ooley/.o-..cc)-scsesasecceessecse= Dec.
Mrs. Mary Ann [Dudley] Brackett..April
CalvingKnowilton=-ss-cc-scesessecneeenss Jan.
IMu-ssAmm aiitcltellisssocneesensescieeese sss Dec.
Mrs. Sarah P. A. [Rust] Jones...... July
Patience, w. of Enos Withington.... April
Mrs. Elizabeth [Ricbards] Ken-
TU CKe aes sconcclcccacececmsccccscssseresosess Nov.
Joshua Whilds! Clarks-..cec-oseccsscosses July
Mrs. Eunice Stedman..............se0«-- March
iaCOb) HOMCrs-..csssccevercssionccsscceseeas March
Mrs. Sarah [Warren] Spalding...... Jan.
Dr. Samuel A. Shurtleff................- Feb.
Mrs. Sally [Root] Van Slyck......... May
Wiallram: CHichborntwswcss.scsstecsceceees: Sept.
Mrs. Mary [Bartlett] Clark...........May
Peter sRichardsOns. cs, cstsessosccscscses March
Mrs. Mercy [Rose] Newell.............. March
Joseph V. Bacon.......00..cosseees reeves May
JOnNACKELS .scscescccses~ Sacsnsesiovevcesen® Jan.
Susannah, w. of Robert Sharp......... Jan
John Ellis Ls cue ai dcseacusssoctecececiccce esses Dec.
Jenny, servant of Isaac Winchester..Jan.
Miss Betsy Chamberlain.............+-. Dec.
WaeSaleecsetcececcnsceecsscinececcseconcescenes March
Hramike OwNietlisccsc/es<cssescccsacceccien sees Nov.
Widow Mary Jackson..........00+seeee. Oct.
Sarah Williains—at Mr. Heath’s.....Oct.
Date of Death.
13, 1871
22, 1877
21, 1880
1869
1875
—, 1735
Dee liveves
11, 1767
3, 1836
16, 1853
9, 1855
20, 1855
2, 1881
1883
1881
1863
2, 1870
F, 1875
3, 1845
24, 1878
22, 1860
15, 1874
1878
iyepll
17, 1792
4, 1798
0, 1849
7, 1853
4, 1855
7, 1858
6, 1881
1, 1882
19, 1862
1883
1879
4, 1867
4, 1873
26, 1851
12, 1862
1870
15, 1879
8, 1875
15, 1878
7, 1766
1792
15, 1831
1847
22, 1847
1849
24, 1850
1850
15, 1856
1868
9, 1877
1878
1880
6, 1883
13, 1853
5, 1861
4, 1861
13, 1835
23, 1869
25, 1877
1873
7, 1878
1880
1873
15, 1878
2, 1875
5, 1867
16, 1712
4,177
1770
5, 1771
26, 1778
26, 1792
5, 1792
21, 1810
Tage
844 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Age. Name. Date of Death. ; Age. Name. Date of Death. 4
y. m. d | Ys m. d. |
80 William Aspinwall, M.D............... April 16,1823 | 77 Susannah, w. of Isaac Gardner....... Aug. 18, 1768 /
80 Thaddeus Jackson. ..........sscseeceeres Oct. 12, 1832 | 77 Mrs. Elizabeth Boylston............. ..Aug. 19, 1776 |
80 MirsseA'd ane B RDGOCK..cccccceseccsse scene May 15,1858 | 77 Margaret [Williams], w. of Thomas ‘
80 Miss Prudence Heath...............00008 March 9, 1839 Griggs... s-corceseseNept. LIP MIS00 ji
80 Ebenezer Heath... ...0:.cacsesseseceses Feb. 26, 1845 | 77 Lucey, widow of ‘Col. ‘Thomas Aspin- j
80 Samuel G. Perkins, Esq. [on his wall.. seesiesessscessesesae NOME Oy muse
[privet] 86 Fy 7 eeeepeocdoeoodceds: UaneD BaDKaG Oo May 24,1847 | 77 Capt. Adam Babebok.12. adeetwe Sept. 24, 1817 |
80 Thomas Waldron Sumnet............00. May 29,1849 | 77 Mrs; Mary Dennie..s.cecsc<csvneserameens Sept. 7, 1819
80 Mhomas Hold enin..ceshesccstssdecicc-wseses Nov. 28, 1849 | 77 Martha, w. of Josiah Woodward......Dec. 25, 1840
80 Lucy, w. of James Holden.............. Feb. 2, L851) 77 Rebecea, wife of Daniel Perry........ Nov. 15, 1851 }
80 Ly diss w. of Nathaniel Wright....... Sept. 18,1854 | 77 John Moreland: cc-esceeseeeeee eleseceacen March 21. 1856 \
80 Mrs. Hannah Murray........scccceseeeee Nov. 19,1856 | 77 Mrs. Mary Tolman..............:. pocecc June 6, 1865 ‘
80 Lucey, widow of Dr. John Pierce...... Feb. 12,1858 | 77 Mrs. Rhoda B. [Lardbee] Powers....Dee. 8, 1871
80 Obey mip tons sc cartencesclosicceseeescieneer April 13, 1863 | 77 Mrs. Ellen [Ahern] Dwyer............Jan. 1, 1880
80 Mirs. Many ALS Brig esicceccossssecteases March 12, 1864 | 76-10-17 Francis Fisher.............ssecsssseccseees Aug. 1, 1871
80 Mrs. Margaret Elliott... ‘ ssuly, 15,1865 1 76-10= 9 Harrison Pay ....cccsiccreeceeseneseteeetes July 1, 1882
80 Mrs. Ruth [Greene | Bailey ......--..March 7, 1867 | 76-10- 5 Mrs. Mercy [Philbrick] Pettingill...April 1, 1863
80 Mrs. Mary [Power] Clancy............ Oct. 12,1868 | 76- 8-14 Hannah, wife of Studley Sampson...Nov. 29, 1848
80 Miss Catherine Campbell............... May 13,1876 | 76— 8-10 Miss Sarah Kitteredge......... 0.00.80. 6, 1871
80 Mrs. Margaret Doyle ................000 Dee.) 14,1877 || %6— 7— 1 Caleb Crafty. cc20 3.2. cwsenjeencsielscaceeses July 11, 1860
80 Mrs. Rosanna [Killain] Malone...... Jan. 4, 1878 | 76- 4 Miss Eliza Gardner...........0000.-sessses Nov. 26, 1870
80 MirsssMaryyllynleecsccsestscssdderesesnee seer 2, 1881 | 76= 3-28 Hom. Seth Ames\..2...-. .csccscseseesesse Aug. 15, 1881
79- 7 William T. Eustis. .......0. ..000 .May 45,1874 | 76- 3-24 Mrs. Maria H. [Salt] Laighton...... Jan. 16, 1883
79- 6-24 William Clark Tyler... sosprecesscoccsensens March 22, 1882, | 76= 3-21 Augustus A. Hayes........0.cciesecsseoee June 21, 1882
79- 6 Mrs. Mary [Gardner] Corey............ March 3, 1862 | 76- 2 Mrs. Susannah [Johnstone] Mathe-
79- 6 Mrs. Tiucy G. Dawes=.......0:seccscacces March 3, 1877 SOD stoccccccisserscossiscsseesesicseecescsecee Sept. 4, 1876
79— 4-21 Mrs. Jane [Walker] Summer ......... Aug 2451880") 76—1-10) John Pierce, DoD eit. ..ceccsnecoreeeesests Aug. 24, 1849
79- 3 Mrs. Phebe [Caswell] Long............ Nov. 18,1869 | 76- 0- 5 SamuelJ.Gardner.... ........... 5 050000 July 14, 1864
79- 1-13 Mrs. Mary [Holmes] Churchill........June 26, 1883 | 76 Edward Devotion............ sesleceeseeee Nov. 7, 1744
(O—ol— on HNISHaStONG.scorccossaseonleccecncescosoesve Dec. 22, 1867 | 76 Capt. John Winchester...... ssaleseaeniers Sept. 27, 1751
79 Sarah, w. of John Seaver............... March 20, 1747 | 76 Samneluwihiters..cte.cacsatecnedecessetes April 9, 1760
79 Mrs. Samuel Sewalli... coc. cacosseos0APril 4, YAH 7A) Susannah, wife of Isaac Gardner.....Aug. 18, 1768
79 Mrs. Capt. Robert Sharp............+4. Jan. 4,1770 | 76 Major Edward Wihit@s:.-..c-ccssseseseeee May 29, 1769
79 Mary, w. of Nehemiah Davis......... June 19, 1786 | 76 Thomas Aspinwall ............cc.cec¥osses June 1, 1774
79 DOSMMaAPDOVIStOMesccdccie-eas seleccoscescesse Nov. 1, 1804 | 76 Mrs) SamueliClark...c.s.cccssscseesneesa June 9,1775
79 Susanna, w. of Joseph Davenport...May 27, 1841 | 76 William: Ackers?..:....:csccccesesvestesevss OC 9, 1794
79 Elizabeth H., w. of Ebenezer Thayer.Dec. 14, 1852 | 76 Daniel Danaccncccscessesccscccosescceseenber Sept. 23, 1803
ig Mrs. Mary [Moore] FAN ClSesseceescess April 16, 1864 | 76 Mrs. Jonas Raymond........... Bacoornies Oct. 16, 1809
79 Roberty MuUrrayjencencesccdessssssceaes seer Sept. 21,1868 | 76 Jonathan Dana........ Dobouoecraacnood cha Dec. 21, 1812
78-10 Lewis Slacks.:.2.scc.cscssesscsssossseeses Jan, 11, 1883 | 76 Mrs’) SamuelliClarkst.cc..cscsncacissseceines April 14, 1829
78— 9-16 Miss Eliza Ann Guild...............008- Jan. 24,1868 | 76 WalliamvAckerss2.ccss.ccscclscesse=ehactes July 14, 1841
78- 9 SAMUS C DO besescatNacsscssscscsssasieseess Sept. 3, 1863 | 76 Mehitable, w. of William Ackers....Dec. 23, 1843
78— 8-19 Mrs. Catherine [Davis] Lee............ July 2, 1870 | 76 John Hayden........ sereresesenes Sosaced July 15, 1844
W8— 15-02) Benjrmin |Waillise...csscessscosiaceessosaees July 28,1870 | 76 Sarah, w. of Thomas Kenrick......... Sept. 23, 1845
78- 7- 3. Mrs Polly [Chamberlain] Johnson...Aug. 23, 1877 | 76 Mary, w. of John Irving ....... eecaess March 31, 1848
78- 6-28 Mrs. Sarah [Richardson] Crafts...... Nov. 22,1861 | 76 Joseph White.. soeicosensene March) -2aulSo0)
78- 6-20 Mrs. Lucy [Smith] Babcock............ Feb. 14, 1877 | 76 Mary w. of Josiah Warren. Rate asacese March 21, 1853
78— 6 Bdward AM Walligms? <scccoussesssneor es Sept. 11,1871 | 76 Mrs. Pauline Whitney... secvesssossUNGU Mommisaig
UO O— Loe NADA ME DCs. cacesscejcceee sees cocnees es Feb. 8, 1863 | 76 Mary [Jackson] w. of Henry Lee....June 1, 1860
78— 3-30 Mrs. Margaret [Spurr] Williams.....Sept. 1, 1876 | 76 Eliza Buckminster, w. of Thomas
Oo e LH ZOKIC] OaWillscssccccstuccescsccicecseesooce Dec. 13, 1870 TiOO:. vassecvcicecdoececess scence sencceentae June 22, 1864
78— 3-14 Mrs. Sarah [Boyle] Nesbit............. Nov. 2;,1867 | 76 WalliammAppletont..-....cccs-ssccassneuns May 31, 1864
NS —el— 2m MTS LIU CVS Dit nc scacscicceseeetorercsens'es Oct. 28,1879 | 76 George: Babcockiscscsccssccscceccisessesucs Jan. 5, 1868
78— 2-13 Thomas Celfe...........:c00scscsseseeseees April 28, 1863 | 76 Mrs. Elien Mahan...........:scessssceees .- Dec. 2, 1868
GSU =A EOL SO UW ce ECIT UM .csceseesscsces stepson Noy. 21, 1867 | 76 Mrs. Caleb Clark. 2.02. cacsctecensslecivacs May 22, 1871
78- 0-27 Mrs. Persis [Hutchins] Hurd......... Aug. 12,1879 | 76 Anna Greenleaf, w. of Amos Atkin-
78— 0-16 Ben AMIN BLUCCs.s.0s)cceeeescs cccesessetes May 19, 1881 SOM Ascccecotastrccaceuecseeecceronoreeeter Sept. 29, 1871
78 Capt. Robt. Sharp—Fall from a load 75-11-11 Thomas Curry............ PRE caoeeEOs BoCD0G May 25, 1880
Olgliayiepsecccsclecavecserlacesecceslicccoe se July 18,1765 | 75- 9 Reuben Smiths cc ccscecorcssssece test ecess Jan. 20, 1861
78 Gulliver Winchester’s mother......... May 4,1768 | 75- 8-5 Nehemiah Merritt...............ccecssee- Dec. 31, 1871
7 INGHOMIA DMD AVIS hescescsescesviecscsasetss Jan. 5, 1785 | 75- 8— 2 Jonathan Stodder...... .....00.,.00ceceee March 2) 1866
78 REVeMONACNAN MEL YAO. sccnescccsccceecess June> #4551787 )| 75=.6—="8 Stephen Ps Webb: ...ccccccsssresccissnsee Dec. 28, 1879
78 Kate, w. of Cuffy Hill [servants of 75- 6 Moses JONES! circ esesiessseesseses isdoceses Feb. 9, 1862
Madam Samuel White]............... Nov. 8, 1792 | 75- 5-24 John G. Dap PAN ec occesccces eoecweisecesctlne Aug. 29, 1883
78 ISIS EA O19 Uh gee re an July 14,1825 | 75— 5- 5 William Dwight.........ccsssscsssseseeees Sept. 20, 1880
78 Mis:* Jaco builervey:..c.scs-<0cce~sesveses April 11, 1826 | 75- 4-17 Mrs. Mary W. Brambhall................. Dec. 30, 1878
78 Mary Sack SOWsssscscccelsckecssnalse'esereess Jan. 2, 1841 | 75- 4-10 Warren White..............c00-eceesseeeeApril 30; 1866
78 Elizabeth Saunders, w. of Jacob | 75-4 Hoentiy Uphariesctcccecscessc aisavenersees April 25, 1875
BUSES recs encosssese ces seceesercente sopieset Jan. 4, 1847 | 75- 3 James! Bentty vescecsseccesaecacssscuseesses Sept. 7, 1882
78 Mrs. ‘Thomas’ Perkins: 5..<.5 vecess sess Sept. 11,1848 | 75- 2- 8 Mrs. Isabella [Porter] Homes......... July 3, 1863
78 Mrs. Honora [Curley] Moran......... Nov. 27, 1863 | 75- 2 Mrs. Experience [Jackson] Wood-
78 Mrs. Catherine [Hassett] Hickey.....Feb. 3, 1870 Wal Ciencmeesorsscleccctencscosccecasieteenenee April 30, 1864
77— 8-16 Mrs. Mary Jane [Fourquet] Jenkins.Jan. Tr LOOLyiieio—U0=15) JobntHowe:.ccs..scccsessconcotrrcccc sence April ay 1867
i 8— 15) eDaniel /Worthley:.c..<¢c..05s+-ccstsacsse Aug. 12,1875 | 75 JOSIAhh Winchestorss.csceseorscecolesseee Feb. 22, 1728
77- 7-13 Augustus elt Poeceeceon iu lha wees slogan inde Mrs. Hlhanan Winchester......... 000 March 27, 1768
77-7 Eliza, w. of Dr. Samuel A. Shurtleff. May 31, 1878 | 75 Thomas Woo0dward........000 sesees eecsee Os 30, 1768
77- 6 Mrs. Puah GEfay. den] Johnson........./ Aug. 12,1856 | 75 Deacon Joseph White...........csesceees Aug. 19) 1747
“i— 6 Sylvanuss Bramhall)... jevesvesssecscsees Sept. 11, 1876 | 75 Dinah, Negro servant of Caleb Craft. April 20, 18038
77— 4-16 Mrs. Lucinda [Barrett] Edgerly...... Oct. 12,1876 | 75 Jacobs Hustiess:cccvensen mite eee Aug. 22, 1834
77-— 2-17 Miss Susannah Gardner..............06+ Nov. 23, 1877 | 75 Abigail Center.. aC ssoccsses DOC. LOS Sail
77 Miss Prudence Savage..................May 20,1762 | 75 Mehitable, w. of William Ackers...... Dee. 33; 1843
77 isaac! Childs. ccusdsacsdeciecveoss-sicceecsens Sept. 12,1765 75 Mrs. Jane [Gilbert] DePeyster........ Oct. 28, 1869
BROOKLINE. 845
Name. Date of Death. Mermanme WanrdOnes.<sescsscencserscaseeesoncse ss eae ee
DOMME EMA Btesstaselseacssscsiccascendianenss codes 3 3
Mrs. Sarah Kerrigan..........ssee0-+---March 31, 1871 | Joseph Davis....... Saneadenieaesenieseceaas acco 3 3
75 Thomas Chamberlain.............. wasasas June 16, 1873 Roger Adams (gon)............ ne eee, 0 —
75 WMirss Wary -Daliyss:<.cess sececececeessceses Nov. 10, 1873 Henry Segar...............00. ACEC Sececsersay’ oO 2
75 Mrs, Ellen [Moanlige) McCarthy... . April 26, 1875 How BOyIstOn ss. .csrsesesee deaelecredelsvlesscusesrsse 4 4
75 JohmArMesdale..s...cese sess. pe csncdeass Jan. 6.1882 | eNLON sr Keaeeeencceswasceloecoseseslenescsnecl ine coodcé 3 3
75 Hd ward RYAN. -ccc-ce---sesconvaccoseose-- April 20,1882 Jno Winchester, Jun..........0.sseceeeer serene 3 3
{ Brookline Chronicle. | SiMOM GALES =.cac.ccceetasscecesces rece Seaneeeauee 3 6
NOPD TUSOsacccssscossseswesssccassiacecccsessens stce 3 3
LIST OF DEATHS FROM 1760 TO JAN. 1, 1806. Sample elect (COM) sescceceseseacnses== tesserae nl n() eee
Gi ee 4 My aha pees Mae 3 WDA IS. . cceces ccceves\cccesssecierccss eos torssnees 2 2
i1V/(j| eee eee 7 1784 a, 4 Ge Hammond -\ocacccseccstesasisscsrscsssececcccsess 2 2
1762...... pee eee 8 1785 Pare se Jon AVOSANAGL c.s0,cecccrese cocescces cotecsces's Z 2
Goh 3 1786 NG NathamielliStedmant.2...cescsess¢-- snc teese= <x 3 3
Weitere s 8 1787 eee oes Uriah Clarke newly come...............s-csee. as np
iGo wks 1 fi eee ee ea 4 | IROSCOMANIGAUG Wises -c-essiecsecceccisveesec=mineeteece 2 2
1766 Sor ty 1789. .....ccceseonvoes 6 | Ye namse of y® inhabitants of muddi river taken yis. 21 of
LU Sy (Srnoncoetiose pec 14 1790 Scoanoen | August, 1674, as yey are ratable for age
WO Geese sseteseses seo ea! 1791 3 John Whit senior, and a sery*.
MEO wenseavss scons sexe 10 UiQ2 se. spon, iti) Jamse Clarke senior
GUO: cccse cr doce sus a eal é DSi sess caeessee le 2 7 Edward Milse
igiiliewsseccessacceseok 12 Wil ee eeoacésa.cs000C + Benjamin Whit living with his father.
MW iidieeceens ce tose one's 13 Wid Sous aseacnaneneees 3 John Ackars
Wilidserdedesevedsscees 5 Wi9GS ccececcectescass 11 | Nathaniel Stidman
Thi Aveceser Scie ove oxe'ce 11 TV AN ie nseshe BensBeococe 2 | Timothy harris at his owne hand
Miidarewcesconcacseses 20 17 be oat Qoeoncoc ao 24 | Erassaman Drue at his owne hand
Lf 1k cneceoconsscsose 16 TRE bocecncaencacos o6 6 | Daniel Harris with his father
UP lcecnaaon eonseeoe 10 1800..........0s noooee 5 , Jamse Clarke junior, servant to Thomas gardiner senior
Wd swnctvesnessexesss 13 NSO erevececcas-c- case 8 Robart grundi servant to Peeter Aspinwall
Wii Ds weessese 4 NBO 2M eteccsececerses 13 | Ephrim “Child with his father
1780 ne i US OSs ccacccecsccesncee 9 | Rodgars Addams at his owne hand
NW ioieewesesstesesseeae 5) NS VAeecererssnrena== 9 Joseph Pemberton servant to Thomas gardiner, Junior.
WS2epsnecccscecsss ess 4 SU Seeeessesdeseceesss 7 John Clarke with his father,
Under 2 years......... vajeecees 57 | Between 50 and 60........... 19 | Josias Winchester with his father : :
Between 2 and 10............ 29 | fe G0fand yi Uesccssceocs 35 | Joseph -— servant to thomas gardiner, et)
ee 0 anid 0... paid te rOrand’S0laic 46 | John Hudson, servant to Thomas gardiner, junior
“ 90 and 20 39 | PP 80 and 90 19 | John Semison servant to Andru gardiner
n'ai and 40... 93 Cs 90 and 100 ome Tart 3 | John Corbin, with his father
GD and 8022222, 29 | Ages not mentioned... 24 | ‘Thomas Milge servant to Jamse Pemberton
One was killed in battle; 138 died of disease.
Previous to 1805, about one-sixth died of consump- |
tion, which was the prevailing disorder. The aver- |
age number of deaths has been about 15 in every two |
years, or 7 one year and 8 the next, alternately. Of
the number specified above, precisely one-half lived
beyond 40 years of age, one-quarter lived to the age
of 70 years, and 1 in 10 lived to the age of 80 years. |
MUDDY RIVER RATE FOR 1674.
Country. oe n.
ohm WihitesSeniOrscas..ccss- secocccceeerssees. LO 14
John) \Wiinchester,-SenlOr..-c.cses.s<see ee eeee=e 7
Isaac Stedman..........00. Wesrewevocssseoevessecs 3
Rrehanrduw O0lfOrsccccccsciecececoss ocsceceenseeace 3
Goodman) Drusé...c.c..5..<s-se6s Rcescocsueees sit
MG WATUP KAD DIC scctescescecesc:csscee acefeceecerece 3
FGMIYIS LC VEMS.cesccessv-ctecessicccevesesiecdceness 8
ClementiCorbina..cccs-ccst te csecaes os cseensceses 3
SOUMB SHAT HC ssecesceecslorcesssenoeascctcncsedecset
IR GHerPASPINWallccccscecssestsiesetersee/sesecesss's 6
Thomas Gardiner, sent
AMOS wEACIUDERLOM tacescoccicsces/ccececceaenerescs 8
Andrew Gardiner......... ceene CEO COBOL EEE 3
Tho Gardiner, Junt
Jno White, Junior
Cece teens ween eee ee wees eseneee
JOS AWihHItOeessceseas Scaectceccccace Woosedce ceceues
JmorAcres! (ZONE)... ccceseeese sss core ss ceassesess
Sam Dunean......... Fioeecceascisesenessslescestese
INGE D eViOllOD: css ceneuesssstecccsses sel cone tes cees
3
4
3
3
3
8
Wino Parker scc-cccse, ssccsces sseescwesjsecesocsenese 4
Hondas; WOO Ward ....c..ccis<cceveso1e Gosases sess
0
3
4
4
3
2
_
fer)
—
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Nathaniel Wilson (gone)............
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Robert) Harriss..cssocecesesschesssecs seavssavecess
Jno Harris..... sedeslveecsscesisccesse ve sseesisesses
Timothy Harris............. COCCUSOCOS deacencacto
TC a Cy
William Peacock servant to Jamse Pemberton
William Willis servant to Joseph Whit.
Obediah Wheatton servant to thomas gardiner, senior
John Clarke living at bucmasters (7) farme
Simon Gatse at Mester Scottose farme.
Isaac Wilson servant to John whit, Junior.
John Case servant to Thomas gardiner senior.
OWNERS OF DWELLING-HOUSES IN BROOKLINE, 1740,
Solomon Hill. Capt. Benjamin Gardner.
Capt. John Winchester. Joshua Stedman.
Samuel Sewall. Ebenezer Kenrick.
William Gleason. Nathaniel Hill.
Capt. Robert Sharp. John Pruce.
—— Clark. Abraham Chamberlain.
Thomas Aspinwall. Abraham Woodward.
Deacon Thomas Cotton. Hugh Scott.
Major Edward White. James Griggs.
John Ellis. William Davis.
Nathaniel Shepard. John Harris.
Capt. Samuel Croft. Isaac Child. -
Isaac Winchester. Joshua Child.
Rey. James Allen. Timothy Harris.
Deacon Samuel Clark. John Harris.
Nathaniel Gardner. Daniel Harris.
Solomon Gardner. John Newell.
Dr. Zabdiel Boylston. Andrew Allard.
Nathaniel Seaver. John Woodward.
William Ackers. Christopher Dyer.
Isaac Gardner. Thomas Woodward.
John Seaver. Nehemiah Davis.
Samuel White. John Goddard.
Joseph White. Henry Winchester.
Deacon Benjamin White. Elbanan Winchester.
Joseph Adams. John Seaver, Jr.
Nathaniel Stedman. Dudley Boylston.
Ebenezer Sargeant.
846
| VALUATION OF Muppy River, 1687. |
InOSOPHWWIDILOs-coccecniseasesleosseaens
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Joshua Griggs.
William Marshall.
Samuel Griggs.
Edward K. Wolcott.
Col. Thomas Aspinwall.
Robert Sharp.
Stephen Sharp.
Dr. William Aspinwall.
Ebenezer Davis.
Benjamin Davis.
John Howe.
Josiah Jordan.
Thomas White.
Eleazer Baker.
Thomas Gardner, Sent
John White, Sen’........... Seesess
Peter Aspenall, Sen’.............0.
John Winchester, Sen"............
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Joseph Davis
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Uriah Clarke
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Thomas Gardner, Junt............
VOSMUA GQATANET 3. cc-stse cas -aeses|
Benjamin. W hite....2..-<es-cs5.se-
| Sammiuell Clarke: ...... 02.20. .0-00.
| Nathaniel Stedman and mother.
| William Parker
| Joshuah Kibbey.......0... ccccssess |
Robert Sharpe.:...sccee-cdnscssceses
\pAbraham Parker. ...<ssrse<sssese sel
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George Barstowe.............c.0000
Thomas Woodworth |
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' Clemment Corbin
OP OrPA COMM Sh. <.2.teccsesecsicosens |
Jonathan Torry
Joseph Gardner...... ..csecooee soe
Neen ee ce eees enone
Daniel Huley
Joseph Buckminster......... ...66+
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Tenet teens wwe eeeees
Joshua Child
Henne wwe w ee ween tenes
Thomas Boylstone...........-.e00e-
SIMO, Gates .ces.cccs ceecescs ordeaces
Thomas Burton
MOUMEW NICS, DUNT s..cdeccdeocccaces
George Wood ward......... ....c-0«.
John Walworth
POOMECIATKC cc accccvedsetiesccctcasses
John Winchester, Jun’........ was
[SO MIM OS OL AY LONssrscssrwcatessyrocsteses |
John Goddard.
John Lueas.
William Ackers.
Tsaae 8. Gardner.
Ebenezer Heath.
John Heath.
Jonathan Jackson.
Jonathan Mason.
Benjamin White.
Caleb Gardner.
Ebenezer Richards.
Jonathan Hammond.
Thaddeus Hyde.
Ebenezer Webb.
OWNERS OF DWELLING-HOUSES IN BROOKLINE, 1796.
Caleb Craft.
Thaddeus Jackson.
Abraham Jackson.
Jacob Hervey.
Elisha Whitney.
John Harris.
Elijah Child.
Widow Elizabeth Harris,
Dr. William Spooner.
John Corey.
Joseph Goddard.
Nathaniel Winchester.
Hon. George Cabot.
Joshua Boylston.
Jonathan Dana.
James Holden.
Capt. Cobb.
Daniel Dana.
Ziphion Thayer.
Jonas Tolman.
Capt. Samuel Croft.
John Robinson.
Enos Withington.
Major
Capt. Timothy Corey.
Edward K. Wolcott.
Samuel Clark.
The Parsonage.
David Hyslop.
Gardner.
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BROOKLINE. SAT
The Revolution.—One of the most important and
interesting periods in American history, one in which |
the several towns acted a conspicuous part. They
were the nurseries of the great Provincial Legislature,
and it is not too much to say they were equal to the
day and circumstances. The citizens of Brookline, |
whether we judge of the individual or of their acts
as recorded, were certainly not lacking in patriotism.
The records of the town during the Revolution are
full of resolves and votes that render their action
worthy of perpetuity.
Of the causes by which Hngland lost her colonies
and America gained her independence sufficient has
been published, so that we need only refer to records,
the first of which is dated Dec. 15, 1767. A town-
meeting had recently been held in the town of Boston, |
at which a resolution was passed to abstain from all
(foreign) ‘“ superfluities,’’ copies of which were for-
warded to all the towns in New England.
The articles considered as superfluous were tea,
glass, paper, and painters’ colors, on which had been
placed an impost duty on all brought into the colonies, |
which gave great dissatisfaction, amounting to indig-
nation throughout the country. A tax had been
placed on tea of three pence per pound, and the fol-
lowing is the first action by Brookline on the memo-
rable acts of the British Parliament :
“ Decem’r 15th, 1767. At A Meeting of the Freeholders &
other Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled
at the Meeting-bouse on Tuesday ye 15th of Decemb’r, 1767
Chosen Moderator
“Voted Unanimously That this Town will take all prudent
“Voted Isaac Gardner Esq’r
and Legal Measures to promote Industry, Occonimy & Manu-
factures in this Province & in any of the British American
Colonies and will likewise take all Legal Measures to Discour-
age the Use of European Superfluities.
‘Voted To Choose Five Persons Viz William Hyslop Esq’r
Capt. Benjam. White Isaac Gardner Esq’r Mr. John Goddard
and Mr. Samuel Aspinwall be a Committee to prepare a form
for Subscription against Receiving of those European Super-
fluities and make Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting.
“Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to Tuesday the twenty-
Ninth Day of Decem’r at two, o’Clock, afternoon, at which the
report of the committee ‘being Red,’ Samuel Aspinwall, Wil-
liam Ackers, and John Goddard were chosen to view the report
to the Freeholders and other Inhabitants, in order for them to |
signe if they think propper.” |
At a town-meeting held in Boston, Nov. 2, 1772, |
upon motion of Samuel Adams, it was voted, ‘“‘ That
a committee of Correspondence be appointed, to con-
sist of Twenty one persons, to state the rights of the |
colonies and of this province in particular, as men,
as Christians, and as subjects; to communicate and _
publish the same to the several towns in this province
and to the world, as the sense of this town, with the
infringments and violations thereof that have been, |
or from time to time may be made: also requesting
of each town a free communication of their sentiments
on this subject.”
This letter from the Boston Committee of Corre-
spondence called upon the several towns to “stand
firm as one man,” and expressed a confidence, that
regarding themselves, and the rising generation, they
would not suffer them ‘to doze, or sit supinely in-
different, on the brink of destruction, while the iron
hand of oppression was daily tearing the choicest fruit
from the fair tree of liberty.” This was the begin-
ning of that internal organization by committees of
correspondence that spread through the towns and the
colonies, and constituted the first stage of the Amer-
ican Revolution.
In response to the above-mentioned action of Bos-
ton, a town-meeting was soon after held in Brookline,
with the following result :
“ Decem’r ye 11th 1772. Voted William Hyslop Esq’r Chosen
Moderator
“To Choose a Committee to take under Consideration, the
Violations & Infringments of the Rights of the Colonists & of
this Province in particular; and make Report at the Adjourn-
ment of Said Meeting
“Voted To Choose 7 Persons for the Above Said purpose
Viz. William Hyslop Esq’r, Isaac Gardner Esq'r, Deacon Ebe-
nezer Davis Capt. Benja’n White Mr. Isaac Child Mr. John
Goddard & Mr. John Harris
“Voted That the a foregoing Committee be a Standing Com-
mittee of Communication & correspond with the Town of Bos-
ton & any other Towns on the Subject of our Present Diffi-
culties
“Voted That the a foregoing Committee gives Instructions
to their Representative Respecting the Violation of the Rights
of this Province
“* Decem’r ye 28th 1772 William Hyslop Esq’r Chosen Mod-
erator
“The Town after Receiving the Report of Sd Committee, at
Sd Adjournment the Following Votes were passed by the Town
unanimously at as full a meeting as Usual Viz.
“Tt. Voted that the Rights of the Colonists, and this Proy-
ince in particular as men as Chrystians, & as Subjects, as Set
forth in the Said Votes & Proceedings of the Town of Boston,
are in the Opinion of this Town well Stated & appear to be
founded on ye Laus of Nature Divine Revelation, the British
Constitution, and the Charter of this Province
“2d. Voted that the Infringment & Violation of those
Rights, as also Set forth therein are in the Opinion of this
Town great Grievances which this People have for years past
been burdened with, and for the Redress of which Petitions &
Remonstrances have been made but hitherto in Vain
“3d. Voted The Raising a Revennue within this Province
by an assumed Power in the Brittishe House of Commons, to
give and grant our Money without our Consent & appropri-
ating the Money so Raised for the Support of the Government
of the Province and the Payment of the Charges of the Admin-
istration of Justice therein so repugnant to the first Principles
of a free Constitution and the obvious meaning & Spirit of the
Royal Charter of this Province
“4th. Voted that an Establishment for the Support of the
Govonor of the Province, and the Judges of the Superior Court,
848
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
&c. (if the latter be already made as we have Just réason to
apprehend) to be paid out the Monies raised as aforesaid, in-
dependent of the free Gifts and Grants of the Commons of
this Province are in the Opinion of this Town leading and
alarming Steps towards rendering the whole executive Power
independent, of the People, and setting up an despotic Goy-
ernment in the Province.
“5th. Voted that the Representative of this Town be and
hereby is instructed to exert his utmost Powers ‘and Abilities
in the General Assembly with constant Perseverance in pro-
moting such Measures there as will speedily and effectually to
Remove these and other intolerable Grievances enumerated in
the aforesaid Votes and Proceedings of the Town of Boston.
“6th. Voted that the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston in thus clearly stating our Rights, and hold-
ing up so many of our Grievances in one View, have done an
acceptable Service to this Town and Province and that the sin-
cere & hearty Thanks of this Town be hereby given to them
therefore
“7th. Voted, that there be Committee now Chosen to Write
to the Committee of Correspondence in Boston and communi-
cate to them a true attested Copy of the foregoing Votes, and
also further correspond with said Committee of Boston or any
other Towns if they shall think it needful.
“then the Town made choice of the following Gentlemen for
the purpose aforesaid, Viz William Hyslop Esq’r Isaac Gard-
ner Esq’r Deacon Ebenezer Davis Capt. Benjamin White Mes-
sieurs Isaac Child John Goddard & John Harris.
“ Attest. Isaac Gardner Town Cler.”
The following is a copy of a letter written to the
committee at Boston :
“To the Committee of Communication & Correspondence at
Boston.
“Brookiyn January 4, 1773
“Gentlemen,
“The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this Town at a
meeting Legally assembled upon the 28th of Decem’r last by
adjournment, having duly considered a Letter from the Town
of Boston, directed to the Select Men of this Town, accom-
panied with a State of the Rights of the Colonies, and of this
Province in particular, as also a List of the Infringments of
their Rights to be communicated to this Town, take this Opor-
tunity to Return you our hearty and unfeigned Thanks which
was Voted by said Town; for the early Care that you took in
clearly and Truly Stating our Rights and Priviledges and mak-
ing manifest the many and glaring Violations and Infring-
ments there of, which if not speedily prevented must inevitably
ruin the Constitution of this Province as Settled by the Charter
granted by King William and Queen Mary of glorious Mem-
ory, and also that this Town think themselves happy in being
always ready to add their Mite to wards with-Standing any
arbitrary despotick Measures that are or may be carried on to
overthrow the Constitution and deprive us of all our invaluable
Rights and Priviledges which are & ought to be as dear or
dearer then Life it selfe.
‘We have inclosed you a Copy of the Votes and Proceed-
ings of the Town so far as we have gone.
in the Kingdom of Men direct all our Counsels, & grant Sue-
cess to all our Lawful Endeavors, that are or may be taken for
the Preservation of the civil & religious Rights & Priviledges,
So as that
we the Children of so worthy Progenitors may be enabled to
of the Colonies & of this Province in particular.
transmit to our Children those invaluable Rights & Priviledges,
as we had them transmitted to us. they were many times in
Trouble on various Accounts, and in their affliction they eryed
May he that ruleth |
to God, and he delivered them; and if we their Children fol-
low their Example, may depend upon the same Success they
had: which God grant may be the Case with us in our Present
Difficulties.
““We wish all Prosperity to the Town of Boston and may
unerring Wisdom direct all her Consultations and Counsels.
“We are with Great Respect, Gentlemen,
“Your Friends and Servants,
“Tn the common Cause of our Country,
“William Hyslop per Oyder
“Attest Isaac Gardner Town Clerk
“ Nov’r ye 26th 1773 Voted Capt. Banja White Choosen
Moderator
“Voted To Chose a Committee
“Voted That the Committee of Correspondence of this Town
be the Committee with the Addition of Four other Gentlemen
Viz Major Wm. Thompson Capt. Elisha Gardner. Capt. Thos.
Aspinwall & Leut. John Heath are desired to git all the Intel-
ligence from the Committee of Corrispondence of the Town of
Boston Respecting the Landing & Sale of the East India Com-
pany’s Tea and make Report to the Town at the Adjournment
“Voted That this Meeting be Adjournd to Decemb’r ye 1t
at 3 Clock P. M.
“At A meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of
the Town of Brooklyn on Adjournment from Nov’r ye 26th to
Decem’r ye Ist following & then meet, and
“Voted that the Town Clerk Transmit a Copy of ye Resolves
to the Committee of correspondence for thee Town of Boston
“Ata Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn
from Friday the 26th To Monday the 29th of Nov’r To con-
sider what was propper for this Town to do, relative to the
large Quantitys of Tea belonging to the India Company, hourly
expected to arrive in this Province, Subject to any American
Duty
“Tt. The Town came unanimously into the following Resolves
Viz. That the Act of the British Parliament imposing a Duty
on Tea, payable in America, for the Express purpose of raising
a Revenue, is unconstitutional, has a direct Tendency to bring
the Americans into Slavery, and is therefore an Intolerable
Grievance.
“Oly. That this Grievance which has been so Justly com-
plained of by the Americans, so far from being redressed, is
greatly aggravated by another Act, passed in the last Sessions
of Parliament for Benifit and Relief of the India Company,
permitting them to Export their Teas to America or Forring
Parts, free of all custom and Dutyes usually paid in Great
Britian, but Subject to the Duty payable in America; thus have
the Parliament discovered the most glaring Partialty in making
| one & the Same Act to operrate for the Ease & Convenience of
a Few of the most opulent Subjects in Britian, on the one hand,
and for the Oppressions of Millions of Freeborn & moast loyal
Inhabitants of America, on the other.
“3ly. That the last mentioned Act, can be considered no
_ otherwise than as Subtle Plan of the Ministry to ensnare and
enslave the Americans, and that whoever shall be instrumental
in carrying the Same into Execution, is in the Judgement of this
Towne, an inevitable Enemy to this Country
“Aly. That Richard Clark & Son, and Thomas & Elisha
Hutchinsons of Boston (who brought themselvas into Contempt
by their Conduct inthe Non Importation Time) and the other
Persons appointed Consignees of the India Company’s Teas in
Boston, have by their repeated Refusal to Resign their Appoint-
| ment and send Back the Said Teas manifested to the full con-
viction of this Town—their utter Disregard to the interest and
welfare of this their native Country, to which Such unfeeling
Wretches are a Disgrace and have discovered the most Sordid
BROOKLINE.
849
Attachment to their private Interest, and have in curred the |
highest Displeasure of the good People of this Province in gen- —
eral, & of the Inhabitants of this Towne in particular who are
determined to afford them not the Least Favour or Protection
now that they are become Fugitives from the Just Resentment
of their affronted Townsmen
“5ly. That we fully approve of the Proceedings, & Reso-
lutions of the Town of Boston on this Alarming Occasion and
while we see them Earnestly consenting for the general Lib- |
erty of America, Should we fold our Armes & Calmly look on |
we should be Justly chargeble with the most shameful Supene-
ness & criminal Neglect—therefore Resolved.
“6ly. That this Town are ready to afforde all the Assistance in
our Power to the Town of Boston, and will hartily unite withthem |
and the Other Towns in this Province to oppose and frustrate this
most detestable and dangerous Tea Scheem and every other that
shall Appear to us to be Subversive of the Rights and Liberties
of America, and consequently dishonorably to the Crown and
Dignity of our Sovereign Lord the King.
“7ly. That whoever shall hereafter presume to import any
Teas into this Province while Subject to the Odius Duty Shall —
be considered and treated by this Town as an Enemy to his |
Country.
“A True Copy Attest Isaac Gardner T. Clerk
“ July ye 29th 1774 At A meeting of the Freeholders & other
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally Assembled
“Voted. That this Town will unite with the other Towns in this
Province in every rational and Justifiable measure to recover
and maintain our invaided rights and will come into Such Com- |
mercial Agreement, as may be Recommended by the General
Congress
“Voted That this Meeting be Adjourned to Octo’r ye 11th, |
at Five of the Clock in the Afternoon.” ;
At this time the non-importation agreements which
had been made in the colonies and rigidly observed,
especially that relating to tea, began to affect the com-
mercial interests of Great Britain, and, as a method
of punishment to the colonies, the East India Com-
pany were permitted to export its teas free of all duties _
in England ; thus enabling them to reduce the price
of the same in the colonies, on which a duty must be |
paid. A firm resolution was adopted by the com-
mittee that the tea should be sent back to England. ©
On the 28th of November, 1774, the ship ‘“ Dart-
mouth,” with tea on board, arrived in Boston, and
soon two other ships having as cargo the forbidden
commodity. The tea fever ran high, and the Com-
mittees of Correspondence not succeeding in sending
it back, determined it should not be landed. Accord-
ingly, after all attempts had failed, a party of people
disguised as Indians proceeded to the dock where |
the vessels lay, and in a short time three hundred and —
forty-two chests were broken open and their contents
emptied into Boston harbor. This was the crisis of the
Revolution, and it was boldly met, all the towns in |
the vicinity of Boston bearing an important part.
Hutchinson says it “ was the boldest stroke which
had yet been struck in America.”’
54
Brookline was one of the five towns whose com-
mittees were summoned by Samuel Adams to meet at
Faneuil Hall at a mass-meeting on the 29th November,
viz.: Cambridge, Brookline, Roxbury, Charlestown,
and Dorchester. A convention had been held at Col.
_ Doty’s, in Stoughton, on Tuesday, the 16th of August,
1774, to consult what measures were proper to be taken
by the people of the county at this most important and
alarming crisis of our public affairs, but as some of
the towns had not appointed delegates, it was thought
best to adjourn and give further notice to those towns
This was: called a “County Con-
gress,” and to show contempt for the “ Act of Par-
not represented.
liament touching town-meetings.”’ The meeting ad-
_journed to meet at Dedham on the 6th of September.
~The towns now comprised in Norfolk County since
1793 then belonged in Suffolk County, including
Hingham, now in Plymouth County, numbering
This meeting was held at Richard Wood-
ward’s tavern, on High Street, in Dedham, opposite
nineteen.
the monumental stone in the court-house yard, and on
the spot where Fisher Ames, who was then sixteen
years of age, was born; and it seems as though the
dream of Nathaniel Ames, his father, was about to be
realized, ‘‘ when the celestial light, directed by the finger
of God, should disperse the shades of darkness, and the
face of nature reflect the progress of science and the
arts in their pathway hence to the western ocean.”
At this convention a large committee was chosen to
' mature the business, after which they adjourned to
meet again at the house of Daniel Vose, in Milton,
where on the 9th of September, 1774, Gen. Warren
reported to the Convention the famous “ Suffolk
Resolves” which he drafted, and which, Frothingham
_ says, “‘set government at defiance; and Congress, by
approving these resolutions, virtually raised the stand-
ard of rebellion, and set the colonies in hostile array
against the parent State.’ At the Continental Con-
gress, held at Philadelphia Sept. 4, 1774, the approval
of these resolves was the first business in which they
_ engaged, and became the basis of their future action.
This was an exciting time; the cause was the na-
_ tion’s ; all eyes were directed to Boston ; a hostile fleet
was in her harbor ; British troops paraded her streets ;
_ the common was dotted with tents of an army; can-
non were placed in the most commanding positions.
Her port was closed, commerce was paralyzed, stores
_ were shut, and many had been reduced from affluence
to poverty ; but notwithstanding all this the “Sons
of Liberty” knew no despair, they bade the citizens
of the beleaguered town—
‘* Be not dismayed
Though tyrants now oppress,
850 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Though fleets and troops invade,
You soon will have redress !
The resolution of the brave
Will injured Massachusetts save.”
“ Sept. ye 1t 1774. At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other
inhabitants of the Town of Brookline Mett
“Voted Major William Thompson Choosen
<< Voted To Choose five Persons as Delegates to Appear and
Act in behalf of Said Town at a County Convention for Suffolk,
to be held at Deadham, the 6th Day of this Instant September ;
or at any other Convention to which they may be invited,
“The Gent’m Committee are as follows Viz. Major William
Thompson Capt. Benj’n White Isaac Gardner Esq’r John God-
Moderator
dard & Capt. Thomas Aspinwall
“Voted To Choose five Gentlemen as a Committee Viz. Mr.
John Goddard Capt. Benjamin White Major William Thomp-
son Mr. Isaac Child & Capt. Elisha Gardner, to Examine into
the State of Said Town as to There Milatary preparations for
War, in case of a Suden attack from our Enemies, and make
Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting
“Voted Whether Saide Town will indemnify and save Harm-
less any Town officers who shall incur any Penalty by refusing
to comply with any Requisitions made to them in consequence
of the New Acts & Regulations intended to be obtruded on this
Province, and it Past in the Affermative to indemnify & save
Harmless any Town Officer or Officers
“Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to the Eight Day of Sept’r |
Instant at five of the Clock P. M.”
“ Sept’r ye 27th 1774 At A Meeting of the Freeholders & other |
Inhabitants of the Town of Brooklyn Legally mect by adjour
Choosen Moderator
“Voted Capt. Benjamin White choosen Representative
“Voted To Choose three Persons to draw up Instructions for
Their Representative Viz Doctor William Aspinwall Major
William Thompson & Mr. John Goddard
as follows Viz: Capt. Benjamin White, The Town of Brooklyn
having Choosen you to Represent them in a general Assembly to
“Voted Isaac Gardner Esq’r
The Instructions are
be conveaned at Salem on Wednesday 5th Day of October next,
think it necessary to give you the following instructions Viz.
““« That you firmly adhere to the Charter of the Province and
that you Acknowledge no other persons as Counsellors for this
province but those who were elected by the General Court in
May last, that you reject & disclaime all those who assume to
Act as Counellors by mandamus and that in your Representa-
tive Capacity you do nothing that can be construed in the least
as an acknowledgment of the validity of the late oppressive
Acts of Parliament—and as we expect A faithful Adberence to
the Charter & Constitution of the Province will soon procure
the Dissolution of the House of Representatives we hereby im-
power you to meet the Deligates from the other ‘Towns in the
Province at a provincial Congress to be held at Concord or else
where on Tuesday ye 11th of October and in behalf of this
Town to act & unite with them in all such measures as shall
appeare to you to have a tendency to promote the welfare
of this Province and to recover & secure the Just Rights and
liberties of America.’
“Voted That the Town do approve of the a foregoing In- |
structions and that the Town Clerk do deliver an attested Copy
of the Same to the Representative
“Voted To Choose two Delegates Viz Major Wm. Thompson
and Mr. John Goddard to attend in the Provincial Congress,
to be held at Concord on the Second Tuesday of October next
in conjunction with the Representative of Said Town, we hereby
impower you to meet the Delegates from the other Towns in
the Province and in behalf of this Town to act & unite with
forcing the Continental army.
them in all Such Measures as shall Appeare to you to have a
tendency to promote the Welfare of this Province and to re-
cover & Secure the Just Rights & Liberties of America.”
A meeting was held in Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1774,
in which all the colonies were represented, in which
the famous “ Bill of Rights” and other resolutions
were passed, and the following meeting was called,
that the citizens of Brookline might give their ap-
proval and indorsement of the same:
“Nov’r ye 17th 1774 Voted, To see wheither the Town Ap-
prove of the Measures that are come into by the Continental
Congress and will abide by the same, and it passed in the Affer-
mative Unanimously.
“May ye 29th, 1775 Voted to Elect one person as a Delegate
to meet the Provincial Congress, Appointed to be held at
Watertown on wednesday ye 31th of this Inst. may & so from
time to time for & During ye term of six Months
“ Voted that Capt Benja’n White meet ye Congress as Above
mentioned,
“ Dee ye 21th 1775. Mr. Goddard in ye Chair
“ Voted as an acknowledgment to the Army for thair Good
Services, that Hach and Every officer & Soldier Belonging to
this Town, who has served in ye Continental Army shall be Ex-
cused from paying his Poll Tax as Residents of this Town for
this Present Year, and that the assessors be Directed not to
Assess the Same Upon Sd Officers and Soldiers, but upon the
Estates of the Inhabitants in General,
“Jan. 31th 1776 Mr. Isaac Child Chosen moderator
“ Maj’r Wm. Thompson Chosen Clerk for the meeting
“Voted that this Town will Raise ten men toward, Rein-
Conformable with the Resolu-
tion of the General Assembly Dated Jan. 19th 1776
“Voted that as an Encouragement to Such of the Inhab- of
this Town as shall inlist themselves to Reinforce the Conti-
nental Army for two, months, and to Enable them to Equip
themselves fully for said Service, this Town will Allow and pay
to Each man So Enlisting the Sum of forty Shillings. Lawful
money upon his producing a Certifycate that he has Joined the
army and passed muster, and also, that he is provided with a
Good fire arm, Blanket, Bayonet and Cartridge Box.
able to the printed form of the Enlistments.
“Voted that Colo. Aspinwall Capt. Timothy Cory and Mr.
Samuel Craft be a Committee to Enlist Ten of the Inhabitants
Agree-
| of this Town for the above Sd Service, and in Case that Num-
ber of Inhabitants, Should not Enlist, then to agree with any
other persons on the Kasiest Terms they Can, not to exceed the
| allowance of forty Shillings Each man.
“ March With 1776 Lieu. John Heath Lieu. Caleb Croft and
Capt. Timothy Cory. Chosen a Committee of Correspondence
Inspection and Safety for ye Ensuing Year.
“ Voted that this meeting be Adjourned without Day.
“Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk”
“ May 20th 1776 Voted to Elect and Depute one person to
Serve for and Represent Sd Town in the General Assembly of
this Colony the Ensuing Year.
“Mr. John Goddard Chosen to Serve for and Represent Sd
Town in Sd Great and General Assembly.
“ Voted to advise the Person, Chosen to Represent this Town
in the next General Court, that if the Hon. Congress Should,
for the Safety of the American Colonies, Declare them Inde-
pendant of the Kingdom of Great Briton, that we Sd Inhab-
itants will Solemnly Engage with our Lives and fortune to
| Support them in the measure,
“ Attest, Stephen Sharp Town Clerk”
BROOKLINE.
851
“ July ye 9th 1776 Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of
Brookline Legally meet
“Mr. John Goddard Chosen Moderator.
“Voted that Six pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence be
Giv’n to Each able Bodied Man that will Enlist into the Cana-
dian Service in addition to the Bounty of Seven pounds that is
allready Granted by the General Court
““Voted That Capt. White Leiut Craft and Leiut. White be a
Committee to go to the Several parts of the Town to see what
men may be Rais’d for the Cannadian Service, and Report
“Voted that this meeting be adjournd to ye 11th of July
“ July ye \Ath Voted that a further Sum be given to Hach
man that will Engage in the above mentioned Service, So as
to make the above Mentioned Sum 50. Dollars Each man
“Voted that Mr. Aaron Child Col. Thomas Aspinwall, Mr.
Nath’] Seaver, Mr. John Coburn and Major William Thompson,
be a. Committee to hire men to Enlist for the above Service.
“Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to hire money
for the above mentioned purpos
“Voted that this Meeting be adjournd to the Day and hour,
that the Commanding officer Shall call the whole militia of
this Town together
“at an Adjournment Thursday July 18th 1776 Maj'r Wm.
Thompson chosen moderator, Mr. Goddard being absent by
Sickness
“Voted that this Town will give Five pounds more in addi-
tion to the Bounty Voted at a former meeting, to Every Man
who Shall Enlist into the Cannada Service
““ Voted that the Men Called for from this Town be Draughted
with Liberty to take the Bounty or pay the Fine
“Voted that this meeting be Dissolved
“Sepvr ye 23d 1776—At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of
Brooklyn
“Mr. John Goddard Chosen moderator
“Voted to Raise a Sum of money to hire the Quoto of men |
which this Town is now call’d upon to Raise
““Voted—that four pound pr month over and above the Con-
tinental pay be paid to Each man that Shall Engage in the
Present Service agreeable to a Late act of the General Court,
“Ata Legally meeting of ye Inhabitants of Brooklyn Nov.
26th 1776.
“The Hon’ble Benjamin White Esqr. was Chosen moderator
“The Act of ye General Assembly for Enlisting or compel-
ling a Quarter part of ye Inhabitants (as therein described) to
be in readiness to march at a minutes Warning, to reinforce ye
Continen-Army, in any of ye united States, and to Serve
therein for ye term of three months, being read, and a motion
made to appoint a Committee to consider and report forthwith
what method is advisable for this Town to take in order to
Encourage this Towns Qouto of Men, to Enlist in ye Sd Ser-
vice Mr. John Goddard, Col. Thomas aspinwall, and Maj’r
William Thompson was chosen a Committee for that purpose,
who having withdrawn and deliberated an there charge, re-
ported by recommending to ye Town to pass ye following Vote:
if approved—to wit
“Voted, ‘That Every able Bodied Man belonging to this
Town who shall Enlist for ye present reinforcement to ye Con-
tinental army, Shall as an Encouragement, receive from this
Town, three pounds per month, in addition toye wages Allowed
by ye General Assembly, from ye time of marching to ye time |
of discharge, provided they should march and join the Conti-
nental Army, Hither at or near New York or Ticonderoga and |
if this Nncouragement should not induce the Number of men
this Town is to furnish—to Enlist by next Thursday Evening,
those Orders of Men Authorized to appoint this Towns Quota,
for that service may proceed to Draw that Quota, agreeable
to Act of Assembly, that one half of ye money now voted be
paid ye men at marching and ye other half on there return and
that ye money for this purpose be hired by ye Select Men, and
that ye Assessors be Empowered to Assess ye same, in ye same
manner other Assessments are made in this Town, at ye next
assessment’
“The above Vote having been read, and proposed passed in
ye Affermative—and ye Meeting Dissolved”
“* Feb. ye 18th 1777. Mr. John Goddard Chosen Moderator
“Voted Unanimously that this Town will Give Twenty four
pounds L m. y. over and above ye Bounty offered by the Conti-
nent and this State, to Every able Bodied man who Shall
seasonably Enlist for this Towns Quota into ye Continental
army During ye War or for ye Space of Three years the money
to be paid upon Each mans producing a Certificat of having
passed muster
“Voted that Maj’r William Thompson, Mr. John Heath &
Mr. Thomas Griggs be a Committee to hire ye money in behalf
of ye Town for ye above purpose and to apply ye same to ye use
afore Sd as soon as may be needful and to be accountable to ye
Town for ye same
“Monday May 26th 1777 ‘The Inhabitants of this Town
having considered the Resolve of the last Assembly of 5th
May, recommending to the several Towns, to instruct their
Representatives, in one Body with the Councill, to form a new
Constitution of Government. Voted that they do not give their
Assent that the Representatives and Councill should form a
Constitution but Recommend that a Convention should be ap-
pointed by the People for that express Purpose, and that only,
as soon as practicable”
Elhanan Winchester was chosen representative.
“Voted that the Sum of Fifteen pounds fifteen shillings be
paid out of the Town Treasury, to Captain Thomas White,
which Sum he advanced and paid as Bounty to three men,
namely James Woods, Samuel Marian, and Gershon Hide, who
enlisted for this Town’s Quota of Militia, and lately marched
to the Aid of Rhode Island State.
“Upon the Question, whether this Town will allow and pay
a Gratuity to John Spear, Caleb Garder, Silas Winchester &
| William Davis, who enlisted without Bounty and continued in
the Army untill the disbanding thereof in December last, voted
in the negative
“The Committee appointed 18th of February last, to pay
the Bounty of Twenty Four-pounds granted by the Town to
each Man who should enlist. for this Town’s Quota, into the
Continental Army, reported that by an order of the Selectmen.
(dated 27th March last) they received of the Town Treasurer,
the Sum of Three hundred & eighty four pounds which they
paid to Col: James Wesson by order of Sixteen Men who en-
listed into his Regiment. namely, Jeremiah Clark, George Dun-
lap, Elijah Mills, Charles Winchester, Lambert Smith, Ezekiel
Crane, Henry Tucker, Christopher Higby, Hugh MecKoron,
Oliver Yan, John Burton, John Sinclair, John Hambleton,
Nathaniel Rose, John Butler, and Stephen Eldrige The
said Committee also laid before the Town the Order signed by
those men, with Col. Wesson’s Certificate that they had en-
listed for this Town and passed Muster, also his Receipt for
said Sum; Whereupon it was voted that said Committee had
performed their duty, and that they be discharged of the afore-
said Sum of three hundred and Eighty four pounds.
‘‘Upon motion, voted that the Thanks of this Town be given
to Col. James Wesson, for the good Service he has rendered the
Town by enlisting the aforementioned Sixteen Men for this
town, and that the sum of Six Pounds be paid him as a further
acknowledgement for that Service.”
852
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
, “ Friday August 15th 1777. Mr. John Goddard was chosen
Moderator
“On a motion made, voted that a Committee be appointed to
Enlist eight men, for this Towns proportion of Militia ordered
to reinforce the Northern Army to serve till the end of Novem-
ber next
“Voted that the Committee consist of Five Persons
“Voted that Capt. Thomas White, Lieut: Caleb Craft, Mr
Moses White Col: Thomas Aspinwall & Mr. Samuel Croft serve
on this Committee
“ Voted that it be left to the Discretion of said Committee to
promise such Bounty to encourage eight men to engage in the
aforementioned Service, as they shall judge reasonable and
proper, and that the Town will abide by and fulfill the Agree-
ment of Said Committee
“Voted that the Committee make Report of their doings at
the adjournment of this meeting
“Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Monday next the
18th of August at 5 o’Clock afternoon—and was accordingly
adjourned”
“ Monday August 181777 The Committee reported that they
had enlisted eight Men to serve in the northern Army to the
End of November next namely John Me. Ilvaine, William |
Davis, John Speer, Benjamin Winchester, John White, Joseph
Caswall, William Me. Ilvaine and Joseph Brown, or Silas Win-
chester in the room of Joseph Brown, upon the promise of
paying Thirty Pounds Bounty to each man whereupon.
“ Voted that the Town accept the report of the Committee
can, whenever they may be called for; The Committee to be
allowed a reasonable Consideration for their Service
“Committee of Correspondence &¢ a. William Thompson,
Mr. Isaac Child, Capt. Timothy Corey, Mr. Elisha Gardner,
and Mr. Stephen Sharp, were chosen to be a Committee of
Correspondence Inspection and Safety for the year ensuing”
“Monday April 27. 1778 Major William Thompson was
Chosen Moderator.
“In Compliance with a recommendation of the Committees
of Fourteen Towns in the County of Suffolk and Two Towns
in the County of Middlesex met in Conference at Dedham on
Tuesday the 14th day of April Current
“Voted the Major William Thompson, Mr. Nehemiah Davis,
and Mr, Isaac Child be a Committee in Behalf of this Town, to
proceed to Dedham to meet the Committees of other Towns
who may assemble there tomorrow at nine o’Clock, to confer
and consult together, upon the Form of Government lately
offered to the People of this State for their approbation or dis-
approbation, and maturely to consider and advise whether the
| Same is Calculated to Promote, in the best manner attainable,
the true and Lasting Happiness of the People of this State,
and to secure to them and their Posterity those Just Rights
Liberties and priviliges which as a Free People they are en-
titled to and by the favor of providence have so happy an
oppertunity of affecting, also to consider and advise upon any
other matter or thing that may concern this Town, County, or
| State and to report the result of their Deliberations, to this
“Voted, that the Sum of Two hundred and forty pounds be |
hired for the purpose of paying the aforesaid Bounty, and that
the Selectmen be empowered to hire the same in behalfof the |
‘Town, and to pay the same into the Hands of the Committee |
for the above purpose, as soon as requisite
“Voted that the Selectmen be empowered to hire the further _
Sum of Fifteen pounds, to procure Canteens for those eight |
| wall and Stephen Sharp be a Committee to attain an account of
' all the charge this Town has ben at in paying Bountys or Ex-
| traordinary Wages to these persons who have engaged and
_ Servd or may serve, for this Town as Soldiers in the Continental
men, and to pay the Subsistence of two pence per mile for their
Travel to the Army
“Voted that this Meeting be dissolved
“Attest William Thompson
“ Monday November 10: 1777 Mr. John Goddard chosen
Moderator
“Voted that the Town will allow and pay Seventy nine
pounds four shillings, which Sum was paid by the Militia Ofi-
cers of this Town as Bounty to Four Men who enlisted to Serve
Town Clerk”
on the late Secret Expedition.
“Voted that this Town desire and direct Mr. Elhanan Win-
chester their representative to promote an Enquiry into the
Causes of the failure of the late secret Expedition”
“ Thursday February 12. 1778
inated & voted. Moderator.
“Voted that Lieut Caleb Craft, Lieut Abram Jackson, and
Mr. Stephen Sharp be a Committee to hire on the most reasona-
ble Terms they can, at the Charge of the Town, those three
Militia Men who are now ordered from this Town to do military
Duty in the Town of Boston for three months—also that the
same Committee be authorized and empowered, in the same
manner to hire whatever men may, by lawful Authority, be
ordered upon Military Duty from this Town, hereafter untill the
further order of the Town, and that the Committee be allowed
a reasonable Reward for their Service”
“ Monday March 2. 1778
was chosen Moderator.
“Voted that Doctor William Aspinwall Mr. Joshua Boylston,
The hon’ble Benjamin White Esqr.
Mr. Eleazer Baker, Mr. Robert Sharp and Mr. Joshua Winship
Mr. John Goddard was nom- |
Town at the adjournment of this Meeting or at the next Town
Meeting”
“ Brookline Thursday May 21.1778 Col. Thomas Aspinwall
was Chosen to Represent this Town in the General Court for
the Ensuing Year
““Maj’r William Thompson was then Chosen moderator of
this meeting.
“Voted that Maj’r Willam Thompson, Col. Thomas Aspin-
army, Expeditions & Guards
“Upon reading and considering the proposed new form of
Government: Voted that the same is not calculated and adapted,
to promote and secure in the best manner attainable, the True
and lasting Happiness and Freedom of the People of this State
that it is essential to a Constitution designed for that most
important and desirable End, that a full and express declara-
tion of the Rights of the People, be made a part thereof, and
that the Powers of Rulers Should be accurately definend and
properly Limited; that as the Form Proposed is almost totally
_ deficient in those respects and imperfect and intricate in many
be a Committee to hire any men that may be ordered from this |
Town, upon military Duty on the most reasonable Terms they | Isaac Child Maj’r Will’m Thompson & Mr. Abijah Child bea
parts, it ought therefore to be rejected, and this Meeting con-
sisting of forty five voters do unanimously and absolutely
reject the same
“ Then the Meeting was dissolved
‘Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk.”
“Thursday May 13th 1779 Voted to accept the committee’s
report. Chosen Last Town meeting to examine the claims of
Such persons as had done Extra military Duty & had no con-
sideration made .
“Voted that Capt. Thomas White Lieut. Daniel White Mr.
E. Kitchen Woleott Mr. Ebenezer Davis & Mr. Jonathan Dana
be a committee to hire Soldiers until the next Town meeting.”
“© Wednesday June 30th 1779. Mr. John Goddard was chosen
moderator
“Voted that Capt. Timothy Corey Mr. John Goddard, Mr.
|
|
|
BROOKLINE. 853
Committee to hire the number of men the Town is now Call’d |
upon to raise |
“ Voted that the Selectmen procure Such a sum of money as
Said Committee Shall find necessary in order to hire Sd Sol-
diers and that the Town Treasurer give his Obligation in be- |
half of the Town for ye Same
“Capt'n John Goddard was Chosen to meet a proposed Con-
vention of Deligates from the Several Committees of Corespond- |
ence &. c. in this State at Concord on Wednesday the 14th of
July next for the purpose of Carrying into Effect the attempt |
of Appreciating our money—then the Meeting was adjournd
without Day
“ Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk.”
“ Brookline Tuesday August 3d 1779 Capt'n John Goddard
was Chosen Moderator
“A Copy of the Proceedings of the Convention at Concord |
being read Voted—That wee approve of the Resolutions of the |
Convention at Concord, on the 14th of July last, & that wee
will Take Suitable measures to carry the Same into Execu- |
tion
“Upon motion made Col. Thos. Aspinwall Mr. Isaac Child, |
Maj’r Wm. Thompson, Capt’n Wm. Campbell & Capt’n John |
Goddard, were Chosen a Committee, to regulate the prices of
Such articles as are not mentioned in the Proceedings of Said |
Convention
“Maj’r Wm. Thompson was Chosen to represent Said Town |
in a Convention at Cambridge on the first day of Sept’r next
for the Sole Purpose of forming a new Constitution
“Voted that this meeting be Adjourn’d to Monday the 9th
Inst at four a Clock in the Afternoon”
“Monday August 9th 1779 Capt John Goddard was chosen
to Represent the Town in the Convention at Concord on the first
Wednesday in October next
“Voted that this meeting be adjourn’d to monday the 23d
Inst. at four a Clock in the afternoon—and was adjourned ac-
cordingly”
“ Monday August 23d 1779 Voted that it be left with the |
Committee to affix the Prices of Such articles as are not men- |
tioned in the Proceedings of the Convention at Concord, til after
the County Convention at Watertown”
“Monday Octo’r 11th 1779 Col Thom’s Aspinwall Chosen
Mode’r Voted that this meeting be adjournd to Jonathan
Dana’s where being meet, Voted that Maj’r Wm. Thompson,
Mr. Isaac Child, Dea. Elisha Gardner, Capt’n Wm. Campbell,
& Mr. John Heath be a Committee to hire the number of men |
the Town is now Call’d upon to Raise to Reinforce the Conti- .
nental Army for three months
“then the meeting was adjourned without Day”
“ Monday May 15th 1780 Ata legal Meeting of the Inhab-
itants of the Town of Brookline at the Meeting House—the
Selectmen moderators.
“The Constitution or form of Government Agreed upon by
the Dalegates of the People of the State of Massachusetts Bay,
being read, the Meeting was adjournd till two o Clock in the
afternoon, then being Meet |
“Then the form of Government was taken under Considera- |
tion and Assented to as far as the 10th article in Chapter 2d
Sect’n Ist Except the following Articles, Viz. the third Article
in the Bill of rites Assented to by thirty nine Voters, Hight
dissented proposing this amendment, that Every Estate in the |
Town Should bear an equal Proportion of the Charges that arise |
in Maintaining the Congregational Minister in that Town where
the Estate Lays
“The 2d Article in Chapter 2d Sect’n Ist Assented to by
twelve, Twenty one for this with this Amendment, Dealing the
word Christian and Puting in Protestants
“Chapt’r 2d Sect Ist—15th Article Assented to provided the
Salaries be not Established while the present War and Scarcity
Lasts—because it would require at least a Double Sum for an
Honorable Support in Such Times as the Present to what would
be necessary in Times of Peace and Plenty and no Provision is
made for lessening any Salarys once Established, therefore til
the return of Peace and Plenty as before the War, the Salarys
Ought to be granted yearily—the grants to be made among the
first acts of the Gen’] Court Every year
“Then the Meeting was adjournd til to morrow Morning at
Hight OClock in this Place
“ Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk”
“ Tuesday May 16th 1780. Capt. John Goddard Moderator.
“Then the Remaining part of the form of Government which
has not been Considered was taken Under consideration and
Assented to Except the Ist 7th and 10th Articles in Chapt’r
6th to which the following Alterations were proposed. Viz
twelve Voters for the Ist Article as it Stands, twenty one for
Dealing the word Christian and putting in Protestant—twenty
six Voters Accept the 10th Article as it Stands four do not Ac-
cept it.
“7th Article Assented to with this Alteration, Dealing the
word twelve and putting in three, and that Only in time of
War, Rebellion or Invasion
“Then Col. Thom’s Aspinwall, Mr. Caleb Croft. Mr. John
Harris Jun’r Mr. Nehem’r Davis, and Mr. Edward Kitchen
Wolcott, were Chosen a Committee to take under Consideration
and determine what method Shall be taken to Ascertain the
Quantity and Value of the land in Said Town, in order toa
more Equatable Assessment thereof, and make report at the
next meeting
“Voted that this meeting be adjournd to Wednesday Sennet
at eight a Clock in the Morning at this Place
* Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk.”
“ Brookline June 5th 1780. Capt. John Goddard Moderator
“Voted that the Town approve of the Proceedings of the
Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safty respecting
the Petition of Mr. John Green to the Gen’l Assembly to attain
possession of the forfeited Estate of Henry Holton, and that the
Town Confirm and approve the reasons and objections the said
Committee offerd Said Assembly against the Granting of Said
Greens Petition.
“Also Voted that the Representative of this Town in the
Gen. Court be directed to oppose the Grant of Said Estate, or
any part of it to said Green in Consideration of his acct. of Ser-
vices for the Kings Custom Houses—and that the Committee of
| Correspond’e be desired to take Such further Steps as they Shall
Judge proper in the name and behalf of the Town to prevent
the said Green’s Obtaining possession of Said Estate, or any part
| of it
“Voted that such Persons as have any Papers relative to
Soldiers Milage Travelling Fees &.c. Due to the Town, are
Desired to Deliv’r Said papers to the Commttee appointed to
| Collect said Milage money
“Voted that all persons that are Posses’d of any Papers that
are Necessary to the Committees making a report of the Debt
and Credit of the Town be Desired to Deliver Said papers to
the Committee appointed for that Purpose”
“ Brookline July 3d 1780. Maj’r Wm. Thompson was chosen
Moderator.
“Voted that Doct’r Aspinwall, Mr. Gulliver Winchester an
Dene’n Gardner, be a Committee to go round the Town to see
who will Advance Money for the purpose of hireing men for
Military Service, and Receive the same and Deliver it to the
Treasurer, and that those persons who ady’ce more than thare
proportionable part be allowed Interest for the Same.
854 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“Voted that this Meeting be adjournd to next Thursday
Six o Clock afternoon at Mr. Jonathan Dana’s.”
“Thursday July 13th
Chosen Moderator
“Voted that Capt White be desired to Issue his Warrant to
1780 =Maj’r William Thompson
warn the Training Band and alarm list to meet to Morrow |
afternoon at five a Clock in this place in order to raise the Re-
mainder of the Town’s Quota of Men by draft if they cannot
be Raised any other way be fore that time and that Notice be
given that such persons as shall not attend the meeting be the
first Drafted
“Voted that this meeting be adjournd til to Morrow after-
noon at five a Clock in this place”
“ Friday July 14th 1780. Maj’r William Thompson Mod-
erator.
“Voted that a Committee be chosen to go round among the
People in the present meeting to see who will advance money
for the purpose of hiring Meen—Voted that Doct’r Aspinwall &
Dea. Gardner serve on Said Committee,—Voted that Col. As-
pinwall Capt. White and Mr. Ackers be a Committee to go
round among the People present to see if any Incline’ to In-
gage to serve as soldiers for the Town
““Voted that this meeting be adjournd to Mr. Bakers im-
mediately where being meet.
“Voted that the Town will not give more than fifteen Hun-
dred pounds pr. Man for the Militia which are Call’d for for
three months provided the Town holds the State pay, and
thirteen hundred Pounds if the Soldiers holds the States Pay.
and that the Committee do not give that sum after next tues-
day, and that Mr. Gulliver Winchester, Deac’n Gardner, and |
Doct’r Aspinwall. be a Committee to hire Sd men in room of
the former Committee for that purpose who Decline to Serve in
that office
“Voted that the Thanks of the Town be given to miss Mary
Boylston for three Silver Dollars given by her for the In-
couragement of Such Men as Shall Ingage to serve as Soldiers
for the Town
“Voted that this Meeting be adjournd til next Tuesday
Evening seven a Clock at the School House”
“ Fryday Septr 29th 1780 Col. Thomas Aspinwall Chosen
Moderator.
“Voted that the Sum of Eighteen Thousand Hight Hundred
and forty one pounds be raised by a tax on Polls, Real and
Personal Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, and Non
resident Possessors for the Purpose of Purchasing Supplys for
the Army and that the surplus (if any bee) bee applyed as the
Town shall hereafter Direct
“Voted that said sum be Assessed, Collected, and paid
into the Hands of the Town Treasurer by the 20th of Octo’r
next”
“ December 26th
Moderator.
1780.
“Voted that Mr. William ackers, Mr. Abijah Child and Mr. |
Isaac Gardner be a Committee to Ingage the Men this Town is |
call’d upon to raise, to fill up the Continental Army on the |
most Reasonable terms they can, and report at the next Town
Meeting
“Voted that the sum of twenty five Thousand pounds be
raised for the purpose of procuring the Quantity of Beef this |
Town is Call’d upon to Supply the Army with”
“Thursday Janry 4th 1781. Maj’r William Thompson
Moderator.
“Voted that every Town Inhabitant be authorized to hire
any Soldiers to serve for three Years or during the War for
this Towns Quota for the Continental Army—and that Every
Inbabitont that shall procure a man shall be allowed four Dol-
lars for his Trouble, and that the Town will pay each Soldier
who shall engage in that Service as much more than the Pub-
lick pay as to make up his Wages to six pounds pr Month
during the Time he shall continue in actual Service and that
each Soldier be paid sixty Dollars in advance towards his
Wages, and shall also be paid whatever shall be due to him
from the Town at the end of every six Months, and if not paid
within twenty Days after application by themselves or agents
then to be allowed ten percent Interest from the Time of ap-
plication til paid”
“ Brookline Monday Jan’ry 8th 1781.
son Moderator
“Voted that Col. Thom’s Aspinwall, Mr. Moses White, Mr.
Sam’el Croft, Mr. Caleb Croft, Mr. Isaac Child, Mr. Joshua
Boylston, Capt. Timothy Corey, Mr. Caleb Gardner Mr. Nath’el
Seaver and Mr. Ebenez’r Davis, be a committee for the purpose
of hiring this Towns Quota of men into the Continental Ser-
vice.”
“Monday March 5th 1781
chosen Moderator,
“Voted to adjourn this meeting til half after two 0 clock
this afternoon in this place—being Meet according to ad-
journment—Voted that the Tax for hiring Soldiers into the
Continental Army, be paid in paper Money at the rate of Sey-
enty five paper Dollars for one Silver Dollar, and that the
Treasurer be desired to Exchange the same for hard Money if
needed.
“Voted that Mr. Samuel Croft be desired to take care of the
Stock of Arms and ammunition or any other article or articles
Maj’r William Thomp-
Benjamin White Esq’r being
that belong to this Town.”
“ Wednesd’y March 14th 1781.
Moderator
“Voted that the Vote pas’d the 3d day of Janr’y last Respect-
ing hiring Soldiers into the Continental Army for three years,
be Reconsided, and that the Committee be desired to procure
the men on the best terms they can”
June 29th 1781. Mr. John Goddard Chosen Moderator
“Voted that the Sum of Six Hundred Silver Dollars be As-
sessed on Polls, Real and Personal Estates. of the Inhabitants
of this Town, and Non resident Possessors, for the purpose
of Purchesing this Towns Quota of Beef for the Continental
army, agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of the 22d
Inst
“Voted that Mr. Moses White, Mr. John Coburn, and Mr:-
Ebenez’r Davis be a Committee to purches Said Beef”
“July 3d 1781. Voted, Esq’r White chosen Moderator
“Voted that the Town Indemnify and clear the Select Men
from all charge that may arise by Reason of their not proceed-
ing to Draught a Man out of each Delinquent Class, agreeable
Benj’n White Esq’r being
| to order of Court of the 16th June last.
Capt'n William Campbell Chosen
| curing this Towns Quota of Men to serve in the Continental
“Voted that all charges that have arisen or may arise in pro-
Army for three years, be Assessed on the Town in the same
manner other Town Charges are assessed, provided the Delin-
quent Classes procure their Deficient Men by the thirteenth Day
of July Current.
“Then the Meeting was Dissoly’d
“Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk”
“ July \7th 1781. Doct’r William Aspinwall chosen Moder-
ator,
“Voted that the Inhabitants of the Town be Classed in Hight
Classes in order to procure Eight’ Men to go to Rhode Island
and West point that Hach Class be oblig’d to procure one Man
; and pay him, each one in proportion as shall be determined by
the Assessors, and that the Assessors be directed to Assess each
Class such a Sum to pay said Man as the Majority of the Class
BROOKLINE.
855
shall Desire — and that one Class be not allowed to hire a man
out of any other Class before the twenty second Instant, unless _
Said Class has Procured a man, and if it shall hereafter appear |
that any one or more Classes, do not procure a Man and thereby
Incur a Penalty, that Said Class shall be excus’d from paying |
more than the highest price given for any of the Men, if they
make it appear to the Sattisfaction of the Town that they have |
Collected their Money in proper Season, and taken Suitable
pains to procure Said Man, and whatever Class shall first pro-
cure a Man to go to Rhode island and Inform Benj’n White
Esq’r thereof, shall have the benefit of Said man for their |
Class” |
“ Monday June 17th 1782. Mr. John Goddard Moderator |
“ Voted that Mr. E. Kitchen Wolcott, Mr. Joshua Boylston |
and Mr. Robert Sharp be a Committee to make a further in- |
quiry into the accounts of the Committee for Purchasing Beef
for the Army for the year 1781, and Report there on at the
next Town Meeting”
“ Monday July 8th 1782. Hon. Benj’m White Esq’r
erator, |
“The Vote being put, to see if the Town will take any other
Method, to raise five Meen to Serve three years in the Conti-
nental Army, besides Classing the Inhabitants as Directed by
a Res’lv of the General Court of the Ist Day of March last
“Voted in the Negative
“Then the Meeting was adjournd without Day
“Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk”
Mod- |
“ Sept’r 26th 1782 Hon'ble Benj’n White Esq’r Chosen Mod-
erator. Voted to hire five Men now called for to go to Nan- |
tasket,—Voted that Mr. Nath’el Winchester Deac’n Gardner |
and Mr. Daniel White, be a committee to hire Said men on the
most reasonable terms they can, and that the Town relieve said
Men in six weeks from the time of Inlistment, if they desire it,
—Voted to Indemnify the Selectmen from all charges that may
arise by reason of their not proceeding to draught said men |
agreeable to the Melitia Law”
“ Fryday January 12. 1787
Moderator
“Capt'n Moses White. Lieut. Sam’ll Croft, and Col. Thom’s
Aspinwall were chosen a Committee to hire Eleaven men to
serve as Soldiers for this Town, and to Remain in Publick Ser-
vice 30. Days from the 23d Inst,—upon the most Reasonable |
terms they can—Mr. John Heath Mr. Nath. Winchester and
Mr. Benja. White were Chosen a Committee to hire a Sum of |
money in behalf of the town for the purpose of hiring Sd Men
—then this meeting was adjourn’d to Tuesday Evening next |
at Six a Clock at the Grammar School house”
“ January 16th 1787 Inst Capt. Moses White Moderator— |
Voted that the Committee Viz Mr. John Heath Mr. Nath. Win-
chester, and mr. Benjamin White, who were chosen a Commit-
tee the 12th Inst to hire money to Raise Soldiers be impowered
& they be hereby impowered, to hire the Sum of Forty pounds |
for Sd Purpose and that the Town Treas’r be Directed to give
his Obligation in behalf of the Town for Sd Sum. Likewise
that Sd Sum be Assessed with the next Town Rate—then it
was Voted that this meeting be adjournd to next Thursday |
Evening at Six a Clock in this place, and was adjournd ac-
cordingly |
Capt’n Moses White chosen
from the Towns in this state at the state house in Boston, on
the Second Wednesday of Jan. next, for the purpose of taking
under consideration the Form of Government for ye United
States”
LIST OF MEN WHO TOOK PART IN THE REVOLUTION
FROM THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE,
‘““A Muster ROLE of the Company, under the Command of
Captain Timothy Corey, in Col. Baldwins Regiment to the first
of August, 1775.
| |
Timothy Corey........... | Brookline... April 26 | 97 | Capt.
| Thomas Cummings..... Needham...) May 1 92 | Ist lieut.
| Jonas Jobnson...........| Brookline...) April 26 | 97 | 2d lieut.
Jacob Whitney........... | Roxbury..... J | 97 | Sergt.
Weagolin Carles scccecsssceses Dedham..... @ Sital wes
| Ezekiel Crane............ | Brookline... és OTe ice
Samuel Draper........... | Newtown ...| << 96)
Adame LR On escecces+sces | Dedham..... es | 97 |Corporal,
John Blundin............ | Brookline...) s DE so
Andrew Lewis... ......... | Dedham..... s Oi se
Abner Whitney.......... | Newtown... se | 97 ee
Winter Boston........... Roxbury..... May 1 | 92 | Drummer.
Edward French......... | Stoton........ May 28 | 65 | Fifer.
DIOHM PALS eTem. seca e sce | Brookline... April 26 | 97 | Private.
James Beamis............ Sudbury..... e Cha ee
John Broadrick......... Brookline.. ef Byles
MimothtyChildezecscsones | Newtown ...| ss on
Thomas Champney...... Brookline... ie 97 “
| Daniel Coolidge......... | Roxbury.....| Ss } Or Nc
| William Davis........... | Brookline... iy 97 6
George Dunlap.......... US oe 97 ee
John Fenelley............ | Go eee oe OuRIr tess
Mbhomilas: Hiskew..+c.<cosse Newtown... May 8 S57 iene
Caleb Gardner...........; Brookline.... April 26 | 97 Sf
James Greley............ Roxbury..... May9 | 84 ee
Stephen Whitney....... | Newtown... April 26 | 97} “
Joseph Wilkinson....... Dedham... veccess Bnet ence £6
Thomas Seaver. ......... Roxbury..... May 12 | 59 ee
| PJOHNIGTECN.. -sccccacsce se Brookline...) May 30 | 63 ce
Thadeous Hide........... | & ...| April 26 | 97 [amc
WAbneCreELOLG:cosnsceseeess fee ies a | 97 se
Aaron Jackson......-++. Newtown May2 (91 | 6
Enoch Jackson .......... ss “ HOF | eee
Jonas Jackson.........:. o ce 91 ss
William Jackson........ CO zane Mayas Vind ss
Wiilliamap ing. .cccccees Brookline...) April 26 | 97) “
Samuel Lewis............ Roxbury...... April 27 | 96 ee
| Timothy Lewis........... oh i: | 96 au
John Mellvaine..........| Brookline.... April 26 | 97 Cs
Hijabs Mills ssesccscsseceee pass sf | 97 ef
Phillip Marchant....... ef ...| May 6 | 87 “
Jesse Jackson............ Newtown ...| May 17 | 76 se
Samuel Merean.......... Brookline ..; April 26 | 97 | ce
Edward Merean......... Newtown...) May 6 87 |
David Nutting...........| Brookline... April 26 | 97 yy
Ephraim Payson........ 72 ugee is (90). ©
| Elnathan Pope........ ..-| Plainfield...| 6 | 97 ‘
| Jacobe Reed!cs..cs...ce- Brookline.... May 1 | 92 ©
John Spear.......-.+..-- Sees A pT Gn 9.0 ut
John Smith............ Ses re .| May 1 92 «¢
| Jeremiah Smith........ ss AAA ‘é 192i: \rane
| Lambert Smith.......... se a D2 hl nce
Write ySNOWeewsasiaciescees Woburn..... May 9 | 84 a
HizraPild ent. .....scco.+s2 Stoton........ May 18 | 75 sf
Timothy Whitney......., Newtown...| April 26 | 97 see
Peter Walker.............) Roxbury.....| May 1 | 92 fe
Isaac Winchester........ Brookline...| “ | 92 on
Charles Winchester....., OS ce ss 92 ss
Silas Winchester......... | 66) tees Aprilizou nor .
Ephraim Whitney...... | Newtown... ce 97 <
“Attest Stephen Sharp Town Clerk”
|
“ Monday March 19th 1787 Voted, that the Town Treasurer |
be Directed, and he is hereby Directed, to pay the Soldiers that |
went for this Town to the Western Expedition, Out of the first |
money he Receives”
“ December 10th, 1787, The Rev’d Joseph Jackson was chosen
a Delagate to Represent this Town in a Conven- of Delegates |
“In Council, Feb. y® 177 Read & allowed & ordere4 That
a warrant be drawn on y® Treast for £287. 12/ in full of this
date.
“ Perez Morton,
** D py Secry.”
856 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
““A Muster Roll of the Militia Company in Brookline who
marched against the Ministerial Troops on y® 19 April,
under y® command of Capt Thomas White in Col William
James Winchester.
Nath! Winchester.
Sam’! Winchester.
Jacob Sharpe.
Robert Sharpe.
Stephen Sharpe.
Heaths Regiment, and their time of service to y® 12 day
of May.
Capt Thomas White.
Ist Lieut Caleb Craft.
2d Lieut Dan! White.
Sergt Moses White.
« Abijah Child.
‘© Timothy Corey.*
John Alger.*
Jonathan Baly.
Eben’r Bartlett.
John Blandin.*
Joshua Boylston.
John Broaddrick.*
Joseph Brown.
Thomas Champney.*
Aaron Child.
Daniel Child.
Sergt Samuel Griggs.
Corp! Caleb Gardner.*
«John Harris Jr.
“Daniel Dana Jr
Fifer Isaac Gardner
Drum’r Benj Larnard.
Privates.
Enoch Fisk.
Benj Gardner.
Elijah Gardner.
John Griggs.
Joseph Griggs.
Joel Hagar.
Just Harrington.
Michael Harris.
Phin Hammond.
Jobn Heath.
| May 12th, and then returned home.
Nathaniel Seaver.
John Spear.*
Benj Stratton.
Gideon Tower.
Archibald Wares.
David Whitcomb.
Benjamin White Jr.
Edward White.
Samuel White.
David Winchester.
Silas Winchester.*
Amos Winship.
Joshua Winship.
Royal Wood.
Josh Woodward.
Jon® Warner.
Esq? White’s “ Peter”
“ Gardner’s ‘* Adam”
Joshua Boylston’s “ Prince”
This company served twenty-three days, ending
Those having
a star opposite their names, after serving seven days,
enlisted in the Continental army.
| “Pay Roun for a Party of Militia Commanded by Lieut Caleb
Craft, Dorchester Heights from July 4th to the 28th Inclu-
sive, 1778, Belonging in Col. Macintoshes regiment.
Calebi@rattstc.cccs cessor saceesestecs
July 4. July 28. 25
Isaac Child. Amos Hide. | HHleazt Graves .ccscosteaeecseseeesesees eG! COMTIS: 13
Phinehas Child. Thaddeus Hide. | William Gridley eecaecces seevce ceecevie Us a3 S285 24
S 1 Child Artin hee Hamund JWieldissccccssc ose scnessccees ey 2:1 Pigs 15
Sl oa ne ote | William Lewis......... Re ees. «4 “18 unt
Solomon Child. Abrah™ Jackson. |e Bowers DOtim sssscsoes cerwiecctes Bs TG}. 15
Samuel Clark. Thad Jackson. | Benjamin Badanah ROCCE CORTE OO, POCEDCOCCION LS 25
foun Coburn. Tonaselohn son: Te pe Beeeee SRCCRBOROGOReEDe ocosboaucoce ees an
Samuel Coburn. Moses Johnson. Solin, Whitgornbi, sess ceseccelsceee oh ee 25
James Coolidge. Jonathan Jones. |e Ephraim Man nsssessc.ccccesecseseseet July 5. Sons 24
Benjamin Cox. William King.* | wie Menu se eeeceee cccceccce sence ee 5. seen a
Ss ; we ; ee OSE Ph WANIAMS, ccseccscceecessieccstone acesess cuss a eecees cee
Mu a Cox: Baniabas:Mansrd | Stephen Knight.............. Henoouae pees sodos66 24
Samuel Craft. Jonathan Marbel. | Benjamin Baxter...c.cscssctescaeson) | VOU EN July 18. 12
Ezekiel Crane.* John MeAlvain.* WP eOhMUWaS Wells. tec sc ccscrecehteswoates | P ss 28% 20
Joseph Dana. NatheMicariam | J OSCPHiGOrencresscsciecacecessiescsseste sta OE S28: 20
ee) fe ee | Elnathan Whitney. s..scose+ soscosees «9, TB. 0
enter ene Samuel Meriam.* | Ebenezer Weld.......06...000+ susiidlec Soesectestes Gets, 10
Samuel Davis.* Elijah Mill.* Ebenezer Scott.......... ececest lessees eorarsccstee «28. 20
William Davis.* David Nutting.* Samuel Cotter... .....sccossssocsesecs | ccsessiesene SUS: 10
Cia te - ‘“
Thaddeus Dean: David Oawton, JHCOW/ CumMInNs.-<.-scencsecorenecness July 10 24, 15
Z = ¥ Pp Asa UPAY SOM Awacledccsescriccceesecevers SOs CS LSs tf)
George Dunlop.* Ephraim Payson.* JIRIMNCS, Giawsetcccsuectevevssssoesevnesee ces > sally, GF Ife 9
John Fineey.* John Sampson. WiallliamiSbanprcscrewsetesctcsssesess Ky S288 17
A Return of the men in the Continental Army for the Town of Brookline.
Sse = ak 28 tt’ a = nie i eee ut ee
NAMES Town. | Enlisted. | Captains. Colonels. | Time. State.
HCLOMMIA UNO IAL sc vscecessworestieseescescassens Brookline. | Brookline. | Pettengill. | James Wesson. | Three Years. | Massachusetts.
CeOnmerUN api cccascen sosecsesisesscelscssosees oe | “ | Cogswell. ly E
Hefei ala cet cr cde oes aahos eet es | «“ | e “ | a
eChanles Winehester........s0ssscsc0 sosscs0s sf os | Childs. ss oe “s
WaMbSrbi OMIT 22, syscsccseeves sascsssceecs vsee fs es | ce ‘ ‘ es
WHIZ E KIO CLAN Otessccrtscccesclesseas calas nee ooars' 6 ce ce “ se | ec
Meninygbuckernaccvascresscetuesesser: cstaiieates cs i | Cogswell. | sf | Ss
Olivieri cecesances castes vectscsiesececccscnsect “ | Pettengill. Z - ss
ODDIE ULLON cet vesacscvesciesesssoeeisucesstecse ¢ os | s os Le ie
VOMMEMING Alsteecsecssctcecessssicssnscccoesesss : s Cogswell. sf | oe s
Johny Hamilton. :.0.s0cceceeces cove cotarec cous ‘ § | Pettengill. | ee | cs gs
Christopher Highee.c:<.vsnscctensecs vececeses f ms i ss | sf | <
nee MG wn tcc. ccsccrceseecusceseetenss-t as es “ ‘f | sf s
INST AMIE] UOSCssccncsescacesid-csbes vocesscveess ai My oy es *
VONNMB UCL ites scasccass seecosssseseuseesetes = ee ie Ed | ie “6
puep hon Wldrid Gees. s.sccessecclssescesceseeess ss s ss ef | wy ee
“John Blundin, in ye Light Horse Company. [Names of companies encamped at] “ Sewells Point,” Brook-
“Thomas Champney, in ye Train Company. line, in 1775:
“Thomas Bushel, in Col. Henry Jacksons Regiment.
“Jonn Phenesy, in Col. McField’s Reg- |
“Capt. Timothy Corey’s Company, Col. Loammi Baldwins
Regiment, Sept. 27, 1775.
“Capt. Thomas Cogswells Company, Col. Loammi Baldwins
| Regiment, Sept. 27, 1775.
Bailey’s, Capt.
iment.
‘Peter Solomon, goeth for Princeton.
BROOKLINE.
857
“Capt. Joseph Pettengills Company, Col. Loammi Baldwins |
Regiment, Sept. 27, 1775.
“Capt. Thomas Mighills Company, Col. Loammi Baldwins |
Regiment, Sept. 27, 1775.
“Capt. Ezra Badlams Company, Col. Gridleys regiment.
“Men enlisted from Brookline in the army, 1781:
“Ebenezer Dean, May 18, 1781.
“Josiah Jordan, Apr 19, 1781.
“Jacob Harvey, Apr 23, 1781.
“Nathaniel Blanchard, June 30, 1781.
“Asaph Bisbee, July 16, 1781.
“Noah Sturtevant, July 16, 1781.
“Joseph Wright, July 16, 1781.
“Joseph Morrill, Aug. 4, 1781.
“Josiah Ladd, Aug. 17, 1781.
|
|
NAMES. | ee Date of Discharge. wiles ot ge ela | Amount of Wages,
| Benjamin Morse............ July 16. January 16. 220 6 11 £12 14s. 8d. }
MeVOsinbudordanises.cceseccetesiseeelss toctoes July 1. December 25. 220 6 6 ies |
| Thomas Ryan.......secsesseeessesseeeee veces May 10. November 10. 220 6 11 12 14 8
PNG MPA BIN Secececsecesasseserseseceatecereesss June 8. December 8. 220 6 11 1214 8 |
jelincrease ND AVIS. ...-ssccennsseocsescpesieeee'ss June 8. December 6. 220 69 L222 Ss
ee lbOMUCI KIN Go<>,:c0ssccceresevaswseecceenices June 11. December 11. 220 6 11 1214 8 |
ACODMELATVCYioceceecaccorascss se ecececesssae| July 31. December 15. 220 4 26 914 8
|
|
|
|
i
Beginning of the Present Century.—Up to the
latter part of the last century, or the commencement
of the present, the people of the town were depend-
ent upon the products of their land, and were of
the thrifty sort of farmers. About that time a new
order of things commenced; the attractions of the
place drew many people from the large and thickly-
populated towns, who were desirous to retire from the —
noise and bustle of active commercial life and to
seek a home in the country, for this was then a good
specimen of a country town.
The elegant native |
forest- trees, the elevated lands, the rich soil, the near- |
ness to the seat of government, and many other ad-
vantages, soon attracted the attention of wealthy
people of other localities. Among the first, if not
the first, of this class was Hon. Stephen Higginson,
a native of Salem, a leader in the politics of Massa- |
chusetts, and a merchant of Boston, who purchased
thirteen acres of land, formerly used by Ebenezer
Richards for a sheep-pasture, for the sum of one
hundred and twenty dollars an acre, upon which he
erected an elegant dwelling-house.
an elevated and beautiful spot, commanding a fine
view of Boston and the many islands, while near at
hand, as if to lend a charm to the scene, are the
placid waters of the old Boston Reservoir, of irreg-
ular elliptic shape, the surface water covering twenty-
two and one-half acres, and containing one hundred
million gallons. This land is on the heights near
Warren and Heath Streets; it was afterwards owned
and occupied by Dr. John C. Warren, who did much
to beautify the same. A portion of this land was
This locality is
oem
£88 13s. 4d. |
Selectmen
of
Brookline.
{OB Wuirr,
“JoHN GopDARD,
““W. CAMPBELL,
“The original sworn to before
“STEPHEN SHARP, Town Clerk.”
sold to William Appleton, Esq., M.C., who was for-
merly president of the Boston branch of the United
States Bank, also of the Massachusetts General Hos-
pital and Provident Institution of Savings, ete. Mr.
Henry Upham afterwards occupied Mr. Appleton’s
place, and the Warren mansion has since been occu-
pied by George Bacon, and now by Augustus Lowell,
Esq. Following the above-named Higginson were
the families of Hon. Jonathan Mason, M.C., a stu-
dent of President John Adams, counselor-at-law,
member of the State Legislature, and member of the
Governor’s Council, who purchased the farm of Moses
White on Heath Street. Benjamin Guild, Esq., next
purchased the house, and afterwards sold the same to
Gen. Theodore Lyman, the well-known founder of the
Farm School at Westborough, who pulled down the
old house and erected the present mansion, now
owned by his son, Hon. Theodore Lyman, member of
Congress from this district.
Next in order, and near to the estate of Dr. War-
ren, was the residence of Hon. George Cabot, M.C.,
who was Secretary of the Navy under Washington,
afterwards president of the Boston branch of the
United States Bank. He was a retired sea-captain.
Stephen Higginson, Jr., succeeded Mr. Cabot in this
home, who sold to Capt. Adam Babcock, afterwards
purchased by the late Samuel Goddard. The land
owned and occupied by John L. Gardner, Ksq., was
part of this estate, and was sold to Mr. Gardner by
Capt. Ingersoll, a son-in-law of Capt. Babcock. Op-
posite to the estates of Messrs. Appleton and Warren,
on Warren Street, was the old-time mansion of the late
858
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Col. Thomas H. Perkins, who was formerly president |
of the Boston branch of the United States Bank,
member of the State Senate, active in establishing
the Massachusetts General and the Insane Hospitals,
contributing eight thousand dollars to its funds, and |
was a patron of the Blind Asylum, for whom it was
named; also of the Mercantile Library Association
and Boston Athenzeum. Adjoining this estate, on
the west, was the residence of the late Samuel Cabot, |
built in 1806, which gave way but a few years since |
to the present mansion of William Gray, another of
Boston’s merchants. Did our space permit we might,
with equal justice, mention a long list of persons emi-
nent in the various walks of professional and mercantile |
life. Prominent among whom were John E. Thayer,
Nathaniel I. Bowditch, Richard Sullivan, Samuel G.
Perkins, Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, James S. Amory, |
Thomas C. Amory, Amos A. Lawrence, William R.
Lawrence, George B. Blake, Ignatius Sargent, Wil-
liam Dwight, David Sears, Barthold Schelesinger,
Edward C. Wilson, William I. Bowditch, William
Aspinwall, Samuel Goddard, Thomas Parsons, Eben
Wright, John W. Candler, and many others.
While among those who have held or do now own
large estates in various portions of the town may be
mentioned Benjamin White, Ebenezer Francis, Amos |
A. Lawrence, William R. Lawrence, David Sears,
Charles Stearns, Marshal Stearns, Charles H. Stearns, |
William Stearns, Thomas Griggs, Timothy Corey,
Elijah Corey, Abijah W. Goddard, William Aspinwall, |
Col. Thomas Aspinwall, George Babcock, James Leeds, |
Ebenezer Davis, George B. Blake, Ignatius Sargent,
William I. Bowditch, Moses Jones, William Dear-
born, and others.
At a later date than the above the names of White, |
Griggs, Lawrence, Stearns, Goddard, Corey, Withing-
ton, Thayer, Davis, Sargent, Sharp, Craft, Coolidge,
Sears, Perkins, Cabot, and others, appear as among |
The Win-
chesters, Aspinwalls, Buckminsters, Gardners, and
the largest land-owners of the town.
Whites were perhaps the largest and the oldest land- |
owners.
The earliest settlers were agriculturists,
their first business being to clear the primitive forests
and prepare the land for the first crops. They were
men of great physical powers, resolution, and stability |
of purpose, and applied their energies of body to clear- |
ing and improving their township, and if we may |
judge of the results of their efforts, they were faith- |
ful to their callin The nearness to the capital of |
the State made it the natural locality for the raising |
or
o
of produce of all kinds; a great opportunity was
presented to grow and increase in wealth, as well as _
to improve their land, and this was brought about by |
hard labor and strict frugality, which lent its aid in
the work.
There was a ready demand for all kinds of vege-
tables and fruit, large and small, and this town con-
tributed largely to supply the want.
The Town as it Is.—Of the present aspect of the
town, with all the various changes since the com-
mencement of this century, much has been said and
published, some of which are wel! worth noticing.
The learned and well-known editor of Winthrop’s
Journal pronounced Brookline to be the most beauti-
ful village in New England. For local scenery, rich
cultivated fields and gardens, and green-house pro-
ductions, for continually increasing costliness and
taste in its public and private buildings, the praises of
this town resound far and wide, and this is but the
echo of the sentiments generally expressed by persons
of taste and observation.
On a hot summer’s day many years since, a seaman’s
preacher, after regaling himself in a beautiful grove
behind the First Church, in the course of his sermon
' said, “I know not, my friends, how you can hel
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being Christians, for you already live in paradise.”
In the summer of 1860, when the Prince of Wales
was on a visit to this country, among the many re-
ceptions given him was that of the city of Boston.
The Prince alighted at the Cottage Farm Station in
Longwood, where he was received by the city govern-
ment. When he arrived at the station previous to
seating himself in the carriage provided for him, he
took a look at the surroundings of the town, and ex-
claimed in the writer’s presence, “ Of all the country
he had passed through, none had reminded him so
much of the scenery of Old England as that around
here.”
A modern poet, in the ‘“‘ Poet’s Tribute” in 1840
contributes the following lines:
““T have revisited thy sylvan scenes,
Brookline! in this the summer of my day.
Again have reveled in thy lovely vales,
And feasted vision on thy glorious hills;
As once I reveled, feasted, in the spring:
Of careless, happy boyhood. And I’ve bowed
Again within thy temple, and have heard,
As though time’s footfall had these years been hushed,
Thy patriarch pastor’s lips, like dew, distill
Gentle instruction. And the same is he,
As to young love and reverence he was,
My cheerful friend, benevolent, and good.
The same thy hills and dells, those skies the same
Of rich October; such as only bend
Over New England; and the same gray walls,
Reared in New England’s infancy, are those
Which charmed imagination. Thou art fair
And beautiful as ever. Fancy deems
Thy sweet retreat excused the common doom
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BROOKLINE.
859
Caused by the fall, as if the Architect
Were willing, by such specimen, to show
What Eden, in its primal beauty, was.”
“T think that no one will dispute that Brookline was for a |
long time pre-eminent in the little cordon of towns which have
so long constituted the exquisite environs of Boston, emboss-
ing it with a rich and varied margin of lawn and Jake and |
meadow and wooded hill-side, and encircling its old ‘ plain neck,’
as William Wood called it, in his ‘New England Prospect,’ with |
I think no one |
an unfading wreath of bloom and verdure.
will dispute her claim to have given the earliest celebrity to
those environs for rural culture and beauty.
other countries, or from other States, carried home with them
|
Visitors from |
a deeper impression of the charms of this spot and its sur- |
roundings than of any other region in New England; and
when the well-to-do Bostonian, before there were any railroads
or steamers to whirl him off to Scotland or the Alps, or even
to Newport, or Saratoga, or Niagara, for his summer vacation,
desired to get a breath of pure air, or a glimpse of green fields,
or a scent of fresh flowers, by an afternoon’s drive, the horse’s | : Ts
3 é _ Brookline Village.
head was turned first, and last, and almost all the time, towards |
Brookline, by the way, perhaps, of Pine Bank! and Jamaica
Pond. Nature had done much, but cultivation and taste had
hardly done less, in producing this result.
ticulture find earlier or more successful votaries than here.
Nowhere could there be sought and found more exquisite flow- |
|‘ Hall’s Pond,’ at the end of Essex Street; then,
_ taking down some bars, one could ride or drive over
ers or more delicious fruits, in season or out of season, in the
open air or under glass. Nor was experimental Agriculture
without its early and devoted followers here. Meantime there
was an elegant and distinguished hospitality to be enjoyed in | 4. : ¢
nas rae eS a a2 ' direction as the roads do now, to the Aspinwall house,
Brookline homes, then filled by men of large acquaintance
and of larger hearts, to say nothing of accomplished and beau-
tiful women, to complete the attraction.
“T do not forget that there were individual instances of the
same sort of homes in Dorchester or Milton, in Roxbury or
Jamaica Plain or Dedham, in Brighton or Watertown or Wal-
tham. Still less do I forget that almost all these places have
Nowhere did Hor- |
and borders of grass) was a tract of land containing »
three hundred and fifty acres which once belonged to
the estate of John Hull, the ‘ mint-master,” and
afterwards came by inheritance to Chief Justice
| Samuel Sewall, who married a daughter of Mr. Hull.
This was well known as “ Sewall’s Farm.” These
lands embraced the territory between Aspinwall’s and
Sharp’s land, on the south, to Pleasant Street, on the
north, and from Harvard Street, on the west, to
Charles River.
Previous to the building of the mill-dam, in 1821,
there was no public road leading to what is now called
The name of
Longwood was given to this section on account of the
‘‘Tongwood” and “ Cottage Farm.”
long line of beautiful woods on the rolling ridges of
land which extended from Charles River nearly to
In 1850 Beacon Street was built
through this land, which was chiefly owned by Messrs.
Up to that date, in order to
pass through this vicinity, it was necessary to enter
Lawrence and Sears.
where is now “ Cottage Farm Bridge,” going towards
_the cart-paths, which ran very much in the same
been catching up with Brookline—perhaps outstripping her |
—in all these particulars; and that both Horticulture and |
Agriculture may now look elsewhere for more than one of their
highest illustrations and their most conspicuous disciples. I
speak of half a century sometime closed, during a part of
which, certainly, Brookline enjoyed a prestige for culture and
beauty, which might almost have entitled her to that appella-
tion of ‘a Peculiar’ for which her old inhabitants petitioned.
“Let me not be thought too much disposed to narrow the
limits either of time or space within which the special graces
and attractions of the town were to be witnessed. But I have
sometimes thought that there was a little circle of our territory,
from which had emanated, in successive years, as many good
influences and examples, in the way of philanthropy and be-
neficence, of kindness and hospitality, and of every refined
culture which pertains to rural enjoyment or improyement,—
the culture of the field and of the garden, of the manners and |
of the human heart,—as from any spot of equal circumference
on any part of the globe.
have lived men of wide distinction in every walk of life, some
of whose names are associated with the foremost places of the
State or the Nation.”—Hon. Robert C. Winthrop.
Longwood.—In the northeasterly portion of the
town of Brookline (now thickly dotted with elegant
1 The residence of James Perkins.
Within or around that little circle | pa é 4
_and Dr. William R. Lawrence in 1850, who erected
villas and handsomely laid-out grounds, with walks | house.
| structure, built about 1689.
The Sears land
lies west of the Cottage Farm, and is beautifully situ-
near St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
ated and laid out. When the mill-dam was completed,
several enterprising merchants of Boston, thinking
that land in Brookline would be greatly enhanced in
value, bought farms adjacent to the new avenue in
Brookline and Roxbury containing about five hundred
acres. Prominent among these purchasers were the
Thorndikes, David Sears, and Ebenezer Francis, but,
as the new thoroughfare was a toll turnpike, there
_ was not that demand for land that there was in many
other places. About thirty years since one of the
owners, David Sears, began to improve his lands by
laying out streets, setting out trees, and building
In 1820, Ebenezer
Francis purchased two farms which had previously
One contained about
houses on both sides of the river.
belonged to the Sewall estate.
sixty acres, known as “ Cottage Farm,” the other was
designated ‘Maplewood Farm.” ‘Cottage Farm”
was purchased by Messrs. Amos A. Lawrence, Esq.,
residences on the same, which they now occupy. The
name of “Cottage” as applied to the farm above was
derived from the fact that the estate now owned by
Dr. William R. Lawrence had on it the ‘“ Sewall”
It was a small old-fashioned gambrel-roof
It was torn down, to-
gether with two barns, to make room for a modern
‘
860
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
residence, in 1851. The ground from this farm to |
Brookline Village was mostly in grass.
There are several historical associations connected
At Cottage Farm Sta-
tion, in the Revolution, was a very extensive fort,
with this part of the town.
known as Sewall’s Fort, which commanded Charles
River. Col. Thomas Aspinwall was the commander |
of the fort.
stronger than many of the other forts of the Ameri-
This was nearly quadrangular, and was |
can army, having six guns, and had accommodations
for more troops than most any other during the siege |
of Boston. Col. Thomas Aspinwall had the com-—
mand of the Sewall Fort during the Revolution.
The building of the mill-dam, and afterwards the cut- |
ting through for the Boston and Albany Railroad,
nearly destroyed these works, though a portion re-
mained till 1852.
Col. Prescott’s headquarters were at the Walcott |
house, now occupied by Charles H. Stearns. Walcott |
took sides with the colonies, while the Sewalls did not.
On the south side of Muddy River, near St. Mary’s
Street, was a three-gun battery, one of a line of’ bat-
It was on
the land now owned and occupied by Amos A. Law-
rence, Esq., and where that elegant grove of trees now
teries surrounding Boston in the siege.
stand, that Col. Prescott’s regiment had its headquar- |
ters, also a Rhode Island regiment, after the battle |
of Bunker Hill.
evacuation of Boston by the British, about nine
On the land of Mr. Lawrence,
when he purchased his estate, were the ovens used
by the occupants of Sewall’s Fort, which were long
since removed.
Here they remained until the
months afterwards.
The well which supplied the army |
with water is at the entrance of the drive-way, on
Dearborn’s lumber wharf.
This and the other objects of Revolutionary interest _
were pointed out to the late Judge William Prescott |
(the father of William H. Prescott, the historian), by
his father, the colonel, not many years after the war ;
and later, when Mr. Ebenezer Francis owned these
farms, Judge Prescott went with him and pointed |
out these localities, and Mr. Francis (whose father |
was the first general officer killed in the Revolu- |
tionary war) took such an interest in these things |
that he went over the ground with Mr. Amos A. |
Lawrence, after he had sold the land to him and his |
brother in 1850.
On the grounds of Amos A. Lawrence stands an
old and very large pear-tree, the date (1689) of which
is inferred from the fact that it bears the button-pear |
which is mentioned by Judge Sewall in his diary as |
having been planted in his garden in Boston ; besides, |
it bears evidence of great age. There were two of |
land, and settled in Watertown in 1635.
these trees in 1850, one of which was destroyed by
_a gale about twenty years later.
The Boylston Place.—One of the most interesting
spots in Brookline is the Boylston place. On it stands
a large, old-fashioned wooden house on Boylston
Street,’ opposite the westerly end of the reservoir,
now owned by Henry Lee, Esq., which was known
for many years as the old ‘“ Boylston” house, after-
wards, for many years, as the “‘ Hyslop” place. It is
one of the most interesting historical places in the
town.
Thomas Boylston came to this country from Eng-
His son
Thomas, born in that town in 1644, became a sur-
He took an active part in the Narragansett
He married Mary Gardner, of Muddy River,
in 1665, and settled upon the place which we are de-
scribing, and from that time forward the Boylstons
were identified with Brookline. There were twelve
His son Peter inherited
One of the daughters (Susanna)
married John Adams, of Braintree, and was the
mother of John Adams, second President of the
United States. The second child of Dr. Thomas
Boylston was the eminent Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, born
in 1680, who acquired wide celebrity, and at first a
most unenviable one, by the introduction of inocula-
His memoir has been written,
The smallpox was making
fearful ravages in Boston in 1721, when the Rev.
Cotton Mather communicated to Dr. Boylston an
account of the transactions of the Royal Society re-
Instead
of allowing the disease to be taken in its natural way,
geon.
war.
children of this marriage.
the homestead.
tion for the smallpox.
and is full of interest.
specting inoculation as practiced in Turkey.
the chances being that more than one-sixth of the
patients would die, the matter was forestalled by pre-
paring the system for it by medical treatment, and
then scarifying the skin and applying the virus under
Under inoculation it was seldom that a
The practice was not even be-
gun in England when Cotton Mather suggested it to
Dr. Boylston for experiment. He introduced the
subject to the attention of other physicians in Boston
a nutshell.
patient lost his life.
and vicinity, and was met with violent opposition ;
the medical men, both in this country and in England,
taking the ground that it was a crime, which came
under the classification of poisoning, while the clergy
preached against it, and wrote pamphlets, arguing
that the smallpox was a judgment from God for the
sins of the people, and that to try to check its sway
would only “ provoke him the more.” .
! This street was named in honor of the Boylston family.
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BROOKLINE.
861
A sermon was preached by a Rev. Mr. Massey, in
1722, against ‘“‘ The Dangerous and Sinful Practice |
of Inoculation,” from the text, “So Satan went forth
from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with
sore boils from the sole of his foot until his crown,”
from whence he argued that the Devil was the first |
inoculator and Job his first patient. Some fifty years
afterwards an epigram appeared in the Monthly Mis-
cellany on this sage opinion of the Rev. Mr. Massey, |
as follows:
“We're told by one of the black robe
The Devil inoculated Job ;
Suppose ’tis true, what he does tell,
Pray neighbors, did not Job do well ?”
The inhabitants of Boston and vicinity became so
excited that men patroled the streets with halters in
search of the doctor, threatening to hang him to the
nearest tree. ‘The doctor was secreted fourteen days
in his own house in a hiding-place known only to his
wife.
searched for him by day and by night without suc-
cess. One evening a hand-grenade was dashed through
the parlor window where his wife and children were |
sitting. Fortunately, the fuse was knocked off against
a piece of furniture and the family escaped death.
The doctor could only visit his patients in the night
and in disguise. Yet notwithstanding all this violence
he was brave enough to persevere with his experi-
ments, being sanguine of’ success.
own child and two servants, and though they all had
During this time the house was repeatedly |
He inoculated his |
the disease mildly and recovered, the authorities of |
Boston summoned him before them to answer for his
practice. He underwent repeated examinations, and
received insults and threats. During the year, how-
ever, he inoculated two hundred and eighty-six per-
sons of all ages, from infancy to old age, of whom
{
only six died, while of five thousand seven hundred ©
and fifty-nine who took it in the natural way during |
the same period, eight hundred and forty-four died. |
The success of the practice was established, but the |
opposition did not cease. During this time the doctor |
was in correspondence with the court physician in |
England, Sir Hans Sloane, and was invited to visit
London.
arrival he was treated with great attention and was
made a “ Fellow of the Royal Society,” the first
American thus honored. He remained in England a
year and a half and then returned.
As he grew somewhat infirm with years, he retired
This invitation he accepted, and on his _
and very successful in improving the breed of vari-
ous domestic animals, especially horses, for which his
farm became celebrated. He often broke the animals
himself, being a fine horseman. His biographer
speaks of him as having been seen in Boston, after he
was eighty-four years of age, riding a fine colt he was
breaking.
practiced. This custom prevailed till it was super-
seded by vaccination as practiced by Dr. Waterhouse
in Cambridge, and Dr. Aspinwall in Brookline. He
died at the age of eighty-seven, and was buried in
Brookline Cemetery. His epitaph is said to be a just
and appropriate one :
‘‘ Sacred to the memory of Zabdiel Boylston, Ksq.,
and F.R.S., who first introduced the practice of in-
oculation into America.
He lived to see inoculation universally
Through a life of extensive
benevolence, he was always faithful to his word, just
in his dealings, affable in his manners, and after a
long sickness, in which he was exemplary for his pa-
tience and resignation to his Maker, he quitted this
mortal life in a just expectation of a happy immor-
tality, March Ist, 1766.”
It is said that, Dr. Boylston in his will bequeathed
his house and farm to the town as a home for the
poor on certain conditions, to which one of his rela-
tives was expected to accede, but this not being com-
plied with, the town missed the donation.
From Dudley Boylston, a brother of the doctor,
who married Susanna Gardner, descended the first
wife of the late Deacon Joshua C. Clark. Her daugh-
ters are the last of this old family in Brookline.
From Thomas, another brother, descended Thomas,
who died in London, a wealthy merchant, who made
bequests to the city of Boston.
ried a Hallowell. One of her sons became an admiral
(Sir Benjamin Hallowell) of the British navy. An-
other of her sons, preferring the family name of his
His sister, Mary, mar-
mother to that of his father, changed his name to
Ward Nicholas Boylston.
London, acquired great wealth, and was distinguished
for his liberality.
He became a merchant of
He returned to his native place and
lived for several years in Roxbury, and afterwards in
Princeton.
He gave large bequests to many charitable enter-
prises, and munificent donations to Harvard College
and the Boylston Medical Society and Library.
Thomas Boylston, the son of another brother, set-
tled in School Street, Boston, and was identified with
from his profession, which had kept him much in |
Boston, and devoted himself to his farm in Brookline,
which he bought of his brother Peter, and on which |
he built the present house. He was greatly interested | on condition that the church officers would allow his
Brattle Street Church.
at Harvard College.
purchase the homestead of his ancestors in Brookline
He endowed a _ professorship
He dictated his executors to
and convey the same to the First Church in this town,
862
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
which he should pay a rent of ten pounds annually
to the church. The estate was to be entailed in the
male line from this heir in the same way from gener- |
ation to generation, and failing the heir who should |
have the right to live upon it, it should go to the
church. But the property was in the hands of Mr.
William Hyslop, who had bought it of the doctor’s
heirs, and the Brookline Church never received the
intended bequest, neither did Joshua Boylston ever
have a male heir, and with him the family name
became extinct in Brookline.
Mr. William Hyslop, the purchaser of the Boylston
house, was a native of Scotland. He came to this
country in his youth, and began business as a peddler
of dry goods, which he carried from house to house
in a pack upon his back. He was very successful in
this humble beginning, and having invested money
in goods at a fortunate time and way, he was able to
enter the dry-goods trade still more extensively, and |
became very wealthy.
He had a son of the same name, the one mentioned |
as having lived for some years in the house now occu- |
pied by Mr. Chapin, a son David, and one daughter,
Elizabeth, who became the wife of Governor Increase
Sumner.
There was a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman with |
whom Mr. Hyslop was acquainted in the old country,
who emigrated to Massachusetts with twenty or more
of his parishioners, and settled in Worcester. His
name was Abercrombie.
time in Worcester, Mr. Abercrombie removed with
his people to a more congenial situation on the Pel-
ham hills. When this good man could number eleven —
Hyslop returned after the war was over, and died in
‘olive plants round about his table,” he was suddenly
left a widower. The youngest had been named Me-
hitable, for Mrs. Hyslop, and when the little girl was
six years of age Mr. Hyslop adopted her as his own,
and she remained in his family till her marriage. Mr.
Hyslop’s business called him occasionally to Hurope,
and on his return at one time he brought with him a |
slab, or pier table, which was supported by a pair of |
large spread-eagles, the claws of which each clasped a
round ball.
dows. This was a highly ornamental piece of furni-
ture for those days, and as such was much admired
and prized. When the Revolutionary war broke out,
Mr. Hyslop was in Europe, and the contingencies of
the war were such that he could not return till it was
While the British
troops occupied Boston a great alarm was one day
over without imperiling his life.
created in the upper part of Brookline by a man, who
rode up the old road furiously on horseback, telling
nephew, Joshua Boylston, to live upon the place, for
_ church green.
After a residence for some
| now living.
It was placed between the parlor win- |
all whom he met that the British troops were at the
This was at the green in front of the
church on Roxbury Hill, but the people of the upper
part of this town naturally enough supposed that the
Brookline church green was meant, and great was the
terror that ensued. The first impulse was to flee for
safety, the second to carry off something valuable, but
like distracted people at a fire, who throw mirrors out
of the windows and carry mattresses carefully down-
stairs, they seized upon anything but what the British
would have taken had they come.
The table with the spread-eagles was hurriedly
wrenched from the wall and laboriously carried up
into the woods, which then covered the whole hill
_ back of the house, and there buried by the servants.
The little adopted daughter was not to be outdone by
the rest of the family, and she secured a new pair of
red bellows which hung beside the fireplace, and never
let them go during the flight and the temporary ab-
sence.
Colonial troops were afterwards quartered in the
house, and the family took refuge in Medfield from
When a return was safe and
the buried eagles were dug up for restoration to their
It was mended and
the table replaced, being fastened to the wall with
the fortunes of war.
proper place, one was broken.
nails instead of screws, thus making the thing legally
Not
many years ago the eagles were claimed by Governor
a part of the house, and not a movable article.
Summer's descendants as a part of their inheritance,
but it was shown that they were a part of the house,
They remained
there at the last accounts, and are an appropriate
Mr.
and the demand was not allowed.
adornment for the ancient and curious house.
1796, aged eighty-five years.
His son David This
singular man is well remembered by many persons
He was lame, of uncouth figure, and
such excessive homeliness of countenance as is seldom
He also had
an impediment in his speech, or rather never learned
inherited the homestead.
seen, amounting almost to hideousness.
to speak plainly, always articulating his words like a
little child, and the order of his mind being below
But
he inherited great wealth, and this consideration in
the average, he never acquired much education.
the eyes of many counterbalanced all his defects.
““Q what a world of vile, ill-favored faults
Look handsome in three hundred pounds a year.”
He found a wife notwithstanding his personal pe-
culiarities, was left a widower, and when quite ad-
vanced in years married a lovely young girl of great
personal beauty, who was sacrificed to her father’s
BROOKLINE.
863
ambition for wealth. Mr. Hyslop was not a bad man,
however, but his singularities were a source of annoy-
ance or amusement to all with whom he had any deal-
ings. He had a strange aversion to music of all kinds,
and especially to the instruments used at church and
the anthems so much practiced in those times, and
which he always called “tantrums.” He would not
attend church on Thanksgiving-days, on account of
the “tantrums” which formed a prominent part of the |
service. Soon after the old gentleman brought his
young bride to Brookline a bassoon was added to the |
orchestra at church by Capt. Robert Davis, who played
well. Mrs. Hyslop lingered one Sunday after service
to hear the choir practice a little, while her husband
went out for his horse. As soon as he was ready,
however, he made his appearance at the church door, ©
and beckoning to his wife, he called out loudly in his
broken speech, ‘Jane! tome! tome along! Don’t
tay there to hear the bagpipe.”
It was his custom to make a long prayer every
morning before breakfast, at which every member of
the household was requested to be present. He always
prayed with his eyes open, and the consequence was
that material things and spiritual were apt to get de-
cidedly mixed. On one occasion, while thus praying,
he happened to see through the open door into the
bread-trough, a rake or a halter, would be liable to
spend a season in the “iron ’tudy.” His peculiar ideas
were also evinced in the management of his fruit.
The place abounded in choice fruit, especially peaches,
plums, and cherries. These he could not use, would
not sell, and did not give away. Bushels upon
bushels of the finest fruit lay and perished under the
trees every year.
There were two daughters and one son by this mar-
riage, and both the former died in childhood. The
son, who was a fine lad, lived till within a few days of
his twenty-first birthday.
While John Adams was President of the United
States he came to Brookline, and was the guest of
Hon. Jonathan Mason, who lived on what is now Col.
Lyman’s place. While there he spoke of the last
time he had passed along that road as riding on horse-
back carrying his mother on a pillion behind him.
He never lost his interest in this home of his an-
cestors, and in 1821, when he was very aged and so
infirm that he was unable to walk without assistance,
_ he expressed a wish to visit once more the old place
kitchen a monkey which he kept making free with the —
sausages which had been set frying before the morning
worship began. Pausing in the prayer, he interpolated
a direction to “‘ Hetty” that the sausages should be
protected, and went on with his prayer without the
slightest perception of anything ludicrous in the situa-
tion. His remark must have had a peculiar effect on
those who had not observed the performance in the
kitchen.
In the third story of the house at the southwesterly |
corner was a small room, which was dark and only ac-
cessible through another room, and not easily noticed.
(Perhaps this was where Dr. Boylston was secreted
from his enemies. )
This room Mr. Hyslop called his “iron ’tudy,” and
it was the only study he ever made use of.
he hoarded up all the old iron he could collect on the
In this |
premises, and quantities of other things useful and |
useless. The key he always carried with him.
ticles of daily domestic use would disappear.
Tn-
Ar- |
quiries and search would be of no avail. After weeks |
or months perhaps, the proposal often before made,
that he should look in his “iron ’tudy” for the miss-
ing article, would result in the restoration of it, as
composedly returned as if no inconvenience had arisen
from its absence.
Anything on the place, from a silver spoon toa
where his mother was born, and where his grand-
parents had lived and died.
Accordingly, Mr. Hyslop made a dinner-party, and
invited the venerable ex-President, Governor Brooks,
Gen. Sumner, and other distinguished guests. It was
a grand affair, and passed off with great éclat, but
there was something pathetic in the sight of the almost
helpless old man, supported by his grandson, going
feebly about the place and taking a last look of scenes
once so familiar to his boyhood.
The following letter from the elder John Adams,
President of the United States, to his cousin gives a
fine description of the surroundings of the old mansion
on the occasion of his visit :
“ MontTeziLLo, September 16th, 1820.
“My DEAR coustN BoyLston:
“O that I had the talent at description of a Homer, « Milton,
or a Walter Scott. I would give you a picture of all that Ftave
visited, with more pleasure than I should Mount Irea or Monte-
cello.
“Mr. David Hyslop has been importuning me for seven years
to dine with him in Brookline. I have always declined till last
Wednesday ; when taking my grandson George Washington Ad-
ams, for my guide and aide de camp, I went to visit the original
habitation of the Boylstons—where my mother was born, and
where she carried me frequently in my infancy, and where I
used to sport among the fine cherrys and Peaches and Plums and
Pears as well as among the flowers and roses on that fertile spot
or garden. It is more than seventy years since I set my feet
upon that hill. Indeed my mother seemed to have an aversion
to visiting or thinking of it after her father sold it to his brother
Dr. Zebdial Boylston, and removed into Boston. There are
| ancient trees Elms and Button-woods some of which I seem to
j
remember; but I have inherited the feelings of my mother.
864
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The weather was very fine and I know not that I ever passed a
pleasanter day; I ascended the Hill which is exuberantly fertile
to the very top where there is a handsome summer house to the
roof of which I mounted where are convenient seats and suffi-
cient railing from whence your Wachusett is plainly seen; and
even your own mansion House was visible through a prospect
glass, at least George imagined he descried it.
tion my imagination was exalted almost to extasy, a prospect
nearly as vast as that from Wachusett opened all around me.
Land and sea conspired together to produce an assemblage of
beauties. The grand city of Boston and the Town of Charles-
town; The Castle the Islands, the Rivers the Ponds of Water,
the Orchards and the Groves were scattered in such profusion
over this great scene that | was lost in admiration of its variety.
And to add to its sublimity in my estimation Whites Hill was |
full in view, the seat of my Great Grandfather and the Birth |
place of my Grandmother; All these lands have passed into the
hands of other families and other names. I said to Mr. Hyslop,
‘Tf I was worth money enough on the face of the whole earth
I would buy it of you.’ Your uncle Nicholas was well born, he
had a soul bien née, but Thomas had not; otherwise he would
certainly have purchased it and given it to you. We hada very
agreeable Company at dinner; very good cheer and very pleas-
ant sociability. But there I took my final farewell of Boylston
and Whites Hill.
sirous that my Father should purchase it when it was sold to
Dr. Boylston, and my mother was very desirous that he would.
But my Father was a very cautious man—had a great aversion
to being in debt, and although my Grandfather was willing to
take his bond for the purchase, and wanted only the interest of
the money, my Father was afraid he should not be able to ac-
And now I fear
My Grandfather and Grandmother were de-
complish and fulfil so large an engagement.
the estate has departed from the name and the blood forever, |
unless you will purchase it, and give it to your son or grandson.
“Thus much for family vanity and family mortification—
Now for Politics and Legislation. I hope you will attend the
Convention and come up to Montezillo and talk with me and I
with you about Plato and Solon and Lycurgus. I shall rejoice
to see the name of Boylston among the members of that Con-
vention, as that alone will be sufficient to preserve it.
“George who bears his honours meekly, is now humbly
employed in writing this letter for
“Your affectionate Cousin,
“ Joun ADAMS.’
’
(Signed)
Mr. Hyslop died in 1822
and thus ended the Hyslop name.
His widow married again, her second husband being
Mr. John Hayden. She
survived her husband, and at her death the Hyslop
at the age of sixty-seven,
There were no children.
wealth, which comprised much real estate in Roxbury
On that eleva-
|
|
Privates.
David Smith.
Thomas Farnsworth.
Charles Stearns, Jr.
Joshua Loring.
Joseph Goddard.
James Holden.
James Whidney.
Edward Hall.
Artemas Fairbanks.
Charles Leavitt.
Nathaniel Talbot.
William Atwood.
William M. Tennant.
John Graves.
George Morse.
Samuel Townsend.
Jonathan 8. Ayres.
Samuel Williams.
Amasa Jackson.
William Otis.
John Warren.
Joseph Whitney.
Jobn Vose.
David Colby.
Eli Hunter.
George Richardson.
This company was located at Fort Independence.
Timothy Corey was captain of this company. There
was but little to do except guard duty, and nothing
of special interest to mention in connection with
their duties. There were others enlisted in the gov-
ernment service at this time from this town of which
we have no data. There is one, however, worthy of
special notice, who did valiant service at Lake Krie
and lost an arm. The particulars can be better de-
scribed in the following letter, showing the patriotism
of our late esteemed fellow-townsman, Col. Thomas
Aspinwall :
“WILLIAMSVILLE, N. Y.,
“1 Mites FRoM BuFF®,
“Oct. 1, 1814.
“My Dear FatHEerR,—
“You must excuse my silence since I have been on this fron-
I arrived the last of July, and immediately repaired to
Fort Erie, and assumed the command of Gen! Scott’s brigade,
which I continued to command until a few weeks since, when
Gen! Miller was placed in command of it. I superintended its
operations on the 15 Aug., when the fort was stormed, and had
tier.
the pleasure of seeing the whole of it perform its duty most
| gallantly, and essentially contribute to the glorious result of
that contest, which, with a loss of about 80 in killed, wounded,
| and missing on our part, diminished the force of the enemy
and Chelsea, as well as the place in Brookline, went
to the heirs of Elizabeth Hyslop, and by them the
homestead was sold to Henry Lee, Esq.
War of 1812.—During the war of 1812, or the
about 1300 men.
in presuming on our ignorance of the art of war.
Such was the consequence of their madness
From the
5 of August our Camp was bombarded and cannonaded inces-
On the 13 & 14 they threw about 800 or 1000 shot
and shells upon us each day, and, having succeeded in ex-
santly.
ploding a small and almost empty magazine, on the evening of
the 14t" were induced to attack in four columns next morning
at 2. The night was wet and dark, and the soil, being of clay,
made it difficult for us to keep up to our new works, Three of
| their columns only came near us, and two of those were engaged
| soas to keep us all continually employed in labor.
second war with Great Britain, Brookline did her |
part in furnishing her proportion of men for active
service. A company was sent from this town, of
which the following is a muster. roll :
Mens names who were detached, Sept. 18, 1814, by order
of Col Joseph Dudley, for the defence of the State.
Lieutenant, Robert S. Davis; Ensign, Thomas Griggs; Ser-
geant, Daniel Pierce; Fifer, Thomas Chubbuck.
This
cannonade and bombardment was continued until the 17 Sept.,
We were
by my brigade and the artillery of the adjacent works.
also harassed by continued alarms at night, so that for six
weeks I seldom got more than 3 or four hours’ daily repose, and
never undressed or even pulled off my boots except to wash my-
self and change my clothes. My tent was often struck by frag-
, ments of shells and by musket-balls from their shrapnells, and
the tents almost in a range with mine and their batteries often
perforated by cannon-balls, that I thought myself preserved
only by a special protection. I had during this period hardly
time to write a line to Louisa, and, had her health been firm, I
BROOKLINE.
865
should not have done that. The enemy continued to receive
reinforcements, and to strengthen and multiply their batteries,
The Gen! had learned
that their defences were open on their right flank, although
they supposed a swampy, perplexed wood was a sure protection
Iie caused to be cut thro’ part of the
wood a road communicating with an old concealed overgrown
until they had four ready to play on us.
against us on that flank.
cross road leading toward the right and rear of their batteries. |
He had ascertained that their main camp was two miles back,
and the path from it narrow, obstructed, and muddy, so that
they could not send in season to support the light brigade of
1500, that was stationed at the batteries, in case it was sud-
About 1500 of our militia, with the riflemen,
volunteers, and 23 Reg*, were in the forenoon of the 17 cau-
denly attacked.
tiously pushed on through the new road, and Miller’s brigade
(late Scott’s), of which my Regt composed the van, was, unper-
ceived by the enemy, introduced into a deep revine between the
fort and the front of their lines, ready to storm their batteries
the moment the signal announced our troops to have gained
their rear. The Gen! at last, just as a heavy shower of rain
had ceased, ordered us to march. We started immediately, and
passed through the wood, driving in their sharp shooters, sen-
tries, and guards, until I had arrived within 20 paces of their
breastworks, where, as I was passing along the front of the
first platoon to give it a concerted direction to the right, I re-
ceived a musket-shot above the elbow of the left arm, which
completely carried away about an inch and a half of the bone.
I, of course, had no further part in the active duty of that day,
which terminated in our complete success, except as to one of
their four batteries. Their cannon, mortars, and howitzers
were spiked, the carriages cut to pieces, their large magazine,
containing upward of a 1000 24-lb. cartridges and several bar-
rels of powder, destroyed entirely, excepting 500 cartridges let
off. They lost, according to the repeated accounts of several of
their soldiers, who deserted at different periods since the action, |
1182 men, of whom we have 385, including 12 officers, 2 of whom |
are majors, and should have had upwards of 500 had not sev-
eral bodies of prisoners been entrusted to militia officers, who
followed, contrary to express directions, the only route they
knew,—the circuitous new road by which they came,—and were
taken with their prisoners by the enemy. The surprise would
have been complete had not a drunken Lieut., late of the regu- |
lar army, with a body of militia, raised an Indian yell three
minutes before he got in sight of the enemy.
notice to prepare, and corrected their mistake in supposing our
{
men, whom they had partially seen, to be the English coming
to relieve them in the tour of duties at the batteries. The con-
flict was the hardest, and the fight, during the time it lasted,
the most furious and desperate, that has occurred this war. The
soldiers climbed, guns in hand, over the tops of the block-houses,
bayonetting all that opposed them, and rushed in half platoons
into redoubts defended by companies. Two soldiers attacked a
block-house, which, to their surprise, they found defended by a
german major and his party. The Major’s party rose, ordered
them to surrender, and the Major told a soldier to take them to
the rear, to which at that moment he turned his head, and dis-
covered there an advancing party of our men. ‘Gentlemen,’
said he, in broken English, to the two soldiers, ‘I surrender.
Your are at dibertee, & I am your prisoner,’ and with the great-
est good humor gave up his sword, and ordered his party to lay | ‘
' Revolution, was a two-story hipped-roof house, to
So much terrified and astonished at our
boldness were the English that it is reported by deserters that
Gen! De Watteville exclaimed to Gen! Drummond that they
were surrounded and must surrender.
down their arms.
In two days after the
battle not an Englishman was near us. They raised the siege,
and precipitately decamped in the night, just at our tatoo. We
55
This gave them |
sent out some parties to harass them, and compelled them to
burn a magazine of stores some distance down the Niagara
river, and have since taken a dragoon picquet of 8 or 10 men.
“T shall be able to begin to travel home slowly in about 10
days, and shall, with the blessing of God, soon see you all.
After being wounded I walked back to my tent, and in about
an hour had only one arm, a circumstance which does not af-
flict me, my dear father, and must not you. But let us both
thank God that he has so formed us that you have lived almost
all your life happy & respectable, notwithstanding the loss of
an eye, and I may spend the remainder of my life in the same
manner with the loss of a limb, of all the most conveniently
spared. I have been so blest hitherto that it would be the
deepest sin to murmur against this dispensation of Providence.
My bodily pain has been what you have always known to be
The Dr. Lovell says it will
Give my love, my dear father, to
all my friends, brothers and sisters, and believe me still your
THOMAS.
““T write with some difficulty because the paper moves under
my pen, as I have no left hand to steady it.”
usual in such cases, and no more.
make a very good stump.
affectionate son,
‘‘Punch Bowl” Tavern.—The changes in the
appearance of our town, especially in the thickly set-
tled portions of it, have been so great within a few
years past as almost to perplex former residents who
return to it, and as many inhabitants now living here
can remember still greater changes, it has been sug-
gested that some description of the town in the earlier
part of the present century, and some account of the
| progress of its subsequent changes, might be interest-
ing to many of the present residents.
On the 26th of the Eighth month, 1640, a bridge
was ordered to be built at Muddy River. ‘“ Mr. Col-
bourne, our brother Eliott, and our brother Peter
Oliver were appointed to See the Same donne.” This
was probably the first highway leading into this sec-
tion of country and the first road to Boston. From
that time to the time of building the mill-dam the
present Washington Street was the only road to Bos-
ton in this direction, the heavy teaming from the
country towns west of us came through Brookline.
There was an immense amount of travel of this kind,
_as there were no railroads then in existence, and thus
the ancient “ Punch Bowl’’ Tavern was a necessity of
the times ; here all the teams stopped for “ refreshment
for man and beast,” and this old building as a nucleus
gathered around itself the village which took its name.
Even to this day this place is remembered by old men
in New Hampshire, Vermont, and the back towns of
| this State as “the Punch Bowl Village.”
The original house, built long before the war of the
which, as increasing patronage made it necessary, the
_ proprietor made additions from time to time, by pur-
chasing old houses in Boston and vicinity and remov-
ing them hither. The result was in the aggregate a
(alee)
866
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
curious medley of old rooms of all sorts and sizes, con-
nected together in a nondescript manner, and present-
ing an architectural style which, if we might apply a
geological term to it, we should call a conglomerate.
This old tavern and its outbuildings occupied all
the space on the street, from the brick blacksmith-
shop near the corner of Pearl Street to the provision-
store of Brown Brothers. It was of a yellowish color,
and had a seat running along the front under an over-
hanging porch, or rather projection of a part of the
second story, where loungers congregated to discuss |
the news of the day. In front of it and near each
end was a large elm-tree ; under the westerly one stood
apump. This tree and pump remained until within
a few years, the other was long ago destroyed. The _
ancient sign, suspended from a high, red post, gave a
name to the tavern and the village, and swung its hos-
pitable invitation creaking in the wind for probably |
nearly a hundred years. The design was a huge bowl
and ladle overhung by a lemon-tree, resplendent with
fruit, some of which lay around the bowl, as if fallen
from the tree.
_ street above and below the tavern, from what is now
Here the selectmen of the town used to have an
annual supper, and on one of these occasions the old
building came near being destroyed by fire.
They |
had sat round the table smoking, after the repast, and
liam Aspinwall, Edwin Grover, Charles E. Abbott,
probably dropped fire upon the table-cloth, which was
gathered up and thrust into a closet by a servant. |
Soon after retiring the family were wakened by the
smell of smoke, and flames arising from the closet
burst through to the chamber overhead, where the
landlord’s children slept. The frightened children
rushed out in their night-clothes to the neighbors’
houses; the night was bitterly cold, and the ground
covered with ice, and but for the landlord’s prompt-_
ness and presence of mind the whole establishment
Without
stopping to put on a single garment, just as he sprang
would have been speedily reduced to ashes.
from his bed, he gave the alarm and seized a bucket
of swill, which he dashed upon the burning mass in |
the closet, closed the doors carefully after him, and
brought water from the pump, directed the labor of
others who came with their buckets, and put the fire
out and saved the building, though the flames actually
reached the attic. There was at that time an engine
in the village, kept in a house which stood in what was
the front yard of the Oliver Whyte estate. It was
owned by Brookline and Roxbury in common, as the |
south side of the street from Village Lane to the ereek |
below Pond Avenue was then a part of Roxbury. |
The extent of the patronage of the old ‘ Punch Bowl” |
may be roughly estimated from the fact that it was
common for a row of teams to occupy the side of the
|
Harrison place, to the gas-works, in a continuous line,
while the men and horses were being fed and rested.
The mill-dam, the bridges, and the opening of the
Worcester Railroad at last took all the business away
from the old “ Punch Bowl.” It was bought by Mr.
Isaac Thayer about 1830 and torn down. Much of
the material was of solid oak, and was used in build-
ing nine houses which he erected on the site of the
old buildings.
The old house owned by the Gas Company, situated
on the corner of Brookline Avenue and Washington
Street, where the Gas Company’s office now stands,
was kept as a tavern for several years with the sign of
the “Punch Bowl,” but it had little except local
patronage, and that of the lowest sort, and was finally
given up.
Police Court.—Under the old law, previous to
1857, justices of the peace had jurisdiction of crim-
inal cases. About that time there was a law for the
designation of a certain number of persons out of the
justices of each county as trial justices for the trial
of criminal cases.
As justices of the peace, William Aspinwall and
Those who
have held the appointment of trial justices were Wil-
Artemas Newell were the principal ones.
William B. Towne, Bradford Kingman, and Charles
H. Drew.
In May, 1882, the General Court authorized a
Police Court to be established in Brookline, for civil
and criminal business. The first court held was in a
room at the police station. Soon after this the county
of Norfolk fitted apartments for the use of the court,
consisting of a commodious court-room and a room
for the justices, containing a library, and having con-
nection with the police department, so that the facil-
ities of doing business are now as complete as any to
be found in the county. ‘The new apartments were
used for the first time Sept. 1, 1882. The justices
are Charles H. Drew, justice; Charles F. Perkins and
Albert L. Lincoln, special justices ; appointed in May,
1882.
Masonic.—Beth-Horan Lodge of Free and Ac-
cepted Masons. Although many brethren of the
Masonic order affiliated with the lodges in Boston
and Roxbury, and were residents of Brookline pre-
vious to 1870, it was not till that year that a lodge
was established here. The following persons peti-
tioned for a charter: William Aspinwall, George F.
Homer, Benjamin F. Baker, James W. Edgerly,
R. G. F. Candage, Benjamin B. Davis, Charles K.
Kirby, Nathaniel C. Towle, George M. Towle, Charles
BROOKLINE.
867
yi shes Ai
O. Foster, Cyrus W. Ruggles, William K. Melcher, | Andrew Noland, Thomas T. Robinson, F. M. Bond,
Charles H. Drew, John W. Candler, Charles W. Cot- |
_E. N. Gutterson, C. W. Morse, and David B. Van
ting, and George J. Fisher. The first Master was
George F. Homer. The name of the lodge was
adopted in commemoration of the cities of Beth-—
Horan rebuilt by King Solomon. The first lodge-
room was in Lyceum Hall building, but after a few
years that was found inadequate, and the lodge fitted
up commodious apartments in the brick block at the
corner of Harvard and School Streets, which it still
occupies. This lodge is in a prosperous condition,
and its Masters have been as follows: George F.
Homer, Benjamin F. Baker, James W. Edgerly,
R. G. F. Candage, John Emory Hoar, and Dr. |
Thomas W. Clement.
The Grand Army of the Republic have an or-
ganization in this town under the name of Charles
L. Chandler! Post, No. 143. The post was organized, |
The fol-_
the date of the charter was Jan. 24, 1871.
lowing are the charter members: George P. Richard-
son, Milton J. Stone, James Sinclair, Willard Y.
Gross, George W. Funk, Leo Bertsch, Bradford P.
Cook, Arthur Kemp, John McAndrews, Francis H.
Melntosh, John P. Loftus, Horace N. Fisher, Wil-
liam Bowes, W. W. O'Connell, Fergus B. Turner,
Samuel D. Edwards.
Royal Arcanum.—Sagamore Council, No. 181,
was organized in Brookline, Mass., Oct. 19, 1878.
Charter members,—R. G. F. Candage, Benjamin F.
Baker, David B. Van Siyck, M.D., Thomas T. Rob-
inson, George E. Everett, T. W. Clements, James W.
Edgerly, Charles A. Bowditch, Jos. G. Stearns, A. G.
Sanborn, David Bentley, George F. Brown, Ira B.
Cushing, M.D., George W. Stearns, Fergus B. Turner,
Francis H. Bacon, Charles B. Farnum, J. H. Boody,
William S. Cutter.
Knights of Honor.—Brookline Lodge, No. 459,
instituted Feb. 8, 1877. Charter members,—C. H.
Hackett, R. K. Sawyer, W. S. Brown, James Harri-
son, R. D. Mills, E. S. Milliken, G. T. Defrees, A. E.
James, HE. W. Packard, W. M. Bellows, Solomon Burt,
W.H.M. Bellows. The officers for 1884 are as fol-
lows: P. D., J. H. Allen; D., M. F. Kenrick ; V. D.,
J. F. Hutchins; A. D., C. H. Wilson ; Chapl., W. M.
Bellows; Rep., E. W. Packard; Fin. Rep., A. E.
Kenrick ; Treas., E. N. Gutterson; G., A. E. James ;
Guard, E. G. Brooks; Sent., L. S. Lyon.
American Legion of Honor.—Corey Hill Coun-
cil, No. 33. Charter members,—Levi Doran, Alfred
Kenrick, Jr., William S. Brown, Alfred B. Tyrell, J.
H. Boody, George L. Newcomb, A. McCullough,
1 This post was named in honor of one of Brookline’s earliest
patriots in the Rebellion of 1861.
Charles E. Rogers, E. W. Packard, A. G. Sanborn,
Slyck.
Sons of Temperance.—Pierce Division, No. 86.
Instituted March 27, 1861; charter surrendered in
1884.
Brookline Savings-Bank (incorporated Feb. 24,
1871).—The first regular meeting of this institu-
tion was held on the 20th of April, 1871, for organ-
ization. Amos A. Lawrence, president; Charles U.
Cotting, Alanson W. Beard, and Edward Atkinson,
vice-presidents; William A. Wellman, George F.
Fabyan, Alfred Kenrick, Jr., Martin Kingman, Austin
W. Benton, Charles H. Stearns, Phillip Duffy, Wil-
liam I. Bowditch, Charles D. Head, John W. Cand-
ler, Moses Williams, Jr., trustees. The business
commenced in the building owned by John Gibbs,
corner of Washington and School Streets. It is now
in “ Colonnade Block,” on Washington Street. The
present officers are William H. Lincoln, president ;
William E. Lincoln, secretary and treasurer.
The Press of Brookline.—Bradford Kingman
was the pioneer in the newspaper enterprise in Brook-
line. His paper was entitled the Brookline Tran-
script. The first number was dated Oct. 15, 1870,
and ended with May 31, 1873. The file of this
paper contains a great number of historical articles,
under the titles of ‘ Recollections of Brookline,”
‘“‘ Historical Sketches,’ and ‘ Brookline as it was.”
Those under the last title numbered nearly one hun-
dred, which were the basis of a work afterwards pub-
lished in a volume and sold by subscription entitled
‘* Historical Sketches of Brookline.”
The next attempt to sustain a paper was July 4,
1875, when the /ndependent was started. This was
published by a club having a special object, and run
but a short time. Dr. N. C. Towle was a manager.
The Brookline Chronicle commenced May 9, 1874,
by W. H. Hutcheson.
the same July 10, 1875.
Wing, Nov. 4, 1876.
cent, Jan. 27, 1877.
Feb. 1, 1878, Alexander 8. Arthur purchased the
paper, and published it till July 1,1879, when Charles
A. W. Spencer became a partner, under the firm-name of
Wing & Arthur purchased
Arthur sold to Murray M.
Wing sold to Charles M. Vin-
Arthur & Spencer, who continued together until May
14, 1881, when Mr. Spencer purchased Mr. Arthur’s
interest, and became sole proprietor to Jan. 1, 1883.
At that time Eliot F. Soule was admitted partner, who
continued to Nov. 1, 1883. Mr. Spencer has since
that date been editor and proprietor.
On the Ist day of January, 1881, the paper was
868
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of the title. It is a fine-looking and well-patronized
paper.
ing-office for publishing and printing his paper, as
well as for book and job printing.
Libraries.—In the year 1825 a few individuals |
were associated together for the purpose of procuring
a library of books for mutual improvement.
were organized with Rev. Dr. John Pierce as presi-
dent; Deacon Otis Withington, secretary; Oliver
Whyte, librarian ; and Deacon John Robinson, treas-
urer, with a board of trustees. Rules and regulations
were adopted Dec. 27, 1825.
dollars per year the first two years, and two dollars
The terms were five
per year after that time.
the house of the librarian, and was open for delivery
of books on the first and third Saturdays of each
month, from three to four o’clock P.M.
were at one time kept in the shoe-store of James
Leeds, nearly opposite to the present hook-and-ladder |
house on Washington Street.
In 1827 a printed catalogue was issued for the
They |
_ devoted to library uses in 1867.
The library was kept in |
_ furniture and furnishing, cost about forty-five thousand
The books |
Mr. Spencer has a completely furnished print-_
|
|
: ‘ Ba | . ; ; ran.
changed to a quarto and the word Brookline left out | taxation for this purpose. A suitable place was pro-
vided, and arrangements were made so that the Public
Library was opened for the delivery of books to the
citizens of the town Dec. 2, 1857, in a single room
in the town hall, which was afterwards increased to
four rooms; but having outgrown their limits, meas-
ures were taken to provide better accommodations,
which resulted in the erection of the present building
Land was purchased of Messrs. Henry Collins,
Charles Chase, and John Gibbs on Washington
Street. The entire lot, containing sixty-five thou-
sand feet, was graded, fenced, and provided with
avenues and suitable walks, making it very attractive.
The building was completed in 1869, and, with the
dollars. The architect was Louis Weissbein, Esq.,
of Boston, and the contractors for the work were as
follows: mason-work was done by Horace James;
carpenter-work, by Nathaniel Lyford; freestone trim-
mings, etc., by E. I’. Meany; granite, by Frederick &
Wield; cellar, by James Driscoll; painting, by Ben-
use of members, which contained twelve pages of jamin F. Baker; gas-fixtures, by M. W. Pierce &
matter, and the titles of between two hundred and
fifty and three hundred volumes. This may be said
to have been the first library in the town.
In 1865 there was a collection of works on agri-
culture in the town, owned by about eighty sub-
scribers, which had been deposited with the town
library in the original apartments at the town hall.
There were one hundred and seventy-three volumes
in an elegant black-walnut case, and the association
was known as the Brookline Agricultural Library.
During the year above named the proprietors pre- |
sented the case and contents, as above stated, to the
town, and the same forms a portion of the agricul-
tural department in the Public Library.
Brookline is believed to have been the first town
in the commonwealth to avail itself of the general
statute authorizing cities and towns to raise and ap-
propriate money for founding and maintaining public
libraries. At the annual town-meeting, held March
| a marked success.
16, 1857, the subject was introduced under an article |
in the warrant, and referred to a committee, consisting
of Edward A. Dana, Abijah W. Goddard, Samuel
Philbrick, George F. Homer, and Charles Follen. This
committee reported at the adjourned town-meeting,
March 30, 1857, and upon their recommendation the
town promptly voted to establish a public library, and
appropriated for its foundation and commencement
the sum of nine hundred and thirty-four dollars,
being the rate of twenty-five cents per ratable poll.
These sums were all that could be legally raised by
Co.; heating apparatus and tinning, by Kenrick
Brothers.
The library hall has a capacity for fifty thousand
volumes, a commodious reading-room, librarian’s room,
trustees’ hall, committee-room, and six other rooms,
with accommodations for all the working departments
of a successful public library for the present and for
a long time to come. These rooms were opened to
the public Oct. 13, 1869, and the delivery of books
commenced on the 18th of the same month.
From that date to the present the library has been
The first librarian was Mr. John
Emory Hoar, who took a great interest in the institu-
tion from the commencement. Since the Ist of De-
| cember, 1871, the library has been under the charge
of Miss Mary A. Bean, who brought to the office of
librarian qualifications which it is the lot of but a few
to possess, in the thorough knowledge of books and
literature generally and an extensive experience in the
catalogueing of books, which is now an art requiring
hard study, experience, and talent to insure success.
Under the supervision of Miss Bean and her two as-
sistants, the Misses Wood and Lanman, the library
bids fair to be among the leading institutions of its
size in the country.
As the growth of the library has been somewhat
rapid, increasing at the rate of one thousand volumes
or more per year, we append a table showing the
number of volumes and the circulation from its com-
' mencement to the present time.
BROOKLINE.
869
Table showing Statistics of Growth and Circulation, from Dec.
2, 1857, to Feb. 1, 1884.
| Nl
|
Report. | Year. No. of Vols. Circulation.
| |
oan ee
Established | 1857 TAKIN) 9 Ns eeecdce
Ist | 1858 2,138 2,000
2d 1859 2,856 10,108
3d 1860 4,118 11,000
4th 1861 5,751 11,619
5th 1862 5,360 14,022
6th 1863 6,239 15,005
7th 1864 6,817 17,575
8th 1865 7,520 19,206
9th 1866 | 8,502 19,793
10th 1867 | 9,026 19,103
11th 1868 9,687 18,011
12th 1869 | 10,500 18,144
13th 1870 | 12,000 D2eooll|
14th 1871 135552 33,393
15th 1872 } 14,448 17,889F
16th 1873 15,593 37,105
17th 1874 16,669 50,120
18th 1875 17,893 37,9497
19th 1876 19,323 42,427
20th 1877 20,282 45,619
21st 1878 21,416 50,427
22d 1879 22,925 44,7364
23d 1880 24,018 50,435
24th 1881 25,181 44,585
25th 1882 26,158 45,565
26th 1883 27,089 48,852
27th 1884 28,062 | 50,608
* Librarian’s report says, ‘‘ A little less than 11,000 vols. have been
delivered.”
+ Library closed several months in summer for rearrangement.
above figures date from the reopening, Sept. 11, 1872.
{ Change in town by-laws, requiring reports to be returned Feb, 15»
cut short the library year.
2 Library closed two months for examination and cleaning of books.
The
While the success has been so marked in the past, | deficient in those social advantages which would be
and the influence that has gone out from the estab-
lishment of such an institution has been so great, the
citizens of the town are to be congratulated upon
the acquisition of such high privileges as they now
enjoy.
In this connection we cannot fail to notice and
duly appreciate the great liberality that has been
shown towards the library enterprise from its begin-
ning. The reports and records show that there has
never been a year in its history when books and
pamphlets have not been generously and freely be-
stowed.
The following gifts of money have been given to
the library, viz. :
John 8. Wright, in June, 1861, $100.
James M. Howe, in February, 1863, $100.
Mrs. Samuel Philbrick, May, 1864, $1000.
Abijah W. Goddard, July, 1869, $100.
John L. Gardner, January, 1871, $10,000.
John L. Gardner, November, 1873, $1000.
Brookline five thousand dollars for the benefit of the
town library, to be placed on interest, and such interest
| Hall.”
| to the character and management of the board of
| forever applied to the increase of said library by the
_ purchase of books of standard value.”
Numerous smaller sums of money, varying from
ten to fifty dollars, amounting to several hundred dol-
lars, were contributed during the early years of the
| library.
One of the leading features in the library, and a
valuable portion, is the reading-room, where may be
found magazines and periodicals and many newspapers
readily accessible, in what has been named “ Gardner
Much of the success of this institution is due
trustees, who are selected with reference to their
_ fitness for the duties of such institutions, persons of
culture, education, and good taste,—the requisites for
good managers,—some of whom devote a large por-
tion of their time to its interests.
Town Hall.—The necessity of a new town hall,
to meet the growth and increasing demands of our
people, had become so apparent, that at the annual
town-meeting of the citizens, held on the 28th: of
March, 1870, a committee was appointed to con-
sider the subject, and to report in regard to the same
at the adjourned town-meeting. The committee, at
their first meeting, without previous conference,
found themselves a unit in favor of the immediate
erection of a tasteful, commodious, and substantial
edifice for this purpose. The committee were also
impressed with the fact that the town was seriously
derived from the possession of such a building. Their
report was accepted, and the same persons were con-
stituted a building committee, viz.: William A. Well-
man, Charles U. Cotting, John C. Abbott, Charles
W. Scudder, William Aspinwall, Augustine Shurtleff,
William K. Melcher, William Lincoln, and Martin P.
Kennard. The town appropriated the sum of one
_ hundred thousand dollars, and placed the same at the
disposal of the committee, who were authorized to
issue the bonds of the town, payable in twenty years.
At a subsequent meeting fifty thousand dollars were
added to the appropriation, for which sums the bonds
were negotiated at six per cent., at their par value,
and a sinking fund has been provided for their redemp-
tion.
The first duty of the committee was to invite plans
and sketches, with the understanding that the author
of the accepted design should be employed as the archi-
tect. All were requested to sign their designs with a
| motto, and inclose their names in an envelope, to re-
The will of Martin L. Hall gives “to the town of
main until the choice was made. Sixteen designs
were offered, and after very careful study and con-
sideration the one with a red seal was chosen, and dis-
870
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
closed the name of the author to be 8. J. F. Thayer,
Ksq., of Boston. The contract for the masonry was
taken by Messrs. Adams & Barstow, of Boston ; and
for the carpenter-work by our townsman, Mr. Wil-
liam K. Melcher.
was laid, in the presence of the town officers, May 23, |
1871.
The structure is upon the site of the old town hall, |
which was removed to Prospect Street. This is the |
third hall the inhabitants have built for town pur-
poses. The first was dedicated Jan. 1, 1825, a small
stone building, afterwards used for the high school,
The corner-stone of the building
and now standing on Walnut Street, near the First
Church.
tober, 1845, twenty years after the first ; and the late
venerable Dr. Pierce, in his address on the occasion,
The second was opened on the 14th Oc-
remarked, ‘* The progressive improvements of modern
times render it not improbable that, when this beau-
teous fabric shall grow old, it may give place to an
edifice which shall as far exceed this as the present
is superior to the rude structures of former times.”
In style, this structure is a secular Gothic, well
fitted for a building designed for municipal uses. The
principal fagade has three entrances, divided by pol-
ished granite columns with carved capitals, the whole |
being covered with an arch resting upon solid abut-
ments, and forming above the entrance a large window,
which is divided by granite mullions. Above this
window, and nearly in the centre of the front, is an
arcade inclosing several windows, which are separated
by short granite shafts. Still higher is the cornice,
ornate in character, and somewhat above the general
level. The centre of the front rises to a height of
one hundred feet, being higher than any other portion
of the structure. The roof is slated in green, red,
The building is
-and purple, in ornamental style.
three stories in height, and constructed of rose-colored |
granite from Dedham, and trimmed with light-gray
hammered granite from Blue Hill, Me., having a
massive base of the same material, while the body is
quarry-faced. The ground-floor is a rectangle, ninety |
feet in width by one hundred and thirty-six feet in
length, each side being recessed ten feet, and fifty-six
feet of the centre front projecting, giving an extreme
width of ninety feet, and extreme length of one hun-
dred and forty-six feet. The first floor is seven and |
one-half feet above the grade of the location, and is
divided into corridors, offices, and a hall. Entering
by the main door-way, we pass through the vestibule,
thirty-nine feet long by thirty in width, with a tile |
floor. In this vestibule, and on either side of the |
entrance, are the staircases leading to the second story.
Beyond this is a corridor fifteen feet in width, extend- |
ing back half the length of the building, where it
meets another corridor running at right angles with
it, and giving an entrance on Prospect Street, through
a carriage-porch. On either side of the main corridor
are three rooms, twenty-three feet width, for the use
of the town officers. At the rear of the main corridor
is the lower hall, in the rear of the building, which
will seat between five and six hundred persons, and is
designed for political and other meetings, which do
Ascending the broad
staircases, we enter this hall, which is sixty-five and
one-half wide by ninety-two and one-half feet in
not require the larger hall.
length ; and it will seat between twelve and fourteen
hundred persons. Its form is an elongated octagon.
The walls are thirty-seven feet in height, the ceilings
extend into the roof sixteen feet, giving in the centre
a height of fifty-three feet. The decorations and
windows were done by McPherson & McDonald, of
Boston.
like to the hall, and is lighted by a large window, in
which are placed the coat of arms of the United States
and of the State, both in medallion. The building
is heated by indirect radiation of steam, under the
direction of T. S. Clogston, of Boston.
The character of the work is completed in the
spirit of the liberality of the town.
An able address was delivered on the occasion of
the dedication of this hall by Hon. Robert C. Win-
throp, which has been published in pamphlet form.
At the conclusion of Mr. Winthrop’s address, the
following original ode, written by Miss Harriet F.
Woods, written for the occasion, was sung by the
Choral Club :
The main vestibule is decorated in a style
“ODE.
“ Written for the occasion by Miss Harriet F. Woods.
“ Beneath this noble roof we stand,
Where skill has reared these massive walls,
And beauty from our Father’s hand
Streams in where’er the sunlight falls.
“ Here, as the years shall come and go,
Proud Eloquence with lofty strain
Shall set the listening heart aglow,
And nerve to noble deeds again.
“Here Music, tuned to fine accord,
From voices yet unborn, shall ring;
And grand, triumphant strains be poured
From brazen throat and vibrant string.
“Tere may the rich man and the poor
Combine to wield the ballot’s might ;
Contend for truth which shall endure,
And cancel every wrong with right.
“Long may our town’s unsullied name
Our fair and proud possession be,
And none but honest patriots claim
The honors of the brave and free.”
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BROOKLINE.
871
STATISTICAL ACCOUNT
Of the Industry and Products of the Town of Brookline for the
year ending April 1, 1845.
ing line: Thomas (4), Ichabod (3), Joseph (2),
Thomas (1).
We first find Thomas (1) an early inhabitant of
Roxbury in 1639, whose wife was Mary, who died
that year, leaving two sons, John and Joseph, and a
daughter, who died in 1645 at the age of twelve years.
He married, second, Mary Green, Aug. 26,1640. He
died after a lingering sickness May 23, 1646. The
inventory of his estate was made the 25th of the
third month, 1646. He had an allotment of two
parcels of land at Muddy River previous to 1639.
Joseph, the youngest son of Thomas and Mary
| Griggs, came from England ; born about 1625 ; became
a member of the church in Roxbury June 20, 1653 ;
freeman, May 18, 1653; married Mary, daughter of
Griffin Crafts, of Roxbury. She died June 30, 1653.
He then married Hannah, daughter of Samuel and
/ Anna Davis, Nov. 8, 1654, and had eight children,
viz.: (1) Samuel (born 1656, died 1657), (2) Mary
(born 1657, died young), (3) Hannah (born 1659),
(4) Joseph (born 1661), (5) Benjamin (born 1668),
who removed to Connecticut, (6) Joanna (born
1672), (7) Ichabod (born Sept. 27, 1675), (8) Mary
(born 1682). The mother died Jan. 9, 1683.
This family resided in what was known as “ Rox-
bury Precinct,” or “ Punch Bow! Village.” The
father died Feb. 10, 1714/15, aged ninety years. He
joined with his brother in conveying land to Hugh
Thomas Feb. 16, 1652,—land in Roxbury. He and
his wife conveyed to John Hull land in that part of
Muddy River called the ‘‘Common Field.” Also
land sold to George (Basto) Barstow, Feb. 23, 1699,
'in “ Boston Fields,’ bordering on land of Edward
and John Devotion, the well-known early settlers.
2600 pairs of ladies’ yarn hose, valued at............. $1,200.00
Saddles and harness manufactured...............060 525.00
Wagons, sleighs, and other vehicles......... shooeAcocre 4,000.00
Cabinet-ware manufactured...............00. see secceess : 300.00
3400 hides tanned, value of leather..............s0006 17,800.00
Capital employed in tanneries..........seceeceesescovees 24,000.00
612 pairs of boots and 210 pairs of shoes, valued at 3,520.00
163 cords of firewood, prepared for market.......... 1,059.50
PMP OLSSS eV CO LAL vee soydsmanacesiasict ciosceteseiclomasieseess 20,400.00
63 pairs of oxen @ 585 per pair...........ecceeceeeeees 5,355.00
256 cows, valued @ $25 each............cecceevscersoes 6,400.00
362 swine...... eb sa05500.co0n00 S000 .caceunto ce0seo an BoaAacOS 5,430.00
1225 bushels of Indian corn............ pedcoacreaaecan Sec 857.50
AU OsOUSHelS| OL TY Ors. .cjccescesseiaeceedoscccseseve concedes 1,425.20
HS GRO USHelsOLarleyics..s.ceesesicsovosessicesccccecicerceceee 84.40
30,869 bushels of potatoes..........cseccseesecsensceceeees 12,347.60
1789 tons of hay......... Sopsa0040 oodogcoos HdGENBIES HeOSOSSOE 25,046.00
MO SepOUNGS Of (DULLET...ccc.se)-sceseeseieceescioeeesseenssls 271.44
MOMOS Pounds Of NONCYicc-cceasleocses scvsee sce sesecesosses 214.00
1233 barrels of string beans @ $1.50...........2.0006 1,834.50
2560 barrels of green peas @ $2.00............ .e000 « 5,120.00
2288 barrels of cucumbers @ 1.00.................0006 2,283.00
2074 barrels of beets @ BL.25.........cescesecoescoeses 2,592.50
1674 barrels of onions @ $1.25.............00.ssscessees 2,092.50
1222 barrels of parsnips @ 1.25..............cesesecees 1,527.50
5220 barrels of green corn @ $1.00.............seeee0 5,220.00
1995 bushels of tomatoes @ 50 cents..........0. e000: 997.50
15,880 bushels of turnips @ $1.00............ ceceeeeee 2,646.67
296 tons of squashes @ $15....... ne codouscuanoncechoodc 4,440.00
14¢ tons of peppers @ B60............00-ceccsves apedoodc 847.50
AQATGOMS Oly CATLOLS)(G)\ POr.ccccjescecscesesoscecosscceaesass 1,632.00
2993690) cabbages/ QS CeNtS..2-.5 .c2.ce.0sceccos cvvensess 7,669.50
Celery and horseé-radish valued at............c0ee seco 2,917.00
Karly salads and greens valued At........0.....6- eevee 4,255.00
Melons of different varieties.................000s esceceese 2,437.00
LAST DSTI eodog Boga ge00 SCECOCaOT Ga0020000 000000 OCOOCCOIOLEIOC 2,244.00
Shell beans and other small articles ..............0e000+ 575.00
FRUITS.
15,913 barrels of apples, valued at $1.25.............. $19,891.25
BD ae] SiO fe p CALSs..secicdescace-i-de- es eonsesseatscessessss 2,784.00
134 bushels of peaches @ $2Z...... 0.00. ..-scesseccseccors 268.00
222 bushels of plums @ $3.............. ep doecod coanecccs 666.00
1539 bushels of cherries @ $2.50.............cseereoree 2,847.50
Avo bushels of currants (@)$2%.. ....c0s0 cocesceesroesoe 950.00
ZoOMbUShels of Guinces (G)/h2.<c.-..scc-secessesiseceoses . 500.00
12,309 boxes of strawberries @ 20 cents............. 2,461.80 |
4956 boxes of raspberries (@ 25 cents...........ceee0s 1,239.00 |
12,470 pounds of grapes (@ 50 cents.........:00.0000 6,235.00
HOtonsvof rye straw (@) PLO. 2 .c2...sccescesscerseissssse 1,100.00
NOAA barrelsiOf Cideri(@) Pli..c...cee.c0sececcesccessovcce 1,044.00
Dee UNA ILONE OLS eoccacdeccecsisaseseisesvessoociacessesse 15,573.33
Total. cccccessess
CENSUS OF 1875.
Dwelling-houses ........... 1095 | Population.......seeee 6675
Dwellings occupied....... 1065 | Ratable polls............... 1720
Dwellings unoccupied.... 30 | Legal voters................. 1247
Ii mre te occ 828 5c 1338 | Naturalized voters......... 432
Ist OStaesotes scariescaassee (2 9021| AUIONS.:scsseressccterveccecees, OLD
HGINDLENsesccnceterssees ses ec 3713 |
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THOMAS GRIGGS.
Deacon Thomas Griggs, the son and fourth child
of Samuel and Beulah (Hammond) Griggs, was born
in Brookline, Mass., April 5, 1788, and is the sixth
in descent from his paternal ancestor in the follow-
Mr. Griggs being an early resident of Muddy River,
and being perfectly familiar with all the estates in and
around his home and Roxbury, was once called upon
| to settle a dispute in reference to a division fence that
used to run from about where ‘‘ Chapel” Station now
is, and so along the edge of the upper land, where
was formerly a road leading to ‘“ Sewall’s Fort.” We
| give it as we find it, in the following deposition, dated
Jan. 21, 1709 (Suffolk Records 24, p. 279):
“ Jos. Griggs, of Roxbury, aged about 85 years, testifieth and
saith that about three score years since he settled at Muddy
River, now called Brooklyne, and has lived there and at Rox-
bury ever since, and in all that time has been very well ac-
quainted with that tract of land, now in farms and propriety’s,
viz., Capt. Sewall, the late Deacon Elliotts, Devotions, Clarks,
and others lying in Muddy River aforesaid, which was com-
monly ealled a common field butting on the salt marishes. As
| to the fence, or enclosure of said common field this deponent
very well remembers that those persons that owned the upland
were at the whole and sole charge of the outside range of fence
the marish owners refusing to pay any part of the charge, and
872
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSET''.
at a meeting of the upland and marish owners about ie years
since the marish-men representing their design to fence the
marish from the upland, desired the upland owners to do their |
proportion, but the upland owners utterly refused it for the
that if they
would fence out the marish they must do it at their own cost,
reason above mentioned and told the marish owners
and this depont has never known or understood that the upland
owners ever bore any proportion of the charge of fencing off
the marish, but that they did at all times maintain the outside
range of fence, and the marish-men were at the charge of fencing
the parish from the upland.
“JosrepH Griaes, Jan. 21, 1709.”
Mr. Griggs’ name is also attached to a memorial
with forty others, inhabitants of Roxbury, headed by
the autograph of their pastor, Rev. John Eliot, ad-
dressed as Christian patriots to the honored Governor
and the Deputy Governor, together with the rest of |
the honored magistrates and House of Deputies of
Massachusetts, requesting and encouraging the Gen-
eral Court to stand fast in upholding the franchises of
the people, and the liberties of the churches of that
colony, then menaced by its enemies, and by the re-
He was a
deputy to the General Court or representative of Rox-
bury in 1681, and selectman of that town in 1677,
1680, 1683, 1687, and 1688.
As a member of that board he was active and effi-
cently restored monarchy of England.
cient in procuring a grant of land from the Legisla- |
ture to establish the town of New Roxbury, now the
town of Woodstock, Conn. At the date of the grant,
in October, 1683, it formed a part of Massachusetts.
He was a grand-juryman in 1689. He was joint
owner in a grist-mill previous to 1739, and sold to
Joseph Belknap, who proceeded to use the water-
privilege in such a manner as to damage the citizens
of Brookline and Roxbury, in neglecting to do as
much grinding as was necessary for home consumption.
Accordingly, application was made to the selectmen,
who had control of the same, that they should in fu-
ture be limited in the amount of water to be drawn
from their fountain-head.
We have seen that Mr. Griggs enjoyed the confi-
dence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and was often
intrusted with the management of public affairs to a
greater or less extent throughout a long and useful
life, and died in a ripe old age.
Ichabod, the great-grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, and Margaret, his wife, had nine children,
as |
|
|
|
|
|
|
' where his nine children were born.
(1) Soh, 1744; (2) haber 1745. (3) Moses:
1747; (4) Thomas, 1750; (5) Samuel, 1753; (6)
John, 1756; (7) Joseph, 1760; (8) Joshua, 1763;
(9) Sarah, 1765; (10) Nathaniel, 1770. Thomas,
the father, settled in the lower parish of Roxbury,
now a part of Brookline. He was a cordwainer, built
a house and worked for many years at his trade, in
what is known as the “ Downer House,” which he
built. He afterwards sold this estate and purchased
the one now owned and occupied by the late Deacon
David Coolidge, on Harvard Street. On this farm
he passed the remainder of his days, and where he
died July 7, 1782. Moses, the father of the late
David R. Griggs, settled in the edge of Brighton.
Thomas removed to Sutton, Mass.
Samuel Griggs, son of Thomas and Margaret ; born
Dec. 23, 1753; married Beulah, daughter of Daniel
and Lucy Jones (Hammond), of Newton, Mass., Dee.
7, 1780, and had nine children, viz.: (1) Joseph,
1781; married Sarah Fuller, of Needham; (2) Sam-
uel, 1784; married, first, Caroline Bacon, second,
Abigail Saurin; (8) William Jones, 1786; died Oct.
24,1804; (4) Thomas, 1788 ; married Harriet Fuller,
of Needham ; (5) Susanna, 1790; married, first, Dea-
con Aaron Hayden! of Eastport, Me. , second, Ephraim
Jackson, of Newton; (6) Lucy, 1792; married David
R. Griggs; (7) John, 1794; married Sarah Williams ;
(8) Stephen, 1796; married Caroline Fish; he was
drowned at Rockport, Mass., Aug. 16, 1850; (9)
Margaret Williams, 1800; married Henry Wood, of
Boston. The father died Jan. 16, 1814, aged sixty
years. The mother died Aug. 21, 1847, aged ninety.
Samuel Griggs settled on the homestead, which has
It
was purchased of Capt. John Winchester, and was
A grandson of
his, William Jones Griggs, now owns
from the earliest days been in the Griggs family.
and occupies
the farm, which is under a high state of cultivation.
Joshua, the father of George Griggs, Esq., resided on
_the Deacon David Coolidge farm. —
He had eight
children. Nathaniel married Joanna Aspinwall, and
settled in Brighton.
Deacon Thomas Griggs, son of Samuel and Beulah
(Hammond) Griggs, married Harriet, daughter of
viz.: (1) Hannah, 1702; (2) Samuel, 1704; (3) |
Klizabeth, 1705; (4) ocentt 1708; (5) Esther,
1710; (6) nie 1712; (7) Nathan, 1714; (8)
Thomas, 1715/16; (9) Ichabod, 1718.
Thomas, the eighth child of Ichabod and Margaret,
was born Feb. 25, 1715/16; married Margaret Williams,
of Roxbury, Sept. 1, 1743, and had ten children, viz. :
| Watertown ;
Jonathan and Mary (Broad) Fuller, of Needham,
Mass., Feb. 9, 1819, and had seven children,—
1. Caroline Griggs, Jan. 27, 1820; married David
Sullivan Coolidge Jan. 6, 1841, and had one Henry
Coolidge, Jan. 6, 1842; married Hattie Russell, of
ii., Walter Coolidge, Feb. 23, 1844; mar-
ried Georgie Robinson, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; iii., Har-
riet Coolidge, Feb. 20, 1847 ; iv., Ellen Coolidge, Feb.
' 9, 1850.
BROOKLINE.
873
2. William Jones Griggs, June 6, 1821; married
Mary Eaton Gipson, of Boston, Jan. 14, 1864, and |
had four children,—i., Mary Ellen Griggs, May 5,
1866; ii., Sarah Louisa Griggs, March 18, 1868; |
iii., Lucy Anna Griggs, Jan. 13, 1870; iv., Walter
Allan Griggs, Feb. 25, 1871.
3. Mary Jane Griggs, Sept. 18, 1822; married
Hezekiah Shailer, of Haddam, Conn., Aug. 10, 1847,
and had,—i., Emma Jane Shailer, Aug. 13,1848 ; died
in New York, May 11, 1864; 1, William Griggs
_ Coolidge’s store.
Shailer, Dee. 24, 1850; iii., Cora Louisa Shailer, |
Aug. 3, 1862. Mr. Shailer died July 9, 1878.
4. Ellen Griggs, May 5, 1824; married Charles
Jewett Saxe, of Highgate, Vt., born March 24,
1814; married Feb. 22, 1853 ; children,—i., Charles
Jewett Saxe, born Feb. 21, 1855, died July 11, 1862 ;
ii., William Arthur Saxe, May 3, 1857; iii., Thomas |
Edward Saxe, July 6, 1860; iv., John Walter Saxe,
Dec. 2, 1863; v., James Alfred Saxe, Dec. 2, 1863;
vi., Mary Ellen Saxe, Dec. 17, 1865. Mr. Saxe, the |
father, died Oct. 1, 1867, at Troy, N. Y.
5. Thomas Baldwin Griggs, May 1, 1826; married
Ann Elizabeth Stearns, Dec. 11, 1851, and have five
children,—i., Annie Beulah Griggs, July 27, 1853;
ii., Margaret Wood Griggs, May 15, 1855; iii., Sarah
Louise Griggs, born March 22, 1861, died Aug. 31,
1867 ; iv., Thomas Griggs, Dec. 13, 1863 ; v., Harriet
Fuller Griggs, Nov. 21, 1867.
acres or more of land, which extended from Harvard
Street to the top of Corey Hill, by purchasing the
interest of the other heirs to the estate. At one time
he was the owner of over one hundred acres of land,
including the land extending from his residence to
At the time of his ownership of
Corey Hill, the ‘north side was covered with a large
growth of ‘“savins,” or cedar-trees (Juniperus Vir-
giniana), which he caused to be removed, and the
land prepared for cultivation. Mr. Griggs also cleared
the lowland in the rear of his present residence on
Washington Street, from Park Street to land of the
late Deacon John Robinson. This land consisted of
alders, barberry-bushes, and every other kind of swamp
bushes, where now may be seen the most fertile land
in Brookline.
The early boyhood of Deacon Griggs was quite
uneventful. The school privileges of his day consisted
of four months in the winter season, interspersed in
summer with agricultural employment. He early ac-
quired habits of industry, was earnest and honest,
calm and deliberate, in all matters of judgment, of a
quiet and retiring disposition, unassuming in his de-
portment, never sought to be conspicuous. In polities
he was a Whig and Republican, firm and unwavering
in his convictions of duty, never seeking public office,
_ but has merited and often enjoyed the confidence of
6. Amanda Griggs, May 26, 1828; married Heze- |
So
kiah Smith Chase, of Boston, Dec. 30, 1858; chil-
dren,—1i., Hezekiah Chase, June 11,1861; i1., Marion
Chase, March 2, 1869.
7. Francis Henry Griggs, Nov. 14, 1834; married
Candace Watson, of Liberty, Ind., Oct. 8, 1861;
children,—i., Elizabeth Hasselman Griggs, April 22,
1866 ; ii, Thomas Watson Griggs, Feb. 14, 1875.
Mr. Griggs is a banker, and resides in Davenport,
Towa.
The wife of Deacon Thomas Griggs died Aug. 13,
1867, aged seventy years, twenty-six days.
Mr. Griggs is a fine specimen of the good old
English stock, of an active, enterprising, and indus-
trious race. Having been born in a time when the
means of acquiring anything more than a common
education were exceedingly limited, his time was
mostly occupied in promoting the interests of his
father’s farm, which consisted of the usual early rising,
plenty of work, and no play kind of a boy’s early life
He has ever followed the life of a
farmer, in which he has been successful, and now in
in the country.
his extreme old age attends personally to conducting
the affairs on his land. He became possessed of the
old homestead of his father, which consisted of forty
his fellow-citizens. He has been selectman, assessor,
moderator of town-meetings, member of the school
board, and representative to the General Court.
During the war of 1812 he commanded a company
at Fort Independence, in Boston Harbor, doing good
(See roll.)
He has ever been a law-abiding citizen, a valued
friend and neighbor.
twenty-six his father died, leaving a widow and sey-
Upon Thomas devolved the duty of
Five years later the sub-
service.
When he arrived at the age of
eral children.
conducting the large farm.
ject of this sketch assumed the duties of married life,
by bringing to the family circle an estimable lady, one
who was his companion and life for forty-eight years,
who became the mother of seven children, most of
There are also twenty-two
Mrs. Griggs was a most es-
whom are now living.
grandchildren living.
timable and valued lady, a very devoted mother, a
member of the Baptist Church, in which she was
ever actively interested, and was always doing good
when an opportunity presented itself.
In 1810, Mr. Griggs commenced attending the
First Baptist Church in Newton, Rev. Joseph Graf-
ton pastor ; was baptized and united with this church
in December, 1817. During that month he, with
| twenty-two others, removed their church relation to
874
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Cambridgeport, Mass., for the purpose of constituting |
a Baptist Church in that place. He remained there,
under the preaching of Rev. Bela Jacobs, for four
years. In March, 1821, he, with others, helped to con-
stitute the First Baptist Church in Roxbury, uniting
with the Boston Baptist Association.
appointed deacon, and remained worshiping with
them for seven years, under the ministry of Rev. |
Joseph Eliot for three years, and Rev. William Lev-
In 1828 he, with three others,
feeling desirous to have a church nearer home, took
erett for four years.
measures to introduce church worship in Brookline.
On the 5th day of June, 1828, a Baptist Church was
constituted in Brookline, principally under the influ-
ence of Mr. Griggs, assisted by Elijah and Timothy
Corey.
has continued in that office for forty-six years, an
Mr. Griggs was one of its first deacons, and
honest and worthy church officer.
We are happy to record the fact which appears
from his whole course of life, that of the deep re-
ligious principle, firmly implanted within him, of doing
good; the sacrifice made by him in riding six or
more miles to attend church, and assist in organizing
others that they might also receive similar benefits.
In 1834, Mr. Griggs erected the house where his
son, Deacon Thomas B. Griggs, resides, and occupied
the same for about twelve years, when he removed to
his present residence on Washington Street, where he
purchased five acres of land in 1844, and built his
house in 1847.
When we consider that Mr. Griggs has been troubled —
with rheumatism for fifty years, it is wonderful to
witness the activity with which he daily moves about
on his farm, looking after its interest with the ardor
of a much younger person.
Mr. Griggs is an amiable, pleasant, warm-hearted,
kind old gentleman, blessed with a cheerful disposition,
grandchildren, and is passing his later years with |
honor and happiness. He resides on one of the prin-
cipal thoroughfares of the town. Financially he has
been a success, promptly meeting his engagements,
running no bills, paying every one promptly. He has
avery accurate and strong memory, reciting things
that happened seventy-five years since as though of
the past year.
Here he was |
His impressions of events which oc- |
curred about 1800 have been readily given to the |
writer (who has had much oceasion to refer to him
for historical data), and are always clearly and fairly
stated.
receiving just what was right.
In money matters always exact, giving and
In short, he has done
his work well, never shrank from duty, and his labors |
have been crowned with success.
Those who have witnessed his prompt and steady
attendance on church worship on the Sabbath-day, at
the age of ninety-six, riding in his carriage regularly,
_ have only wished him a much longer life, and a happy
one for years to come.
“The thought of death has no shadow of gloom
to him, for he knows the end of his journey is nigh.”
DR. CHARLES WILD.
Dr. Charles Wild, the subject of this notice, was
the son of Abraham and Susanna (Pitman) Wild, of
Boston. He was born Jan. 15, 1795. His father
was of good old English stock, and his descendants
have done no discredit to the name. In early days he
attended such common schools as the times afforded ;
fitted for college at the Latin school in Boston (where
he received a Franklin medal in 1805), and entered
Harvard College in 1811, graduating in the mem-
orable class of 1814, of whom William H. Pres-
cott, the historian, President Walker, of Harvard
College, Hon. Pliny Merrick, the late justice of the
Supreme Court of Massachusetts, and other equally
prominent men, were members. He received the
degrees of A.M. and M.D. in 1817. He studied
medicine in the Harvard Medical College in Boston.
Soon after graduating, on the 10th of April,
1818, he came to Brookline, for the purpose of prac-
ticing his profession, and was an inmate of the family
of Mrs. Croft, on Washington Street.
became well known, entered upon an extensive patron-
He very soon
age, which he continued for upwards of forty years,
enjoying the confidence of his fellow-citizens in an
eminent degree. At the time of his starting in life,
Dr. William Aspinwall, then the popular physician
_of the town, was gradually giving up his professional
and is surrounded by many affectionate children and |
labor, and a son of his (of the same name) had died,
thus leaving the field almost wholly to himself. Ina
_ short time Mrs. Croft, the lady with whom he boarded,
gave him about two acres of land on the south side of
Washington Street, on which he immediately erected
a dwelling-house, the same now standing, which he
sold to Deacon William Lincoln, and later owned by
Stephen D. Bennett, Esq., adjoining the Blake place
He
married at the age of twenty-four years, and became
on the west, and the Craft estate on the east.
a valued citizen, a public-spirited man, interested in
the welfare of the community. He was an active
member of Rev. Dr. Pierce’s church, a regular attend-
ant on his ministry, and a member of the choir, and
before the organ was used in that church he played
the flute. The doctor was one of the old school for
BROOKLINE.
875
more than twenty years of his life, a member of the
Massachusetts Medical Society, 1828. Those who
had occasion to require the services of a physician
can remember well his tall, well-formed figure, his
firm tread, the deep guttural voice which seemed to
come from cavernous depths, and the look of those
eyes from behind his spectacles while he mixed those
powders in a tablespoon.
amount of calomel, jalap, and rhubarb, picra, ipecac,
and antimony which the people of past times have
taken, no wonder that so many have been added to
the number of those who have filled our cemeteries.
In the visits of the doctor, after he had prescribed
for the patient, if there were any children in the
family, he would amuse them by catching flies and
doctor was of a kind and sympathetic nature, a good
His curious speeches and odd ways sel-
dom gave offense to any one, and his warm-hearted
cheerfulness was better than medicine to dispel the
blues.
when he had anything he considered too good to lose,
he would give the benefit of it to his friends. On
entering a house he had a breezy way of stamping off
the snow or dust, making noise enough for three per-
sons, then, throwing his overcoat aside and his muffler
that he wore around his neck, he would let his saddle-
bags to the floor with an earnestness that indicated
counselor.
Always enjoying the ludicrous side of life,
business. The salutations of the doctor on leaving a
house were as unique as his entrance, and were often
of the following description : ‘‘ Now, if you can’t sleep
well, and don’t know what to do, you can amuse your-
self with taking an emetic.”
While the doctor never sought public office, he was
often called to fill public positions for several years ;
was a member of the school committee of this town,
and often presided at public meetings. For a great
while he was the principal justice of the peace of the
time. Having early joined the Masonic fraternity,
he became an enthusiastic and active member, and was
In 1839 the doctor’s attention was drawn to Hahne-
| mann’s new system of medical practice, then first heard
of in America, and he was ready to give it a fair trial,
and at length became a firm believer in its truth and
efficacy, and had a wonderful faculty in carrying
others along with him in his new field. He over-
came the old prejudices, and met with wonderful suc-
cess in his practice.
The second meeting of the physicians who were
the pioneers in the new system of homceopathy was |
held at the house of Dr. Wild on the 16th of February,
1841, when the constitution and by-laws of the Mas-
When we think of the |
telling them droll stories and playing with them. The |
a leader in the Washington Lodge located in Roxbury. |
sachusetts Homeeopathic Fraternity were adopted, and
he at one time was the president of the same. Soon
after the doctor had begun his new treatment, Miss
Amanda M. Corey, afterwards the wife of James M.
Edmond, who had been a patient of his, then a school-
girl, very bright and original, wrote the following
lines, which were always very amusing to the doctor:
ILLI, CUI CARMINA APPLICENT.}
A son of Eseulapius comes,
I hear his chariot wheels ;
The very sound my soul benumbs,
A shiver o’er me steals.
Ye muses, aid me if you can,
Ye sundry settled bills,
In self-defense to sing the man
Of gallipots and pills!
Ye classic bards of olden days,
My vacant soul inspire;
Ye smiling ghosts of comic lays,
Awake my sleeping lyre.
Desert your graves in winding-sheets,
Diseases, fierce and grim ;
Ye aches and pains your dark retreats
Forsake, and sing of him.
Ye memories of departed pills,
Of bitter powders too,
Support my shrinking soul that fills
With horror at the view.
Ye spirits all of tuneful rhyme,
Where’er ye chance to be,
Come, mount Parnassus’ heights sublime,
And sweep the lyre for me.
Come, sing the Hommopathie knight ;
Describe him, as he comes
To kindly give the aching wight
A dose of sugar-plums !
Who banishes disease and woe,
And contradicts the song,
“Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long.”
Come, sing capacious pockets crammed
With roots the fields supply,
That in the sounding mortar jammed,
Diseases stern defy.
The names that on his vials wrote,
In goodly rows appear,
That choke the rude, contracted throat,
And stun the vulgar ear.
But most of all, his awful eves
That pierce my very soul ;
That sean my feelings as they rise,
And penetrate the whole.
For eyes and “specs” together, strike
The very seat of life ;
And scare my timid spirit, like
A keen-edged carving-knife !
1 To him to whom the song applies.
876
HISTORY OF NORFOLK
But, lo! his steed is at the gate,
And he is at the door;
Be steady now, my whirling pate,
Ye shaking nerves, give o’er.
He doffs the frightful rubber coat
That darkly shrouds his form,
And, fastened tight beneath his throat,
Defies and scares the storm.
He leaves his cap and gloves below,
Arise, my longest hairs!
For now, with solemn step and slow,
I hear him on the stairs.
Two ponderous volumes in his hands
This second Galen brings,
And by the couch of sickness stands
A man of mighty things.
And now he reads those mystic books,
Enlighteners of disease,
And grasps his patient’s wrist, and looks
Profound as Socrates.
Prescribes a dose, then lifts his eyes
And fastens them on me;
My blood runs cold, my spirit dies,
So terrible is he!
Ye pitying muses, one and all,
That e’er on mortals smiled,
O teach me how to break the thrall,
The spell of
And if the task of serving you
Apollo e’er assigns,
It shall be hers, life’s journey through,
Who perpetrates these lines.
Dr. Wild married Mary Joanna Rhodes, of North
Providence, R. I., Dec. 29, 1819.
Children.—1. Charles William Wild, born June
10, 1822, married Mary Araminta Scales, of San
Francisco, Cal.
2. Susanna Seraphina Wild, born Dec. 17, 1823,
married George Augustus Wood, of Philadelphia,
Pa., March 22, 1843.
3. Edward Augustus Wild, born Nov. 25, 1825,
married Frances Ellen, daughter of John Whiting
and Marian (Dix) Sullivan, of Boston, June 12,
1855; no children.
4. Laura Matilda Wild, born Jan. 23, 1828, mar-
ried Rev. Joseph H. Phipps, of Framingham, Mass.,
Jan. 1, 1849; resides at Kingston, Mass.
5. Mary Heath Wild, born May 6, 1829, married |
Kdward Jarvis Cushing, of North Providence, R. L., |
May 22, 1850.
6. Catherine Wheaton Wild, born July 26, 1832.
7. Emily Caroline Wild, born July 14, 1834, died
Sept. 18, 1835.
8. Walter Henry Wild, born June 19, 1836, mar-
ried Helen M. Conkling, of Springfield, Mass., 1866.
Do)
Capt. Walter H. Wild, A.D.C. and A.A.I.Gen., en-
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
listed in the First Rhode Island Battery (three
_months’ service) April 21, 1861; time expired July
| 21, 1861, but continued in service till August 3d;
re-enlisted in a battery which was afterwards iucor-
porated in the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery,
Feb. 22, 1862; was discharged to accept promotion
_as second lieutenant in Gen. Ullman’s brigade (colored
troops) Feb. 25, 1863, and mustered in as such March
7, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant in Fifty-fourth
Massachusetts (colored) Volunteers Feb. 23, 1863 ;
appointed aide-de-camp on Gen. Edward A. Wild’s
staff May 14, 1863; promoted to captain of Second
North Carolina Colored Volunteers (afterwards the
Thirty-sixth United States Colored Volunteers) Aug.
14, 1863, and continued as A.D.C. on Gen. Wild’s
staff; detailed as A.A.I. Gen. Dec. 25, 1863.
9. Lydia Greene Wild, born May 27, 1840, died
Aug. 6, 1840.
Dr. Wild died at North Providence, R. I., Feb. 3,
1864.
GEN. EDWARD A. WILD.
en. Edward A. Wild was the son of Dr. Charles
and Mary Joanna (Rhodes) Wild, of Brookline, Mass.
He was born Nov. 25,1825. After the usual advan-
tages in the schools of his native village and the clas-
sical school in the town, he fitted for college under
the private instruction of Dr. Samuel Rogers, of Rox-
bury; entered Harvard College in 1840; graduated
in 1844, receiving the degree of A.B. in due course ;
A.M., in 1847; studied medicine with his father
and in the office of Dr. A. E. Cotting, of Roxbury,
and at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, also at
Jefferson College, Philadelphia, Pa., where he re-
ceived the degree of M.D. in 1846; commenced
practice in 1847,in Brookline, and became a mem-
ber of the Massachusetts Medical Society, May 23,
1850, and was the orator at their annual meeting in
1859. Oct. 1, 1848, he went to Paris to study and
visit the hospitals of that city. While there he
started on a pedestrianizing tour through Italy and
Switzerland. Italy at that time was torn with a
threefold war: Rome was contending against Naples ;
then came the invasion and occupation of Rome
(which had then been temporarily a republic), while
the North of Italy was in active turmoil and strife
against the Austrians. At the Romano-Neapolitan
frontier he was arrested and closely searched by the
troops on both sides of the line, each taking him for
a spy for the opposite side.
At Terracina he was taken before Garibaldi, then
in command, who very quickly discerned his true
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BROOKLINE.
877
character and liberated him.
magna, he was arrested as an Austrian spy, mobbed
and roughly maltreated, and had a fortunate escape |
| a single drill.
with bis life. On Lake Garda he was arrested at
midnight as a robber, and up the river Po seized as
a deserter from the Austrian army, and had many
other exciting adventures, some neither safe nor
agreeable. The experience he met with during this
excursion gave him the first ideas of the horrors of
war, and an opportunity to witness the devastation
of, and the destructive effects of, battles and bombard-
ments. He returned to Brookline Jan. 1, 1850, and
resumed the practice of his profession, which he con- |
tinued till June 12, 1855, when he married and
sailed direct for Constantinople, and immediately ten-
eaor tint cies Ree |
dered his services in aid of the Turkish army, and re- |
ceived a commission as surgeon of artillery (Hekim-
bashi), with the rank and pay of lieutenant-colonel,
and assumed the name of ‘ Kholoussy Bey.”
In the course of his professional duties he visited |
battles of Bull Run and Williamsburg, and several
the ports of Samsoun-Sinoub (Sinope), Trebizond,
Batoum, Redout Kaleh (Kemhal), Sokhoum, Kaleh.
He was attached to the army corps of Omer Pasha,
commander-in-chief of the Turkish forces in the
field, and passed the winter near Sokhoum, in the
foot-hills of the Caucasus, occupying the hospital |
buildings captured from the Russians.
was arranged, he continued in charge of extensive
military hospitals for months at Trebizond, where
After peace |
were gathered the numerous sick and disabled, the
residuum of the war. On leaving the service, iv addi-
tion to the war medal (Sefer Nishani) he received |
from the Sultan Abdul Medjid the decoration of the
Medjidieh, with its accompanying Berat (diploma),
together with an autograph letter from Omer Pasha
recommending him for that high honor. This was
Dr. Wild’s wedding tour, so that in company with
his wife he visited Trebizond and the banks of the
Bosphorus, and, after a long sojourn in Constanti-
nople, the Gulf of Nikomedia (Isnikmid), the islands
in the Marmora (Prinkipo), and the Troad. Return-
ing homeward he visited Greece and the Isles of the
Archipelago, and stayed at Malta—where he was in-
itiated into Freemasonry, taking three degrees in St.
John’s Lodge—Malli, Sicily, and a long time in Italy
in 1857.
Immediately upon his arrival home he resumed the
practice of his profession, in which he was successful,
and was fast growing in popularity, and gave to the
public the benefits of an extensive experience in the
military hospitals, as well as the more complete study —
of medicine in the hospitals of Paris. For ten years
prior to the commencement of the Rebellion, Dr.
Wild having a natural fondness for military drill, had
been an active member of the Boston Independent
Corps of Cadets, and during that time never missed
When the demand came from the
government for men to assist in protecting our coun-
try from the assaults on the liberties of the people,
the doctor was not only fully prepared himself, but he
commenced to prepare others for actual service in the
field.
had long foreseen that something of the nature of a
Dr. Wild was a highly-intelligent person, and
struggle must ensue, and had a full appreciation of
A full
company was raised, of men mostly from Brookline
the magnitude of the war then impending.
and Jamaica Plain, through the instrumentality of
Dr. Wild, who was commissioned as captain of the
same by Governor Andrew on the 22d of May, 1861.
This company formed a part of the First Massachu-
setts Regiment of Volunteers, and entitled Company
A, being the first regiment of the three years’ troops
to go to the seat of war. After being engaged in the
ba)
lesser combats, including the siege of Yorktown, he
was permanently disabled by a bullet at the battle of
Seven Pines, on the field of Fair Oaks, Va., June 25,
1862. Returning to Massachusetts, he was placed in
command of a camp of recruits at Lynnfield. While
in camp he was promoted by regular grades to colonel
of the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment of Volun-
teers, Aug. 20, 1862, and two days after he pro-
ceeded with his regiment to Washington, his arm
still disabled and in a sling, and in three weeks was
in front of the enemy, in Gen. Burnside’s corps, at
the battle of South Mountain, where he lost his left
On that day,
and three days later, his new regiment distinguished
itself by their steady, determined bravery, worthy of
veteran troops.
arm, amputated at the shoulder-joint.
When partially recovered from the loss of his arm,
the colonel returned to Massachusetts, Dec. 1, 1862,
where, while recovering from his wounds, he assisted
Governor Andrew in organizing colored troops, the
On the 24th of April,
1863, he was appointed by President Lincoln a brig-
adier-general of volunteers, and soon after proceeded
pioneer work in that line.
to North Carolina, where he raised a brigade of col-
ored troops from among the fugitive slaves in that de-
partment, having his headquarters at Newberne.
While here he gave much time and labor to the care
and permanent provision of the colored families, by
On the 30th of July the general
took a large number of raw colored troops to South
colonizing them.
Carolina, where they did valuable and valiant service
in the siege of Charleston. Three months later, leav-
878
ing his troops at Charleston, he returned to his re-
cruiting work at Newberne, N. C., also in Virginia.
Jan. 18, 1864, Gen. Wild was placed in command
of the district of Norfolk and Portsmouth, which be-
sides his military labors involved large civil duties in
the government of those two cities, filled as they were
with a hostile population. On the opening of the
spring campaign, in May, 1864, he joined the Army
of the James, in command of his colored troops,
where he continued, participating im the siege opera-
tions against Petersburg and Richmond until their
fall.
mand of a division, containing three brigades of in-
During the last three months he was in com-
fantry, beside cavalry and artillery, heavy and light.
composed wholly of colored troops.
On the 3d of April, 1865, he went into Richmond
as “ Jeff Davis” went out.
nally recruited by the general being the first infantry
Some of the slaves origi-
to enter those ‘‘ sacred precincts.”
After the close of the warlike operations, he served
in the Freedmen’s Bureau in Georgia, and was finally
mustered out of the United States service, Jan. 15,
1866.
pled to return to the practice of his former profession,
he turned his attention to mining, in which he is still
engaged.
fields of Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado, and Lake
Superior (Canada side).
It is no more than due to Gen. Wild to state that
when he first enlisted into the army he enjoyed the
highest esteem and confidence of all who were ac-
quainted with him in his Massachusetts home. Par-
ticularly did he enjoy the confidence of Gov. Andrew,
The general finding himself too much crip- |
His experience and travels embrace the _cheer in the hours of sickness have done so much,
who was a warm personal friend during the Rebellion. |
When he entered the service he had been engaged
in the Turkish army, and his experience there was
of great value to him at home. Of an impulsive
nature, fired with patriotism and intense enthusiasm,
His
record fully confirms the statements made, and we
he gave his entire powers into the service.
want no better illustration of his bravery than that
at Wilson’s Wharf, on James River, Va.
in command of an important outpost at the above
but the example to his men was of the best.
_ intoxicating liquor.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
He (Gen. Lee) thinks he has troops enough to carry the position, __
Should they surrender, they will be turned over to the authori- __
ties at Richmond, and treated as prisoners of war. Should they
refuse, Gen. Lee will not be responsible for the consequences.
“Very respectfully your obt. servant,
“R. J. Mason, Major & A. T. G.
“To Brig.-GENERAL WiLp, Commanding Federal Troops.”
The reply of Gen. Wild was in the following laconic
manner :
“We will try it.
“Ep4, A.Wibp, Brig.-Gen. Vols.”
Indorsed on the back of the demand, and returned
to Gen. Lee. And “try it they did, with the Union
army victorious, saving an important position to the
|“ Army of the James.”
This being a portion of the Twenty-fifth Army Corps, |
Not only was Gen. Wild a good and brave soldier,
Promi-
nent among his many good qualities was that of
enforcing principles of abstinence from the use of
In this he set an example by
his own entire disuse of liquor of any kind. During
his whole service in the United States army he never
touched any intoxicants, even toa glass of cider or
lager beer.
Finally, those who remember Gen. Wild as a
citizen regard him as one of integrity, and a manly,
good man. Those to whom his words of comfort and
While
those under whose care they were as soldiers in the
army, all unite to speak of him in the kindest terms
remember him with the kindest affection.
as a brave and good officer.
ELBRIDGE WASON.
The subject of this sketch is a descendant in the
fourth generation from James Wason, who was born
While |
locality he was surrounded by a greatly superior force |
of cavalry under the command of Maj.-Gen. Fitz- |
Hugh Lee, and was summoned to surrender, but he
replied in the following brief manner: ‘* We will try
it,’ and after a desperate fight his trusty negroes beat
off the enemy.
The following is the demand:
“May 24, 1864.
in the parish of Bellemanus, County of Antrim, Ire-
land, in 1711. He married at Portsmouth, N. H.,
Hannah Caldwell, Nov. 30, 1736, by whom he had
seven children,—James, Samuel, Thomas, Betsy,
Nancy, Isabel, and Sarah.
Lieut. Thomas Wason, son of James and Hannah
| Wason, married Mary, daughter of Robert Boyd,
of Londonderry, N. H., Dec. 1, 1772, and had eight
Boyd, James,
children, — James, Mary, Thomas
| Robert, Sarah, Thomas Boyd, and Hannah.
“By command of Maj.-Gen. Fitz-Hugh Lee, I am sent to |
' George Austin.
demand the surrender of the Federal troops at Wilson’s Wharf.
Deacon Robert Wuason, son of Lieut. Thomas and
Mary Wason, married Nancy, daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Batchelder) Batchelder, Dec. 26, 1808,
and had nine children, viz.: Elbridge, Louisa, Hiram,
Nancy, Mary, Robert Boyd, Adeline, Caroline, and
; |
ha ,
BROOKLINE.
879
Elbridge Wason, son of Deacon Robert and Nancy
Wason, married Mary (born June 30, 1809), daugh-
ter of Samuel and Mary (Gardner) Stickney, of Bos-
ton, April 21, 1851. She died Aug. 15,1863. He
married, second, Mary Isabella (born May 30, 1835), —
daughter of Hon. Leonard and Mary Isabella (Dickey) |
Chase, of Milford, N. H., May 17, 1865, and have
Mary Isabella Wason, born Jan. 11, 1867, and Leonard |
Chase Wason, born Aug. 5, 1868.
26, 1809.
whom lived to become useful members in society.
tributing his share of manual labor upon his father’s |
Here it was, under the care of kind parents, |
farm.
with an early religious training, that he developed
that strong character for manliness and integrity
which has ever characterized his more matured years.
His advantages for school education were such as the
life of a country farmer usually affords. A brief at-
tendance in the village school of his native town, sup-
plemented by a course of study at Derry Academy, |
prepared him for the higher privilege of teaching
school in Windham, and afterwards in Amherst, N. H.
In December, 1831, being desirous of seeing some-
thing of life outside of his native village, he visited
Boston, where he remained for a short time, and
while there he was induced to embark in business.
On the 8th of March, 1832, he removed to Boston, and
immediately entered upon the duties of clerk and sales-
man in the wholesale West India goods store of the
well-known firm of Pierce & Goodnow, at 29 South
Market Street.
the firm was dissolved, but he continued with Mr.
Goodnow for the term of five years, at the expiration —
of which time he entered into partnership with his
cousin, William Wason, on Blackstone Street, where
he remained till August, 1837. On the first day of
September of that year a new partnership was formed
with Henry Peirce, under the firm-name of Wason &
Peirce, wholesale grocers, at 61 Chatham Street. At
the end of eighteen months Mr. Rufus Clement, of
New London, N. H., was admitted a partner in the
business, under the firm-name of Wason, Peirce & Co.
Mr. Clement retired from the firm April 1, 1848.
Soon after this, Robert Boyd Wason, a brother of
the senior partner, was admitted to the firm.
A. Wadley, who had fora long time been book-keeper
for the firm, was a partner for about ten years, re-
tiring on the Ist day of January, 1865. At this
time Henry E. Peirce, son of Mr. Henry Peirce,
became partner, the firm-name remaining the same
through the various changes. The present members
merchants worthy of emulation.
. ° . ° oO |
His early days were spent in his native town in con-
At the end of one and a half years”
George |
are Elbridge Wason, Henry Peirce, and Robert Boyd
Wason, who are still actively engaged in the same
business, and in the store where they began in 1837.
Commencing business at a season when the country
was laboring under a severe financial depression, the
success of this firm has been remarkable, and is largely
due to the promptness with which everything has
been done, the meeting every obligation, and con-
ducting business in honesty, and with the manly
Mr. Wason was born in New Boston, N. H., Sept. |
He was the eldest of nine children, all of |
purpose of dealing justly with all people. A truly
remarkable example of the integrity of Boston’s best
In politics Mr.
Wason has ever been of the Whig and Republican
order, a firm and stanch supporter of the government,
and a firm believer in a liberal orthodox religion, and
is a member of the church under the pastoral care of
| Rev. Reuen Thomas, Ph.D.
Although Mr. Wason has for a long time been
away from the scenes of his early boyhood, he has
ever been attached to his native town, and still holds
the same in kind remembrance. He came to Brook-
line in August, 1858, and purchased the estate at the
corner of Harvard Street and Alton Place, where he
now resides. He was one of the principal movers
and contributors in the erection of the new and ele-
gant stone temple near his residence, known as Har-
vard Church, and has served as a member of the
Prudential Committee of the same. In his private
life he is domestic in his habits, fond of home, of a
social temperament, gentlemanly in his deportment
and intercourse with the public.
HENRY PEIRCE.
Henry Peirce was born in Waltham, Mass., Oct. 2,
1807.
Peirce, who came from Norwich, Norfolk County, Eng-
land, a short time prior to his admission as freeman
His first ancestor in this country was John
of Watertown, Mass., which admission bears date
1637/8.
1586, as he was forty-nine years old at the time he
This John Peirce was born probably in
applied for permission to “pass into Boston, New
England, to inhabit.”
John’s son, Anthony, who preceded his father to
America by a few years, was born in 1609, and was
admitted freeman of Watertown, Sept. 3, 1634. The
date of his arrival in this country was 1630, pre-
sumably with the company of Sir Richard Salston-
stall.
The father of Henry Peirce was named William.
He was educated at the common schools, and was a
880
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
farmer and stone-mason. He was a private and cor-
poral for three years in the Revolutionary war. He
was but fifteen years of age when the war broke out,
and was stationed during his term of service among
other places at Cambridge, West Point, and Philadel-
phia. He underwent in common with others many
hardships, and was honorably discharged, receiving |
for many years a pension. He was a patriotic, liberal-
minded man, honorable in all his engagements, loved
and respected by all. He died in Waltham, Sept. 4,
1825, aged sixty-five.
Henry’s mother was Phebe Manning, born Nov.
10, 1766, died Oct. 13, 1851. She resided with
her parents in Charlestown at the time of the battle
of Bunker Hill, and was among those who fled for
safety from their burning homes. She was then nine
years old, and often in after-years told the story of |
her flight. She used to relate that, being ready to |
drop with fatigue, she exclaimed, “ If they kill us, let
‘em kill us, for I can’t go any farther.”
No.man could have a better mother than had
Henry Peirce. She had a firm and independent
mind, full of probity and self-reliance. She gave her |
years to her large family, and lived to see her sons |
grow up to regard her with veneration. |
Henry married, Jan. 21, 1833, Louisa Adeline
Bayley. She was born in Rumney, N. H., March 1,
1807; died in Brookline, Mass., March 22, i879.
She was the daughter of Simon and Salina (Ramsay)
Bayley, and descended from Richard Bayley, of Row-
ley, Mass., the first of his name in this country.
They had four children,—1. Henry, born Oct. 25, |
1833 ; died Nov. 30, 1833. 2. Henry Edgar, born
April 13, 1835; died Aug. 26, 1881; married, Dec.
3, 1863, Ann Eliza Holt. 3. William Oliver, born |
Sept. 4, 1857; unmarried. 4. Helen Louisa, born
Feb. 21, 1843; died April 6, 1855.
The subject of this sketch is widely known as a>
business man. The old church-going freeholders of |
his race in early times had not in all their line a
more perfect representative of stanch, steadfast, manly |
integrity than he. His education was of the com- |
mon school. His knowledge has been gained and |
his character formed in the conflicts of the world of |
business. He began his labors with George Mur- |
dock, a grocer of his native town. For seven years |
In 1828 he
went to Lowell, a town then rising in importance, and
he performed the duties of his place.
engaged in the baking business. There for nearly
nine years as partner in an enterprising and success-
He
came to Boston in 1837, entered into partnership
ful firm he exercised his abilities and industry.
with Elbridge Wason, and began business as a whole- |
sale grocer at 61 Chatham Street, where he has re-
mained to the present time (1884). For nearly fifty
years Henry Peirce has kept the even tenor of his
way. Not exempt from losses, at times large, nor
from all the countless stringencies and struggles inei-
dent to the prosecution of a widely-extended business,
he has always met his engagements, fulfilled every
obligation, and wherever known has met with that
confidence and respect which purity of life and
honesty of purpose must ever inspire. He removed
| his residence from Charles Street to Brookline in
1860, where he now lives filled with good will towards
all honest men, content to claim only for himself the
merit that belongs to good intentions and manly
effort.
to enjoy that competence he has so fairly and honor-
His numerous friends hope he may live long
ably earned.
Before closing this sketch it may be well for all
who read these lines to reflect how large a volume
might be made in recording the career of a man like
Henry Peirce, who is only a type of the straight-
forward, high-minded Boston merchant. Such as he
labor not for wealth alone, nor for business reputa-
tion. They have not the hope of the brilliant prizes
of public life to sustain them in their struggles
through the dark days of business adversity. More
or less consciously they work because they feel it to
be a duty. They have too much self-respect to waste
their time in frivolous pursuits. Long after they
have obtained a pecuniary independence they labor
on, feeling that the world must somehow be better for
their labor. And what burdens such men bear!
Who that has not experienced can fitly portray them ?
Sneered at often by those they help the most, they
rally in times of distress and give the fruits of their
toil to lift the world to a higher plane, knowing that
| the approval of the “still small voice” must be their
sole reward.
THOMAS PARSONS.
Thomas Parsons was born in Boston, Mass., July
25, 1816. He was the son of Charles Chauncy and
Judith (Parsons) Parsons. His grandfather was Chief
Justice Theophilus Parsons, of Newburyport, Mass.,
who married Hlizabeth Greenleaf. The mother of
Thomas Parsons was the daughter of Capt. Thomas
and Judith (Kinsman) Parsons.
In 1850, Mr. Parsons purchased the estate known
-as the “Cabot Farm” and ‘“ Amory Place,” upon
which was an old house, which he removed in 1852,
and erected a house upon the same site, where he now
OP?FV1tc T APIS o7e7sd
“7
BROOKLINE.
881
resides most of the time, passing the summer months
in Mattapoisett, his residence running to the water’s
edge.
The subject of this sketch is a lineal descendant,
on both his father and mother’s side, from Rev. John |
Robinson, of Leyden. Asan heirloom he has a side-
board in his possession brought over to this country —
by a son of the Rev. John Robinson. Mr. Parsons
was educated in the common schools of Boston, and
fitted for college in the Public Latin School of Bos-
ton; entered Harvard College at the age of fourteen
years, but owing to ill health was obliged to leave
with only a partial course.
counting-room of Benjamin Rich & Son, East India
merchants, where he served his term of apprentice-
ship, and then entered into business with his father,
who was a merchant and owner of freighting ships,
where he remained till 1865.
ested in many corporations. He is president and
director of the “ Lyman Mill,” at Holyoke, Mass. He
became a resident of Brookline in 1848, and has always
He
has been selectman for sixteen years, many years chair-
taken a great interest in the welfare of the town.
man, member of the school committee the same num- |
He
was an original member of the ‘“ Brookline Public
Library,” and is now one of the trustees. Most of
the time he has been president of the same. He rep-
resented the town in the Legislature for six years,
He was
a member of the Committee on the Revision of the
Revised Statutes in 1859, on the Valuation Committee
in 1860. Appointed on the Board of Prison Com-
missioners by Governor Rice, and again by Governor
ber of years, acting as chairman of the same.
serving on the Finance Committee five years.
1854 he was appointed as justice of the peace.
He then entered the |
He is at present inter- |
church, as were his wives and most of bis children.
He died Dee. 9, 1685, and was buried on the 11th, as
appears by John KHliot’s record, in the possession of
the New England Historical and Genealogical Society ;
the date is erroneously given as the 22d December in
the Report of the Record Commissioners of Boston.
His grandson, Ebenezer Davis, a blacksmith, made
large purchases of lands in various places and settled
upon the Brookline property, which he purchased in
| 1746 of Thomas Cotton, of Windham, Conn., for
| £4500.
This estate of ninety-five acres was sepa-
rately described in three lots, and embraced the prin-
cipal portion of what is now the village of Brookline.
Ebenezer Davis died in 1776; his will was pro-
bated March 4th of the same year. Although he
had disposed of considerable real estate, what he left
is worth recording, as his inventory indicates the value
of lands in this county at that period:
“House, Land and one half the other Build- }
ings on Easterly side of Cambridge Road |
and the Hill pasture on the Northerly { gly
side of said road, apprized at............... J
House, Land &e lying southwardly and ad- |
joining Watertown Road, with one half | 1299
the buildings on the other side of the | ray
Road sthe) House excepted... 2-:...csccsese J
| Four and a half acres salt-marsh.............-s.0+ 45
Four acres of salt marsh in the Great Marsh... 40
| Thirty Eight Acres of land bought of Mary ) 550
IWanchestensesrcers ccc tctstescs soeee coereceneet j 32
A tract of Land in Troublesome Swamp ea 60
Call Edi) eosssceewsssesstecasslesessescsececenae cee
A House, Farm and other buildings in Rox- } 1000
DUM Aneta ntcneterestesenas sonendeoenesen aseseaeens J
ABWiood-lotpime*hOxDOY. cccecccnanacsesesercssates sect 112
Two Acres Salt Marsh in Roxbury.............. «. 20
AC Wood-lotein -Needham.......--scacsse-<easacaeees 66 13s. 4d.
A wood lot in Newton bought of John Ham- } 175
MON Gitcseesensine aa ceeaclonceesnonscien donee seacenecnsa J £3
Another in ditto, Three & one half Aeres........ 52 10s.
A Farm in Newton under the improvement ce 400
Mir osepht Wintte)..c.ca-c\:sneqtasessenmnies sacle
| A House, Land and other buildings in the)
Talbot, and chairman of the same for six years. In >
In 1847 he married Martha Watson, daughter of |
Henry P. and Charlotte (Bicknell) Franklin. Mr.
Franklin was a merchant and wealthy manufacturer
in Providence. The children of Mr. Parsons are
Elizabeth, Theophilus (a graduate of Harvard Col-
lage, 1870, now engaged in manufacturing in Holyoke, |
Mass. ), Charlotte, and Lucy.
THE DAVIS FAMILY OF BROOKLINE.
BY W. E. WEBSTER.
The New England progenitor of this family was
William Davis, who came from Wales in his early
lips.
youth and settled in Roxbury, where he was married |
three times. He was a member of the Apostle Eliot’s
56
Town of Waltham under the Improve-} 306 13s. 4d.
ment of Mr. Matthias Collins.............. J
£5709 16s. 8d.
Total Real Estate, value...............
Two items of his personal estate were, “ A Silver
Tankard, valued at £18 13s. 4d. and Six Hives of
Bees, valued at £3 15s.”’ ¢
This tankard is still in the possession of the family
(the bees are not). On the curve of the handle, in ac-
cordance with the custom of the olden time, appear
the husband’s and wife’s initials with that of the
D ’
family, thus, E + S, meaning Ebenezer and Sarah
Davis. It bears the stamp of “J. Hurd,” the famous
goldsmith of Boston, whose daughter married Mr.
Walley, and was the grandmother of Wendell Phil-
A son, Nathaniel Hurd, succeeded his father ;
he also struck his stamp upon it, simply the word
“ Hurd.” He was an artist of great taste in heraldic
engraving, and by a mistake not uncommon at that
882
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
time, engraved another family’s armorial bearings
upon this tankard,—that of the Davisons, instead of
the Davis family of Carmathan, Wales.
An impres-
|
sion of the Davis family seal is upon the will of Icha-_
bod Davis, in registry of deeds in Suffolk County,
A.D. 1754,—he was son of the original immigrant,
whose will has been lost,—this was observed by J. C.
J. Brown, of the Committee on Heraldry of the New
England Historical and Genealogical Society, while
making an examination of the heraldry on wills in
Suffolk Probate Court.
Ebenezer Davis’ will was quite long, and very par-
ticular in relation to the division and distribution of
the estate, and very regardful of all his descendants.
His daughters, Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth, were
the wives respectively of Matthias Collins, Joseph
White, and Joseph Craft.
“ Negro man Sambo his freedom.”
To Ebenezer Davis, his grandson,—who was the |
grandfather of the subject of this sketch,—he gave
the first item on the inventory, until his sister Sarah
was twenty-one years of age, when she was to have |
two hundred pounds; and the real estate was to be
equally divided between brother and sister ; but Eben
and Benjamin, another grandson, were to have the
In a codicil he gives his |
|
|
|
woodlands in Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, and |
Needham. The distribution to other children and
grandchildren is not specified here, as this refers only
to the line of Robert Sharp Davis.
A great-grandson of the Ebenezer Davis who set-
tled in Brookline was named Robert Sharp Davis. |
This Robert Sharp had the following-named children,
a brief sketch of whom will here be given: Samuel
Craft, Robert Sharp, Phineas Stearns, Sarah, and
Lucy.
Samuel Craft Davis was born in Brookline, Feb.
18, 1809, and died in Boston, Oct. 15, 1882.
1854, Mr. Davis went to St. Louis, where he estab-
lished the well-known dry-goods importing and job-
bing house of Samuel C. Davis & Co., in which he
remained the senior partner until his death. He was
In |
an industrious and sagacious man, and eminently suc- |
In 1840, Mr. Davis married Caro-
line Tilden, of Brookline, by whom he had the follow-
cessful merchant.
ing children: Samuel Craft, a lawyer, born March 10,
1842; died Oct. 10, 1874; John Tilden, born Sept.
13, 1844; now a partner in the house of 8S. C. Davis
& Co.; also one son and one daughter who died in in-
fancy. Samuel Craft Davis, Jr., married Sarah Shurt-
leff Shaw, of Boston, June 19, 1866; John Tilden
Davis married Maria Jane Filley, Feb. 20, 1867.
tobert Sharp Davis, whose portrait accompanies
this sketch, was born in Brookline, Jan. 1, 1811, and |
died in the same town, Feb. 23, 1875. About the
year 1825, Mr. Davis entered the employment of the
well-known publishing firm of Crocker & Brewster,
of Boston, a firm which remained the same, both in
style and partners, for more than half a century.
After remaining a few years with Crocker & Brewster,
he became a partner in the firm of Lincoln, Edmands
& Co., and in 1835 succeeded them. From that time
he carried on the business of publishing school-books
in Boston with uninterrupted success until his death,
—a period of forty years lackinga fewdays. Among
his most prominent publications were the mathemati-
cal works of the eminent author, Benjamin Greenleaf,
books which are believed to have been in more uni-
versal use than any similar works ever published. In
1837, Mr. Davis married Mary Shannon, of Ports-
mouth, N. H., by whom he had the following chil-
dren: Mary Shannon (Mrs. W. E. Webster), Lucy
Stearns, Sarah Comstock, Laura Wood (Mrs. T. R.
Shewell), Caroline Elizabeth, and Langdon Shannon,
who married Héléne Bartlett O'Leary, Nov. 9, 1880.
Phineas Stearns Davis (named for hi§ great-grand-
father, who was one of the famous Boston tea-party)
was born in Brookline. For many years he was éon-
nected in business with his brother Robert. He was
an active member of the militia for more than twenty
years, holding various commissions, including that of
brigadier-general. At the breaking out of the war
for the suppression of the Southern Rebellion, Gen.
Davis, after serving several months upon a commission
for the examination of candidates for positions in the
military service, accepted the command of the Thirty-
ninth Regiment, in which position he served with
distinction until July 11, 1864, when he was killed
by a rebel shell in front of Petersburg, Va. He was
a brave and patriotic man and an accomplished officer.
April 26, 1847, he married Elizabeth Lambert, by
whom he had the following-named children: Nannie
Sophia, Charles Lambert, Elizabeth Lambert (Mrs.
A. J. Ward), and Agnes Andrews.
Sarah Davis was born in Brookline, Sept. 24,
1812; married Rev. Grover Smith Comstock, June
24, 1834; had the following children: Lucy D.,
Oliver C. (who was killed in the war for the Union),
Mrs. Comstock
went to Burmah as a missionary and died there.
Lucy Stearns Davis was born in Brookline, Jan.
26,1816; married Daniel H. Rogers, Sept. 21, 1843;
had the following children: Sarah C., Clara Lavinia,
Elizabeth S., Mary D.
The Davis family are descended in a maternal line
from Robert Sharp, a youth of twenty, who came
from England in the ship “ Abigail,’ in 1635.
Robert Stearns, and Grover Samuel.
BROOKLINE.
883
Robert Sharp stopped a while at Braintree, then at
Rehoboth, and in 1650, with Peter Aspinwall, he |
purchased the large farm of William Colburn, at |
Muddy River. By his wife Abigail he had one son,
John, born March 12
Abigail and Mary. John married Martha, daughter
of Robert Vose, of Dorchester (Milton). John was
a valiant soldier in King Philip’s war, and was killed
in the Sudbury fight, while lieutenant in Capt. Wads-
| Bradford,”
worth’s company, in April, 1676. His widow married |
Joseph Buckminster, from whom the distinguished
persons of that name were descended. John Sharp
had a son Robert, who perished in an expedition
against the Indians in Canada. This Robert had a
son Robert, who was a thrifty man, and became a
large Jandholder in Brookline. He died in 1765,
leaving a son, Robert, and four daughters. The fourth
Robert married Sarah Payson, of Roxbury, by whom
he had ten children, and from one of these children
(Lucy), who married into the Davis family, was
descended Robert Sharp Davis, the subject of this
sketch.
BRADFORD KINGMAN.
Bradford Kingman is the son of Josiah Washburn
and Mary (Packard) Kingman ;
portion of the town of North Bridgewater (now
Brockton) called “ Campello,” Jan. 5, 1831; came to
Brookline, May 1, 1856. He is a lineal descendant
in the seventh generation from Henry Kingman, an
early settler of Weymouth, Mass.,
Weymouth, England, in 1635
course of study in the common schools of his native
village he attended the Adelphian Academy, under
the charge of Messrs. Silas L. & L. F. C. Loomis, in
the central village, and afterwards in the Williston
Seminary at Hast Hampton, Mass.
Lyman Mason, Esq., of Boston; attended lectures of
the late Professor Kmery Washburn, at Harvard Col-
lege; and was admitted to the Suffolk bar in Boston
April 21, 1863. Appointed justice of the peace by
Governor Andrew, Jan. 22, 1864; and was trial
justice for criminal cases for Norfolk County several
years, notary public for the same county, and is now
an attorney- and counselor-at-law, resident of Brook-
line. He is also commissioner of deeds for several
New England and Western States.
who came from
was born in that |
After the usual |
Studied law with |
|
In addition to the duties pertaining to the legal |
profession, Mr. Kingman has given much attention |
to the study of local history.
a “ History of North Bridgewater, Massachusetts,”
In 1866 he published |
|
Brookline,” soon to be published. He is also a fre-
quent contributor to magazines and newspapers. In
October, 1870, he started the first newspaper ever
_ published in the town of Brookline, known as the
, 1643, and two daughters, |
Brookline Transcript, of which he was the editor
and proprietor for over two years. Among his con-
tributions are the “ Memoir of the Late Deacon Lewis
of Plympton, Mass., “ History of An-
’ published in the “‘ History of Essex County,”
also “‘ History of North Andover” in the same work.
Mr. Kingman married Susan Bradford, daughter
of Capt. Thomas and Susanna (Bradford) Ellis, of
Plympton, Mass., Jan. 1, 1852, a direct descendant
of Governor William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass.,
in the eighth generation. They had one daughter,
Carrie Parker, born July 15, 1858; died Sept. 18,
1859.
dover,’
GEORGE BATY BLAKE.
The branch of the Blake family from which the
subject of this sketch descended was first established
in New England in the person of William Blake (a
near relative of the famous English admiral, Robert
Blake), who landed at Nantasket, May 30, 1630, and
soon after fixed his residence at Dorchester, Mass., in
that part now called Milton.
George Baty Blake, the youngest of nine children
of John Welland and Abigail (Jones) Blake, was
born at Brattleborough, Vt., May 19, 1808.
His grandfather, Joseph Blake (born Feb. 5, 1739 ;
died July 21, 1818), was a heutenant in the army at
an early age, and saw some service at Crown Point.
He married for his first wife Deborah, daughter of
Samuel Smith, a physician of Sandwich, Mass., her
mother, Bethiah Chipman, being reported by tradi-
tion to be a direct descendant of John Carver, the
first Governor of Plymouth Colony.
His father, John Welland Blake, Esq., a lawyer OF
profession, was one of the early settlers at Brattle-
borough,
1790.
place, represented the town in the State Legislature,
having established his residence there in
He was one of the first postmasters in this
_and was at one time a large owner of real estate in
the vicinity.
He married, May 24, 1790, Abigail, daughter of
Judge Daniel Jones, of Hinsdale, N. H. She died
| Dec. 14, 1808, within a few months after George's
birth, and his father Oct. 27, 1818.
George, thus early left an orphan, was nursed and
eared for during his infancy in the family of Maj.
| Stephen Greenleaf, a highly-respected citizen in the
pp. 696, and is engaged in preparing a “ History of | West Village of Brattleborough, and in after-years
884
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
he held the memory of this estimable man and his
family in grateful remembrance.
Subsequently he lived at the homestead until the
age of thirteen. His eldest sister, Anna Sophia, who,
in 1814, married Henry Cabot, son of Hon. George
Cabot, of Boston, had charge of the household during
George’s childhood, until her removal to Boston upon
her marriage, and there lived until her death, in 1845.
Mrs. Cabot is well remembered in Boston society of |
the time for her personal charms and winning social
graces.
After the death of his father, George was for a few
years particularly under the charge of his brother,
John Rice Blake. These brothers long survived the
other children, and were for twenty years or more
partners in the banking business, which George
undertook about the year 1850, in Boston, and to
which the energies of the remaining years of his
life were chiefly given.
Although George’s father had been
man of considerable wealth for the period, at his
death the family were left quite poor, so that when
Mr. Dickerman, a dry-goods dealer from Boston, who
chanced to see George, then a lad of thirteen, in
Brattleborough, offered him a place in his store, the
family gladly availed themselves of the offer, and the
at one time a
boy went to Boston.
He lived at first with his sister, Mrs. Cabot, in
High Street, Boston, and for two or three years re-
ceived from his brother John and this sister fifty
dollars a year, which was the only pecuniary help he
ever received.
He was in Mr. Dickerman’s employ a few years,
and went thence to his brother-in-law, Edward Clarke,
of the firm of Edward Clarke & Co., dry-goods im-
porters, and before he was twenty-one years of age
Mr. Clarke took him into the firm as partner, and he |
went at once to England to buy goods. From this
time, in 1828, he was constantly going to England
and the continent of Europe in the pursuance of his
business, making many acquaintances and some life-
long friendships.
Among others, he thus became acquainted with
the late George Peabody, at that time a buyer of
dry-goods for his Baltimore firm, and afterward long
resident in London, with whom Mr. Blake continued
in warm relations of friendship until Mr. Peabody’s
death, and for several years their respective firms had
extensive business relations.
May 24, 1833, Mr. Blake married his cousin, Anna
Hull, daughter of Joshua Blake, of Boston, a promi-
nent and successful merchant, doing business with
the Mediterranean ports.
]
|
father’s house in Winthrop Place, by the Rev. F. W.
P. Greenwood, of King’s Chapel, at which church
Mr. Blake then, and during his whole life, attended
service, acting for several years as vestryman, and
| by the need of revenue.
always taking a deep and lively interest in the church
and its several clergymen.
During his earlier visits in England, Mr. Blake
made the acquaintance of Richard Cobden, the dis-
tinguished English statesman, then, about the year
1835, partner in a cotton-printing establishment near
| Manchester, where he had built up a prosperous
business. Mr. Blake at this time bought goods of
Mr. Cobden, and had a great admiration for the
qualities which later won him such distinction as a
legislator and political economist.
Mr. Blake gave full adherence to Mr. Cobden’s
free-trade views, and was always of the opinion that
for any country customs duties were only to be justified
He recognized, however,
for the United States that reform in this direction, in
justice to large vested interests, must be somewhat
gradual; but he looked confidently to absolute free
trade as the true policy for all nations, and he believed
that, under such a free interchange of commodities,
the United States would soon become cotton manu-
facturers for the world.
Mr. Blake had nine children, of whom the first two
died in infancy, and the seventh, Henry Jones Blake,
died Oct. 11, 1880. He served as lieutenant in the
United States navy during the war of the Rebellion,
and had an exceilent record in the important engage-
ments in which he participated.
The youngest son, John Welland Blake, bearing
the name of his paternal grandfather, died in 1861,
aged nearly fifteen years.
The other children, three sons and two daughters,
are still surviving in the year 1884, and all the sons
were for years partners in their father’s firms in Bos-
ton, New York, and London.
This business is still continued by the sons and
their associates, selected by Mr. Blake, essentially as
established by him.
They were married at her | dry-goods.
Mr. Blake, after leaving the firm of Edward
Clarke & Co., formed a copartnership for the importa-
tion of dry-goods with Mr. William Almy, under the
firm-name of Almy, Blake & Co., and during this
time, and subsequently, he continued his frequent
passages to Kurope, having crossed the Atlantic up-
wards of eighty times during his life.
He next formed a copartnership with the late David
Nevins and Edward H. R. Lyman, under the firm-
name of George b. Blake & Co., also importers of
Mr. Lyman still survives, being a resi-
|
|
.
.
BROOKLINE. 885
dent of Brooklyn, N. Y., and has recently retired
from active business after a long and most successful
mercantile career in connection with the well-known
firm of Messrs. A. A. Low & Brothers, of New York,
in the China trade.
About the year 1846, Mr. Blake’s health, which
had always been delicate, failing him, he was obliged
to retire from active business, and in the spring of
1847 he bought an estate in Brookline, near Boston,
where he resided during the remainder of his life,
excepting the winters of the last few years; these
were passed at his home in Boston.
During this three or four years’ interval in his
active business career, Mr. Blake became a director
in the Boston and Worcester Railroad Company, and
took a most active interest in the affairs of that cor-
poration, giving much of his time and energy to the
development of its growing business. He was one
of the very earliest to favor and promote the joining
of this railroad with the Western Railroad.
The first steps taken by this corporation towards a
rail connection with Hast Boston were chiefly insti-
gated by Mr. Blake, at a time when few foresaw the
Originally a Whig in politics, and voting for Henry
Clay in the Presidential election, Mr. Blake early sym-
pathized in the views of Garrison, Sumner, and the
others who looked upon African slavery in the United
| States as a barbarism.
|
prospective erowth of the export trade from the West, |
which his sagacity enabled him to anticipate.
The construction of the Brookline Branch of the
Boston and Worcester Railroad was also largely due
to his energy and foresight.
In 1850, Mr. Blake associated himself with Mr.
Addison Gilmore, president of «the Western (now
Boston and Albany) Railroad, and Mr. George Cabot
Ward, son of Thomas G. Ward, Boston agent of
Messrs. Baring Brothers & Co., of London, for the |
prosecution of a foreign and domestic banking busi-
The firm-name was Gilmore, Blake & Ward.
ness.
Mr. Gilmore dying very suddenly shortly after this |
firm was established, the name was changed to Blake,
Ward & Co., and later to Blake, Howe & Co.
At this time his brother, John Rice Blake, came
from Brattleborough and joined him as a partner, the
firm-name being later changed to Blake Brothers &
Co., the three eldest sons joining as partners about the
year 1860.
One of the leading aims of Mr. Blake throughout
his business career was to advance in every possible
way the commercial interests of Boston. He was
largely instrumental in securing and maintaining the
regular visits of the Cunard steamers to that port.
With many other law-abiding citizens of Massachu-
setts, his sense of justice was shocked by the enforce-
ment of the fugitive-slave law in Boston in returning
Anthony Burns to servitude. He endeavored to pre-
vent this, by offering, through a friend, to buy Burns
of his owner, who then refused to sell his property at
any price.
When the State of Massachusetts was rapidly for-
warding troops for the suppression of the Rebellion,
and was incurring a large debt for bounties and other
war expenses, the money market had become exceed-
ingly active, so that the State, for providing money
on their notes having a few months to run, paid as
high as twelve per cent. per annum.
At this time it became necessary for funding its
indebtedness that the State should promptly secure
some three or four millions of dollars. This was
finally done by a sale to Mr. Blake’s firm, by Gov-
ernor Andrew and his Council, of three millions of
dollars of five per cent. sterling bonds, and Mr. Blake
was appointed by the State authorities agent for the
State, with authority to domiciliate the loan with
either of several London banking firms selected by
him, foremost among whom were the Messrs. Baring
and Rothschild.
Mr. Blake went at once to London on this mission,
but found the time most unfavorable for such negoti-
ations, the Bank of England having suddenly advanced
the rate of interest to ten per cent. He, however,
finally succeeded in making arrangements with the
Messrs. Baring, through whom the loan was success-
fully negotiated.
Mr. Blake always felt that the deserved high credit
of Massachusetts was largely due to the high integrity
and strong sense of Governor Andrew, in insisting
upon gold for the payment of both principal and in-
terest of the funded debt of the State throughout the
general suspension of specie payments in the United
States during the Rebellion.
Possessed of a character of unswerving integrity,
Mr. Blake stood as an example of the highest com-
_ mercial honor, and the many young men whom he
During the civil war he was always most warmly
interested in the preservation of the Union, and ac- |
tively aided, both with his purse and by personal ser-
vice, the Sanitary Commission and other organizations
for the relief and welfare of the soldiers.
educated during his long business career all testify
to the warm interest which he took in lending a
helping hand to those who needed his assistance.
Devoted and affectionate in his family, it was per-
haps in the home circle that his character appeared
‘to best advantage, and those who were in the habit
886
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
of meeting him there will ever cherish the pleasant
memories of his sprightly humor and friendly interest.
Reverent and devout by temperament, he was a_
regular attendant upon religious services, and, al-
though he never identified himself with the church
by active membership, his whole life testified to his
sincere and earnest belief in the truths of Christianity.
Mr. Blake died at his residence in Brookline, Aug.
6, 1875, his death resulting from an attack of paral-
ysis at his office in Boston two days previous. He
was interred in the family burial-lot at Mount Au-
burn Cemetery.
His wife died two years before, June 7, 1873, at |
the Brookline home.
EXTRACTS FROM OBITUARY NOTICES PUBLISHED
IN THE BOSTON NEWSPAPERS.
Boston Globe, Aug. 7, 1875.
“GrorGeE Baty BLAKE.
“The announcement of the death of George Baty Blake, the
senior member of the firm of Blake Brothers & Co., bankers,
will cause a wide-spread feeling of sorrow in the business and
social circles of Boston. It is not often that we are called upon |
to record the death of a Boston merchant who has quietly and
unostentatiously promoted the substantial interests of this city
in the effective manner which was characteristic of Mr. Blake.
... George Baty Blake was a strong man, one whose clearly-
defined individuality and indomitable will would have made
his power, nerve, and brain felt in any walk in life which he
might have chosen.
“Tn both the dry-goods trade and the banking business he
was very successful, although through nearly his whole life he
labored with the disadvantage of a physical infirmity which
would have paralyzed the efforts of men with a weaker will or
a less active brain.
“What he has done for Boston can hardly be summed up in
a few words or particularized in any special manner, since |
one of the leading aims of his life has always been to advance
her interests. He was early a director in the Boston and Albany |
Railroad, where his ripe judgment and eminent business quali- |
ties were utilized to advance the interests of the road and of
Boston.
He was also largely instrumental in securing the reg-
ular visits of the European steamers to this port, and in numer- |
ous ways used his utmost influence to promote Boston’s welfare.
“During the darkest days of the war Mr. Blake never lost
courage, but remained firm in his conviction and hope that the
Union would be preserved intact, and he was, in those trying
times, ever self-sacrificing, patriotic, and generous in upholding
the cause he believed in so thoroughly.
“Mr. Blake was a man of the strictest integrity, was upright
in all his dealings with men of all classes, and gentlemen who
have dealt with and associated with him more or less for a quar-
ter of acentury, or more, speak in the highest terms of his busi- |
ness capacity and fidelity to principle, fairness, and justice.
«. . . Boston has certainly lost in Mr. Blake one of her
most positive, self-reliant, and enterprising business men,—one
who achieved where many others failed, and one whose integ-
rity, industry, and perseverance may well be copied by the
younger business men of this city who are coming into the
places he and others like him are vacating as the weeks, months,
and years pass on.”
Boston Daily Advertiser, Aug. 11, 1875.
“The recent removal by death of Mr. George Baty Blake
from business circles will turn back the memories of many
men over the last fifty years of the commercial history of
Boston.
“The youngest of nine children of a highly respectable
family in Brattleborough, Vt., he came to Boston in 1821, with
nothing but his own exertions to depend upon.
“Amid the numerous temptations which a city life offers to
young men, he kept himself pure and his moral character free
| from reproach.
“ His aspirations were high, and were aided by an innate re-
finement which distinguished him through life. His manners
| and bearing were always those of a gentleman, and nothing
coarse or vulgar ever found favor with him.
“Probably there is no society in the world where the Hng-
| lish language is spoken in which Mr. Blake would not have
| borne himself with credit.
In
the long course of his business career he never failed to meet
“Of his commercial sagacity there is no need to speak.
| his engagements promptly, and during the years in which he
ores J to) y
acted as director of the Boston and Worcester Railroad his
judgment, energy, and decision were such as to command the
respect of his associates in an unusual degree.
“Mr. Blake delighted to select young men, to give them a
chance of advancement and to feel that they owed their success
to him.
“During an acquaintance of nearly thirty years, of which
seventeen were passed in close and daily intercourse, the writer
of this notice never received from him a harsh or unkind word.
“To his inferiors in station he was uniformly kind and cour-
teous, a fact to which many attached dependants can bear wit-
ness.
“Tn his family relations he was affectionate almost without
limit, and as a father at once indulgent and firm.
“Without theological bigotry, Mr. Blake was decidedly a
religious man. His attendance at church was regular, and quite
as much from pleasure as duty. He has often been heard to
speak with emotion of sermons which especially pleased him.
His reverence for sacred things, though unostentatious, was
real, and any man who acted from conscientious motives was
sure of respectful treatment from him.
“He professed to be, and we believe was, governed by a sense
of responsibility to a higher power.
“We are quite sure that his descendants will attach less value
to the pecuniary inheritance which devolves upon them than
to the memory which they can thus cherish and hold in honor.”
JEREMIAH GRIDLEY.
Jeremiah Gridley, or “ Jeremy,” as he was famil-
iarly known, or “ Uncle Jerry,” was born in Roxbury
about 1703, and was a brother of Col. Richard Grid-
ley, the famous engineer during the Revolutionary
war. It has been a source of dispute as to where
he died. ‘Tudor, in his life of Otis, says he was a
Boston inhabitant and died there. Dr. Eliot, in his
biography, says he died in Boston, and further, ‘ that
his legal knowledge was unquestionable,” and adds that
‘“he died poor because he despised wealth.”
The records of the town of Brookline say he died
there Sept. 10, 1767, aged sixty-four years. He
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BROOKLINE.
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—__——-
was a graduate of Harvard College, 1725. In 1731, he | Mr. Gridley was a prominent member of the
became editor of the Rehearsal, a weekly newspaper |
First Lodge, May 11, 1748, and its Grand Master
He was also engaged as an
published in Boston.
assistant in the grammar school in that town. He |
studied theology and became a preacher of the gos-
pel ; afterwards studied law, and became one of the |
most distinguished lawyers of his day. He had a
very accurate and extensive knowledge of his profes- |
sion, of great ability, an easy and graceful writer, |
and was fully imbued with the spirit of classical lit-
erature. He had a very extensive and well-selected
library of classical works, and was familiar with their
contents. He acquired a great reputation in his pro-
fession, and is now alluded to as the “‘ Webster of his
day.” He had a powerful, clear, and discriminating
mind. Asa speaker, he was exceedingly rough, un-—
graceful, hesitating in his manner, but energetic and |
impressive in his peculiarly emphatic use of language,
and when addressing the court his manner is said to
have been rather magisterial than otberwise.
The records of Brookline bear witness of the fre-—
quency with which her citizens called him into posi-
tions of trust and importance, and from 1755 to the |
year of his death he was often moderator of their
town-meetings, and was their representative to the |
General Court in 1755-57 and 1767. He was |
elected selectman and assessor in 1760-61 and 1767.
He was also one of the committee having in charge
the Edward Devotion fund, left for the schools of the |
town of Brookline.
In 1742 he was chosen attorney-general of the
province for one year, and in 1767 he was appointed
to the same office by the Governor and Council.
Besides his civil offices, he was a colonel in the |
First Massachusetts Militia, which included Brook- |
line.
In 1743 the American Magazine and Historical
Chronicle was started, and it is said Mr. Gridley was —
the editor.
His eminence in his profession rendered his office
a favorite place of resort for students, and some of |
the most distinguished lawyers in Massachusetts re-
ceived their professional education under his instruc- |
tion, among whom may be mentioned Chief Justice |
Pratt, James Otis, Oxenbridge Thacher, and William |
Cushing.
Mr. Gridley was ranked with the Whig party of |
that day, but having argued the cause of Writs of
Assistance, he lost the confidence of his political
friends.
John Adams was presented to the court at Boston
for admission to the bar, and, on the motion of Mr.
Gridley and his recommendation, he was admitted.
Masonic fraternity, having been a Master in the
Oct. 11, 1754.
Mr. Gridley was a man of fine social qualities, and
beloved by all those connected with him by social or
domestic ties.
CAPT. RUFUS GEORGE FREDERICK CANDAGE.
Capt. Rufus George Frederick Candage, the sub-
_ ject of this sketch, was the son of Samuel Roundy
and Phebe Weir (Parker) Candage, born in Blue Hill,
| Me., July 28,1826. The name of Candage was orig-
inally “Cavendish,” and later ‘‘ Candish,” and now
Candage. Among the early settlers of Massachu-
setts we find John Candage a ship-carpenter and
landed proprietor at Charlestown, Mass., in 1660,
afterwards at Marblehead, Salem, and Lynn, in all of
At Marblehead,
Mass., in 1691, Thomas Candage was engaged in the
All of this name are descendants
of the early name of Cavendish, of good old English
blood. In 1766, James Candage, Jr., first settled in
Blue Hill, Me. His father, James, and wife, Eliza-
which towns this name appears.
fishery business.
_ beth, soon followed, in 1769, and took up his residence
| at that place.
James, Jr., was born May 9, 1753; married Han-
_nah (born Aug. 4, 1753), daughter of John Roundy,
who also settled at Blue Hill in 1762. He died in
1818; she died in March, 1851. He, with Joseph
Wood, and their families, all of Beverly, Mass.,
became the first white settlers of Blue Hill. The
children of James, Jr., and Hannah (Roundy) Can-
dage were: (1) Elizabeth, born Sept. 16, 1775; (2)
Gideon, born March 17, 1778, died Oct. 26, 1782;
(3) Samuel Roundy, born Jan. 15,1781; Phebe Weir
Parker; (4) Gideon, born Aug. 18,1783; (5) Sarah,
_ born Jan. 4, 1786; (6) James, born April 30,1788,
died Aug. 1, 1798; (7) Azor, born April 8, 1791;
(8) John, born Dec. 21, 1793, died Dec. 20, 1798.
Samuel Roundy Candage, the father of Capt. Can-
dage, married, Feb. 29, 1816, Phebe Weir, daughter
of Simeon and Mary (Perkins) Parker, and grand-
daughter of Hon. Oliver Parker, of Castine, Me., a
judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1800 to
1815, who was a native of Worcester, Mass., 1728.
The children of this marriage were: (1) Simeon
| Parker, born Nov. 21, 1816, died Dec. 31, 1842; lost
_at sea; (2) John Walker, born March 15, 1818, died
| April 20, 1822;
' 1819, died at Fortune Island, one of the Bahamas,
(3) James Roundy, born April 8,
888
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Nov. 14, 1856; (4) Samuel Parker Brooks, born
Jan.
Parker, born Oct. 26, 1822, died Jan. 30,1878; (6)
Dorothy Perkins, born Feb. 16, 1825, died Aug. 28,
1826; (7) Rufus George Frederick, born July 28,
1826; (8) Samuel Franklin, born Jan. 21, 1828,
died May 7, 1863, at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands ;
(9) John Brooks, born June 24,1829, died July 23,
1870, at Australia; (10) Mary Perkins, born Aug.
25, 1821, died Sept. 1, 1826; (5) Robert |
12, 1831, died Sept. 4, 1831; (11) Hannah Roundy,
born Aug. 12, 1831, died Sept. 4, 1831;
Charles Edward, born April 20, 1833, died April 14,
1862, at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. The father
died Dee. 23, 1852.
the only one living. Seven of these children grew to
manhood, and became commanders of vessels in the
merchant service. Capt. R. G. F. Candage married,
first, Elizabeth Augusta, born Jan. 17, 1829, daughter
of Elijah, Jr., and Mary (Richards) Corey, of Brook-
line, Mass., May 1, 1853. The wife died Nov. 18,
1871. , He married, second, Ella M., daughter of |
Benjamin and Sarah K. (Hall) White, of Revere,
Mass., May 22, 1873. Children: (1) George Fred-
erick Candage, born May 25,1874; (2) Ella Augusta
Candage, born Nov. 1,1875; (3) Phebe Teresa Can-
dage, born Oct. 12,1877: (4) Robert Brook Can-
dage, born Dec. 23, 1878; (5) Sarah Hall Candage,
vv,
born Dec. 25, 1880, deceased; (6) Sarah Caroline |
Candage, born Feb. 2, 1882.
Capt. Candage passed the first twelve years of his
life on his father’s farm and in tending the saw-mill
near by, attending school three months in the sum-
Upon |
mer and two or three months in the winter.
arriving at the age of twelve, his father requiring his
services in the mill and on the farm, he had to con-
tent himself with three months’ schooling in the
year for five years, to which were added two terms in
(12)
The mother died Oct. 2, 1850. |
Of this large family, the subject of this notice is |
a cargo of paving-blocks. This was at the age of
twenty-four. From thence he commenced on foreign
voyages, the first being to Valparaiso, Chili, Jan. 18,
1851.
He has made three voyages around the world;
eight voyages round Cape Horn to the westward, and
five to the eastward, making thirteen times both ways
that he has doubled that cape. He has made several
voyages to San Francisco, three to Callao and the
Chinchas, three to China, two to Australia, three to
In all he has sailed over three hundred
thousand miles of ocean.
The following vessels are some he has sailed in:
Sloops, ‘‘ Fame,” “ Pink,” and “ Credit ;’ schooners,
‘“‘ Passamaquoddy,”’ “ Edward,” ‘“‘ Zodiac,” and “ Zu-
lette;” half-brigs, ‘‘ Curagoa,” ‘ Delhi,” ‘ Tavella,”
and ‘* Hquator ;” square-rigged brig, “ Pioneer ;” bark,
India, ete.
‘Chesapeake ;” ships, “ Kentucky,” “Java,” ‘“ Towa,”
“ Hoogly,” ‘ Wizard,” “ Jamestown,” “ Electric
Spark,” and ‘“ National Eagle.”
The ports visited and voyages made by Capt. Can-
dage during his quarter of a century of sea-life are as
follows :
Ports in Maine —Blue Hill, Orland, Calais, East-
port, Hast Thomaston, St. George, Boothbay, Port-
land, ete., and Portsmouth, N. H.
Ports in Massachusetts.—Gloucester, Salem, Dan-
vers, Beverly, Boston.
Other Ports in United States.—New York, Phila-
delphia, Baltimore, Alexandria, Va., Hampton Roads,
Norfolk, Charleston, 8S. C., Mobile, and New Orleans,
and Sisal, in Yucatan.
Ports in the West Indies.—Bermuda, St. Martin,
Cardenas, Cuba, Kingston, Falmouth, and Montego
| Bay, Jamaica.
the Blue Hill Academy, and that completed his early |
education. His father having been a mariner in his
early life, and all his older brothers following the sea,
he chose the same occupation, and determined on
seeing the world. When he arrived at eighteen he
started on his career for life as a mariner, sailing
between Boston and ports of Maine, and gradually
going farther from home, all along the whole coast of
the United States, visiting all the principal ports. We
soon find our young friend engaging in longer voyages,
and to foreign countries, and in course of time his old
friends built a vessel for him, a brig, named the
‘““Kquator.” It was while at home at this time that
his mother died quite suddenly. The first voyage of
our young captain was from Blue Hill to Boston, with
Mediterranean Ports.—Gibraltar, Malaga, Port
Mahon.
European Ports.—Cork, Liverpool, London, Leith,
Neweastle, Shields, Glasgow, ete., Cherbourg, and
Havre.
South American Ports.—Rio de Janeiro, Monte-
video, Valparaiso, Callao, and Chincha Islands, Pisco.
Northwest Coast of America.—San_ Francisco,
Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, and Port Gamble,
Puget Sound.
Oceanica.—Sandwich Island, Baker’s Island, and
in Australia, Adelaide and Melbourne.
China.—Shanghai, Tsung-Ming, Woo-Sung, Hong-
Kong, Whampoa, Canton.
India.—Angie, Java, Calcutta, and Bombay.
Many of these ports were visited several times.
The last voyage made at sea as commander was in
the ship ‘“ National Hagle,’ of which he was part
BROOKLINE.
889
owner, arriving in Boston from Liverpool, England,
in May, 1867. He gave up seafaring life and_be-
came a resident of Brookline, June 1, 1867, where
he now resides.
Capt. Candage has frequently been elected to fill
offices of trust and responsibility, and still holds
several public positions.
of Doric Lodge, F. and A. M., New York City, 1853 ;
He was elected a member |
|
member of American Shipmasters’ Association, 1861 ; _
Boston Marine Society, 1867; president of the same,
1883. The same year was treasurer of Boston Fire- |
Brick and Clay Retort Manufacturing Company. In
1873 elected president of the same; 1868, marine
inspector of the “ Record of American and Foreign
Shipping.”
spector by the Boston Board of Marine Underwriters ;
held that office ten years.
of the school committee of Brookline for five years
(three years chairman) ; also trustee of Public Library.
The same year appointed marine in-_
In 1871 chosen member |
In 1872 elected assessor of town of Brookline, and |
declined. in 1876, one of the managers of Boston
Port and Seaman’s Aid Society ; resigned in 1883.
In 1877 was elected a member of the New England
Historic Genealogical Society ; regent of the Saga-
more Council, Royal Arcanum, of Brookline. In
1880-82, selectman of Brookline. In 1881, treas-
urer of Boston Seaman’s Bethel Relief Society, and
president of Boston Terra Cotta Company ; president
of Massachusetts Safety Fund Association. In 1882-
83, representative to the General Court from Brook-
line; was on Committee on Harbors and Public Lands,
and Committee on Rules. In December, 1882, he was
appointed surveyor for the Bureau Veritas of Paris,
surance Company of Boston. In March, 1884. he
was elected assessor of the town of Brookline.
COL. THOMAS ASPINWALL.
Col. Thomas Aspinwall, the son of Dr. William and
Susanna (Gardner) Aspinwall, was born on the old
‘« Aspinwall homestead,” in Brookline, Mass.,—which
has been in that family since 1650,—May 23, 1786.
He received his early education at the common
schools of that town, and fitted for college at Leicester
Academy. He entered Harvard College as a sopho-
more in 1801, in the same class with his brother, Dr.
William Aspinwall, Jr., who became a physician, but
died when a young man, in 1818. He took his
degree of A.B. in 1804, and received the high honor
of Latin salutatory at commencement. Three years
later he delivered the Latin oration on receiving the
degree of A.M. Immediately upon graduating he
entered the law-office of William Sullivan, Esq., in
Boston, and in due time was admitted to the Suffolk
bar, and became the law partner of Mr. Sullivan.
It was about this time he became a member of the
‘“‘Tndependent Cadets’ of Boston. This corps was in
constant training, as war had been threatened long
_ before 1812. Immediately after Madison’s war procla-
France, for district of Massachusetts and Rhode Is- |
land.
ernor Long was to appoint Capt. Candage a justice of
the peace ; 1883, president of the Boston Marine
Society.
He has always been interested in matters of public |
In January, 1883, the last official act of Gov- |
|
improvements, and in the general welfare of the com- |
munity, having often presided as moderator of town-
meetings, chairman of the Republican town com-
_ storming of the British intrenchments.
mittee for eight years, and being a member of the |
Republican State Central Committee from Second
Norfolk District, beside delegate to many State, |
Congressional, county, councillor, and senatorial con-
ventions.
In 1877-79 he was W. M. of Beth-Horan Lodge of |
F. and A. M., of Brookline, and since that time
Being a member of the Baptist Church,
he has held several offices in the same.
Chaplain.
He is now a
member of the Thursday Literary Club. For seven
years he has been a director of the Franklin Fire In-
mation was issued, Col. Aspinwall, who was then adju-
tant with the rank of captain, applied for a commis-
sion in the army of the United States, and was soon
appointed a major of the Ninth Regiment of Infantry,
which he was largely instrumental in recruiting and
With this regi-
ment he entered the service, and served his country
in its efficiency of training exercise.
manfully, faithfully, and gallantly. He was in several
actions. He was at Sackett’s Harbor in 1813, and for
his bravery there he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel.
On the 10th of August, 1814, when the British
assaulted Fort Erie, Col. Aspinwall commanded
‘“‘Scott’s Brigade,” and on the memorable 17th-of
September following he led Miller’s column at the
It was on
this occasion that he lost bis left arm.
The volunteers of the year 1813 from what are
now the four Bridgewaters, Haston, Stoughton, Can-
_ton, and Sharon, all enlisted in Col. Aspinwall’s
regiment, and whenever any of the soldiers talked
over the matters of the battles of that year and Col.
Aspinwall’s name was mentioned, their countenances
would brighten, and all bore ample testimony to his
bravery as a soldier and to his great ability as an
officer. He outlived all the soldiers in his command.
It is said that at the battle of Sackett’s Harbor the
890
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
British troops were veterans, and that, knowing Col. |
Aspinwall’s regiment and the other regiments were
new levies, they determined to frighten them from
their position taken in some new log barracks in an
open space near the town, and for that purpose the
British troops marched up to the new levies and made |
desperate efforts to dislodge them, and the battle was
fought for more than an hour by a portion of both |
armies discharging their muskets in each other’s faces.
During this action neither Col. Aspinwall nor his men |
budged an inch. ‘The stentorian voice of their leader
could be heard encouraging his men amid the roar of
musketry almost in his face and eyes.
Peace was soon after declared, the army was re-
duced, but Col. Aspinwall was tendered a permanent
position ; but considering the life of a soldier in time
of peace an indolent life, and the only service being
on the frontier, he decided to retire to active civil
life.
turned to the practice of his profession.
He therefore resigned his commission and re- |
Soon after he had re-established himself he was |
appointed consul and agent of claims at London, in
June, 1815, and immediately entered upon the duties
of that consulate January Ist following. He con-
tinued to perform the duties of that office with exem- |
plary fidelity and to the acceptance of all whose duties |
required his agency, until the 2d day of August, 1853,
when President Franklin Pierce called him home
without assigning any reason, but which really was
to make room for one of his political friends. During
the interval of time in which he was in office it was |
pleasant to mark the universal respect and cordial |
good will which existed towards him.
In 1854 he returned to America and took up his |
residence in Boston, where he resided till his death.
Previous to his leaving London, Messrs. Baring |
Brothers & Company, George Peabody, Nathan Meyer, |
Rothschild & Sons, and thirty-three other firms and
individuais presented Col. Aspinwall a token of their
regard and respect in an elegant service of plate, ac-
companied by the following letter :
‘“ Dear Sir,—Having been informed that you are about to
return to your native country, we cannot allow you to depart
without offering you the expression of our sincere esteem and
regard ; and we avail ourselves of the occasion to tender you
our best thanks for your uniform courtesy and kindness in all
our intercourse with you during a long period, in which you
have filled the important post of consul-general in this city.
“You have administered the arduous duties of your office
with dignity, ability, and integrity unimpeached; you have
lent a willing and patient attention to appeals for relief in all
cases of distress, granting freely ycur counsel and your money,
inviting others to aid you when needful. Wishing to mark our
sense of your merits and of the efficiency with which you have
discharged your duties by some lasting memorial, we request
your acceptance of a service of plate; and permit us at the
same time to offer our best wishes for the future health and
_ happiness of yourself and of your family.
“ Lonpon, December, 1853.”
Col. Aspinwall was not only a venerable patriot
and learned in military science, but was well versed
_in the history of the country, and was always ready
to communicate his information to others. He was
an active and useful member of the Massachusetts
Historical Society, having been elected a correspond-
ing member during his residence in London, in July,
| 1835, and soon after his return home, in 1855, he was
chosen a resident member. At the time of his death
| he had been connected with this society longer than
any other member. He served the society on the
standing committee for four years, and was one of the
publishing committee during the publishing of three
volumes of their collections.
from 1862 to 1870. During his resident member-
ship he made valuable contributions to the collections
He was vice-president
_of the society, such as the papers on the Narragan-
sett Patent, and on William Vassall, also his tribute
_to his much cherished friend, Gen. Winfield Scott,
on the occasion of his death.
In the ninth and tenth volumes of the fourth series
of the society’s collections may be found a large col-
lection of valuable material gathered during his resi-
dence in England, entitled ‘The Aspinwall Papers,”
which will ever keep his name in fresh remembrance
These
were edited and annotated after he had reached his
in the minds of his friends and the public.
eighty-fifth year.
Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861
he tendered his services to Gen. Scott, at the age of
seventy-five, which were not accepted, but during the
progress of the war he ever manifested a lively in-
terest in, and kept himself informed of, all that was
going on,-—the movement of the armies, ete.
The following resolution was passed by the Massa-
chusetts Historical Society in testimony of the respect
| with which he was regarded by that learned body :
4
“« Resolved, That in the death of the venerable Thomas Aspin-
wall this society has lost one of its oldest and most respected
members, to whom we are indebted for important and valuable
services, and whose memory is worthy of being cherished as
that of a gallant soldier in his youth, a faithful publie servant
abroad in his manhood, and a useful and patriotic citizen at
| home in his more advanced years.”
In January, 1873, Col. Aspinwall’s health began to
give way to infirmity, although he was seen daily on
the streets of Boston for exercise, but recognizing
scarcely any one outside of his family, and remember-
ing but little or nothing of things of the past.
His sickness was but of a short duration, only four
BROOKLINE.
891
days and a half was he confined to his bed. His last
hours were so calm and peaceful that one could hardly
notice when he breathed his last. He died on Friday,
the 11th day of August, 1876, at his residence, 33 |
Hancock Street, Boston, aged ninety years, two
months, and nineteen days. His funeral took place
at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Brookline, on
Monday following his death, at four o'clock in the
afternoon. The church was well filled with relatives
and friends from Boston and elsewhere, and by prom.
inent citizens of the town generally.
The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. |
J. G. Littell, of Wilmington, Del., in the absence of |
the pastor.
service at the church the body, which was placed in |
an elegant casket, was taken in charge by the follow-
ing pall-bearers: Hon. George Tyler Bigelow, ex-
Maj.-Gen. H. W. Benham, United States army ; Hon.
| in their commendations.
Josiah Quincy, Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, Amos A.
Lawrence, Esq., and Samuel S. Shaw, Esq.
The remains are in the family lot in “ Walnut |
Hills’’ Cemetery, Brookline.
DR. WILLIAM ASPINWALL.
here be remembered that the first course of anatom-
ical lectures ever given in this country were delivered
only four years previous to that time, in that city, by
Dr. William Shippen. The following certificate from
Dr. Shippen shows the estimation of the ability of
Dr. Aspinwall :
“This may Certify, that Mr. William Aspinwall has attended
with uncommon diligence my course of Lectures on Anatomy
and Surgery, also my course of midwifery, which, added to his
close attention to all the other medical lectures, and to the prac-
| tice of the Pennsylvania Hospital, has amply fitted him to
practice physic, surgery, and midwifery with credit and repu-
tation.
irreproachable conduct since his arrival in Philadelphia, to be
I can with pleasure add, that he promises fair, by his
° : | in every other respect a useful and agreeable member of society.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the | ee) sf een he Seeks ya a : ba
“PHILADELPHIA, 27 May, 1769.”
Professors Kuhn and Morgan are no less explicit
The following certificate of
chief justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts ; _ Professor William Bond also confirms the foregoing
opinions, after Mr. Aspinwall’s attendance upon his
course of clinical lectures :
“He has, on these and many other occasions, given me so
many proofs of his capacity, assiduity, and improvement in the
healing arts, that I with pleasure give him this testimonial of
my esteem and affection ; and do hereby recommend him, on my
good faith, to the publick, as a judicious young physician and
| surgeon, who has taken indefatigable pains in acquiring a
The subject of this notice was the son of Thomas —
_turned to his native town, and immediately com-
and Joanna (Gardner) Aspinwall, born in Brookline,
May 23, 1743, on the farm where five generations of
the name have lived, which building is now standing, |
and is owned by one of the Aspinwall family, a name-—
sake of the doctor.
distance from the spot where Peter the ancestor
resided for a short time during the building of this
The old house is but a short |
knowledge of the different branches of his profession.”
Having completed his course of medical studies
and attendance on lectures in Philadelphia, he re-
menced a course of successful practice at the age of
twenty-six, which soon extended far and wide, often
requiring a journey of forty miles to visit his patients.
These he usually performed on horseback, carrying
_ his medicines in saddle-bags,—a custom in early days,
house, and is on an avenue named in honor of the |
family. Dr. Aspinwall fitted for college under the
direction of Rev. Amos Adams, pastor of the “ First
Church in Roxbury,” entered college in 1760, and |
graduated in 1764, receiving his degrees of Master |
and Bachelor of Arts in their usual order. Among his |
classmates we may mention Bishop Parker, Governor
Strong, of Massachusetts, and Shearjashub Bourne,
a member of Congress. Immediately upon leaving
college, having decided on the medical profession as
one for which he had a decided preference, he entered
the office of, and pursued his studies with, the justly
and highly-celebrated Dr. Benjamin Gale, of Killing-
worth, Conn., completing his education at the hospital —
in Philadelphia, where he received the degree of
doctor of medicine in the University of Pennsylvania
about 1768.
tures in that city in the winter of 1768-69.
He attended a course of medical lec-
Tt will |
when apothecary-shops were not as numerous as they
are to-day.
At the breaking out of the war of the Revolution
an enthusiastic impulse seized upon the doctor to such
a degree that all personal and professional considera-
tions were lost or forgotten in that all-absorbing and
patriotic sentiment which had led thousands to rally
to the country’s rescue. Being young, ardent, and
patriotic, he went with the Brookline men, “ not
standing on the order of their going,’ not by the
road, but by the shortest way, as the bee flies, across
fields, jumping fences, and over the river, and were
soon in Cambridge, and joined those who saw the
enemy safe in Charlestown. In the skirmish at Cam-
bridge the doctor was actively engaged in the combat.
In this skirmish Capt. Isaac Gardner was _ killed,
On
Dr. Aspinwall’s return to Cambridge, he sought and
found the body of Capt. Gardner, and had it carried
pierced by twelve bullets and bayonet wounds.
892
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
from the field to his afflicted family, which consisted
of a wife and eight children. Dr. Aspinwall early
|
|
applied for a commission in the army, but his personal |
friend, Dr. Joseph Warren, afterwards Maj.-Gen.
finally decided to serve his country in the medical
department. He was appointed surgeon in Gen.
Heath’s brigade, and very soon became deputy di-
rector in the hospital at Jamaica Plain.
His appointment as surgeon of the hospital at
Roxbury by the Congress of the colony of Massa-
chusetts Bay bears the autograph of James Warren, |
president, and is dated at Watertown, June 28, 1775.
On the 19th day of August, 1775, he was surgeon
to St. Thomas’ Hospital, otherwise known as ‘“‘ Amer-
ican Hospital.”
The deep personal interest which he took in the
war between the two nations acting upon a mind
deeply imbued with a sense of his country’s wrongs,
gave strength and tone to his sentiments that were |
of immense value to him in the later part of his life.
Dr. Aspinwall’s language on political subjects was |
oD fo)
bold and strong, his creed being that of a Democratic-
Republican. In the unhappy scenes of party excite-
ment he not only unwaveringly adhered to what he
deemed original and fundamental principles, but he
aimed to preserve a good conscience, and to do jus-
tice to the honest opinions, the pure motives, and un-
doubted integrity of his opponents. He was not a
political persecutor, and when he was in the councils
of the State resolutely declined acting with his coad-
jutors, who were disposed to drive from office incum-
bents whose only fault was what they deemed politi-
cal heresy.
Soon after the death of Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, also
a native of Brookline, that eminent and distinguished
physician and first inoculator of smallpox in America,
Dr. Aspinwall established himself in that undertaking,
and erected hospitals for that purpose on his own
estate, one of which has been standing within the
One of
memory of a person now living in this town.
these pest-hospitals was on the left-hand side of As- |
| ready to conclude that it is a mild species of smallpox, hitherto
pinwall Avenue, between Toxteth Street and the rail-
road bridge. Another was near to the corner of Perry |
Street and the same avenue. He was very success-
ful in his treatment of cases of this disorder, and his
fame soon spread to a great distance. His practice
was the inoculation of the genuine article of small-
pox virus, so as to bring about the disease by desigh,
and have it treated scientifically, instead of awaiting
in expectation of receiving it, and being in constant
dread and fear of the contagion. Probably there was
no physician in the United States who had inocu-
lated so many persons as Dr. Aspinwall, and no one
who had acquired such a celebrity in the treatment
of this malignant disease. In 1788 the doctor was
allowed to keep an open hospital by vote of the town,
Warren, dissuaded him from this pursuit, and he
inoculation by Dr. Waterhouse, of Cambridge.
as appears by the following:
“Voted, that Doet® William Aspinwall have Liberty and he
is hereby Granted Liberty to continue Inoculating with the
Small Pox as Usual.”
To this hospital large numbers resorted, and from
which they returned with warm expressions of satis-
faction.
Dr. Aspinwall continued in the successful treat-
ment of this disease till the introduction of vaccine
He
had made ample accommodation for an enlarged prac-
‘
tice, and established what might have been justly
deemed a sure foundation for prosperity when vac-
cine inoculation was first introduced. He well knew
that if vaccination possessed the virtues ascribed to it
his schemes of fortune and usefulness arising from in-
oculation were at an end, he should be involved in a
loss, and his anticipations of a fortune be blasted. But
asan honest man and faithful physician, he deemed it
his duty to inquire into the efficacy of the novel sub-
stitute. With the utmost alacrity, therefore, he gave
the experiment a fair trial, promptly acknowledged
its efficacy, and relinquished his own establishment.
An article published in the Medical Intelligencer
from Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse well illustrates the
honesty of Dr. Aspinwall, which is as follows:
“The late Dr. Aspinwall, a man of great sagacity, and un-
commonly well grounded in the principles of his profession,
gave evidence of it on the first sight of a vaccine pustule. I
had invited all the elder physicians of Boston and the vicinity
of Cambridge to see the first vaccine pustules ever raised in the
New World.
usual eruption on the skin; all but Dr. Aspinwall, whose atten-
They gave them the ordinary inspection of an un-
tion was riveted on the pustule, its areola and efflorescence. He
came a second time, and viewed the inoculated part in every
light, and reviewed it, and seemed loath to leave the sight of
it.
edly, ‘This pustule is so like smallpox, and yet it is not small-
He seemed wrapped in serious thought, and said repeat-
pox, that, should it, on seabbing, take out a part of the true
skin, so as to leave an indelible mark or pit behind, I shall be
unknown here.’
“He had been in the habit of examining the smallpox pimple
and pustule through glasses, to see if it had taken, and he re-
marked that they were peculiar, unique, and unlike any erup-
tion he ever saw, but this kine pock came the nearest to them.
Some time after I gave him a portion of the virus, to make his
own experiments and observe the progress of its inoculation
and coincidence of the constitutional symptoms, when he ob-
served that its progress, febrile affection, and mode of scabbing
were very dike smallpox, and so of the indelible mark left on
the arm, yet throughout the whole visible affection different.
To crown the whole of his honorable conduct, he, some time
after, took all those of my family whom I had vaccinated into
BROOKLINE.
893
his smallpox hospital, the only licensed one in the State, and
there tested them to his satisfaction, and one to the verge of |
rigid experiment, and then he said to me and to others, ‘This |
Asa man of humanity |
T rejoice in it, although it will take from me a handsome annual
new inoculation of yours is no sham.
income.’
superior intelligence, generosity, and honor as to excite my es-
His conduct throughout was so strongly marked with
teem and respect, and [ accordingly dedicate this effusion of
gratitude to the memory of the Hon. William Aspinwall, M.D.,
a gentleman, respectable in public life as a counselor, and an |
honor to his profession as a physician.”
Of Dr. Aspinwall’s religious life it may with truth
be said he was always religious, and at an early age
made a public profession of religion, and was always
present at public worship, unless professional duties
prevented. He was ever ready to impart religious as
well as medical counsel at the bed of sickness, and for
his holy faith he always had the most profound respect. |
Under bereavement, infirmity, or sickness, his religious
principles yielded him firm support and buoyed him
above the vicissitudes of life. During a confinement |
of several of the last years of his life, when deprived
of his sight, the religion of Jesus Christ was his sup-
port and consolation. It was the theme of bis dis-
course, and he considered his testimony in its favor
the best legacy he could leave to his children.
Dr. Aspinwall was endowed with a strong intellect |
and a resoluteness that shrunk from no labor or duty.
He was an example of perseverance amidst untoward
circumstances and of accommodating them to his pe-
culiar situation. To young physicians his example |
holds out encouragement, that economy, integrity, |
constant industry, and unremitting study of his pro-
fession will finally succeed, and brine reputation and
competence. few men in any profession have sacri-
ficed so small a portion of their lives to pleasure or
to inaction as he. His was a life of incessant toil.
As an instance of his devotion to his professional
business is the following anecdote by a friend. One
day, on returning home from a round of visits, he
found at his table one of his college mates, whom he |
had not seen since they were at Cambridge together, |
In
the midst of their delightful intercourse a message
and whom he could probably never meet again.
came for Dr. Aspinwall to visit a sick person ten miles
distant.
his friend, mounted his horse, and hastened away.
Says one who knew him well,—
Without the least delay he took leave of |
“T have a clear recollection of my terror when, sixty-four |
years ago, a very old man, with but one eye,—he seemed to be
a very old man, though he was but fifty then,—came towards
me, with a little glittering weapon in his hand, as I sat in my
nurse’s lap.
Thad the promise of a cake of gingerbread if I ,
behaved well, and so I sat still and suffered him to make a |
I had been carried from Boston to
Brookline to be inoculated for the smallpox at the hospital —
little incision in my arm.
| and deprived him of his sight.
there, and there we were to remain for several weeks, until the
affair was well over, when, after having been thoroughly smoked
and purified, we were again to go forth into the world.
“These associations were but short-lived, however, for this
old man with but one eye really seemed to see farther into the
hearts of little people than most of people who have two, and
to have a master-key to their very souls. He carried me in his
arms about his farm, and showed me his calves and pigs and
poultry ; told me some very pleasant stories, and gave mea
puppy; in short, I became so fond of him that I asked my
mother to say to him that he might inoculate me as often as
he had a mind to; and when at last the time of our departure
arrived, and we had been smoked all around, and he kissed me
as he put me into the carriage, I bawled out loud; and I truly
believe the good old gentlemen was gratified by this unmistaka-
ble evidence of my affection.”
He further adds:
“My recollections of Brookline do not quadrate with its pres-
ent appearance; my reminiscences of it are of groves, and lawns,
and orchards, and some noble elms around the preparatory, as
it was called,—more trees and fewer houses.
‘“Upon the whole, my recollections of Brookline and of my
residence at the hospital are very pleasant, and the impression
of all Tsaw and heard must have been forcibly made; for by
the assistance of a sort of Swedenborgian memory I can get up
a very respectable resurrection of Dr. William Aspinwall at any
time, just as he stood bending benignantly over me sixty-four
years ago. I must have had rather a severe time of it, for I
| was blinded by the disease for more than a fortnight; during
which my principal distress arose from my inability to see my
new puppy-
forted me, telling me that I was much better off than he was, for
in a very few days I should certainly see again as well as before
The good doctor often sat by my side and com-
with both of my eyes, but that one of his was closed forever.
“Dr. Aspinwall was about six feet in height, strongly built,
| and without any tendency to corpulency, even in his latter
days. When a boy he entirely lost the use of his right eye
in a manner which it may be well for young people to compre-
hend and remember. He had drawn his arrow to the head,
when the notch escaping from the bow-string, the weapon was
| forced backward into his right eye, and utterly destroyed that
But in
his old age he was even deprived of the sight of the remaining
organ. When I first saw him his left eye was perfect.
eye by disease. His powers of vision were undoubtedly im-
paired by the too excessive use of his only eye, to such an ex-
tent that it brought on a disease which terminated in a cataract
A few years previous to his
death Dr. Nathan Smith, a professor in the medical schoo!s at
Yale, Dartmouth, and Bowdoin Colleges attempted to remove
the cataract, but was unsuccessful, and thus the glimmering
light that remained was totally extinguished. This calamity
| he endured with that characteristie resignation for which this
| excellent Christian had ever been remarkable under all and
every trial of his life. Heconsidered it a merciful dispensation
in his Maker to suspend his labors and give him leisure and op-
portunity, which during a very active life he had too seldom
| enjoyed, for religious reflection and preparation for death.
By a daily exercise of body and mind he preserved both in
full vigor. His curiosity about public events and daily oceur-
rences continued, and some of his last thoughts were upon his
country, its prosperity, its improvement, its distinguished men,
its relation with foreign powers. He was anxious that wise and
good men should bear sway in our land, and that the intel-
lectual, benevolent, and religious institutions received from our
forefathers should be perpetuated.”
894
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
While his professional duties consumed so much of
his time, he was also not unmindful of what was doing |
in his native town, the birthplace and place of burial
of so many of his kindred. He devoted time to its
interests, and the records of the town abound in evi-
dence of the respect and confidence reposed in him,
by electing him to various positions of honor and re-
sponsibility in the gift of the town. He represented
the town of Brookline in the State Legislature several
years, and was thrice elected State senator for Norfolk
County, beside having been called to advise in the
Council of the State of Massachusetts. He was so-
licited to become one of the justices of the Court of
Common Pleas, but declined the honor, and retired
from public employment. He was a justice of the
peace throughout the commonwealth, and member of
the Massachusetts Medical Society. In each position
he was faithful to his constituents and to the public
weal, as well as unwavering in his political creed.
In 1788, Dr. Aspinwall purchased forty acres of
land of Benjamin White, including the prominent
and high hill on the south side of Washington Street,
upon which he erected the present mansion-house in
1805, and the same has been occupied by his children
and grandchildren since his decease, and is now in
possession of his grandson and namesake, Hon. Wil-
liam Aspinwall. At the time the doctor purchased
this estate there were but few houses in sight where
At the lower
slope of the hill there formerly stood an old house
now they may be counted by dozens.
owned and occupied by Francis Blanchard, the first
sexton of the “ Brookline Meeting-House,”’ when there
was but one in the town.
On the 16th day of April, 1
rendered all that was near and dear to him on earth
299
825, he peacefully sur-
and departed to dwell in a mansion on high.
WILLIAM ASPINWALL.
William Aspinwall, the son of Col. Thomas and
Louisa Elizabeth (Poignard) Aspinwall, was born in
London, England, Feb. 16, 1819. Educated
private boarding-school at Hammersmith, near Lon-
in a
don, till nearly fourteen years of age; passed a few |
months at William Well’s school in Cambridge, Mass. ;
entered Harvard College August, 1834, graduated
A.B., 1838; entered the “ Dane” Law School the same
year ; studied law two years ; took the degree of LL.B.;
was one year in
Dexter and George William Phillips; admitted to the
Portland, Me. (who was a nephew of Rufus King,
United States senator from Massachusetts, and after-
wards from New York, and minister to Great Britain).
Mr. Aspinwall was town clerk of Brookline, 1850 and
1851 ; representative to the General Court, 1851-52 ;
delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1853;
senator from Norfolk County in 1854; trial justice,
1857-60; resigned in 1860; trustee of the Public
Library, 1858-75, 1878, 1884; assessor, 1870, re-
elected 1871, and declined; selectman, 1871-72;
water commissioner, 1873.
EDWIN GROVER.
Edwin Grover, son of Simeon and Abigail (Hagar)
Grover, was born in Newton, Mass., March 24, 1835.
His early education was in the public schools of the
town, Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and Kim-
ball Academy, Meriden, N. H., from which he entered
Harvard College in the class of 1857, from which he
graduated with high rank. Soon after graduating he
taught school in Jamaica Plain one year, studied law,
and was admitted to the bar in May, 1859, and to the
New York bar in December following. During his
leisure hours in that city he occupied his leisure time
writing editorially for the New York Times and the
Philadelphia Inquirer, and with private pupils. On
his twenty-fifth birthday, March 24, 1860, he mar-
ried Anna M., daughter of Thomas and Julia A.
(Hathaway) Porter, of Lawrence, Mass., formerly of
Taunton, Mass. In August, 1861, returning to
Massachusetts, he selected Corey Hill as a place of
_ residence, on which he erected the first house built on
that eminence. The place is now owned and occu-
pied by George F. Fabyan. This place Mr. Grover
began to occupy in February, 1862, and immediately
commenced upon the successful practice of his pro-
fession in Boston. In the early part of 1863 he was
appointed trial justice for the county of Norfolk, and
entered upon its duties immediately. He had a large
and lucrative practice, and enjoyed the confidence of
the citizens of Brookline and vicinity, and was fast
gaining in popularity as an able and successful lawyer.
Among his clients were the extensive boot and shoe
_ house of I’. and KE. Bachellor & Co., of Boston, for
'whom he, on the 14th day of December, 1863,
the law-office of Hon. Franklin |
started on a journey to the South and West to
collect and adjust settlements amounting to several
When at Duvall’s Bluff,
hundred thousand dollars.
| Ark., on White River, on his way to Little Rock, he
Suffolk bar in 1841; became a resident of Brookline |
in 1847; married, Jan. 11, 1848, Arixene Southgate
Porter, third daughter of Richard King Porter, of
|
was taken suddenly ill with congestion of the liver,
where, after an illness of three or four days, he died,
Jan. 29, 1864, on board the steamer “ Polar Star.”
HYDE PARK.
895
CH AP DER LX X.
HYDE PARK.
BY EDMUND DAVIS.
streets and avenues. West of the Boston and Prov-
idence Railroad the surface again swells into slight
knolls and elevations, upon which stand many fine
residences. This portion is known as Sunnyside.
And still farther beyond this is a considerable tract
of hilly and rocky territory forming a part of the
_ rugged, woody wilderness, known as Muddy Pond
HypE Park lies in the eastern part of the county,
and is about seven miles from the State-House in
Boston. It is bounded on the north by the part of |
Boston which formerly constituted the town of West
Roxbury, on the east by the part of Boston which —
was formerly Dorchester, on the southeast and south ©
by Milton, and on the west by Dedham. ‘T'wo lines
of railroad—the Boston and Providence, and the
New York and New England—run through it, being
about one and one-third miles apart where they enter
the town on the northeast, and gradually approaching
and crossing each other on the southwest, near the
Dedham line. There are seven stations within the |
limits of the town, four on the Boston and Provi- |
dence Railroad, and three on the New York and
New England Railroad. The Neponset River flows |
through the town in a course approximately parallel
with the railroads, part of the way forming the bound- |
ary between it and Milton. Mother Brook, a water-
course partly a stream and partly a canal, leading
from the Charles River, enters the town on the west
and empties into the Neponset near the centre of the
town. Further natural drainage is afforded by a
small brook running toward the northeast and emp-
tying into Stony Brook, which has given our neighbors |
of Boston so much trouble and expense.
The area of the town is two thousand eight hun-
dred acres, of which about two hundred acres are
devoted to streets or ways. This fact argues a pretty
close settlement, which is, indeed, the case, there being
twelve hundred and sixty-five houses, containing up-
wards of eight thousand inhabitants.
The surface of
the land is somewhat diversified by hill and plain; |
enough so to please the eye, without causing much
inconvenience to road-makers or builders. None of
the hills are so high that they cannot be easily sur-
mounted; none of the valleys so low that good drain-
age cannot be obtained. Between the railroads the |
surface is for the most part quite level, the beautiful
little eminence of Mount Neponset being the most
noticeable exception. Hast of the Neponset River
the land rises somewhat abruptly, forming Fairmount —
Heights, the place where the pioneers of this new
town first founded their homes, and which to-day is
closely covered with pleasant and in some instances
elegant residences bordered by wide and well-shaded |
Woods. These extend far beyond the town limits
and into Dedham and Boston. ‘They are a favorite
resort of pleasure-seekers, traversed as they are in all
directions by numerous wood-roads, and it has been
well said that, ‘“‘ immersed in this maze of sylvan de-
lights, one hardly realizes that he is within a few
miles of the metropolis of New England, and requires
but little imagination to persuade himself that he is
among the primeval forests of Maine.”
Readville is the name of the southeast portion of
the town, and is for the most part a level plain, not
so closely built over as the other parts of the town.
In this section, however, and the territory adjoining
it, the greater part of the manufactories are located.
A branch railroad to Dedham Centre leaves the Bos-
and Providence Railroad here. Towards the
northeast part of the town, on the same railroad, are
the pleasant and thriving districts of Hazlewood and
Clarendon Hill. Opposite the former, at about a
quarter of a mile’s distance, on a gently rising hill,
stands the residence of Mr. Henry Grew, the house
ton
_ and its grounds on the sloping hillside, backed by the
forest, forming a charming landscape. Still another
small village is clustered around the paper-mills of
Messrs. Tileston & Hollingsworth, at the eastern ex-
tremity of River Street, and near the River Street
Station, on the New York and New England Rail-
road. These several districts, though thus distin-
guished by distinctive names, are by no means isolated
and separate villages; one touches upon another, the
rows of houses continue unbroken, and there is
nothing in the way of unoccupied territory to mark
the end of one section or the beginning of another
The town is compact, and its divisions thoroughly
_ welded together.
Hyde Park is a town of to-day, and its history is
the history of to-day. Incorporated in 1868, any-
thing which is to be said about it prior to that time
belongs to the history of those adjoining towns from
whose territory it was made up. The writer is thus
deprived of the greater part of that material which
age in the subject affords. As mists and vapors in
_the atmosphere lend to the outlines of objects at a
are 4 .
distance more graceful and pleasing, and at the same
time larger and more imposing, proportions, so the
mists of time constitute media through which the
896
men and events of long ago, though indistinct and
shadowy, seem all the more grand and impressive.
To the writer of to-day the attributes of his con-
temporaries are unmistakably human and personal ;
current events, though interesting, uninvested with
special significance. It requires the halo of time,
the attribute of remoteness, to take from any act its
selfish and personal bearing, and leave alone conspicu-
ous in it its effect upon subsequent events, and its
influence upon the weal or woe of individuals or com-
munities.
those long since passed away as springing from motives
The mind loves to contemplate the acts of |
grander and more prophetic than what we are willing |
to concede to the actors of our time, and to trace |
with laborious ingenuity, among the events succeed-
ing those acts, indications here and there of results
attributable to the far-sighted energy or self-denying
sacrifices of the men of yore. We imagine a condi-
tion of things, material and intellectual, greatly differ-
ent from that of the present, and in the toils, priva-
tions, and struggles of our ancestors discern a poetry
and charm which they, probably, never dreamt of.
We spiritualize the old, we rigidly keep the new
down to hard practicality.
Yet in this brief review of Hyde Park as it is to-
day, after its short existence of less than a score of |
years, it will be necessary to go a little beyond its
corporate life and examine these influences to which
it owes its being and the circumstances and surround-
ings which attended its inception.
One standing to-day upon the top of any of the
small eminences which diversify the surface of the
town, may, if the atmosphere is clear, sweep with his
eye the lower harbor of Boston on the east, the Blue |
Hills which skirt the horizon in the southeast, the |
valley of the Neponset to the south glimmering |
through the green meadows, and to the west and
north the elevated lands of the neighboring towns,
while at his feet lie in thick profusion the hundreds
of houses and miles of streets and avenues which go
to make up the town of Hyde Park.
churches, belfries, and tall chimneys of manufactories,
The spires of
the smoke of locomotives, and long lines of railways
arrest the eyes, the hum of travel and traflic rises to
the ear.
eight thousand souls is manifest to the senses.
But far different was the view which awaited the
anxious vision of the examining committee of pioneers
in 1856; then, indeed, the hills, the rivers, and the
high lands were to be seen in the distances, but nearer
at hand little to mark the presence of man. There
Everything betokening the presence of |
was then no considerable village on the line of the |
Boston and Providence Railroad from Jamaica Plain
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
to the Canton viaduct. The territory between was
spread over with farms, woodland, and the meadows
which fill the basin of the upper Neponset. All of
human habitations in sight were a few farm-houses
along the road leading from Dedham to Dorchester,
and the small hamlet around the old cotton-factory at
Readville. This tract was mostly in a state of nature,
a great portion of it covered with the pine, the cedar,
and the birch, with here and there a solitary farm-
house, surrounded by a small clearing, its occupants
quietly pursuing their pastoral lives almost within
sight of the steeples of Boston, and little .dreaming
of the change which was so soon to come over the
scenes with which they had been so long familiar.
The highway leading from Dedham to Dorchester,
a narrow lane rather than road leading out from this
highway westerly into West Roxbury—a road from
Milton to Dedham, and one from this last to a point
on the Dorchester highway at the old cotton-mill in
The
line of railway then called the Midland (now the
New York and New England Railroad) had suc-
cumbed to the weight of financial difficulties and was
not in operation ; the Boston and Providence Rail-
road had a depot only at Readville, and not more
than half a dozen trains per day stopped there.
The cotton-mill at Readville, and the old Sumner
Mills, which had passed into the hands of Tileston &
Hollingsworth, were the only manufacturing activities.
Readville-—-were the only avenues of travel.
The following extract from an address delivered at
the first annual banquet of the town officers of Hyde
Park, March 9, 1872, by the venerable Henry Grew,
one of the town’s oldest as well as most esteemed
citizens, presents such a graphic and truthful portrait-
ure of the condition of things at and shortly before
the time under consideration as to fully justify its
insertion here :
“Having purchased a few acres of land in the summer of
1846, [ commenced building a house, and moved to this place,
then a part of Dorchester, on the first day of May, 1847. At
that time most of this territory was occupied by farmers.
There were on River Street (the old highway between Dorches-
ter and Dedham), within a range of a mile ora mile and a half,
about ten houses, most of them small and occupied by farmers,
with two exceptions, one a blacksmith and one a wheelwright,
Also Sumner’s
,
with a population not exceeding fifty persons.’
mills and a few small tenements occupied by their operatives,
and a small school-house near the same. *‘ These were the only
settlements in Dorchester. On the easterly side of the Nepon-
set River, which was the boundary line between Dorchester and
Milton (now Fairmount), all was woodland and pasture, the
first settlement in that part of our town having commenced in
1855 or 1856.
forest-trees ; on the northerly side, in West Roxbury, were three
West of my house was an unbroken range of
farms. My nearest visiting neighbor was 24 or 5 miles distant.
I was almost literally surrounded by woods, and my friends in
HYDE
PARK. 897
Boston were much surprised at my going to such a wild and
lonely place. There was, however, the Boston & Providence
Railroad, on which cars passed within half a mile of my resi-
dence, running three times a day each way, to and from Boston.
There was no station between Forest Hill and Readville; occa-
sionally the cars stopped at the crossing at West Street to take
or leave passengers. After a while some of the trains stopped
at Kenney’s Bridge (now Hyde Park Station), but passengers
were few, perhaps ten or twelve in the course of a week. No
house of shelter or station-master. The signal for stopping
the cars by daylight was made by the turning of a signal
board by the passenger, and after dark by the swinging of a |
lantern.”
The region more particularly described in the fore-
going address was known in “ ye olden time” as Dor-
chester Commons, and was used as a common pasture
for cattle by the inhabitants of that venerable town,
and was then a wild and wholly uncultivated tract,
tion of it was embraced in the land granted to Lieu-
tenant-Governor Stoughton, of Dorchester, in colonial
times, and referred to by him in his will as “my farm
which is beyond the Mother Brook.” How far this
farm extended is now an unsettled question, but un-
doubtedly it reached beyond the present limits of the
town southwardly along the Neponset River, and
through the easterly part of Readville, and probably
embraced a goodly portion of the Fowl Meadows, that
sort of land in the early days of the colonies being
apparently far more prized than upland. The Gover-
nor had a farm-house somewhere on this farm, but
where has not been determined. It is believed by
many to have been on or near the site of the old
Sprague Manor-house, itself a building dating back
to near the time of the Revolution. ‘ Dorchester
Commons” was gradually sold or parceled out into
farms. In 1846 three of these farms, containing
about two hundred acres, and including what is now
the most thickly settled and valuable part of Hyde
Park, were purchased by three men, who proposed to
build upon and occupy them.
erected, one the stone edifice, corner of Gordon
Avenue and Austin Street, formerly known as the
Lyman House, lately the residence of Charles A.
White, and now owned and occupied by Col. Jobn B.
Bachelder, the Gettysburg historian; the other was
the old homestead of Gordon H. Nott, whose enter-
prise and liberality were largely contributory to the |
early growth of this town. These three individuals
then sold the remainder of their purchase to the
Hyde Park Land Company. This company made
some improvements and disposed of some of its land, |
The.
but little was accomplished by it before 1856.
earliest recorded sale of some one hundred acres of
the Commons was for five pounds colonial. The above
57
Two houses were |
| cotton-mill there.
covered with trees, shrubs, and undergrowth. <A por-
sale to the Hyde Park Land Company was for the
expressed price of twelve thousand dollars, or about
sixty dollars per acre. Within the last fifteen years
considerable parcels of the same land, without build-
ings, has changed owners for a consideration of
seventy-five cents per foot, and in two instances for
one dollar per square foot.
The portion of the town taken from Dedham was
formerly known as “the Lower Plains,” a title suf-
ficiently descriptive of its topographical character-
istics. Away back a large part of it was owned by
one Damon, in memory of whom the school-house
now in that locality received its name. About 1850
_it was named -by its inhabitants Readville, in honor
of Mr. Read, who was the principal owner of the
About this mill were some score
of houses and tenements; and farther away, but still
within the district, were perhaps half a dozen other
residences, among them the homestead of D. L.
Davis and that of the late William Bullard, both on
the Milton road, still occupied by the then owners or
their descendants, and the handsome and, for those
days, elegant French cottage of William 8. Damrell,
then member of Congress. This stood, with ample
and pleasant grounds around it, on a low hill rising
back from the pond caused by the mill-dam. It is
now owned and occupied by E. A. Fiske. Mr. Dam-
rell, as the only Congressman ever resident upon soil
now included in our town, claims more than a passing
notice. He was an intense anti-slavery man, bold
and fearless in the expression of his convictions, a
warm friend and supporter of Sumner, Banks, Hale,
and the other foremost champions of human liberty.
He was of indomitable will, and resolutely attended
to his public duties during the years immediately
preceding the Rebellion, although so disabled by
paralysis of the lower extremities, occasioned by
lead-poisoning, as to require the assistance of a person
Three
of his sons served in the army of the Union during
the civil war. One died in the service, another died
after the close of the war from disease contracted in the
service; the third and only surviving member of the
family is Maj. A. N. Damrell, Engineer Corps, U.S.A.
In 1856, the time when the first of those enter-
prises which caused the growth and development of
Hyde Park was begun, Readville contained the bulk
of the population within its limits.
upon either side to move from place to place,
Fairmount was the spot selected for the experi-
ment, and the credit of the first suggestion of, and of
the greatest activity in pushing forward, the particu-
lar plan which led to the settlement there must be
awarded to Alpheus P. Blake.
898
He was then a young man, employed in Boston,
| profit.
poor in everything but a vigorous brain and iron de- |
_ pany under the title of “ The Fairmount Land Com-
termination. His occupation brought him into con-
tact with others who, like himself, had business in
the city, and whose means did not permit them to
procure satisfactory homes for their families there.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
The remainder of the associates, however, to
the number of twenty, ‘stuck,’ formed a trust com-
pany and Twenty Associates,” purchased one hundred
acres off the back part of the farms of the dwellers
~ upon the Brush Hill road in Milton, and on the 15th
He conceived the project of forming an association of |
these men, and, uniting their slender means into a
common fund, acquiring therewith on more favorable
terms sufficient land in some one of the outlying
towns to afford each member ample space for a coun-
try home at reasonable cost, and within easy access
to his place of business. Previous to this attempts
to build up villages on some of the many unoccupied
fields and hillsides in the region around Boston had
been frequently made, and generally with entire want
of success. But in most, if not all, these enterprises
the lands had been acquired and put upon the market
by men who looked only to the money profit to them-
selves, and had no intention of personally being resi-
dents of the settlements which they tried to incubate.
Mr. Blake believed and argued that a body of men
seeking homes for themselves in the spot which they
might select would deserve and meet with entire suc-
cess. He personally visited and inspected many lo-
calities in the suburbs, and was most attracted by the
possibilities of this vicinity. He desired to secure
the tract between the Boston and Providence Rail-
road and the Neponset River, but found this already
in the possession of men who had so exalted an opin-
ion of its prospective value as to put their estimate of
its present worth entirely beyond his means. His at-
tention was thus, perforce, directed to the hill-slopes
on the opposite banks of the river.
getting a reasonable price fixed upon what he wanted,
and then talked the matter up so well among his
friends as to effect a formal organization of a number
of them at a meeting held Sept. 1, 1855, at the resi-
dence of one of the members on Revere Street, Bos-
ton. Mr. Blake was made president of the company
thus formed, and a committee was appointed to ex-
amine the locality suggested by him. Although the
Midland Railroad then occupied the location now of
the New York and New England, it was bankrupt
and not in operation ; so the investigating committee
were obliged to go to Mattapan, on a branch of the
Old Colony Railroad, and thence walk some two
miles to their destination on Fairmount Hil!.
This experience, with the wild appearance of the
country it was proposed to acquire and subjugate, so
discouraged several of the committee that they in
disgust abandoned both the place and the enterprise,
|
|
He succeeded in |
day of May, 1856, the first blow toward the erection
of the first house in Fairmount was struck. This
building is the one now standing on the corner of
| Beacon Street and Fairmount Avenue, at present oc-
cupied by G. H. Peare. Henry A. Rich, David
| Higgins, and William H. Nightingale were the first
mechanics. The latter died some years since; the
two former are still among the prominent residents of
our’ town, Mr. Rich having been its collector the
greater part of the time since its incorporation. It
was the plan of the twenty associates that each should
build and occupy a residence in the new territory.
Most, if not all, of them did so, and three of them,
Messrs. Fisk, Higgins, and Payson, still live in the
houses then built by them. A wood-cut, printed in
an illustrated paper of the date May 23, 1857, shows
twenty-six buildings standing on the slope of Fair-
mount; another, in 1859, represents forty-two. This
not rapid growth was effected only by untiring per-
severance under many difficulties and discouragements.
The association was made up of poor men, and great
economy was necessary. ‘The land was not fully paid
for, the balance of the purchase price being secured
by a ground mortgage. At one time the project was
on the point of being abandoned by reason of the
many obstacles encountered, but the firmness of the
late D. B. Rich prevented this. The pioneers had a
hard time of it. The nearest point at which railroad
accommodations could be obtained was on the Boston
and Providence, at Kenny’s Bridge, and there but
two trains each way per day stopped; there was no
depot, and to reach Fairmount from there it was
_ necessary to cross the river in small boats, or on the
|
|
stringers of the Midland Railroad bridge.
The lumber and other material needed in the con-
struction of their buildings was brought from Neponset
by teams through Milton, and with much labor and
difficulty transported up and over the crest of the
hill.
material could be brought was a work of no little
amount on that rough hillside, then far more steep
The nearest store was at
The mere preparation of roads over which the
and uneven than now.
Mattapan; the nearest post-offices at Milton and
East Dedham. To accommodate the mechanics en-
gaged upon the first houses, D. B. Rich opened a
“ hoarding-house”’ in an old building, where the seats
and thus forfeited ‘heir chances of future glory and | were boxes and kegs, and the other accommodations
HYDE
PARK. 899
But the settlers
were resolute and full of resources. They endured
what they could not remedy, and made use of every
means attainable to better their condition.
of like ostentatious magnificence.
long, by joint contributions and efforts, they con-
structed a foot-bridge across the river. Finding the
Midland Railroad there at hand, they resolved to
utilize it, and did so, again combining their means
and buying a car with an engine in one end, in which
they journeyed in and out of Boston with great re-
joicing, though they had for some time to dispense
with a depot.
vored at this time,—no lawyer, doctor, or clergyman
had invaded this Arcadia, and thus the denizens were
Before |
In one respect they were greatly fa-—
left free to concentrate their efforts to the common
good without unnecessary mental or bodily affliction.
It is true that in 1859 one disciple of Esculapius
came like a serpent into this Eden; but the place
was too much for him, too healthy, and after trying
for some time to eke out a precarious existence by |
teaching in Boston during the day and searching for
a chance to practice his profession at night, he was
obliged to abandon the unequal contest and avoid
starvation by retreat. Although the town has long
since passed from a condition in which it could boast
even an average immunity from the professions above
specified, its sanitary reputation at least is still of a
high order, and to this day it has no burial-place
within its borders,—not, however, for the Western
reason that no one dies here unless shot for the ex-
press purpose of starting a graveyard, but chiefly be-
cause the excellent cemeteries in the adjacent city and
towns have rendered the necessity for one here less
imperative.
Among the names of prominent and enterprising
citizens of this earlier time, in addition to those al-_
ready mentioned, appear those of C. F. Gerry, Wil-
liam Rogers, S. A. Bradbury, W. T. Thacher, D. W.
Phipps, G. B. Parrott, J. N. Brown, and S. S.
Mooney.
In 1859 the Real Estate and Building Company
was formed, and in 1861 incorporated. This com-
pany, of which A. P. Blake was for many years the |
agent and principal manager, contributed very mate-
rially to the subsequent settlement and growth of the |
town. It operated at first in Fairmount, but soon ac-
quired large portions of land between the two rail-
roads, and mainly north of River Street. Under its
management these tracts were surveyed, traversed by
streets and avenues in sufficient numbers to make the
land readily available to the individual builder, and
lots of convenient dimensions were laid out and of-—
fered to purchasers on sufficiently liberal terms. °
Many of these lots were sold by the company for an
average price of two cents per foot, and the pur-
chaser allowed several years in which to complete
payment forthem. It also advanced to buyers funds
to assist them in building,—such loans, of course, being
secured by mortgage. The fact that its stock never
paid any large dividend to the holders seems to prove
that the company was not conducted in any grasping
Under its efforts and the enter-
prise of many individuals the growth of the place was
fairly progressing, when the civil war came, upsetting
the plans of so many, and, by the doubt and uncer-
tainty it engendered, paralyzed to a great extent all
enterprises. The most strenuous efforts were made
by the Real Estate and Building Company and others
interested to overcome this incubus.
or avaricious spirit.
Then, as now, —
printer’s ink was deemed by the dwellers here a most
potent instrumentality, and placards and circulars,
urging investments in building lots, full of confident
assertions calculated to inspire the most timid, were
freely issued. For
instance, ‘‘ The war appears to have very little effect
Some of these are exhilarating.
upon the rapid progress of the great enterprise at
Hyde Park and Fairmount ;” and again, “ Nothing
short of the complete overthrow of the government
can stay the rapid growth of the beautiful villages of
Hyde Park and Fairmount.” There seems to be in
these extracts a calm candor, an air of casually men-
tioning an admitted fact, which ought to have con-
With such
spiring words, and many other well-devised efforts,
did our predecessors strive to allay the panic of those
dark days.
vinced the most skeptical mind. in-
That these efforts were only moderately
successful is apparent in the admission made by the
building company, in its prospectus of 1864, that
during the mighty struggle of the nation for its ex-
istence special expenses for the purpose of carrying
on its enterprises had been mainly suspended by the
company. Yet the growth of the town was not
wholly arrested during this time, for we learn from
a contemporary paper that in 1862 there were one
hundred and fifty dwellings in the district between
the Brush Hill road and the Boston and Providence
Railroad station at Hyde Park, which number had
increased to two hundred in 1865.
The end of the war, however, was the beginning of
an era of truly wonderful activity and progress in this
place, and for the next seven years it advanced at a
marvelous pace.
of the country, caused by the prodigious expenditures
The vast increase of the currency
of the government, made money plentiful and encour-
aged speculation. New lands in large quantities were
acquired by the building companies and by individu-
900
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
als, platted, sold, built upon, and occupied with almost
incredible rapidity.
say nothing of buildings for business and other pur-
poses.
value in a few weeks; sometimes in a few months
increased twentyfold.
great numbers, and the speculator who had not han- |
dled ten or a dozen lots a day felt that he was rather
A good
deal of money was made in real estate at this time;
a good deal was likewise sunk out of sight in the same
commodity, for the prices asked and given at last
falling into habits of luxurious idleness.
became excessive beyond ail reason, and when the |
| end-was called at Music Hall on October 14th in that
crash did come it found many in just the condition
to be ruined. But while the “good times” lasted
they brought the population of Hyde Park up to six
thousand seven hundred and fifty, its dwelling-houses
to the number of eleven hundred and twenty-one, and
its assessed valuation to upwards of seven million five |
hundred thousand dollars. This, however, is a little
anticipatory.
The growth of the place from 1865 was largely
due to its natural attractiveness, which was now made
to appear through the exertions of its public-spirited
citizens, of whom the names of the following are most
frequently mentioned in the current publications: W. |
J. Stuart, R. Bleakie, G. H. Nott, C. A. White, T. |
D. Weld, M. L. Whicher, A. H. Brainard, A. Web-
ster, T. W. H. Moseley, W. U. Fairbairn, I. L. Benton,
and L. B. Hanaford. Through their efforts, aided
; fe 2 |
by many others, the establishment of manufacturing
and other business interests of great importance was |
effected, social and moral needs were well provided |
for, and the unrivaled railroad possibilities developed.
Local trains were multiplied on both railways, and
additional stopping-places secured. When the rail-
road managers doubted the expediency of establishing |
a new station and erecting a depot at any required
point, enough citizens were forthcoming to furnish
means to build a station-house at the place desired
and lease or give it to the railroad, on the condition
of adequate train-accommodation. So great was the
demand for mechanics at this time that the most
indifferent workmen commanded exorbitant wages.
This and the other inducements held out attracted to |
the town a not inconsiderable number of equivocal
characters, and, as the credit system was largely in
practice, many a confiding trader was sadly victimized.
It appears from contemporaneous evidence that many
hearts might have echoed the wail of one dismayed
grocer, contained in the subjoined excerpt from a flyer
In the year 1867 not less than |
one hundred and six dwelling-houses were erected, to |
The price of lots trebled and quadrupled in |
They were bought and sold in |
about three years, mainly on the cash principle, but,
notwithstanding this limited deviation from a strictly
cash system, I have lost more than all the net profits
on my sales, and am now poorer than when I com-
menced.”
But such experiences are common to all new and
rapidly-growing places, and under this froth of irre-
sponsible adventurers was an able body of earnest,
energetic, industrious, laborious, wide-awake men,
whose faith in Hyde Park was as firm as adamant,
and who plied every instrumentality without cessation
tending to promote its prosperity. So well did they
succeed that in 1867 they were in a condition to ask
for incorporation. The first meeting looking to that
year, at which EH. P. Davis was chosen to preside,
and 8. A. Bradbury and Charles A. Jordan as see-
A committee was appointed to consider the
advisability of forming a new town, and the meeting
adjourned to the 22d of the same month, at which
the committee reported in favor of the proposed ac-
retaries.
tion, describing the district desirable to include.
Almost all the residents conspicuous for their in-
terest in the place were warm advocates of the
measure, among whom may be mentioned Messrs. C.
F. Gerry, A. P. Blake, R. Bleakie, H. S. Adams,
B. F. Leach, B. Conner, B. F. Radford, D. L. Davis,
T. C. Evans, M. L. Whitcher, A. Webster, B. C. Vose,
and R. W. Turner. A formal petition to the Gen-
eral Court for incorporation of the district suggested
in the committee’s report was duly filed. As illus-
trative of the transitory nature of the residents of new
places, it is interesting to note that of the fourteen
men whose names are appended to this original petition
but five are now among our inhabitants. The request
for incorporation was variously viewed by the towns
Dorchester made no
epposition ; Dedham refused to yield so much as was
whose territory was affected.
asked for, and succeeded in keeping a portion of it;
Milton also objected strenuously, the contest here
finally narrowing down to the question whether the
petitioners should have the southeasterly line of their
proposed town established as petitioned for, so as to
include a portion of the Brush Hill road and some
twenty-seven families resident thereon, or whether
the line should run along the crest of Fairmount
Heights, several hundred feet northwesterly from said
road, and leaving the above-mentioned families to
remain within Milton’s limits.
Over this the fight waxed hot and furious. In the
legislative committee-room frequent hearings were
_had during a period of five or six weeks, which re-
distributed by him: “I have kept a grocery-store |
sulted at last in a report to the Legislature recom-
HYDE
PARK. 901
mending a compromise line, giving the petitioners
less than they asked, but more than the Brush Hill
residents were willing to concede.
Hyde Park have been always and still are much
addicted to a free use of printer’s ink, and now its
Printed addresses
“To the Honorable Senate and House of Representa-
aid was invoked by both sides.
The people of |
tives,” ‘‘ Five Reasons why Brush Hill should not be
Set Off from Milton to the Proposed Town of Hyde
Park,” ‘Five Reasons why Brush Hill should be Set
Off,” etc., were among the more ponderous missiles
employed in this paper warfare, while the columns
of the Boston dailies teemed with communications
from champions of either side, pitching into their |
opponents with argument, ridicule, assertion, and
denial, in a manner decidedly lively and, at this lapse
of time, quite entertaining.
The outcome of all this heated controversy was
that the act of incorporation of the town of Hyde
|
|
Park, passed and approved April 22, 18€8, took about _
thirteen hundred acres from Dorchester, eight hun-
propitious omen, significant of the future lustre of the
town.
At this time there were in the town four school-
houses, only one of which, however, was of any con-
siderable size or value; six religious societies, three
of which worshiped in churches of their own, and
the remainder in hired halls; and of manufacturing
industries, besides the cotton-mill and the paper-mill,
a woolen-mill, a vise-factory, iron-works, car-shops,
and a needle-factory. The population was about
three thousand five hundred, the number of polls
seven hundred and seventy-four, and the valuation,
as fixed on the 1st of May following, two million
nine hundred thousand dollars.
One of the leading motives which had caused the
mass of the residents of Hyde Park to espouse so
warmly the project of incorporation, had been the
feeling that their needs had not received sufficient
attention from the parent-towns of which it was pre-
viously a part. The school accommodations were very
| inadequate, the buildings insufficient in dimensions,
dred from Dedham, and seven hundred from Milton, |
and left the old residents along the Brush Hill road |
still within the boundaries of Milton, and presumably |
happy. The new town promptly organized on the |
30th day of the same month, Maj. William Rogers,
. |
formerly of Governor Andrew’s staff, being chosen |
The board of
selectmen chosen consisted of Messrs. Henry Grew,
moderator of the first town-meeting.
Zenas Allen, M. L. Whitcher, W. J. Stuart, and B. |
F. Radford; C. W. Turner was elected town clerk; |
Henry 8. Adams, treasurer; and Henry A. Rich,
collector.
The schooi committee chosen consisted of |
five clergymen and one layman, to wit: William A. |
Bullard and Revs. N. T. Whittaker, P. B. Davis, W. |
H. 8. Ventres, W. H. Collins, and Amos Webster,— |
a fact going to show that there was now no dearth of
spiritual ministration, whatever may have been the
case in earlier days. The recipients of municipal
honors were not elected without vigorous opposi-
tion.
Hyde Park esteems the places in its gift too highly |
to bestow them easily. ‘There were no less than five
tickets in the field; the regular caucus nominations
being the successful ones. The custom thus inaugu-
rated of lively competition for town offices has ever
since been honored with implicit observance.
A section of Capt. Baxter’s Light Battery was
present, and hailed the birth of the new town with a
The citizens made a
holiday of the occasion, and celebrated the event with
rejoicings, and plentiful displays of fireworks in the
evening.
salute of one hundred guns.
Most of the streets had
been made by the adjacent owners, and, as few of them
and inconvenient in location.
had been accepted by the towns, they were of different
widths, ungraded, and in many instances full of ob-
structions. Few of them were furnished with lights,
and most of these were at private charge. There was
no fire department or any reliable means of subduing
a conflagration. To remedy all these deficiencies and
numberless others, the citizens had asked for and had
obtained self-government. Many thoughtlessly ex-
pected that it would prove an immediate panacea for all
So it will be well believed that for
the first few years the town officers had no easy time
of it.
years of quiet effort in towns of slow growth, were
their disabilities.
All those things, usually the result of many
here crowded, as it were, in a moment upon the atten-
tion of the people and their official agents. The latter
addressed themselves to meeting the demands thus
made upon them with creditable ability and success.
Miles of streets were accepted, graded, widened, or
relocated, and bridges built or extensively repaired,
a good fire department organized and well equipped,
and asuitable building constructed for its occupation,
and many other things done to put the town on a
proper footing. The number of school children in-
creased so fast that within the first five years of its
_ corporate existence the town was obliged to erect four
A fine rainbow at sunset was accepted as a |
large buildings at a cost of about one hundred and
twenty thousand dollars. All these improvements
called for large expenditures, most of which was met
by direct taxation, but a considerable amount by bor-
rowing, which last expedient soon raised a debt of
902
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
very respectable proportions. The burdens thus in-
curred soon began to be felt very sensibly by the —
owners of land, which constituted seven-eighths of the
taxable property of the town, and soon all propositions
looking to further outlays became fruitful sources of
contest, protest, and more or less successful log-rolling.
The town-meeting was the natural arena for the final
fight on these matters, and Hyde Park town-meetings _
have always been considered particularly interesting,
though it is said that of late they have lost somewhat
of their pristine brilliancy, and there are dark fears
expressed that ere long they will become as unexciting
and commonplace as those of less favored communities.
But it is not to be understood that a niggardly policy
has ever controlled this town; on the contrary, if it
has erred at all, it has been in the opposite direction.
During the sixteen years of its existence it has raised
by taxation upwards of $1,130,000, or an average of
$70,500 per year. Of this about $154,000, or a
yearly average of $9600, has been expended upon |
streets and bridges; and not less than $487,000, an |
average of over $30,000 per year,—over forty per
cent. of the whole amount raised,—has been devoted
to the establishment and maintenance of public schools. |
For several years the town business was transacted |
in rooms and halls hired for the purpose.
felt to be inconvenient, and a town building was de-
sired by many. A controversy, probably the most
intense of any which has ever agitated the town, and |
which certainly stands out most prominently in the |
recollection of the participators, arose in 1870, over a |
proposition to purchase for the above-named purpose |
an edifice recently erected on the corner of Gordon
Avenue and River Street, and known as Gordon Hall.
Meeting after meeting was called to decide the vexed
question, ‘Should or not the building be bought by
97)
the town ?
After much contention the property was finally |
purchased, but it was accidentally destroyed by fire
March 8, 1883.
The year 1870 was quite prolific in notable events
here. Then it was that another public demonstra-
tion was made in the dauntless attempt of some of its
female citizens to storm the ballot-box and exercise |
the full powers of untrammeled suffrage, which carried
the name and fame of Hyde Park into distant States
and even beyond seas, and a failure to note which
would render a sketch of the town’s history undesery-
ing the toleration of the fairer and mightier part of its
population.
For some time previous to the March meeting,
1870, there had been signs and portents of approach-
This was |
Among them were not a few who believed in the
a placard appeared, addressed to the women of Hyde
Park, inviting them to attend a caucus, to be held
March 4th, to select candidates for the various town
offices, the same to be supported by the women at the
The caucus was duly held, and well attended,
sirring addresses were made inciting the auditors to
stand by the position they had taken in the front rank
of the woman-suffrage movement, to make up their
polls.
ticket, and back it at the polls; the speakers arguing
that, though votes thus tendered might be rejected
| it.
at the ballot-box, or, if received, not counted, the
movement would not on that account be barren of even
immediate result, inasmuch as it would set the ball of
universal suffrage in motion, mark them in the eyes
of posterity as its foremost champions, and make this
town historic. These appeals were not fruitless; a
ticket was made up, the candidates thereon being
men and legal voters, and the caucus adjourned.
Election day fell that year upon March 8th, and
proved to be a stormy one, snowy and blustering ; yet
some fifty ladies assembled in the Everett House
parlors, whence they proposed to make their descent
At the latter place,
meantime, was congregated a large number of men,
in a body upon the voting place.
who, aware of the impending conflict, awaited with
mingled anxiety and impatience the dénouement.
wisdom of the women’s action, and ardently desired
the early coming of the day when, as legalized and
qualified voters, mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters
might participate in shaping the policy of the com-
But
most of the men there present being, as is the nature
munity of which they are so essential a part.
_ of rude man, somewhat despotic and overbearing, re-
garded with great disfavor the proposed attempt of
the ladies, and some threatened forcible prevention of
At length men who had been out as scouts,
watching for a movement of the enemy, announced
their advance in force. The excitement within the
hall grew greater, and cries of “don’t let them in”
were raised and repeated, and perhaps this unmanly
But when the
occasion arises the man for the occasion is generally
on hand. The
moderator’s chair was occupied by Sylvanus Cobb,
measure might have been adopted.
He was here, and in the right place.
Jr., the well-known novelist, whose pen and voice were
and are always ready to speed on reform, progress,
and development, whose soul cannot tolerate injustice
or oppression. rom his place he spoke to the angry
throng before him, urging them to behave with
courtesy and decorum towards their approaching
townswomen. His words allayed the tumult, and
ing trouble, which took visible form and shape when | through the door came the women, each bearing in
a
HYDE
PARK. 903
her hand a bouquet of flowers, the line headed by the
sisters, Mrs. Angelina Weld and Sarah Grimke, who,
nevolence, and unhesitating self-sacrifice. Surely
there was naught in the presence of these ladies, or |
those who closely followed them, to call for the storm
of groans and hisses which immediately arose, drown-
ing the comparatively few cheers of the men of an-
other way of thinking. The line of ladies could
with difficulty move through the throng about them.
Again the moderator proved a host in himself.
stated that the votes thrown by the women would
not be counted with the others, or influence the elee- |
tion in the slightest degree ; rebuked the intolerance |
which would interfere with this harmless discharge |
of what they deemed a duty, and at last threatened |
with arrest and removal the most uproarious of the
opponents. His attitude, aided much undoubtedly
by that high esteem and love for him which has al-—
ways characterized his fellow-citizens, produced a calm —
on the floor, and the ladies, without further molesta-
tion, advanced and deposited their ballots in a separate
box, and at once left the room.
The women had voted! And it is worthy of notice
that a number of the ballots deposited by them were
scratched, thus demonstrating their possession of one
The deed was done!
of the most essential qualifications for voting, particu-
larly in Hyde Park. The women’s ticket was voted
by quite a number of men, and it was afterwards
claimed in some of the Boston papers, as a proof of
the moral effect of this action, that their candidates |
were elected ; but this was erroneous, none being suc- |
cessful whose names were not on the other tickets.
The prediction of the ladies that this act of theirs |
would give notoriety to themselves and their town
was prophetic. The affair was voluminously discussed
and commented upon by most of the press within
the commonwealth, received much attention from |
several well-known journals of other States, and even
penetrated to the Sandwich Islands, and formed the |
subject of a flattering editorial in their newspaper,
express¢d in the mellifluous language of the beloved
Kalakaua.
grave to gay, from lively to severe ;” but perhaps the
following from the New York Herald is as good a |
sample as any of the more jocose style of treatment:
“The women succeeded in voting yesterday at the town elec- |
_ tee confined their action to personal applications for
They came in a |
body to the polling-place with bouquets and cotton umbrellas in |
; 6S he Ss fund; arranging for a course of weekly entertain-
their hands and modest determination in their countenances; |
tion in Hyde Park, Mass. They put a separate ticket in the
field and about sixty of them voted for it.
some of them old and gray-headed, and many of them young
and pretty. Their presence, which should have cast a benign
He |
The comments were of all sorts, “from |
influence over the unhallowed precincts which heretofore had
. been accessible only to men and the vile odors of rum and to-
c 2 ‘ | baceo, was the occasion of hisses on the part of some of the
by the deeds of their previous lives, had made them- | ; ;
selves exemplars of Christian charity, unselfish be-_
But the women had a stanch
defender in Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., who stood up for them with
the gallantry and daring of the old Spanish knights or Musco-
vian gunmakers that he writes about in the Ledger.
disorderly men in the crowd.
He cast
upon the disturbers one look of his eagle eye. ‘ Base ruffians,’
| he cried, in thunder tones, ‘think ye to bar the way of these
fair dames to yonder bollot-box? By my halidom, these women
shall vote or perish in the attempt.’ These brave words had
their effect, and the gallant women voted ; and, more than that,
although their votes were counted out, their ticket was elected.”
This, the first, was also the last attempt to vote in
this manner, but the spirit which prompted and ani-
mated the movement still survives, and woman suf-
frage has many warm adherents here of both sexes.
Nor has the impress of woman’s influence upon the
A power every-
where in Massachusetts in all charitable, philan-
morals of the town stopped here.
thropic, moral, and intellectual movements, women
here have earned a recognition of their worth greater
In
referring to the very efficient assistance given by
even than that enjoyed by most of their sisters.
_them in the establishment of the public library, to
|
their great help of the temperance reform movement,
to their auxiliary organization in aid of destitute suf-
ferers from the late war, to their literary societies,
and to the constant and effective work of the Woman’s
Christian Temperance Union, mention is made of but
a few of the many specific ways by which they have
abundantly contributed to give to their town whatever
of virtue and excellence it may justly claim.
Always ready and liberal in everything tending to
forward the education of the masses, the town in 1871
appointed the following gentlemen a committee to
raise a fund for the establishment of a free public
library: Perley B. Davis, Isaac H. Gilbert, Francis
C. Williams, Horace R. Cheney, Edward M. Laneas-
ter, Hobart M. Cable, E. P. Davis, EK. E. Pratt, and
Theodore D. Weld. Their first meeting was held at
the house of Alanson D. Hawley, who had been cus-
todian of the State archives for fifteen years and one
of the foremost in urging on the founding of a library
here, but whose rapidly-failing health, resulting in his
death soon after, disabled him from active work in
While
the committee were in his study he pointed out to
the cause which he had so much at heart.
them over one hundred new and valuable books as
his donation to the prospective library. The commit-
subscriptions, payable in six months, to the library
ments, extending over a period of six months, for
the benefit of the fund; solicitation of donations of
904
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
books; and instituting measures for a general town
In
pursuance of the last above action, a meeting of
fair, to be organized and conducted by the ladies.
ladies was called and held in the Baptist vestry early
in June, when they organized with a president, Mrs.
L. B. Hunt, and the following vice-presidents, one
from each religious society, to wit: Mrs. G. B. Par-
rott, Mrs. E. D. Swallow, Mrs. A. R. Whittier, Mrs.
Horatio Raynes, Mrs. F. C. Williams, Mrs. Arthur
O'Neil.
committee of six ladies. Under this organization a
most admirable fair was held which netted upwards
H. 8. Adams
gave free use of Neponset Hall and the necessary ad-
of two thousand five hundred dollars.
joining rooms. A paper, issued daily during the
continuance of the fair, under the editorial manage-
ment of S. Thurber and W. Hamilton, added to its
interest and profit.
mittee, made April 11, 1872, gave as the net result
in hand for the library fund four thousand four hun-
dred and sixty-six dollars and seventy cents, and up-
wards of one thousand books donated.
Weld was especially prominent in accomplishing this
eratifying exhibit. Subsequent payment of subscrip-
tions increased considerably the amount of money.
The library was opened to the public in March,
1874, in Everett Block, with William E. Foster as
librarian, and three thousand seven hundred volumes
ready for circulation. The first board of trustees
consisted of Theodore D. Weld, Rev. P. B. Davis, |
Rev. I. H. Gilbert, elected for three years; Rev. E. A.
Manning, H. M. Cable, EK. M. Lancaster, for two
years; Rev. W. J. Corcoran, HE. 8. Hathaway, C. W.
W. Wellington, for one year. Mr. Foster remained
as librarian till his resignation in March, 1876, when
he was succeeded by Mr. Reeves, who, in October of
the same year, was followed by Mrs. H. A. B. Thomp-
son, in charge at the present time, with Miss Mary
Hawley as assistant.
During the last few years the library has greatly
increased in size and circulation. It contains over
seven thousand three hundred books, and seven thou-
sand three hundred and forty-five persons have regis-
tered their names for ecards.
Block until February, 1884, when, having entirely
outgrown its limits, it removed to rooms specially
fitted up for it in Masonic Block, and affording much
more ample accommodations. ‘The present trustees
A. H. Brainard, chairman; G. Fred. Gridley,
secretary and treasurer; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., C. C.
Hayes, M.D., H. B. Miner, EK. C. Aldrich, E. M.
Lancaster, H. M. Cable, Edmund Davis.
are
Each of these was made the head of a sub- |
The report of the general com- |
Theodore D. |
Chicago fire met with a liberal response from Hyde
Park. Frequent meetings were held, and upwards
of five thousand dollars, in addition to large supplies
of clothing, bedding, and necessaries, was contributed.
In this noble work the ladies were as usual untiring,
Mrs. Dr. Edwards, Mrs. A. H. Brainard, and Miss
Nettie Richardson being especially prominent.
The financial panic which swept over the country
in the latter part of 1875 fell with excessive weight
upon Hyde Park and almost menaced its future ex-
istence. The reasons for this result are readily ap-
The very methods which had been adopted
to cause the town to fill up and build up so fast, the
selling of land for a small sum down and a large sum
parent.
secured by mortgage, rendered it peculiarly open to
such a catastrophe as then came upon it. The
greater number of its citizens were men of limited
means, attracted here by the ease with which property
could be acquired, largely upon credit, and by specula-
tive hopes.
inflated. Parcels subject to inundation at time of
high water often sold for ten cents per square foot,
and more desirable lots had proportional values. The
greater part of the real estate was under mortgage,
The price of land had become greatly
not a little of it to an amount nearly up to even its
inflated valuation. The assessors had yielded to the
craze, partly from sharing in it, partly, perhaps, to
keep down the percentage of taxation by a high
valuation. Then the depression in business and the
destruction by fire of several mills caused the aban-
'donment of a number of productive industries, the
consequent removal of many operatives and families
to other places, and a great falling off in the demand
for residences and for the general commodities of life.
All this operated to cause the bottom to fall out of
real estate, and a reduction in the apparent value of
all property in the town of nearly fifty per cent.
This is seen by comparing the assessed valuation of
May 1, 1873, to wit: real estate, $6,608,179; per-
sonal, $901,636; with the valuation May 1, 1880,
namely, real estate, $3,701,250; personal, $421,640.
This fearful shrinkage discouraged many who had
| been holding on to their estates by the eyelids as it
It remained in Everett |
The call for aid to the sufferers from the great |
In
1874 the list of estates advertised for sale for non-
were. 'axes were suffered to remain unpaid.
payment of taxes comprised two hundred and nine-
teen estates, and filled ten and a half columns in the
local paper. The interest due on mortgages remain-
ing unpaid, they were foreclosed in great numbers, and
many thus lost all which they had. But this experi-
ence, which brought loss and ruin to very many, was
The
process of shaking things down to a substantial foun-
not in its final result a calamity to the town.
HYDE
PARK. 905
dation was decidedly unpleasant, but the outcome has
been beneficial. The estates lost by their unlucky
former possessors have become the property of others
the town has thus gained in its outward appearance
and the number of its well-to-do citizens. A greater
conservatism is manifested in public and private en- |
terprises, and the present status of the town is one
of healthy and well-based prosperity.
$96,000, and by means of the sinking-fund, as now
managed, will be entirely liquidated in a few years,
and this debt is placed on terms as favorable as those |
enjoyed by any town or city in the State.
Notwithstanding the pressure of the “hard times,” |
the citizens of Hyde Park were fully awake on Cen-
tennial year. They were well represented at the Ex-
position both by products and by visitors, and they
celebrated the glorious Fourth in the most enthusi-
astic manner. The day began with a procession, fol-
lowed by a meeting of citizens in the grove, corner of |
Austin and West Streets, which was presided over by |
K. R. Walker, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
Here there was singing by chorus, prayer by Rev. P.
B. Davis, reading of the Declaration of Independence
Its net debt, |
which in 1873 was $178,766, is now reduced to about
by G. Fred. Gridley, singing of the Star Spangled |
Banner by Miss M. C. Pollard, oration by Hamilton
A. Hill, and singing of ‘“‘ America” by the audience.
At 4 o'clock P.M. union religious services were held in
the Congregationalist Church, opened with prayer by |
Rev. M. T. Alderman, followed by remarks by Theo-
dore D. Weld, Rev. P. B. Davis, and Rev. I. H. Gil- |
bert, and closing with prayer by Rev. Mr. Gilbert. At
7 o'clock P.M. an immense meeting was held in Everett
Square, and the new pump, presented to the town by
Park, was dedicated. Mr. Walker presided, and an
followed by a fire original poem by Charles F. Gerry. |
A flag, the gift of N. H. Tucker, was then presented |
by Miss Nettie B. Richardson, accepted by Mr. Hum- |
phrey in a brief speech, and run up to the top of the |
flagstaff amid the cheers of the assembled multitude. |
A regatta and an exhibition of athletic sports were —
among the other attractions, and at night a grand dis-_
play of fireworks closed the stirring observance of the
day. The committee charged with the preparation
and conduct of the programme embraced upwards of
one hundred of the most prominent residents.
Another event in commemoration of that year was
a great tree-planting, which took place October 28th,
| here.
address was delivered by E. 1. Humphrey, which was |
instruction.
This was brought about mainly through the efforts
of Charles F. Holt, and has been the cause of many
| more being planted since, and has added greatly to
better able to hold, improve, and beautify them, and |
the beauty and comfort of the thoroughfares.
This same year, 1876, is also memorable in the
history of the town on account of the great temper-
ance reform movement which began here in the
spring.
during that year and the following held weekly
The Temperance Reform Club, then formed,
public meetings, at which one of the largest: halls was
frequently filled to overflowing, and sometimes hun-
dreds were unable to gain admittance. The good re-
By it
many were redeemed from lives of gross indulgence ;
sults of this organization are inestimable.
many more were stopped in a downward career toward
such lives; the subject of temperance and morality
was brought home to every thinking mind; and the
sentiment thus awakened has placed and kept this town
among the foremost in opposition to the encroachments
of alcohol, and in support of all restrictive measures.
In this connection it will not be amiss to state that
the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which
has been a power for good in this community, was be-
gun here by an organization formed by a few women,
April 26, 1876.
State organization of the Women’s Christian Temper-
ance Union, and worked under the direction of the na-
Mrs. William Sturtevant was its
first president, and until her death, some four years sub-
It became at once auxiliary to the
tional organization.
sequent, was one of its most earnest and efficient mem-
bers.
siding officers since have been Mrs, L. P. Alderman,
Mrs. J. B. Richardson, Mrs. J. L. Doty, and Mrs.
The work
Mrs. K. T. Lewis was first secretary. The pre-
Jesse Wager, at present in the chair.
| done by this body of devoted women in the promo-
the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, of Hyde |
tion of Christianity and temperance cannot be detailed
Mention can oniy be made of some incidents.
When the law entitling women to vote for members
of the school committee was passed in this State, the
union addressed itself to urging women to avail them
selves of the privilege, not only that they might have
a voice in the educational interests of their children,
but that a large vote might operate towards obtaining
woman suffrage on the liquor question. The result
of these efforts was that over eighty women qualified
and voted. To their efforts also is it owing that Hyde
Park was the first town in the State to place temper-
ance text-books in the schools for reference and oral
The Union, believing that the most im-
portant as well as hopeful branch of its work was
among the young, has labored unceasingly in this
when more than eight hundred and fifty shade trees | direction, and a juvenile organization of about three
were set along the streets and avenues of the town. | hundred children is now under its charge. Toward
906
the establishment and success of the Temperance Re-
form Association it rendered the most efficient aid,
It has a standing committee for the dissemination of
temperance literature, another to visit and carry aid
and consolation to homes resting under the bane of
alcoholic indulgence, another to provide for weekly |
Sunday meetings for the awakening and strengthening
of temperance sentiment. ‘The Union has also con-
tributed greatly to the large majority here against the
licensing of the liquor traffic, by communicating di-
rectly with every voter before election, and by the
personal solicitations of its members at the polls.
Two other associations for the promotion of tem-
perance have an assured existence here.
Energetic Lodge, No. 125, I. O. G. T., was insti-
tuted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts March
13, 1882, with fifteen charter members, and has |
steadily increased, till at the present time it has a
membership of over one hundred and twenty-five of
both sexes, representatives of many of the best fami-
lies in the town, and, as their lodge-name suggests,
energetic in every good word and work. The place
of meeting, which has been the Odd-Fellows’ Hall,
is on the point of being changed to Grand Army of |
the Republic Hall.
The first Worthy Chief Templar of this lodge,
Daniel F. Wood, is the oldest member of the order |
in the State, and it was introduced into Massachu-
setts through his efforts. George Manley, by whose
energy Energetic Lodge was started, was its first
Worthy Secretary.
composed of boys and girls from eight to eighteen
years of age. Its principal object is to demonstrate
the pernicious effects, physiologically, upon the system
of indulgence in alcoholic stimulants and narcotics. |
Meetings are held every Thursday evening in Congre- |
R. C. Habberley is Worthy Patron. |
gational Chapel.
The religious societies of the town claim more ex-
tended mention.
First Baptist Church.—This was the first church
town incorporation. In the year 1856, when “the
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTs.
:
|
|
In the year 1858 it was thought that the time had
fully come when a Baptist Church should be organ-
ized and assume the responsibility of sustaining pub-
lic worship. Accordingly, on the 9th day of Sep-
tember, in the house of L. B. Hanaford, Esq., on
Fairmount Avenue, ten members of Baptist Churches
elsewhere met and formally organized what is now
the First Baptist Church in Hyde Park. One of the
members having built Fairmount Hall midway Fair-
mount Hill, the church hired and dedicated to the
worship of God the second floor hall.
In 1861 the church commenced the erection of a
chapel on the avenue between Pierce and Davison
Streets, and finished it in 1862, at a cost of about
two thousand five hundred dollars. In 1868 in-
creased church accommodations became necessary. A
building committee was appointed, and limited to the
expenditure of twenty thousand dollars for a new
house, which was completed in November, 1870. It
is cruciform in style, brick walls to the top of the
vestries, which are ample in size for all church pur-
poses, and supplied with modern conveniences. The
auditorium has a seating capacity of seven hundred
persons.
Rev. G. R. Darrow was the first pastor, settled in
1865, but resigned in 1864. Since then the pastor-
ate has been successively filled by Revs. C. A. Skin-
ner, W. H.S. Ventres, I. H. Gilbert, D. C. Eddy,
D.D., and Gorham Easterbrook. The membership
of the church, originally only ¢en, is now three hun-
| dred and seventy-four.
Star of Hope Section, Cadets of Temperance, is |
Episcopal Church.—The first service of the Prot-
estant Kpiscopal Church was conducted by Rev.
Samuel B. Babcock, rector of St. Paul’s Church,
| Dedham, in Union Hall, near the New York Central
Railroad depot, Oct. 10, 1858, at one of the “ union
meetings,’ at that time supported by adherents of all
denominations. After a while the Kpiscopalians
transferred their place of meeting to Lyman Hall,
_near the Boston and Providence Railroad, where ser-
_ vices were held every Sunday morning, the various
organized in town, and antedates by several years the |
twenty Associates” commenced the erection of the
first houses here which constituted the nucleus of
Hyde Park settlement, Rev. Mr. Patterson, pastor of
the East Dedham Baptist Church, came over and
preached occasionally at five e’clock on Sunday in the
boarding-house on the corner of Fairmount Avenue
and Brush Hill road.
ton came out and preached in the grove then crown-
Sometimes pastors from Bos-
ing a hill between the present Baptist meeting-house
and the New York and New England Railroad.
clergymen officiating being furnished and paid by the
Southern District Association. When there was no
clergyman forthcoming,
A Sunday-school, which soon grew
services were read generally
by Mr. Lyman.
to a membership of sixty-five, was established, mainly
through the exertions of Rev. John W. Nott, who
was at that time passing a vacation here. For some
time the family of A. H. Brainard constituted the
entire number of communicants, the congregation
beine made up of those who only had a preference
‘ 5
for that form of worship.
Mr. Brainard also fur-
‘nished a portion of the choir and all the instru-
a ee
deon, which its owner ‘“ shouldered” to and from the
place of meeting every Sunday. This instrument
HYDE PARK.
mental music, which latter consisted of a small melo-—
also assisted in the services of several other religious |
societies, which borrowed it in turn until able to ac-
quire something more pretentious. If still in exist-
ence, as it was a few years ago, it will undoubtedly be
freely at the service of any other infant congregation
to help out the music if necessary.
The present parish was organized Nov. 8, 1860,
under the name of Christ Church, with the following
officers: Wardens, A. H. Brainard and G. H. Nott; |
Vestrymen, L. Bickford, J. Pratt, S. Fennell, and
W. H. Hoogs; Treasurer, 8S. A. Bradbury; Clerk, J. |
M. BR. Story. Rev. A. H. Washburn took charge of
the parish in March, 1861, was elected its rector in
January, 1862, and so continued till early in 1866, |
when he became rector of Grace Church, in Cleve-
land, Ohio. During the early part of his ministration
on the corner of River and Maple Streets. This is
of Gothic style of architecture, with a seating ca-
pacity of about 300.
construction worship was held in Bragg’s Hall, on
Fairmount Avenue. The building was consecrated
Dec. 1, 1863, by Right Rev. Manton Eastburn,
-achurch edifice was erected largely through the efforts |
of Gordon H. Nott, the same now used by the society, |
While it was in process of
bishop of the diocese, assisted by several other di- |
vines. Mr. Washburn’s connection with the parish
was of great benefit to it, and his resignation deeply
deplored. He was succeeded, April, 1867, by Rev.
Wm. H. Collins, who officiated as rector till his resig-
nation, July 21, 1869. His successor, Nov. 16,
1869, was Rey. John W. Birchmore, who remained
till May 15, 1872. In October, 1872, Rev. Robert
Scott was unanimously elected rector.
In the summer of 1874 the Rev. R. B. Van Kleeck,
D.D., was chosen rector.
and highly esteemed by clergy and laity in all parts
of the country, and the five years of his rectorship
form a memorable period in the history of the
parish.
During the year 1879-80 the Rev. F. H. Horsfield
was minister in charge of the congregation. He was
succeeded in the autumn of 1880 by the Rev. Edward |
A. Rand, who with unremitting devotion to duty con-
tinued as minister in charge until Whitsunday, 1882.
He was succeeded by the Rev. John T. Magrath,
who officiated for the first time on Trinity Sunday,
1882, and immediately entered upon the duties of the
rectorship. Since Jan. 20, 1884, the sittings have
been free.
Congregational Church.—Congregational services |
907
were first held in Hyde Park in December, 1860, in
Bragg’s Hall.
The place of meeting was soon changed to Lyman
Hall, where, for a few months, the services were con-
ducted by Rev. L. R. Eastman, afterwards, with only
occasional clerical aid, by the brethren, until Dec. 1,
1862, when Rev. Hiram Carlton commenced minis-
terial labors, which was continued till October, 1864.
On May 7, 1863, an ecclesiastical council organized
here a church of ten members, of which Sylvester
Phelps and Thomas Hammond were elected deacons.
Rey. R. Manning Chipman was the officiating clergy-
man from Dee. 1, 1864, to Nov. 30, 1866, the ser-
vices being held during this time in Bragg’s Hall.
In January, 1867, the church and society extended
a call to Rev. Perley B. Davis, who was then settled
over the church at Sharon, Mass., who accepted, and
was installed April 10th following, and who has con-
tinued as pastor of the society to this day.
Measures were now taken for the erection of a
parsonage and church edifice. A lot of land at the
junction of Fairmount Avenue and Everett Square,
extending through to Oak Street, was presented to
the society by the Real Estate and Building Com-
pany, and a parsonage fronting on Oak Street, and
costing about five thousand dollars, was built, and
occupied by the pastor the following September.
On Jan. 31, 1868, the corner-stone of the church
edifice was laid with appropriate exercises, and on Oc-
tober 15th following the church was publicly dedicated
to the worship of God, the pastor preaching the ser-
mon. The building is a Gothic structure, costing
seventeen thousand dollars, and had a seating capacity
of four hundred and sixty-two. By the untiring
efforts of the ladies of the congregation it was fur-
-nished with an organ, bell, carpet, and cushions at
He was a man well known
For the
better accommodation of the Sunday-school and social
meetings, in the autumn of 1874 a chapel was erected
adjoining the church, capable of seating three hnn-
dred people. This was built by voluntary subscrip-
tion, presented to the society, and dedicated Jan. 1,
1875.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, 1879, by the efforts of Mr.
Edward Kimball, the church-debt raiser, the debt of
twelve thousand five hundred dollars, which had
rested very heavily upon the society, was raised by
pledges from the congregation, and in December,
1880, the debt was fully paid. April 16, 1880,
seven members were dismissed from the church to
form a nucleus for the church at Clarendon Hill.
Owing to the increase in numbers of the congrega-
tion and the Sunday-school during the two years en-
an expense of nearly five thousand dollars.
908
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
suing, it was decided to enlarge both church and |
chapel, at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and, the
requisite amount having been pledged, work was
begun in October, 1883.
modeled as to furnish seven hundred and sixty-nine
sittings, including the choir-seats. The chapel was
made thirty-five feet longer, a portion being fitted for
class-rooms and library.
windows for the church were donated by J. P. Hig-
gins, and a large double front window, representing
St. Paul and the Good Shepherd, was a gift from the
Young Ladies’ Aid Society. The enlarged church was
rededicated Feb. 26, 1884, and the chapel the next
evening.
The condition of the church is very prosperous, it
having a membership of four hundred and eighty, of
The church was so re- |
Thirteen cathedral glass |
. . |
whom seventy-two were received during the first year.
The Sunday-school membership is five hundred and
fifty, with an average attendance of three hundred and
seventy-five for the year.
bers, when it was again reduced to thirty-two on the
formation of the Orthodox and Universalist societies,
but during the following year it rose to the number
of sixty-eight. In the winter of 1863-64 preaching
services were held one evening each week in Benton’s
Hall, at which the pulpit was filled by different cler-
gymen, and from April 17, 1864, till the following
spring Rev. C. 8. Sewell supplied this meeting and
one at Jamaica Plain, one-half of each Sunday in
either place, after which the desk was for a time
again left vacant. During the most of this period
and until June 2, 1867, the Sabbath-school held its
sessions at the house of its superintendent, Mr. War-
ren, whose interest in it had from its start been con-
| stant and unwavering, and to whose unremitting
efforts a great part of its growth was due. Among
the means employed by him to promote its vitality
were a series of social entertainments, called ‘“ super-
_intendent’s parties,” at one of which the proposition —
The Clarendon Congregational Church was or- |
ganized April 19, 1880, with fifteen members. Rev.
S. D. Hosmer was then its acting pastor, and con-
tinued ministerial labors there till May, 1882. He
was followed by Rev. A. H. Johnson, the present
pastor. The membership is now twenty-seven.
Methodist Episcopal Church.—June 28, 1857,
the residents of Fairmount, then numbering twenty-
seven families, met at the house of A. P. Blake, and
Warren as its superintendent.
summer preaching services were held every Sunday
afternoon at Mr. Blake’s house, and in the fall the
Hyde Park and Fairmount Religious Society was
its meetings in the hall of the Hartford & Erie depot
building. The Sabbath-school was held there also,
and a prayer-meeting, which became very interesting
and effective. During the spring and summer of 1858
the society met in a new building in Fairmount
owned by Messrs. Pierce and Higgins; but in the
fall of that year, the Baptist element forming a sepa-
rate organization and remaining there, the remainder
of the society returned to the depot hall.
1859, the Hyde Park and Fairmount Religious So-
ciety dissolved, but the Methodist members continued
During the following |
was made and adopted which resulted in the organ-
ization of the Methodist society, Feb. 10, 1867, with
a membership of twenty-eight, and the appointment
| of Rev. N. T. Whittaker as its pastor.
On the 2d
of June, 1867, the Sabbath-school, then called the
Warren Fairmount Sabbath-School, was presented to
the Methodist Church, though not by its beloved
superintendent, who had looked forward to participa-
tion in the event with intense interest, but who had
| passed to his heavenly reward on the 26th of the pre-
organized the Fairmount Sabbath-school, with Daniel |
vious May. The school brought with itself to the
society six hundred and eighty books and a small sum
of money.
From this time to the present the history of the
| society has been one of uninterrupted growth in every
formed, which was a strictly union society, and held |
July 6, |
| Wiley.
holding meetings till September 4th, when these also |
were discontinued, the Sabbath-school alone contin-
uing, and meeting at the house of Mr. Warren. This
school was then only sixteen in number, having been
greatly depleted by the departure of many to join the
Baptist and Episcopal schools. It gradually increased,
however, till, in 1861, it numbered fifty-nine mem- |
respect. As its increase in numbers necessitated, it
from time to time changed its place of meetings in
quest of more commodious quarters, removing to
Union Hall in 1869, and to Neponset Hall in 1871,
where it remained till the completion of its church
building. Ground
was formally broken for laying the foundation of the
church edifice, June 2, 1873, by Mrs. Mary 8.
Warren, the pioneer Methodist of Hyde Park; the
corner-stone was laid Oet. 28, 1873, with exercises
In 1871 it erected a parsonage.
conducted by former pastors, and an address by Bishop
The auditorium was completed and dedicated
Nov. 19, 1874, with appropriate exercises, and a
sermon by Rev. H. W. Warren, D.D., the vestries
having been dedicated December 31st preceding, the
sermon being preached by Dr. B. K. Pierce, editor
of Zion's Herald.
was a great religious interest manifested in the society,
During the following winter there
and a large addition made to the membership.
HYDE PARK.
909
The following have been the pastors: 1867-68,
Rev. N. T. Whitaker; 1869, Rev. George Prentice ;
Rev. J. S. Whedon; 1877-78, Rev. H. J. Fox;
1879-81, Rev. W. N. Richardson; 1882-83, Rev.
Jesse Wagner, the present incumbent. The present
condition of the society is exceedingly flourishing ;
its membership is two hundred and ninety, that of its
Sunday-school three hundred and fifty.
Its house of worship, situated on the corner of
Central Avenue and Winthrop Street, is of wood, with
hundred and sixty-five feet in height. The first floor
contains an ample vestry, class-rooms, dressing-rooms,
and kitchen. The auditorium, on the second floor, is
sixty feet long by seventy-five feet in breadth, finished
windows, with sittings for seven hundred and twenty
people, exclusive of one hundred more in the gallery
at one end. This room has been the scene of many
union meetings, and on occasions has accommodated
one thousand persons.
This edifice cost
$45,000, and entailed a heavy debt upon the society.
Previous to 1881 special efforts had reduced this to
and the frescoing very chaste.
raising society, the whole remaining amount was
the burdensome and harassing obligations which had
Of this
amount, $15,U00 was pledged at one meeting con-
ducted by Bishop Randolph 8. Foster. The Ladies’
Circle and the Sunday-school aided nobly in this
work, the former raising $2800, the latter $575. By
authority of the Northeast Conference the collections
of the year from the churches of the Boston District,
amounting to $850, were also contributed, and subscrip-
so long hampered and limited its usefulness.
tions were made by friends in those churches agegre- |
gating thousands of dollars.
The original furnishings of the church, including
settees, cushions, and carpets, to the cost of $1500,
were provided by the Ladies’ Circle.
June, 1867, as the consequence of action taken at a
preliminary meeting, June Ist, held in the Fairmount
school-house, at which John P. Jewett was chairman,
and Benjamin C. Vose, secretary. During the fol-
lowing summer regular services were held every Sun-
day afternoon at the old Music Hall, prominent Uni-
tarian clergymen of Boston and vicinity occupying the
pulpit. In November of the same year the society
1870-71, Rev. E. S. Best; 1872, Rev. E. A. Man- |
ning; 1873-75, Rev. George W. Mansfield; 1876-77, |
in ash and black walnut, lighted by large stained-glass |
Its walls are delicately tinted |
$29,000, and during that year, by the work of a debt- |
pledged and paid, and the church thus relieved from |
}
|
!
|
|
freestone base and steps, and a single lofty spire one |
_moved to Deacon Hammond’s Hail, and engaged as
pastor Rev. T. B. Forbush, who remained until the
following March. In June, 1868, a permanent organ-
ization was formed under the name of the Christian
Fraternity. The next year this name was changed
to that of the Second Congregational Society of Hyde
Park, which in turn was, in May, 1880, superseded
by the present title.
In June, 1868. Rev. William Hamilton was in-
vited to become the regular preacher of the society,
and he continued as such about a year, services during
that time being held in Hamblin Hall. In No-
vember, 1868, Rev. Francis C. Williams was selected
to take charge of the society, and was installed as
pastor the following February. During his pastorate,
which continued until June, 1879, the society had a
varied experience, particularly in its places of worship.
Meeting in the town hall for about a year, they thence
went to Neponset Hall, where they remained till its
destruction by fire, in the early part of 1874. Their
church building was then in process of construction,
and until its completion, in the latter part of the
same year, they were kindly accommodated by the
Methodist Society, which tendered the use of its
vestry. The Unitarian Church was dedicated Feb.
18, 1875, and in it their services have since been held.
It occupies a sightly and pleasant position on the
corner of Oak and Pine Streets, on Mount Neponset,
and presents to the eye a neat, attractive, and agree-
able aspect. It is of the Romanesque style of archi-
| tecture, and is constructed in a very substantial man-
ner, and of excellent material. The audience-room,
exclusive of vestibule, is sixty-seven by thirty-seven
feet, with a seating capacity of a little more than
three hundred. ‘The finish of the pulpit and its sur-
roundings is of black walnut; of the pews, black
walnut and ash. It is well lighted, with stained-
glass windows of shades affording very agreeable
effects. In the vestry is a ladies’ reception-room,
dining-room, kitchen, etc. The cost of the building
was fifteen thousand dollars. During his long stay,
| Mr. Williams’ influence on the church and town was
_ marked and beneficial.
First Unitarian Society.—The first meeting of |
this society as a separate denomination was held in |
His successor was Rey. A.
Judson Rich, who was invited in November, 1879,
installed the next January, and who remained four
years. At the present time the society is without a
settled pastor.
Roman Catholic Church.—The parish was organ-
ized Oct. 1, 1870. Previous to that time services
were regularly held by Rev. Father McNulty, of
Milton, and under his administration the number of
worshipers increased so rapidly that Rt. Rev. John
J. Williams ordered a separate parish to be formed on
910
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
the above date, and Rev. William J. Corcoran was
appointed pastor. During the first few years of his
stay the Catholics worshiped in the old Music Hall,
on Everett Square. Finally, by Father Corcoran’s
efforts and the co-operation of the faithful, a frame
church was built on land on Hyde Park Avenue,
which had been previously secured by Father Mc-
Nulty.
1875, and the parish attended services in the town
This church was destroyed by fire Jan. 2,
hall until Music Hall was removed to their lot on
Hyde Park Avenue and fitted for temporary use,
when they went there. In the mean time a large lot
|
\
dition, and is still under charge of Rev. Father Barry,
ably assisted by his brother, Rev. Henry A. Barry.
A number of religious societies are connected with the
church. ;
There is also a society of Second Adventists, who
meet in Lyric Hall, and a weekly Union Meeting
held in Readville.
The manufacturing industries of Hyde Park, al-
ready great, are yearly becoming more extensive.
| Particular reference to some of them will be of in-
of land, most delightfully located on Maple and Oak |
Streets, in Mount Neponset, had been bought.
lot, became the residence of the pastor and his suc-
cessors.
Father Corcoran was followed as pastor, in Feb-
ruary, 1877, by Rev. M. Conlan, who, Feb. 1, 1880,
was succeeded by Rev. Richard J. Barry. Under |
the administration of Father Barry the society has |
grown very largely in numbers and influence.
mediately upon his taking charge he zealously set to |
work to cause the erection of a church upon the lot
. . i}
on Mount Neponset, and the result is a spacious and |
elegant edifice, a lasting memorial of what can be ac- |
>
complished by energy and perseverance. It is of
brick and stone, with interior woodwork of cherry, |
and a seating capacity of one thousand and eighty.
The frescoing, stucco, and windows are works of real |
art. Taken as a whole it is a gem, and will compare
favorably with any church in the State in architec-
tural merit and beauty of finish. Situated ona slight |
. . . . |
eminence, it presents a conspicuous and pleasing ob-
ject of view from several miles around.
signed by Charles J. Butemore.
construction were raised principally by collections
from house to house. Among the donors most gen-
erous in amount should be mentioned Messrs. Robert
Bleakie, John 8. Bleakie, and Daniel Sheedy.
The corner-stone was laid July 4, 1880, by Most
Rev. John J. Williams, in the presence of some six
thousand people, the trowel used on the occasion
being now in the ownership of Mrs. John 8. Bleakie.
Noy. 18, 1883, a chime of bells, weighing eleven
thousand pounds, was blessed by Bishop De Goes-
briand, of Burlington, and sounded forth November |
25th following. This was the generous donation of
pastor.
Im- |
It was de- |
The funds for its |
An |
ample dwelling-house, situated on a portion of this |
|
{
|
terest.
Industries.—R. Bleakie & Co.'s woolen-mills.
The gift of several acres by a number of interested
land-owners to Francis Skinner and others, in 1862,
led to the formation and incorporation of the Hyde
Park Woolen Company in 1863, which at once began
| the erection of a twelve-set mill for the production
of army goods, blankets, and flannels. The first
blanket was woven by John Bleakie, father of the
Robert Bleakie
became superintendent Aug. 1, 1864, and under his
able direction it became so successful that, in 1865,
the capacity of the mill was increased to twenty-one
present owner, on July 51, 1863.
sets of cards, employing about four hundred opera-
Karly in the morning of June 9, 1873, the
mills took fire, and all but the bare walls of the main
tives.
building, and the chimney, was destroyed, involving
a loss of some four hundred thousand dollars, and
scattering the employés to other places until the
work of rebuilding should be completed. This work
was commenced at once, and pushed with all possible
energy until Fall, when the disastrous financial panic
which then swept over the country made it seem
most prudent to discontinue new enterprises till it
should be past. So the windows and doors of the
mills were put in, and the property left in the care of
faithful watchmen. Then followed a long season of
depression in the woolen business, so serious that
there was no encouragement to resume operations ;
and finally, in the fall of 1878, the whole plant was
sold to Robert Bleakie, since which time it has been
operated to its full capacity, fourteen sets of cards, in
the manufacture of suitings and overcoatings, by the
firm of which Mr. Bleakie is the senior partner, and
gives employment to nearly three hundred workers.
The large amount of taxable property, and the
money monthly paid to the operatives, is a consider-
able item in the prosperity of the town, and its citi-
the late Martin O’Brien, of this town, and of the |
The numbers of persons at the present time |
Pp
attached to the church is two thousand one hundred, |
with three hundred and forty attendants at the Sun-
day-school. The society is in a most flourishing con-
zens regard with much pride the neat appearance of
the buildings and the well-kept grounds around them.
Tileston & Hollingsworth’s Paper-Mill. In 1836,
_ Edmund Tileston, of Dorchester, and Amos Hollings-
worth, of Milton, purchased the old Sumner Mills, a
—
HYDE PARK.
aint
detailed account of which, since its erection by George |
Clark, was published in 1859 in the “History of |
Dorchester.’’ Then (1836) the property consisted —
of a paper-mill and’a cotton-mill. In 1837 the cot-_
ton-mill burned down, and the firm built a paper-
mill in its place. This mill, on which many addi- ,
tions and alterations had in course of time been
made, was burned March 12, 1881, and the same
year Franklin L. Tileston and Amos L. Hollings-
worth, sons of the former partners and successors of |
the old firm, built the present mill. This, with the ©
other mill standing on the same privilege, now makes
five tons of fine plate- and book-paper per day.
The cotton-mill at Readville is the oldest manufac- |
tory in the town, and one of the oldest in the State. |
A portion of the present wooden building was erected
in 1814. It was capable of running sixty-six looms
and producing two thousand yards of cloth per day.
It was built and operated by a copartnership, which
was changed from time to time, but always retained |
the name of the Dedham Manufacturing Company. |
It was first under the superintendence of F. A. Taft ;
later under that of Ezra W. Taft, still living in Ded- |
ham. In 1852 the late James Downing, of Hyde
Park, became its superintendent and agent, and so
continued till 1864.
seer in 1816, and consequently was identified with it |
Ex-Governor Gardner, of Mas-
sachusetts, was one of the early partners; also Mr.
He began in the mill as over- |
for forty-eight years.
Lemist, who was lost at the burning of the steamer
“Lexington”; also Mr. Read, in honor of whom
Readville took its name. At the breaking out of the
civil war a quantity of cotton in transitu for the mill |
was seized by rebels at Baltimore, and not recovered.
When the supply on hand was exhausted the mill
closed, and did not reopen under its old management.
In 1864 it was sold to Mr. Boynton, of Boston, and
Manton Bros., of Providence, by whom the large
brick mill was built. In 1867 it passed into the
hands of the Smithfield Manufacturing Company of
Providence, by whom the wooden mill was enlarged
to about double its former capacity. The whole
property is now owned by B. B. & R. Knight, of |
Providence. It runs about four hundred and fifty
looms, and furnishes employment to over three hun-
dred and fifty operatives. The power is supplied
partly by water, but chiefly by steam. The following |
incident attending the acquisition of this privilege is |
handed down by oral tradition. At the time when |
the old mill was built, by the law or usage a privilege»
could be acquired by the party first improving it by a
dam and wheel in operation. Three parties competed
the present site. The middle party proved most en-
terprising. It got its dam well along, ferreted out
somewhere an old water-wheel, placed it in position in
the night, and got it actually in motion, and thus
claimed and held its location.
The American Tool and Machine Company, manu-
facturing castings, is among the most valuable and
important of the industries of the town. It occupies
extensive buildings, has a great amount of taxable
property, employs a large force of skilled and intelli-
gent workmen, and has a monthly pay-roll of some
thirteen thousand dollars.
The Brainard Miiling Machine Company, whose
specialty of manufacture is indicated by its name, is a
concern of large extent and great activity.
Among the others may be enumerated the Boston
Blower Company, machines; Glover & Wilcomb’s
curled-hair factory; J. T. Robinson & Co., manufac-
turers of paper-box machinery; John Scott, wool
scouring ; Kenyon & Crabtree, chemicals; Alden &
Co., Waste Rubber Chemical Company; Alden &
Gammett, tack manufacturers; Moody & Co., horse-
nail manufacturers ; Readville Rubber Company; R.
H. Gray & Co., shoddy; S. Z. Leslie & Co., Novelty
Wood-Work ; H. N. Bates, door-spring manufacturer ;
John Johnston, carriage manufacturer; McDonald &
Co., morocco curriers; J. M. Bullard, grist-mill ;
People’s Ice Company and C. E. Davenport & Co.,
ice cutters and dealers; C. L. Farnsworth’s bakery ;
and many others of less proportions.
As has been previously mentioned, about two hun-
dred acres, or one-fourteenth of the area of the town,
is embraced in streets; of these, some twenty-five
miles of highways have been accepted and are under
the care and supervision of the surveyors; the re-
mainder are private ways. No street less than forty
feet in width is accepted. Thanks to the Centennial
tree-planting, these avenues are beginning to be well
shaded by thrifty forest-trees. They are for the most
part thickly studded with residences, which, being of
so recent construction, are all of modern style, are
kept in remarkably good repair, and present a very
attractive appearance. They are the homes of hun-
_ dreds whose daily avocations are pursued in the adja-
cent city of Boston. The two lines of railway, furnish-
_ ing in the aggregate forty-five trains each way to and
from the city, provide every facility for this manner
of living, and being through lines, the convenience of
The
amateur culture of pears and grapes is almost uni-
The schools of Hyde
The high
access to any desired point is unsurpassed.
versal, and quite successful.
Park are contained in six buildings.
for this privilege,—one at, one above, and one below | school, with about one hundred pupils’ and four
912
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
teachers, is located on the corner of Hyde Park Avenue
and Everett Street, near the middle of the town.
small building in the same yard is occupied by a
primary school. The Grew School, on Gordon Avenue,
Sunnyside, F. H. Dean, principal ; the Damon School,
on Readville Street, E. W. Cross, principal ; the Fair-
Greenwood School, D. G. Thompson, principal, in the
Hazlewood district, are each large edifices, with eight
class-rooms and a hall, and in them, at the present
writing, one thousand four hundred and fifty scholars
are taught by twenty-nine teachers. The annual re-
ports of the State Board of Education give Hyde Park
a very honorable standing among the towns of the
commonwealth. The only other public structure
belonging to the town is the fire-engine house on
Central Park Avenue.
ganized, and has been effective in subduing fires. W.
W. Hilton is chief engineer, C. L. Farnsworth and
F.
consists of two steamers, one chemical engine, and
This department is well or-
A. Sweet, assistants. ‘he principal apparatus
the requisite hose and hook-and-ladder carriages. |
The principal other buildings of a quasi-public char-
acter are the Bank Building,
way, and Neponset Block, owned by I. J. Brown, both
on Everett Square, and Masonic Hall Block, owned
by J. S. Conant, and Everett Block, owned by the
East Boston Savings-Bank, both on River Street, the
latter now containing the town offices.
The following is a brief sketch of the only banking
institution which Hyde Park can boast. During the
winter of 1870-71 the necessary preliminary steps
were taken, which resulted in the passage by the Leg-
islature of ‘‘ An Act to incorporate the Hyde Park
Savings-Bank,” approved March 11, 1871, in which
Henry Grew, Martin L. Whitcher, and James Down-
ing were named as corporators. These gentlemen,
with the associates whom they selected,—forty in all, |
—met in the hall then used for a high-school room,
corner of River Street and Hyde Park Avenue, April
20, 1871, and voted to accept the charter. <A full
organization was effected at that time by the choice |
of Charles F. Gerry as president, with the requisite
number of vice-presidents and trustees.
At a subsequent meeting of the trustees, at the
house of Mr. Whitcher, April 27, 1871,° Henry S.
‘AG
owned by A. H. Hol- |
leased from and after Jan. 1, 1876.
mount School, H. F. Howard, principal; and the |
the bank was transacted until that building was de-
stroyed by fire, May 5, 1874. ‘Temporary quarters
were then provided in the town offices, Everett
Block. The Bank Building was erected in 1875, and
the rooms in the same, which are now used; were
The bank has
had four presidents, Charles F. Gerry serving five
years ; Henry Grew, one year; Isaac J. Brown, three
years; and Robert Bleakie, four years.
The bank shared in the embarrassments to which
the majority of Massachusetts savings-banks were sub-
_ jected as the result of protracted business stagnation
and depression. For two years, in common with
many others, it was placed by the State Commis-
sioners under the restrictions of the ‘Stay Law.”
By this means one of our most useful local institu-
tions was preserved, although at the date of resump-
tion, June 15, 1880, the amount of deposits had
dwindled to about thirty thousand dollars. Since
that time, under wise and conservative management,
the Hyde Park Savings-Bank has prospered, and has
received a full measure of the confidence and patron-
It has now about
eight hundred depositors, the amount of the deposits
being one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.
The present officers are, viz.: President, Robert
Bleakie ; Vice-Presidents, Amos H. Brainard, Ben-
jamin C. Vose, J. Ellery Piper, Sidney C. Putnam ;
Trustees, Robert Bleakie, William J. Stuart, Benja-
min F. Radford, David Perkins, Waldo F. Ward,
Orin T. Gray, Rinaldo Williams, Frederick N. Tir-
age of the citizens of the town.
—rell, John 8. Bleakie, Hobart M. Cable, Augustus H.
| Hyde Park.
Bunton was elected treasurer, and has held the posi-
tion continuously since. The bank was opened for
the reception of deposits in the selectmen’s room,
town hall, June 17, 1871, the first depositor being
John M. Twitchell.
On the Ist of September following rooms were
occupied in Neponset Block, where the business of
Page, James D. McAvoy, Francis W. Tewksbury,
Wilbert J. Case, George Sanford; Treasurer, Henry
8. Bunton.
The town rejoices in two weekly papers. The
Norfolk County Gazette, Samuel R. Moseley, editor,
is the lineal descendant of the Dedham Gazette, which
was established in Dedham in 1813, and of the Hyde
| Park Journal, started in Hyde Park in 1868, by
Barrows & Getchell. Feb. 26, 1870, the Gazette,
then edited by Henry O. Hildreth, now postmaster at
Dedham, and the Jowrnal were united, under the
name of the Norfolk County Gazette, Hildreth &
Getchell, editors, and the place of publication fixed at
A few years later Mr. Hildreth retired,
and Getchell & Moseley carried on the paper until
Jan. 15, 1877, when Mr. Getchell was succeeded by
It
is by far the oldest paper in the county, and has num-
Mr. Moseley, the present editor and proprietor.
_bered among its contributors many of the most emi-
nent men in this section of the State.
The Hyde Park Times issued its first number June
HYDE
PARK. 913
9, 1883, with E. S. Hathaway as its editor; it soon
passed into the hands of Hunt & Chamberlin, and |
again into those of Herbert E. Hunt, its present
editor and proprietor. A mere infant yet, its career
and reputation lie before it.
Oct. 29, 1868, the Everett House, a pretty and
comfortable building, standing on the corner of the
square, was opened to the public as a hotel.
the twelve years it was kept open it served as the
temporary home of many families now domiciled in
homes of their own in the town, and their recollec-
tions of their sojourn there are doubtless fraught with
The Willard House, on Gordon
Avenue, was first opened Jan. 22, 1873.
called the Lincoln House, and is the only hotel in the
place.
pleasant memories
Hyde Park abounds in secret orders, prominent
among which stand the Masons and Odd-Fellows, a
detailed account of which organizations follows.
Masonic Organizations.— Before the incorpora-
tion of the town of Hyde Park, the establishment of
dent within its present territorial limits. A dispen-
shipful Grand Master in response to a petition
bearing twenty-one signatures.
ings had been held at various places in Dediam and
Hyde Park, and the first regular communication of
During >
It is now |
uninterrupted prosperity. By the fire the fraternity
were suddenly ejected from the pleasant rooms which
had so long been their home, and suffered a total loss
of all their furniture and paraphernalia. By special
authority from the Grand Master the meetings of
Hyde Park Lodge were held for three months in the
hall of Constellation Lodge, of Dedham, and more
recently in Neponset Hall, until the completion of
| spacious and convenient apartments in the new Ma-
sonic building on River Street. The new halls were
| occupied by the lodge on the 15th of February, 1884,
_and are admirably arranged for Masonic purposes.
The furniture includes a fine organ, built by Messrs.
Hook & Hastings, of Boston.
The lodge has now about one hundred and forty
members, and includes many of the leading business
men and officers of the town.
Among the names
which have appeared on its roll of membership are
those of two venerable Masons, James Downing and
Timothy Phelps, each of whom had served the old
_ Constellation Lodge, of Dedham, as Worshipful Mas-
a lodge was considered desirable by the Masons resi- |
ter. Mr. Downing was made a Mason in 1819, and
| Mr. Phelps in 1821.
sation was, therefore, procured from the Most Wor- |
Preliminary meet- |
Hyde Park Lodge was called Feb. 15, 1866, at a_
small hall on Fairmount Avenue, since occupied by |
the Advent society. Here the lodge held its meet-
leased and fitted up in the Music Hall building, cor-
ner of River Street and Hyde Park Avenue. The
same was dedicated, and Hyde Park Lodge was con-
Its first chaplain was Rev. Alvan H. Washburn,
D.D., who at the time was rector of Christ Church.
He was a man of prominence in the church, and his
untimely death, Dec. 29, 1876, in a railroad disaster
at Ashtabula, Ohio, sent a thrill of sorrow through
the hearts of many who had known and loved him.
Hyde Park Lodge has a charity fund of good pro-
_ portions, and its philanthropic work has been con-
ings until the following winter, when a hall was |
stituted by Grand Master Charles C. Dame and the
officers of the Grand Lodge, Dec. 21, 1866. The
P. Davis, Charles F. Gerry, Charles A. Jordan,
Samuel A. Bradbury, William W. Colburn, William
U. Fairbairn, Nathaniel Hebard, James L. Vialle,
stant and effective. One of its pleasant social features
has been an annual entertainment on Washington’s
birthday for the benefit of the wives and families of
its members. |
The following-named persons have successively held
_ the office of Worshipful Master since the organization
charter members were fifteen in number, viz.: Enoch |
David 8. Hill, Timothy Phelps, William A. Bullard, |
Robert Campbell, Francis H. Coffin, Waldo F. Ward,
and Ambrose B. Galucia. In September, 1869, the
fraternity again folded their tents, and occupied apart-
ments in the third story of the Gordon Hall building,
corner of River Street and Gordon Avenue. The
of the lodge, each for a term of service of two years:
1866-67, Enoch P. Davis; 1868-69, Charles F.
Gerry; 1870-71, William H. Jordan; 1872-73,
Henry S. Bunton; 1874-75, Fergus A. Easton;
1876-77, William H. Ingersoll; 1878-79, Charles
H. Colby; 1880-81, John F. Ross; 1882-83, Ste-
phen B. Balkam.
The following is the present list of officers: Henry
| N. Bates, W. M.; James F. Mooar, S. W.; Henry
building was purchased by the town the following |
year, and used and known as the Town Hall until
its destruction by fire, March 7, 1883.
During this period of nearly fourteen years a Chap-
ter, Council, and Commandery were organized, and
F. Howard, J. W.; Henry S. Bunton, Treas. ;
Thomas D. Tooker, Sec. ; Charles Sturtevant, Chap-
| lain ; Melville P. Morrell, Marshal ; Edwin W. Sawyer,
S. D.; Albert E. Bradley, J. D.; Robert Scott, Jr.,
§.S.; George L. Lang, J. S.; Thomas F. Sumner,
| I. S.; Zorester B. Coes, Organist; David A. Me-
the history of each of the several bodies was one of | Donald, Tyler.
58
914
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Norfolk Royal Arch Chapter commenced its ex-
istence May 18, 1870, under a dispensation from the
Grand High Priest, Henry Chickering. The chap-
ter was duly consecrated and constituted May 24,
1871, with twenty-eight charter members. Its sev-
eral High Priests have been, viz.: 1871-72, Gama-
liel Hodges; 1873, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr.; 1874-76,
Henry 8. Bunton; 1877, Charles C. Nichols; 1878, |
William H. Ingersoll ; 1879, Henry C. Chamberlain ;
1880-81, Charles L. Farnsworth; 1882-83, Moses
N. Gage.
Its present officers are Moses N. Gage, M. E. H.P.; |
| E. C.; Moses N. Gage, G.;
David L. Hodges, E. K.; Eugene E. Cadue, E. 8. ;
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Treas. ; Henry S. Bunton, See. ;
Henry N. Bates, CO. of H.; Charles Sturtevant, P.S. ;
Melville P. Morrell, R. A. C.; Philander Harlow,
M. 3d V.; Henry M. Phipps, M. 2d V.; Edwin C. |
Aldrich, M. Ist V.; Andrew Cochran, Chaplain ; |
Charles L. Farnsworth, 8. 8.; Henry S. Holtham,
J. 8.; Edward Roberts, Organist; David A. Mc-
Donald, Tyler.
The present membership of Norfolk Chapter is
about eighty.
members of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, |
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., who was elected Grand Scribe in
Two of its members are permanent |
St. John of Jerusalem after their expulsion from the
Holy Land. Cyprus Commandery was constituted
and dedicated Oct. 12, 1874, by the Grand Com-
mandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, on
which occasion Rev. George 8. Noyes delivered an
historical address. The number of charter members
was twenty seven.
Its Eminent Commanders have been, viz.: 1873-
75, Gamaliel Hodges ; 1876-77, Henry C. Chamber-
lain; 1878, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. ; 1879-80, Henry S.
Bunton ; 1881-82, George F. Lincoln.
The present officers are, viz.: Stephen B. Balkam,
Melville P. Morrell,
C. G.; Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., Prel.; Henry N. Bates,
S. W.; Charles Sturtevant, J. W.; Daniel J. Goss,
Treas. ; Francis L. Gerald, Rec. ; Edwin C. Aldrich,
S’d B.; Philander Harlow, Sw’d B.; Samuel E.
Ward, W.; Benjamin F. Tyler, Henry S. Holtham,
Joel F. Godwin, C. of G.; David A. McDonald,
A. and 8.
Its present membership is about sixty.
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows.—In re-
sponse to a petition bearing ten signatures, the Grand
Lodge granted a charter, and Feb. 20, 1869, Forest
| Lodge, No. 148, I. O. O. F., was instituted by Grand
1880, and Henry S. Bunton, who was elected Deputy —
Grand High Priest in 1883.
Hyde Park Council of Royal and Select Masters |
was organized under a dispensation from Charles H.
Morris, Most [lustrious Grand Master, dated Oct. 1,
1872, and was chartered and constituted Oct. 6, 1873,
with thirty-five charter members.
The following-named persons have held the office
1873-74, Gamaliel
of Thrice Illustrious Master:
Master Levi C. Warren and suite of Grand Officers.
The charter members were nine in number, viz.:
David Perkins, Rufus B. Plummer, George W. Hal-
liday, Sidney Winter, John R. Thompson, Fergus A.
Easton, William H. Nightingale, George G. Bolton,
and Nathaniel Shepard. The lodge held its first
meeting in what was then known as Masonic Hall, in
Hodges; 1875, Fergus A. Easton; 1876-77, Henry |
S. Bunton ; 1878, John F. Ross ; 1879-80, Sylvanus |
Cobb, Jr. ; 1881, Charles M. Tilly ; 1882, Henry N.
Bates.
The present officers are, viz.: David L. Hodges,
T. I. M.; Eugene E. Caduc, D. M.; Sylvanus Cobb,
Jr., P. C. W.; Francis L. Gerald, Treas. ; Henry S.
Bunton, Rec.; Moses N. Gage, C. of G.; Charles |
Sturtevant, C. of C.; Ellis H. Williams, Chaplain ;
John F. Ross, Marshal; Charles L.
Steward ; David A. McDonald, Sent.
The present membership of Hyde Park Council is
Farnsworth.
about sixty.
Cyprus Commandery of Knights Templar and
the Appendant Orders was organized under dispensa-
tion from Nicholas Van Slyck, Grand Commander,
_men of influence and standing in the community, and
Oct. 31, 1873.
The name was given in allusion to the island of
the building now occupied by Putnam & Worden,
corner of Hyde Park Avenue and River Street.
From this it removed, Oct. 8, 1869, to Brage’s Hall,
on Fairmount Avenue, where it remained till January,
1870, when it again changed to the New Masonic
Hall, in the late town building, corner of Gordon
Avenue and River Street. In 1873 it took up its
quarters in Pythias Hall, where it has since remained,
the name being changed to Odd-Fellows’ Hall. The
whole experience of the lodge has been gratifying in
respect to its growth in numbers, in social influence,
and financially. It was particularly prosperous under
the guidance and energetic assistance of Deputy Grand
Master Samuel Cochran, a citizen of Hyde Park, a
_ present Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
of Massachusetts.
Its present active membership is one hundred and
seventy-seven, embracing among its members many
from whose ranks numerous recipients of municipa
Cyprus, which was the first asylum of the Knights of | honors have been drawn.
HYDE
PARK. 915
The lodge has some $4000 standing to its credit in
safe investments, and lodge furniture, regalia, and
paraphernalia to the value of $1500 to $1800
more.
The following persons have held successively the
position of Noble Grand since 1880, the time of the»
adoption of the present constitution and by-laws:
Henry P. Bussey, from July, 1880, to January, 1881 ;
George L. Eldridge, from January, 1881, to July, |
1881; Frederick E. Rollins, from July, 1881, to
July, 1882; William W. Fowler, from July, 1882, |
to January, 1883; Frank H. Foge
ge, from January,
1883, to July, 1883; Charles S. Butters, from July, |
1883, to January, 1884.
The present elective officers are: N. G., William |
H. Kelley; V. G., James H. Bell; R.S., Henry F. |
Arnold; Treas., Francis L. Gerald; P. 8., Richard
F. Boynton; Trustees, William Price, George L.
’ Eldridge, Frederick KE. Rollins.
The appointed officers are: W., Edward J. Price;
C., Edwin L. Slocomb; O. G., Jacob C. Hanscom ;
Rollins; L.S. N. G., Robert P. Holmes; R.S. V.G., |
James O. Buzzell; L. S. V. G., Douglas Strachan; _
R.8.8., Edwin L. Tuckerman; L. 8. S., Henry L.
Boss ; Chaplain, George L. Eldridge ; Organist, Frank |
A. Shuman.
| evenings.
each month. Its present membership is one hundred
and thirty-one.
Neponset Council, No. 136, Royal Arcanum, was
organized Aug. 6, 1878. It meets in Neponset Hall,
alternate Monday evenings. Its present membership
is one hundred.
Golden Rule Commandery, No. 53, United Order
of the Golden Cross, was organized April 2, 1879.
It meets at Neponset Hall on first and third Thurs-
day evenings. Its present membership is thirty-four.
Fairmount Council, No. 149, American Legion of
Honor, was organized April 7, 1881. It meets in
Odd-Fellows’ Hall, second and fourth Thursday
Its present membership is sixty-five.
Riverside Lodge, No. 33, Ancient Order of United
Workmen, was organized Oct. 31, 1881; meets in
_ Neponset Hall, first and third Tuesdays, and has a
membership of sixty-two.
St. John’s Court, No. 23, Massachusetts Catholic
Order of Foresters, was organized Dec. 14, 1881;
_ meets in Odd-Fellows’ Hall on second Mondays of
I. G., William Holtham; R. 8S. N. G., Frederick E. |
each month, and has a membership of fifty.
Hyde Park Council, No. 66, Order of United
Friends, was organized March 28, 1883; meets in
Grand Army of the Republic Hall, first and third
Progressive Degree Lodge, No. 34, Daughters of |
Rebecca, I. O. O. F., was instituted in Odd-Fellows’
Hall, March 8, 1882, by Grand Master Henry W.
Clark and suite, of the Grand Lodge of Massachu-
setts. It began with thirty-three charter and forty-
nine other members, and now has ninety-eight.
Its first Noble Grand was William Price; Mrs.
Carrie F. Arnold at present holds that office. It
evenings in each month.
Ambassadress Lodge, No. 5, Union Order of In-
dependent Odd-Ladies, was instituted in Odd-Fellows’
Hall, Feb. 9, 1880, by the late Mrs. Eliza A. Hamlin,
then Right Worthy Lady Governess of the Govern-
ment Lodge.
bers, and now numbers forty-seven.
It started with fourteen charter mem-
One member
one hundred and thirty-five.
Thursdays of each month, and has a membership of
sixty-three.
The subjoined includes the remaining orders and
associations :
Timothy Ingraham Post, No. 121, Department
of Massachusetts, Grand Army of the Republic,
was organized March 24, 1870, with the name of
H. A. Darling Post. Its present membership is
It meets in Grand
_ Army of the Republic Hall, on first Mondays of
meets at Odd-Fellows’ Hall, first and third Wednesday _
|
only, Mrs. Emma 8S. Christopher, has been removed |
by death. The first presiding officer of the lodge was
Mrs. 8. J. Boynton; the present one is Mrs. S. J.
Fowler. It meets alternate Tuesday afternoons at
Odd-Fellows’ Hall.
The following secret orders of mutual life insurance
societies are established in the town:
Hyde Park Lodge, No. 437, Knights of Honor,
was organized Jan. 31,1877. It meets in Neponset
Hall on the seeond, fourth, and fifth Wednesdays of |
each month from April to October, and on first
and third Mondays from October to April.
G. Bailey, Jr., commander.
Timothy Ingraham Woman's Relief Corps, No.
35, Dept. Mass., organized Feb. 18, 1884, with forty-
four charter members. Mrs. Helen Bryant, presi-
dent. Meets at Grand Army of the Republic Hall.
Young Men's Lyceum, organized April 8, 1883,
meets in Lyric Hall, on alternate Thursdays; mem-
bership, forty-four.
There has just been incorporated a water company,
composed of citizens of the town, who propose to soon
furnish an ample supply of pure water for domestic
and other uses, and thus provide for a want which
has been greatly felt.
The writer has purposely avoided the ungrateful
task of selecting from among his contemporaries
names of citizens for special mention or honor.
George
916
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Where particular reference has been made to indi-
viduals, it has been in consequence of their connection
with events which fell within the scope of this me-
moir. Hyde Park contains at least its fair propor-
tion of men and women whose abilities and achieve-
ments will leave an indelible mark after them, but it
will devolve upon some future historian to commemo-
rate them. Our successors are our only just biogra-
phers.
It only remains now to refer to the town’s repre-
sentatives and local government.
Hyde Park did not become entitled to a representa-
tive in the General Court until 1877. Charles F.
Gerry served in that capacity during that year, it
being the last year of his residence here. His suc-
cessor was William J. Stuart, who served during
1878 and 1879. Hobart M. Cable followed him, and
held the position during 1880-83. Henry C. Stark
is the present representative.
The principal town offices are now held by the fol-
lowing gentlemen :
Selectmen, H. C. Stark, D. W. C. Rogers, Samuel
Cochran ; Assessors, J. F. Goodwin, George Sanford,
Charles Haley ; Treasurer, Henry 8S. Bunton; Col-
lector, George Sanford ; Town Clerk, Henry B. Terry ,
School Committee, Andrew Washburn, OC. G. Chick,
H.S. Bunton, R. M. Johnson, G. M. Fellows, H. M.
Cable.
The present valuation of the town is $4,855,402.
Hyde Park has now passed through the somewhat
boisterous, turbulent, and doubtful period of adoles-
cence, and stands upon the threshold of a long life of
promise and vigor. Favored in its location, strong in
its resources, proud of its institutions and its people,
it looks to the future with hope and confidence.
The writer must express his acknowledgment of the
ready assistance afforded him by several, and particu-
larly by Mr. Henry A. Rich, who placed in his hands
a mass of valuable papers gathered during the last
twenty-eight years with a view to their use in the
preparation of an extended history of Hyde Park,
which Mr. Rich proposes to have prepared at an
early date. Without these the foregoing sketch would
have been, necessarily, much more incomplete.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
ROBERT BLEAKIE.
Robert Bleakie was born Aug. 1, 1833, at Ruther-
glen, near Glasgow, Scotland, and is the eldest of the
four children of John and Mary Maxwell Bleakie.
In 1836 the elder Bleakie moved to Hawick, Scot-
land, where he followed his profession, that of an over-
seer of woolen weavers, for the prominent firm of
Dixon & Laing. Robert received the first of his
school education in an institution under the manage-
ment of the Presbyterian Church, and at the age of
eleven years entered the employ of the above firm as
a bobbin-boy, and in a year’s time became a weaver
under his father.
In 1847 his father engaged to go to America, in
the employ of the famous Salisbury Mills, of Salisbury
and Amesbury, Mass., for the purpose of starting the
Jirst fancy woolen looms in the country. Less than
one year later the family followed, under the care of
Robert, who was employed in the mills as a weaver
until 1850, when the family moved to Kast Green-
wich, R. I., where he followed his trade until 1852,
when he, in his turn, was called to take charge of the
weaving department of the very successful Klm Street
Woolen-Mills, in Providence, R. I., and while living
in that city he completed his school education at night
schools. Here he continued until 1859, when he was
engaged as superintendent of the Harrison Mills, at
Franklin, N. J. Two years later he accepted a simi-
lar position in a large woolen-mill in Rhode Island,
where he remained until he went into business for
himself, starting a one-set woolen-mill, in 1861, at
Tolland, Conn.
While considering, in 1864, a proposition to go
into business with Messrs. Chapin & Downes, of
Providence, R. I., he received what seemed an ad-
vantageous offer, to take the superintendence of the
woolen company’s ‘mills at Hyde Park, which he ac-
cepted, and in this place he has since made his home,
except for a short interval, during which he resided
in Amesbury, Mass. After the destruction of the
mills at Hyde Park by fire, in June, 1873, Mr.
Bleakie assisted in the management of several other
mills controlled by the same owners.
Karly in 1876 he invited his brother, John S.,
and his friend, Charles Fred. Allen, to become his
partners in the woolen business, and they commenced
eperations under the firm-name of Robert Bleakie &
Co., in a six-set mill at Sabattus, in the town of
Webster, Me., on the 1st day of February. Before
the end of the year they hired an eight-set mill at
Amesbury, Mass., and afterwards bought both, and
operated them in connection with the woolen-mill in
Hyde Park, which was purchased by the firm in
1878, and supplied with fourteen sets of machinery.
The business at Sabattus, Me., had increased to eleven
sets in 1882, making the whole number thirty-three
under one private management, with headquarters at
HYDE PARK.
917
Hyde Park, and doing an annual business of more
than a million dollars.
Mr. Bleakie was twice married. Of five children
three survive,—two daughters and a son.
As a citizen, he has always taken an active interest
in national, State, and local affairs, although he has
never been persuaded to accept public office.
always commanded the confidence of his fellow-citi-
He is a member of the Masonic order, and
for several years has been the president of the Hyde
Park Savings-Bank.
zens.
WILLIAM J. STUART.
William J. Stuart, son of Arthur and Agnes
(Mason) Stuart, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March
15, 1828. He comes from the noted Stuarts of Scot-
land, through a Scotch-Irish branch. His father was
prominently connected with railroading in the United
States from its earliest days, being employed on the
Pottsville Railroad, in Pennsylvania, one of the first
adventures of this now greatly multiplied means of
travel. About 1835 he came to Boston, and became
what is now called assistant superintendent or general
manager of the Boston and Worcester Railroad, and
thus William received the educational advantages of
the justly-celebrated public schools of Boston, sup-
plemented by two years’ attendance at Marshall S.
Rice’s private school at Newton. When he was four-
ceased, Mr. Stuart for some years was engaged on
sugar machinery and brewery fittings, but now makes
a specialty of radiators for house-warming. He has
been content with a profitable business of moderate
extent, has never tried to do a rushing business, and
_has had no desire to change from the even tenor of
He has |
his regular avocation. Although burned out three
times, he has, on each occasion, at once rebuilt, and,
as before mentioned, carries on his business to-day
where he first started. Mr. Stuart married, May 23,
| 1853, Sarah M., daughter of the distinguished Dr.
ordinary attractions and character.
|
26, 1871.
Leroy Sunderland. She was a woman of more than
She died July
On Oct. 4, 1874, he was married to Mrs.
Elizabeth G. Daniels, daughter of Edward and Ruth
(Snow) Barber.
Mr. Stuart became a resident of Fairmount in the
spring of 1858, and the next year became a land-
owner here, and erected his present residence. He
was one of the incorporators of the town of Hyde
| Park, was elected one of its first board of selectmen,
teen years old he was indentured to learn the trade of |
coppersmith with Hinckley & Drury (predecessors of |
Boston Locomotive-Works). Serving until he was
of age, he became master of all the details of the
business, but, wishing a short change of avocation, he |
went to Pennsylvania, and passed one season with a
company of civil engineers on a railroad in the Le- |
5 |
high Valley. Returning to Boston, the next year he
engaged in business for himself as a coppersmith in _
South Boston, on the site ever since occupied by him |
Since the establishment of his |
for the same purpose.
business, which was then largely devoted to locomo-
tive work, there have been three radical changes in |
the character of his products. From locomotive work
he changed to sugar-works for Cuban plantations.
About 1860 this trade was superseded by steamboat
work for Loring, the ship-builder, and during the
Rebellion was entirely employed on government ves-
sels. He made the copper-work of the first two gun-
boats (small ones) ordered by the government, and
also for, among numerous others, the ‘“‘ Nahant’ and
‘‘Canonicus,’ and put all of the copper-work into
Commodore Farragut’s celebrated flag-ship ‘ Hart-
ford.” When the war closed and government work
was its second representative to the Legislature, serv-
ing two years (1878-79), and is now one of the three
commissioners of the sinking fund of the town. He
has ever been active in public affairs, is a thoroughly
genial and pleasant social companion, and has many
friends. He is an advanced thinker, and holds the
most liberal and progressive views in politics, religion,
and other questions of the day. Originally Free-Soil,
he has been a Radical Republican since 1856. Pos-
sessed of a fine amount of property, the reward of his
diligence and attention to business, he is one of the
best representatives of the town of his adoption, and
to whose welfare he has given so much of his service,
and holds a high place in the regards of his townsmen.
MAJ. ANDREW WASHBURN.
Andrew Washburn, son of Joshua and Sylvia
(Mosman) Washburn, was born at Newton, Mass., Ano.
23, 1830.
Washburn family, which has held so many prominent
He is a scion of the highly distinguished
positions in civil, military, and professional affairs.
Governor Emory Washburn once informed Andrew
that his great-grandfather aud Andrew’s grandfather
was the same person.
Joshua Washburn was born in Natick about 1800.
He removed to Newton about 1820, where he mar-
ried Sylvia Mosman, a native of Weston, Mass., but
of Scotch ancestry. He purchased a large farm, on
which he has resided for over sixty years, combining
the avocation of merchant with that of agriculturist.
His present homestead lies in the centre of Auburn-
918
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
dale (Ward 4, Newton), which occupies the greater |
part of his former estate. He is now hale and vig- |
|
A man of |
orous at the age of nearly eighty-five.
decided principles, he was one of the very earliest to |
espouse the cause of freedom for the slave side by |
side with Jackson, Phillips, Weld, and Garrison,
when even a suspicion of abolitionism meant almost
social ostracism, and placed its supporters at the mercy |
of lawless mobs. Often when he was attending anti-_
slavery meetings Mrs. Washburn would pass the |
hours at home in terror, fearing never to see him |
alive. He was never an office-seeker, and shrunk |
from all such positions, excepting those connected |
with town affairs, which he discharged, as became a |
good citizen, with the same sound practical sense that |
characterized him in his private affairs. He has been
for years a member of the Orthodox Congregational
Church, and was at one time parish clerk of the |
Second Church of Newton. Mrs. Joshua Washburn
died in 1865, aged sixty-five. Of their six children,
of whom Andrew is third child and second son, four
now survive.
Andrew was fitted for college at Newton by Rev. |
Dr. Gilbert, and at Grantville (Wellesley Hills) by |
Rev. Mr. Adams. He entered the class of 1848 at
Middlebury College, Vermont, and after two years
passed from the sophomore class of that college into
the junior class at Harvard, a fact which speaks well
for his proficiency at that time. He was graduated
from Harvard University in 1852, and at once engaged
in teaching, which profession he followed in high
schools and academies for about eight years. In 1861,
Maj. Washburn was resident superintendent of the
State School for Feeble-Minded at |
This position he resigned to take a |
commission of first lieutenant in the Fourteenth Regi-
ment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (afterwards
First Heavy Artillery), and was quartermaster and
commissary of the regiment. From Fort Warren, |
where the regiment was organized, it was ordered to
Massachusetts
South Boston.
Washington, and there was kept for some months as
part of the defensive forces of that city. It was sent
to the front, however, and Mr. Washburn with it |
participated in the second battle of Bull Run, after |
which engagement they again were placed on the |
defensive force of Washington. Mr. Washburn was
commissioned major Jan. 16, 1862, and served as |
regimental and brigade quartermaster, regimental and
brigade chief of ordnance, and also served on the staff
of Maj..Gen. A. W. Whipple as chief of ordnance
and artillery. His period of service in the Army of |
the Potomac was about two years, mostly in Wash-
ington and vicinity. He then returned to Massachu- |
| Richmond.
_and drafted the bill organizing the schools under the
| Virginia State Council of the same order.
setts, and was employed as construction clerk, assist-
ant master pyrotechnist and master of pyrotechnics,
and to take charge of the laboratories at the arsenal
at Watertown.
the war.
Here he remained until the close of
Resigning these offices, he then went to
| Richmond, Va., for the Freedmen’s Aid Society of
Boston, as superintendent of its schools, and was
appointed to the same position for white schools by
the American Union Commission of New York. Soon
after arriving at Richmond he received the appoint-
| ment of inspector of schools for the State of Virginia
under the Freedmen’s Bureau, with headquarters at
He was a member of the City Council,
new order, and was made the first city superintend-
ent. Afterwards, in connection with Dr. Sears,
| agent of the Peabody Fund, he established the Rich-
mond Normal School, and was its principal five years.
For two years during the same period Maj. Washburn
was clerk of the Hustings Court, with seven deputies
| and clerks, and had all the responsibility of the crim-
inal business of the city, and of all courts of record,
probate, ete. He was also appointed United States
pension agent, and twice commissioned as such, and
was offered a third commission, which was declined.
As an evidence of the high valuation placed upon
Maj. Washburn’s services, we give the following letter
from Hon. Columbus Delano, Secretary of the In-
terior:
“DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
““WasuHiIneTon, D.C., Jan. 25, 1874.
“ Dear Sir,—I am advised by your letter of the 7th that you
decline a reappointment as Pension Agent at Richmond, Va.
“T take pleasure in expressing my satisfaction with your
administration, because it has always been marked with fidelity
to the public interests, and I[ trust that the conduct of your suc-
cessor will be equally satisfactory to the Pension Office and to
this Department.
“With a sincere desire for your future prosperity and suc-
cess, I am,
“Very truly yours,
(Signed)
“Hon. ANDREW WASHBURN,
“C, DELANO.
“Pension Agent,
“ Richmond, Va.”
He was one of the exccutive committee of the
National Council of the Union League, an organiza-
tion numbering at that time many thousand members
in the Southern States, and was president of the
He was
president of the Richmond Colored Normal School .
_ Association for seven or eight years.
The public schools of Richmond have stood to the
present as established, and have never taken one
retrograding step. This city is the only place in the
CANTON. ‘
919
Southern States of which this can be said, and this |
result is largely due to the care, foresight, and wisdom |
of Major Washburn. Probably no other man could
have been found who was better fitted for his work, |
or who would have discharged his numerous and re-_
sponsible duties with more ability, or who would, |
from the ruined and chaotic state of society in the
anarchy immediately subsequent to a great war, have |
evolved such beneficial and satisfactory results as were |
brought about by him; and he has the satisfaction of |
knowing that his services have been appreciated, and |
that where his labors were carried on he still has the |
warmest friendship of the best people. While a resi- |
dent of Richmond his private business was extensive, |
and we mention a few of the enterprises in which he
was engaged in order to show his active, energetic,
New England character. He had the contract for
cutting the granite for the new building of the De- |
partment of State at Washington, employing from
fifteen hundred to two thousand men. He was presi- |
dent of the Buckingham Slate Company, with a large
number of employés, and, with one other, purchased
a large tract of timber land, on which they erected |
saw-mills, and employed many wood-choppers and |
timber-cutters, producing timber, lumber, shingles,
hoop-poles, ete. After his return to Massachusetts, |
in 1875, he resided two years at Walpole, where he
engaged in manufacturing “curled hair’ for about
He served as chairman of school commit-
tee in Walpole. From Walpole he removed to Hyde
Park, where he has since been resident. He is now
vice-president and director of the New York Refining
Company, organized under the laws of New York for |
one year.
manufacturing and handling petroleum products, of |
which organization he was one of the incorporators. |
He married, May 24, 1854, Eliza, daughter of James |
and Marcy (Stone) Billings Gardner. Her father is |
of the Dorchester branch of the Gardner family, which |
goes back as a family of good repute to the infancy |
of New England colonization. Their children now
living are Gardner and Mary.
Major Washburn is Republican in politics. He
has been member of the school committee of Hyde
Park for seven years, four of which he has been chair-
man, which office he now holds. He is a member of
Forest Lodge (Hyde Park) of I. O. O. F.; of Co-
lumbian Lodge (Boston), St. Andrew Chapter, of
Boston ; Hyde Park Council ; and Hyde Park Com-
mandery of F. and A. M.
In social life Mr. Washburn is characterized by
pleasing, unassuming manners and warmth of friend-
ship, and enjoys a wide range of cultured and intel- |
lectual acquaintance.
CTLALP TER “LX XT.
CANTON.
BY SAMUEL B. NOYES.
Indian Name of the Town, Punkapaog--John Eliot—Organ-
ization of Precinet, 1715——List of Precinct Officers—Incor-
poration of Stoughton, 1726—Roger Sherman—War of the
Revolution—Various Votes—The Suffolk Resolves—The First
Troops from Stoughton—Capt. James Endicott’s Company—
Other Companies—Committee of Correspondence and Inspec-
tion—Documentary History—Incorporation of Town—Names
of Petitioners—First Town Officers—War of 1812—Extracts
from Town Records—The First School-House.
Tue Indian name of the town of Canton was
‘“‘ Pakemit, or Punkapaog.” ‘“ The signification of the
name,” writes Gookin, in his “ Historical Collections
of the Indians of New England,” “is taken from a
This town is
?
spring that ariseth out of red earth.
situated south from Boston about fourteen miles.”
Pakemit, or Punkapaog, was a part of that terri-
tory which was granted to the town of Dorchester
by the General Court in 1637, and which comprised
the present territory of the towns of Canton, Stough-
ton, Sharon, portions of Foxborough, and Wrentham.
In the year 1636, according to Blake’s “ Annals of
| Dorchester,’ “This Year ye Gen. Court made a
Grant to Dorchester of ye old part of ye Township,
as far as ye great Blew-hill: and ye town took a
Deed of Kitchamakin Sachem of ye Massachusetts
for ye same.” That became incorporated as the town
of Milton, 1662.
The apostle John Eliot had begun to preach to
the Indians at Neponset Mill, Dorchester, as early,
probably, as the year 1633. The Neponset Mill,
built this year, was the first mill built in this colony,
_ and in the year 1657, “ the town at the request of ye
Revd. Mr. John Eliot, Granted Punkapaog Planta-
tion for ye Indians and appointed men to lay it out,
not exceeding 6000 acres.” Here the apostle prob-
ably came to preach, and the first magistrate who was
_ appointed to have charge of the Indians in the colony,
Maj.-Gen. Daniel Gookin, came with him. “ Eliot’s
son John (H. U. 1656) began his ministerial labors
among the Indians about the time he left college,”
says Sibley ; and Gookin says, “ For sundry years he
1 In the preparation and compilation of this history, free use
has.been made of the material furnished by the valuable and
timely address made by Hon. Charles Endicott, July 4, 1876,
and the published historical contributions made by Hon. Ellis
Ames, with their kind assent and co-operation. “8. BON:
920
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
preached the Gospel unto the Indians once a fort-
night constantly at Pakemitt, until his decease in
1688, at the age of 32.”
The village was about two miles southwest of Blue
Hill, and about three miles southeast of the town of
Dedham.
families in it, and so about sixty souls.”
Here they
worshiped God and kept the Sabbath in the same |
manner as was done at Natick. They had a ruler,a
Their ruler’s name
was Ahawton; their teacher, William Ahawton, his
son.
constable, and a schoolmaster.
“Tn this village,” says Gookin, “ besides their
planting and keeping cattle and swine, and fishing in
good ponds and upon Neponsitt River which lieth
near them; they were also advantaged by a large
cedar swamp, wherein such as are laborious and dili-
gent do get many a pound by cutting and preparing
cedar shingles and clapboards, which sell well at
Boston and other English towns adjacent.”
In 1637, “ye Gen. Court made a Second Grant to—
ye Town house to Plymouth Line called ye New
Grant.”
In 1707, “ Punkapoag Plantation with some other |
of ye Inhabitants of ye New Grant were set off a
Precinct by themselves as far as Machopaog Pond and
Moose Hill, and ye meeting-house ordered to be sett |
where it now stands upon Packeen Plain.”
In 1717 a church was gathered, and on the 30th
of October, Rev. Joseph Morse (Harvard University,
1795) was ordained pastor thereof.
The territory, including what is now Canton, Sharon,
Stoughton, and a part of Foxborough, together with
some other parcels of land now in Wrentham and
Dedham, was created a precinct, with the necessary
powers and privileges exercised in precincts for the |
In 1674 there were “not above twelve
| March 5, 1722. Samuel Bullard, moderator; Joseph Tucker,
maintenance of the gospel ministry, on the 19th day |
that part, now Stoughton, after the incorporation of
of December, 1715. That territory was then a part
of Dorchester, and the precinct was called Dorchester
South Precinct, until it was all incorporated into a
town by the name of Stoughton, in December, 1726.
The precinct was organized and held its first meet-
ing March 28, 1716, when Joseph Hewins was
chosen moderator and precinct clerk, and Henry
Crane, John Fenno, and Joseph Hewins, assessors.
The following is a list of officers for the precinct
annually, until its incorporation into a town in De-
March 4, 1719. Joseph Hewins, moderator; Joseph Hewins,
clerk; Assessors, Joseph Hewins, John Puffer, Joseph
Tucker.
March 21,1720. Joseph Hewins, moderator; Peter Lyon, clerk ;
Assessors, Peter Lyon, Joseph Tucker, and William Crane.
March 3, 1721. —— , moderator; Joseph Tucker, clerk ;
Assessors, Joseph Tucker,
, John Fenno.
clerk; Assessors, Joseph Tucker, Samuel Bullard, and
William Crane.
March 4, 1723. Samuel Bullard, moderator; Joseph Tucker,
clerk; Assessors, Joseph Tucker, Samuel Bullard, and
William Crane.
Mareh —, 1724. Joseph Hewins, moderator; Joseph Tucker,
clerk; Assessors, Joseph Tucker, Samuel Bullard, William
Crane.
March 1, 1725. Elder Joseph Hewins, moderator; Joseph
Tucker, clerk; Assessors, Joseph Tucker, Samuel Bullard,
William Crane.
March 1, 1726. Nathaniel Hubbard, moderator; Joseph Tucker,
clerk; Assessors, Joseph Tucker, John Fenno, Peter Lyon.
In 1724 a portion of the new grant was set off to
Wrentham, and on the 22d of December, 1726, the
town of Stoughton was incorporated, and the present
_ towns of Stoughton, Canton, Sharon, and a part of
Dor-
chester interposed no objection to the act of incorpo-
Foxborough were included within its limits.
ration, for when the question came before that town
to see whether they would agree to its being set off,
the vote was thirty-four in favor and twenty-nine
against it.
On June 20, 1765, Stoughtonham was incorporated
as a district, and continued as such until by a general
act, passed Aug. 23,1775, that and all other districts
of like character were invested with all the powers
By special act Feb. 25,
1783, Stoughtonham took the name of Sharon.
This part of the old town of Stoughton (now Can-
ton) constituted the First Precinct or Parish, and
and privileges of towns.
Stoughtonham as a district, constituted the Second
Precinct.
We may assume that the inhabitants of the differ-
ent precincts lived harmoniously together under one
town government, increasing in population and wealth,
maintaining their churches and schools, and educating
themselves and their children in these as well as in
the town-meeting, the militia, and the General Court,
“not only for the ordinary duties of life, but also for
cember, 1726, together with the date of the annual >
meeting :
March 25, 1717. Samuel Andrews, moderator; Peter Lyon,
clerk; Assessors, Peter Lyon, Joseph Hewins, Henry
Crane.
March 17, 1718. Peter Lyon, moderator; Peter Lyon, clerk ;
Assessors, Peter Lyon, John Vose, John Fenno.
|
|
those of local government and the more stern realities
of the Revolutionary crisis.
Here, within a mile of this spot, Roger Sherman,
whose name is appended to the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and who was one of the committee that re-
ported it to the Congress, passed the days of his boy-
hood and youth, even if not born here upon our own
CANTON.
921
territory, which is a matter of some doubt and uncer-
tainty.
The Revolutionary War.—For a series of years
preceding the Declaration of Independence the action
of the British ministry and Parliament on the subjects
of taxation, trade, and labor had been such as to ex-
asperate the colonies, and doubtless led many thinking
minds to reflect upon the value to the colonies of |
their connection with the mother-country and the
absurdity of remaining in subjection under the many
grievances imposed upon them.
That a people like this, numbering two and a half
millions, with an extensive territory and ample room
for expansion, could long remain subject to a foreign
government that oppressed and held them down is
utterly inconceivable.
tea-duty were the causes of the American Revolution.
“Colonies,” says he, “become nations as certainly as
boys become men, and by a similar law.”
claration of the fifty-six at Philadelphia was but the
contract signed by the forty-one sad and stricken ones
in the waters of Provincetown, with the growth of
one hundred and fifty-six years.” ‘“ At most, taxation
and the kindred questions did but wccelerate the dis-
memberment of the British Empire, just as a man
Monday y® 1st day of March, A.p. 1773.
Sabine scouts the idea that the stamp-duty and the | Motlerator.
legislation, the end and purpose of which was to keep
the colonies as mere tributaries and market-places for
the trade and manufactures of the mother-country,
and to prevent our merchants from carrying on trade
with any nation other than Great Britain.
The colonies hesitated long before proceeding to
active resistance, but having once entered upon it, the
path of duty became plain, and they persevered until
| success crowned their efforts.
In the early spring of 1773 the Boston Committee
of Correspondence, at the head of which was Samuel
Adams, addressed a letter to the town, and a meeting
was called to consider it. The record proceeds as
follows :
“Ar a Town Meeting, legally assembled in Stoughton on
Mr. Joseph Billings,
“ Voted to hear the Letter sent from the Town of Boston:
| and after some debates, the following Letter was read:
“The De- |
“To the Boston Committee of Correspondence :
“HONORED GENTLEMEN:
“Having had opportunity to hear and consider your Let-
ter to us: for which we are obliged and Thankful to you; We,
according to our best understanding, think that our rights as
Men, as Christians and British subjects are rightly stated by
you and in the many instances produced have been greatly in-
fringed upon and Violated by Arbitrary Will and Power. We
| esteem them heavy grievances, and apprehensive that in future
whose lungs are half consumed hastens the crisis by |
| do Humbly Remonstrate against them and concur with you
suicide.”
For years prior to 1776, Samuel Adams, the great |
y Pp ) g
leader of Revolutionary sentiment, had labored with
all his powers to instill into the minds of the people
republican ideas. He was unreservedly for separation
and independence, which he had avowed as early as
1769, and which he wished to have declared imme-
diately after the battle of Lexington.
that sooner or later it must come, and to his view,
apparently, the sooner the better.
“Taxation” and “Taxation without Representa-
tion’”’ were the watch-words to some considerable ex-
tent. But it was not simply the paltry taxes that
were levied upon the colonies that led to independ-
ence. These words were but the terms used to signify
time they may prove fatal to us and our Posterity, as to all that
is dear to us, Reducing us not only to Poverty but Slavery, We
and our Brethren in several Towns of the Province, tho’? we
cannot Joyn with all the Towns, nor with you in every circum-
stance and Particular of your Proceeding, Yet we must concur
with you and them in Bearing our Testimony against them
and in uniting in all Constitutional methods for regaining these
Rights and Privileges that have been ravished from us and for
retaining those that yet Remain to us and accordingly we
| advise and Instruct our Representative to exert himself for
He foresaw
these ends. And as that this Province ever had, and (ought)
| to have a right to Petition to the King for the Redress of such
grievances as they feel and for Preventing such as they have
just Reason to apprehend and fear, that he move that an Hum-
ble Petition for these Purposes be Presented to His Majesty,
Hoping for a Divine Blessing upon all our Constitutional En-
deavours for the Preservation and Enjoyment of all ournatu-
ral and Constitutional Rights and Privileges, and Professing
| our Loyalty to the King and Praying that he may Long sit
a certain class of legislative acts that were especially —
aimed at the industrial and maritime interests of the
colonies. Sabine tells us, ‘“‘ there were no less than
twenty-nine laws which restricted and bound down |
Colonial industry,” “hardly one of which, until the |
passage of the Stamp Act, imposed a direct tax.”
‘They forbade the use of water-falls, the erecting |
of machinery, of looms and spindles, and the working —
of wood and iron; they set the king’s arrows upon
trees that rotted in the forests.” It was not so much
“¢ direct taxation’”’ as it was this restrictive policy and
policy
npon the throne and Rule in Righteousness, and that he may
bea nursing father to us his Loyal Subjects and all his officers
may be peace and his exactions Righteousness, We subscribe
ourselves your distressed Brethren and oppressed fellow sub-
jects.”
“ Voted to accept of this Letter and that it be Recorded upon
the Town Book, and a copy be sent by the Town Clerk to the
Committee of Correspondence in Boston.”
It will be seen that at this time the town was ex-
tremely cautious about committing itself to the views
and purposes of the Boston committee. They agreed
fully in the statement of grievances, but preferred to
continue their petitions to the king. This caution is
922
still further exhibited by the action of the town-meet-
ing held on July 11, 1774, when it was
** Voted to dismiss the 2¢ Article, viz:—To see if the Town
will vote to pay £2. 17. 9. to the Hon®!* Thomas Cushing, Esq*
of Boston, by y® 15" day of August next, to pay y° Committee
of this Province chosen by our General Court to meet y° Com- |
mittee of other governments.”
It is evident, however, that there were active friends
of resistance in Stoughton, and that they were not
idle, nor were they long delayed in bringing the town
to their way of thinking.
A little more than a month from the date of the |
preceding meeting, to wit, on the 16th of August, as
Norfolk), met at a tavern in the village of Stoughton.
This tavern, Mr. D. T. V. Huntoon says, was the
“ Doty Tavern,” a building now standing a little to
the south of the base of Blue Hill.
Joseph Warren was present.
At this meeting
Dunbar, the rigid Calvinist Minister,” of the First
Parish, continues Bancroft, “ breathed forth among
them his prayer for liberty, the venerable man seemed
siasm.’ ‘We must stand undisguised upon one side
or the other, said Ebenezer Thayer, of Braintree.”
We do not find that the Stoughton men, who may
have attended this meeting at Doty’s tavern, were |
chosen thereto by any action of the town; so far as
our own citizens were concerned, it was an individual
matter. It is said, however, by Bancroft, “that the
members were unanimous and firm, but that ‘they |
: ae Stee ; | 8 *, Esq., and Mr. Richard Woodward of Dedh b
postponed their decision till it could be promulgated | Orne? ne ee ee eee ee
with greater formality, ’’ and, so far as this town was
concerned, it may be added, with greater authority. |
To this end, and in contempt of Gage and the act of
Parliament, they directed special meetings in every
town and precinct in the county to elect delegates,
with full powers to appear at he st | . ;
P ee Abe coe ay peduarecn: the rsh, esty’s Province of Massachusetts Bay,” and presented
Monday in September.
On the 29th day of August another town-meeting |
was held. The meeting at Doty’s Tavern had had its | ; . .
emccting at tony s\Tavern had had its | day ; after which the committee met together and
effect; the appearance there of the aged minister Dun-
bar probably had created enthusiasm among the people,
given courage to the timid, and hope to all. William
Royal was chosen moderator, and it was
“ Voted that a Committee be chosen to represent y® Town in
a County Convention of y® Towns and Districts of this County
to be holden at the house of Richard Woodward at Dedham on
Tuesday y* 6th day of September next, with full power of ad-
journing, acting and doing all such matters and things in said
Convention, or in a general Convention of the Countys of this
Province as to them may appear of Public Utility in this day
of Public and General Distress.” ‘ Voted that five persons be
chosen for this Purpose, and also that John Withington, The-
“As the aged Samuel |
ophilus Curtis, John Kenney, Jedediah Southworth and Josiah
| Pratt be this Committee.”
“That this Committee be directed to endeavor to obtain a
, County Indemnification for all such persons as may be fined
or otherwise suffered by a non-compliance with a Late Act of
y° British Parliament, intitled ‘An Act for the better regula-
tion of the Government of the Massachusetts Bay in North
| America,’
“That this Committee be also a Committee of Correspondence
to advise and correspond with the other Towns in this Province
about all such matters and things as may appear to them likely
in any way to affect the Public.”
On the 6th of September, 1774, the county con-
vention assembled at the house of Mr. Woodward, in
aes] - _ Dedham; every town and district in the county was
Bancroft informs us, ‘a county congress,” of the | s ;
ai a : ; represented. ‘Their business was referred to a com-
towns of Suffolk (which then embraced what is now |
mittee, of which Joseph Warren was chairman.
The convention was adjourned to meet on Friday,
the 9th of September, at the house of Daniel Vose, in
| Milton, when Warren presented the resolutions, with
an elaborate report introductory thereto, from which
we extract two lines, in these words: ‘“ On the forti-
tude, on the wisdom, and on the exertions of this
important day, is suspended the fate of this new
ipspi i ivi . | wor d of unborn millions.”
inspired with ‘the most divine and prophetical enthu- world an
The address and resolutions, since known as the
“ Suffolk Resolves,” were unanimously adopted.
And it was ‘‘Voted, That Joseph Warren, Esq. and Doct.
Benjamin Church of Boston, Deacon Joseph Palmer and Col.
Ebenezer Thayer of Braintree, Capt. Lemuel Robinson, Wil-
| liam Holden, Esq. and Capt. John Homans of Dorchester, Capt.
| William Heath of Roxbury, Col. William Taylor and Doct. Sam-
uel Gardner of Milton, Isaac Gardner, Esq., Capt. Benjamin
White, and Capt. Thomas Aspinwall of Brookline, Nathaniel
Committee to wait on his Excellency Gov't Gage and inform him
that this County is alarmed at the fortifications making on
3oston Neck, and to remonstrate against the same.”
The committee on the next day prepared an ad-
dress “ To His Excellency, Thomas Gage, Esq., Cap-
tain-General and Commander-in-Chief of His Maj-
the same to Gage on Monday, the 12th.
To this address the Governor replied on the same
adopted an answer to the Governor, of which a copy
_was delivered to Secretary Flucker by Joseph War-
ren, with a desire that he would present it to the
Governor, and request His Excellency to appoint a
time for receiving it in form, which, as the committee
_ were informed, the Governor declined.
These resolves attracted great attention. They
were sent by special messengers to our delegates in
the Continental Congress, delighting Samuel Adams
and John Adams, and creating great excitement in
the Continental Congress, where they were read. Jo-
CANTON.
923
seph Galloway, a loyalist, at one time a member of
the Continental Congress, in his ‘ Historical and
Political Reflections of the Rise and Progress of the
American Revolution, London, 1780,” said these |
“ Suffolk Resolves” “contained a complete declaration
of war against Great Britain.”
|
|
tive after what had already taken place it is a little
difficult to conceive; however that may have been,
at an adjourned meeting held a week later the vote
was reconsidered, and it was “ voted to send all our
| province money to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow, as
On the 26th day of September, at a town-meeting |
held in the First Precinct (in the meeting-house
which stood within twenty rods of this spot), the >
town, together with the District of Stoughtonham,
made choice of Mr. Thomas Crane for their represen-
tative, and voted him the following instructions :
“Sir.—As we have now chosen you to Represent us in the |
Great and General Court to be holden at Salem on Wednesday |
y® 5th day of October next ensuing, We do hereby Instruct you
that in all your doings as a member of the House of Represen-
tatives you adhere firmly to the charter of this Province,
granted by their Majesties King William and Queen Mary, and |
_ ton, Theophilus Curtis, Josiah Pratt, Eleazer Robins,
that you-do no act that can possibly be construed into an ac-
knowledgment of the validity of y® act of y® British Parliament
for altering y® Government of Massachusetts-Bay.
More espe- |
cially that you acknowledge y® Honourable Board of Counsel- |
lors elected by y® General Court at their session in May last as
y® only rightful and Constitutional Counsel of this Province;
and as we have reason to believe that a Conscientious Discharge
of your duty will Produce your Disolution as an House of Rep-
resentatives, We do hereby Impower and Instruct you to join
with y® members who may be sent from this and y® other Towns
in y® Province, and to meet with them ata time to be agreed
upon in a General Provincia] Congress to act upon such mat-
ters as may come before you, in such a manner as may appear
to you most conducive to y® true Interest of this Town and |
Province and most likely to Preserve the Liberties of all North
America.”
On the same day the town made choice of Mr.
John Withington to meet the committee from the
several towns in this province, at Concord, the second
Tuesday in October next, in a General Provincial
Congress, ‘‘ to act upon such matters as may come be-
fore you in such a manner as may appear to you most
conducive to the true interest of this town and prov-
ince and most likely to preserve the liberties of all
North America.”
Jan. 9,1775, the town made choice of Mr. Thomas
Crane to represent them in a Provincial Congress to
be held at Cambridge the 1st day of February next.
At the same meeting it was put to vote whether
is recommended by ye Provincial Congress.” It
was further ‘‘ Voted to indemnify the constables for
not carrying the Province money to Harrison Gray,
Esq.,’’ who was the treasurer of the crown.
On the same day the Continental Congress and
their resolves were fully approved and a Committee of
Inspection chosen, consisting of nineteen persons,
Viz. :
John Withington, John Kenney, Adam Black-
man, James Endicott, Jeremiah Ingraham, Abner
Crane, Peter Talbot, Jonathan Capen, Robert Capen,
Jedediah Southworth, Samuel Shepard, David Vin-
Samuel Tucker, Benjamin Gill, Robert Swan, and
Peter Gay.
This committee was instructed to use its interest
that the resolves and the association of the Conti-
nental Congress be closely adhered to.
Matters now looked warlike, for on March 6, 1775,
the town ‘‘ Voted to raise one quarter of the Militia
as Minute men agreeable to the advice of y® Pro-
vincial Congress,” ‘and to give them one shilling for
half a day’s training, for two half days every week.”
The field-officers with the selectmen were directed to
raise the men.
March 20th, the town ‘‘ Voted that Mr. Thomas
Crane attend the County Congress at Mr. Daniel
Vose’s in Milton, y° 26th day of April next.”
It will be remembered that it was at the house of
Mr. Vose that the Suffolk Resolves were adopted on
Sept. 9, 1774.
Whether the meeting at Mr. Vose’s was held on
the 26th we are not informed, very likely not, for be-
fore that time important events were to happen. The
19th of April was fast approaching. Gage had de-
termined to cripple the country towns by destroying
| the colony stores at Concord, and secretly prepared an
the town would send their province money to Henry |
Gardner, Esq., and it passed in the negative.
the foot of the Common to East Cambridge.
Gardner had been elected province treasurer by the
purpose of Gage, and arrangements were made by
_which Concord and the Middlesex towns should be
Provincial Congress.
This money consisted of tax money collected by
the constables for the province, and the proposition —
really was to divert it from the use of his majesty’s
officers and treasury and use it for the purpose of
resisting the encroachments of the crown.
How this vote could have been carried in the nega-
|
expedition for that purpose. A force of eight hun-
dred grenadiers and infantry crossed in boats from
The
activity of Warren and Paul Revere discovered the
notified. Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride on the
18th of April aroused the people of Medford, Lex-
ington, and Concord, and it almost seems as if the
hoofs was heard here in
clatter of his horse’s
Stoughton, for, on the 19th, nine companies of
924
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
militia marched from Stoughton and the district of
Stoughtonham to the assistance of their brethren,
W1Z. ;
Capt. James Endicott’s company........+.see+ 83 men.
«William Briggs’ WT, Barccondacaste’ 41 §
«* Asahel Smith’s SOS assconttesassese ‘fy
<< Peter Talbot’s Ec eocnetaeecsessaniCOl mee
«Josiah Pratt’s COR al stgestlevesecess 33. CSS
«¢ ~ Tsrael Smith’s “f noeenonececsnca 2,
«« Samuel Payson’s ae Secaccooot seca a 4
«« Edward Bridge Savels’ company....... 64“
«Ebenezer Tisdale’s THs - saaao5e Bile ue
Making in all four hundred and seventy men who
marched from Stoughton and Stoughtonham on that
eventful day.
On the 27th of April, Capt. William Bent’s com-
pany, fifty-nine men, marched to Roxbury for three
months and twelve days’ service.
In June, Capt. Frederick Pope enlisted a company
of fifty-eight men for one month and nine days’
service.
Capt. Endicott, on the 4th of March, 1776,
marched with his company of forty-one men “to the
assistance of the Continental troops, when they for-
A little later
in the same year, with eighty-two men, he marched
to Ticonderoga, and on the 28th of March, 1778, to
tified on the heights of Dorchester.”
Roxbury, ‘‘ agreeable to an Order of Council,” with
seventy-eight men.
On the 22d of March, 1776, Capt. Theophilus
Lyon’s company, forty-seven men, marched to Brain-
tree, and on March 1, 1778, Capt. Lyon, with forty-
nine men, marched to Castle Island.
Capt. Robert Swan, with sixty-two men, marched
to Bristol, R. I., and with thirty men, to the Castle,
on Dee. 19, 1777.
Capt. Abner Crane, with fifty-eight men, in 1779,
marched with his company “in a campaign to Clav-
erack on the Hudson River.”
The promptness with which the militia met every
call was most creditable. Nor was the town less
prompt in furnishing its quota to the Continental
army. For this the town furnished nearly or quite
two hundred men, for terms of service varying from |
six months to three years, or during the war, some
of our men having served for the full period of four
years.
May 25th, Thomas Crane was chosen to represent
the town in the Provincial Congress for the six
months following, and Peter Talbot, Christopher
Wadsworth, and Benjamin Gill were appointed a
Committee of Correspondence.
On July 10th Stoughton and Stoughtonham, in
town-meeting assembled, elected Thomas Crane to
held in Watertown, on Wednesday, the 19th day of
July, 1775.
Very little action of importance in town-meeting
was transacted during the remainder of the year
1775.
We come now to the year 1776. On March 18th,
Messrs. Elijah Dunbar, Peter Talbot, Josiah Pratt,
Theophilus Curtis, John Kenney, Christopher Wads-
worth, and David Lyon were chosen a Committee of
Correspondence and Inspection.
All of these men, except the chairman, had
marched to the lines, to the music of fife and drum,
on the 19th of April, two of them, Talbot and Pratt,
as captains, each in command of a company.
On May 22d another town-meeting was held, at
which, we may well suppose, the men who had mus-
tered and marched so promptly on the 19th of April
were present.’ An article in the warrant had informed
them that the question of independence was to be
acted on by the meeting. The first business was the
choice of representatives, and Benjamin Gill and
Thomas Crane were chosen.
The date of this meeting was May 22d, six weeks
prior to the adoption of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence by the Continental Congress, and while the
question there was trembling in the balance our
fathers passed this resolve :
“ Voted, That if the Honourable Continental Congress should,
for the safety of this Colony, Declare us Independent of the
Kingdom of Great Britain, We, the Inhabitants, will Solemnly
engage with our lives and fortunes to support them in the
Measure.”
All honor to these men of seventeen hundred and
seventy-six |
On the 4th of July, 1776, the Declaration of In-
dependence was adopted. The following is the action
of the Massachusetts Council, showing what measures
were taken to give publicity to the document :
“In Council, July 17th, 1776.
“OrpERED, That the Declaration of Independence be printed,
and a copy sent to the Minister of each Parish, of every Denom-
ination within this State, and that they severally be required
to read the same to their respective Congregations as soon as
divine service is ended, in the afternoon, on the first Lord’s
| Day after they shall have received it: And after such Publica-
tion thereof to deliver the said Declaration to the Clerks of their
| several Towns or Districts, who are hereby required to record
|
|
the same in their respective Town or District Books, there to
remain as a perpetual Memorial thereof.
“Tn the Name and by Order of y® Council.
“R. Derby, Jr., President.
“A true Copy, Attest, Joan Avery, Dep. Sec’y.”
And our town clerk adds, ‘‘‘faithfully recorded.’ Attest,
George Crossman, 7'own Clerk.”
On July 18th the town voted to raise, by taxation,
represent them in a great and General Court, to be | a sum of money to give to each man to the number
CANTON.
925
of thirty-eight men, that shall enlist into the service
for the Northern Department, against Quebec, the
sum of £6 6s. 8d. as an addition to their bounty.
May 21, 1777. John Kenney was chosen as
“agent of the town, to procure evidence against the
‘toreys, and a committee, consisting of John Kenney,
Christopher Wadsworth, David Vinton, Peter Talbot,
Capt. Pratt, Capt. Endicott, and Benjamin Tucker,
was chosen to see to the enforcement of the ‘ Reg-
ulating Act.’”
May 28th, a committee chosen to examine the
accounts of the town’s Committee of Correspondence,
etc., made report, which was accepted.
Some of the items of these accounts are given, as
showing the character of the work performed by the
committee.
The account of Elijah Dunbar, Esq., contained,
among others, these items:
PA NCA
March 18th. To 4 day writing circular letters... £0 4. 5.
«20th. To 4 day at Johnson’s about getting
WOOO MOL‘ THE ALIN <cccccsccleccescree 2. 0.
May 13th. To4day taking cognizance of those
y* have been unfriendly to y®
COMNULYp-ccccsccleccessseeeccescrecoccmces ilo Wes
June 23rd, To 3 day at Capt. Smith’s to take
some order with those who re-
fused to sign the Test Act.......... 22,0
July 22 and 26,To 24 days at Johnson’s about
procuring hard money, ete......... Zh {th
1777.
Feb. 12 and 13, To 2 days on y® business of Regu-
laf GO TACERtasccershescuseciaeonsesecinee sh WG
The full amount allowed Mr. Dunbar was £2 17s.
6d.
“ Capt. Peter Talbot attended all the above said service, ex~
cept the writing of notifications about regulating prices,-and |
over and above y® aforesaid account he attend® y® County Con- |
vention at Dedham and singley he went about 4 day to get the
Test Act signed.”
Capt. Talbot’s allowance was £2 4s. 4d.
Capt. Christopher Wadsworth attended substan-—
| of government, and make report to the town.”
tially the same service that Capt. Talbot did, and was
allowed £21 4s. 4d.
“Capt. Theophilus Curtis was allowed............06+ £1. 3. 103.
Capt. David Lyon ............ SO RDCOCAEES eG0aaccoo BOTELENG ge, fi (DE
Cats OSIANPETAUs corse econcesossssesoors Seen seeetees 28i1G ale Mes
And John Kenney’s is allowed...........sesssseeseeeee £3. 3. 8.
the same as Capt. P. Talbot, and over and above, for one jour-
ney to Gen! Washington, sent by the Selectmen.”
On May 26th the selectmen exhibited to the town-
meeting a list of those persons that, in their opinion,
“have endeavored since y® 19th of April, 1775, to |
counteract y® United Struggles of this and the United
States, for the preservation of their Liberties and
Privileges, as follows: William Curtis, Noah Kings- |
bury, Samuel Capen, Edward Taylor, Henry Crane,
Edward Shail.”
The report is signed by Benjamin Gill, Adam
Blackman, Jonathan Capen, and James Endicott,
selectmen.
Some, if not all, of these men must have joined
the Loyalist party but a short time prior to the pre-
sentation of this report, for both Edward Taylor and
Edward Shail marched with Endicott’s company on
the 19th of April, and on two later occasions, in
1776, Shail’s name appears upon the muster-rolls.
March 16, 1778, the town voted to accept the re-
port of the committee chosen to make an average or
equal balance of duty, by fixing the pay for the
different kinds of service, as follows:
The eight months at the Lines in 1775............. Lo. Ole 005
The two months service at y® Lines in 1775...... es
The twelve months service in 1776, excepting the | 20. 0
men that went with Capt. Pope............scessssscceee Nae wie v
The 12 months service with Capt. Pope in 1776... 15. 0. 0.
The 4 months service at Ticonderoga, in 1776, 8. 0
each man giving credit for bounty received........ i eects
The 4 mos. service at the Lines in 1776......... Pome oe We) UE
The2 Bi NOL aT iif Oesnccsceesesicsees i WWE (WE
The3 ‘“ a Oe SN i Oral iiliececeoes ‘Comms Os
The3 “ s OSC MaINCN AM Liiiitecccoseocions an zee Oe Os
The 12 days service at Castle Island in 1777...... OC d== (0:
The 3 weeks service at Bristol, R. I. in 1777...... 2. 0. 0.
The 2months “ “ North Kingston, R. I. in .
Dapper er esa Senne
2 “ “ cc :
The 3 Stillwater and other } 10. 0. 0.
places, in 1777..... J
The 4 ss sc “Rhode lslandian 17770 1650 LOE
The 1 fe « &y° Secret Expedition )
‘ sae : 3. 02 10
IN. oT Tiseesccswescccs i
The 5 cs “ toGen. Burgoynein1777) _
& 1778 (ed
ce EATTB veers tetees
Tow ** at Dorchester & Boston) 4, 10. 0
in 177§ Oscccceces seccce ) ra rc
3 33 OC C in Rhode Island in 1778 65 0:
8} oe «at Noddle’s Island & Hull I} 0
In this year the town began to be excited about a
new form of government for the State of Massachu-
setts, proposed by the General Court.
March 28d it was “ Voted That Messrs. Elijah Dunbar, Peter
Talbot, Wm. Wheeler, Jed? Southworth, John Kenny, Adam
Blackman, Hezekiah Gay, Nath’ Fisher, Samuel Shepard, Geo.
Crossman, Isaiah Johnson, James Hawkes Lewis, and Samuel
Talbot, be a committee to take under consideration the new form
April 7th, ‘ Voted That Elijah Dunbar, Esq. and Capt. Jede-
diah Southworth, be a committee to meet in a county convention
at Dedham, on the 28th day of this inst, to take into considera-
tion y® new form of government.”
And on May 18th the committee of thirteen, ap-
pointed 23d March, made an elaborate report against
the proposed new form of government. And it was
_ voted unanimously to disapprove the same, two hun-
dred and thirty-five votes being given.
May 28th, Thomas Crane, Esq., was elected repre-
sentative, and the town voted him the following in-
structions :
“To THomAs CRANE, Esa.
‘‘Str.—The town of Stoughton having made choice of you
to Represent them in a Great and General Court, ye ensuing
year, it must be agreeable to you, (if you consider yourself the
926
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
servant of y® town and accountable to them as you really are,)
to know y® minds of your constituents, respecting y® important
Duties of your Station, who have chosen you to act for their
safety & happiness, as connected with y® whole & not for your
own private emolument or separate interest, & therefore, y° Town
think fit to give you the following instructions: You are by no |
means to yote for any person belonging to y® following orders of |
men to have a seat in y® legislative Council, but use your In-
fluence that they may be excluded, (viz,) the members of the Con-
tinental Congress and officers holding Commissions under them,
—Judges of y® Superior Courts of Common Pleas, Judges of the |
maritime Courts,—Judges of Probate, Registers of Probate,
Sheriffs\—Members of the Board of War, & all Executive Of- |
ficers who have a fixed annual stipend. As soon as y® Two
Branches of the Legislature are settled and properly organized, |
your primary object must be the Prosecution of the War with
spirit and vigour, with a view to bring it toa speedy & honour-
able issue.
“For this purpose you are directed to exert yourself to have
y® Continental Army completed in the most expeditious man-
ner, & see that negligent Towns and Delinquent officers are
punished according to law in that case made and provided.
And also, you are to vote for such large and speedy supplies as
may appear to you necessary to enable y° Commander-in-Chief
of our armies to answer the expectations of his Country, that
y° war, if Possible, may be ended the ensuing campaign with
Immortal Honour to himself & Permanent Glory and Security
to y® United States of America.”’
Lengthy additions were made to these instructions
by the town, which may be found duly recorded in the
records. They were also published in the ‘“ Conti-
nental Journal” of June 18, 1778:
|
|
if
June 1, 1779. “ Voted, To give our Representative y®° same In- |
structions our Representative had y® last year, Together with
y® following Instructions, (viz:)
“To Elijah Dunbar, Esq.—Sir: Whereas y® Town of Stough-
ton thought proper to instruct their Representative y® last year
in matters that concerned the public weal,—and you being the
Present Legislative Servant of this Town, & as such you have | :
: : | Bowdoin had two votes.
solicited instruction from your constituents for the guidance of
your General conduct in that Capacity y® ensuing year, There-
fore, y° Town think fit to Direct & Instruct you strictly to
adhere, and in the most caucious manner observe & obey”...
. “excepting these two Paragraphs in said Instructions
which relate to the form of Government that was proposed to
the consideration of the inhabitants of this State for approba-
tion or Disapprobation, which paragraphs are now redundant,
as we find by a resolve of the General Court, pass? Feby 29th,
1779, that s¢ form hath been Disapproved by a majority of y®
Inhabitants of said State,—And also, you are further directed |
and impowered by your constituents to vote for y® calling a
State Convention for the sole purpose of forming a New Con-
stitution or Form of Government, provided it shall appear, on
Examination, that a majority of y® people present & voting at
their respective Town meetings choose, at this time, to have a
New Constitution or Form of Government made, and if such a
Convention should be voted to be called, you are hereby in-
structed to exert your utmost endeavors that some mode may
be adopted, whereby the inhabitants of the State, (as nearly as
possible,) may be equally Represented in said Convention; and
furthermore, you are enjoined ever to be watchful of the Rights
& Liberties of the (people,) and whenever any Infringement |
| per Quart, English Hay, 36s. per Hundred.
safety or Interest are in Danger, You are, like a faithful Senti-
nel, to give the alarm to your Constituents.”
August 9. ‘The Town made choice of y® Rev4, Mr. Jedediah
Adams for our Delegate to sit in State Convention for y® sole
| purpose of forming a New Constitution.”
Paper money had now become so much reduced in
value that the town adopted a report of a committee
regulating the prices of certain articles. We give a
sample of these prices as established Aug. 9, 1779:
“ Cyder £6 per bbl. and for making, 18s. per bbl. Pertators
and Turnips 18s. per bushel, & other sauce in proportion. For
a common dinner 15s. other meals in proportion. For lodging
3s. per night. West India Tody at 12s. per Bowl. New Eng-
land do. 9s. per bowl. Horse keeping one Night on grass 18s.
on Hay 15s. Beef 5s. per lb., Mutton, Veal & Lamb, 4s. per lb.,
Butter, 11s per lb., New Milk Cheese 6s. per lb., New Milk 2s.
For Shoeing a
Horse £4.—a yoke of Oxen £8.”
A committee of twenty-one persons was selected to
inform the Committee of Correspondence of any
breaches of the resolution respecting these prices.
On May 24, 1780, Thomas Crane, Esq., was chosen
representative, and on September 4th the first election
for Governor took place, agreeably to a resolve of the
State Convention passed on the 16th day of June,
and John Hancock had fifty-three votes, the whole
number thrown.
October 10th, Elijah Dunbar, Esq., and Thomas
Thomas Crane
was excused from serving, and Capt. James Endicott
Crane were chosen representatives.
was elected. Capt. Endicott was excused from serv-
ing, and Mr.
On April 2, 1781, the vote for Governor was as
follows: John Hancock had forty-seven votes; James
Christopher Wadsworth was chosen.
May 16, 1783, John Kenney was chosen repre-
sentative, and sundry instructions were voted him,
: ; _ showing a violent state of public feeling in regard to
“ye instructions given to their Representative y°® last year,” |
the Tories, and showing also the first recorded evi-
| dence that the war was ended:
“(2d. Whereas we have reason to believe that this year every
effort will be made for the return to their possessions of that
abandoned set of men, very justly described by the Laws of this
Commonwealth, Conspirators and absentees, who voluntarily at
the beginning of the war, not only deserted their country’s cause,
but have aided and assisted the Enemy with their counsels and
money, and many of them with their personal services, most
inhumanly murdering innocent women and children, therefore,
we instruct you to attend the General Court constantly, and use
your utmost exertions that they, and every one of them, be for-
ever excluded and Barred from having Lot or portion amongst
us. And that the Estates they formerly possessed and have
justly forfeited, may be immediately sold, and the money arising
therefrom be applied to the Discharge of our public debt; and
that such of them as have unwariedly crept in among us, may
be immediately and forever removed out of this Commonwealth.”
“4th, And, whereas the war is at an End, we earnestly rec-
shall be attempted on them: or you are apprehensive that their | ommend it to you to use your interest in the General Court that
CANTON. 927
our army, both officers and privates, may be paid off as soon as
possible, either in money or securities, according to the public
engagements made to them when they entered the service. But
on no account are you ever to give your voice or vote for the
establishing of half-pay officers amongst us, or any thing that
may be called an equivalent, but to use your utmost exertions
against it.”
On the 30th of November, 1782, the preliminary
treaty of peace was signed by the commissioners of
the two countries, by which the independence of the
United States was acknowledged.
When the news was promulgated here we may well
believe there was great rejoicing. In 1785 a meeting
was held in the old meeting-house, at which the ven-
erable Dunbar was present. His prayers at the Doty
Tavern had been answered, and he was doubtless
ready himself to depart hence, to be here no more
forever. At that great meeting of gladness and joy,
it is humiliating to reflect that religious intolerance
should have prevented the attendance of the veteran
Gridley, whose services in the French war had been
so valuable to his king, and in the early days of the
Revolution so important to the republic.
May 7, 1787, Elijah Dunbar and Col. Frederick
Pope were elected representatives.
The bitter feeling which existed in 1783, as shown
which the town heartily favored. Success finally
crowned this enterprise, and Norfolk County was
incorporated March 20, 1793.
The obstructions to the passage of fish up the
Neponset, by the dams at Milton, were fruitful
sources of contention and litigation, so that, at one
time, serious trouble was imminent. A party from
Stoughton went to Milton to remove obstructions,
when they were set upon by the employés of the
mill-owrers and driven away. <A special town-meet-
ing was called to take action thereon. A committee,
_ of fourteen members, was chosen to join with the fish
committee in getting the way through Leeds’ Dam,
and another committee, of twenty members, as the
vote expresses it, was chosen “to stir up the People
to go down and assist in opening Leeds’ dam, for the
fish to go up ;” but cooler counsels prevailed, and the
parties contested their rights in the courts.
In 1794 a novel experiment was tried for supply-
_ ing the town treasury, by voting that the person who
by the instructions to representative Kenney, before |
quoted, appears to have subsided. The following are
extracts from the vote of instructions to Messrs.
Dunbar and Pope:
“These discriminating and disqualifying acts, which serve to
irritate the minds of the people, instead of promoting the desira-
ble b’essing of peace, your constituents wish to have repealed, |
together with all other laws that appear repugnant to the com-
mon good.”
“You will inquire whether the liberty of the Press, so essen- |
tial to the security of freedom in a State, has been in any man-
ner violated or restrained in this Commonwealth, and if so, you
will endeavour to have the violators impeached and future
restraints prevented.”
“That if the Tender Act should be continued, which, on
account of the present scarcity of Cash, may be for the best, for
a limited time, you will endeavor to have amended, so that
property may be appraised at the same rate for the payment of
a Creditor, as it would have been at the time when the partic-
ular Debt was contracted.”
“Tn order that all the Inhabitants in the Commonwealth may
have full employ, be beneficial to themselves and the Public:
You will endeavor by every feasible and rational method, to
encourage & promote Ship Building, Whale and Cod Fishery,
Agriculture, and every necessary & useful manufacture that
may be profitably carried on in the States:—& that large Du-
ties be laid on all imported articles that might be thus manu-
factured in them; and also upon all articles of Luxury &
Extravagance, and that moderate Duties be laid upon many
articles of convenience, but none upon the real necessaries of
life,”
From 1783, for several years, the attention of the
town was given to the division of Suffolk County,
should be chosen representative should serve for
6s. Td. per day, and if the General Court should fix
the pay at a higher rate, ‘‘ y° overplus is to be returned
to the town.” Col. Frederick Pope was chosen, and
accepted the condition prescribed. It is probable that
the experiment proved not to be remunerative, for at
the next election the subject was dismissed.
Incorporation of Town.—In 1795 the inhab-
itants of the First Parish met in legal meeting, held
at the meeting-house, on the 9th day of March, and
voted on the thirteenth article (which was to see if
the parish will petition the General Court to be set
off as a separate town), that Elijah Dunbar, Esq.,
Col. Nathan Crane, Mr. Joseph Bemis, Col. Benjamin
Gill, and Capt. Elijah Crane be a committee to pre-
pare a petition for the inhabitants to sign for a di-
vision of the town. And further voted that Col. Guill,
Capt. Elijah Crane, and Uol. Nathan Crane be a com-
mittee to present the petition to the General Ceurt.
A petition was accordingly prepared, signed by one
hundred and forty-three inhabitants of the parish, and
is here given:
SPR TETLON:
“To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of
the Com’th of Masstts, in General Court assembled :
“The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the first
Parish in the Town of Stoughton, in the County of Norfolk in
s? Comt), humbly showeth that the local situation of said Town
of Stoughton is very singular, being near Eleven Miles in
length & about four Miles in breadth, as may appear by a Plan
thereof, and also that there is a large body of land laying upon
and contiguous to the line between the North and South Par-
ishes, which is and always will be incapable of any valuable
improvement, which throws the bulk of the Inhabitants of said
Parishes at a great distance from each other, which peculiar
928
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
circumstance makes it always inconvenient & sometimes im-
practicable for the Inhabitants of either of said Parishes to
attend Town Meeting as they have been usually held for some
years past, by reason of the great distance of way & sometimes
impassable roads.—
“Therefore, your Petitioners humbly pray that the lands
within the said first Parish & the Inhabitants thereof, (except
those persons and their property that wish to remain with the
Town of Stoughton,) may be incorporated into a Distinct and
separate Town. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall
ever pray.
“Stoughton, Apr! 17%, 1795.
Elijah Dunbar. Rodolpis Kinsley.
Win. Crane.
James Reed.
Lemuel Davenport.
Fisher Kingsbury.
Ebenezer Holmes.
Benj’n Gill.
Nathan Crane.
Elijah Crane.
Joseph Bemis.
Sam’l Capen (2d).
William McKendry.
Ezekiel Fisher.
David Hartwell.
Jno. Kenney, Jr.
Edward Downs.
Samuel Canterbury.
Thomas Allen.
Jarath’] Crane.
Silas Crane.
Elijah Crane (2d).
James Endicott.
George Jordan.
Luther May.
Henry Bailey.
George Crossman,
Joseph Chandler.
Richard Wild.
Benjamin Lyon.
Sam’l Morse.
John Capen (2d).
Benj’n Wentworth.
Enoch Dickerman.
Oli’r Wentworth.
Josiah Tilden.
Nath’! Wentworth.
Jonathan Farrington.
John Billing.
Nath’l Whiting.
Daniel Tucker.
Adam Blackman, Jr.
Samuel Blackman.
Charles Fenno.
Sam’! Wales.
Nath’) Hill.
Moses Baker.
{edmon Spurr.
Thomas French.
Michael Shaller.
Sam’l Strobridge.
Tsaae Billing.
Seth Strobridge.
Archibill McKendry.
Samuel Gooch.
Lem. Tant.
John Wentworth.
Ezekiel Johnson.
John Puffer.
Abel Puffer.
Ephraim Hunt.
David Talbot.
Nathaniel Pitt.
William Bent.
Nath’l Fisher.
John Kenney.
James H. Lewis. Nathaniel Kenney.
Laban Lewis. Jno. Blackman.
Benj’n Bussey.
Elijah Puffer.
Lem’! Whiting.
Sam’] Tucker.
Benj’n Lewis.
George Blackman.
John Withington.
Sam. Morse, Jun’r.
Simeon Tucker. Henry Morse.
Elijah Gill.
Lem’! Fisher.
Abel Wentworth.
Abel Fisher.
Comfort Hoyton.
Paul Wentworth.
Samuel Tucker, Jr.
Benjamin Tucker.
Benjamin Sylvester.
John Madden.
James Tucker.
Elisha Haws.
Elijah Wentworth.
Joseph Henry.
Elijah Fenno.
Jacob Billings.
Stephen Blake. Stephen Billings.
Nath’) Billing.
Nathan Billing.
James Smith.
John Morse.
Ephraim Smith. Peter Billing.
Amos Upham.
Judah Henry.
John Dunlop. Oliver Shepard,
Jobn Gill.
Arunah Wentworth.
Joses Hill.
Henry Crane.
Nath’] Shepard.
Henry Morse, Jr.
John Tant.
John Tant, Jr.
William Wheeler.
Samuel Wheeler.
Sam’! Billing.
Joseph Billings.
John Tucker.
Nath’! Tilden.
Ephraim Jones.
Seth Wentworth.
Philip Whiting.
Adam Blackman.
Israel Bailey.
Jona. Billing.
Dudley Bailey.
George Stone.
Daniel Billing.
Enoch Leonard.
Wm. Shepard.
Elijah Endicott.
Lemuel Smith (2d).
Joseph Stearns.
Thomas Shepard.
Richard Gridley.
Uriah Leonard.
Calvin Crane.
Peter Thayer, Jun.
Silas Kinsley.
Oliver Downs.”
At the date of this petition there were but one
hundred and forty voters in the parish, so that there
were on this paper three names in excess of the entire
number of legal voters.
The petition was presented to the General Court
June 11th, and an order of notice thereon issued,
returnable at a later day. Stoughton, in the mean
time, chose a committee, consisting of Samuel Talbot,
Samuel Shepard, Joseph Richards, and James Pope,
to oppose the petition.
Jan. 20, 1796, a remonstrance, signed by Lemuel
Drake and one hundred and sixty-nine others, was
presented in the House, being an excess of fifteen
names over and above the whole number of legal
voters in the Second Parish,—in fact, a few names
from the First Parish
strance.
On June 10, 1776, the committees of the parish,
and of the town, agreed that the matter should be
referred to the Hon. Seth Bullard, of the Senate, and
were upon this remon-
| Judge Bullock, of Rehoboth, and Mr. Joseph Hewins,
This committee was in-
structed to visit the town, hear the parties, and report
thereon. They spent four days in this service, and
on Sept. 3, 1796, made their report in favor of an
act of incorporation, and on the 23d of February,
in the year 1797, the town of Canton was duly in-
corporated.
On February 24th, Thomas Crane, Esq., issued his
warrant to Laban Lewis, requiring him to warn the
qualified voters to meet at the meeting-house in Can-
ton on the 6th of March following, at one of the
for)
of Sharon, of the House.
clock p.m., then and there to choose all such officers
as towns are required by law to elect.
First Town Officers——At a meeting held in
pursuance of this warrant, Elijah Dunbar, Esq., was
chosen moderator, and Elijah Crane, town clerk;
Elijah Crane, Deacon Benjamin Tucker, and Col.
CANTON.
929
Nathan Crane, selectmen and assessors, and Joseph |
Bemis, town treasurer.
On April 3d the first meeting of the new town |
was held for the election of Governor, and Increase
Sumner had thirty-nine votes, James Sullivan twenty, |
Edward H. Robbins ten, Moses Gill seven, and Wil- |
liam Heath one.
May lst. Elijah Crane, the first representative,
was elected by a unanimous vote.
On the same day there was voted,—
lor hishiwaysescestorceaccccocceseossaccnecanee $983.17 |
For salary of Rev. Zachariah Howard,
PRO L(G codons.ccccoc caccoacconcodancnccn Rosasebar 300.00
And at an adjourned meeting,—
Hori towmnicharg cS:..s+sessre--el=e-s4]-neesciecesas $800.00
LAREN O Te TRY perccccecganon a50ne anconcerenEoosco 500.00
In 1798 the town voted for highways $1000, town
charges $600, schooling $500, Mr. Howard’s salary |
$300, and also voted to clapboard the back end of the
meeting-house, and board and clapboard the back
side of the belfry, also to paint the house.
These votes, and some that follow, will sound
strangely to us at this day, when the town has noth-
ing to do with the building or repair of meeting-
houses or the support of the ministry, and every in- |
dividual selects for his favor and support such church |
as best suits him, and is under no obligation to sup-
port any other. On the same page of the record
above is a registry of a certificate of a committee of
the denomination of Quakers, chosen at their monthly
meeting, held at Lynn, “that Jonathan Leonard of
Canton, doth belong to said Society.”’ Such certifi- |
cates were then necessary in order to relieve the
person from liability to taxation for parish purposes. |
Many present will remember Mr. Leonard, who was |
engaged with Adam Kinsley in the manufacture of |
iron and steel, and was usually called ‘“‘ Quaker Leon-
ard.” The house in which he lived now forms a part |
of the Massapoag House.
In 1799, at a meeting held in December, an ar-
ticle was inserted in the warrant, ‘to see if the town |
will procure and set up a stove in the meeting house, ©
for the convenience and comfort of those who attend
Public Worship in the winter season,” and the |
article was dismissed.
In 1800 we find the town instructing their repre- |
sentative to petition the General Court, and use his
influence, to get the fine remitted that was imposed
upon the town for not sending a representative to the
General Court in 1799.
In 1802 this entry appears upon the records :
“Voted that the selectmen procure Lombard de Poplar trees
at the expense of the town, and that they notify the inhabitants
to assist in setting them out without expense to the town.”
59
| ”
begun.
| called to defend their country.
In this manner, doubtless, the poplar-trees, so
| common many years ago, were introduced.
1803. I select these passages: April 4th, ‘‘ Voted that the
selectmen post notification in the Belfry, calling on Youth and
others not to make a tarry in Belfry after Public Worship is
Again, May 2d, “ Voted that Joseph Bemis, William Wheeler,
| Henry Bailey, Capt. Abner Crane, Benj. Lewis, and Adam
Kinsley, be a committee to deliberate on the subject of En-
larging the Singers’ Pew, as also, the subject of singing in
general, to the end that that part of publick worship may be
| performed with conveniency, decency and in good order.”
In 1805, this vote, “That Henry Bailey, Joseph Bemis and
Jona. Leonard, be a committee to hear the aggrieved parties as
respects their time and expense in search for Jack Battus, (the
murderer of the young girl Talbot,) and report at April meet-
ing.”
At April meeting sixteen persons were allowed, in
all, $46.50 for this service.
March 7, 1808. ‘‘ Voted to pay a bounty of one dollar per
head or tail, for every Rattlesnake absolutely taken & killed
within the town in the months of April, May & October the
present year.”
Practically this was very much like offering a
bounty of two dollars for each snake killed, and very
likely it was found to be so, for the next year the
town voted the same sum for rattlesnakes’ ¢az/s, and
cautioned the treasurer “to guard against deception
when he is applied to for such bounties.”
May 2d. At the election for the choice of a repre-
sentative, Mr. Bemis, who had been the representa-
tive for eight successive years, and was a candidate
for re-election, was also the town clerk. His record
reads thus: ‘The votes being given in, sorted and
| counted, it appeared that Dea. Ben. Tucker had 32
votes, Joseph Bemis had 29 votes, and Andrew Capen
| 1 vote, and of course,”’ says the record, ‘‘ Dea. Benj.
Tucker was elected.”
War of 1812.—The war of 1812 now begins to
be recognized in the records of the town. May 4th,
voted to make up the pay for persons volunteering to
fill up the quota of one hundred thousand men to
fourteen dollars per month, if they go into actual
service.
August 15th. It was voted that such addition be
_made to the pay of those persons who were drafted
from this town under the last requisition of the Presi-
| dent of the United States as shall make their monthly
pay eighteen dollars.
September 12th. The town voted to furnish each
non-commissioned officer and soldier with sixty rounds
of ball-cartridges, and directed the selectmen imme-
diately to purchase six hundred pounds of pork, two
_ hundred pounds of beef, and eight hundred pounds
of bread, for supplying the militia of the town, when
And also to procure
930
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
covered baggage-wagons, to be in readiness to accom-
pany the militia when called to the service of their
country.
We have no means of giving a statement of the
number of men furnished for the defense of the
country in this war. The rolls are all in the custody
of the United States, at Washington.
It is, however, apparent that the town was in favor
of a vigorous prosecution of the war, and could brook
no opposition. It appears that in 1813 the Rev.
Edward Richmond, of Stoughton, preached a sermon
in Mr. Richey’s (Ritchie’s) pulpit, on fast-day, in
which it is supposed he denounced the war. The
town took the matter in hand. On the 5th of April
a committee of fifteen made this report :
“Gentlemen of the town,—Your committee, appointed to
take into consideration the subject of the Rev. Edward Rich-
mond’s fast day sermon have attended the duty assigned them,
and do recommend that the town pass a vote expressive of their
disapprobation that the Rev. Edward Richmond should here-
after be introduced into the Desk of Canton Meeting House on
Lord’s Days, Fast Days, Thanksgiving Days, and Lecture Days,
as a teacher of Religious Morality, &c., and that the Town
Clerk be directed to serve the Rey. William Richey with a copy
thereof without delay. ExvisAn Dunzar, per order.”
The clerk certifies that the above vote was taken
by yeas and nays, and it passed in the affirmative.
April 1, 1816. A committee reported that they had
purchased for the town Mr. Andrew Capen’s farm
for two thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.
This is the present town farm, which was afterwards
sold and again purchased of Mr. Elisha White, about
the year 1837. Mr. Andrew Capen was the father
of Nahum Capen, Esq., the able author of the “ His-
tory of Democracy,” and formerly postmaster of Bos-
ton.
May 6, Art. II., “To see if the town will give a
bounty on crows’ heads the present year.”
Voted, on motion of Gen. Elijah Crane, ‘that
every man kill his own crows.”
Nov. 27, 1819. In the warrant for town-meeting
this article was inserted on petition :
“To see if the town will express their opinion, as there are
three Religious Societies within the town, whether they are
willing to raise, in any case, any sum of money as a town, for
ministerial purposes.”
Dec. 6. On that article it was “ Voted that the town of Can-
ton do not raise any money in future, as a town, for ministerial |
’
purposes.’
no further connection with parish affairs, thus antici-
pating legislation fourteen years, for the statute dis-
severing the parishes from the towns did not pass till
April 1, 1834.
First School-house in Canton.—The first school-
_ be continued til ye next town meeting.’
house built in this town stood somewhere near the
spot where the present school-house in District No. 1
We give below the only record we can
find of its building, with one or two other incidental
votes :
now stands.
March 28, 1754. “It was put to vote whether ye town would
build a School house and it past in ye affirmative, also voted
to grant a tax of twenty Pounds to be laid out in building said
house and that said School house should be set on ye Town’s
land near ye Meeting House.”
May 20,1754. “The same day it was put to vote whether
the town would petition ye General Court that some of ye prov-
ince Land might be granted to this town to enable it to sup-
port and maintain ye School herein and it past in ye aflirma-
tive.”
At the same meeting, William Royal, Esq., was chosen “to
prefer the foregoing petition.”
June 7, 1734. ‘“ Voted that there be a Com’tee chosen to
build a School house in this town, and the Com’tee chosen were
Ens’gn Charles Wentworth, Ley’t William Billings and Mr.
Preserved Lyon.”
“The same day voted that there be four men appointed to
take care of ye boys in our Meeting house in time of Publick
Worship on Sabbath Days in order to restrain them from play
and that they take care of them one quarter of year each and
ye men appointed to s’d service are William Wheeler, Philip
Liscom, Jun’r, Joseph Hewins, Jun’r, and Richard Hixson.
Sept. 22, 1735. “The same day an accompt of forty shillings
was laid before ye Town by ye Com’tee Chosen to build ye
School House and then put to vote whether ye town would
allow said forty shillings and it past in ye affirmative.”
Sept. 29, 1740. “ Voted that Sixty Pounds be allowed out of
the hundred Pounds granted for Town charges be improved for
keeping of School in the several places where it hath been here-
tofore kept, us also at a place in Town called York s’'d Money
to be drawn out of ye Treasury by the persons living in said
places as the Select men shall order,”
March 19, 1754-44. ‘Voted that the money that shall be
appropriated for the use of ye School in this town ye ensuing
year shall be received by each Precinct in such proportion as
each precinct pay to ye Province Tax for s’d year.”
May 21, 1744. “ Voted that the sixth article in ye Warrant,
| relating to the Building Two School houses, viz. one in ye See-
ond and one in the third Precinct in this town, in such places
as each precinct shall appoint, be continued til the next Town
Meeting.”
Sept. 26, 1744. “To see if ye Town will pass a vote to build
Two School Houses, one in ye second and one in ye third pre-
cinetin this town (in such places as each precinct shall appoint)
’
The school money was divided as by the vote of
March 19, 1745-44, for several years succeeding.
March 21, 1747-48. “It being put to vote whether the town
would alow ye Second and third precinct in this town to draw
| out of ye Treasury each precinct’s proportionable part of ye
From the date of that vote we think the town had |
Fifty Pounds which was paid by ye Town in general for build-
ing a School house in ye first Precinct and it passed in ye Neg-
ative.”
In the early days the inhabitants were, to a very
great extent, located in the central and northerly parts
of the town; this continued even to a comparatively
CANTON.
931
recent period. Here stood the old meeting-houses ;
the post-office, the taverns, and the stores were here.
A person of sixty or sixty-five years of age may well
remember when there were but twenty dwellings, or
thereabouts, on the old Taunton road, between the
house of Mr. Samuel Downes and the Sharon line,
and but half a dozen at the Stone-Factory Village.
Now the southerly portion of the town contains, by
far, the larger part of the population, four of the
five churches, the banks, nearly all the stores, and
most of the manufactories. In this town, as every-
where else, the century now closed has witnessed the
feeble commencement, as also the full development of
our manufacturing industries. As already shown, it
was the policy of Great Britain to discourage manu-
factures in the colonies. Independence gave our
people their opportunity, and well have they improved
it. One hundred years ago this was, perforce, an
agricultural town. Now the people are devoted to
manufacturing pursuits.
CHAPTER LUXXItI.
CANTON—( Continued).
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
First Congregational Church—Organization—The Covenant of
1717—The First Pastor, Rev. Joseph Morse—Tne First Cele-
bration of the Lord’s Supper—The First Deacons—Extracts
from the Early Records—List of those who joined the Church
during Mr. Morse’s Ministry—Death of Mr. Morse—Inven-
tory of his Estate—Rev. Samuel Dunbar—Rey. Z. Howard
—Rey. William Richey—Reyv. Benjamin Huntoon—Succeed-
ing Pastors—Church Buildings—Evangelical Congregational
Church—Baptist Church—Universalist Church—Roman Ca-
tholic Church.
First Congregational Church.—As the history
of the First Congregational Church was for more
than one hundred years practically the history of the
town, it is here given in detail, the facts being taken
from the official records.
This society was organized Oct. 13, 1717, and
At his or-
dination five churches were represented, namely, Mil-
ton, Dorchester, Dedham, and the two churches in
Braintree. Rev. John Danforth, of Dorchester,
preached the ordination sermon from Hebrews xiii.
le
Rev. Joseph Morse was ordained pastor.
Twenty persons owned the covenant, ten of whom —
were members of neighboring churches.
The church covenant ‘that was agreed upon by
the Rev* Elders and Messengers with the Brethren
that were to be in the foundation of said church”
|
|
|
was stated under eight heads, and was signed by Jo-
seph Morse, Richard Smith, Peter Lyon, Samuel
Andrews, Joseph Esti, Isaac Stearns, Benjamin Black-
man, Joseph Hewins, George Talbot, John Withing-
ton (who were members of neighboring churches be-
fore the ordination), and Benjamin Esti, Thomas
Spurr, Joseph Topliff, Robert Pelton, John Went-
worth, David Stone, Benjamin Gill, William Wheeler,
Edward Bailey, Samuel Hartwell (who were non-
communicants, but yet examined and approbated by
the reverend elders some time before the ordination,
—viz., June 26th—27th,—for to be of the foundation
of the church when gathered). ‘“ Also, our aged
Brother Samuel Pitcher of Milton Church was looked
upon as one of the foundation of our church. But
he was not able to be present at the Ordination and
died about a Month after. Those Brethren that did
belong to Milton Church before the ordination,
namely, Sam!’ Pitcher, Richard Smith, Peter Lyon
and George Talbot not having obtained their dismis-
sion from Milton Church before the Ordination were
not actually and personally in signing the Covenant
} and in being of the foundation on that day, but
sometime after, when they had obtained their dismis-
_ sion they signed the Covenant and came up in full
with the rest of their Brethren, all except Samuel
Pitcher whom the Lord removed by Death Noy. 23%,
1717, the next day after our first church meeting.
Also, John Withington being ill at the ordination
and not present that day signed the Covenant after-
wards.”
The following is an abbreviation of the church
covenant agreed upon to be that form of covenant
that those persons should engage in and lay hold of
who are received into full communion in this church:
“You DO HERE, in the presence of Almighty God and his
People solemnly take and chuse the Lord Jehovah to be your
God, promising and covenanting with his help to fear him and
cleave to him in love and to serve him in truth with all your
heart giving up yourself and your seed after you in covenant
with God and this Church to be the Lord’s entirely and to be
at his disposal and direction in all things, that you may have
and hold communion with him and this church as a member of
Christ’s mystical body, according to his revealed will to your
lives’ end.
“You do also take the holy scriptures to be your rule of life
to walk by wherein you may discern the mind of Christ, and
endeavoring to live in the faithful improvement of all oppor-
tunities to worship God, according to all his Gospen Insritru-
TIONS, taking the great Immanuel the Son of God to be your
Savior and Redeemer in all his offices, promising to afford your
attendance upon the public dispensation of God’s Word, the
Administration of the Ordinances of Jesus Christ, especially
that of the Lord’s Supper, as God in his holy providence shall
give you opportunity.
“You also engage, with the Lord’s help by virtue of the
death of Christ, to mortify all sin and disorderly or vile and
932
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
sinful affections and to abstain from all sin, nies from | ieee! thirty Fine square, are was finished in 1708,
scandalous sins, as the Lord shall keep you, that you may not
depart from the living God, and that you may live a life of
holiness and obedience to the will of God.—You
promise you will peaceably submit yourself to the Holy Disci-
pline appointed by Jesus Christ in his Church and you do now
revealed
offer yourself up to the Care, Government, and Watch of this |
church, obeying them that have the rule over you in the Lord.
Of the integrity of your Heart herein you call God the searcher
of all hearts to witness, beseeching him to enable you to keep
this Covenant inviolably to God’s
good and edification and where you shall failin observing and
keeping it you beg the Lord’s forgiveness and pardon and heal-
ing for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
How the salary of Rev. Mr. Morse was raised, and
how much it was, will appear from the following vote,
from the ‘ Book of Records” :
“Ata ies meeting legally warned in Dorchester April
the 20th 1716,
was voted that the Inhabitants of said precinct would give to
Mr. Joseph Morse forty pounds annually so long as he shall |
uphold and perform the work of the ministry among them.”
The same day it was voted that there should be
fifteen pounds raised by rate upon the inhabitants and
ratable estates within this precinct, and laid out upon
the meeting-house as far as that would go towards
the finishing of it.
glory and your own spiritual |
Samuel Andrews Moderator—the same day it |
|
eight years after the birth of the first white person,
Thankful Redman, who was born in a house which
stood on the spot where the house of Hon. Henry L.
Pierce now stands.
At the church meeting held May 15, 1718, “It
was agreed upon to set apart a Day for fasting and
prayer by the Church, and to hold it in the Meeting
House, for to seek the Lord’s favor and the smiles of
His Countenance to rest on this Church and Congre-
gation, and that Religion and Godliness might be
| advanced, and the peace and prosperity of both Church
and Congregation might be continued and enlarged
| by God Almighty.”
Accordingly, the 4th day of
_ June, 1718, was so kept.
Five pounds more rate were voted to defray the |
necessary charges of said precinct. A committee,
consisting of John Fenno and Richard Hixson, were |
arising within said precinct, and to hire workmen to
doe the work about the meeting-house and to pay
them for their work.
warned, July 11, 1716, Joseph Hewins, moderator,
At a precinct meeting legally
it was voted that there should be four shillings levied |
upon the poll in the minister’s rate this present year.
The same day it was voted in the affirmative that the
assessors receive and pay Mr. Morse his salevey, and
that the constable should make up his accounts with |
| for this Church to chuse, in convenient season, an Elder or E]-
him.
The constable’s receipt was as follows :
Dec. 5, 1718. A church meeting after a great
sickness, to spend some time in prayer, and to dis-
course about things appertaining to the Church,
‘“‘ Note. In the month of September, 1718, was a
great sickness in this place; several died, the Min-
ister being near Death, but mercifully spared, being
absent from the Lord’s House 13 Sabbaths; 10 of
them were supplied by Mr. Mekinstry :—the congre-
gation being without preaching 3 Sabbaths.”
“ May 15, 1719. A Church Meeting—then
voted—
“That the Church set apart a day solemnly to seek God by
chosen to receive the money that was granted for | fasting and prayer and to invite the congregation to join with
the meeting-house and for other necessary charges | us in this great work: that the Lord’s\ti0o eae
sought after by us for the pardon of oursins and the sanctifying
mercies and afflictions, and for the obtaining all needful bless-
ings.
“That the Church having considered of the Ordination of the
persons chosen into the office of Deacons, voted, that they pro-
ceed regularly and in convenient time, to the peaceable and full
consummation thereof, as God shall enable and direct them.”
Dee. 17, 1719. “A Church Meeting,” after the
consideration of two articles, voted:
“Tt was proposed to consideration, whether it was necessary
_ ders and another Deacon or Deacons, to assist and strengthen
| the Church in maintaining the Kingdom and encouraging the
ye 21 of Then Constable Sam’ll Bullard Broft a recept in |
March fll from under ye hand of ye Reverend Mr. Morse
1712) unto ye assessor of this precinct of ye Ministerial |
20 Rate comitted unto Sion Bullard to collect in ye
yeare 1716
On Dee
whole congregation for furnishing the Lord’s table of
£3 3s.1d. The first celebration of the Lord’s Supper
was on Feb. 9, 1718.
place Oct. 20, 1713, four years before the church
. 8, 1717, there was a contribution in the
The first public baptism took
gathering, when ten children and one adult were bap-
tized by Rev. Mr. Danforth. The
town of Dorchester
| erable full meeting.
had granted thirty pounds towards building a meeting- |
Interest of Christ among this people.
“ Voted to take the abovesaid proposal into our most serious
consideration.”
Feb. 26, 1720.
advisable
A church meeting voted:
“Thought to choose more subordinate officers in
the church.
“Whether or no the church will proceed to choose an Elder
or Elders, and it was voted that they would choose one.
“The church proceeded to vote for an Elder, and the vote
fell on Deacon Joserpn Hewins—a very clear vote.
“Voted to choose one Deacon.
““The church proceeded to vote for a Deacon, and the vote
fell on Brother IsAAc Stearns. All this was done at a consid-
”
“ March 18, 1720. A Church Fast of Male and Female in a
CANTON.
933
private House. A collection for a Church Stock for the use and
benefit of the church. This was the first collection in the church |
for the purpose aforesaid, and there was contributed and prom-
ised £1, 6d. 0s.—That day Alexander Gordon and his wife,
(strangers from Ireland,) were received to communion with us
during their abode in this place, and they promised to remain
under the Watch and Discipline of the church accordingly.
* March 21, 1720. That day the Deacons paid to Mrs. Amity
Morse 15s. in full, for taking care of the Vessels of the Lord’s
Table till that time from the first improvement of them.”
The office of deacon was not lightly esteemed in
those days. Those selected by their brethren gener-
ally took the matter into serious deliberation before
accepting. Thus we find that Deacon Joseph Hew-
ins considered the matter for a full month, and that
he hesitated a long time before he accepted the office
of elder. The singing was, as we judge, in the con-
gregational style.
June 16, 1721, a church meeting voted,—
“That Peter Lyon proceed in setting the Psalmn in the con-
gregation on Sabbath Days, when present.”
“That Deacon Stearns be ordained or confirmed in the office
of a Deacon, with our Brothers Blackman and Hewins when
they are ordained.” '
Jan. 10, 1723, a church meeting voted,—
“That the church make a fresh application of their request
to Joseph Hewins to accept the Office of a Ruling Elder in the
church, accordingly such request was directed to him by the
Pastor.”
“That the Deacons discourse with all communicants in this
place to seek after and obtain Letters of Recommendation from
the churches they belong unto, to bring to our church in this
place.”
Of course, it will be understood that we are not
giving the church records in full. We make such
selections as will show the gradual growth of the
church, the officers chosen, and other important events
as they transpired. We shall also give the names of
all those who were members of the church during
the ministry of Mr. Morse.
We again refer to the Precinct Records, page 6:
“At a meeting of ye Freeholders and other Inhabitants qual-
ified to Law legally warned and assembled on November ye
15,” (17177) “Joseph Hewins Moderator.
was Voted on ye affirmative that ye precinct (—) Ten Pounds
for to be raysed by a reat for to pay (—) precinct is now
indebted and to defray ye charge (—) nesaseryly arise in ye
precinct this presant year to be layed (—) upon ye meeting
house.”
“The same day it was voted in ye affirmative, that they would |
The same day it |
choose a Committee of five men for to seate ye meeting house,
and ye Committee chosen were Henry Crane, Samuel Bullard,
John Fisher, Joseph Hewins and John Puffer.”
“The same day it was voted in ye affirmative that they would
chuse a Comitee for to gather in ye Reverend Mr. Morse’s old |
arears, and ye Comittee chosen was Henry Crane, Thomas Spur,
Benjamin Esti, John Puffer and John Wentworth.”
1718. ‘Ata meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhab-
itants qualified according to Law in Dorchester South Precinct
| Legally warned and a sembled August ye 18th, 1708.
| of June 1720.
Joseph
Hewins Moderator.”
“The same day it was voted in ye affirmative that ye precinct
congregation would give to the Reverend Mr. Morse 35 Pound
more than his former salary, for this present year.”
‘“At a meeting of ye Freeholders and other Inhabitants qual-
ified acording to law Legally warned and asemb/ed in this pre-
cinct on November ye 26, 1718. Mr. Nathanael Hubard Mod-
erator.” .
“The same day it was voted in ye afermative that ye first
Monday and ye last Monday in February annually should be
ye set days for ye Inhabitants for to make up their accoumpts
with Mr. Morse of the Ministerall Rate.
“At a meeting of ye Inhabitants of this precinct Legally
warned and assembled February ye 16th, 1718-19, Joseph
Hewins Moderator,—Joseph Hewins was chosen Precinct Clerk
and first assessor and John Puffer ye second assessor and Joseph
Tucker ye third assessor.”
“The same day it was voted in ye affirmative that ye precinct
would give to the Reverend Mr. Morse Fifteen Pounds more to
be aded to his former salary for this present yeare.”’
“The same day it was voted in ye afermative that they would
grant a rate to be made of Twentie Pounds and collected of and
from ye Inhabitants and estates of said Precinct (-—) Be lay’d
out upon ye Meeting House and to defray any necessary charges
that may arise in ye precinct this year.”
“The same day it was voted in ye afirmative that the a(sses-
sors) should reserve ye saide Twentie Pounds of ye Constables
hire workmen and pay them, and pay any other charges.”
It appears from the records that the officers chosen
in March this year did not accept, and a meeting was
held in September following (day torn off the record),
and Peter Lyon was chosen precinct clerk. Mr. Lyon
was again chosen clerk “on ye 21st day of March,
1719=20;”
“The same day it was voted in ye afermative that the pre-
cinect inhabitants would give ye Reverend Mr. Morse Sixtie
Pounds for his labor in ye work of ye ministry for this presant
yeare.”’
‘“The same day ye assessors was chosen a Comitee to call and
apoint precinct meetings. The same day it was voted in ye
| afermative that their should be six shillings Levied upon ye
poule for this preasant yeare to ye Ministeriall rate.’
“At a precinct meeting legally warned and assembled ye 29
The same day John Fenno, Joseph Tucker and
Peter Lyon gave an account how they had layd out ye Ten
Pound and ye Twentie Pound Rate which were comitted to Con-
stable Haws and Constable Liscom to colect. The same day it
was voted on ye afermative that they would choose a Commit-
tee of three men for to save ye Meeting house and ye Comittee
| then chosen was John Fenno, Benjamin Blackman, and Joseph
Hewins.”
“‘The same day there was Ten Pound granted to be raysed
by way of Rate upon ye pouls and estates in s’d Precinct for to
repair the Roof of the Meeting house and to Bank the outside
of ye sill of s’d house and to Repaire Mr. Morse’s Pew Desently
| and to defray other nessessary charges arising in s’d precinct.”
“The same day the assessors were chosen a Commitie to Re-
ceive ye s’d Ten Pounde Rate of ye Constable and hire work-
men and pay them for said work and pay other charges arising
acording to ye vote.”
“Then John Fenno, Joseph Tucker, and Peter Lyon Receved
of Constable Liscom 20 Pound which was in full of a Rate which
was comitted to him to collect in ye yeare 1719.
934
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“The same day Paide to Left. John Vose for work don in ye
Meeting house Seventeen Pounde and nineteen shillings.”
The record for 1720-21 is much defaced and de-
stroyed. Sixty pounds were voted to Mr. Morse for
his labor, ete., that year.
“The same day it was voted that ye assessors should be a
Comittee for to inquier into ye precincts title to ye Land whare
ye Meeting house stands and to get a stronger confermation of
the same if nede be.”
March 5, 1721-2, the precinct inhabitants voted that they
“would give ye Reverend Mr. Morse Sixty Pounds for his labor
in the work of the ministry for this present yeare.”
“The same day there was chosen a Comittee for to open the
Boun” (dary of the meeting) “ House Land and the Neighbors
Lands adjoyning and to mesuer how” (far it was from) ‘ the
rhode and likewise each way and for the Committee” (to report
the) “same to the clark of this precinct; that he may inter”
(thesame.) ‘The Committee then chosen was John Fenno and.”
The other names are torn off; the above in paren-
thesis we have ventured to supply. The committee
thus chosen reported March 15, 1722; but their
record is so mutilated as to be entirely unintelligible.
The following are the names of the persons who |
owned the covenant, who were baptized and joined
to the church in the time of Mr. Morse’s ministry,
and of such as were before his ordination :
Owned the Covenant before Mr. Morse’s Ordination :
October 20, 1713. By Rev. Mr. Danford: Oliver Jordan,
Jane Pitcher.
June 26, 1717. By Rev. Mr. Thatcher: John Wentworth,
Shubal Wentworth, Edward Baily, Edward Wentworth, Eliza-
beth Jordan, Abigail Wentworth,
After the Ordination :
January 26, 1717, Abigail Jordan.
February 2. Obadiah Hawes, Jr., Rebecca and Sarah Hawes.
March 2, 1718. Joseph Smith.
March 9. Thomas and Joseph Jordan.
March 16. Margaret Hixon, John Walter, Hannah, Rebecca,
Margaret, and Elizabeth Hixon.
March 30. Richard Hixon.
May 11. Sarah Morey.
June 22, 1791. Jane Jordan, Bethia Wentworth, Rebecca
Fenno.
September 27, 1720. Samuel Waters.
November 27, 1721. Edward Esti.
April 16. Mary Meclellan.
July 6. Samuel Billings.
November 5. Isaac Comings.
December 17, 1722.
January 10. William Weeks, Charles Wentworth, Zecharia
Thankful and Prudence Redman.
Lyon, Joseph Fenno, Isaac Fenno, John Fenno, Ruth Fenno,
Elizabeth Fenno.
October 21. Freelove Monk.
December 2, 1723. Benjamin Smith.
March 31. Beriah Billings, Elizabeth Stowbridge.
September 22, 1724. Increase Hawes.
April 12. John Hawes.
November 1. Elhanan Billing.
December 6. Robert Redman and his wife Mary, Jonathan
Kenney, John Kenney.
January 17, 1724-25. Sarah White.
March 15. Jerusha Collick.
Communicants.
February 9, 1717. Sarah Stone.
February 23. Rebecca Hawse.
April 20, 1718. Hannah Hartwell.
June 22. Eleazor Billing, John Dickerman, Amity Morse,
Jane Pitcher.
June 29. Joseph Tucker and Judith his wife, Margaret
Hixon.
December 17. Elizabeth Speer.
December 28. Jerusha Billing.
March 15, 1719. Mary Tolman.
May 24, 1720. Mary Jordan, Elizabeth Ames.
April 24. Nathaniel Etheridge.
February 11, 1721-22. Thankful Smith.
February 25. William Crane and his wife.
March 25. Elhanan Lyon and Meredith his wife, David
Eames.
April 8. Hannah Baily.
July 1. Nathaniel
August 3. Thomas Tolman.
August 12. Mary Baley.
September 9. Jane Jordan.
March 10, 1728. Abigail Jordan.
August 2, 1724. Susannah Blackman,
June 27, 1725. Abigail Kingsbury.
July 4, 1725, Margaret Hawse.
Baptisms.
Before the Ordination :
October 20, 1713. By Mr. Danford: Sion, of Mr. Joseph
Morse; Thomas, Oliver, Ester, of Thomas Jordan; Sarah, of
Benjamin Esti; Samuel, of Joseph Topliff; Christian, of Robert
Pelton; Eliakin, Abijah, Jane, of Edward Pitcher; Mary
Stone.
June 26, 1717. By Mr. Thatcher: Martha, of John Went-
worth; Abijail, of Thomas Speer; Zeriah, of Joseph Tucker ;
William, of Thomas Jordan; William, John, of John Went-
worth; Amariah, of Joseph Topliff; Edward, of Edward Pit-
cher; Matthias, of Kleazer Puffer; Thankful, of Daniel Stone.
After the Ordination :
June 19, 1717. David, of Shubal Wentworth.
June 26. Abijail, of Samuel Hartwell; Abiel, of Essh. Allen.
February 2. Obidah Hawse, Jr.; Rebecca and Sarah Hawse.
February 16. Joseph, of Joseph Jordan.
March 2, 1718. Eleazer, of Obediah Hawse, Mercy, of Joseph
Smith.
March 9. Thomas and Joseph Jordan, Robert, of Elea. Speer.
March 16. Margaret Hixon and her children, John, Walter,
Hannah; Oliver, Margaret, and Elizabeth, Abigail, of Philiss
Goodwin.
April 20. Zebadiah, of Edward Wentworth.
April 27. Sarah, of David Stone: Samuel, of Samuel Bil-
lings.
May 16. Sarah Morey.
June 1. Benjamin, of Benjamin Jordan.
June 8. Thomas, of John Dickerman.
June 22. Jonathan, John, Jane, of James Jordan; Bethia
Wentworth, Rebecca Fenno.
July 20. Elizabeth, of William Wheeler.
February 15, 1718-19. Joannah, of Daniel Stone.
April 12. Mary, of Edward Baily.
April 19. Thomas, of Thomas Tolman.
May 24. Francis, of Joseph Esti, Jr.
May 31. Jeremiah, of Thomas Jordan.
July 26. D
August 23.
, of Samuel Bird.
Uriah, of Joseph Tucker.
7
CANTON.
935
September 27. Samuel Waters.
November 8. Hannah, of Shubal Wentworth.
November 22. Ebenezer, of John Dickerman.
December 6. Sarah, of Benjamin Gill.
December 20. Hannah, of Samuel Heartwell.
April 3, 1720. Edward, of Edward Pitcher.
April 10. Moses, Aaron, of John Wentworth, twins.
April 24. Peltiah, of Samuel Esti.
May 1. Jedediah, of Jonathan Jordan.
May 29. Joseph, of Joseph Smith.
June 5. Abigail, of Thomas Speer.
June 12. Manning,
September 25. Samuel, of Joseph Jordan.
October 2. Mary, of David Eames.
October 23. Abigail, of William Wheeler.
October 23. Paul, of Edward Wentworth.
October 23. Elizabeth, of John Jamisson.
November 6. Benjamin, of Philip Liscom.
November 27. Isaac, of Edward Esti.
February 19, 1720-21. Henry, of Daniel Stone.
March 12. Jobn, of John Hixon.
April 9. Nathaniel, of David Stone.
April 16. Mercy, Mecletton.
May 24. Amity, of Mr. Joseph Morse.
July 16. Elijah, of Samuel Billing ; Lydia, of Jabez Frost.
July 30. Abigail, Miriam, of Elea. Puffer, twins.
August 13. Isiach, of Thomas Jordan.
November 5. Hannah, of Isac Comings.
December 10. Mary, of Joseph Holland.
December 17. Thankful and Prudence Redman.
February 11, 1721-22. Samuel, of John Dickerman.
May 6.
Jonah, of Samuel Heartwell.
June 3. Ruth, of Joseph Esti, Jr.; William Weeks, Charles
Wentworth, Zacharih Lyon, Joseph Fenno, Isaac Fenno, John
Fenno, Ruth Fenno, Elizabeth Fenno,
July 1. Nathaniel Otis.
of Joseph Sawin.
, of Benjamin Gill; James, of James Smith ;
July 8. Abijah, of Timothy Jones; Hannah, of Samuel Bird. |
July 22. Abigail, of Eben. Clap.
September 30. Abigail, of Edw. Wentworth.
November 21. Freelove Monk.
November 28. John William Wheeler.
December 4. John, of William Crane; Ephram, of Benjamin
Smith.
December 9. Elizabeth, of Edw. Esti.
March 3, 1723. James, of Elias Puffer.
March 31. Mary, of Bettiah Billing.
April 21. Michael, of —— Speer.
June, 1723. Ezekiel, of Shub. Wentworth.
June 29. Amity, of Daniel Stone; Experience, of John Phil-
ips, of North Purchas, Taunton.
June 16. Samuel, of John Throbridge.
June 30. Ephram, of David Eames.
July 7. Abigaiel, of David Stone.
July 21. Elizabeth, of William Sherman.
September 1. Keziah, Mary, of Ezra Morse, of Dedham,
twins.
September 22. Jesse, of Desire Hawse.
December 8. Ebenezer, of George Talbot.
February 2, 1723-24. Mercy, of John Dickerman.
February 23. Isaac, of Isaac Comins.
March 22. Mary, of Thomas Tolman, Jr.
April 5, 1724, At Dedham, New Congregation at Guilds;
Rachel, of Samuel Thorp; Sarah, of Ebenezer Dean; Sarah,
of Nathaniel Guile; Hannah, of William Bullard, Jr.; Martha,
of —— White, of Dorchester, South Precinct.
April 12. John Hawse, Mary, of Ebenezer Clap; Benjamin,
of Benjamin Smith.
May 17. Sarah, of Mary Mecllen; Mary Redman.
May 31. Nathan, of Samuel Heartwell,.
July 19. Sarah, of Samuel Esti.
July 26. —-— ——, of William Weeks.
September 13. Joseph, of Joseph Esti, Jr.
October 25. Benjamin, of Benjamin Gill.
November 1. Ebenezer, of Elkanah Billing; Ananiah, Wil-
liam, Rachel, Bethiah, of Charles Wentworth.
December 6. Robert Redman, and his wife Mary, Jonathan
Kenny, John Kenney, Sarah, of Robert Redman.
January 10, 1724-25, Sarah, of Cornelius Thing.
January 17. Sarah White.
January 24. Guild, of Jonathan Kenney.
February 7. Samuel, of Samuel Bird.
February 28. Stephen, of Stephen Billing.
March 4. Hannah, of William Wheeler.
March 28. Cornelius, of Cornelius Collick.
April 4. Sion Wentworth, Mary, of Joseph Smith.
August 1. Sarah, of Benjamin Savel.
September 5. Mehitable, of Jobn Hixon.
March 13, 1726. Nathaniel, of William Sherman; Jonathan,
of Jonathan Kenny.
March 20. Eliphalet, of Elias Monk.
. March 27. Mulford, of Corne’s Thompson ; Sarah, of Samuel
Heartwell.
July 10. Silas, of Joseph Sarvin.
August 7. Jonathan, of Beriah Billing.
1726-27. Ann, of Daniel Stone, by Rev. Mr. Dexter.
March 5. By Rev. Mr. Thatcher: David, of Thomas Jordan;
Zebulon, of William Crane; Experience, of George Talbot;
Silas, of Edward Wentworth; Benjamin, of Benjamin Gill;
Stephen, of David Tilden; Manapah, of John Dickerman;
William Witherbee.
May 24. James, of Shubael Wentworth; William, of Joseph
Smith.
During his ministry of ten years thirty-one per-
sons were added to the church, and one hundred and
sixty-seven were baptized. He had preached the
Word of God ten years and nine months before his
ordination. In 1726-27 his connection with the
parish was dissolved by mutual consent. He con-
tinued to reside in the parish until his death. He
| was buried in the old Canton Cemetery. The in-
| scription on the gravestone is as follows:
“ Here lyes buried the.
Body of the Rev?.
Mr. JosepuH Mors, dec?
Nov. 29, 1732. in y® 61° year of his age.
Within this silent grave here now doth ly
Him that is gone unto Eternity.
Who, when he lived was by good men respected,
Although by others was perhaps rejected,
Yet that don’t hinder his Triumphant Joy
With Saints above where nought can him annoy.”
He was a man of considerable property, as appears
by the following, which is copied from the Registry
of Probate for the county of Suffolk, vol. 31, pp. 184,
and which may be interesting as showing what com-
posed the property of that day :
936
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
“An Inventory of Mr. Joseph Morse his estate who departed |
this life November 29th, 1732.
Books one Bible Pools Annotations...........0000 + £35.
To wearing apparel 2 Rings & Cane.............04+ 16. 16
To housing Land with orchard & meadow......... 1450.
ROKOXETINCMSUCOU Mn escnetencsecine tects s. esess cleric srisep oss 2%. 95
'o cows Heifers Bulls, Horse Hiered & Sheep... 67. 15
To Five Beds Bed Cloaths & Bed-Steads........... 50.
To Silver Tankard one cup & seven spoons........ 37. 10
To Pewter Platters, Plates, Basins, Tankard.....
Flaggon spoons & Earth® Ware..........sseesece sees Sige
To three Brass Kettles warming pan & skillet... 10.
To chest of Draws and two Tables......... 5 dosonds 8 2
To 2 Weavers Looms & their tackling.............. tee 2 eG
To 2 Saddles Mail Pillion & Portmanteau......... 6. 64
To Iron Potts Potthooks & Kettle...............000 2
To Iron Tramells Cart Hoops Streaks & Nails... 7 4
To 16 chairs 3 Trunks 2 chests & 2 Boxes......... 4 15
To chest w'® one Draw Cupboard Joynt chest & f
MAD Oteacccocciscccsccscicccseves scccseesctwes cues Seetucats 2. 4
To axes fetters old iron chain Plow & horse
UAGHIIN Der tcste'saeie cctsveescste cc attedeseas se cee ctodes sles Zen
To five swine, Barrells Tubbs Trays old stilliards
WU MING catcns Saldsedsacciscs ceussuic tse scsce,ecccestsaitecoscis 9.
To Lanthorn, Candlesticks, Candlebox fire Irons
Leather for Shoes one Hive of Bees Look’g
Glass Smal] Chest Box & Lumber................. 2)
£1763: 5: 6 |
“The above Inventory was ‘laken & the Goods apprised ac-
cording to the best of our understanding of what was brought
to our View by us at Stoughton.
“ Joun WENTWORTH.
“THOMAS Spur.
“ SAMUEL HARTWELL.
“ Boston, April 24, 1733.”
We have thus gathered from various sources such
things pertaining to Mr. Morse and his ministry as
seem to be of interest. Mr. Noyes has his auto-
graph in his possession, and an account kept between
himself and his mother, Priscilla, dated 1693. The
gold-headed cane mentioned in his inventory is now
in the possession of one of his descendants at Man-
chester, N. H. His father died Feb. 3, 1731.
paternal grandfather was John Morse, who was the
oldest son of Samuel Morse, of Dedham, who was
His |
born in England, 1585 ; emigrated to New England, |
1635 ; settled at Dedham, 1637; and died at Med-
field, April 5, 1654.
Joseph Morse was born in Medfield about 1671,
and was graduated at Harvard College in 1695. After
leaving college he sometime resided in Providence,
R. L., where he married Amity Harris. He then re-
sided and preached at Watertown until he came to
the place of his ordination, at about the age of forty-
seven.
tev. Joseph Morse’s children were Joseph, born at
Watertown, 1706, who married Bethia Waters for
his first wife; John, born at Watertown, 1708;
Amity, born at Watertown, 1710; Sion, born 1713,
Canton) ;
Many of their descendants now reside in Canton.
Rev. Samuel Dunbar succeeded Mr. Morse, and
was ordained in 1727.
at Stoughton (now
Henry and Mary.
The following extracts from the records in relation
to singing are of interest :
“April 6. There being like to be a difference ab’t Singing,
some of ye Brethren proposed New Tunes to be added to the old
I proposed to ye Chh. May 18, that we
would settle ye matter by yer vote & to yeend bring in yer votes
ones and some against.
| in meeting next Lds Day evening and further vote who should
set ye tune.”
“May 25. Put off ye voting till next Lord’s Day Evening at
ye desire of several.”
“June 1. Voted that Some New Tunes be added to ye Old
| ones yt are ordinarily sung in ye Congregation and ye Mr.
Dunzar set yin.”
The Mr. Dunbar above mentioned must have been
the Rev. Pastor himself. There was no other man
He was a
famous singer, and his only son, Elijah, who was
born this year, and baptized Aug. 24, 1740, was
of his name in the church or parish.
_ afterwards renowned in the churches for his singing.
The subject of church music caused no little agita-
tion in those days.
ing” had been introduced, and, as we are told by Mr.
Drake in his ‘‘ History of Boston,” ‘“ the practice was
opposed by the churches generally.”
What was called “ regular sing-
The Puritans were averse to regular singing. They
| say, in “The Confession,’ 1571, ‘‘We allow the
_ people to join in one voice in a psalm-tune, but not
in tossing the psalm from one side to the other, with
intermingling of organs.”
The excitement began somewhere about the year
1720, and raged over all the New England colonies.
But it purified and brightened the churches. ‘In
_ some,” says Hood, “it was the glorious harbinger of
a great and powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
Mr. Dunbar’s church was at this time (1739-40) in
a very flourishing state. Eleven were added to the
church during the year, and we do not find any
further reference made to the matter of singing.
Mr. Dunbar probably “set” the tunes, as “old
Mr. Peter Lyon” had done in Mr. Morse’s time, and
they sang as they were moved by the Spirit, making
melody in their hearts. We fancy we hear them now,
standing around that sacred table, lifting up their
voices in Barnard’s version of Psalm exxxiv. :
“Lo: all ye Servants of the Lord
Who nightly stand and wait,
Attending in his sacred House,
Jehovah celebrate.
“Bless ye the Lord, lift up your Hands
Within his Holy Place
The Lord, who Heaven and Earth hath made
Thee out of Sion bless.”
Mr. Dunbar preached many sermons, which were
The following is a reproduction of the title-
page of one:
printed.
CANTON.
937
MAN, “ike Grass, weak and withering.
A
SE Ry M © N
Preach'd in the first PARISH of Stoughton
UPON
The Melancholy Occasion
OF THE
Premature Deaths of several
Young PERSONS there;
FEBRUARY sth, 1748-9.
By Samuel Dunbar, M. A.
Pastor of the CHURCH there.
JAMES, iv. 13, 14.
row, we will go into such a City and continue there a year,
Go to now, ye that say to-Day, or To-mor-
and buy and sell, and get Gain.
Shall be on the Morrow: For whatis your Life? It is even
a Vapour, that appeareth for a little Time, and then vanish-
eth away.
AONS, ta ONG
Printed by J. GREEN for D, COOKIN, in Mari-
borough Street. 1749.
This discourse was suggested, as he says in a note,
by the deaths, which followed each other in rapid suc-
cession, of a child of Mr. James Andros and a child
of Mr. Samuel May: of Elisha Tailor, Abigail Lis-
cum, Mary Houghton, Mary Clap, young persons, and
“The Aged Widows, Mrs. Morse and Mrs. Stearns,
Whereas ye know not what |
Joshua vii. 1-7." In 1740, Mr. Dunbar thus chron-
icles the gathering of a new church:
“May Ith. This evening the Chh. voted ye following Breth-
eren and Sistérs of ye Chh. a Dismission and Recommendation
in order to be gathered into a Distinct & Particular Chh. in ye
2d Precinct of this Town: Viz Joseph Hewins, Benjamin Esti,
Peletiah Whittemore, Eleazer Puffer, Jeremiah Fuller, Joseph
Hewins, Junior, John Noyes, Ebenezer Hewins, John Smith,
Eleazer Hawse, Benja. Savel, Daniel Richard’s, Benj. Esti, Ju-
nior, Ebenr. Esti, Samuel Cowmings, Clifford Belcher, Eliza-
beth Whittemore, Mary Savel, Rebeckeh Esti, Elizabeth Puffer,
Harriet Fuller, Hannah Hewins, Judith Hewins, Mary Hawse,
| Martha Esti.”
good old Deacon Blackman, Mr. Moses Gill, and Mr. |
Benjamin Gill; Mr. Humphrey Atherton, Mrs. Mary |
Fisher, Mrs. Paul, Ann Shadd.”
Paul Revere, at the age of twenty-one, accompanied
Col. Richard Gridley to Crown Point in 1755-56, |
and assisted in the struggle then going forward be-
tween France and England for the possession of this
And, remarkably illustrating the intimate
association between the New England clergy and the
continent.
laity in their work of reclaiming the land to civiliza-_
tion both by the arts of peace and war, the Rev.
Samuel Dunbar, minister of this church and town,
accompanied them on their distant and _ perilous
journey.
Mr. Dunbar returned to his parochial duties on the
6th of December, 1755. The general thanksgiving
had been observed in his absence, Dec. 4, 1755, but
whether there had been preaching or not is not re-
corded. During that year a public fast was observed
There had been preaching for some time, doubtless,
in the Second Precinct, now Sharon, before the founda-
tion of the church. We find the following record,
1737-38 :
“July 23. This Lord’s Day about 30 Families drew off from
the Public Worship in this place to ye New Meeting House on
ye Plain at Masspoag. Young Mr. Burnal preached among ym
Ye Lord give grace & Truth in this town & precinct.”
In those days it was the practice to double date
between January 1st and March 25th, thus 1737-38,
until the introduction of New Style in 1752. Prior
to 1752 the civil year began in March, which was
called the first month. To render Old Style into New
Style the first month must be reckoned as the third,
and eleven days be added to all dates between 1700
and 1752.
In 1741-42. “Jan. 13, 1741-2, The Pastor & Deacons ye
Delegates of ye Chh. assisted in ye Ordaining Council, & Or-
dained ye Rev. Wm. Philip Curtis, Pastor of ye Chh. in ye 2d
Precinct began with Prayer, Mr. Nath. Walter, of Roxbury,
preached from Acts xx. 28. I gave ye charge, and Mr. Pay-
son, of Walpole, gave ye Right hand of Fellowship.”
Mr. Dunbar and his parish took a lively interest in
this new church, as appears from various memoranda
made by him. Vide the following, 1742:
“June 4th Stayed ye Chh.
Sister Chh. in order to furnish ye Table of ye Lord am ym
Tankards 1 Large Cup and ye Little Cups.”
Voted to give to our Younger
One Flaggon, 2
In 1748, the twenty-second year of Mr. Dunbar’s
ministry, a new meeting-house was finished.
“Oct. 23, 1748. This Lords Day I preached the last Fare-
| well Sermon in the Old Meeting House, Hebrews x. 32. first
| House.
March 20th, July 5d, and August 28th, the latter, |
“A General Fast upon ye account of ye Defeat of
General Braddock’s Army at ye Ohio. I preached from '
clause, a large and crowded assembly.
“Oct. This day was ye Dedication of ye New Meeting
I preached from Isai. 60 7. last clause.
“ Oct. 30. This Lords Day and a Sacrament Day. We as-
sembled in the New Meeting House. I preached from Psa.
OriSae
Mr. Dunbar remained as pastor until his death,
June 15, 1783.
The following is the inscription on the stone which
points out the spot in the cemetery where Mr. Dun-
bar was buried. It was written by his son, Elijah
938
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Dunbar, Esq., and the Latin is slightly altered from
the inscription on the gravestone of President
Chauncey, in the Cambridge graveyard:
y; seg J
*CONDITUM
Hie Corpus Est.
Rev’p1 SAmurtis DunBaARrt,
Eeclesix Stoughtoniensis prime,
Per LV. Annorum Spacium,
Pastoris Vigilantissimi,
Concionatoris Eximinii,
Pietate.
Paritus ac Liberali Eruditione,
Ornatissimi.
Qui Obiit in Domino June XV.
MDCCLXXXITI.
Et Atatis Sue LX XIX.”
In these days, when the ministerial relation is so
often severed, it is difficult to conceive of the state of |
the parish which had been blessed with the same
faithful pastor for fifty-five years, It will be remem-
bered that there was no other religious society in all
the First Parish of Stoughton, being that territory
now included in and forming the town of Canton.
Blessed days! when the whole people of the precinct
worshiped together around one common consecrated
altar !
They took immediate steps to obtain a preacher, as
appears by the following vote (p. 103, Precinct Rec-
ords 1783, July 14th):
“At a Prec’t meeting legally assembled and held on Monday
the fourteenth day of July A. D. 1783, in the first Prec’t in
Stoughton.
“Col. Benjamin Gill, Moderator.
debate.
““Ist. Voted that the Parish will meet together every Lord’s
day at the meeting house for public social worship, and in order
to raise a fund for supplying the precinct Treasury for that
purpose.
“2d. Voted that there be a free contribution every Sabbath
After consideration and
after service, and that every one that contributes shall have an
order upon the Treasurer for the money he has so contributed,
and marked once every two months, if he desires it, and the
Parish Committee and Parish Treasurer are hereby directed to
grant orders accordingly, and ye s’d orders and allow them.
“3d. Voted that the Parish Committee be a Committee to re-
ceive the 2d contributions, make a particular account of it and
deliver the money thus obtained to ye precinct Treasurer, taking
receipts for the same.
“4th. Voted Messrs. Elijah Dunbar, Benjamin Gill, and |
Adam Blackman, be a Committee, who are hereby authorized
and empowered, (provided there shall be a fund sufficient) to
supply the Pulpit, for the term of three months, beginning ye |
17th August next, and ending ye 9th of November following, |
unless ye Parish otherwise order. |
“Sth. Voted that ye Precinct Treasurer pay weekly for |
preaching, agreeable to ye contract made with ye preacher, by
the above Committee. |
‘“And as it may happen through various causes that regular
preaching cannot be obtained, therefore in that case.
“6th. Voted that Messrs. Joseph Billings, Elijah Dunbar, |
John Kinney, and Benjamin Gill, be desired to lead and con-
duct ye public social worship in the following manner, viz:—
Ist. To read a portion of ye Holy Scriptures. 2d. To read a
psalm to be sung. 3d. To read some pious practical discourse.
4th. Then to read a psalm to be sung, and 5th. To dismiss
the assembly by reading an Apostolical Benediction.”
1786. “At a meeting of ye Freeholders and other Inhabit-
ants of ye first Precinct in ye Town of Stoughton, qualified to
vote as ye Law directs, legally assembled and held at ye Meet-
ing House in yes’d first Precinct this twenty-ninth day of May
An. Dom: 1786.—
“ Chose Col. Benjamin Gill Moderator.
“Voted to concur with ye Vote of the Church in giving Mr.
Zechariah Howard a call to take ye Pastoral care of ye Church
in this Place. Nem. Con.
“Voted and granted to Mr. Zechariah Howard ye Sum of
Ninety Pounds lawful money as a Salary to be paid him annu-
ally while he continues in ye Pastoral Relation to this Church
and Congregation.
“Voted and granted Mr. Zechariah Howard a Settlement or
gratuity of two hundred pounds lawful money in order to lay a
foundation for his comfortable and honorable support, one hun-
dred pounds to be paid him ye first year after settlement and ye
other hundred pounds ye second year after his settlement.
“Voted and granted Mr. Zechariah Howard ten cords of good
merchantable Firewood to be delivered annually at ye Place of
his abode in s’d Precinct, during ye Time he shall continue
without a family, or keeping House by himself; and upon
having a family or keeping House by himself, voted him
twenty Cords of good Merchantable Firewood to be delivered
annually at ye Place of his abode in s’d Precinct during his
Pastoral Relation to this Church and Congregation.
“Voted that James Endicott, Esq., George Crossman, Esq.,
and Messrs. Samuel Tucker, Henry Bailey, James H. Lewis
and Adam Blackman be a Committee to present Mr. Zechariah
Howard with copies of ye Votes of this Precinct Relative to his
call and Settlement.
“The Same Day ye Precinct voted to board and shingle one
side of ye Roof of ye Meeting House and ye other side of ye
Roof together with ye sides and ends of ye Meeting House to
be repaired.
“Attest, WuitiiaAm WHEELER,
Pree’t Clerk.”
“Ata Meeting held ‘at ye Meeting House in s’d first Pre-
cinct this twenty-fifth Day of September. 1786,
“ Chose Col. Benj’n Gill Moderator.
“Mr. Zechariah Howard gave an answer to ye Call given
him by ye Ch’h and Congregation in this Place who ordered
ye same to be recorded—which is as follows, viz.
“<To the Church and Congregation in ye North Parish in
Stoughton.
| “* Brethren and Friends,
“«Having taken under mature and serious consideration ye
call which you have given me to settle with you in ye Work of
ye Gospel Ministry, thinking it my Duty, I heartily accept
thereof tho’ it is not without Fear and Trembling that I think
of taking upon me ye Weighty, ye Solemn and Important
Charge.
Momentous undertaking was obliged to ery out who is equal
If ye greatest of ye Apostles, while he thought of ye
to these things, you must be sensible that an unexperienced
youth will not only stand in Need of ye greatest Candor and
Friendship from ye People of his Charge but more especially
of an Interest in their Prayers at ye Throne of Grace for Di-
| vine aid and assistance let me therefore intreat of you to make
it your Prayer to Almighty God with whom is ye Residue of
CANTON.
939
ye Spirit of all Grace that I may in every Respect fulfil ye of-
fice of a faithful Minister of ye New Testament, that during
my Labors among you I might approve myself unto God and
ye Conscience of Men to be in Reality a Servant of Jesus Christ
and that I might at all times take such heed to my Life and
Doctrines as to save myself and them that hear me. The per-
fect union and happy agreement that has been and still sub-
sists among you has been a great inducement to my accepting
of your Invitation.
Friendship that I have already received from Individuals and
ye Society at large flatter me that you will cheerfully con-
tribute every thing necessary on your part to my comfortable
and honorable support among you. You must not, indeed you
cannot rationally expect to find in me, at present if ever a full
and complete Reparation of ye great Loss which you sustained
in ye Death of your late worthy Pastor. As successor to such
a Man I am fully sensible that I must appear to disadvantage,
his illustrious example will be a stimulus to Duty and I hope,
in many respects Beneficial, but bad Nature been impartial in
ye Distribution of her Favors it would require time and much
experience to equal his attainments. But as ye great Shep-
herd of Israel ye kind Parent of ye Universe requires of each
and all his servants in exact proportion to what he hath given
unto them, I trust that having an Interest in your Prayers, I
shall not neglect ye Gift that isin me but be enabled to im-
prove it to ye Honor of God and Benefit of ye Church, finally
Brethren pray for me, pray for yourselves; let it not only be
ye Study of your lives but your daily prayers that we may
each and all of us know what is ye good and acceptable and
perfect Will of our God, but ever have an heart and Disposi-
tion to perform it. That this Sacred and Solemn connection
which we are about to form may be a mutual Blessing, that we
might not only live comfortably together here in this world
but have a joyful meeting at ye Bar of Almighty God, where I
must shortly appear to give an account of my ministry and you
of ye improvement you make of it.
“*Wishing you Grace, Mercy and Peace in our Lord Jesus
Christ I subscribe myself your devoted
“« Friend and humble Servant in ye Lord.
“¢ ZACHARIAH Howarp.
“¢Given at Stoughton, Sept. 17th, 1786.’
“The Same Day ye Precinct Voted that ye twenty-fifth Day
of Oct’r next should be ye Day for ye Ordination of Mr.
Howard.”
Mr. Howard was duly ordained, and remained
until his death, Sept. 15, 1806.
Mr. Howard was succeeded by Rev. William Richey, |
in 1805. The following votes concerning the settle-
ment of Mr. Richey will serve to give “an idea,”
says Hon. Charles Endicott in his historical address,
“of the way and manner in which they made a con-
tract for a parish minister seventy years ago.
“ April 6. ‘ Voted unanimously, that the town con-
eur with the church in giving Mr. William Richey a |
call to the pastoral charge of said Church and Society
of this town.’ Thereupon a committee of twenty-five
persons was chosen to confer with Mr. Richey, as to
salary, etc., and report at an adjourned meeting.
“ One might suppose that poor Mr. Richey would
The kindness and repeated marks of |
| payment.
seems to have met the ordeal bravely, for on the 15th
the committee reported that the town should grant
Mr. Richey one thousand dollars as a settlement, upon
certain stated conditions as to length of service, ete.,
and pay him a salary of five hundred and seventy-five
dollars per annum, ‘ to be computed upon the follow-
ing staple articles of life, on the Ist week of May, an-
nually, by such committee as the town shall appoint,
joined with Mr. Richey, by the Boston prices, viz. :
corn, rye, flour, salt-beef and salt-pork, butter, cheese,
wool, flax, sole leather, and coffee,’ and then they pro-
vided that if the salary was not paid in three months
after it became due, ‘then Mr. Richey to have interest
after it becomes due till paid.’ ‘ Also, that the town
grant him eight cords of good, merchantable fire-wood
| annually, during the time he shall remain without a
family, and sixteen cords annually, when he shall have
a family.’
“Tt is clear that an impression soon got abroad that
the parson had been too sharp for the committee of
twenty-five ; that question of interest to be computed
So, at the
next meeting, so much of the foregoing vote as related
on overdue salary was uncomfortable.
to interest was erased or expunged. But Mr. Richey,
on being informed of the repeal, quietly said, in a note
to the committee, that he thought he ought to receive
his salary when due, and that he should expect inter-
est to be allowed, should there be a delinquency of
And the town, on hearing the letter read,
again voted the interest clause, in a somewhat modi-
fied form.
‘“‘ Another difficulty! How much should be paid
in cash under the contract based upon the market price
of corn, salt-pork, and the other articles named in the
contract ? Messrs. Dunbar, Tucker, and Bemis labored
with this problem for I know not how long, but they
solved it at last, and reported the result, and also
| the process by which they arrived at the result, as
they said it might be useful thereafter as a precedent.
The result was that the cash pay for the salary of the
minister for the second year of his service was re-
duced from five hundred and seventy-five dollars to
four hundred and eighty dollars and forty-nine cents.
The minister appended a certificate to the report,
slightly suggestive of a sort of quiet humor, that he
had reviewed the calculations made by the committee
_and found the result of them to correspond with the
| letter of the contract.
This contract, however, did not
always operate to the minister’s disadvantage, for in one
year, during the war of 1812, his salary amounted to
| nearly nine hundred dollars.”
have stood no chance whatever with a committee of |
twenty-five full-grown, sharp, sagacious men. But he
Mr. Richey was’succeeded in the pastorate by Rev.
Benjamin Huntoon, who was born in Salisbury, N. H.,
940
Nov. 28, 1792. His early life was passed on his
father’s farm. He commenced his academical studies,
preparatory to entering college, at the academy in
Salisbury, and was graduated at Dartmouth College
in 1817.
by teaching school.
During all this time he supported himself
He had the ninth appointment
in the graduating exercises, which was a dialogue with
|
|
Mr. Benjamin Woodbury, who was his college chum, |
on the question, ‘‘ Which of the learned professions
is more favorable to literary eminence, Divinity or
Law ?”
After leaving college he taught the academy at his
Mr. Huntoon taking the side of divinity.
native town until 1819, when he entered upon the |
study of divinity at Andover Theological Seminary.
In the spring of 1820, his health failing, he came to
Boston, and took charge of an academy in Salem
Street.
to the ministry of the First Congregational Church
in Canton, and was ordained Jan. 30, 1822.
Rev. Henry Ware giving the right hand of fellowship.
He soon became widely and favorably known as a most
earnest worker and eloquent preacher, and probably
delivered more occasional discourses than almost any
other minister in the neighborhood. In the latter
part of the year 1829 he was invited to preach the |
sermon at the dedication of a new Unitarian Church
in Bangor, Me., and the society there prevailed on
him to resign his pastorate here, and he was installed
at Bangor in June, 1830. In the fall of 1833, his
health failing under his numerous and onerous labors,
he asked and received a dismission from that church,
and spent the winter at Savannah, Ga., preaching to
the Unitarian Society there. In 1834 he returned to
the North with re-invigorated health, and was in-
stalled over the First Congregational Church in
Milton (Rev. Dr. Morison’s), Oct. 15, 1834.
Again, on account of failing health, he was obliged
to resign his charge, and passed the winter in the then
far West, preaching at Peoria, Ill., and at Chicago.
In the spring of 1837 he was invited to settle at
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained one year.
June, 1838, he went to Peoria, where he remained
preaching to the First Unitarian Church there until
August, 1840, when he was invited by the church in
While carrying on this school he was invited
Rev. |
John Pierce, of Brookline, preaching the sermon,
In |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1859, he was installed over the society at West-
borough, but his health continuing to fail, he was
forced to relinquish his charge in February, 1860.
In the fall of that year, having a desire to return
to the place where he had been first ordained to the
ministry, and where he had passed so many happy
years, he returned to Canton, and refitted and repaired
his old house. Here he spent the declining years of
his life, blessed with the love and fellowship of those
who had known and revered him in his earlier days,
_a constant worshiper, and an occasional preacher, in
Canton, where he had been first ordained, to return, |
and he was accordingly reinstalled at Canton, March
13, 1841. In 1849 he resigned the pastorate and
went to Marblehead, and became the pastor of the
In
Second Congregational society at that place.
1855, his health failing, he left that place, and in |
May, 1856, took charge of the parish at Winchendon, |
where he remained until Nov. 8, 1857.
In April,
the church which was erected through his exertions
in the first years of his ministry. His presence and
his daily walk were a benediction and a psalm. His
name was a household word in every family. The
traditions of his early labors were familiar to all.
They whom he met at the sacrament of the Lord’s
Supper,—they whom he had blessed at the marriage
altar,—they whom he baptized in infancy, and whom
he had watched over in the schools, and counseled in
their riper years,—alike revered and loved him, and
They who
had been his early parishioners (Deacon Dunbar,
Deacon Thomas French, George Downes, Deacon
Leonard Everett, Silas Kinsley, Elijah Tucker, James
Bent, and others) had long been gathered to their
final rest, and he seemed almost alone of the men of
And when he died,
“He fell like autumn fruit that mellowed long,
Or, like a clock worn out by eating time,
The wheels of weary life at last stood still.”
came to his funeral weeping mourners.
that day to remain.
It does not become us to attempt an analysis of
his character. Such a task belongs more properly to
those who have known him longer, and who are better
qualified otherwise to speak of him. Rev. Dr. Thomp-
son, of Jamacia Plain, at the funeral, spoke of him
as having been one peculiarly fitted to be a pioneer
in the advance of liberal Christianity. His services
were sought for by the infant churches in every part
of the country. There was an earnestness of personal
vital piety, an animated hopefulness, and an enthu-
siasm of manner which gave great power and effect
to all his pulpit labors.
He was an active and zealous laborer in the cause
of human brotherhood, and recognized and steadfastly
maintained the rights of all men of whatever color,
or creed, or condition. He was the uncompromising
He took a
manly stand on all the live questions of the hour.
opponent of every form of oppression.
His voice, his pen, his purse, his house, were always
at the service of those who strove to promote the
public good.
In the performance of his daily pastoral duties he
CANTON.
941
was pre-eminently happy. Wherever he went he
was welcome. How kind he was! What a large
heart he had! How he overflowed with affectionate |
tenderness towards all whom he met!
nature manifested itself in his obliging deeds !
well he taught how neighbors, husbands, friends,
should live! How successfully he personified the
Christian graces! What perfect faith he had in the
promises of the gospel! And he died in the hope of |
a glorious resurrection. He died April 19, 1864.
The following is a list of the pastors from Mr. |
Huntoon’s first ministry to the present time:
Rey. Henry F. Edes, of Providence, R. I., was |
ordained Oct. 26, 1831.
Rev. Orestes A. Brownson, of Walpole, was in-
How his noble |
How |
stalled May 14, 1834.
Between 1836 and 1841 there was no settled
pastor.
Rev. Benjamin Huntoon began his second minis-
try March 1, 1841.
First Wednesday of January, 1850, ordination of |
Rev. Robert P. Rogers, of Cambridge.
Sept. 18, 1854, installation of Rev. Seth Salt- |
marsh.
April 19, 1857, ordination of Rev. Nathan H.
Chamberlain.
Sept. 11, 1861, installation of Rev. Edward C. |
Guild, of Brookline.
April 2, 1867, Rev. George I’. Piper was engaged
to preach with view to settlement, March 15, 1868.
Young People’s Union formed. Mr. Piper closed
his ministry, October, 1872. Parsonage built and |
occupied.
May 4, 1873, Rev. William H. Savary, of Ells-
worth, Me., began to preach, and was installed pastor
June 8, 1873, and is the present pastor.
The present meeting-house stands on a fine eleva-
tion of land in the territorial centre of the town,
and is the second built by the parish, since its or-
ganization as the First Parish in Stoughton, on the |
5th day of April, 1736. Then there was a small |
building in which the church of Dorchester, South —
Precinct, had been gathered, Oct. 30, 1717. When
the precinct became the First Precinct in the town of |
In 1745, October
14th, at a legal meeting of the parish, “it was put to
vote whether the precinct would build a new meet- |
Stoughton it was organized anew.
ing-house, and it passed in the affirmative, and “the
same day y° Precinct choose Preserved Lyon, James
Indecut and Silas Crane, a committee to provide ma-
terials to build the meeting-house.” In it there were |
“convenient seats for the Indian Inhabitants of |
Stoughton to sit in on y® Sabbath days.” The first |
_ east towards Ponkapoag.
meeting-house was taken down, and it is now a barn,
I believe, in the Sixteenth Ward of Boston, late Dor-
chester. The church built in 1745-47 stood until
1824, the First Parish ‘in Stoughton” having, on the
16th day of January, 1797, became the town of
Canton.
The present church was dedicated Jan. 26, 1825,
_when the Rev. Dr. Harris, of Dorchester, Rev. John
White, of West Dedham, Rev. Ralph Sanger, of
Dover, and others, assisted the pastor, Rev. Benja-
min Huntoon, in the services.
It is interesting to look over the records and
to note who were the active men at the time of
Mr. Huntoon’s first ordination in 1822, not one of
whom is alive to-day. Gen. Elijah Crane, Thomas
French, Leonard Everett, Simeon Tucker, Thomas
| “17° 5
Tolman, William Tucker, Laban Lewis, Thomas
Crane, Frederick W. Lincoln, were committee of ar-
rangements. The meeting-house then stood farther
Mr. Huntoon soon began
to agitate the building of a new meeting-house, and
on Nov. 10, 1823, a committee, composed of Gen.
Elijah Crane, Deacon Gill, Thomas French, Thomas
Kollock, Thomas Dunbar, Thomas Billings, Thomas
Tolman, Thomas Crane, Simeon Tucker, Leonard
Everett, Isaac Fenno, Samuel Hawes, Amasa Jordan,
Jerathmael Crane, Laban Lewis, Ezra Dickerman,
_ Frederick Lincoln, Capt. Charles Tucker, Maj. Tucker,
Samuel Capen, Israel Bailey, Jesse Fenno, Elijah
Endicott, Isaac Copeland, George Downes, was ap-
pointed to take the matter into consideration, and on
Dec. 3, 1823, Thomas French, Thomas Tolman,
| George Downes, William Tucker, and Frederick W.
Lincoln were appointed a committee to select a suit-
able place for the building. Jan. 5, 1824, Thomas
Crane, Leonard Everett, Capt. Charles Tucker, were
chosen a committee to prepare a draft of a meeting-
_ house, which was to be forty-six feet by fifty-four
feet, and to be a house wholly in the Gothic order.
The money was raised by subscriptions, by proceeds
of the Wheeler donation, and otherwise, and by sale
of the old meeting-house, as appears from the follow-
ing report of the building committee :
“ We, the subscribers, having been directed by the building
committee to report to the parish the expense of building the
new meeting-house, submit the following statement :
“First. They have examined accounts which they have
been able to obtain from persons who have furnished material
| or have performed labor in erecting the new meeting-house in
Canton, and find that their several bills amount to the sum of
$4927.96.
“Second. They also state that Gen. Elijah Crane has a de-
mand against the parish for timber, joist, etc., the amount of
which your committee have not been able to ascertain; that
there are others also in the same situation, viz., Mr. Shaller’s
bill, Mr. Samuel’s bill, and perhaps others; it is also expected
that there will be some extra charges by Messrs. Clark and
McKendry, for work done by them not specified in their re-
spective contracts.
“Third. They further state that the proceeds of sales from |
the old meeting-house amounts to about $200, which in the
opinion of the subseribers will cover all demands against the
parish for building the new house, not presented to us, and
that the cost of said house will not vary essentially from our
first calculation of 34927.96.
“ Canton, 4th January, 1825. “THomAS FRENCH,
“ CHARLES TUCKER,
“LEONARD EVERETT,
“A true copy. “James Bent, Clerk.”
Baptist Church.—The first Baptist sermon in
this town was preached by Elder Joel Briggs, of Ran-
dolph, and April 14, 1812, occurred the first baptisms,
those of Ezra Tilden and wife Bethial, his brother
Abner Tilden, and Enos Upham. The old Baptist
society was organized April 27, 1812, with the fol-
lowing persons: Samuel Blackman, Nathan Tucker,
S. Tucker, Jr., Ezra Tilden, Nathan Kinney, Ben-
jamin Gill, Jr., Enos Upham, Abner Tilden, Ben-
jamin Lewis, Jabez Cobb, Samuel Canterbury, Elijah
Jordan, Elijah Hawes, Spencer Wentworth, Na-
thaniel Billings, Jr., Jacob Wentworth, Jabez Bil-
lings, Thaddeus Churchill, Seth Wentworth, Oliver
Wentworth, Isaac Mann.
The present church was organized June 22, 1814,
with thirty-five members, as follows: Nathan Tucker,
Friend Crane, Jason Houghton, Lemuel Fuller, Jr.,
Andrew Fadden, Abner Tilden, N. T. Davis, Ezra
Tilden, Jr., Oliver Houghton, Benjamin Gill (2),
Elijah Hawes, Wales Withington, Enos Upham,
Samuel Tucker, Jr., James Wentworth, Hannah
Tucker, Caty Tucker, Abigail Hill, Abigail Bird,
Ruth McKendry, Ruth
Houghton, Lucy Allen, |
Milla Tucker, Eliphal Wheeder, Ruth Buss, Abigail |
Gill, Bathsheba Fuller, Bathiab Tilden, Mary Morse,
Rebecca Crane, Caty Houghton, Lucinda Gill, Mary
Houghton, Olive Tucker, Eliza Tucker.
The pastors from that time to the present have
been as follows:' Revs. Henry Kendall, George Evans,
Elisha 8. Williams, Edmund Billoon, Thomas Bar-
rett, Henry Stanwood (licentiate), Ferris Moore,
Samuel Adams, Moses Curtis, Hiram Gear, Asaph |
Marriam, Charles O. Kimball, Henry Clark, Lewis |
Holmes, T. C. Tinglay, David B. Ford, P. R. Rus-
sell, G. W. Hervey, Theron Brown, J. H. Hartman
(in whose time the meeting-house was enlarged),
Clifton Fletcher, N. B. Jones, Jr., E. S. Uftord.
Rey. G. L. Lewis was installed in 1883, and is the
present pastor.
The first church building was completed in 1820,
1 Many of these were supplies.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and dedicated Jan. 14, 1821. The second building
was commenced late in 1835, and dedicated June 13,
1837. This building was remodeled in 1862.
The First Universalist Church was originally
known as ‘ The Norfolk Universalist Society” in the
town of Canton, and was organized Jan. 26, 1819, at
the house of Mr. George Downs, with eighty-eight
members from Canton, and also a number from
Stoughton and Sharon, and one from Milton and one
from Dedham.
During the succeeding years meetings were held
and preaching enjoyed in Leavitt’s Hall, and in the
old town house in Canton, until, in 1847-48, an eligible
spot of land containing a quarter of an acre was ob-
tained in the heart of the South Canton Village on
the easterly side of the old Bay road, on which they
built a meeting-house. The society was growing with
the growth of the town, and it was found expedient,
if not necessary, to make a change in the name of the
society, and on Jan. 20, 1849, a petition was presented
_ to Ellis Ames, Esq., one of the justices of the peace
within and for the county of Norfolk, by fourteen
members of the society ‘commonly known as the
First Universalist Society in Canton,’ for him to
issue his warrant requiring the qualified voters of said
society to meet to organize themselves as a corporation
and select a corporate name, ete.
signed by Daniel Tisdale, Jona. Messinger, John
Cram, Samuel Chandler, Uriah Billings, Samuel
Leonard, William Mansfield, C. S. Fowler, F. W.
Deane, J. S. Shepard, Lawton Smith, V. J. Messinger,
This petition was
| John Fanning, V. A. Messinger.
Pursuant to Mr. Ames’ warrant, directed to Law-
ton Smith, one of the applicants for a warrant, a
meeting was duly and legally called, and held in the
meeting-house of the First Universalist Society in
Canton, on Saturday the 3d day of February, 1849,
at six o'clock in the afternoon.
The following qualified voters of said society ap-
peared: Uriah Billings, John Cram, John Hall,
| Lawton Smith, Charles 8. Fowler, Charles Leland,
William Mansfield, Samuel Chandler, Charles Mel-
len, Daniel Tisdale, James 8. Shepard, Vernon A.
Messinger, Lorenzo R. Smith, Jonathan Messinger,
Joel Holmes, Francis W. Deane, William Morse,
Stephen F. Tillson, C. H. Harlow, Virgil J. Messinger.
Ellis Ames, Esq., having read the warrant and the
return thereon, called for the voters to elect a clerk,
_and Mr. Vireil J. Messinger® was unanimously chosen,
2 Mr. Virgil J. Messinger, who was the first clerk chosen by
the First Universalist Parish of Canton, has been annually re-
elected its clerk for thirty-five consecutive years, and is the
present clerk,
CANTON. 943
by Ellis Ames, Esq., he took the chair and called upon
the meeting to elect a moderator, and Samuel Chandler |
was unanimously chosen. |
Upon motion of Uriah Billings it was then voted
that this society do organize themselves as a corpora-
: we rn |
and the oath of office having been administered to him |
|
tion or parish, with all the powers given to corpora-
tions by the forty-fourth chapter of the “ Revised |
Statutes,” and with all. the other powers, etc., ex-
pressed in the twentieth chapter of the “ Revised
Statutes,” under the name of the First Universalist
Parish in Canton.
Jonathan Messinger, William Mansfield, William
Morse were chosen assessors ; Francis W. Deane, treas- |
urer; James S. Shepard, collector; Uriah Billings,
Charles S. Fowler, Lawton Smith, standing com-
mittee.
The meeting-house was built in shares, of which
there were sixty-five; all the shareholders subse- |
quently conveyed their rights and interest in the |
house as distinct from the pews to the parish, which |
assumed and has retained control of the house as a
religious corporation. A committee of three was
chosen to appraise the pews and to appoint a day for
leasing the same, and William Mansfield, Uriah Bil-
lings, James S. Shepard were chosen, who appointed |
Saturday, April 14, 1850, at four o’clock P.M., as |
the time, and in accordance therewith all the pews |
belonging to the parish. thirty-one in all, were put up
at auction to be leased to the highest bidder above the
appraisal, of which twenty-one, appraised collectively |
at one hundred and eighty-eight dollars, were leased
for the sum of $243.50. ‘Samuel Bradley Noyes,
Esq., by request officiated as auctioneer.”
Several gentlemen of Canton who were members of |
or interested in the First Congregational Parish and _
in other societies, had furnished money for the build-
ing of the meeting-house, one of whom is thus men- |
tioned in the records of a meeting on March 9, 1852:
“Tt was moved and unanimously voted that the thanks
of this parish be and are hereby tendered to F. W.
Lincoln, Esq., for his very liberal and generous dona- |
tion to this parish of his two pews, and all interest
in the house and land owned by said society.”
The pulpit was supplied by various ministers until
Dec. 27, 1854. Rev. Joseph Crehore was installed |
as pastor of the First Universalist Parish in Canton. |
Rev. Hosea Ballou read the Scriptures; Rev.
Lovejoy made introductory prayer; Rev. KE. G. Brooks, |
of Lynn, preached the sermon; Rev. W. H. Ryder,
of Roxbury, gave installation prayer; Rev. E. Fisher,
of South Dedham, charge to pastor; Rev. J. W.
Dennis, of Stoughton, right hand of fellowship; Rev.
| 1879.
W. H. Ryder, address to the people. On the 4th day
of August, 1857, Rev. Joseph Crehore resigned the
pastorate.
The parish met on the 17th of the same month,
and resolved that they “ desire that he will reconsider
the reasons which have induced him to tender his
resignation,’ and if he would “continue his labors
as our pastor we unreservedly pledge him our most
cordial co-operation, sympathy, and support.” This
vote was communicated to him by the standing com-
Mr. Crehore replied that he “ felt constrained
to adhere to the decision” heretofore communicated
to the parish. The parish then by vote accepted his
letter, and his pastorate closed Oct. 51, 1857.
Rev. Henry Jewell succeeded Mr. Crehore as pastor
in September, 1858.
five months, when he resigned, and accepted a call in a
Western State. He was universally respected and be-
loved by the parish and through the town.
torate closed February, 1866.
March 26, 1866, at a meeting of the parish, ‘‘ Hon.
Charles Endicott made some remarks in regard to the
expediency of uniting the Universalist and Unitarian
Parishes in this town, whereupon it was voted that a
mittee.
He remained seven years and
His pas-
committee of three be chosen for that purpose, to
confer with a committee of that parish, and Charles
Endicott, F. W. Deane, James 8. Shepard were chosen
as that committee, which committee at a meeting of
the parish held Nov. 12, 1866, reported verbally that
it was inexpedient.
Rev. George W. Perry was ordained pastor of the
| First Universalist Parish of Canton by the Massachu-
setts Universalist State Convention, Feb. 24, 1868,
and on July 9, 1868, by ordination services at the
meeting-house in Canton. Mr. Perry resigned Nov.
12, 1869, and his resignation was accepted to take
effect Dee. 31, 1869.
gaged as pastor and commenced his labors December,
Rev. Edmund Davis was en-
| 1870, and resigned Feb. 1, 1873; was re-engaged
July 1, 1873; resigned April 9, 1879; left July 1,
Dec. 19, 1881, Rev. E. A. Read was invited
to preach ; resigned Nov. 18, 1883.
The Evangelical Congregational Church was
organized July 3, 1828, at the house of Mrs. Katie
Hartwell. There were present as council Dr. Cod-
man, of Dorchester, Dr. Coggswell, of South Dedham
(now Norwood), Jonathan Curtis, of Sharon, Samuel
Gile, of Milton, Dr. Hitchcock, of Randolph, Dr.
Burgess, of Dedham. Dr. Park, of Stoughton, was
moderator. There were only ten in number who
sought the, organization of a church, and these be-
came the first members,—Deacon Ebenezer Crane,
Stephen Thayer, Tilly Flint, Hannah Crane, Betsy
944
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Crane, Frances Crane, Judith Albee, Abigail Kollock,
Mary Kollock, Jane H. Kollock.
For a year and a half there was neither a house of |
worship nor settled pastor; but the old record says
that in the mean time “‘ meetings were regularly held
at Mrs. Hartwell’s, who freely opened the doors of her |
house to their preaching, although from the first she
had kept the door of her heart shut against their
doctrine.”
In 1830 a church edifice was dedicated, and Rey.
William Harlow was ordained pastor.
Fairchild preached the ordination sermon from John
xviii. 38, “ What is truth?” Rev. Mr. Harlow re-
mained two years. Rev. John Turner succeeded him
as stated supply; he was followed by Rev. Erastus
Dickinson, who was ordained in 1835, and gave two
years of an ardent youth to the service of the church.
Succeeding his ministry were seven years of preach-
ing by supply; Rev. H. G. Park and Rev. John 8.
Kidder supplying most of the time.
On the 5th of June, 1844, Rev. William B. Ham-
mond was ordained and installed pastor.
seven years. Succeeding him, Rev. Solomon Clark
was installed Nov. 12,1851; he also had a pastorate |
of seven years, and the church moved on steadily pro-
eressing.
The old record says, ‘‘ Upon his dismissal it be-
came apparent to the church and society that a more
attractive house of worship would promote their pros-
perity.” The result of their deliberations and labors
and sacrifices was a new and commodious church ded-
icated, and the last bills upon it paid Aug. 22, 1860.
Rey. Rufus W. Clark, D.D., preached the sermon.
Rev. I. P. Langworthy made the consecrating prayer,
Rev. Joy H. |
He remained |
and at the same time Rey. Ezra Haskell was ordained |
tev. R. G. Vermilye preached the sermon.
Mr.
pastor.
Rev. H. B. Hooker made the ordaining prayer.
Haskell was dismissed April 27, 1865.
Rey. Rowland H. Allen was ordained Nov. 1, 1865. |
Professsor EK. A. Park preached the sermon. Rev.
Jonathan Edwards made the ordaining prayer.
Up to that date the pastors have been Rev. William
Harlow, ordained 1831, dismissed 1832; Rev. John
Tucker, engaged 1833, dismissed 1834; Rev. Erastus
Dickinson, ordained 1835, dismissed 1837; Rev.
Harrison G. Park, engaged 1839, dismissed 1841 ;
tev. John 8. Kidder, engaged 1841, dismissed 1842 ;
tev. William B. Hammond, ordained June 5, 1844,
dismissed Jan. 2, 1851; Rev. Solomon Clark, installed
Nov. 12, 1851, dismissed Jan. 19, 1858; Rev. Ezra
Haskell, ordained Aug. 22, 1860, dismissed April 27, |
1865; Rey. Roland P. Allen, ordained Nov. 1, 1865. |
His pastorate ended with this church in March, 1867.
' was dedicated by Archbishop Williams.
Rey. William KE. Dickinson was called, and sent his
letter of acceptance to become pastor Nov. 27, 1867.
He remained as pastor until April, 1870.
Feb. 27, 1867, Rev. J. F. Jennison was called to
supply the pulpit, and stayed until Aug. 1, 1874.
Rev. J. W. Savage was hired to supply the pulpit
from the third Sabbath in October, 1874, and con-
tinued to do so until Nov. 14, 1880; and later than
that date, with the exception of one year’s supply by
Rev. Mark Taylor, the church has sat under the
preaching of various clergymen of the faith.
The present officers of the church are: deacons,
Edward R. Eager and Elijah A. Morse; John How-
ard, treasurer.
St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.—About the
year 1854 Rev. Father Strain, of Chelsea, came to
Canton and began to preach in the ‘Stone Factory
Chapel,” in West Canton; with him came Rev.
Terence Fitzsimmons, of St. Peter and St. Paul
| Church, Broadway, South Boston; the building of a
church was begun on “‘ Chapel Hill,” so called, a short
distance north of the railroad station in South Canton.
Rev. P. F. Lin-
don succeeded Fitzsimmons, attended by his assistants,
Mr. Callaher and Mr. Hatley, till 1861, when the lat-
It was opened for service in 1855.
_ ter, Rev. John Hatley, came to reside in Canton, and
under his auspices, by the Lord’s help, the present
church was built, and was dedicated in 1868. It will
seat, including the choir, seven hundred and seventy-
five persons. There are two services on each Sunday,
the average attendance on each of which is eight hun-
dred. The number of communicants is over fifteen
hundred. It cost about sixteen thousand dollars, and
Connected
with the church is a parsonage, and a capacious hall
and vestry. It is in contemplation to enlarge the
present church or to build another.
CHAPTER LXXTirr
CANTON—-( Continued).
THE PRESS, MANUFACTURES, BANKS, ETC.
The Canton Journal—Early Manufactures—The First Cotton-
Factory—Present Manufactures—Memorial Hall—Military
tecord—Number of Men Furnished—Amount of Money
Raised—Various Votes in Relation to Bounties, ete.—Roll of
Honor—Revere Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic
—The Neponset National Bank—Canton Institution for
Savings—Representatives from 1776 to Present Time.
The Canton Journal.—For about twenty years
there had been no local newspaper in Canton, no one
' seeming to have any desire to embark in such an en-
CANTON.
945
terprise until December, 1876, when N. T. Merritt,
of Dorchester, a gentleman of considerable newspaper
experience, established the Cunton Journal. This
paper was started as an eight-column folio. The
progress of the paper under Mr. Merritt’s manage-
ment was not such as to guarantee success, and at the
end of four months he was obliged to step down and
out. D.S. Hasty, of Haston, proprietor of the Haston
Journal and Stoughton Sentinel, thereupon took the
paper in charge, appointing E. B. Thorndike, its
present publisher and proprietor, local representative.
mination to place the paper upon a sound basis.
From this point it became apparent that his labors
would be crowned with prosperity, and that a perma-
nent local paper for Canton was an established fact. In
the path to success in journalism, as in the other walks
of life, there are obstacles to overcome, and unexpected
events often present themselves, which seem for the
time to retard progress, and to this the Canton Jour-
nal was to experience its share. A few weeks after
assuming control of the paper the proprietor, Mr.
Hasty, was removed by the hand of death, and thus
necessitated another change. At the settlement of
Mr. Hasty’s estate, A. P. Smith, of Stoughton, pur-
chased the printing-office located at Stoughton, and
known as the Sentined office, the several papers there
printed, and the good-will of the entire business. Mr.
Thorndike continued with Mr. Smith until November,
1880, at which time he purchased the good-will and
title of the Canton Journal, and removed the com-
posing-room to Canton, opening in the upper story of
Meserve’s building, on the corner of Washington and
Rockland Streets. Type, presses, and material were
added from time to time, until the business had
grown to such an extent that a larger printing-room
was inevitable.
On the 19th of November, 1881, just one year
after the purchase of the Journal by Mr. Thorndike,
he secured the services of J. T. Geissler, of Sharon,
as editor, who still holds that position. he first of
May, 1882, found the establishment in the more com-
modious quarters on Church Street, known as the “ old
school-house,” where it still remains. Upon entering
these new apartments large additions to type, materials,
etc., were again made. New presses, including a Camp-
bell cylinder, a power paper-cutter, a steam-engine, and
boiler, were put in, and the town of Canton for the
first time could boast of a steam printing-office within
its borders. On the 27th of October of the same
year the size of the Journal was increased to nine
columns folio, thus giving more space for local matter,
60
_ which had become crowded by advertisers.
It is now
in its eighth volume, steadily increasing its army of
readers, and still aiming to a higher point in the
journalistic world.
Manufacturing Interests.—Perhaps it may not
be generally known that the first cotton-factory by
machinery in Massachusetts was located at Canton in
1803.
From papers of the late James Beaumont we ex-
tract a portion of the agreement entered into by the
é company :
Mr. Thorndike opened an office in the post-office ©
building, and at once went to work with the deter- | to enter into Partnership to begin and carry on the Cotton-
“James Beaumont, Abel Fisher, and Lemuel Bailey agreed
spinning Business, and, on the 14th day March, 1803, they
agreed in a manner which the following copy of the writings
will best explane.
“Be it Known that we James Beaumont, Abel Fisher and
Lemuel Bailey having provided a Building and Machinery for
Spinning Cotton Yarn upon the eastern branch of Neponset
River in the town of Canton, in the county of Norfolk, Do enter
into the following articles of agreement.
“Ist.—We shall be known and transact Business under name
of James Beaumont & Co.
“ 2Ind.—That the Stock shall amount to twenty four Hundred
Dollars and be advanced by each one in the following propor-
tion, Viz.—
“Said James Beaumont shall advance sixteen hundred dol-
lars.
“Said Abel Fisher shall advance four hundred dollars.
“Said Lemuel Bailey shall advance four hundred dollars.
“Making the whole stock to amount to Twenty-four Hun-
dred dollars as afores’d.
“ 3rd.—It is agreed that the whole Cost of erecting s’d Build-
ing, and procuring the Machinery shall be considered as part
of money advanced towards Stock, and each one shall be cred-
ited as he has advanced and that the privilege of water, and
also of land on which s’d Building is erected, or any additional
Improvement that may be made and other convenient necessary
Room for carrying on s’d Business or manufactory shall con-
tinue five Years from the date hereof.”
The partnership was to continue five years, and
James Beaumont was to have the sole direction of the
business.
It was also “agreed that the work people may be boarded by
the partners in proportion to their respective rights in Stock
provided nevertheless, that the place of board be conveniently
near the factory, and the food and Drink be of such a Quality
| as is fit and necessary to comfort and invigorate people employ’d
in s’d Business and that the rate of Board allowed each partner
| shall be similar in similar Circumstances,
“Tn Testimony of our mutual Consent and confirmation of
every clause and article of the foregoing,
we the parties afore-
said have herounto set our hands and Seals this fourteenth
Day of March in the year of our Lord Highteen hundred and
| three.
“Signed Sealed and delivered each partner in presence of
Erwan DunBpar, THomAs DUNBAR.
“JAMES BEAUMONT,
“ABEL FISHER,
“ LEMUEL BaILey.”
946
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Reminiscences of James Beaumont.—The follow-
ing reminiscences of manufacturing in Canton from
1803 to 1813 were written by the late James Beau-
mont, when in his eightieth year :
“T was engaged in a nominal partnership with two men,
Abel Fisher, and Lem! Bailey, they owned. the Millprivelage
called the old Everton place, it had been occupied in earley
times as a forge and grist-mill, but when I first saw it the water
was running, down in its natural bed. my partners ingaged to |
build the dam. & Factory building, and due time I got the Ma-
chinery to work (with some assistance) which consisted of 3
Cards, a drawing and roveing, frame and a Mule of 144 spin-
dles, I had made with my own hands, the drawing and roving
Cans, and other tin work, in a coppersmiths shop in Boston. we
first began to make, Wick yarn for the Candle makers the first.
lot was made from sea Island Cotton, and was very smooth and
beautiful; I took a sample of it. to a well known, Firm in Ros- |
bury. Aaron Davis & Co.
“Mr. Ezra Sampson was a partner and active manager in
the soap, and candle, department, he pronounsed the wicking
firstrate, and they gave me a large order and agreed to give me
75 cents @ tb for it. the stained sea Island Cotton had cost me.
about 23 or 24 cents P Ib but Mr. Sampson surmised that the
white Georgia Cotton would be whiter. and more suitable if not |
so smooth, so I used it the price of upland Cotton at that time.
was from 16 to 18 Cents ~ tb.
““A year or two after this, the Mess's Davis & Co.s Candles,
got into such request. especially the moulders, that I worked up
for them eleven (11) Bales of Cotton into wicking in one year
they then furnished the cotton and they gave 25 Cents @ tb for
working it—I likewice, made wicking for other candle makers.
in less degree.
““when the machinery had got well gated—we began to make
warp & filling yarn for domestick cloth; the first Piece was for
sheeting this was made from seaisland Cotton was warped on
common warping barr it was sized in the chain. I wrung it
out of the size tub myself hand over hand. ‘Tattershall, an
Thus, in 1802 was the
first piece of Cotton cloth ever. made in America from Mule
English weaver, made good cloths of it.
yarn. either all or in part I sold such cloth at 50 cents P yard
and shirting from 35 to 42 Cents @ yard.
“T put a sample of my first. sheeting in the Museum at
Lowell 7 or 8 years ago, Mr. Kimball, of that establishment
who had been a manufactor said he had no doubt of the au-
thentisity of the relek, after examining it.
“My partners in business, Fisher & Bailey, I found out was
not desirous to continue with me their only object from the
first was to dispose of the Everton place, and they had not
Money to carry on with, so they gave me a bond fora Deed I
not as yet being naturalized so I had it all to myself my little |
concern was so successful that I had several offers from Gentle-
men of cappital to become partners; amongst the rest was I.
Smith Boyce of Dorchester he proposed that I should sell out at
Canton, and he would furnish me with funds and have a Fac-
tory built at Dorchester on a large scale. we had had several
conflabs about it. [ had had so much toil and care in getting
my little concern at Canton underway that I had no desire to |
_ another viteron Lady spinner would shout out what on harth
move
‘‘However Mr Boyce being an extreamly industrious active
man, he did get a Factory agoing say about the year 1807 or 8.
this was without doubt the most prosperous and Proflitable con-
cern of the kind ever established in the Vnion
“There were made Bedticks, Ginghams, shirtings & sheet-
ings in large quantities in the time of the Embargo and 1812
War; and long after.
“Tn the embargo Cotton got down to 8 or 9 Cents but when
war was declared it rose to the enormous price to 40 Cents and
once to 48 the seacoast was blockaded, but it was found that
Cotton could be brougt by teams, all the way by land so that it
could be afforded at the first mentioned price or less
‘“Tt a was fine sight to behold these Teams & their drivers
IT once saw a string those teams pass through Dedham 6 or 8 in
number fine well cared for brown and black horses, 4 or 6 in
| a team, but the drivers were even more black shiney & fat than
the horses; cuff was in his glory then flourshing his long wip
and grinning at the Dedhamites in merry glee saying dare you
you cannot displays sich a fine team of osses as dis in your poor
plantations (nor could they)
“A Bale of Goods, seemingly India Cotton, much used then
had fallen from one of the Wagons, and the drivers balled out
in corous to the conductor (the only white man amongst them)
who speedily replaced it by as many black paws as could get
hold of it
“In my remarks on the other page, I meant to notice respect-
ing the great success of the Dorchester Factory that the owners
before the war was commenced had purchased a very large
quantity of Cotton at the lowest figure, when as before stated
it rose to 4 or 5 times its originall cost
“About the year 1802-3 John Blackbourn came over from
England and soon after commeced building the Tyler Mill at
Pawtucket R. I. Mr. Blackbourn was perhaps the most effeceent
and skillful Machinest then in the Union he was likewice well
versed in the construction of that kind of Machines call Thros-
tle frames, a great improvement (on Arkwrights first inventions)
both for cheapness and dispack of work Mr B. did not like
Slater lock, bolt, and guard is establishment but the doars were
freely opened to the bublick—this consern was highly prosper-
ous, a few years after Mr Blackbourn went to Mendon in this
state, and with assistance Built the largest Factory then in the
country, this was also prosperous Cc
“In the time of the Embargo and War following, Mills and
| Machiner began to inerece abundantl oung America had got
f=) I tn}
hold of the machinest and manufacorers aret, and he drove it
with steam speed—tbe Rhode Islanders, with Slater & Black-
bourn at their head, hunted up the millsites, and waterfalls, in
that part of Massachusetts now called Webster and Slaterville,
were a vast business is done at this time
“To return to my own matters when establesed first at Canton
T ingeneral let people have a free look, into my Mill espeshaly
the females the farmers wives and daughters would come to buy
yarn and would of course want to see the Factory
“T would open the outer door leading into the entry; and
after shutting the same; they especially the young ones would
be sore afraid when.they heard the thundering clattering noise
within I would open the inner door and they would peep in,
then advance a little way and look round with great aston-
| ishment, one old Lady was looking at the large slivers of cotton
| drawings, advanceing out of the big drawing cans up through
| the rolers—as if by majick, would exclaim now do tell.
lud
amassy! is that spinning. then another having advanced
further having espeyed the Mule would scream do marm, come
here and look at this great big high wheel, that has everso many
spindles drawing out at once and nobody to them, and then
are you going to do with all this yarn, you never will be able
to sell it in this varst world
“Canton in 1801.—When I first saw the Everton place which
I afterward improved the Water course, was shooting through
its natural bed, there was a Grist Mill standing on the north
side and there had been a Forge for Iron worked there, but, it
was all in ruins, the larg gearing and Waterweel shaft had
CANTON.
been sawed nearly through, and mended with bars of Iron here
was dessollation mannifest ; the place had a bad name, and was
said to be haunted. indeed if weather the misschief had been
done by evil spirits or evil bodys in the flesh, they had made
finishing work of it
“Tt was a delightful place for a Dam here the rocky banks
approached near to gather, and a small rocky Island reared its _
brushy & Flower decorated, head right in the middle of the
River (called the eastern branch of the neponsett) the old Grist
Mill was a relict of antiquity, it had been used, for a building |
to manufactor Gunpowder in; before or at the time of the rey-
it had been moved probably on the Ice from
the millprivilege above now known as the Revere copper, Co’s
olutionary war.
works this old building was again removed about 50 years ago |
10 or 12 roods, and has been used since as a stable for the storage
of hay, and the lodging of Cattle and there it yet stands—
with the Iasabella grape vine climing up to its southern gable
an emblem of youth and old age closely
intwined in love together.
viaduet close by, at this day—There was not any dwelling house
on the premises but one, and that containing two rooms below
and a low chamber above at that time in this old shell, with
some additions made to it I lived very happily several years
up to its ver ridge pole.
as may be now seen from the great
with a large family
947
(Yorkshire in England) She, then what do they do with theier
milk in warm weather. Oh! they set it in a cool place in there
stone built houses the buttery or Celler and skim it after stand-
ing 3 meals the sweet skimed milk is used in the family or sold
to the neighbours at half price, the cream after being collected
and soured a little in the vessel it is churned into the best
Butter in the world the Butter milk is preserved and ate as a
dainty to bread or thick hasty pudding, made of Oat meal—
“her, Dont they use Coffee and T’ea common as whe do. No,
Coffee they scarcely use att all, and Tea only used sparing by
- the elderly women, heads of familys. In my two apprentiships,
the first of near 2 years I never tasted either in my Masters
house (so to say) in the second of 3 years I never drank any
but once; the good old man for a good man he was, and the
name of Jonathan Wood shall be ever remembered with grati-
tude. He had been out with me to a Benevolent quaker to see
if he would not advance some money to pay legacys on real
Estate I was soon to come heir to? We had succeded and I
was in high spirits; when whe got home, his good old Dame
as he called her, were just sitting down with her sister to an
Afternoons Tea drinking. now Jimy says he sit thee down
with mee and our Women folks to a dish of Tea. I did sit
| down but I can never remember having being so ashamed be-
“The roads were very poor at that time large boulders and |
rocks imbelishing it on each side, and some times in the middle |
thereof But, the latter was sometime convenient for teams
turning out you could drive on each side, and in other places
the ruts would be so deep that it would be difficult to pass
“Tn regard to buildings they were low and cheaply built, and |
in winter have been very uncomfortable had it not been for the
rousing fires they constantly keept, in cold weather, the cracks
in the boards & holes under the doors, with the broaken glass
in the windows gave them a quantum suflicet of pure air for
all purposes
“Their Barns was not large, they had a good deal of land |
but not much fodder, and but few cattle to eat it.
farmers however, would have a yoke of Oxen and a horse to do
their work, the Orchard was the best attended to of all their
lands; and gardens if any the least as for flowers they did not
need any the romping Johns wort and the great Ox daisey,
white weed, embelished their fields with yellow White and
The best |
golden Flowers delightful to see, then they had the Flax plant |
carefuly nurtered, with its exquitly beautiful blue flowers, and
-what did they need more of the kind
“they generaly contrived to raise Corn and Rye for bread; _
to fat the hogs and a little for the working cattle, they did not |
raise much English Hay, but carefully applyed all their man-
nure for the dressing of the Corn & Flax, most of their fodder
was obtained from the low-bog meaddows, this they had abund-
antly, and when well got did very well for the young stock and
cows that did not give milk
“Most of the best farmers had a small flock of Sheep, those
with the Flax they depended on for their clothing; the Ladys,
—I mean the women, the farmers Wife and daughters were
fore or since in all my life.
“ But how did you live in, the morning the breakfast table
was set out with Trenchers (wooden plates) by the side of each
a small pint earthen mug with a spoon was placed the viands
were a large Panfull of sweet milk, then a plate of Pattee’s of
Butter home made, these were about the size of half a dollar a
good deal thicker but did not weigh so much in number they
were just equal to the nomber of the guests at table, which
guests consisted of Mr. Wood a Journyman or two and four
apprentices. A large earthen panful of Oatmeal haisty Pud-
ding was placed on the centre of the table and a few sheets of
hard, thin oat cakes placed on the clean but naked table. All
being ready at it we went with a hungry will dipping out with
our spoons filling them partly in the pudding then dipping
them in the milk pots, after this first eource of pudding we had
recource to the milk pan with bread and butter to finish. I
forget weather we spread the Butter with knives or our thumb;
this I know it always tasted best to me done by the latter
method, indeed it is difficult to do it with a knife that if you
press the Butter hard the bread is so light and honeycomb like
that it will fly in many pieces.
“Our dinner consisted of boild hang beef and dried flitch
bacon and broth was made of the liquor the meat was boild in
by adding a little oat meal, the broth was invariable ate first
then we had either dumplins or a pudding boiled in a bag, then
we finished off with the Animal food & vegitables.
“Our evening meal was baked (flour) pudding, milk and
| bread adlibitum, we had always for lunction at 11 o’clow a
the principle Manufacorers, they did not want many shoes in |
summer nor were Stockings very abundant. A fashionable
Mantumaker of the modern time would have been in danger of
starving before thos Women would have helped her
“Go with me to a farm-house ‘ summer’ the old Grandfather
a deacon of the congregational church just come in from the hay
field, the mistris of the house ready to receive me saying after
introductory complements ‘ she’ will you go and sit down in the
other room (best), my husband will be in soon, no I had rather
sit here and see you make cheese did you never see cheese
making, they do not make any chees whear I was brought up
small mess pot about a pint of good home brued Ale of Malt
and hops, strong and delitious, at dinner we had small bear
made of the same meterials the women folks never sot down
with us men at meals.
“Sunday was strictly observed in these families on that
glorious day of rest and recriation this mother in Irail and her
husbands Mother would deck out in their best and march across
the fields and lanes, bare leg and bare foot to meeting 2 miles
with their stockings and shoes in their pockets or under their
arms and when near the holy place under some sheltering tree
would don them, and when the holy serviss was over would doff
them again near by, there was nothing mean or stingy about
this woman on the contrary she had a most liberal Soule, but
shoes was an extra luxary and fine knit cotton stocking was a
still greater one, when the father came in he invited me to take
948
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
some old orchard with him or a glass of toddy both I declined
as I never loved cider and new rum I detested both smell &
taste of but begged a drink of her new come whey from her
chees tub, she slyly regreted her husband had such a desire for
either Rum or old orchard, oh you know whe cannot do our hot
ummer work espeshaly in hay time without it replied he.
“But to return to my Everton place. I was looking over the
ecoppys of old Deeds lately and I found one dated Jan, 25 ply
werein I found it recorded that Edmund Quince of Brantrey,
in Suffolk County, Esqr. John White of Boston in the county
aforesaid Gent" Standfast Foster, Thomas Tilestone, Sam!
Paule, Ebenezer Mawdesley, Ebenezer Jones, and Robert
Royal, all of Dorehesster, had at the above time entered into
partnership to buy & make a Dam at this place and containing
two acres of land which they hereby bought of one Timothy
Jones of said Dorchester for the sum of six Pounds, for the
purpose setting up Iron works, and in due time a forge was put
in Opperation the oar was collected in the visintity but most
particularly from the pond called Massapogue.
“For two years after commeced business the Herring came
up the River in great numbers in the spring wending their way
through many dificutys to massapogue pond men were appointed
by the adjoining Towns to see the fish had free right of way
several of these worthys visited me and demanded me to hoyst
my flood gates and lay the bottom of the mill dam bare except-
ing the channel but says I the Fish have not began to run yet.
is the season of their running. Oh says I GentImen it is a hard
cace for me to stop my Factorey; but says I, walk into the
house and we will talk the matter over. when seated I brought
out my old Cogniac, a bowl of loaf shugar and water, to which
!
| care of the spoils.
near by cheered us with their songs, duetts, and soloes, in this
balmy and moonlight evening whilst we in the ditch with our
hurrahs and shouts joined in the chorus, but game began to
grow scarce & and we thought we had enough, as the canoe was
well ny full the word was given let us out and liquor and take
I went into the house and got the fixings
and a basket to carry the fish home. tho young men were or
had been employees of mine and I think the young women
too so they carried mine & Slimpsys share home about 2 Barrels
leaving about as many more for those that came at the eleventh
hour.
‘At that time there wear in Canton several Manufacturing
establishments, Enoch Leonard’s Forge, Gen! Elijah Crane’s
Grist-Mill, Leonard & Kinsley’s mill-saw, edge-tool, and Forge
works, the renowned Copper works of Col!. Paul Revere, the first
established in this country of the kind, besides several grist-mills
at the different works; these with my establishment of the manu-
| factoring of Cotton yarn and cloth were a great benifit to the
publick and employing many hands, this made the mill-owners
wish for the stopping of the Herrings, rather then the stopping
of the above valuable manufactoring concerns. The owners,
herefore, a few years after in conjunction with other mill-
owners below, in Dorchester and Millton, petitioned the General
Court to stop the herring from runing in the Neponcett river,
which was granted, and publick opinion fully agreed with the
law.
“Canton from that time to the present or to 1820, at least,
might be termed with truth, the first in time and the first in
| quantity and quality of any in the State of its manufactored
they helped themselves bountifully after wadeing in the river |
_ made and manufactored in Canton within the first 15 years of
not inspeting the fish for they were not there, but the water.
They went off in great good humor and said I must send them
word when the fish began to run about a week after they did
begin to run, but I did not see them, though others did, I did
not look very minutely well down they came upon us (the in-
spectors I mean) dip net in hand, and there they went to work
floundering in the river and took several dozens of the herring
articles.
“T will here innumerate the different kinds of goods & articles
the present century.
“Forge work, Enoch Leonard’s crow-bars and shapes for
blacksmith’s work, Leonard & Kinsley’s made mill-saws, crow-
_ bars, and various kinds of axes and other heavy edge-tool work,
which after taking a chearer or two of my Brandy they carried |
home to their friends.
“About a week after this the fish came up abundantly. My
self and work people were idle and wanted a fishing frollick so
I said to one of my men Slimsey we will have some herring to-
night. his laughing eye, took the hint, to shut down the flood
gates, yes. It was a beautiful night in May (the fish came late up |
this river and did not do, much good to any one excepting idle
familys that would rather fish than work they came so late, but I
will tell my story about fishing over leaf. About 10 o’clock Slim
& I wended to the dam head & down with the flood gates. this
shut the water back into the dam.
way a gently inclined plane up which the fish used to rush with
there was a planked apron
some 20 or 30 feet wide were the fish used to linger before as-
sending the rappid in this hole were bushels of fish the retiring
water having left them without means of escape, there was a
small Indian canoe lying on the beach near by we rushed into
the hole, and went at it with a will throwing them out with our
hands three or four at once, and when tired of this way we
would kick them out with our feet while exersizing in this de-
lightful sport there came two young man along over the wooden
Bridge near by with their Galls. sometimes Lovers walk out
togather in the stilly night they were friends, the young men
jumped down into the river and after a few more jumps came
cothrsh, right into the fishery hole, were they began to labour
with all their might and being fresh hands at the tiller the fish
came out thicker and faster whilst the feemales on a mossy bank
anchor, flukes, &c., blister steel, and various kinds of iron east-
ings in demand at that time.
“At the Revere works were made copper sheathing, bolts, and
spikes, and afterwards a furnice was erected for casting brass
and refining copper. Here at (the Revere works) were cast
large brass guns and bells for churches, and those bells were,
perhaps, the first founded in the Union.
“The Cotton mill of which I had the control, produced
yarns, bedticks, sheeting, shirting, checks, plads, and ginghams.
I likewise made cotton pelisse wadding, for which I had large
orders from New York, Boston, &c. This article was not made
by any other person in this country at that time. About
1802-8 it was made by running the carded batts through rolers
wet with size. I afterwards got a patent for my invention. I
_ have not made any wading for more than 30 years, but the ad-
great difficulty, at the bottom of this apron was a pond hole |
vertizements in the milliner’s shop windows still say or did 3 or
4 years ago: ‘Beaumont’s poliss wadding sold here.’
““Miss Ann Bent, who kept a lady's fancy goods store in what
is now called Washington Street, in Boston, was my best cus-
tomer. This lady was the first I showed it to; she highly
praised it, and recommended it to her customers as the best for
the purpose of any other. Before this the wadding had been
imported, the cotton kind from England, and the silk kind from
France.
“About this time (1807-8) I desolved partnership with Rich-
ard Wheatley, with whome I had been connected in bussiness
several years, whe devided the real estate, and I built a small
factory on the north side of the river on my own account, set
up wool carding and spinning machines. When the Merino
_ sheep began to be imported in great numbers (thanks to the
CANTON.
949
great and good Napolian Bonapart, who scattered both the lazy
Spaniards and there flocks, many of the latter found their way
into this country.
“T then began to make all wool cloth yorkshire plains carcys-
and Sattinetts. for the last article I got great credit making my
own cotton warps of sea Island Cotton and employing English
workmen who beat them up well in the hand loom so that when |
afterwards finished you could not scarcely tell the back side
from the face. I sold the finest of them for $3.50 P yard both
before and during the 1812 war. I charged 25 Cents P pound
for carding (full blood merino and 17 Cents half blood) into roles
“T will here mention some of my customers for whom I Man-
ufactored the fine wool wholy or in part. Governer Robbins of
Milton into cloth Cap’ Nat! Tucker, of Milton into cloth. Ben- |
jamin Bussey of Boston, Esq partialy into Cloth. Amary Esq’ |
of Roxbury into yarn and slubbing all these Gentlemen owned
small flocks of the merinoes. Esq’ Amarey I think of Milton I
made some cloth for I likewise continued the manufactory of
my wick yarn and Wadding .
“ Towards the begining of the 1812 war, and during the same
there were large quantys of Muskets and Rifles were made sev-
eral thousand stand for the United states and with high credit
to the makers by Mess's Leonard & Kinsley, honorable Thomas
French, and others
“Mr Enoch Leonard & his sons in partnership with William
Dunbar Esq™ made some very good horsmans Sords, & Sailors
Cutlashes for Sam. There were two brothers. Bazins in Canton
at the above time very ingenious and Inventive, who made
stocking weaving Machines, likewise Machien for twisting the
strands and laying cords & ropes—they likewise were the in-
venters of them sweet Musickal Instruments, the Aeolian reeds
either the small tubelike ones, held the hand and blown into
with the mouth as well as the larger Instruments were the bel-
lows is applied
“After I desolved partnership with Mr. Wheatly he ingaged
_ shoe calks, plowshares, ete.
a man to conduct his istablishment named David Wild he un- |
derstood his business well a year or two later.
sisted in building a Cotton Factory, & Machinery in partner-
ship with Gen! Elijah Crane who owned a millprivilage in
Canton this was the third of the kind in the town
“There was a young man, a house carpenter a very ingenious
and industrious man, at the time Mr Wheatly & I began to
build machinery whe hired him in his line of business as well
to make the wood part of the Machines) Azel Ames by name he
worked for us when in company, and afterwards for myself
about in all 4 or 5 years. he had saved conciderable money, he
had a younger brother work as an apprentice with him, we
always boarded them and as they lost no time of conciquence
he had a handsome sum to carry with him to Bridgewater his
native town—soon after he went to marshfield, with his brother
and built and established a Cotton Factory and they made it
go well, this was the greatest effort. I ever knew, for a Mechan-
ick in wood work only to bravely build turning Layths for
wood & Iron Tools for fluting and fitting Iron & brass—also
makeing Pattrens for Castings of Iron these mettles—and after-
wards turning fileing & fitting them togather
Mr. Wild as- |
“This Factory of Mr. Ames’s was in full opperation years |
before the Waltham concern was thought of
‘*Even the stone mason, who worked for Mr. Wheatly and
us contrived to set agoing a Cotton Factory in Sharon the ad-
joining Town to Canton, that is with much assistance this was
the third or fourth swarm so to say that had left our hive in
Canton
“Thus I have given you in a straightforward way my ex-
periences and knowledge of Cotton Manufactoring previous to
the time of the Waltham Factory in 1813.”
| in 1859.
The Kinsley Iron and Machine Company.—
These works were established by Leonard & Kinsley
in 1787, and have been in constant operation since
that time; the manufacture of steel by the German
process was then commenced and continued until 1830
From 1790 to 1797 from one hundred and
fifty to two hundred tons of mill-saws were made an-
or later.
nually. In those early days the works were very small.
Early in the present century the manufacture of fire-
arms was introduced, and a considerable quantity of
muskets was furnished the government for the war of
1812.
years after was used for making sleigh-shoes, horse-
About 1821 the firm of
Leonard & Kinsley dissolved, and the business was
continued by Mr. Adam Kinsley. In 1833-35 a
foundry building was constructed for the manufacture
of castings. A few years later (on the death of Mr.
Kinsley in 1857) the business passed into the hands
of two of his sons, Lyman and Alfred.
The steel produced at this time and for many
Soon after,
Lyman bought out Alfred Kinsley’s interest in the
About
1838 the forge was burned, and a new one built.
business and conducted it himself until 1855.
Under Mr. Kinsley’s management the manufacture
of car-axles and car-wheels was added to the now
growing industry ; in 1845 the work was prosecuted
day and night, and forty car-wheels were made daily ;
in 1846 eighteen hundred car-wheels were furnished
to one Western road alone. The manufacture of
wagon-axles—one of the branches of the business
from its commencement—was largely increased. A
rolling-mill was erected, in 1852-53, for the purpose
of rolling car-axles and a beam-engine of one hundred
and ninety-horse power, and an eighteen-inch train of
In 1853 the idea of rolling car-axles
was abandoned, and the manufacture of iron com-
In 1854 the Kinsley Iron and Machine
Company was chartered and in 1855 was organized ;
rolls put in.
menced.
the capital stock is two hundred thousand doliars.
Mr. Lyman Kinsley was elected president and teid
that position until about 1859, when he retired from
Hon. Oliver Ames, of North Easton,
was chosen as his successor, and held the position
the business.
until his death, when he was succeeded by his son,
Edward
L. Eager, Esq., was chosen treasurer upon the organ-
Frederick L. Ames, the present president.
ization of the company, and has remained in that
capacity to the present time. The present agent is
Mr. Frank M. Ames.
Since the organization of the company the works
have been in constant operation. In 1854 the axle-
shop was destroyed by fire ; anew building was erected
In 1861 the present foundry building was
950
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
built and the old foundry torn down. On the 14th of
January, 1875, the rolling-mill and forge were burned ;
preparations for a new mill were commenced, however,
before the fire of the old mill had died out, and on the
24th of May following operations were resumed in a
new mill much larger and more convenient than the
old, but on the same site.
The company employ about two hundred and twenty-
five men. The buildings cover about one and a half
acres of ground, the mill alone covering nearly one
and one-quarter acres.
They manufacture merchant bar-iron, car and loco-
motive forgings, castings, machinery, finished wagon-
axles, bridge-bolts, and heavy hardware.
The Revere Copper Company.—Paul Revere &
Son commenced the copper-works in Canton, Jan. 3, |
ig ? ’
1801.
bell and cannon foundry on Hull Street, in Boston,
Previous to that time they had carried on a
which was removed later to Canton, where they con-
tinued to cast bells and brass cannon of all sizes and |
all kinds of composition work; manufactured sheets,
bolts, spikes, nails, etc., from malleable copper and |
cold-rolled. Paul Revere died in 1818, and the busi-
ness was carried on by his surviving son, Joseph
Warren Revere, until 1828, when the Revere Copper
Company was incorporated by Joseph W. Revere,
James Davis, Fred. W. Lincoln, and James Davis,
Jr. Since the death of the original founder the busi-
John Revere, president, S. T. Snow, treasurer, with
increasing facilities, and their manufacture includes
all grades from the raw material to the finest-graded
articles of rolled copper.
Neponset Cotton Manufacturing Company.—In
1824 the present stone mill, generally known as the
Neponset Factory, was begun, and finished in 1825,
and was put in operation as a woolen-factory by Hol-
brook, Dexter & Hill. They manufactured satinets and
kerseymere cloths. In 1828 the company failed, and
the mill property and machinery was silent for nearly
It had cost four hundred thousand dol-
lars, and was sold to a new company for one hundred
and forty thousand dollars, the Neponset Manufac-
two years.
turing Company, which carried on the manufacture
till 1838, when they abandoned the business, and the
property, fixtures, and machinery was purchased by
Mr. J. W. Revere for fifty thousand dollars. In 1844,
Robeson, of New Bedford, leased the property
for ten years, and at the expiration of the term re-
newed the lease for ten years, and again for ten years,
abandoning the business in 1879.
In 1883 the property was purchased for thirty-five
thousand dollars by James L. Little, and the build-
| facturing Company.
ings are undergoing thorough repairs preparatory to
occupation as a cotton-factory.
Eureka Silk Manufacturing Company.—The
silk business in Canton was started in 1839, by V. J.
Messinger; but some months later he removed to
Needham, where he remained five years, making sew-
In 1844, Mr. Messinger
returned to Canton, and in partnership with his
brother, V. A. Messinger, established the business
They continued the
manufacture of sewings and machine twist success-
fully and uninterruptedly till 1863, when it was
transferred to Charjes Foster and J. W. C. Seavey,
the latter of whom had been with Messinger &
Brother since 1853. ‘The firm-name was J. W. C.
Seavey & Co. In 1869 the firm became Seavey,
Foster & Bowman, who continued the business till
1881, when the proprietors formed a joint-stock com-
pany for the manufacture of all kinds of twisted silk,
under the name and firm of the Eureka Silk Manu-
They have increased their busi-
ings, gimps, and fringes.
there as Messinger & Brother.
ness from year to year, until they have become one of
the most successful and extensive manufacturers in
Their favorite brands, the “ Lion” and
The firm have.
contributed largely to the movement of putting up
this country.
‘“ Kureka,” have a high reputation.
strictly pure dye goods, and have also manufactured
and introduced measuring and strength-testing ma-
ness has been continued under the management of |
actual quality of the goods they are buying.
chines, to enable buyers to inform themselves of the
To the
enterprise of this firm consumers are indebted for
many improvements in the style and quality of twist
silks.
G. H. Mansfield & Co.—The privileges now occu-
pied by this establishment were first utilized in 1821
by Simeon Presbrey, in the manufacture of cotton
thread. He subsequently enlarged the original mill,
and added the manufacture of twines. He carried
on the business until 1845, when he sold it to Thomas
B. Vose, who continued it until 1849, when it passed
into the hands of William Mansfield. Mr. Mansfield
carried on the manufacture as sole proprietor until
July 1, 1858, when it was purchased by his two
sons, George H. and Preston R., who have continued
In 1865, W. B. White and
G. H. Mansfield formed a copartnership, under the
name of White & Mansfield, and commenced the
manufacture of shoe-lace, and, in the spring of 1866,
it to the present time.
inaugurated the manufacture of braided fishing-lines.
The firm of White & Mansfield was dissolved in
1866 by the retirement of Mr. White, and the busi-
ness has since been continued by G. H. Mansfield &
Co.
They manufacture braided silk and linen Jines,
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MEMORIAL HALL, GANTON, MASS.
and it is a notable fact that this firm was the pioneer
in the manufacture of braided lines in the United
States.
The Narragansett Suspender and Web Com-
pany.—The building on the west side of the Canton
Junction Station of the Boston and Providence Rail-
road, occupied by the Narragansett Suspender and
Web Company, J. R. Wattles, proprietor, and by L.
W. Wattles & Co., manufacturers of spinning and
twister rings, with the entire contents, was totally
destroyed by fire May 10, 1884.
was the sole proprietor of both concerns, and of the
buildings and land.
in 1865, and had been from time to time enlarged and
improved and added to.
The busitiess of making spinning rings for cotton-
CANTON.
951
a new town hall, and directed the committee to make
their report on the 17th day of June, 1878. After
considerable discussion as to the merits of the several
Mr. J. W. Wattles |
The factory building was erected |
mills was established in 1843 by Mr. Luther R. Wat- |
tles, and had been carried on in Canton for the past
twenty-five years by Mr. J. W. Wattles under the
name of L. R. Wattles & Co.
Company manufactured suspenders and all kinds of |
elastic web goods, and had a wide reputation.
J. Wattles, son of J. W. Wattles, was superintend-
|
|
The Narragansett
|
Arthur |
ent of both companies, and another son, Joseph W. |
Wattles, Jr., was book-keeper and cashier of both
concerns.
Paper-Box Manufactory.—In 1837, Nathaniel
Dunbar commenced the manufacture of piano-forte |
keys, on the site now occupied by the box-factory,
and continued it until 1857. In the fall of that
year, in company with Charles F. Hard, he com-
menced the manufacture of paper boxes.
partnership continued until the fall of 1868, when
the establishment was purchased by Mr. Dunbar, and
continued by him as sole proprietor until his death,
which occurred July 11, 1883. The business is |
still carried on under the name of Nathaniel Dunbar,
by his oldest son, Francis D. Dunbar.
Thomas Lonergan commenced the manufacture
of spinning- and twister-rings in 1878.
That co- |
|
locations proposed, it was voted to build at the corner
of Washington and Depot Streets.
A committee, consisting of Frank M. Ames, James
S. Shepard, Elisha Horton, Joseph W. Wattles, and
Edward R. Eager, was selected, and instructed to take
a deed of the land donated by Elijah A. Morse, and
erect a building thereon, to be called ‘ Memorial
Hall,” from some one of the plans before the
meeting.
The design for the building was prepared by
Stephen C. Earle, of Boston.
The architecture is what may perhaps be called
Modern Gothic. The underpinning and steps are of
Concord granite. The walls are of brick, decorated
with Longmeadow freestone and black brick. The
brick are laid in black mortar. The inside finish
throughout the building is of ash. The floors are of
The main building is one hundred
The
main front has a projection of seven feet, thirty-one
feet in width, which rises five feet above the walls of
On each side, at the front, are
Southern pine.
and one by sixty-two feet on the foundation.
the main building.
projections of eighteen inches.
The building covers about six thousand five hundred
square feet ; its extreme height is eighty feet above the
grade line. The basement is eleven feet six inches
high, first story twelve feet, and second story twenty-
six feet in the clear. The building is entered by a
flight of six steps of fine hammered Concord granite,
twenty feet long, ten and one-half feet wide, which are
_ partly covered by a porch.
The marble-tiled vestibule is entered by two sets
of double-folding black walnut doors, opposite which
On the
are similar doors of ash with glass panels.
'right is the ticket-office; on the left, a door to the
In 1881 his |
factory was destroyed by fire, and immediately rebuilt. |
He has continued the manufacture to the present |
| (which is fourteen feet nine inches by sixteen feet),
time.
For history of establishments of Messrs. Shepard, |
French, Draper, and Morse, see their respective biog-
raphies in the following pages.
Memorial Hall.—At the annual meeting in
April, 1878, the town appointed a committee, con-
sisting of William Horton from School District No. 1,
Elisha Horton of No. 2, Frank M. Ames of No. 3,
Ellis Tucker of No. 4, George E. Downes of No. 5,
Thomas Lonergan of No. 6, and James S. Shepard of |
No. 7, to procure plans and select proper locations for
, to p Pp prop
basement stairs. The stairway hall is twenty-two by
twenty-eight feet. On either side are flights of stairs
six feet wide. On the right is a lobby, doors from
which enter the room of town clerk and treasurer
and also that of the selectmen (which is eighteen feet
six inches by twenty-four feet). Connected with these
rooms are a fire-proof vault, for town records, and two
large closets.
On the left is the librarian’s room, which is twenty
feet nine inches by sixteen feet. In the centre and oppo-
site the principal entrances is a wide, double-folding
door to the corridor. On either side of this door are
placed the beautiful memorial tablets, a gift of Elijah
A. Morse. The corridor is eight by forty-four feet.
952
On the right or south side are doors to the selectmen’s
room, also to the school committee room, which is six-
teen feet three inches by twenty-four feet, and a side
corridor sixteen feet long leading to the side entrance.
On the left or north side is the library, twenty-four
by forty-four feet. At the east end is the small, or
caucus hall, which is thirty feet six inches by forty-
eight feet six inches, and will seat about two hundred
persons. The side entrance is eight by sixteen feet,
and is entered from steps twelve feet in length, and
similar to those on the front of the building.
Doors |
from the side entrance enter the school committee- |
room, corridor, small hall, and the private stairway
hall which leads to the hall and stage above. From
this stairway are doors to the basement stairs and
town officers’ toilet.
The landing at the front stairs is thirteen feet six
inches by twenty-eight feet; opposite the stairs are
two double-folding doors to the audience-hall and
ladies’ private room. On the left are stairs to the
gallery and a door to the lobby, which is fourteen feet
nine inches by sixteen feet. The audience-hall is
fifty-eight by sixty-seven feet, and twenty-six feet
high.
inches deep, with opening thirty-two feet wide.
At the east end is a stage eighteen feet six
On
either side are anterooms about fourteen feet square.
The doors between the stage and anterooms are ar- |
ranged to slide up, and give a stage nearly the width
of the building. At the opposite end is a gallery
nineteen by sixty feet.
The gallery is provided with seats for two hundred
and twenty-four persons. The floor is furnished with
one hundred and fourteen settees, each seating five
persons, The ordinary seating capacity of the hall
is nine hundred and forty-four persons, although
one thousand and fifty people can be comfortably
seated.
Toe MemoriaL Tasiets.—The left-hand tablet |
bears the names of those who were killed in battle, |
with the date and place where they were killed,
Viz. :
Walter S. Glover, at Gaines’ Mill, June 27th, 1862.
John McGinley, at Bull Run, August 29th, 1862.
Edward H. R. Revere, George W. Kehr, at Antietam, Sep-
tember 17th, 1862.
James Donahoe, Andrew L. Hill, at Fredericksburg, Dec’r
11-13th, 1862.
Charles E. Bootman, Stephen H. Smith, at Port Hudson, June
14th, 1863.
Robert Blackburn, Jr., John Denningham, John O’Brien,
in the Wilderness, May 5th—6th, 1864.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
George C. Corbett, at Craney Island.
Charles F. Adams, at Frederick City.
Walter Davenport, at Fredericksburg.
John M. Pooler, at White Oak Church.
Charles O. Fuller, William B. Foster, John Geddis, Jerome
B. Snow, Asahel White, at New Orleans.
William E. Brewster, John W. Ayer, Owen Shonsey, at
Brashear City.
Thomas Curran, at Canton.
Charles C. Knaggs, Long B. Crowther, Joseph Jenkins, at
Baton Rouge.
Charles D. Slattery, at City Point.
Over the door to the corridor is the inscription :
‘““Hrected to commemorate the patriotism of the
soldiers of Canton, who fell in defence of the Union
in the War of the Rebellion.” A transom running
the whole width of the group has the dates 1861—
65 repeated over each tablet bearing the soldiers’
names, and the central part has the motto, “ /¢ ds
sweet and honorable to die for one’s country.”
The materials used in the construction are, for the
plinths at the bottom, dark Tennessee marble. For
the body of the work, a cream-colored marble deli-
cately mottled, from the Hchaillon quarries at Gren-
oble, France, finished with a slight polish, except
where it is carved. he shafts of the four columns
supporting canopies over the side tablets are of red
Lisbon marble highly polished. The tablets, bearing
the names, are of light-veined Italian marble.
The carving consists of the arms of the Union, in
a medallion on the canopy over the left tablet, flanked
by branches of the oak and palm. The medallion
over the other tablet bears the arms of the State
between branches of the laurel and olive. The same
foliage is also used on the capitals of the four col-
umns. The bases of the columns are enriched with
appropriate foliage, and the panels below on each side
have three large rosettes. The initials of the names
and some words of the general inscription are painted
John
Evans, of Boston, executed the work from designs
furnished by Mr. Earle, the architect of the building.
The gift to the town of a strip of land some twelve
red and the other letters a dark chocolate.
feet in width from the Hon. Charles Endicott, also
| the exchange of land with James Ryan, caused the
shape of the town lot to be very much improved.
The appropriation for grading the lot, erecting and
furnishing the building, amounted to thirty-one thou-
sand dollars. The total cost, including dedicatory
expenses, was thirty thousand nine hundred and
_ sixty-one dollars and twelve cents, leaving an unex-
The tablets at the right have the names of those |
who died in the service from disease or wounds, viz. :
George W. Bailey, at Gaines’ Mill.
William Spillane, at Harrison’s Landing.
pended balance of thirty-eight dollars and eighty-
eight cents.
The hall was dedicated on the evening of Oct. 30,
1879, amid a large concourse of people, among whom
CANTON.
953
areas i
were his Excellency Governor Thomas Talbot ; Hon.
Henry B. Peirce, Secretary of State; Hon. Charles
Adams, formerly treasurer; Hon. Seth Turner, of
Randolph; Rufus ©. Wood, sheriff of Norfolk
County ; the selectmen of Canton, viz.: William W.
Brooks, William Horton, and William O. Chapman, |
Esqs.; Hon. Charles H. French, Edwin Wentworth, |
William Mansfield, Ezra S. Brewster, and Ellis Tucker,
who have served as selectmen; Francis W. Deane, the
venerable town treasurer; J. Mason Everett, chair-
man, Arthur C. Kollock, Jesse Fenno, John Everett, |
and Thomas Lonergan, of the school committee; Rev.
Father John Flatley and Rev. Willam H. Savary ;
Ellis Ames, Esq., and other gentlemen of Canton and
of the neighboring towns.
From its earliest history down to the year 1837
the town had no house of its own.
For a long series
of years its public meetings were held in the meeting-
house belonging to the First Parish ; afterwards in the
Upon the >
erection of a new house by that denomination at South
Baptist meeting-house at Canton Centre.
Canton, the old house at the Centre was purchased
by the town for the modest sum of six hundred and
fifty dollars, and in that small building for half'a cen-
tury the business of the town has been transacted. |
All important public events that relate to the local |
affairs of a town, of course, form a part of its civil
history ; so that when one of these events is brought |
vividly before the mind, other events appear also, one |
after another, as they are bound together by the
natural laws of association.
Canton was incorporated as a town Feb. 23, 1797, |
and the act was approved by Samuel Adams, the |
great leader of the Revolution, as Governor of the |
commonwealth. At that date its population must
have been about 1000; in 1800 it was 1110; in>
1810, 1353; in 1820, 1268; in 1830, 1515; in
1840, 1995; in 1850, 2598; in 1860, 3242; in |
1870, 3879; and in 1875, 4192; a gratifying in-
crease in each of its decennial periods with a single
exception. In 1795, the whole number of legal voters
in the first precinct was 140; in 1875, the number |
had increased to 733.
even more rapidly than the population, amounting |
in 1884 to $3,242,254, by the assessors’ valuation, |
which is exclusive of corporate stocks taxed by the
State.
The town from its incorporation has been generally
The valuation has increased
most fortunate in the ability, character, and fidelity |
of its officers.
At the first meeting of this town under the act of |
incorporation, Elijah Dunbar, a man who appears to |
have served the town in almost every capacity for
many years, was chosen moderator; Elijah Crane,
town clerk, Joseph Bemis, treasurer; and Elijah
Crane, deacon; Benjamin Tucker and Col. Nathan
Crane, selectmen and assessors.
The dedicatory address was delivered by Hon.
Charles Endicott, and remarks were also made by
William W. Brooks, Hon. 8. B. Noyes, Governor Tal-
bot, Elijah A. Morse, Hon. Henry B. Peirce, Sec-
retary of State, Hon. Charles Adams, ex-treasurer
of the commonwealth, Hon. Winslow Battles, of
Randolph, Rev. Dr. Angier, of Holbrook, Sanford
W. Billings, of Sharon, Rev. Edwin Thompson, of
East Walpole, Horace E. Ware, of Milton, Rev.
Father Flatley, Rev. William Savary, Rev. Nelson
|B. Jones, Jr., Rev. Mr. Davis, Ellis Ames, Esq.,
Thomas K. Grover, Esq., and Timothy Kaley, Esq.,
of Milford, N. H.
The Canton Institution for Savings was chartered
March 4, 1835, with the following officers: Thomas
French, president ; Friend Crane and Jonathan Stone,
vice-presidents; Trustees, Adam Kinsley, Elijah
Spare, Joseph Downes, Samuel Davis, Simeon Pres-
brey, P. M. Crane, Thomas Dunbar, William Me-
_Kendry, Jedediah Tucker; James Dunbar, secretary
and treasurer; Jonathan Messinger, F. W. Lincoln,
Leonard Everett, Elisha White, committee of invest-
ment. Thomas French, president upon organization ;
Thomas Dunbar, president, April 4, 1843; Frederic
W. Lincoln, president, April 7, 1846; Charles H.
French, April 7, 1852, present president. James
_ Dunbar, secretary and treasurer upon organization ;
Francis W. Deane, secretary and treasurer, April 7,
1852; Nathaniel W. Dunbar, secretary and treasurer,
March 26, 1883, present incumbent. The present
trustees are Charles H. French, Charles Endicott,
James S. Shepard, Ellis Ames, Virgil J. Messinger,
George E. Downes, J. Mason Everett, Edward R.
Eager, William O. Chapman, Frank G. Webster,
Francis D. Dunbar, George H. Mansfield, Samuel H.
Capen, Henry F. Baswell. Present committee of
investment: Charles Endicott, James 8. Shepard,
George E. Downes, William O. Chapman, Nathaniel
W. Dunbar, treasurer. The first deposit was made
May 2, 1835. Amount of deposits, present time,
$449,964.40.
The Neponset Bank was chartered March 31,
1836, with the following directors: F. W. Lincoln,
Leonard Hodges, Leonard Everett, George H. Mann,
George Downes, Jonathan Messinger, Simeon Pres-
brey, Jonathan Robinson, Lyman Kinsley, Zachariah
Tucker, Thomas Tolman; President, Frederic W.
Lincoln; Cashier, James Dunbar. Oct. 6, 1845,
James Dunbar, president ; Francis W. Deane, cashier.
954
W. Deane, cashier, until the organization under the
National Banking Law.
Oct. 5, 1851, Charles H. French, president; Francis |
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
|
The Neponset National Bank was organized |
March 1, 1865, with Charles H. French, president,
who has continued to the present time. Francis W.
Deane was the first cashier. May 24, 1880, Nathan-
iel W. Dunbar was chosen cashier, and is the present
incumbent. The present directors are Charles H.
French, Horace A. Lothrop, George E. Downes, |
Charles Endicott, James S. Shepard, William O.
Chapman, William L. Hodges. Capital, $250,000,
Surplus and undivided profits, $83,350.78.
Military Record.—Canton furnished three hun-
dred and fifty men for the war, which was a surplus
of twenty-three over and above all demands.
were commissioned officers.
money appropriated and expended by the town for |
war purposes, exclusive of State aid, was thirty thou-
sand four hundred and fifteen dollars and seventy-one
In addition to this, fifteen thousand dollars
were raised by private subscription for the payment
cents.
of bounties.
The amount of money raised and expended during
the war for State aid to soldiers’ families, and repaid
by the commonwealth, was as follows: in 1861,
$564.59; in 1862, $2585.00; in 1863, $4671.16;
in 1864, $3000.00; in 1865, $2200.00 ; total amount,
$13,020.75.
Nine |
The whole amount of |
The amount of money and clothing furnished by |
the ladies of the town for the Christian and Sanitary
Commissions was quite large.
The population in 1860, 3242; in 1865, 3318.
The valuation in 1860 was $2,015,398; in 1865,
$2,211,313.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were James T.
Sumner, Ellis Tucker, and John Hall; in 1863, Wil-
liam Horton, Ellis Tucker, and Ezra S. Brewster ;
1864 and 1865, William Horton, Charles Endicott,
and Ezra 8. Brewster.
required to fillits quota. It was voted to pay a bounty
of one hundred dollars ‘to each volunteer duly mus-
tered.” August 18th, voted, ‘‘ that the town assume
and pay an additional bounty of one hundred dollars to
such volunteers as have enlisted since August 5th, to fill
the quota of forty men, as voted at a public meeting of
citizens and been subscribed and paid by the citizens
upon the faith that the town would reimburse the
August 27th, voted, “ to pay a bounty of one
hundred and fifty dollars to each volunteer enlisting
to fill the quota of the town for men in the nine
months’ service,” and a committee of citizens was
”
same,
chosen ‘‘ to co-operate with the town treasurer in de-
vising ways and means to obtain the necessary amount
of money.”’
1865. No meeting appears to have been held during
the year in relation to the war. Recruiting, however,
went on as usual, and the State aid continued to be
paid to the families of the volunteers.
1864. April 5th, voted, ‘to pay a bounty of one
hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer en-
listing to the credit of the town, under the recent call
July 5th, voted, “to
pay the same amount of bounty to each volunteer
of the President for more men.”
_under any call of the President, prior to March 1,
1863.”
Roll of Honor.—The following is a list of names
of deceased soldiers enlisted from Canton :
| Charles F, Adams, 20th Regt.; buried in Canton; died at
Frederick City.
John W. Ayer, Co. A, 4th Regt.: buried in Brashear City ;
died June 5, 1863.
| Robert Blackburn, Jr., 20th Regt.; killed in Wilderness 1864.
and 1864 was Andrew Lopez; in 1865, Charles En- |
dicott. The town treasurer during all these years
was Francis W. Deane.
William E. Brewster, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried in Canton; died
June 3, 1863.
Ch. E. Bootman, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried at Port Hudson ;
killed June 14, 1863.
Thomas Curran, 42d Regt.; buried in Canton; died Aug. 19,
1863.
LL. B. Crowther, Co. A, 4th Regt., buried at Baton Rouge; died
Aug. 28, 1862.
George Cobbett, Co. G, 29th Regt.; buried in Stoughton 1862,
| Walter Davenport, unknown.
The town clerk during the years 1861, 1862, 1863, |
James Donahue, 20th Regt.; killed in battle.
William Foster, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried at Brashear City ; died
April 21, 1863.
| Charles O. Fuller, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried at Foxborough ;
1861. The first meeting to consider matters relat- |
ing to the war was held April 29th, at which it was |
| John Geddis, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died in service April 12, 1863.
voted to provide “all suitable and necessary aid to
families of volunteers living in the town,” and the sum
of five thousand dollars was appropriated for that pur-
pose, “to be expended by a committee joined with
selectmen.”
1862. A town-meeting was held July 21st to see
what measures the town would adopt to raise forty men |
died at New Orleans Jan. 28, 1863.
Andrew L. Hill, Co. F, 18th Regt.; died in service February,
1868.
Walter S. Glover, Co. K, 22d Regt.; died in service July 1,
1862.
Joseph Jenkins, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died at Baton Rouge Aug.
29, 1863.
Charles C. Knaggs, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried at Canton; died
at Brashear City Aug. 22, 1863.
George W. Kehr, Co. K, 20th Regt.; killed at battle of An-
tietam.
CANTON.
955
Henry U. Morse, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died at Canton and buried
here.
John McGinley, Co. G, 16th Regt.; killed at second battle Bull
Run.
Timothy O’Flaherty, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died at Canton, out of
service.
John O’Brien, Co. F, 58th Regt.; killed at Wilderness May 5,
1864.
Anthony Pollard, 4th Cay.; died in service Sept. 12,1864; New |
York man.
Franklin L. Ramsell, Co. G, 29th Regt.; died in hospital, Bal- |
timore, Md.
Edw. H. R. Revere, buried at Mt. Auburn.
David F. Sherman, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died out of service.
Owen Shaughnessy, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried in Canton; died
June 6, 1863.
Jerome B. Snow, Co. A, 4th Regt.; buried at New Orleans;
died July 10, 1863.
Charles D. Slattery, 14th Battery; died Jan. 13, 1865.
Stephen H. Smith, Co. A, 4th Regt.; killed at Port Hudson |
June 14, 1863.
William Spillane, 15th N. Y. Regt.; died at Harrison’s Land-
ing July 14, 1862,
William D. Tennant, 4th Cav.; died in service; New York
man.
Asahel White, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died at New Orleans July 26,
1863.
F. B. Howard, Co. A, 4th Regt.; died 1868; buried here.
John M. Pooler, Thomas M. Mullins, and Edward Fox, buried |
here.
Revere Encampment of the Grand Army of
the Republic.—That name reaches back to the pre-
revolutionary years of the republic, and for three
generations has been associated with patriotism and
military glory. Revere Encampment, Post 94,
Grand Army of the Republic, was organized in 1869.
Much interest was at once manifested in the work ; it
grew from year to year, and at the present time is in
a very prosperous condition. The Commander in
1883 was Alexander R. Holmes, M.D.
The present officers are as follows: C., Jonathan
Linfield; 8. V. C., John T. Pitman ; J. V. C., George
B. Hunt; Adj., Horace D. Seavey; Q. M., L. E.
Wentworth; Surg., A. R. Holmes; Chap., A. A.
Harrington; O. D., R. L. Weston; O. G., James H.
Crane; S. M., J. F. Bisbee; Q. M. O., F. Z. Leonard.
The following are the present members of the En-
campment :
Bailey, Robert, 13th Pa. Cav.
Barlow, L. E., 26th Me. Inf.
Bisbee, Jos. F., 4th Mass. Inf.
Billings, John D., 10th Mass.
Battery.
Bolles, Benj. S., 41st Ill. Inf.
Bowditch, Asa W., 44th Mass.
Infantry.
Bryant, C. F., 33d Mass. Inf.
Buckley, Timothy, 20th Mass.
Infantry.
Burleigh, E. P., 5th N. H. Inf.
Byam, R.8., 16th Mass. Inf.
Capen, H.S8., 33d Mass. Inf.
Carr, Patrick, 10th Mass. Inf.
Carroll, D. W., 4th Mass. Inf.
Christopher, J. K., 20th Me.
Battery.
Cram, Jas. H., 29th Mass.
Davenport, S., 14th Mass. Batt.
| Davis, Jas. N., 33d Mass. Inf.
Didot, Armand F., Navy.
Emery, Wm., Ist Mass. Light
Artillery.
Eddy, 8. D., 3d Mass. Inf.
' Estey, E. H., 29th Mass. Inf.
Farrell, Wm., 15th Mass. Inf.
Flood, Owen, 4th Mass. Inf.
Freeman, H. A., 4th Mass. Inf.
Godfrey, J. W., 33d Mass. Inf.
Hall, J., capt. 4th Mass. Inf.
Harwood, Elbridge G., 42d
Mass. Infantry.
Harwood, Harrison E.,
Mass. Infantry.
Harrington, Andrew A., 11th
Mass. Infantry.
Hewins, B. L., 2d Mass. Inf.
Hodson, H., 30th N. Y. Inf.
Holmes, Alex. R., surgeon 3d
Mass. Infantry and Navy.
Holbrook, F. L., 33d Mass. Inf.
Hixon, Edward R., sergt. Co.
B, 33d Mass. Infantry.
Hunt, Geo. B., 35th Mass Inf.
Kinsley, Adam, Ist lieut. 10th
Mo. Infantry.
42d
Lawrence, John, lst N. J. Cav. |
Leonard, F. Z., 4th Mass. Inf.
Linfield, Jona., 3d Mass. Inf.
Lewis, George, 12th Mass. Inf.
Lynch, John, 20th Mass. Inf.
McCorkee, William, 57th Mass.
Infantry.
McPherson, David, drummer
24th Mass. Infantry.
Morse, Elijah A., corp. 4th
Mass. Infantry.
Morse, 8. H., 4th Mass. Inf.
| Morse, Albert, 33d Mass. Inf.
Parks, John, 4th Mass. Inf.
| Partridge, C., 24th Mass. Inf.
| Peach, Henry, 23d Mass. Inf.
Perry, J. W., 33d Mass. Inf.
| Pettee, Albert, 19th Mass. Inf.
| Pitman, J. T., Ist Mass. Cav.
Seavey, H. D., 4th Mass. Inf.
| Seavey, F. H., 9th Me. Inf.
Shepard, H.S., 31st Mass. Inf.
| Silloway, Jacob, Jr., Ist lieut.
6th N. Y. Infantry.
| Smith, 8. L., 5th Mass. Inf.
Tolman, Otis S., 4th Mass. Inf.
| Webster, F.G., 44th Mass. Inf.
| Wentworth, Larra E., 4th
Mass. Infantry.
| Weston, Richmond L., gun-
boat “f Pequot.”
| White, N. S., 24th Mass. Inf.
| Witt, Hardin, 56th Mass. Inf.
| Wyeth, J. J., 44th Mass. Inf.
The following are names of soldiers whose graves
were decorated May 30, 1883:
C. F. Adams, 20th Mass. Inf.
F. 0. Bullock, 15th Wis. Inf.
G. W. Bailey, 18th Mass. Inf.
C. E. Bootman,! 4th Mass. Inf.
W. 24. Brewster, 4th Mass. Inf.
R. Blackburn, Jr., 20th Mass.
Infantry.
J. A. Bullard,! 2d Eng., U.S.
Navy.
Jeremiah C. Breslyn, gunboat
“ Osceola.”
| John OBrien, 58th Mass: Inf.
Martin Cary, 7th Me. Inf.
Stephen Clary, 3d R. I. H. Art. |
D. W. Croude, 5th Mass. Cav.
Thos. Curran, 42d Mass. Inf.
W. Davenport,! 35th Mass. Inf.
| T. O'Flaherty, 4th Mass. Inf.
| Patrick Flood, 23d Mass. Inf.
Edward Fox, 19th Mass. Inf.
John Geddis,! 4th Mass. Inf.
W.S. Glover,! 22d Mass. Inf.
Wm. Heath, 22d Mass. Inf.
A. L. Hill,! 18th Mass. Inf.
F. B. Howard, 4th Mass. Inf.
Dennis Hanlon, U. 8. Navy.
| John Howe, 4th Mass. and 11th
inf |
U.S. Infantry.
E. Horton, Jr.,! 4th Mass. Inf.
| Maj.C. D. Jordan, U.S. Army.
Geo. W. Kehr, 20th Mass. Inf.
|
| C. C. Knaggs, 4th Mass. Inf.
| John McCready, U.S. Navy.
| J. MeGinley,! 16th Mass. Inf.
| W. McKendry, 22d Mass. Inf.
| William McKendry, U.S. Rev.
Marine. zs
Geo. W. McGinty, 29th Maine
Vet. Vols.
| Lieut. Henry U. Morse, 4th
Mass. Inf.
| T. M. Mullen, 29th Mass. Inf,
|S. W. Meserve, 4th Mass. Inf.
| J. M. Pooler,! Ist Mass. Batt.
| J. H. Proctor, Ist Mass. Band
| . Leader.
| J. Reardon, Ist Mass. H. Art.
| Edward Robbins, U.S. Navy.
Owen Shaughnessey, 4th Mass.
Infantry.
D. EF. Sherman, 4th Mass. Inf.
S. H. Smith,! 4th Mass. Inf.
| Zebah Thayer, 18th Mass. and
20 HAT ts
J. K. Webster, Sth Mass. Inf.
W.G. White, 48th Mass. Inf.
Asahel White, U. 8. Navy.
Blue Hill Lodge, F. and A. M., is located here.
Samuel H. Capen is present Master.
1 Buried elsewhere.
956
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM 1776 TO 1884.
Thomas Tolman, 1828, 736.
Elijah Spare, 1830.
Benjamin Gill, 1776.
Thomas Crane, 1776, ’77, *78,
81. James Endicott, 1832, 733.
Elijah Dunbar, 1780, ’82,’87, James Blackman, 1834, 735.
a3. Michael Shaller, 1834, 785.
Christopher Wadsworth, 1780.
John Kenney, 1783.
Capt. James Endicott, 1784,
85, 786, 790.
Capt. Frederick Pope, 178
88, 89, 91, 792, 796.
Elijah Crane, 1795, ’97.
Nathaniel French, 1837.
Abel Wentworth, 1836, ’37, 738.
Isaac Horton, 1838, 739.
| John Gay, 1840, *41, 742.
7, | John Endicott, 1843, ’44.
Lyman Kinsley, 1849.
Charles H. French, 1853, ’54.
03, 04, 05, 706, ’07,’11, 712, | George Capen, 1855.
ARE Samuel Davenport, 1856.
Benjamin Tucker, 1808, ’09, John S. Eldridge, 1859, ’60.
"10. Oliver 8. Chapman, 1863, 64.
Lemuel Whiting, 1811, °12,’13.
* Abel Wentworth, Sr., 1812.
Friend Crane, 1814.
John Bailey, 1815, 716, 717.
Samuel Capen, 1819, ’20, ’29.
Jonathan Leonard, 1823.
Thomas French, 1824, 726, ’27.
Joseph Leavitt, 1868.
Frank M. Ames, 1869.
James S. Shepard, 1871, ’72.
Elijah A. Morse, 1876.
Thomas Lonergan, 1877.
Edward R. Eager, 1881.
Frank M. Ames, 1882.
Conclusion.—The religious history, the parochial
history, the civil history, the military history, the |
business history, and the manufacturing history of |
the town of Canton have thus far been graphically,
but, nevertheless, imperfectly sketched.
They derive themselves, at least the old families of
the town, mainly from English stock, and had, like so
many of their neighbors, the energy, industry, and
_ intelligence which belong to that blood. They were
originally, too, of the Puritan religion, and heirs of
_ the social life and manners, mixed good and evil, with
_the good predominant, as most of us are used to
Charles Endicott, 1851, ’57,’58. |
think, and this fourfold formative force of stock and
faith shows unmistakably to this present time.
Other more modern influences have, of course,
modified influences, but the roots remain.
The first settlers were mainly farmers, whose habits
were determined by their occupation, and till a
these
_ comparatively recent date Canton has been primarily
an agricultural town; and as soil in such cases de-
termines property, even to the size of houses, since
only rich land gives the farmer crops adequate to
From the.
time when the territory between Blue Hill, on the —
northeast, and Moose Hill, on the southwest, was a
wilderness to the time when the forests leveled, the
water-courses dammed and changed, the hills tun-
neled and the rivers crossed by railroads, the ponds
“preserved,” the one church of rude architecture,
which stood on Packeen Plain “solitary and alone,”
or sparsely surrounded near and far by the wigwams —
of the Indians, whom the great apostle, John Eliot,
generous houses, and as property is the material
basis of advance in civilization, it may not be amiss
to note that Canton soil, albeit in spots rugged and
thin, has always been as good as that of its neighbors,
and in some cases surpassing it, the historical Canton
farmer has always had rather better than an average
chance to improve his condition.
Neither should it be forgotten that this primitive
moral character has been modified and, to a degree,
shaped by the factory-life which has for a long time
existed here. Leaving out of the question all inquiry
as to the economic value of a factory population in
furnishing a home-market to the farmer, and it can-
| not be denied that the mechanic’s keenness and rapidity
of mental measurement stimulates the general town
gathered from time to time within its narrow walls, |
or on the grassy mounds, for religious instruction,
with its surroundings, have all passed away, and its |
place occupied by stately edifices of wood and brick
and of stone, for religious worship, prayer, and praise,
for education of youth, for civil government and legis-
lation, and the barren fields are changed into fertile
farms, and the silence of the wild and unpeopled
valleys is broken by the sound of whirring wheels
and ponderous hammers and rattling machinery, the
hum of busy industrial life and labor, and all the
sights and sounds of advanced civilization, the life of
the swarming descendants of those who two centuries
and a quarter since begun the settlement of the
present township of Canton.
In attempting any analysis of Canton folk it is
necessary first of all to note three things about them,
to wit : their origin, their history, and their locality.
social life wherein he is found, Canton has been for-
tunate in the character and ability of its leading me-
chanics and manufacturers, so that it is safe to say that
its mechanical industries have gone to the formation of
certain mental activity which is favorable to progress
and thrift, as the present economic condition of its
| citizens shows.
When we add to these considerations the fact that
Canton folk have always lived in easy communication
with a large city, in fact, more or less a suburb of
Boston, and that some of the most respectable of city
society have made their summer homes here, it is evi-
dent that one cannot speak of Canton merely as a
country town, or as one would speak of a rural popu-
lation among the hills of New Hampshire or Maine.
Canton folk have all the qualities of a people who,
living in the country, have the city for a near neigh-
_bor, and the rural character belonging always to a
people so located everywhere shows itself. Canton
_ folk, like some of their neighbors, have put on cos-
Underneath
mopolitan characteristics and manners.
oe ee
y
=
CANTON.
957
is the old stock and Puritan qualities, but the color-
ing of their social life is of this century, and the
ideas which prevail in the great world.
They have the ancestral energy, thrift, and self-re-
liance, also a bias to daily economy, until it blossoms
about the Canton man of to-day is that he is an
American citizen, full of American ideas, and, like
so many of his fellow-citizens, intent on making his
mark and stamping his will upon the social and eco-
nomic life about him. In a word, he is no other
man than an American, and a pretty good represen-
tative of a people who seldom rest from attempting
something which pleases himself and instructs the
Concord, N. H. He also became early interested in
the various systems of theology and the history of
religious sects. In 1828 he began to investigate
the nature and condition of man, devoting himself
to the study of biography and the investigation of
out into some startling display of gathered money |
lavishly spent on house or factory ; but the main fact
world of which he forms an energetic and usually an |
useful part.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
NAHUM CAPEN.
Nahum Capen was born in Canton, Norfolk Co.,
Mass., April 1, 1804. His family were among the
earliest settlers in Dorchester. Bernard Capen and
his wife Jane were supposedto be the ancestors of
America. Bernard died in 1638. The stone which
marked his grave, and which is said to be the oldest
_ notoriety.’
the great problems of government. He favored
Andrew Jackson as a candidate for the Presidency,
and was secretary of the Democratic party of Boston.
He also became interested in metaphysics, and, de-
voting himself to the subject with great industry, he
soon mastered all the ancient as well as modern
systems.
In 1827 and subsequently he published several
works anonymously. Among these was “The Men-
tal Guide,’ which was complimented and approved
by the celebrated William Wirt, Attorney-General of
the United States, and by Rev. Henry Ware, D.D.,
of Harvard College, and others, to whom its author-
ship was never made known. He had an aversion to
In 1827 he was made the honored re-
_cipient from the Masonic institutions of Boston of
_all the degrees both of the lodge, the chapter, and the
encampment, the Grand Master and the principal
officers of the Grand Lodge and other institutions
presiding on the occasion. It was an extraordinary
event, and one singularly calculated to illustrate Mr.
Capen’s sense of honor and great firmness of pur-
_ pose.”
all of the name of Capen in New England, if not in |
in America, is deposited in the Dorchester Historical |
and Antiquarian Society. Robert Capen, “ gentle-
man,’ as he is styled in the commission as an officer
of the militia in Massachusetts, which he received |
from George ILI. in 1763, and again in 1768, was
the grandfather of our subject.
Capen, a man of independent thought and a true gen-
tleman, was born in Stoughton, Norfolk Co., Nov.
22,1757, and died June 1, 1846. His mother was
Hannah Richards, of Sharon, Mass., a lady of char-
acter and energy, who died Nov. 23, 1843, aged
seventy-three years.
At an early age Mr. Capen showed a marked tend-
ency towards literary pursuits.
always at the head of his class, and at nineteen he
rewrote “ Plutarch’s Lives” as an exercise. He in-
His father, Andrew |
| effects of value.
In 1830, Mr. Capen was united in marriage with
Eliza Ann Moore, a lady of great worth and accom-
plishments.*
In 1832 he first became acquainted with Spurz-
heim, with whom he contracted the closest intimacy,
though at that time he was but twenty-eight years of
age, while Spurzheim was fifty-six. When Spurz-
heim died in Boston, after a brilliant career in that
city, Mr. Capen bad in his hands several thousand dol-
lars belonging to him, besides his papers and personal
He immediately requested the ap-
pointment of a committee to take charge of the prop-
A biography of Spurzheim
was prepared by Mr. Capen, and published as a part
erty, which was done.
of Spurzheim’s “ Phrenology in Connection with the
At school he was |
tended, in early youth, to become a physician, and |
began the study of the profession; but delicate
health prevented his completing this plan. At
twenty-one he became a publisher and bookseller,
and established a leading house in Boston, under the
firm-name of Marsh, Capen & Lyon, witha branch in
Study of Physiognomy,” royal 8vo. He also wrote
1 It was dedicated to Levi Hodge, LL.D., Professor of Logic
and Metaphysics, Harvard University.
2 See history of Columbian Lodge, by Grand Master Heard.
Mr. Capen delivered a Masonic oration in Dedham, June
24, 1829, a public address before the Grand Lodge of Massa-
chusetts, in 1837. He was corresponding secretary of the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from 1833 to 1840. He wrote
much during the anti-Masonic controversy, but anonymously.
3 This year he published. anonymously a pamphlet entitled
“ An Inquiry into the Nature and Design of Music.”
958
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
a life of Spurzheim’s friend and coadjutor, Dr. Gall,
and edited his works translated from the French, in
six volumes. He aided in revising Spurzheim’s
works. He was his chosen critic.
Dr. Combe’s works on Insanity, and the “ Annals of
Phrenology,” in two volumes.’
visited Europe for the purpose of making contracts
with leading authors for advanced copies of their
| duty.
works for republication. He succeeded with the most
eminent, but the equitable rights of his firm were not
respected by American publishers.
prepared an extended essay on the subject of educa- |
tion, and designed plans for a model school, to be
called the ‘“‘ New England Academy,” to be succeeded
by a university; his object being to elevate the
standard of education.
tions received the approbation of some of the most
distinguished men and educators in this country,
among whom were John Quincy Adams, Daniel Web-
ster, Edward Everett, Horace Mann, and George
Combe, of Edinburgh. “If executed according to
the plan,” Mr. Combe said, “it would be the most
His plans and sugges-
perfect school in the world.”
He also edited |
In 1835, Mr. Capen |
On his return he |
It was never carried |
out because Mr. Capen could not spare the time to |
collect the necessary funds. Having furnished the
plan, he thought the moneyed men of the community
On his
return from Europe, Mr. Capen brought documents
should procure the means of executing it.
from England on the subject of life insurance, and
was the first to propose a mutual company in Boston,
but the proposition was looked upon as impracticable |
by leading men, and nothing was done. The interest
he manifested in education led the Board of Educa- |
tion of Massachusetts to select the firm of which he |
was a member to publish the school library.
project of the board required a great outlay of capital,
This |
and resulted in great pecuniary loss to the publishers |
and to Mr. Capen personally.
Mr. Capen, however, did not lose interest in the
From 1838 to 1846 of
great cause. no citizen
Massachusetts spent more time and labor without |
compensation in aiding the movements which resulted |
in the establishment of the Board of Education and
the system of normal schools, which have given to
that State the position of pioneer in the noble cause.
1 In a letter of George Combe to a gentleman in the United
States, dated Edinburgh, Noy. 26, 1833, he says of Mr. Capen,
“He is securing for himself an honorable place in the annals
of his country’s philosophy by his own exertions. I am con-
vineed that he is at this moment doing more substantial and | >
ig _ | lead an anti-slavery party at the South, that the
c c a 4 J )
permanent good to America than any individual engaged out
may be.”
In 1831, Mr. Capen was consulted by a committee of
Congress in respect to a revision of the copyright
law, and in 1837, in letters to Daniel Webster and
Henry Clay, he urged the passage of an international
copyright law. He acted up to his convictions con-
sistently, being the first publisher in the United States
who proposed to pay a premium to foreign living
authors, and his firm was the first to perform that
The memorial he addressed to Congress on
the subject, in 1844, was eloquent and exhaustive.
Horace Mann said of it, that it contained all that was
worth knowing on the subject. It was approved by
Dickens, who, in a letter to Mr. Capen, predicted that
both would be in their graves before government acted
upon the subject.
In 1846 he projected a United States statistical
journal, to be published every two months. This
project was earnestly favored by President Polk, the
members of his cabinet, most of the United States
senators, and other distinguished men of the nation ;
but it was laid aside to enable him to devote himself
exclusively to the great work of his life, ‘‘ The History
of Democracy.”
He edited the Massachusetts State Record from
1847 to 1852, inclusive, a work which was highly
appreciated, and was then published under the sanc-
tion of the State Legislature. In 1850, Mr. Capen.
made up the “ Record’ of Inventive Genius” of the
country, from the statistics of the Patent Office from
1790 to 1849. This was printed by the government
and extensively circulated. It was a remark of Rev.
Dr. EK. M. P. Wells, that Mr. Capen “had the
capacity to make statistics speak.”
In 1848 he wrote and published the “ Republic of
the United States,” which he dedicated to the Hon.
James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania. In 1850 he
prepared the papers of Judge Levi Woodbury for
publication in three volumes. Mr. Woodbury refused
to have his papers placed in the hands of any other
person, and gave him full authority to alter or omit
any inaccurate expression or doubtful opinion.
Mr. Capen has been through his whole life a most
consistent follower, both in word and deed, of the
principles of Democracy. In regard to slavery, he
agreed with the expressed views of Washington, Jef-
| ferson, and Franklin. He was in favor of its abolition
whenever it could be accomplished without violating
the Constitution or endangering the Union. At an
early period (1842) he advised Mr. Calhoun and
_ other prominent men in his section to inaugurate and
of the pale of phrenology, however brilliant his reputation | country might be spared the calamities of war.
|
In
1861 he wrote an extended letter to Peter Cooper, in
CANTON.
959
reply to one asking opinions respecting the Union. |
This was published in pamphlet form, and was ex-
tensively circulated. It was highly complimented by
leading men and journals of all parties as one of the
ablest produced on the subject. The learned Bishop
Stevens, of Pennsylvania, said concerning it, “ Rarely,
if ever, have I read a paper which exhibits such pro- |
found analysis, such extensive learning, such true |
philosophy, such comprehensive views.” He declared
that the destruction of the American Union was “a
moral impossibility.”
In 1849, at the request of a member of the Na- |
tional Committee, he wrote a pamphlet entitled “ One
Hundred Reasons” in favor of electing Gen. Lewis
Cass to the Presidency,—a remarkably spirited docu-
ment which was circulated by hundreds of thousands.
In 1849, as the result of a letter which led to the
establishment of the Census Board, he was tendered
the office of the superintendent of the census, which |
he declined.
During his whole mature life Mr. Capen has been
a frequent contributor to the public press of the
country on all subjects, scientific, literary, and politi-
cal. Among the many and varied subjects to which
he has devoted years of study and reflection, and in |
which he is an acknowledged authority, may be men-
tioned the subject of the importance of the usury
laws. As early as 1849 he wrote a series of articles
on the subject of the currency and the usury laws,
demonstrating the necessity of such laws, and setting
forth clearly and conclusively the evils that are sure
to befall the community which neglects to protect
itself by their rigid enforcement.
of letters and documents from him, the State of Vir- |
By the influence |
ginia was enabled to preserve her usury laws unaltered, |
and Governor Wise declared that for this Virginia
owed Mr. Capen a greater debt than to any other liv-
ing man. In 1855 the leading members of the Legis-
ture of Massachusetts addressed him a letter of
thanks for the information he had communicated on
the subject.
|
Among his active and increasing labors |
Mr. Capen has ever been a true, consistent, and un- |
. . . - . |
wavering Democrat. His lucid and well-trained mind |
Illustrated from the Earliest to the Latest Period.”
has enabled him to comprehend clearly the great prin-
ciples of the Democratic faith, which he has adhered
to with constant fidelity, and defended by speech and
pen on all proper occasions.
|
|
In 1857 he was made |
by Mr. Buchanan postmaster of the city of Boston. |
He did not seek the office, nor did he wish to accept
it, as it interfered with his life-work, “The History |
of Democracy,” but he did so at the urgent advice of |
The appointment was unanimously ap- |
his friends.
proved by the Senate and by the press of all parties.
His improvements in the postal service were varied
and extensive. There is scarcely a household in the
large towns and cities in the land who are not daily
gladdened by the arrival of the postman free of charge
at their door, or does not find a daily convenience in
the letter-boxes at the corners of the streets, and yet
few of them know that it is to Mr. Capen that they
owe these blessings. It was through his exertions
that the system was first introduced into America.
It was necessary both for the convenience of the pub-
lic and the health of the officials to change the loca-
tion of the office.
or willing at that time to erect a new post-office in
Boston, the Postmaster-General proposed that if Mr.
Capen or his friends would erect a building the De-
partment would rent it. With this understanding a
new building was erected with accommodations ample
The government not being ready
for twenty years. When it was completed, Mr. Capen
advised the government to pay the cost of the build-
ing and take it; and if his advice had been followed,
a large sum would have been saved to the public
treasury. The removal was violently opposed by the
real-estate owners and money institutions near the old
site. Memorials for and against the change were
posted for signatures, from which it appeared that
four hundred and eighty-seven firms and names of
firms favored the old location, and nearly eight thou-
sand, headed by Governor Everett and Rufus Choate,
the new. At the expiration of Mr. Capen’s term of
office it was carried back to State Street, but Mr.
Capen’s foresight and judgment were speedily vindi-
cated, by the fact that within eighteen months they
endeavored to get back the building which he had
erected. Of his management of the post-oflice there
was but one opinion. Rufus Choate pronounced it
“beautiful.” The Department at Washington at-
tached great weight to his opinions. The oldest
official declared that he made more improvements in
four years than had been made in the present
century.’
In 1850, Mr. Capen began what may be considered
the most important work of his life, “The History
of Democracy, or the Political Progress Historically
This work was undertaken at the request of some of
the most distinguished Democrats of the day. The
first volume was published in 1875, and he has nearly
ready for the press the second, third, and fourth
volumes, which will be ready for the electrotyper in
1884.
1Jqn 1874 ‘The Washington and Lee University,” of Vir-
ginia, conferred upon Mr. Capen the degree of Doctor of Laws.
960
In a biographical sketch of Mr. Capen by Ed-
|
|
mund Burke, published in New York, 1858, he says, |
“A full and complete biography of a man like Mr.
Capen would fill a book, and must be reserved for an-
other pen, and on an occasion more appropriate than
this.”
HON. CHARLES H. FRENCH.
The family of French—those bearing that name in
Canton—are descended from John French, who re-
sided originally in Dorchester, and was admitted a
freeman 1639. He subsequently removed to
Braintree with his wife Grace, where he was a resi-
in
dent in 1655, and where many of his children were
born. From him are descended most of the Norfolk
County families who bear the name of French.
Thomas, one of his descendants, was born in
Milton, Oct. 2, 1742, and died in Canton, April 22,
1819.
and Abigail (Pitcher) Babcock.
26, 1749, and died March 3, 1802.
She was born Nov.
Mr.
came to Canton before the breaking out of the Revo- |
lutionary war.
was one of the soldiers who guarded the captured
army at Cambridge in 1778. He cultivated a farm
at the extreme northerly part of the town, which now
forms a part of the celebrated Blue Hill farm of Col.
C. W. Walcott.
house stood can still be discerned.
The site of the cellar on which his
In this retired
place, far from meeting or school-house or the marts
He married Salome, daughter of Nathaniel |
French |
After the surrender of Burgoyne, he |
of trade, he brought up a family of nine sons and |
two daughters, some of whom, in spite of the meagre
advantages which they were possessed of in child-
hood, in after-years were to bear honorable testimony
to the diligence with which they had employed even
the slight resources at their command.
Ansel, the youngest, graduated at Brown University
in the class of 1814 with the highest honors. Thomas
was during his long life not only influential in school,
parish, church, and municipal affairs in his own town,
but was prominent in the politics of the county and
State.
was a member of the Council during the administra-
tion of Governor George N. Briggs. Nathaniel,
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
ington) Howe. She died July 25, 1816. Mr.
French occupied the house on Green Lodge Street
lately owned by Capt. William Shaller, and here, on
the twenty-first of September, 1814, his son, Charles
Howe French, was born.
The early life of Mr. French did not differ from
the ordinary life of a farmer’s boy in those days.
He worked upon the farm in the summer, and in the
winter attended the Blue Hill School. The loss of
his mother and father at a tender age deprived him
of that counsel, advice, and love which he so much
The hap-
piest hours of these days were passed in the home-
needed at this critical period of his life.
stead of General Nathan Crane, who had married his
He
was for a year or two placed with a gardener and
farmer at Watertown, and daily drove a load of veg-
etables to Boston market.
grandmother, who then resided near his home.
Soon after he was placed
with his uncle, Calvin Howe, at that time preceptor
of the Milton Academy, where he hoped to remain
and obtain a good education. But this hope was
dissipated by the death of his uncle, who died after
young French had been with him about a year.
At the age of sixteen years he was apprenticed, as
was the custom in those days, to Mr. Jabez Comey,
a millwright, at Dedham. With him he gained a
thorough mastery of the science and practice of me-
chanics, a knowledge which afterwards was the chief
After fulfill-
ing his indentures, Mr. French was asked to assist
Mr. William §. Otis in the building of one of the
marvels of that day, a machine afterwards known as
“The Otis Patent Steam Excavator.” Mr. French
accordingly came to Canton, and in a building which
stood near what is now known as the Upper Silk
source of his success in business life.
Factory, the massive machine was begun and com-
As Mr. French thoroughly understood its
mechanism, he was the man selected to superintend
He ac-
cordingly went with it to Worcester, and entered the
employ of Carmichael, Fairbanks & Otis, who had a
pleted.
its transfer and to put it in working order.
_ contract to build a portion of the road now known as
He was chosen representative, senator, and |
though strongly opposed to his brother in political |
matters, was so decided in his opinions, so excel-
lent in judgment, so much interested in the public |
affairs, that he was one of its most honored citizens
and represented this town in the Legislature.
Alexander, another brother, who died May 12,
1813,
Hannah, daughter of Thomas and Hannah (With-
1826, at the age of forty, married Dee. 5,
| Dillon.
the Boston and Albany. Mr. Otis, at the early age
of twenty-six years, while engaged upon this work,
died Nov. 13, 1839. Mr. French’s knowledge and
experience rendered him the only man competent to
fill the place left vacant by the deceased inventor.
He was at once invited to join the firm, and the style
was changed to Carmichael, Fairbanks, French &
Mr. Dillon in after-years became president
of the Union Pacific Railroad. Mr. Fairbanks went
to Russia with the celebrated engineer, Whistler, and
assisted in building railroads for the emperor. Mr.
CANTON.
961
Oliver 8. Chapman, many years an honored resident
of Canton, and well known to all railroad men, was
also engaged on this work at this time.
This work having been completed, a copartnership
was formed between Mr. Carmichael and Mr. French.
The first-named gentleman had been the head of the
former firm, and had large experience as a contractor.
They received overtures from the Canadian govern-
ment to undertake the widening of the Welland
Canal. At the end of a year Mr. Carmichael took a
contract at Brooklyn, N. Y., and the whole responsi-
bility of the canal contract devolved upon Mr. French.
In this arduous undertaking he was engaged five
years, but so well had he performed his duty, and so
honest had he been in his dealings with the engineers |
having in charge the work, that the Canadian author- |
ities invited him to visit Montreal, and he was in-
duced to spend another five years of his life in the |
same enterprise. At the end of this time his reputa-
tion as a skillful, accurate, and honest engineer, with |
a practical business knowledge, was fully established, |
and he returned to his native town.
His townspeople would not, however, allow him to
remain idle. They offered him the presidency of the
Neponset Bank, which office he accepted, and the
duties of which he has performed from 1851 to the
present time, with honor to himself, with the approval
and hearty commendation of the stockholders and the
townspeople. Throughout his management, and
owing mainly to the confidence reposed in his judg-
ment, the stock of the bank has continually increased
in value, and no investment has been more eagerly
sought for than the stock of this corporation.
In 1852 he was chosen president of the Savings-
Bank, and has continued in that office until the time
of this writing.
In politics Mr. French was a Whig as long as that
party had an existence. He was a member of the
General Court in 1853, and appointed on the Com-
mittee on Railroads, the same year a member of the
Constitutional Convention, and in 1854 he was again |
elected to the Legislature, and was placed upon the
Committee on Banks and Banking.
sions he was supported by his political opponents,
showing that the man was of far more importance |
It is needless to write that Mr.
than the party.
French appreciated this compliment, and it must
have been a proud and happy moment for him when
the result of these elections was announced, and
he found that his friends had broken their allegiance
to party to vote for one whom they loved and hon-
ored.
In 1873 and 1874 he was elected to the Senate,
61
On both occa- |
|
where he was placed upon the Committee on Banks
_and Banking, also on Street Railroads.
Mr. French has had some experience in the wilitia:
| he was chosen. colonel of the Fourth Massachusetts
Regiment, and continued as its commander about five
| years.
_ Atthe breaking out of the war Mr. French was
active in every good work to assist in suppressing the
Rebellion ; his heart and purse were always ready at
the call of his country. He was one of the famous
committee of ‘One Hundred” who were summoned by
Governor Andrew to take measures to insure supplies
tothe Massachusetts troops who went to the front at
the breaking out of the Rebellion.
Since residing in Canton Mr. French has been con-
nected with the ancient parish; he has been its main
support, its chief pillar. For many years he has been
its treasurer, and whether the coffers were full or
_empty the parson always received his pay promptly.
Without him the organization would long since have
been abandoned; by his words of encouragement, by
his counsel, and by his generosity the house of God
_has been kept open and the gospel preached. He
was the largest contributor towards the erection of the
_ parsonage and ‘‘ The Parish Hall.”
In 1858, Mr. French purchased one of the ancient
mill privileges in Stoughton, and took into partner-
ship Mr. Henry Ward, who had a practical knowledge
of knitting machinery and the manufacture of fancy
knit goods. Beginning in a small way, the business has
gradually increased, and is now one of the largest in-
dustries in Stoughton, employing nearly three hundred
persons.
On Oct. 10, 1880, a fire was discovered in the base-
_ ment of the main building, which, extending to those
adjoining, soon destroyed the entire property, includ-
ing a new mill, eighty by thirty feet, three stories in
height;. all the machinery was destroyed. The total
loss was one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars,
on which there was insurance amounting to fifty-five
thousand dollars.
Thus in a night was swept away
the accumulation of years. Mr. French was now
sixty-six years of age, and it was a gigantic under-
taking to again begin from the foundations, but with
that courage and pluck which never fails him he
made up his mind to go on, and immediately com-
menced to rebuild. To-day “the end crowns the
work,” a new building, better adapted to the purposes
of the business, has taken the place of the conglomera-
tion of former days, the busy hum of wheels and the
whir of machinery is again heard, and hundreds of
busy men and women look to Mr. French for their
daily bread, and thank God that he had the courage
962
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
and public spirit to place the business on its old | born in Walpole, Mass., Jan. 9, 1790, and died
March 9, 1838. Their eldest son, Oliver S., was
basis.
Soon after Mr. French returned to Canton he pur-
chased about forty-five acres of land, being a portion
of the original grant to the Indians from Dorchester.
In a delightful situation, a short distance from the
old road which formerly ran between Massachusetts
and Narragansett Bays, he erected in 1854 a substan- |
tial stone house, where he now resides. He married,
July 27, 1837, Almira, daughter of Deacon Leonard
and Almira (Kimball) Everett, a Canton lady, whose
father was a prominent and highly-respectable citizen
of this town.
Mr. French has not hoarded his honestly-acquired
gains, his hand has been ever open to the calls of
charity, and many are the families that have been
either entirely or in part supported by his bounty.
A cause that is just, a case of suffering, always receives
assistance from him. Whenever a subscription paper
is started for a worthy or charitable purpose, he is
always asked to head the list.
He has been active as a citizen, taken any part that
was assigned him. In school matters, on the board
of selectmen, as moderator of the town-meetings, he
has done all he could for the interest and advance-
ment of the town.
OLIVER SMITH CHAPMAN.
Oliver Smith Chapman was without doubt de-
scended from Ralph Chapman, born in England in
1615, and who, at the age of twenty years, being
then a resident of the parish of St. Saviors, South-
wark, County Surrey, emigrated to America, as will
appear upon consulting the list of passengers who
passed from the port of London for the year ending»
at Christmas, 1635. Upon his arrival in this country
he probably settled at Duxbury, although no mention |
is made of him until 1640. Ten years afterwards he
became a resident of Marshfield, and lived there until
the time of his death, which occurred in 1671. He
|
had a daughter Mary, who married, in 1666, William |
Troop. This name, though variously spelled, occurs in |
His
the family of Oliver 8. Chapman many times.
great-grandfather Throop, when he was a boy, he |
was employed in excavating a most difficult passage
i e . ®
through a solid rock, the sides of which, when com-
well remembered seeing. ‘This ancestor, at the age
of ninety-one, rode on horseback from Reedsborough,
Vt., to Belchertown, in this State, to visit his rela-
tives. Throop Chapman had a number of children,
among others William, who, in turn, had, among
others, Daniel, the father of Oliver, who was born
Dec. 23, 1782, and died at Canton, April 12, 1867.
He married, May 25, 1809, Nancy Smith, who was
born at Belchertown, in the county of Hampshire,
Aug. 18, 1811.
His early life was passed in his native town, where
he learned from his father the trade of a wheelwright,
and soon became a skillful mechanic, obtaining that
practical information which enabled him in after-
years to become so successful a man. Before he ar-
rived at his majority he had erected with his own
earnings a saw-mill.
While the Boston and Providence Railroad was in
| process of construction Mr. Chapman paid his first
visit to Canton, where he was engaged upon a piece
of work near the viaduct, and occupied with his em-
ployés the very house of which he died possessed.
It was about this time that his friend and cousin,
William Smith Otis, married (June 22, 1835) Eliza-
beth, the daughter of Deacon Leonard Everett, of
this town. Mr. Chapman was present at’ the cere-
mony. The happiness of their wedded life was of
short duration, for on the 13th of November, 1839,
at the early age of twenty-six years, Mr. Otis died at
| Westfield, having invented and perfected in these
short years one of the marvelous mechanical inyen-
tions of the age,—“ The Otis Steam Excavator.”
Mr. Otis and Mr. Daniel Carmichael both had con-
tracted to do work on the Providence road. The
latter gentleman induced Mr. Chapman to go with
him to Worcester, and near that city he was for a time
engaged in constructing what is now a portion of the
Boston and Albany Railroad. Again a short time in
Canton, and then Mr. Chapman went to a place near
Greenwich, in Rhode Island, where he took a contract
to construct portions of the Providence and Stonington
Railroad. In 1836 he went to Philadelphia, where a
| ship canal was in process of construction; upon this
he labored. Subsequently he was at New Worcester for
a short time. During the year 1837 he took contracts
on the Kastern Railroad at Chelsea, Lynn, and Salem.
It was on the 18th of September this year that he was
married to Miss Olivia, the daughter of Reuben and
Chloe Cook. His next employment was upon the
Boston and Albany Railroad, in 1839. Here, in
connection with Carmichael, Fairbanks & Otis, he
| 3 ;
plete, were sixty feet on the one hand and eighty on
the other. This work, now known as the Summit
Cut, was completed in 1841. But his health at this
time failed him, and he returned with his wife to his
native town, and there remained for two or three
It was during these years (Jan. 3, 1844)
years.
ae
CANTON.
that his wife died. On the 23d of March, 1845, he
was married, fer the second time, to the widow of Mr. |
The following year he placed asteam —
William S. Otis.
excavator on the Vermont Central, at Windsor, and
was at work at Claremont, N. H., and Burlington, |
Vt.
lumber business in Saginaw County, Mich.
About this time he kad an interest in the
The
renewal of the patent op the excavator furnished |
Mr. Chapman for some time with occupation in
building the machines and selling the right to use
the same.
In 1845 he came to Canton, and in 1858 pur- |
chased the Marcus Clark estate, on what is now Chap-
man Street, making it his residence. Since that time
he was more or less connected with railroads and with |
railroad men. In 1850, in company with his brother
Wellington and Sidney Dillon, he was engaged in a |
contract on the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad.
He had contracts at Jacksonville, on the New Jersey
Central, at Girard (1858), on the Lake Shore, and at |
Council Bluffs, on the Union Pacific. Of the latter
corporation he was for some time a director, as also of
the Canada Southern Railroad. He was at one time
interested in a contract for filling the lands of the >
commonwealth on the “ Back Bay,” in the city of
Boston, and possessed large tracts of land in the
States of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In 1863-—
64 he was sent as representative to the State Legis-
lature from the Eleventh Norfolk District.
Mr. Chapman was chosen one of the directors of the
Neponset National Bank of Canton.
On Thursday morning, Feb. 8, 1877, Mr. Chap-
man, apparently in his usual health, took the morning
train for Boston. Soon after reaching the city he
went to the store of J. V. Kettell, for the purpose of
having his watch, which had stopped the evening be- |
fore, attended to. He removed it from the guard,
and Mr. Kettell turned to the window to examine it.
Mr. Chapman called his attention to some difficulty —
with the case, and immediately afterwards sank upon
a chair and fell to the floor.
twinkling of an eye, life was extinct.
Dr. O. G. Cilley, said that it was apoplexy, caused
by the extraordinary exertion of ascending the stairs.
The funeral services took place at the Unitarian
Church, in Canton, on Sunday, the 11th. |
The lesson of such a life as his should be deeply
written on our hearts.
in the consciousness that there is goodness and hon-
esty in the world,—goodness without ostentation, and
honesty without cant. These were the distinguish-
Tn 1856,
The physician |
who was first summoned pronounced the cause of |
death to be ossification of the heart, but the coroner, |
Let us be thankful and proud
963
ing characteristics of Mr. Chapman’s life. Possessed
of ample means, he made no display. He never
sought official position, but when public honors were
bestowed upon him, he bore them meekly, ever re-
membering that it was a trust he received from his
_ constituents, and not an occasion to display himself.
During the thirty years of his residence in Canton he
was ever active in all measures pertaining to the im-
provement and embellishment of the town.
He was
' more than a good citizen; he was an active and ener-
getic public man, always ready to give more than his
share of time and money to benefit his townspeople.
He was ready to serve on any committee where the
If a school-house
were to be built, there was no one so well qualified to
| public welfare was concerned.
superintend its erection as Mr. Chapman. Day by
day he was at his post, directing, guiding, and taking
a part himself if the work flagged. During the dark
days of the war he sustained the government, and by
his influence induced others to do so who were dis-
He was to be seen at all
public meetings, and though it was seldom that he
_ spoke, he was ever ready to contribute his time and
posed to be lukewarm.
his money to encourage those who were less sanguine
than himself. No one watched the course of events
during those gloomy years with more interest than
he, and no one was more pleased and gratified at the
final result.
‘“‘ His life was private ; safely led, aloof
From the loud world, which yet he understood,
Largely and wisely, as no worldling could
For he by privilege of his nature proof
Against false glitter, from beneath the roof
Of privacy, as from a cave, surveyed
| With steadfast eye its flickering light and shade,
And gently judged for evil and for good.
But while he mixed not for his own behoof
In public strife, his spirit glowed with zeal,
| Not shorn of action, for the public weal,
For truth and justice as its warp and woof,
For freedom as its signature and seal.”
In a moment, in the |
WILLIAM MANSFIELD.
William Mansfield, son of John and Sarah ( Pritch-
ard) Mansfield, was born in Boston, Mass., Feb.
/ 20,1803. His father, John Mansfield, was born in
Hingham, Oct. 24,1765. When a young man he
_ went to Boston, where he resided until May, 1803,
when he came to Canton. He was a builder and
carpenter by trade. He married Sarah, daughter of
Lieut. Samuel and Martha (Blowers) Pritchard.
Lieut. Pritchard was an officer in the navy during
the Revolutionary war, and was killed on the frigate
John Mansfield died
| « Alliance” in an engagement.
964
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Sept.
Nov. 27, 1776, died 1855.
29,1835. Sarah, his wife, was born in Boston, —
|
They had twelve children,—Sally (deceased), mar- |
ried Judah Hawes, of Stoughton; Mary (deceased),
married Abner Tilden, of Canton; Nancy (deceased) ;
John (deceased) ; Sampson (deceased); William ;
Louisa (deceased), married Capt. Thomas W. Baker,
of Dennis; George (deceased); Emeline, married
Alexander Beaumont, of Canton, now of Stoughton ; |
Caleb (deceased) ; John (deceased) ; and Edward, a |
resident of Dorchester.
William Mansfield acquired the rudiments of his
education at common schools, supplemented by a short |
attendance at a private school.
most of the boys of his age at that period of our his-
At the age of
sixteen he commenced his apprenticeship at the car-
tory, was passed on his father’s farm.
penter’s trade with his father, remaining with him
Oct. 8,
until he was about twenty-two years of age.
His early life, like |
1826, he married Phebe, daughter of Jonathan and—
Priscilla (Faunce) Tillson. She was born in Carver,
Mass., Jan. 11,1808. Their children were Winslow |
B. (deceased), Horace H., George H., Sarah J.,
Preston R., M. Adelaide (married Wisner Park),
Frederic W., and Herbert T. (deceased). In 1826,
above. The ‘“ Ruggles Press” found its way into every
section of the country. This copartnership existed
until 1849, when Mr. Mansfield purchased the prop-
erty known as the Presbrey thread-mill, and engaged
in the manufacture of thread and twine until 1858,
when he relinquished it, and was succeeded by his
sons, George H. and Preston R. Since then Mr.
Mansfield has devoted himself to his insurance busi-
ness, which has grown largely on his hands. This he
began in 1831, as agent for the Norfolk and Dedham
About 1850 he was elected
director in both companies, and has served as such to
Companies of Dedham.
the present time. He was trustee and one of the
committee of investment in Canton Savings Institu-
tion for twenty years, resigning that trust in 1881.
He was United States assistant assessor of internal
revenue for Second District about six years. He
took the United States census of Canton in 1870.
Since the formation of the Republican party Mr.
Mansfield has been unfaltering in his allegiance to the
principles it advocates. He has served his town as
assessor and selectman for seven years, and has held
a commission as justice of the peace for nearly thirty
years. Broad and liberal in his religious belief, he
early identified himself with Universalism, and was
Mr. Mansfield went into the Bolivar Manufacturing |
Company’s machine-shop as general repairer, and con-
tinued with them until Jan. 1, 1829.
His enterprise |
and mechanical skill, combined with great accuracy, |
He
established himself as a builder of machinery and
enabled him to mount the ladder of success.
printing-presses, building for the Perkins Institution
for the Blind, of Boston, many articles requiring fine
workmanship.
and friendship of S. P. Ruggles, the inventor, who
Mr. Mansfield’s fond-
He
made the large globe, four feet in diameter, now in
was then its superintendent.
ness for mechanism here found an active field.
use in that institution, also the first embossing-press
used in this country, and did other work for the
institution for several years. In connection there-
with he manufactured cotton and woolen machinery.
His machine-shop stood where the lower silk-mill of
Seavey, Folsom & Bowman is now located. In May,
1845, he removed to Hingham and engaged in the
baking business, returned to Canton, November, 1846,
where he formed a copartnership with Jedediah
Morse, and built a shop on Walnut Street, surveying
This brought him the acquaintance
and laying out a water-privilege just above that of |
the silk-mill, heretofore mentioned, and engaged in |
the manufacture of printing-presses, under the firm-
name of Morse & Mansfield.
were the invention of the Mr. Ruggles spoken of
These printing-presses
one of the first to move in the formation of the Uni-
_versalist Society in Canton, of which body he was one
of the incorporators.
In private life Mr. Mansfield is especially charac-
terized by modest, unassuming manners, strong social
feeling, and warm friendship. Methodical and accu-
rate in business matters, he can always be depended
upon ; upright and conscientious, his word is as good
as his bond. Faithful in all relations, ‘above fear
and beyond reproach,” Mr. Mansfield has gained and
holds a firm place among the best citizens of Canton.
JAMES STRATTON SHEPARD.
James Stratton Shepard, son of Joseph and Mary
(Stratton) Shepard, was born in Foxborough, March
31, 1815. His father being in humble circumstances,
he was obliged to commence labor early in life, and
at ten years of age went into a cotton-mill, where he
worked until he was fifteen.
farm in Foxborough for two years, then going to
Sharon, he commenced to learn the machinist’s trade
in 1832, but in about six to eight months he was
put in charge of the carding-room in the mill of
George H. Mann. There his diligence, energy, and
general intelligence won for him the confidence of his
employer, and he was promoted rapidly, until he had
In February of 1839
He was employed on a
the entire charge of the mill.
CANTON.
965
he went into partnership with his brother Joseph in
the manufacture of straw goods in Foxborough. Not
liking the business, and Mr. Mann being desirous of
again securing his services, and receiving a sufficiently
remunerative offer, he again assumed the saperinten-
dence of the mill. Sept. 12,1839, he married Mary,
daughter of Clifford and Mary (McKendry) Belcher,
of Canton. She was born Feb. 1, 1819. Their chil-
dren are four,—Sarah E. [married Ivers W. Adams, of
Boston ; they have five children]; Ellen A. ; Georgie
[married Freeland D. Leslie, of Canton]; and Willie
S., now in the office of the American Net and Twine
Company at Boston as salesman. Mr. and Mrs.
Shepard commenced housekeeping in Sharon. In
the full of 1839, Mr. Mann’s mill was burned, and
Mr. Shepard began the manufacture of palm-leaf
hats. After one year of this business, he took charge
of a cotton-mill in Ashburnham for George Black-
burn & Co., of Boston, making satinet warps, and in
January, 1841, he removed thither as superintendent
Here he remained until the fall of 1844.
Then coming to Canton, he purchased the cotton-mill
and agent.
of Vernon A. Messinger, where he manufactured
wicking for a few years, and in 1851 purchased the |
thread-mill of Southworth & White, and fitted this
up, making seine-twine. The first year ten thousand
pounds were made, and in 1883, five hundred and
fifty thousand pounds.
the manufacturing of knitting-cotton and harness-
twine for three years, when he sold his interest to
Martin Wales. The American Net and Twine Com-
pany were the largest buyers of the seine-twine for
some fifteen to eighteen years.
he became a partner of that company, leasing his real
estate to them, and engaged in the manufacture of fish-
nets and seines. In this particular branch of indus-
try and manufacture they were the first to engage in
New England, and the business has increased largely,
their products being in use from Labrador to Alaska,
and in Kurope as well.
formed a corporation, having previously built a large
will at Cambridge.
W. Fairbanks, Cambridge, and James S. Shepard, of
Canton, were among the principal stockholders. Mr.
In addition to this, in connec- |
tion with Timothy Kaley, about 1853, he carried on
|
After the war (1864) |
In November, 1879, they |
William Stowe, Arlington, John |
Shepard is the largest stockholder, and, with his |
family, holds the controlling interest in the company.
He is still personally in charge of their interests in
Canton. Salesrooms: Boston, No. 43 Commercial
Street; New York, No. 199 Fulton Street. Mr.
Shepard is a practical and thorough-going man. He |
has always given his personal attention to all the
details of his business, and this has proved the prime |
element of his success. He is essentially a self-made
man, and his life has been one of steady and active
devotion to his varied and numerous business inter-
ests. He is a stockholder in various corporations and
director in Neponset National Bank. Politically he
has been a Republican from the organization of that
party, and in 1871-72 represented Canton in the
State Legislature. In private life he is especially
characterized by strong social feeling and warm friend-
ship for a large circle of friends. Of pleasing address,
he is a genial companion, enlivening his conversation
with shrewd practical remarks and quaint humor.
He takes an interest in everything tending towards
the building up of his town. Among the represen-
tative citizens of Canton who enjoy the confidence
of the community we can safely place Mr. Shepard.
ELIJAH A.
Elijah A. Morse, son of Rev. Abner Morse (a gentle-
MORSE.
_ man of learning and culture, well known as an author,
and notably so of “ Genealogy of Morse Family’),
was born May 25, 1841. He traces his ancestry
back through an ancient and honorable New England
family, the first of whom having connection with
American history being Samuel Morse, who settled at
Dedham in 1634. The descendants of this sturdy
pioneer have in every generation filled important posi-
tions, being distinguished in literature, art, science,
and business, and marked for their independence,
originality, and energy. Mr. Morse acquired his
education at common and private schools, among
others the Boylston school of Boston, then under
the charge of that celebrated instructor, Hon. Charles
Kimball, of Lowell. His father, although able and
learned, like many professional men, bad little of this
world’s goods. lijah’s business life began in his
school-days. When about fifteen years old, during
his vacation, he began to make and sell from house to
house a stove polish, prepared from a formula given
him by the eminent chemist, Dr. Charles Jackson, of
Boston, who was a strong and intimate friend of his
father.
and at this day it is strange to contemplate the first
His little stock was carried in a carpet-bag,
humble commencement of the now gigantic business.
Elijah had no thought then of pursuing the manu-
facture as a permanent employment, although from
the merits of the polish, and the excellent qualities
he developed as a salesman and his success, he might
well have done so. But after his school-days were
over, in 1860, while a resident of Sharon, he did adopt
its manufacture as a business. But on the breaking
966
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
out of the great civil war he enlisted in Company A,
Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, as a three
months’ soldier under Lincoln’s call for seventy-five |
thousand men. This term of service was passed in
Virginia. He afterwards enlisted in the same com-
pany for nine months, and served with his regiment
in Louisiana, where it was engaged in several battles, |
notably ‘“‘Camp Bisland,” and the siege and capture |
of Port Hudson. His term of service ended, in 1864
he made his home in Canton, and hired “a small
upper room,” and engaged in the business which has
now assumed such colossal proportions. This was
soon too small, and the present location was secured.
From 1864 until 1868 his brother, Albert F., was in |
company with him, but since then Mr. Morse has
been sole proprietor, retaining, however, the firm-name
“ Morse Brothers.” From 1868 to the present there
has been a rapid and enormous increase in the pro-
duction and sale of his polish. Energy, perseverance,
and an unusual amount of originality on the part of
Mr. Morse has wrought the change. To properly
place his goods on sale he traveled personally through
twenty-two of the United States, acting as his own
commercial traveler. To secure his proper legal
rights he adopted the trade-mark “ Rising Sun Stove
Polish,” and now every quarter of the globe knows
and uses his polish, and it is as standard an article
of household use as flour. The following from the
Canton Journal gives the sales of a single day in
1881:
“Owing to the prospect of an immediate advance in Western
freights, Morse Brothers have just received orders for an un-
usually large amount of their celebrated ‘Rising Sun Stove
Polish.’ The sale of this day loaded four cars, and weighed
57,900 pounds, nearly 29 tons.
was contained in 2270 cases.
ages, and, as they are four inches long, would reach (being
placed in a line touching one another) nearly ten and one-half
miles.”
The daily production now (September, 1883) is
five tons. This is unequal to the demand, and Mr.
now in process of building a brick factory two hun- |
dred and twenty-five feet long and four stories high.
This is the largest building for the purpose in the
world. ‘ His place, in almost every part, shows the
character of his business,—the making of stove
polish, and ‘ Rising Sun Stove Polish’ is seen freely
painted on numbers of his
buildings. Even the great
American flag, which is raised when the proprie- |
tor is at home, bears the same ora similar legend.
His grounds are laid out with care and a view to |
In
business, but they are not wanting in beauty.
It consisted of 1150 gross, and |
There were 165,000 single pack- |
front of his residence are two gilded statues and of
life size, emblematic of Spring and Autumn,—Spring
with flowers, and Autumn with a sickle and sheaf of
wheat. Upon the point of the roof of his main build-
ing is a life-size figure of Justice holding the scales
evenly poised. Every part of the place shows the
spirit of the man who rules it. We have been told that
at one time, when the depression made everything in
| business stagnant, he paid his help half wages, al- _
though they had nothing to do in the shops, and this
for several weeks.” This speaks well for his benevo-
“He was one of the number who
learned the location of the grave of Col. Gridley (the
patriot who engineered the fortifications at Bunker
Hill, and afterwards took part in the memorable
lence and justice.
battle), and induced the town to remove the remains
| to the cemetery, and had a handsome monument
erected over them.” As characteristic of the man,
and speaking more than pages of description, we
give the following from the Canton Journal: “ All
the manufacturers in Canton received a circular a few
days since from a New York tobacco-house offering
to donate to the men in their employ a sample of their
goods. Mr. Morse’s reply was as follows: ‘ Your cir-
cular received. We don’t use tobacco. Consider it a
Ti will kill lice,
fleas, and every creature on God’s footstool but a to-
bacco-worm, and will poison, injure, and shorten the
life of any man who uses it. It is the twin-sister and
vile, dangerous, poisonous narcotic.
handmaid of strong drink, as it creates an unnatural
In connection with
rum, it is the cause of the awful disease known as
Can you wonder that we don’t
We
advise you to quit the business, and engage in some
thirst that water will not satisfy.
delirium tremens.
want to present it to the men in our employ ?
other that will tend to ennoble and elevate man, in-
stead of degrading and debasing him.
Elijah A. Morse.’”’
Respectfully,
He is a member and deacon of
_ the Congregationalist Church, and his career has ever
been guided by religious principle, and his assistance
heartily accorded to enterprises of the church. Polit-
Morse, in addition to his already extensive works, has |
He
has been an active prohibitionist, and is now an en-
ically, Mr. Morse has taken advanced grounds.
thusiastic temperance Republican. He represented
his town in the State Legislature of 1876. During
the’ last five years Mr. Morse has lectured very exten-
sively in the New England States on temperance, in
_ addition to conducting his business.
In conclusion, Mr. Morse is a self-made man of the
highest order. arly in life he learned that the way
to suecess was by no royal road, but open and clear to
stout hearts and willing hands. He has gained nothing
by mere luck, but everything by perseverance and well-
ee ss
CANTON.
967
digested plans, and the intelligent application of his
energies to the end in view.
JAMES DRAPER.
Among those who were foremost in introducing and
establishing the woolen industry in Canton, the name
of James Draper stands prominent. He was a man
of great energy, untiring industry, and superior busi-
ness capacity.
With a thorough knowledge of his |
trade, great practical sagacity, and an indomitable |
perseverance, he did much to promote the growth |
and prosperity of the town during the past thirty |
years.
He waz born in Melbourne, Derbyshire, England,
Sept. 17, 1813.
Being early thrown upon his own resources, his
mechanical turn of mind led him to adopt the knitting
trade as an occupation, and his ingenuity and skill |
were developed in the general lace manufacturing in-
terest, but especially in lace gloves, for which Mel-
bourne was famous.
He came to Canton with his family in April, 1851.
The sailing-vessel in which he arrived dropped anchor
in Boston harbor on the morning following the mem-
orable storm which destroyed the ill-fated Minot’s
Ledge light-house. An elder brother, named
Thomas, had preceded him to the States, who had
purchased in Canton the old Dr. Stone estate, at the
corner of Washington and Pleasant Streets, and at
the time of the arrival of James was engaged in fit- |
ting up a shop to receive knitting machinery. Here
for several years he assisted Thomas in organizing and
developing the woolen business.
introduction of the knitting industry into Canton.
In the spring of 1856, after the death of his
brother Thomas, we find James in business for him-
This was the pioneer
self, in the building at the Centre known as the |
Everett house.
goods were produced, and the business rapidly in-
creased.
In 1861 a partnership was formed with Mr. George
Frederic Sumner, and the business continued under
the name of Draper & Sumner.
In February, 1865, the firm purchased the Morse |
Here a great. variety of fancy knitted |
|
transacted until June, 1870, when the buildings and
contents were destroyed by fire.
In April, 1869, the firm had bought the prop-
erty of the Canton Woolen-Mills, and at the time of
the fire were running three factories,—the Everett
Mill and the Canton Woolen-Mills at the Centre,
and the Morse Mill at South Canton.
It was deemed inexpedient to rebuild at South
Canton, and the foundations were immediately started
for a spinning-mill at the Centre, making a valuable
addition to the Canton Woolen- Mills.
The new mill was completed before winter, and
was equipped with seven sets of woolen-cards, with a
basement occupied by shuttle-looms and knitting-ma-
chinery. At the time of Mr. Draper’s death, three
years later, the firm was doing a large and prosperous
business.
Mr. Draper died May 23, 1873. His death was a
public loss, and the sorrow manifested by the em-
ployés at his decease was the truest evidence of the
warm place he held in their hearts.
Any sketch of James Draper would be imperfect
that gave no hint of the sturdy individuality of his
nature, and the generous impulses, which knew no
limit but his means. His heart was pure gold. It
was alive with tenderness to the wants of the young,
the aged, the poor, and the unfortunate. To lift
another’s burden seemed to lighten his own. His
cardinal doctrine was, ‘“ Flee pleasure, and it will
pursue you. Strive for the happiness of others, and
your own will abound.” The light of his life was to
serve, cheer, encourage, and minister to the comfort
of those who came within his sphere. The only
value he put on money was its blessing power. His
happiest moments were when he was giving. He
was liberal to all appeals, but he most loved to dis-
pense benefactions with his own hand, and be his own
_ judge of deserving merit.
machine-shops and water-privilege at South Canton. |
They made the necessary alterations to adapt the |
property to the requirements of their business ; built
a dye-house, put in three sets of woolen-cards, with
their complement of spinning machinery, and a full
line of knitting-frames. Here a thriving business was
4
Whatever he achieved in life was due to his own
efforts ; he was self-made in the full meaning of the
word. In the England of his boyhood, educatiun
was not the fostered child it is to-day. But in almost
every town could be found a morning and evening
school, where, for a small sum, a determined spirit
The
only education he had was obtained at these schools,
by a brief hour snatched from the forelock of the day’s
labor, or added at its close, to satisfy the craving for
could acquire the rudiments of knowledge.
intellectual advancement.
In his business, and in everything he did, thor-
“ Whatever was worth
The maxims of
oughness was his motto.
doing at all was worth doing well.”
industry, economy, and sound common sense, which
968
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
all human experience indorses and commends, he in-
culeated wherever he found idleness, extravagance, or
folly.
Mr. Draper was plain in manners, determined in
opinions, and inflexible in principle. He was a
genuine hater of shams and pretense, and would
rebuke with almost merciless severity a would-be
spirit or a mean act. The love of justice was the
dominant principle of his nature, and at his grave |
an appreciative friend remarked that the most fitting
inscription that could be placed upon his tombstone
would be,—
“He was too noble to do a wrong act.”
THE WENTWORTH FAMILY.
The Wentworth families of America are of illus- |
trious descent, and can trace their ancestry twenty-
one generations in England, to the time of the Nor-
The pedigree commences with
Reginald Wentworth, or, as written in “ Domesday
Book,” Rynold De Winterwade. He was the pos-
sessor of the lordship of Wentworth, in the Wapen-
take of Strafford, in the West Riding of Yorkshire,
in 1066.
Lord of Wentworth sufficiently proves him to have
been a prominent man, even at this early date. The
Wentworths held high offices in church and state, and
were knighted for their bravery. From Reginald the
man Conquest
The fact of his being mentioned as the
first descended, in regular line of descent, William |
Wentworth, the emigrant, and the veritable “ Elder”
of New England history. The first evidence of his
presence in this country is his signature, with that of |
others, to a ‘ combination” for a government at Hx-
eter, N. H., on the 4th day of October, 1639. This
combination continued for three years; we then find
him, in 1642, as juror from Wells, Me., and in 1648
he was constable. He must have removed from
Maine about 1649, as in 1650 he was taxed at Dover,
N. H., and was also one of the selectmen in 1651,
1657, 1664, 1665, and 1670. “On the fifth day of
Oct. 1652, William Wentworth and others in behalf
of themselves and the town of Dover, contract with
tichard Waldern to build a meeting house,” ete.
It was over this church, known now as the First
Church in Dover, that William Wentworth became
an elder. In 1689 he was instrumental in saving
Heard’s garrison. He officiated several years as a
preacher at Exeter and other places, and died at a
very advanced age at Dover in 1697. From him the
several Governors Wentworth have descended. John?,
son of Elder William Wentworth, was born prior to
16149, and hence was one of the oldest of Elder
Wentworth’s children. He resided in Dover, N. H.,
until about 1672; afterwards he was in York, Me.,
until that town was destroyed by the Indians in 1692.
He then probably came to Massachusetts, as in 1704
his name is mentioned in a lease dated in November
of that year at Punkapaug (now Canton), Mass. He
married Martha Their children were John,
Edward, Charles*, Shubael, Elizabeth, and Abigail.
Charles*, son of John*® and Martha Wentworth, was
born about 1684. He lived in Canton, Mass., then
a part of Stoughton. The house in which he lived
He was one of the selectmen of
Stoughton in 1730 and for several years afterwards.
When sixty years of age he was appointed by Gover-
nor Shirley, June 18, 1744, lieutenant of the Third
Company of the Fourth Regiment of militia, and
afterwards became captain. He married, Dec. 15,
1713, Bethiah, daughter of John Fenno, of Stough-
ton. Their children were Amariah, Rachel, William,
Samuel‘, Bethiah, Seth, Jerusha, Sarah. Charles
Wentworth died at Canton, Mass., July 8, 1780,
aged ninety-six. Samuel‘, son of Charles* and Bethiah
(Fenno) Wentworth, was born April 24, 1728, and
lived in Stoughton on land given him by his father
May 22, 1753. He was called “‘ Capt. Samuel.” He
married, first, Oct. 19, 1748, Hannah Endicott ; sec-
ond, Feb. 1, 1754, Sarah, daughter of John and Abi-
gail (Vose) Puffer. _He died Dec. 23,1783. His
children were Mary, Mehitable, Samuel, Abel, Na-
thaniel®, Abel, Rachel, Sarah, Abigail, John, Bethiah.
Nathaniel®, son of Samuel* and Sarah (Puffer) Went-
worth, was born Nov. 11, 1761, married, April 3,
1792, Olive, daughter of Samuel Capen. She died
May 12, 1859.
Nathaniel was a hard-working boy, and used to
draw wood six miles to sell to Governor Hutchinson,
who resided on Milton Hill. He left his home early
on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775, with a
is still standing.
load of wood, and hearing the news of the fighting
at Lexington and Concord, he alarmed his friends by
his prolonged absence. He served six months in the
Revolutionary army as guard on the British prison-
ers captured in Burgoyne’s surrender, who were kept
in barracks on Bunker Hill from 1777 to the spring
of 1778. He drew a pension up to the time of his
death, which occurred July 9, 1849, on the spot
where his grandfather, Charles, lived and died, and
his widow continued to draw it until her death, Some
twelve years thereafter. Mr. Edwin Wentworth states
that when he went to draw the pension for her he
was much impressed by the cordiality and friendliness
existing among the pensioners assembled from various
SSS
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CANTON.
969
parts of the State.
having been of so patriotic blood as to merit this re-
ward. His children were Nathaniel*®, Sophia, Larra
Edwin, and Francis. +
NATHANIEL WENTWORTH, sixth in descent from
Elder William Wentworth, the first American of the
name, and oldest son of Nathaniel and Olive (Capen)
Wentworth, was born June 2, 1795, and was a life-
long resident of Canton.
mostly at the common schools, supplemented, how-
ever, by a short time at a private school, but being
by nature energetic and a hard worker, he engaged in
the business for which he was naturally fitted,—that
of cattle dealer,—and did an immense butchering
business, which is now carried on by his son. He was
especially noted for his knowledge of live-stock. His
business was a success, and he became wealthy for the
times in which he lived. He married, first, May 12,
1827, Rebecca G. Presbrey. She died Dec. 25, 1847.
Second, Sarah J. Bachelder, March 4, 1850. She
All seemed to have a pride in |
His education was acquired |
died April 28, 1853. His children were James N.
(born June 29, 1828, died April 23, 1863 ; he married
Rachel Smith, Sept. 24, 1856; they had two chil-
dren,— Alfred J., born Dec. 27, 1858, and Mary O., |
born Nov. 24, 1862), Charles P. (born Jan. 14, 1831; |
he married Abbie E. Colby, July 29, 1852.
Their |
surviving children are Addie R., born May 30,1857, |
and William G., born Dec. 14, 1865), Alfred (died
Jan. 3, 1839, aged six years), Larra Edwin (born
April 25, 1844; married, first, Ellen Mash, March
2, 1866. They had one child, Rebecca E., who died
March 25, 1881, aged fourteen years.
second, Evaleen Tucker, Oct. 5, 1880.
Olive, was born Dec. 30, 1882).
He married,
Their child,
June 14th. He is a charter member of Revere Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, which was organized
in 1869, and takes great interest and pride in this
organization, and illustrates in his private life that a
brave soldier is always a good citizen.
Epwin WENtTWorTH, son of Nathaniel® and
Olive (Capen) Wentworth, was born on the old
Wentworth homestead, in Canton, Mass., April 1,
1805. He received his education both at common
and at a private school under the charge of that
eminent mathematician, Colburn. He served as clerk
at various times for his brother-in-law, Nathaniel
French, who was a merchant, and there acquired such
a taste for business that he preferred engaging in
trade to a college life at Harvard University, and
June 3, 1822,
gaged in business for himself, and paying one dollar
when but little over seventeen, he en-
and fifty cents per week for his board, he cleared nine
hundred dollars the first year, thus proving his apti-
tude for his chosen calling, that of merchant, in
which he continued for about twenty-one years, four
years of that time in Stoughton. He also carried
on a bakery and confectionery business, speculated
largely in real estate, his ventures being usually
Mr. Wentworth’s sagacity
and judgment were of eminent advantage to him in
crowned with success.
his dealings in real estate, as he bought largely at
He
has always been conservative and independent in his
auction, knowing when and how to purchase.
operations. Well known as a man whose word is as
good as his bond, naturally he has been called to fill
many places of trust and financial responsibility, and
in the discharge of his duties has deemed it impera-
tive to know personally how affairs stood, and never
Nathaniel Wentworth was a man of strong char- |
acter and consistent in his principles. In _ politics
he was a Republican. He was selectman for one year,
and only lacked one vote of election for representative,
although he remained at home and kept his men at
work. He was a man of quaint originality, social,
and his company was much enjoyed by his associates
in business for his peculiar witticisms and conversa-
tional powers. Although active and energetic he con- |
ducted his affairs with conservatism and prudence,
and accumulated wealth. His death occurred Noy.
24, 1876.
Larra Edwin, son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Pres-—
brey) Wentworth, enlisted as private in Company A,
Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Sept. 17, 1862, and
served faithfully in the department of the Gulf under
Gen. Banks, participating in the warm engagement
at Bisland, La., and in the memorable siege of Vort
Hudson, where he was wounded in the assault of
trusted to another for information which he should
himself possess. Mr. Wentworth was director of Ne-
ponset Bank for ten years, trustee of Canton Savings-
Bank several years. As an instance of his popularity
we would mention that once, while a candidate for
the Legislature from Canton, he received the largest
vote ever cast for a candidate in his town,—four huu-
dred and fourteen out of about six hundred votes
polled. Mr. Wentworth has ever been a Democrat, be-
lieving that the Jeffersonian principles, as expressed
in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution,
were the true guides to liberty and freedom for the
republic. Fearless, outspoken, and bold, Mr. Went-
worth has never been double-faced, and in all points
at issue no one has ever had any difficulty in finding
where he stood, either in politics, business, or town
affairs. He built the fine residence where he now
resides in 1853, and has done much to build up the
interests of Canton by erecting convenient tenements.
970
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
He has holdings of real estate in Kast Boston, Cam-
bridge, Charlestown, Boston, South Braintree, and
Stoughton, four houses at Nantasket, one of them the
Wentworth House, and about twenty-five tenements
which he rents in Canton, and is considered the largest
To Mr. Wentworth and his
brother Nathaniel the growth of the Universalist
real estate owner there.
Society was largely due, although not a member him-
self. He prefers standing alone on his personal merits,
|
|
letting all secret societies, organizations, and combi- |
Oo ’ Cc 7) |
nations alone. He has assisted many deserving causes
and people, and holds a high place in the regards of |
the solid people of a wide range of acquaintance, en-
joys a handsome property, largely the result of his
own efforts, and, hale and vigorous, at the age of
seventy-nine, is passing on to the twilight of life with
a cheerful philosophy, and is still at his labors, prefer-
For seven
years he held commissions of ensign and lieutenant in
ring rather to wear out than to rust out.
one of the “ crack” independent military companies |
{
Mr. Wentworth
married, Feb. 19, 1827, Julia Crane, daughter of |
of the day,—‘‘ The Crane Guards.”
Friend and Rebecca (Upham) Crane, of Canton.
They had two children,—Mary (born April 28, 1836 ;
she died May 1, 1867 ; married Horace H. Mansfield,
of Canton, had three children,—Mary Wentworth,
born Oct. 16, 1863, died Aug. 10, 1864; Helen M., |
born Feb. 19, 1865 ; Edwin W., born April 13, 1867 ;
died March 18, 1872), Edwin (born July 19, 1849;
died Sept. 23, 1849).
CORODON SPAULDING.
Corodon Spaulding is a descendant of Hdward |
Spaulding, the first of the family we*have any knowl-
edge of, who came to America in the earliest years
of the Massachusetts Colony,—probably between
1630 and 1633.
He first appears in Braintree, Mass., and his de-
scendants were as follows: Edward (2d), Ebenezer
(3d), Stephen (4th), Eben (5th), Warren (6th),
Corodon (7th), who was born Jan. 1, 1812, in East
Washington, N. H. His grandparents on_ his
mother’s side were among the first settlers of East |
Washington.
and died on the farm where he first settled.
Deacon William Graves, who lived |
His |
father’s grandfather was Samuel Roundy, one of the |
first settlers of Lempster, N. H., who went from
Mr. Spauld-
ing’s grandmother was then fourteen years old, and
rode
Windham, Conn., in the year 1773.
horseback the whole distance and carried a
younger sister in her arms.
He well recollects seeing his great-grandfather at
his father’s house in (what was then) Fishersfield,
now Newbury, N. H. He was quite an old man, but
came on horseback. .
His grandparents on his father’s side lived on a
farm in Kast Washington, N. H., now a small village.
His grandmother lived to be one hundred years and
three months old. Her one hundredth birthday was
celebrated by appropriate services on the 30th of
March, 1859. Rev. Willard Spaulding, her grand-
son, preached an eloquent sermon on the occasion.
During the time le lived at home his father’s
| property did not exceed one thousand dollars in
value. He had, therefore, a very limited education,
being allowed only a few weeks’ schooling in the
| winter, and was early thrown upon his own resources.
It may not be out of place here to remark that he
has always been of strictly temperate principles, and
since leaving home a strong advocate of temperance ;
and one incident that happened while at school so dis-
gusted him that it can never be forgotten. When about
sixteen years of age the snow was piled in drifts around
the school-house, the boys got to snow-balling, and
in the excitement carried the game into the school-
house and had it out there, and upon the arrival of
the master, he (the master) proposed to and did send
to the village and bought a gallon of rum and passed
it around to the scholars to any and all who would
drink.
been informed of what was going on, and went him-
self to the school-house, when, upon his appearance
Meantime, however, one of the neighbors had
_at the door, the master took the jug and passed it
to him, who refused it, however, and immediately
took measures to have the master removed. This is
given to show the youth the difference of influence
between the present day and then.
When eighteen years of age, in the year 1830, he
engaged as a stone-cutter, and worked on the sea-wall
on Deer Island in Boston harbor. The following
October he went to Newcastle, in the State of Dela-
ware, and did some work on the Frenchtown and
Neweastle Railroad, and in December of the same
The
road was then completed to Ellicott’s Mills, and here,
year went to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
in 1831, he superintended a granite-quarry, and got
out stone for the track in Pratt Street, in Baltimore.
This was the year the first locomotive was built in the
United States, by Peter Cooper. He sometimes came
to Hllicott’s Mills, bringing long trains of cars (as
they were called then).
For the information of those younger than him-
self we will state a little incident that occurred. As
the cars were passing the quarry about his dinner-
ee
in
oe Se eee
le ee es ES
ee i
i
ss
one adh lg ede See
CANTON.
971
i]
hour, he would avail himself of the opportunity to
ride part of the way to his boarding-place, and the
last car being void of passengers, he jumped on the |
rear end, and his weight caused the forward wheels |
to rise from the rail, and when it came down again |
did not strike the rail, but they were able to put the
car on the track again without stopping the train.
He regrets that he has never been able to see that
good old man, Peter Cooper, again.
The following December he went to Pennsylvania |
and engaged on the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail-
road (now Pennsylvania Central), and the next De- |
cember left for his father’s home in Bradford, N. H..,
and remained there until the next March, when he
engaged work in Boston on Union wharf.
The next February, in 1834, engaged on the Bos-
ton and Providence Railroad as track-layer at differ- |
ent points on the road.
In August, 1835, engaged with the same company
as road-master, where he remained nineteen and one- |
half years, and in the course of this time invented
the machine for curving and straightening railroad-
bars, so extensively used on all roads at the present
time. Also, a derrick now used by all stone-masons.
In 1836, the 20th of April, was married to Abigail
Tolman, daughter of Joseph Tolman, of Sharon,
Mass., and moved to Canton in 1839; bought a
Their
children were as follows: Corodon, born Aug. 10,
1838, in Sharon, Mass., died Nov. 30, 1841, in Can- |
ton, Mass.; Sarah Abigail, born Aug. 2, 1844, in
Canton, where she died Feb. 16, 1845; Sarah Abi-
gail, born June 16, 1846, in Canton, Mass., and was
married to William K. Hawes, Jan. 1, 1871. They |
reside in Canton. William K. Hawes is son of In- |
crease Hawes, of Norwood, Mass.
small farm in 1841, on which he now lives.
FRANCIS W. DEANE.
Francis W. Deane, son of William and Chloe Deane, |
was born in Mansfield, Mass., Oct. 9, 1807. The |
Deane family is an old and honored one in New Eng-
(See biography of Theodore Dean, in
our “ History of Bristol County, Massachusetts.”’) |
His parents were in bumble circumstances on a small |
farm, and his father’s death, when Frank was but |
five years old, brought a great responsibility upon the |
land annals.
widowed mother, who was left, by her own exertions,
to bring up her three small boys. With courage and
determination she set about the task, and well did she
By her constant teaching and
example, she instilled into their young minds those |
perform her part.
principles of industry and integrity which have been |
| Mr. Dunbar gave up business.
| so clearly shown in Mr. Deane’s long and useful life
in Canton. In 1822, when he was fifteen, she brought
Frank to Canton to take a clerkship in the country
store of Leonard Everett. From that time to the
present (over sixty years) he has been connected with
the business interests of Canton, and never has malice
or envy dared to impugn his honesty or to impeach
his motives. His life has been an open book, whose
pages have ever told the one story of unassuming
He remained with Mr. Everett nearly six
On attaining his majority he engaged with
worth.
years.
James Dunbar and Elisha Crane as clerk at the
‘‘stone-factory,” near the Boston and Providence Via-
duct, with whom he remained about two years, until
He then began trad-
ing on his own account ; but, after a short time, his
services were sought as clerk in the Neponset Bank,
| then (June, 1836) just organized. We give as better
indices than any language of ours of Mr. Deane’s
character, the esteem of which his associates hold
him, and the length and character of his services in
the banks of Canton, the following. On May 31,
1880, the directors of the Neponset National Bank,
among other resolutions, passed this: ‘ Whereas,
Francis W. Deane, Esq., who has held the office of
cashier of this bank since its organization as a na-
tional institution, and, also, for many years previously,
when the bank existed under a State charter, cover-
ing, in all, a period of forty-four years of service in
various capacities, has, on account of increasing
physical infirmities, tendered his resignation of said
office, to take effect on the first day of June next;
and, whereas, at his urgent solicitation, said resigna-
tion has been accepted by the Directors; therefore,
Resolved, That in sundering the relations which have
so long and so happily connected him with this insti-
tution, while they are pained at his retirement, they
are proud to bear witness to the ability and fidelity
which have ever characterized him in the perform-
ance of his various duties. Courteous, affable, and
obliging to all, faithful, honest, and true to every trust,
he has not only won our confidence and esteem, but
also that of the entire community in which he lives:”
The trustees of the Canton Institution for Savings
passed, at a meeting held April 4, 1883, resolutions on
his resignation, from which we extract : ‘“‘ Whereas,
Francis W. Deane, in consequence of enfeebled health,
has felt compelled to resign the office of treasurer of
the Canton Institution for Savings, which office he
has held for the past thirty-one years; he also having
been connected with the institution since its incor-
poration in 1835 ; therefore, Reso/ved, That the trus-
tees hereby express their appreciation of his long and
972
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
faithful services. His integrity was never questioned,
and his faithfulness and devotion to his duty have ever
commanded our approval and admiration.”
Mr. Deane was elected town treasurer in 1857, and
has held that office uninterruptedly until the present.
He was also treasurer of the Stoughton Branch Rail-
road. In political affiliations he is a Republican. He |
is a deacon of the First Universalist Church in Can-
until March 8, 1837, except in the years which he
spent at college. He was prepared for college at the —
Bridgewater Academy, 1822-27, and entered the
sophomore class of Brown University at the commence-
ment of the last-named year. Graduating in 1830, in
the same class with Professor Chace and Hon. B. F.
Thomas, he studied law with Hon. William Baylies,
of West Bridgewater (B. U., 1795), and was admit-
ton, of which he has been a member for many years. |
He married, Oct. 16,1827, Mary, daughter of Jo-
seph and Merriam Adams. Their children were Mary
(deceased), Walter P., Ellen M. (deceased), Mary EK. |
(deceased), Merriam E. (married William W. Toner, |
years 1833, 1834, 1835, and 1836. He removed his
_domicil to Canton, March 8, 1837, asa better field for
and died in her twenty-ninth year, leaving one sur-
viving child, Emma E.), Emily F. (married William
F. Horrobin, and died in her twenty-second year,
leaving one child, Francis W.), and Francis W. (de-
ceased ).
Mr. Deane married, Jan. 5, 1851, Emily Adams, sister
of his first wife.
Mrs. Mary Deane died July 26, 1847, and |
5 :
Quiet and unostentatious, Mr. Deane |
has done the work allotted him well, and is beloved |
by a large circle of friends.
ELLIS AMES.
Ellis Ames was born at Stoughton, Norfolk Co.,
Oct. 17, 1809, in that epoch following the Revolution
when our new republic was slowly passing out of the
exhaustion attendant on that protracted struggle, and
ted to the bar at the December term of the court
of Common Pleas (1833) for Plymouth County.
He engaged at once in the practice of law in his pa-
ternal town and parts adjacent, and represented West
Bridgewater in the General Court for the political
the practice of the law, and in that profession he has
been laboring until this present.
These are the modest and, as they look, rather meagre
details of a life full of legal industry and ability. Mr.
Ames himself is one of the most modest and unpre-
tending of men, and perplexes his biographers by in-
_ dustriously hiding from them the very valuable services
he has rendered in illustrating and settling some of
_the law’s most recondite and perplexing problems.
yet was about to engage in new strife with its old enemy,
in what was for us the very brilliant war of 1812.
His birth-time, therefore, touches both the sunset of |
our Revolutionary statesmen and warriors, and also the
frontiers of our new national prosperity. His father
was Jonathan Ames, Jr., of Stoughton, and his mother |
was Sally Capen, daughter of Edward Capen (2d),
of Stoughton, and of his wife Eunice Monk, daugh- |
ter of George Monk, of Stoughton, and his wife Sarah
Hixon, of Sharon.
from William Ames, who, with his brother John, came
from Bruton, Somersetshire, England, to America in
1634 and settled at Braintree.
of Richard Ames.
They were the sons
Mr. Ames, therefore, is of that
Puritan and yeoman stock which so sturdily civilized
Massachusetts wilds, and has given so much bone and
brain power to make this nation what it is. William
had
descended; Nathaniel, from whom descended Hon.
Ames three sons,—John, from whom
Fisher Ames; and Thomas, from whom descended
the Hon. Oakes Ames.
In the fall of 1814, at the close of the war, his
father removed his family to his native town of West
His father’s family derives itself |
Ellis |
He confesses to drafting the bill in equity of Massa-
chusetts, plaintiff against the State of Rhode Island,
in the matter of the boundary between these States,
which was entered in the Supreme Court at Washing-
ton at the December term of 1852. This question,
involving much antiquarian lore and keen insight into
colonial history, was happily decided in the interest of
his client, and the fact has always been held a tribute
But the truth is that in equity
pleadings, one of the most intricate and difficult de-
to his legal abilities.
partments of a lawyer's practice, Mr. Ames was for
many years regarded as authority, and difficult cases
of great magnitude passed through his hands before
they were finally argued by some of the most famous
lawyers of the Massachusetts bar. He has been one
of those, not too common lawyers, who have followed
their profession for the love as well as the profit of it.
He is rightly to be called learned in the law, and his
researches have been among the roots of legal prin-
ciples, especially as they find illustration in English
history. A member for many years of the Massa-
chusetts Historical Society, and his information about
the colonial affairs of the Bay and Plymouth Colony
is very minute and rich. It is doubtful if any man
now living combines so much legal and colonial lore
_as he; and it is to be regretted that most of it is likely
Bridgewater, Plymouth Co., where Ellis Ames lived |
to die with him.
Personally, Mr. Ames has always had the simple
habits of a scholar, and the bluff, hearty manner of
NORFOLK.
973
an honest and friendly man. He has kept a keen
watch of public affairs and men, is full of anecdote
and reminiscence of the great lawyers who have been |
in his day at the bar, and the brilliant fame of the |
popular has waxed and waned before his eyes, yet he
has never been tempted to turn from his own quiet
ways to grasp at the bubbles of public applause, and
like a true philosopher measures all such matters with
Mr. Ames
a very long line of shrewd common sense.
has always been an intensely individual man,—a |
thorough Puritan, minus his gloom and his theology. |
He resembles, in a certain leonine cast of face, the
late Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw, who was his friend.
He is a good type of that better class of country law-
yers out of which such men as John Adams and
Fisher Ames came. He has always been rich in
brains and law-books, and a certain racy humor and
good-fellowship, which has made him many friends.
His private law library is probably the most extensive |
and complete of any in the State, outside of Boston. |
Among its other riches it has a complete set of the
English Chancery Reports, from the earliest ages of
English law till now.
bane at the law term of 1836, and to the present time
(1884) has argued his own cases there at every term.
He began to argue cases in |
In his library he has the declaration, bill, pleadings,
and principal documents of all these cases bound up
in twenty folio volumes.
place among Massachusetts lawyers will be hard to fill
when it becomes vacant.
Mr. Ames married, in 1840, Harriet, daughter of
His special and peculiar |
Samuel and Caty (McKendry) Tucker, of Canton, |
and has two sons and three daughters still living.
CHART WR: WX XT V.
NORFOLK.
North Parish of Wrentham—Early Settlements—Residents in
1795—North Society—First Meeting-House—Incorporation |
of Town—Act of Incorporation—First Town-Meeting—Of-
ficers Elected—List of Selectmen—Town Clerks—Represen-
tatives—Town House—Present Valuation—Industrial Pur-
suits—Churehes—Schools.
THE greater portion of the present town of Norfolk
Rockwood, Jason Thompson, Darius Blake, Nathan
Ware, George Blin, Jacob Pond, Daniel Ware, Elisha
Ware, James Perrigs, Asa Blake, George Fairbank,
David Holbrook, Robert Day, Isaiah Turner, Jared
Wilson, David Pond, E. Tucker, Jeremiah Tucker,
Samuel Ware, Pallu Pond, Samuel Holbrook, Daniel
Holbrook, Jr., Henry Holbrook, Paul Holbrook,
Oliver Ware, Joel Ware, Moses Vince, Amariah Ware,
Consider Studly, Jason Richardson, Seth Fisher, and
Ebenezer Blake.
On the 29th of September, 1795, a meeting of the
inhabitants of the North Parish was held “for the
purpose of knowing the minds of said inhabitants for
building a meeting-house for public and social worship
at said north end.”
It was finally agreed to build a meeting-house, and
a subscription-paper was started bearing the following
| heading:
“As the Happiness of Society and good order and preserva-
tion of ourselves, as well as a rising Generation, greatly depend
on a close adherance to morality, piety, and Religion, and these
Cannot be Diffused in our Local situation but by the Institution
of Public Worship of God, and the Institution of morality, piety,
and Religion, therefore to promote the happiness of ourselves as
well as the rising Generation, we, the subscribers, do jointly
agree to the subsequent articles.”
Here follows a number of articles, and the paper
was subsequently signed by thirty-eight of the in-
habitants, pledging twelve hundred and forty-four
dollars.
Incorporation of Town.—The North Parish re-
mained a portion of Wrentham until Feb. 23, 1870,
when it was incorporated as a separate town, bearing
the name of Norfolk. Portions of Franklin, Medway,
_and Walpole were also embraced in the new town.
The following is the act of incorporation :
“Aw Act to incorporate the Town of Norfolk.
| “ Be it enacted, dc., as follows :
“Sect. 1. All the territory now within the towns of Wren-
tham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole, in the county of Nor-
folk, comprised within the following limits, that is to_say:
| beginning at a point on Charles River, in the north-west angle
was originally the North Parish of Wrentham, and |
the early history of the town, Revolutionary, etc., will |
be found in that of the mother-town, of which it |
formed a part until 1870.
Settlements were made here at an early day, and
among the prominent namés here in 1795 were David
Holbrook, Josiah Ware, Moses Mann, Samuel
Richardson, James Holbrook, Asa Ware, Elisha
of Wrentham, and following in an easterly course the present
line of division between Wrentham and Medfield to Stop River;
thence running southerly along said river, and separated by the
thread of its stream from Walpole, to a point forty rods north
of the mouth of the first brook running into said river, below
Campbell’s Mills, on the easterly side; thence from said point,
by a straight line, ranning to the junction of Back and Bird
streets, in Walpole; thence to the easterly side of said Bird
street to its junction with West street; thence westerly by the
northerly side of West street, twenty-five rods; thence southerly,
and near to and westerly from the barn belonging to the home
estate of Charles Bird, until said line strikes Stop River, one
hundred and twenty rods southerly from West street; thence
along said river as far as Wrentham and Walpole are separated
by the thread of its stream; thence by a straight line, running
974
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
westerly of the Walpole almshouse and easterly of the farm |
buildings of Patrick Reardon, and easterly of the Dupee Blake |
place, so called, to a point on the line between Walpole and Fox- |
borough, one bundred and twenty-five rods north-easterly from |
Dedham Rock; thence from said point, following the present
line of division, between Wrentham and Foxborough, to Ded-
ham Rock; thence southerly from said rock along the present |
line of Wrentham and Foxborough to a point on said line on |
the southerly side of Pine street; thence by a straight line to a |
point on the westerly side of Everett street, northerly of the |
house of Edmund T. Everett, and southerly of the Pondville
Cemetery, to a point on the westerly side of North street, five
rods southerly of the farm buildings of Samuel J. Benn; thence
through the Stony Brook reservoir, near to the house of H. 8.
Nash, to a point on the line between Franklin and Wrentham, |
ninety rods southerly of the house late of Eliphalet Lawrence;
thence running northerly, by a straight line, near to and west
of the farm buildings of the home estate of J. E. Pollard, near
the Elliot Felting Mills, near to and thirty-five rods west of the
present residence of Saul B. Scott, to the southern extremity of
Populatic Pond; thence along the western shore of said pond, at |
low-water mark, to Charles River; thence in an easterly course
upon Charles River, and separated by the thread of its stream
from Medway to the centre of the iron bridge over said river;
thence upon the thread of said river to the bridge of the Med- |
way branch railroad; thence along the southerly side of said
railroad, twenty-eight rods, to a point; thence from said point,
by a straight line running in a north-easterly course, passing |
south-easterly of and near to the village of Deanville, near to
and south of the old barn belonging to John Barber, to a point |
on Baltimore street, two rods from said barn; thence by a straight
line to the easterly side of the great bend in Charles River and
near the old fording place; thence upon said river, and sepa-
rated by the thread of its stream, from Medway to the point of
beginning ;—is hereby incorporated into a town by the name of
Norfolk ; and said town of Norfolk is hereby invested with all
the powers, privileges, rights, and immunities, and is subject to
all the duties and requisitions to which other towns are entitled |
and subjected by the constitution and Jaws of this Common-
wealth.
“Spor. 2. The inhabitants of said town of Norfolk shall be |
holden to pay all arrears of taxes, which have been legally
assessed upon them by the towns of Wrentham, Franklin, |
Medway, and Walpole, respectively; and all taxes heretofore |
assessed and not collected shall be collected and paid to the
treasurers of the towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and |
Walpole, respectively, in the same manner as if this act had not
been passed; and until the next general valuation of estates in
this Commonwealth, the town of Norfolk shall annually pay
over to the said towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and
Walpole, respectively, the proportion of any State or county
tax which the said towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and |
Walpole, respectively, may be required to pay, upon the inhab- |
itants or estates hereby set off; said proportion to be ascertained
and determined by the respective valuations of the said towns |
of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole, next preceding |
the passage of this act.
“Sect. 3. Said of
Walpole, and Norfolk shall be respectively liable for the sup- |
towns Wrentham, Franklin, Medway,
port of all persons who now do, or shall hereafter stand in need
of relief as paupers, whose settlement was gained by or derived |
from a settlement gained or derived within their respective
limits. |
“Sror. 4. The towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, Wal- |
pole, and Norfolk shall retain the school-houses within their
\
respective limits, and the town of Norfolk shall assume and
State valuation next preceding such call.
pay its just and equitable proportions, according to its present
assessed valuation, of any debt due or owing from the towns of
Wrentham and Franklin, respectively, at the time of the pas-
sage of this act, and shall be entitled to receive from said
towns, respectively, its just and equitable proportion, accord-
| ing to said assessed valuation, of all the corporate property
then owned by said towns of Wrentham and Franklin, respect-
ively, including therein the school-houses retained by said
Wrentham, Franklin, and Norfolk, respectively; and said
town of Norfolk shall be held to refund to said towns of Wren-
tham and Franklin, respectively, its just proportion of the
surplus revenue, whenever the same shall be called for accord-
ing to law; such proportion to be determined by the decennial
And in ease the
proportions aforesaid cannot be agreed upon by said towns of
Norfolk, Wrentham, and Franklin, respectively, the same shall
be determined by three commissioners, to be appointed by the
Superior Court for said county of Norfolk, upon a petition of
either of said towns.
“Secr. 5. The territory of the town of Norfolk, heretofore
part of the towns of Franklin and Walpole, for the purpose of
electing representatives to the General Court until the next
decennial census, or until another apportionment be made, shall
remain a part of said towns of Franklin and Walpole, respect-
ively, and vote therefor at such places, respectively, as the said
towns shall vote; and the selectmen of Norfolk shall make a
true list of all persons within their town, qualified to vote at
every such election, and shall post up the same in said town of
Norfolk, and shall correct the same as required by law, and
shall deliver a true list of all such voters as are entitled to vote
in said towns of Franklin and Walpole, respectively, to the
selectmen thereof, seven days at least before such election, to be
used thereat.
“And the territory of the town of Norfolk, heretofore part
of the towns of Wrentham and Medway, until another appor-
tionment be made, shall, for the purpose of electing representa-
tives to the General Court, remain a part of the Twelfth Nor-
folk Representative District, and vote for the same in the town
of Norfolk; and the clerk of the town of Norfolk shall make
returns and meet with the clerks of the towns of Foxborough,
Medway, and Wrentham for the purpose of ascertaining the
| result of the election and making certificates of the same at the
time and place now provided for said meeting by law; and the
territory of said town of Norfolk, until legally changed, shall,
for the purpose of electing a representative in Congress, continue
to be part of the Congressional District numbered eight; and
for the purpose of electing a councilor, part of the Second
Councilor District; and for the purpose of electing a senator, a
part of the Third Norfolk District.
“Sror. 6. Any justice of the peace within and for the county
| of Norfolk may issue his warrant, directed to any principal in-
habitant of the town of Norfolk, requiring him to notify and
warn the inhabitants thereof, qualified to vote in town affairs,
to meet at the time and place appointed for the purpose of choos-
ing all such town officers as towns are by law authorized and
annual meetings; and said warrant
required to choose at their
shall be served by posting up copies thereof, attested by the
person to whom the same is directed, in three public places in
said town, seven days at least before such meeting. Such jus-
tice, or, in his absence, such principal inhabitant, shall preside
The selectmen
of the towns of Wrentham, Franklin, Medway, and Walpole
shall, before said meeting, prepare a list of voters from their
until the choice of moderator in said meeting.
respective towns within said Norfolk, qualified to vote at said
meeting, and shall deliver the same to the person presiding at
said meeting before the choice of a moderator thereof.
ee
NORFOLK.
975
“Srcr. 7. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
proved Feb. 23, 1870.”
[Ap-
The First Town-Meeting.—The first town-meet-
ing was held March 7, 1870, with Albert G. Hills as
moderator. The meeting was called to order by Saul
B. Scott, Esq., and Rev. Daniel Round checked the |
list during the voting for moderator.
The following officers were elected: Selectmen, is also a paper-mill, George Campbell proprietor,
Lewis Adams twenty-seven, and Wendell Phillips
Six.
Industrial Pursuits.—There is some manufac-
turing in the town, but the chief occupation is agri-
culture.
The City Mills are owned by the Rays, of Franklin.
| Rays’ shoddy-mill is located on Stony Brook. There
Saul B. Scott, Levi Mann, and Erastus Dupee ; Town |
Clerk, Silas E. Fales; Assessors, Elisha Rockwood,
George E. Holbrook, and James H. Haines; Treasu-
rer, William E. Codding; Constables, George P. |
Cody and Albert E. Dupee; School Committee, J.
_ Mann.
K. Bragg, Daniel J. Holbrook, and Lothrop C. Keith; |
Fence-viewers, Charles Jordan and Darius Ware;
Surveyors of Lumber, Levi Mann and Oren C. Ware.
The first town-meeting was closed by tendering a
vote of thanks to the moderator, and also to Silas HK.
Fales and William A. Jepson for the gift of a ballot-
box.
The following is a list of selectmen from the organ-
ization of the town to the present time:
Saul B. Scott, 1870, ’71, ’72, °73, °74.
Levi Mann, 1870, ’71, ’72, ’75, ’76, ’81.
Erastus Dupee, 1870, ’71.
Henry Trowbridge, 1872, ’73, ’74, ’75, ’76.
Henry K. W. Pond, 1873, ’74, 775, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’
James E. Pollard, 1877, 778, ’79, ’80, 82. -
N. D. Kingsbury, 1877, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’81, ’82, 83, ’84.
E. W. Giles, 1882, 783, 784.
Henry Perkins, 1883, ’84.
79, 80, ’81.
Town Clerk.—The first town clerk was Mr. Silas
located at Island Lake. There is also a small paper-
mill in the west part of the town, in the building for-
merly owned by the Eliott Felting Company. There
is a grist-mill at Norfolk Centre, owned by E. W.
Island Lake is a pleasure-ground belonging
to the New York and New England Railroad. It is a
beautiful spot, and is much frequented during the
summer season.
There are two churches located in the town, both
at Norfolk Centre,—Orthodox Congregational (Rev.
Francis F. Williams pastor) and the Baptist Church
(Rev. Daniel Round pastor).
The schools of the town are in good condition.
|The following abstract is taken from the report of
| the school committee for the fiscal year ending Jan.
K. Fales, who has been annually re-elected to the |
present time.
Representative.—The Ninth Norfolk Representa-
tive District embraces Medfield, Dover, Needham,
Norfolk, and Wellesley, and Norfolk has had since its
incorporation one representative, Levi Mann, in 1882.
Town House.—The present town house was for- |
merly the church building belonging to the North |
Parish, and was erected in 1796.
It was entirely re- |
modeled in 1879, and is now a convenient, neat, and |
attractive building, surmounted by a tower, in which
is a clock the gift of Mr. Josiah Ware. The build-
ing is beautifully located, and the tower affords an ex- |
tensive view of the surrounding country.
The present valuation of Norfolk is $397,856, and |
the number of voters one hundred and thirty.
At the first gubernatorial election held in the town
William Claflin received eighty-eight votes, John
31, 1884:
ABSTRACT FROM SCHOOL REGISTERS.
$id | 3 zp
| hace = | *
3/8 |: isa \Se| _
|oe| 2 |S |e | 8 | | o
2e| 2 iaSl|no|n?e|
ae EE a | 2 = ls 3 bs 2 | Teachers’ Names. | 5
re) 9, |e wo | eS | pa
jom| Pie |Se\53) Z
| aay go
= q|/% |4 | |e
Spring Term. ! | |
@entres-...s.c 44 | 35 | 79 | 0 | 0 | Olive A. Thompson|$36
North......... 30} 29 96/1 | 0 | Lizzie Turkington.| 36
Felting Mills 30 | 27 90. 0 1 | Malvina V. Scott. | 32
River End....| 17.) 15 | 88 | 0 1 | Nettie L. Poole. 32
Pondville...... 11 | 10 | 91°} 0 0 | Lucey A. Warren. | 28
Stony Brook... 13 | 10 | 78 | 0 0 | Mabel E. Caffin. | 30
"all Term. |
Centresccse.-ss a 92 0 0 | Jessie G. Prescott. | 36
Noni bese esessse 31 | 29 93! 0 | 0 | Lizzie Turkington.) 36
Felting Mills) 32 | 27 | 84 0 1 | Malvina V. Scott. | 32
River End..... 11 10 | 90 | 0 0 | Ida M. Guild. 1392
F ( Lucy A. Warren
= C J 5)
Pondville......| 11 | 10 ! 91 0 | i iielia EO attire 0
Stony Brook... 15 |! 12 801! 1 0 | Josie M. Gove. 28
Winter Term. |
Gentretea.cc.se ANS 3 OMe ionled 0 | Jessie G. Prescott. 36
INorthits..c<cse mon ees PS Term unfinished.
Felting Mills 27 | 15 | 55 | 0 | O | Malvina V. Scott. | 32
| River End....| 14] 14 100] 0 | 0 | Ida M. Guild. 32
Pondville...... 8 | 7 | 92] 0 | 0 | Lucy M. King. 28
Stony Brook.. 12} 8 67] 0 | 0 | Josie M. Gove. 30
|
976
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
JOSIAH WARE.
Josiah Ware is descended in a direct line from
Robert Ware, husbandman, who, we are informed by
a record prepared by W. B. Trask, of Dorchester,
settled in that part of Dedham, Mass., afterwards
ealled Wrentham.
prietors of lands granted June 12, 1642; was made
He was one of the original pro-
freeman May 26, 1647; wasa member of the artillery |
company in 1644, and died April 19, 1699. He is
referred to on the town records as ‘‘ Robert Ware the
aged,” and his name stands second, in point of wealth,
on the tax list of that period. He was one of six
who were “impressed, by virture of a warrant from y°
major” in Dedham, to serve in the King Philip war.
His estate was appraised by his administrators at
£250 2s. 10d. This Robert Ware (1) married Mar-
garet Hunting; their children were John, Nathaniel,
Robert, Esther, Samuel, Ephraim, Ebenezer. Of
these, Nathaniel (2), whose wife was named Mary,
was born Oct. 7, 1649; died July 1, 1724. Their
children were five sons and three daughters. One of
the sons, Josiah (3), was born in Wrentham, March
21, 1707.
hood he went to Needham, purchased a tract of un-
cultivated land, which he improved and cultivated,
and on which he resided till his death, 1798. He
married Lydia Macintire, Jan. 7, 1741. Their chil-
dren were Josiah, Elijah, Lydia, Elijah (2). His
second wife was Dorothy Dewen, by whom he had
Asa, Dorothy, Joseph, and Daniel. His third wife
was Mehitable Whitney, by whom he had Mehitable
and William. His fourth wife was Sibel Robinson.
By this marriage there was no issue. Of these ten
children some of them attained positions of promi-
Soon after arriving at the age of man-
nence and were men of noteintheir day. Asa fought
under Gen. Lee, and lost a hand at the battle of Mon-
mouth.
at Wrentham nearly forty years.
and at the commencement of the war of the Revolu-
He was deacon of the Congregational Church |
Joseph was a farmer, |
Josiah (4), the eldest son, and ancestor of the
Josiah whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was
born in Needham, Sept. 15,1742. He removed when
young to Wrentham, married Lois, daughter of Elisha
and Phebe Ware, June 8, 1770. He was a very
worthy man, and an industrious, enterprising farmer,
and was one of the building committee for erecting
the first church in North Wrentham. His children
were Rhoda (died young), Eunice, (married Daniel
Cook), Josiah, Elisha, Lucy (married Benjamin Rock-
wood), Darius, and Lois (married Josiah Codding).
He died Oct. 23, 1836.
Josiah (5) was brought up on the farm, but also
learned shoemaking. He married Mehitable Richard-
son, daughter of Eli Richardson, of Franklin (now
Norfolk), and removed to Oxford, Mass. There their
_ only child, Josiah (6), was born, Dec. 12, 1812; and
when he was but six years of age, Mrs. Ware died.
Mr. Ware then went west to New York State, where
he married again, and a few years later died. Young
Josiah was adopted into the family of his uncle, Daniel
Cook, of Wrentham, where he received a common-
school education, and was brought up to work on the
The abundance of out-door exercise in his
youth assisted in laying the foundation for a very
farm.
vigorous constitution, and to-day, at upwards of seventy
years, he looks as though he had cheated old Father
He is one of the
best-preserved men of his years in Norfolk County, or
Time out of at least twenty years.
perhaps in the State. Upon attaining his majority
he left Mr. Cook and hired out to work on a neigh-
boring farm one year, at the expiration of which
time he returned to Mr. Cook. In his twenty-fourth
| year he married Patty M., daughter of Enoch and
| Betsey Blake, of Wrentham.
tion he entered the army and served through the
war, was at the battles of Concord and Ticonderoga,
and acted as orderly-sergeant and recruiting officer.
Col. Benedict Arnold, in the disastrous expedition
against Quebec. During this expedition he suffered
He then purchased a small farm in Wrentham and
engaged in agriculture, in addition to which he also
did a great deal of lumbering and teaming of various
kinds, and gradually but surely built up his little
In December, 1860, Mrs. Ware died, leav-
Mr. Ware married as his second wife,
fortune.
ing no issue.
January, 1862, Ann Blake, sister of his first consort.
When the Norfolk County Railroad (now New
York and New England Railroad) was built, Mr.
| Ware was appointed its first agent at Norfolk Station,
He was one of the soldiers who engaged in 1775, under |
almost incredible hardships, as is shown by a journal |
which he kept, and which has since been published.
Daniel, another son, passed two short terms of service
in the army as orderly sergeant, and afterwards filled
various public offices in Needham.
_ dwelling-house and out-buildings.
a position which he has held to the present time
through all changes of administration and manage-
ment. In order to be convenient to his business he
purchased land adjacent to the depot, and erected a
At this place he
_ has continued to reside to the present time.
In addition to his duties as railroad agent he has
carried on farming, teaming, and lumbering somewhat
es li
NORFOLK.
977
extensively, and at one time did a very considerable
livery business. He is at present doing a large |
lumber business in copartnership with C. J. Murphy,
a young man whom Mr. Ware brought up from the
age of thirteen.
In political matters Mr. Ware has always taken a_
liberal and broad stand, voting for the man rather
than the party. He has devoted himself to his busi- |
ness, and avoided all office-seeking, although he has |
consented to fill a number of minor positions.
He has been a remarkably energetic and industrious
man, public-spirited and enterprising in all matters
pertaining to the public weal and welfare of his town.
And when any matter of public improvement has
been undertaken, he has always stood ready to do his ©
part, and more.
An instance will serve to illustrate the character of |
the man. When it was proposed to erect a town
house, an old church was tendered by the parish as a |
62
building suitable for the purpose when properly re-
paired. It was the old house where from his boy-
hood Mr. Ware had attended church, and his rever-
ence for the ancient and venerable structure was such,
-and his desire for its preservation, that he took a very
active part, and gave of his means substantial aid
toward having it repaired and remodeled. He was
chairman of the building committee, and when com-
pleted he placed therein, at his own expense, an ele-
gant and valuable tower clock, which will tell the
hour to the passer-by for many a year, and stand as a
striking example of Mr. Ware’s generous nature.
| This is but one of many liberal deeds, but it is illus-
trative.
Mr. Ware enjoys to an eminent degree the confi-
dence of his fellow-townsmen, and is one of the few
representatives of the ancient and honorable pioneer
families of this section who converted the wilderness
into the blooming garden and fruitful field.
DAs ded kts IN I ae
THE NORFOLK CLUB. |
|
|
BY A. E. SPROUL. |
THE Norfolk Club was organized on March 15,
1884, at Young’s Hotel, in Boston, by gentlemen
representing the Republican party of Norfolk County.
It was the result of a movement which had been
begun only a few weeks before, but which, from the
very start, had met with almost unexampled favor
among the class of gentlemen whom it was designed
to interest in its welfare. At one or two previous
gatherings of the projectors of the club a preliminary
organization had been effected, and a committee was
appointed to issue a “call” for a dinner and report a
plan for permanent organization. Upwards of one
hundred and twenty-five gentlemen having assem- |
bled in one of the hotel parlors, therefore, previous
to the dinner, the president pro tempore, Maj. J. H.
Gould, of Medfield, called them to order, and intro-
duced Mr. George Fred Williams, of Dedham, chair- |
man of the committee before mentioned. Mr. Wil-
liams briefly summarized the previous doings of the |
|
|
gentlemen who originated the organization, and then, |
|
on behalf of the committee, presented a series of by- |
laws and a list of permanent officers for the action
of the gentlemen present. The by-laws, which were
adopted after a brief discussion, were as follows:
“ ArtTIcLE I, This Club shall be called the Norfolk Club, its object
being for political and social purposes only.
“ ARTICLE II, The officers shall consist of a president, ten vice-presi-
dents, a secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee of five mem-
bers, who shall be elected at the first meeting held in each year.
“ArticLE LIT, All recommendations or applications for membership
shall be made to the executive committee in writing, and, if approved
by them, shall be reported to the next regular meeting. Five votes in
the negative shall exclude a candidate from admission.
““ArtTICLE LY. Au admissiou-fee of two dollars shall be paid by each
new member, and the annual dues shall be one dollar each; and no
person shall be entitled to membership until after payment of the
same.
“ARTICLE V, Meetings of the Club shall be held at such times and
places as the executive committee shall deem advisable, and notice to
all members shall be sent by the secretary.
“ARTICLE VI, The executive committee shall have the general man-
agement of the affairs of the Club, including invitations to guests; but
this shall not exclude members from inviting friends.”
The list of officers presented was also unanimously
ratified, as follows: President, Asa French, of Brain- |
tree; Vice-Presidents, Moses Williams, of Brookline,
J.H. Gould, of Medfield, David W. Tucker, of Milton,
John W. Candler, of Brookline, J. White Belcher, of
Randolph, Frank M. Ames, of Canton, Warren E.
978
Locke, of Norwood, Joseph G. Ray, of Franklin, Dr.
W. E. C. Swan, of Stoughton, Albert Jennings, of
Wellesley; Secretary, George Fred Williams, of
Dedham; Treasurer, Enos H. Tucker, of Needham;
"Executive Committee, J. Walter Bradlee, of Milton,
Charles H. Smith, of Dover, Warren W. Adams, of
Quincy, H. A. Thomas, of Weymouth, Fred H. Wil-
_liams, of Foxborough.
At the conclusion of the business meeting the gen-
tlemen adjourned to the dining-room. When cigars
had been reached, in due course, Maj. Gould briefly
introduced Mr. George Fred Williams, of Dedham,
as the presiding officer of the occasion. The latter
gentleman announced that members of the Middlesex
and Massachusetts Clubs, who had been dining in the
same hotel, had been invited to come in and join the
Norfolk. A few moments later the gentlemen of the
two clubs marched in, the Norfolk members rising
and applauding loudly. The post-prandial exercises
were participated in by well-known gentlemen of
each of the three clubs, and were of a most interesting
and jovial nature.
Hon. Asa French, the president of the new club, is
a resident of South Braintree, where his home has
been for many years. Never active in politics, he
has given his best energies to the practice of his pro-
fession,—the Jaw. For a number of years he was
_ district attorney for the southeastern district (com-
prising Norfolk and Plymouth Counties), where he
achieved a high professional distinction. Declining
a seat upon the bench of the Superior Court, tendered
him by Governor Long, he resigned his attorneyship
in the fall of 1882 to accept an appointment as one of
the judges of the Court of Alabama Claims in Wash-
ington. Some years ago Mr. French represented the
town of Braintree in the Massachusetts House of
Representatives. His fitness for the presidency of
the new club was immediately recognized.
The following gentlemen had signed the by-laws,
and constituted themselves members of the club, up
to the close of the club’s second dinner, on April 12,
1884, on which occasion several State officials and
other distinguished men were present as guests :
Name. Post-office Address.
Je MW DITE|BelChent....esceveneccrcranceuscssecess «Randolph.
J. Walter Bradlee.. ..-Miltou.
Charles H. Smith..... .-..Dover.
Warren W. Adams...... ees QUINCY:
George Fred Williams.. .... Dedham.
EIS NI PW ed erhentes-scccesccasscteascereesss --+- Quincy.
Wire Olrcsssasccessescess «... Quincy.
Fred H. Williams ............. .... Foxborough.
Hrastus Worthington. ..........sssccecscccones Dedham.
a "Se 2 We
S. S. Gifford......
Name.
APPENDIX. 979
Post-office Address.
Je ELA OUIM hacsnaesastcesccc-suscextcoussuccesconasnLedneld.
S.C. Putnam.....
M. F. Johnson.....
Henry H. Faxon.....
Jonathan Wales...
George B. Nichols
Alfred E. Newhal
Jobn Q. A. Field....
en
Randolph.
... Weymouth.
--- Quincy.
Charles H. Mayo..... ... Wellesley.
Tm Se NLOUSOsenaeteneneass sa --- Dedham.
John M. Whitcomb... . ‘South Weymouth.
Richard L. Gay......... -.- Hyde Park,
Napoleon B. Furnald.. ... Quincy.
Samuel L. White....... --- Holbrook.
Isaac Fenno............ ...Canton.
=
James T. Stevens.
Thomas E£. Grover...
George D. Willis..
N. W. Dunbar.....
Sanford Waters Billings..
Henry 8. Bunton
«south Braintree.
.--Canton.
..South Braintree.
...Canton,
...Sharon.
... Hyde Park.
.. Stoughton.
... Medfield.
see
Milton M. Fisher......... ... Medway.
Albert Jennings..
R. G. F. Candage........ 2
James W. Edgerly.. .
.--- Wellesley.
.--- Brookline.
.- Brookline.
J.T. Southworth..... 2 --- Holbrook.
Lyman K. Putney... ... Wellesley.
J. W. C. Seavey ...... ...Canton.
J. Anson Guild.........
William A. Wyckoff...
William F. Ray...
Elijah A. Morse.........
Samuel M. Colcor
Eben Higgins...
IBS Re Baker sc-ces
Waldo F. Ward.
... Brookline,
... Franklin.
..Franktin.
...Canton.
Dover.
Dover.
... Brookline.
.-- Hyde Park.
d.
Orin 'T. Gray........ sotsa ..-Hyde Park.
John 8. Bleakie.... dosnacsaterenges Hyde Park.
HerbertiMoseleyi.2.<.2:..-2-.<<.00---.02--- --- Needham,
George W. Tisdale..
William Gorse...
ED: ACH iY cee
J.D. Hwnt..:.
James M. Ellis..
F. H. Maddocks.
.-- Needham.
... ighlandville.
... Hyde Park.
... Foxborough.
... Dedham.
..-- Foxborough.
Louis A. Cook........ -.-South Weymouth.
Ephraim A. Wood........ .-. Wellesley.
Robert W. Carpenter...........40. --- Foxborough.
Williamivlts W062 --c-<.ccecccus -+ seeeeeeee Plainville,
Willisr Wis Wullenccsssct--c.ccases see sees Plainville.
Benjamin H. Sanborn..
Peco atcsnanccescaaccsnsceecescsee Plainville.
....Canton.
.--. Wellesley.
HARMS DEN Er ts Aeccesct soc cdtescecesee<esdavecacecss Needham.
C. W. Fearing......
P. 8. Young, Jr.
F. E. Holmes......
Charles J. McKen
George W. Wiggin .........
E. B. Thorndike...
A. T. Starkey....
Emery Grover...
Cyrus W. Jones.
0. C. Livermore...
W.R Chester........
Everett J. Eaton.
George R. R. Rivers..
Sumner C. Chandl
Mass. Ins. Technology, Boston.
aenencsctcesspeusecccrsuscesercer Dedham,
....Canton.
....Franklin.
...- Franklin.
Saesoace «Canton.
.... Foxborough.
.... Needham.
.... Needham,
Bodvcssere .... Wellesley Hills,
fe ..- Brookline.
.... Needham.
..-. Milton.
7ie....
er. ..-. Brookline.
Joseph G. Ray..... «Franklin.
John C. Lane...... .... Norwood.
J. P.S. Churchill. ....Milton.
John B. Bass.........- .-.- Quincy.
John T. Stetson...
Arthur Williams..
Fravk M. Ames...
Oakes Ames..............
Augustus L. Ware....
.... Franklin.
eee .... Brookline.
Serko ....Canton.
moose Canton.
.-.. Hast Medway.
Charles F. Jenney..... ....Hyde Park.
Frederick D. Ely.
Henry N. Clark...
Edward Rosenfeld...
George E Downes..
Samuel H. Capen.
F. L. Babcock......
E. H. Tucker...
A. R. Holmes...
James R. Wild..
Aaron Twigg......
William W. Thom
W. F. Humphrey
John Humphrey.......
Cornelius L. White...
Joseph McKean Churchill...
J. Winsor Pratt...
.... Dedham.
.... Holbrook.
..-South Weymouth.
.--.Canton,.
.Canton.
peed -Dedham.
seas .Needham.
cnate -Canton.
aensieces ..-- Quincey.
penis ..-. East Stoughton.
Susaeeancautaencctierasssmnricasees Needham.
as sees vooee- QUINCY.
A .-.- Brookline.
.... Dorchester.
.--. Brookville.
Bees .... East Weymouth.
-.-- South Weymouth.
-East Medway.
.. Milton.
codededendocachacnacacoaocoarndcn Randolph.
Name. Post-office Address,
HGS -DUM DUS seencaraceciestunsionssseeasaccneresere- INC.
George M. Towle. .. Brookline.
Asa P. French ..South Braintree.
IAS EL PO WEY ccesesene ss .. Cohasset.
H. H. MeQuillen.... Dedham
George B. French.. Holbrook,
Charles H. Porter.......... + Quincy.
Edward Isaiah Thomas.. ..-. Brookline.
ATONZOMS.) WON CWOFT Mc. csccssccsecstcuccenosess Dedham.
E. D. Houston............. .... Franklin.
Walter R. Swan.... seeeees. Stoughton.
William Curtis...... seeeeeeee StOUCHtOD.
L. W. Morrison... ..... Braintree.
MOVs AGG sacs. sconctecccccvocsccassddcesctiecverieete Needham.
POSITANO CCU erecacstepcccaseascccaencesvarscsstadoess South Weymouth.
Bradfordsh@wis:s.c:-csseccesssssscesechsss0seen ee: Walpole.
BW. Rockwood) Halle. sc -.-<c,.ccc0seesessecssssccas: Brookline.
Charles J. McPherson.... .. Walpole
COUGH ath away ccccccasecosccss-eceaecseene-craees Randolph.
Frank B. Rich.... .. Hyde Park
J. Q. A. Lothrop. Cohasset
Wer; MIshOr)scccssesc ..Medwa
SHAR Merrillysccperet cere .. Wollaston Heights.
Theophilus King, Jr.. -- Quincy.
Rufus C. Wood........... .. Dedham.
C. A. Thayer...... .. Randolph.
He Wiy Prattzns.sce- ...Randolph.
Charles Endicott.. ... Canton.
W. E. C. Swan...... ... Stoughton.
DL Whi tOnnecseceses -- Quincy Point.
Samuel R. Moseley.. cae ... Hyde Park.
Walton Hallimer..cs:.- one ---Quincy Point.
Os Wa Alkemiisitsicciceeccscccsescscte cose ... Hyde Park.
Robert Bleakie.......... oss ... Hyde Park
George A. Fletcher... Milton.
Frederic J. Stinson.... ...Dedham,
AS RHITON Chiteccnccesceentscarcacseeees Sceescovescsses Braintree,
QUINCY.
The Quincy Patriot, which is the oldest paper in
Norfolk County, was established in Quincy, Mass.,
Jan. 1, 1837, by Messrs. Green & Osborne. It was
conducted only three months under this firm when
Mr. Osborne retired, and Mr. John A. Green, the
senior member, assumed the control, and it continued
under his management the succeeding fourteen years.
In July, 1851, Mr. Green sold the Patriot to Messrs.
Gideon F. Thayer and George White. These gentle-
men being unacquainted with the printing business,
found, notwithstanding the talent and ability they
brought into their new field of labor, that the editing
of a country paper was not a remunerative business,
and after nine months of editorial honors Mr. Thayer
sold his interest to Mr. White, who for the year fol-
lowing labored hard, only to find, like his retiring
partner, that his editorial labors were not a financial
success.
Mr. Green again became its possessor, and-eontin-
ued its publication until his death, in 1861. At this
time his widow assumed charge, and continued its
publication until 1869, when Mr. George W. Pres-
cott, who had been her business manager, entered
into a partnership, and the Patriot has been con-
ducted very successfully under their editorial labors,
and has now a circulation unsurpassed by any other
paper in the county.
When the Patriot was first published in 1837 it was
a very diminutive sheet, being only twenty by thirty
inches in size. When Messrs. Thayer & White became
owners they increased the size to twenty-two by thirty-
two inches. It remained this size until 1866, when
it was enlarged to twenty-four by thirty-six inches.
980
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
In 1872 it was again enlarged to twenty-six and a half | Hardwick & Co.; Samuel Martin, Thomas Hollis,
by forty-one inches. The publishers in 1880 again
felt the necessity of enlarging the Patriot to meet the
wants of their numerous patrons.
made to the size twenty-nine by forty-four inches ;
and a beautiful engraving representing the granite
business, the principal business of the town, was
placed at the top of the first page.
The Patriot has now almost reached a half-century,
and can feel proud of its record, for during all this
time it has never missed one publication, and has
always been set in type and printed in the building
that the first number was issued from. The present
publishers have made it an independent sheet, free
from all sectarian and political bias, and have thereby
secured a very large advertising patronage, and at the
same time secured a very large circulation at a sub-
scription price of two dollars and fifty cents per year.
The Quincy Aurora was started by Charles Clapp,
Jan. 1, 1848, and was discontinued in about three
years.
The Quincy Free Press was established Sept. 7,
1878, by N. T. Merritt, but is now obsolete.
Quincy Quarry Interest.—The following is a list
of the firms that have been engaged in the quarry |
business since 1813. The date preceding the name
indicates the date of beginning business. 18138, New-
comb & Richards, composed of Bryant Newcomb and
Joseph Richards; 1817, William Packard; 1825,
Granite Railway Company, Gridley Bryant, agent,
succeeded by S. R. Robinson, George Penniman, J.
B. Whicher, and O. E. Shelden; 1827, Richards &
Newcomb (Joseph Richards, Jonathan Newcomb) ;
1827, Bunker Hill Association, Solomon Williard,
agent; 1827, Samuel Martin; 1828, Thomas Hollis;
1829, Newcomb Brothers (Jona A. and Samuel New-
comb); 1829, Richards & Munn (Joseph Richards,
Luther Munn); 1834, Thomas Hollis, Jr.; 1884-42,
Wright & Barker (Henry Barker and Abel Wright) ;
1842-64, Barker, Wright & Co.; 1866, Henry Barker
& Sons; 1835, O. T. Rogers & Co. (O. T. Rogers,
Jacob Bunton, Samuel Babcock, and Noah Cum-
mings); 1836, Moore, Day & Co.; 1836, A. J. Moshier
& Co.; 1886, Beal & Frederick (Horace Beal and
Eleazer Frederick); 1837, Frederick &. Field (E.
This time it was |
Thomas Hollis & Flanders, Rattlesnake Quarry, now
worked by O. T. Rogers & Co.; Bass Quarry, now
worked by Frederick & Field; William M. Kidder
also worked the Bass Quarry, John L. Dutton also
worked the Gass Quarry, and Ezra Badger worked
near Mount Ararat, now operated by Churchill & Co.;
Frederick J. Fuller, James Garrety, Lewis Dell & Co.,
Carris & Co., William Shay & Son, McKenzie &
Patterson, Mitchel Granite-Works, Badger Brothers,
P. F. Lacy, Harris Farnum, Adam Vogle & Son,
J. S. Vogle, Miller & Luce, McDonald Brothers,
Merrymount Granite Co., McGrath Brothers, and
numerous others, embracing probably nearly one hun-
dred firms engaged in the various branches of the
business.
REPRESENTATIVES TO GENERAL COURT FROM 1792 TO 1884
1792. Peter Boylston Adams, Esq. | 1840. Henry Wood.
1793. Voted not to send, | 1841. William B. Duggan,
1794. Peter Boylston Adams, Esq. | 1842. John Gregory.
1795. Benjamin Beale, Esq. | 1843. No choice.
1796. Voted not to send, 1844. Voted not to send.
1797. Moses Black, Esq. | 1845. No choice.
1798. Benjamin Beale, Esq. | 1846. No choice.
| 1799-1802. Moses Black. | 1847. No choice.
1803. Voted not to send. 1848. George Marsh.
1849,
1850.
Voted not to send.
Joseph W. Robertson.
George Marsh.
No choice.
Noah Cummings.
Frederick A. Trask.
No choice.
Wyman Abercrombie.
Thomas C. Webb.
Wyman Abercrombie.
William W. Baxter.
George L. Gill.
Francis M, Johnson.
Franklin Curtis.
William S. Morton,
Jonathan Jameson.
Charles Marsh.
Noah Cummings.
1804. Moses Black.
1805. Thomas B. Adams.
1806. Benjamin Beale.
1807. Voted not to send.
1808-11. Thomas Greenleaf.
1812-20. Thomas Greenleaf.
Benjamin Beale.
1821. Edward Miller.
Noah Curtis.
1822. Voted not to send.
1823-24. Edward Miller.
1825. Peter Whitney.
1826. Voted not to send.
1827. John Whitney.
1828-30. Jolin Souther.
1831. John Souther.
Edward Glover.
2. Thomas Taylor.
1851.
1852.
| 1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
| 1860.
1861.
Frederick and William Field); 1838, New York Ex- |
change Company, Solomon Williard, agent; 1840, |
Richards, Munn & Co. (Joseph Richards, Luther |
Munn, Lysander Richards, and John S. Lyons) ;
1844, J. B. Whicher & Co. (J. B. Whicher, O. E.
Shelden, J. Jameson, and Samuel Ely).
The following are also engaged in the quarrying
Josiah Bemis, Joel Bemis, George Fol-
lett, Thomas Drake; Greenleaf Quarry: James New-
comb worked in the South and North Commons; B.
Newcomb, J.
business:
South Common; Ezra Beals worked the Gass Quarry,
now worked by Field & Wild; William Pacher
worked the Pacher Quarry, now worked by C. H. |
Newcomb, and 8. Newcomb, in the |
Edward Glover. 1862. John Chamberlin.
1833. Thomas Taylor. 1863. Henry Barker.
Edward Glover. 1864. Henry H. Faxon.
John Souther. 1865. John Quincy Adams.
| 1866.
1867.
George L. Gill.
John Quincy Adams,
1834-35. Thomas Taylor.
Edward Glover.
Harvey Field. 1868. Henry Barker.
1836. Harvey Field. | 1869. Edmund B. Taylor.
1837. John Whitney. 1870. John Quincy Adams.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
Henry H. Faxon.
James A. Stetson.
John Quincy Adams.
William A. Hodges.
John D. Whicher.
1838. William B. Duggan.
| Lemuel Spear.
James Newcomb,
1839. Nathaniel White.
; George Baxter.
Ebenezer Bent.
In 1876 a change was made in the representative
districts. Quincey and Weymouth were united and
allowed three representatives. Since then the fol-
lowing have been elected, viz. :
1876.—Henry F. Barker, of Quincy; Benjamin S. Lovell, George F.
Hayden, of Weymouth.
| 1877.—Edwin W. Marsh, of Quincy; Benjamin S. Lovell, George F.
Hayden, of Weymouth.
| 1878.—Edwin W. Marsh, Edwin B. Pratt, of Quincy ; Freeman Hollis,
of Weymouth.
. e
APPENDIX.
981
1879.—Edwin B. Pratt, of Quincy; Nathan D. Canterbury, Louis A. |
Cook, of Weymouth. ;
1880.—Charles H. Porter, James Edwards, of Quincy; Nathan D. Can- |
terbury, of Weymouth.
1881.—Charles H. Porter, of Quincy; Francis A. Bicknell, Nathan D.
Canterbury, of Weymouth.
1882.— William G. A. Pattee, Willian N. Eaton, and George A. Barker,
all of Quincy.
1883.—William G. A. Pattee, William N. Eaton, of Quincy; George A.
Cushing, of Weymouth.
QUINCY’S QUOTA, 1861-1866.
Compiled from the Adjutant-General’s Records.
Three Months’ Service, 1861.
FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M.
Mustered in the United States service, April 22, 1861, for three months,
and discharged July 22, 1861.
Abner B. Packard, col. ; Henry M. Saville, surg.; William L. Faxon,
assist. surg.; Henry Walker, adjt.
Company H.
Robert Monk, sergt.
William H. H. Lapham, corp.
Thomas Smith, corp.
William S. Wilbur, corp.
Morton Packard, corp.
Franklin Curtis, capt.
Edward A. Spear, 1st lieut.
Benjamin F. Meservey, 2d lieut.
Charles F. Pray, Ist sergt.
Matthew M. C. Chubbuck, sergt.
John Williams, sergt.
Privates.
Brockett, Caleb.
Chubbuck, David T.
Colburn, Lemuel A.
Dowd, James J.
Feltis, William H.
French, Deniel F.
Gibson, George W.
Hayden, George L.
Jameson, Charles H.
Josselyn, Robert.
Kimball, Howard M1
Lamson, John H.
Lapham, Frederick A.
Lapham, Joseph A.
Larkin, John.
Marden, Frank M.
The following were recruited to fillupthe company, were mustered in
May 22, 1861, and served two months:
George W. Pope, drum-major.
Bent, Luther S.
Bent, F. Edward.
Barker, Henry F.
Bass, Benjamin F.
Baxter, William H.
Brown, Edwin.
Burrill, David J.
Chubbuck, Percy, Jr.
Cleverly, George F.
Cunningham, James H.
Cummings, Noah lL.
Damon, Edward, Jr.
Enderle, Joseph 8S.
Ewell, Lendell H.
Fisher, Richard H.
Nightingale, Alonzo A.
Nightingale, Samuel A.
Nutting, Charles A.
Nutting, Edward W. H.
Perkins, Edward L.
Pope, Alexander P.
Pope, William O.
Reynolds, William W.
Riley, Charles D,
Rideout, Luke A.
Shaw, Horatio E.
Spear, Warren Q.
Totman, Freeman M.
Turner, Henry C.1
Turner, John Bl
Wildman, Henry G.
Albert Keating, musician.
Privates.
Furnald, Alonzo.
Glover, Nathaniel E.
Hunt, Charles N.
Josephs, Freeman.
Joyce, Edwin L.
Margue, Peter P.
Newcomb, Peter.
Nightingale, Wyman B.
Parker, John, Jr.
Pierce, Charles E.
Prior, Hiram B.
Sheen, William G.
Spear, Christopher A.
Souther, Francis L.?
Souther, Horace O.
FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY YM. V. M., Company G.
Southern, George G.
SIXTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. VY. M., Company E,
Whitney, John.
1 Non-resident.
2 Died from wounds received at battle of Big Bethel.
Three Years’ Service.
FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
| Sampson, Charles M., Co. D, must. May 24,1861; disch. November, 1865;
pro. capt.and A.Q.M., U.S. V.
| Bent, Luther M., Co. I, must. May 24, 1861; died Oct. 1, 1862.
Kidder, George R., Co. I, must. May 24, 1861; disch. May 25, 1864.
SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Nutting, Abel, Band, must. May 25, 1861: disch. Sept. 8, 1862.
Watson, Benjamin, Band, must. May 25, 1861; disch. Sept. 8, 1862.
Starbuck, George, Co. E, must. May 25, 1861; died Feb. 24, 1863.
Billings, James D., Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; disch. Feb. 4, 1863.
Cronin, John, Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; disch. Oct. 17, 1863.
Moriarty, Dennis, Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; died April 1, 1862.
O’Connell, Andrew, Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; disch. July 26, 1863.
O’Connell, Maurice, Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; disch. July 26, 1863.
Scannell, James, Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; disch. April 22, 1863.
Toal, John, Co. G, must. May 25, 1861; disch. May 28, 1864.
Hathaway, George B., Co. G, must. Aug. 29, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865.
Alston, Michael, Johnson, William, Lomas, William, unassigned recruits,
must. June 15, 1864, but never joined the regiment.
SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Hetherston, Martin C, sergt. Co. E, must. June 15, 1861; disch. Dec. 26,
1863, to re-enlist.; re-enl. Dec. 27, 1863; trans. to 37th Inf. June 14,
1864.
Keegan, Stephen J., Co. E, must. June 15, 1861; disch. June 27, 1864.
NINTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Dasey, Daniel, Co. A, must. Feb. 4, 1862; deserted April 29, 1863.
Kirvan, Thomas, Co. A, June 11, 1861; deserted Aug. 21, 1863.
Buchan, William, Co. B, must. Feb. 18, 1862; trans. to 32d Inf. June 9,
1864.
McIntire, William, Co. B, must. June 11, 1861; deserted June 29, 1863.
| Burke, William, Co. C, must. Feb. 11, 1862; trans. to 32d Inf. June 10,
1864.
O’Mahony, Daniel, Co. C, must. Feb. 26, 1862 ; trans. to 32d Inf. June
10, 1864.
O’Neal, Patrick, Co. C, must. June 11, 1861; deserted Aug. 28, 1862.
Messer, Charles E., Co. D, must. June 11, 1861; disch. March 20, 1863.
Daveron, Michael, Co. E, must. June 11, 1861; disch. June 21, 1864.
| Enright, Michael, Co. E, must. June 11, 1861; died Jan. 11, 1863.
Fenton, Michael, Co. E, must. June 11, 1861; trans. to 17th Inf.
Nole, James P., Co. E, must. Aug. 2), 1863; killed May 12, 1864.
McGann, John, Co. G, must. Feb. 5, 1862; disch. March 6, 1863.
Doran, Andrew, corp., Co. I, must. June 11, 1861; disch. Feb. 12, 1863.
Cullen, John, Co. I, must. June 11, 1861; disch. Nov. 19, 1862.
Mundy, Bernard, Co. I, must. June 11, 1861; disch. Sept. 21, 1861.
Flynn, Joseph, Co. K, must. June 11, 1861; killed May 5, 1864.
Naphut, Mathias, Co. K, must. Aug. 21, 1863; trans. to 32d Inf.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Ricker, John W., Co. A, must. June 13, 1861; disch. Dec. 28, 1863, to
re-enlist; re-enl. Dec. 29, 1863; disch. July 14, 1865.
Connell, John, Co. C, must. June 13, 1861; disch. June 24, 1864.
Fallon, Thomas, Co. D, must. June 13, 1861; disch. Sept. 21, 1863.
Scott, John, Co. E, must. June 13,1861; disch. June 24, 1864.
Howe, Belcher S., corp., Co. F, must. Dec. 26, 1863; disch, Juty 14,1865 ;
trans. from 16th Inf.
Quincy, Charles 0., Co. F, must. June 13, 1861; disch. June 17, 1864;
trans. to V. R. C. July 16, 1863.
Wood, Henry A., Co. F, must. June 13, 1861; missing Aug. 29, 1862.
Bent, George A., Co. H, must. June 13, 1861; disch. June 24, 1864;
trans. to V. R. C. Sept. 12, 1863.
Bent, John Q., Co. H, must. June 13, 1861; disch. June 24, 1864.
Ryan, Peter, Co. H, must. June 13, 1861; disch. August, 1865; trans. to
U.S. A. Nov. 1, 1862.
White, Henry C., Co. I, must. June 13, 1861; disch. June 14, 1864;
trans. to V. R. C. Aug. 24, 1863.
Maloney, Thomas, Co. K, must. Aug. 14, 1863; died March 13, 1864,
TWELFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Manning, Michael, sergt., Co. C, must. June 21, 1861; disch. April 1,
1864.
| Thayer, William F., Co. C, must. June 21, 1861; disch, Dec. 4, 1863.
| Pratt, J. Wesley, Co. D, must. July 10, 1863; disch. Jan. 4, 1864.
982
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Phillips, George L., Co. E, must. June 26, 1861; disch. July 8, 1864.
Wright, George W., sergt., Co. K, must. June 26, 1861; disch. July 8,
1864.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Holden, Henry A., Co. A, must. July 16, 1861; killed Aug. 30, 1862.
Bigelow, Loring, corp., Co. B, must. July 16, 1861; died Oct. 18, 1862.
Field, William A., Co. B, must. July 16, 1861; disch. June 25, 1862.
Stetson, Warren B., Co. B, must. July 16, 1861; disch. Dec. 30, 1862.
Brown, Frank, Co. G, must. July 28, 1863; trans. to navy April 23, 1864,
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Moore, Henry, Co. G, must. Aug. 1, 1863; deserted April 18, 1864.
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. VY.
Hart, Bernard, corp., Co. A, must. July 2, 1861; disch. Oct. 12,1863.
Gallagher, Edward, Co. C, must. Aug. 17, 1863 ; deserted Feb. 27, 1864.
Bowditch, Joseph E., Co. F, must. Dec. 23, 1861; disch. Aug. 26, 1863.
Howe, Belcher S.. corp., Co. I, must. Dec. 23, 1861; disch. Dec. 26, 1863,
to re-enlist; re-enl. Dec. 27, 1863; traus. to 11th Inf. July 11, 1864.
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M.V.
Maley, Melville, sergt., Co. D, must. Sept. 20, 1864; disch. June 30,
1865.
Briggs, William H., Co. D, must. Sept. 13, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865 ;
trans. from 2d Heavy Artillery.
Fenton, Michael, Co. D, must. March 10, 1862; disch. May 9, 1863.
Fallon, Patrick, Co. E, must. Jan. 26,1862; disch. March 14, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Usher, James, Co. E, must. Jan. 20, 1862; disch. April 3, 1863.
Murphy, James B., corp., Co. G, must. Sept. 2, 1864; disch. June 30,
1865; trans. from 2d Heavy Artillery.
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Meservey, Benjamin F., Ist lieut., must. Aug. 20, 1861; disch. Sept. 2,
1864; pro. capt. Oct, 24, 1862; brey. maj.
Hunt, James W., Co. A, must. Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 25, 1862.
Hunt, Harrison S8., Co. C, must. Jan. 14, 1862; disch. Aug. 20, 1862.
Dowd, James J., Co. E, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Snell, Aaron H., Co. E, must. Feb. 16, 1864; killed June 3, 1864.
Gummings, Charles, Co. F, must. Ang. 24, 1861; disch. Jan. 24, 1863.
Schmidt, William, Co. F, must. Aug. 24, 1863; deserted Sept. 16, 1863.
Company K.
Pray, Charles F., Ist sergt., must. Aug. 24, 1861; pro. sergt.-maj., 2d
lieut., Ist lieut., capt.; killed June 3, 1864.
Bent, Luther S., sergt., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Oct. 4, 1864; pro. 2d
lieut., 1st lieut., capt., maj.
Pratt, John A., sergt., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 15, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. Feb. 16, 1864; disch. Sept. 2, 1864; pro. Ist lieut.
Smith, Thomas, corp., must Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Jan. 26, 1863.
Carver, Charles W., corp., must. Aug. 24, 1861 ; died Nov. 26, 1862.
Chubbuck, James, corp., must. Aug. 24,1861; disch. Feb. 15, 1864, to |
re-enlist; re-enl. Feb. 16, 1864; killed June 3, 1864.
Packard, Morton, corp., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 15, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. Feb, 16, 1864; trans. to 32d Inf.; died Oct. 20, 1864.
Spear, Warren ()., corp, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Jan. 6, 1863.
Jameson, Charles H., corp., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864;
pro. Ist sergt.
Marden, Frank M., corp., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Harrington, Leonard B., must. Aug. 24, 1861; died May 22, 1862.
Nourse, Hiram P., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Nutting, Charles A., must. Aug. 24,1861; disch. Feb. 8, 1864, to re-enlist ;
re-enl. Feb. 9, 1864; trans. to 32d Inf. Oct. 26, 1864.
White, John, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 15, 1864, to re-enlist; re-
enl. Feb. 16, 1864; trans. to 32d Inf. Oct. 26, 1864.
Cain, Edward, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Chubbuck, Frank G., must. Aug. 24, 1861; died Oct. 7, 1863.
Dow, Lorenzo, must. Aug. 24,1861; disch. Feb. 15, 1864, to re-enlist;
re-enl. Feb. 16, 1864; trans. to 32d Inf. Oct. 26, 1864.
Flanigan, Michael, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Foster, Greenleaf, must. Aug. 24, 1861; died March 3, 1864.
French, Daniel F., must. Aug, 24, 1861; disch. Nov. 8, 1862.
Gibson, Edward J., must. Aug. 24, 1861; died Oct. 24, 1862.
Golding, James, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. April 19, 1864.
Howard, Alonzo, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. March 3, 1863.
Jones, Joshua, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Lapham, Joseph A., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 28, 1863.
Marque, Peter, must. Aug. 24, 1861; killed Aug. 80, 1862.
McKay, Duncan, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
Packard, Henry F., must. Aug. 24, 1861; died Jan. 3, 1863.
Perkins, Edward L., must. Aug. 24,1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864.
O’Connell, Thomas, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 29, 1864.
Pierce, Samuel, must. Aug. 24, 1861; killed Aug. 30, 1862.
Pope, Alexander P., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Feb. 15, 1864, to re-enlist; _
re-enl, Feb. 16, 1864; trans. to 32d Inf., Oct. 26, 1864.
Pope, William O., must. Aug. 24, 1861; drowned Jan, 23, 1864.
Rideout, Luke A., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Nov. 15, 1862.
Swan, Charles S., must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Dec. 10, 1862.
Tracy, Edward L., must. Aug. 24, 1861; deserted May 5, 1862.
Walsh, Peter, must. Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1863.
NINETEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Chubbuck, David T., Co. K, must. Aug. 28, 1861; disch. Dec. 30, 1864;
pro. 2d lieut., Ist lieut.
Toomey, Michael, Co. I, must. May 19, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865.
TWENTIETH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Leland, Morace F., Co. A, must. July 19, 1862; deserted August, 1863.
Hanifan, John, Co B, must. July 22, 1861; disch. July 27, 1865 ; trans.
to V. R. C. Feb. 15, 1864.
Wildman, Henry G., Co. B, must. Aug. 6, 1861; dishonorably discharged
by court-martial, Jan. 20, 1863.
Derry, Horace A., sergt., Co. D; must. July 18, 1861; disch. Jan. 6, 1863;
pro. 2d lieut., declined commission.
Dag, John, Co. D, must. March 30, 1864; killed June 8, 1864.
Luzarder, Joseph, must. July 18, 1861; disch. Dec. 22, 1861.
Holbrook, Alden H., Co. D, must. July 18, 1861; disch. Dec. 20, 1863, to
re-enlist; re-enl. Dec. 21, 1863; disch. July 16, 1865.
Cummings, Noah L., Co. E, must. Feb. 26, 1862; disch. March 12, 1864,
to re-enlist; re-enl. March 13, 1864; killed May 6, 1864.
McGowan, John, Co. E, must. July 22, 1861; killed June 30, 1862.
O'Neil, Cornelius, Co. E, must. Aug. 24, 1861; deserted March, 1862.
Williams, Evan, Co. F, must. Aug. 27, 1862; disch. March 18, 1863.
Hetherston, Martin C., Co. K, must. Dec. 27, 1863; disch. July 16, 1865 ;
trans. from 37th Inf.
McGuire, John, must. Aug. 7, 1863; no record.
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Gibson, George W., corp., Co. C, must. Aug. 23, 1861; pro. 2d lieut. July
29, 1862; Ist lieut. Sept. 2, 1862; dismissed the service June 5,
1863.
Colburn, Lemuel A, Co, ©, must. Aug. 23, 1861 ; died Noy. 11, 1862.
TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Kennedy, James, Co. C, must. June 18, 1864; trans. to 32d Inf. Oct. 26, «
1864.
Badger, Leone C., Co. F, must, July 17, 1863; trans. to 32d Inf. Oct. 26,
1864.
Fletcher, Frederick F, Co. F, must. Aug. 10, 1861; died Aug. 24, 1864.
Trainer, Thomas, Co. K, must. Oct. 1, 1861; disch. October, 1864; trans.
to V. R. C. Sept. 1, 1863.
TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY M. VY.
| Barker, Charles A., Co. C, must. Oct. 9, 1861; disch. Oct. 13, 1864.
Jones, Alonzo, Co. H, must. Sept. 28, 1861; disch. Sept. 15, 1862.
Jones, William, Co. H, must. Dec. 6, 1861; died April 9, 1862.
Ryan, James, Co. H, must. Dec. 6, 1861; killed March 14, 1862.
TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Guptil, John A., Co. A, must. Dec. 21, 1863; disch. Jan. 20, 1866.
Egan, William, Co. A, must. Sept. 17, 1861: disch. Sept. 17, 1864.
Howley, John W., Co. A, must. Nov. 14, 1861; disch. Dec. 20, 1863, to
re-enlist ; re-enl. Dec. 21, 1863; disch. Jan. 10, 1865.
| McNulty, Michael, Co. A, must. Noy. 14, 1861; disch. Dec. 20, 1863, to
re-enlist.
Brent, William H., Co. B, must. Oct. 1, 1861; disch. Dec. 18, 1863, to
re-enlist ; re-evl. Dec. 19, 1863; disch. January, 1866; trans. to V.
R. C. April 17, 1865.
White, George, Co. B, must. Dec. 19, 1863; disch. Jan. 20, 1866.
Furnald, Alonzo, Co. C, must. Oct. 8, 1861; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Chubbuck, Perez, Co. C, must. Oct. 21, 1861; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Conly, John, Co. C, must. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866.
Gray, Samuel B., Co. C, must. Jan. 4, 1864; killed Aug. 16, 1864,
'
APPENDIX.
983
Souther, George G., Co. C, must. Sept. 10, 1861; disch. July 8, 1863.
Martin, John W., Co. D, must. Nov. 29, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Luzarder, John, Co. F, must. Noy. 2, 1861; disch. July 15, 1862.
Newcomb, Thomas J., Co. F, must. Oct. 19, 1861; disch. Jan. 16, 1864.
Nightingale, Alonzo A., Co. G, must. Sept. 10, 1861; disch. Jan. 3, 1864,
to re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. June 16, 1865.
Lawless, Richard, corp., Co.G, must. Sept. 11, 1861; killed Dec. 16,
1862.
Trask, Henry, corp., Co. G, must. Sept. 24, 1861; died June 3, 1862.
Hurley, David, Co. G, must. Sept. 19, 1861; disch. Sept. 19, 1864.
Lingham, George H., Co. G, must. Dec. 3, 1861; disch. July 15, 1862.
McDermot, Martin, Co. G, must. Oct. 7, 1861; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866.
McIntire, Lewis G., Co. G, must. Sept. 24, 1861; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to
re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. July 20, 1865.
Wilbur, William S., Co. G, must. Sept. 10, 1861; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866.
TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Russell, Edward, assist. surg.; must. July 29, 1862; disch. April 30,
1863.
Kehoe, John, Co. I, must. Sept. 21, 1861; died Aug. 17, 1862.
TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
McGann, Thomas W., Co. A, must. Dec. 13, 1861; died Dec. 24, 1864.
Riley, William T., Co. A, must. Dec. 30, 1861; disch. Dec. 19, 1864.
Martin, John, Co. B, must. Aug. 11, 1863; disch. Dec. 13, 1864.
Daniels, Patrick, Co. C, must. Sept. 27,1864; disch. June 30, 1865.
Bennett, Osmand, Co. D, must. Jan. 30, 1862; killed June 3, 1864.
Smith, John, Co. E, must. Aug. 11, 1863; disch. June 19, 1865.
Barnacle, Peter, Co. G, must. Jan. 3, 1862; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Ballou, Lawrence, Co. I, must. Dec. 13, 1861; disch. Dec, 13, 1864 ; trans.
to U. 8S. A. Noy. 1, 1862.
Dorney, Patrick, Co. I, must. Dec. 13, 1861; deserted Aug. 25, 1862.
Galvin, Michael, Co. I, must. Dec. 26, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 22, 1863.
Howley, Patrick, Co. I, must. Dec. 13, 1861; disch. Feb. 12, 1863.
McLaughlin, Lawrence, Co. I, must. Jan. 1, 1862; disch. Jan. 1, 1864,
to re-enlist ; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; killed June 22, 1864.
TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Golden, James, Co. A, must. May 21,1861; disch. July 11, 1861.
Hodgkinson, Stephen, Co. F, must. Nov. 17, 1861; disch. Noy. 14, 1862.
Nightingale, Charles L, Co. H, must. Jan. 1, 1862; disch. Jan. 1, 1864,
to re-enlist.
THIRTIETH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Conner, Michael, Co. A, must. Oct. 9, 1861; disch. Feb. 12, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Donahue, Michael, Co. A, must. Oct. 9, 1861; disch. Feb. 12, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Donahue, Michael, sergt., Co. A, must. Feb. 13, 1864; deserted March
14, 1866.
Deady, Edward, Co. A, must. Jan. 1, 1862; disch. April 4, 1862.
Marrah, Michael, Co. A, must. Nov. 23, 1861 ;, disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-
enlist ; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; deserted April 18, 1864.
Smith, Martin, Co. G, must. Dec. 30, 1861; disch. June 11, 1863.
Smith, Martin, Jr., Co. G, must. Nov. 30, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to
re-eulist ; sergt., re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 1, 1864.
Parker, Lorenzo D., Co. H, must. Dec. 16, 1861; disch. Dec. 8, 1892.
Brown, John P., Co. I, must. Jan. 2, 1864; killed Oct. 19, 1864.
THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Faxon, William L., asst. surg., must. June 2, 1862; disch. May 31, 1865;
pro. surgeon Aug. 5, 1863.
Marrah, Jeremiah, corp., Co. A, must. Nov. 7, 1861; disch. Jan. 4, 1864
to re-enlist; serg., re-enl. Jan. 5, 1864; re-enl. disch. June 29, 1865.
Pope, Charles E., Co. A, must. Noy. 6, 1861; disch. Dec. 10, 1864; trans.
to V. R. C., September, 1863.
Clark, Benjamin H., Co. A, must. Jan. 5, 1864; disch. Dec. 8, 1865.
Clark, Franklin A., Co. A, must. Nov. 3, 1861; disch. Jan. 4, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. Jan. 5, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865.
Glover, Erastus M., Co. A, must. Nov. 3, 1861 ; disch. July 29, 1862.
Lapham, George F., Co. A, must. Nov. 6, 1861; died July 28, 1862.
Whitney, Henry, Co. A, must. Nov. 3, 1861; disch. Nov. 24, 1864.
Burke, William, Co. C, must. Feb. 11, 1862; disch. Feb. 10, 1865.
0’ Mahoney, Daniel, Co. C, must. Feb. 26, 1862; disch. May 1, 1865.
Buchan, William, Co. D, must. Feb. 18, 1862; disch. Feb. 16, 1865;
trans. from 9th Inf.
Dow, Lorenzo, Co. D, must. Feb. 16, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865; trans.
from 18th Inf.
Newcomb, Bryant, Co. E, must. Sept. 14, 1863; died Oct. 21, 1864.
Giles, Albert L., sergt., Co. G, must. Jan. 5, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865.
Packard, Morton, Co. H, must. Feb. 15, 1864; trans. from 18th Inf. ;
died Oct. 20, 1864.
Pope, Alexander P., Co. H, must. Feb. 15, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865;
trans. from 18th Inf.
Richard, John, Co. I, must. Aug. 19, 1862 ; deserted Aug. 16, 1862.
Naphut, Mathias, Co. K, must. Aug. 21, 1863 ; disch. June 29, 1865.
Badger, Leone C., Co. L, must. July 17, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865;
trans. from 22d Inf.
Kennedy, James, Co. L, must. June 18, 1864; disch. May 30, 1865;
trans. from 22d Inf.
Writting, Charles A., must. Feb. 8, 1864; disch. October, 1864; trans.
from 18th Inf.
White, John, must. Feb. 15, 1864 ; disch. October, 1864; trans. from 18th
Inf.
THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Snowden, James, Co. D, must. June 23, 1864; never joined regiment.
Hathaway, George P., Co. G, must. Aug. 29, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865;
trans. to 2d Inf. June 1, 1865.
THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Sheen, William G., 2d lieut., must. July 31, 1862; disch. Aug. 14, 1862;
; pro. to Ist lieut. 39th Inf.
Andrews, Elbridge H., Co. A, must. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. Dec. 6, 1862.
Bradford, Lewis E., Co. A, must. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. June 9, 1865,
THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Hetherston, Martin C., Co. I, must. Dec. 26, 1863; disch. June 21, 1865 ;
trans. from 7th Inf. to 20th Inf.
THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Parker, William, 3d sergt., Co. I, must. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. June 30,
1865; pro. to 2d lieut. October, 1864.
Simpson, John E., 3d sergt., Co. I, must. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. June 30,
1865; pro. to 2d lieut. October, 1864.
Pearce, Thomas L., corp., Co. I, must. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. May 2, 1865.
Pearce, George W., Co. I, must. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. June 30, 1865.
Graham, Charles H., Co. I, must. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. July 5, 1865;
trans. to V. R. C. May, 1864.
THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V., Company D.
Mustered into United States service Aug. 24, 1862.
Spear, Edward A., capt., disch. April 29, 1864; did not reach him until
Sept. 12, 1864.
Sheen, William G., Ist lieut., disch. June 2, 1865; pro. to capt.; brev.
major.
Porter, Charles H., 2d lient., disch. June 2, 1865; pro. to Ist lieut., to
capt.
| Ahearn, Thomas, discb. June 2, 1865.
Alden, Albert M., disch. Sept. 12, 1863.
Alden, Henry A., disch. June 2, 1865.
| Armstrong, John L., disch. July 18, 1865; trans. to V. R. C.
Badger, Ezra, died Oct. 14, 1862.
Barker, George A., sergt., disch. June 2, 1865; pro. to 2d tieut., to Ist
lieut.
Barry, Benjamin, disch. Noy. 15, 1862.
Baxter, Thompson, Jr., disch. April 27, 1865.
Brackett, Walter P., disch. July 24, 1865; trans. to navy April 22, 1864.
Brown, Samuel, sergt., disch. June 2, 1865.
Brophy, John, disch. June 2, 1865; trans. to V. R. C. Sept. 50, 1863.
Burke, Walter, died Dec. 22, 1863.
Burns, William H., died Nov. 27, 1864.
Churchill, Thaddeus, sergt., disch. Dec. 6, 1864; pro. 2d lieut. U.S. Vols.
Oct. 5, 1863.
Cleverly, George F., disch. Oct. 2, 1863.
Christian, James B., disch. Jan. 30, 1863.
Colburn, William E., died Feb. 18, 1865,
Coffin, Paul G., disch. June 2, 1865.
Collier, George W., disch. Jan. 27, 1863.
Collins, Michael, disch. June 2, 1865.
| Crane, Seth, died Dec. 22, 1863.
Curtis, Henry, sergt., disch. June 2, 1865.
984 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Dailey, Garrett, died April 5, 1863.
Dailey, Daniel, disch. Sept. 12, 1863.
Damon, Edward, Jr., died Jan. 3, 1865.
Derry, Barden B., disch. June 2, 1865 ; pro. 1st sergt.
De Forrest, Samuel D., disch. July 14, 1865. . |
Doner, John, disch. Feb, 27, 1863. |
Donley, James, killed Feb. 6, 1865.
Dickerman, Charles C., corp., died Jan. 25, 1865.
Dunn, Arthur, died Jan. 28, 1864.
Durgin, Jonathan C., died Jan. 5, 1865.
Ela, Elisha I. C., killed May 8, 1864.
Enderle, Joseph L., corp., disch. June 2, 1865.
Fineran, Patrick, disch. June 2, 1865.
Forbes, James E., disch. June 2, 1865.
Fowles, Theodore W., disch. May 30, 1865.
French, Joseph T., disch. April 10, 1865.
Garvin, Patrick, disch. June 2, 1865.
Gavin, Patrick H., corp., disch. June 28, 1865; pro. sergt.; trans. to V.
R. C. Feb. 3, 1865,
Groves, George D., deserted Sept. 14, 1862.
Hayden, Joseph W., disch. June 2, 1863.
Hayden, Josiah, Jr., disch. June 2, 1863.
Hayden, Joseph P., corp., disch. June 2, 1865.
Hersey, George W., disch. June 5, 1865; trans. to navy April 22, 1864.
Hill, John, Jr., disch. June 2, 1865.
Hobbs, John J., disch. April 3, 1863.
Horgan, Cornelius, deserted May 2, 1863.
Howley, Thomas, disch. June 2, 1863.
Howley, Thomas, Jr., disch. June 2, 1865.
Hughes, James, died May 13, 1864.
Huntress, Elisha W., disch. May 8, 1865.
Huntress, Truman H., disch. June 2, 1865.
Kelly, James, disch. May 20, 1865.
Kelly, John, died July 25, 1864.
Keniley, Daniel, disch. June 2, 1865,
Kittredge, Josiah N., died April 23, 1864.
Leavitt, Chase F., disch. June 2, 1865; pro. sergt.
Luzarder, Joseph M., killed Aug. 18, 1864.
Luzarder, Moses §., disch. Jan. 29, 1863.
Lunt, Theodore H., died Oct. 23, 1864.
Mahoney, James, disch. June 30, 1865; trans. to V. R. C, March 13,
1865.
McCarthy, John, disch. June 2, 1865.
McGlone, Michael, died May 12, 1864.
Miller, George L., disch. Jan. 29, 1563.
Miller, Charles H.,disch. March 12, 1864.
Moran, Patrick, disch. June 7, 1865.
Moriarty, John, disch. June 3, 1865.
Morrison, Sylvander, disch. June 2, 1865.
Newcomb, Henry A., corp., died Dec. 23, 1864.
Newcomb, Harrison G. O., disch, Feb. 11, 1863.
Newcomb, Isaac T., disch. Jan. 29, 1863.
Nightingale, Frederick M., disch. Dec. 16, 1862.
Nightingale, Samuel A., corp., disch. Aug. 19, 1864.
O’Brien, Timothy, disch. June 15, 1865,
Parrott, Albert, disch. June 2, 1865.
Parrott, Luther H., disch. June, 1865; trans. to navy April 22, 1864.
Percival, George P., disch. June 2, 1865.
Perkins, Charles N., disch. June 2, 1865; pro. 2d lieut., Ist lieut.
Perry, Samuel N., died March 31, 1864,
Pierce, Eli, died April 3, 1865.
Roach, Maurice, disch. May 31, 1865.
Rodgers, Horace C., disch. June 9, 1865.
Russ, George W., disch. June 2, 1865.
Russell, George A., disch. November, 1865; trans. to V. R. C. Sept. 16,
1863.
Savil, George W., died Dec. 5, 1864.
Shavlin, Hugh, disch. June 30, 1865,
Sheehan, Jeremiah, disch. June 2, 1865.
Simonds, William, corp., disch. June 2, 1865.
Taylor, Marcus, disch. June 2, 1865; pro. sergt.
Thayer, Thomas J. H., disch. March 2, 1865.
Thomas, Erasmus, died March 14, 1865. |
Trask, George W., disch. June 8, 1865. |
Willett, George A., disch. Jan. 31, 1863.
Williams, John, sergt., disch. Nov. 19, 1862. |
|
Wood, Thomas, killed June 19, 1864.
Young, William J., disch, June 2, 1865,
FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Kerrigan, Joseph, Co. C, must. March 1, 1864; deserted.
Luzarder, John, Co. D, must. Dec, 29, 1863; disch. July 12, 1865.
French, Daniel F., sergt., Co. E., must. Jan. 12, 1864; disch. June 28,
1865; pro. sergt.-maj., 2d lieut., Ist lieut.
Bartlett, Edward A., Co. E, must. Jan. 12, 1864; disch. July 12, 1865.
Turner, Samuel B., Co. E, must. Jan. 12, 1864; disch. July 12, 1865.
Usher, James (2d), Co. E, must. Jan, 12, 1864; disch. July 12, 1865.
Keenan, Matthew, Co. H, must. March 19, 1864; died July 30, 1864.
FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Loud, Francis P., Co. E, must. March 1, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865.
VETERAN RESERVE CORPS.
Dewoody, Mortimer L., must. Sept. 3, 1864; no record of discharge.
Donnovan, Timothy, must. Aug. 31, 1864; no record of discharge.
Flaherty, William, must. Aug. 31, 1864; no record of discharge.
Lowney, Dennis, must. Aug. 31, 1864; disch. Nov. 30, 1865.
SECOND BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. VY.
Mustered in July 31, 1861; discharged Aug. 16, 1864.
Wadsworth, George W., corp., disch. September, 1861.
O’Grady, Joseph, bugler.
Bolton, Joseph F., disch. April 16, 1862.
French, Loring A. ry
Munroe, Thomas, disch. Feb. 7, 1862.
Taylor, John, disch. May 20, 1863.
Tiernay, Michael.
THIRD BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. V.
Follett, William H., sergt., must. Sept. 5, 1861; pro. 2d lieut.; disch.
March 12, 1865.
Follett, Charles A., corp., must. Sept. 5, 1861; trans. to 5th Light Bat-
tery Sept. 1, 1864.
FOURTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. V.
Mustered June 9, 1864 ; discharged October, 1865.
Hastings, William, q.-m. sergt.
McGrath, John, corp.
FIFTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. VY.
Spear, Joseph E., sergt., must. Sept. 18, 1861; disch. Oct. 3, 1864; pro.
Ist lieut.
Baxter, William H., corp., must. Sept. 18, 1861; disch. Oct. 3, 1864.
| Follett, Charles A.,! corp., must. Dec. 24, 1863; disch. June 12, 1865.
Shackley, Jonas, corp., must. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. June 17, 1865; pro.
1st lieut. Heavy Art.
Brown, Edward A.,! must. Dec. 15, 1861; disch. June 12, 1865.
Lapham, Frederick A., must. Sept. 25, 1861; disch. Oct. 6, 1862.
| Lapham, William H. H., must. Feb. 28, 1862; killed June 3, 1864,
Shaw, Horatio E., must. Sept. 16,1861; disch. Oct. 3, 1864.
Whicher, Joseph R., must. Sept. 27, 1861; disch. Sept. 27, 1864.
SIXTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M., V.
Chubbuck, Matthew M. C., sergt., must. Dec, 24, 1861; disch. Jan. 5,
1864, to re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 5, 1864; disch. Feb. 5, 1865.
| Riley, Charles D., sergt., must. Dec. 27, 1861 ; died Oct. 19, 1863.
Smith, James, must. Dec. 1,1861; disch, Jan. 5, 1864, to re-enlist ; re-enl.
as corp. Jan. 6, 1864; deserted May 20, 1864.
Farrell, Peter, must. Dec. 11, 1861; disch. Jan. 5, 1864, to re-enlist; re-
enl. Jan. 6, 1864; deserted May 20, 1864.
NINTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. V.
Glover, Samuel C., must. Aug. 10, 1862; disch. June 6, 1865,
Merritt, Quincy A., must. Aug. 10, 1862; disch. June 6, 1865.
FOURTEENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. V.
Rich, Isaiah, Jr., must. Feb. 17, 1864; disch. July 13, 1865,
FIRST REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY M. Y.
| O'Riordan, John D., Co. H, must. Aug. 15, 1864; disch. June 18, 1865.
Company L.
Algoa, Adam, must. March 10, 1862; disch. March 15, 1864, to re-enlist;
re-enl. March 16, 1864; disch. March 18, 1865.
1 Re-enlisted after two years’ service.
APPENDIX.
985
|
Basley, George W., must. March 11, 1864; died Aug. 5, 1864. .
Bradford, Lewis E., must. March 31, 1862; disch. March 31, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Conlin, Timothy, must. March 19, 1862; disch. March 20, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Hayden, Richard B., must. March 18, 1862; died April 10, 1862.
Hodgkinson, William, must. March 6, 1862; disch. March 9, 1864, to re-
enlist ; re-enl. March 10,1864; disch. May 5, 1865.
Kelly, James, must. March 13, 1862; disch. March 13, 1864, to re-enlist.
Sheahan, Timothy, must. March 18, 1862 ; disch. March 21, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Ward, Cornelius, must. April 4, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 6, 1863.
Wayland, Thomas H., must. March 17, 1862; disch. March 16, 1864, to
re-enlist.
Wildman, Wilson, must. March 18, 1862; disch. March 18, 1865.
Company M.
Burrell, William L., must. March 3, 1862; disch. March 16, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Hayden, Joseph W., must. March 18, 1862; disch. March 21, 1864, to
re-enlist; re-enl. March 21, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865.
Joyce, Edwin L., must. March 3, 1862; disch. March 23, 1864, to re-
enlist.
Magee, Thomas, must. March 15, 1862; disch. March 23, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. sergt. March 24, 1864; disch. Aug. 16, 1865. |
Moore, John W., must. March 19, 1862; disch. March 27, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. March 28, 1864; disch. Aug. 16, 1865.
Nightingale, James M., must. March 18, 1862; disch. March 8, 1865.
Packard, Henry, must. March 31, 1862; died Nov. 18, 1864.
Parker, Alvin F., must. March 10, 1862; disch. Nov. 6, 1863.
Talbot, Peter, must. March 15, 1862; disch. March 20, 1864, to re-enlist;
re-enl. March 21, 1864; deserted August, 1864.
Totman, Freeman M., must. March 18, 1862; disch. March 20, 1864; re-
enl. March 21, 1864; died Oct. 9, 1864.
Turner, George W., must. March 18, 1862; killed June 18, 1864.
Whicher, Thomas M., must. March 18, 1862; disch. March 30, 1864, to
re-enlist.
SECOND REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY M. V.
Murphy, James, Co. C, must. Sept. 2, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865; trans.
to 17th Inf. Jan. 17, 1865.
Briggs, William H., Co. F, must. Sept. 13, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865;
trans. to 17th Inf. Jan. 17, 1865.
White, Joseph H., Co. F, must. Aug. 24, 1864; disch. June 26, 1865.
Linnehan, William, Co. H, must. Aug. 9, 1864; disch. June 26, 1865.
Mitchell, William, Co. H, must. Aug. 9, 1864; disch. June 26, 1865.
Faircloth, John, Co. I, must. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. Aug. 11, 1865.
Soule, Lewis M., must. Aug. 24, 1864; disch. Sept. 7, 1864.
THIRD REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY M. V.
Barrett, William H., must. Aug. 26, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865.
FIRST BATTALION HEAVY ARTILLERY M. V.
Christian, James A., Co. A, must. March 1, 1862; disch. March 5, 1864,
to re-enlist.
Christian, James A., Co. A, must. March 5, 1864; disch. Oct. 20, 1865.
Newcomb, Peter, Co. A, must. Feb. 28, 1862; disch. Feb. 29, 1864, to re-
enlist; re-enl. March 1, 1864; disch. Oct. 20, 1865.
TFIRS REGIMENT CAVALRY M. V.
Adams, Charles F., Jr., Ist lieut., must. Dec. 19, 1861; pro. capt. Oct.
30, 1862; lieut.-col. 5th Cav. July 15, 1864.
Brennan, John A., Co. B, must. Aug. 5, 1864; disch. June 26, 1865.
Dooley, Joseph, Co. B, must. Sept. 14, 1861.
Smith, James H., Co. B, must. Sept. 14, 1861; disch. Dec. 20, 1861.
Whiting, Charles H., Co. D, must. Sept. 19, 1861; disch. Oct. 3, 1864.
Feltis, William H, Co. K, must. Sept. 28, 1861; trans. to Co. K, 4th
Regt. of Cavalry.
Lamson, John H., Co. K, must. Sept. 14, 1861; trans. to Co. K, 4th
Regt. of Cavalry.
Parker, John, Jr., Co. K, must. Sept. 23, 1861; trans. to Co. K, 4th
Regt. of Cavalry.
Wood, James H., Co. K, must. Oct. 5, 1861; trans. to Co. K, 4th Regt. of
Cavalry.
SECOND UNATTACHED COMPANY OF CAVALRY M. VY.
Morton, Joseph W., must. Dec. 11, 1861; pro. 2d lieut. 3d Cav. Feb. 20,
1862.
SECOND REGIMENT CAVALRY M. VY.
Lapham, Frederick A., sergt., Co. B, must. Sept. 3, 1863; disch. July 29,
1865.
| Fox, Thomas, Co. I, must. Feb. 10, 1863; disch. July 20, 1865.
Panigh, Alfred, Co. I, must. June 23, 1864; disch. July 20, 1865.
THIRD REGIMENT CAVALRY M. V.
Morton, Joseph W., 2d lieut., must. Feb. 20, 1862; disch. March 26,
1863; pro. Ist lieut.
Malloy, George, Co. A, must. June 21, 1864; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Wildman, William, sergt., Co. H, must. Oct. 27, 1862; disch. May 20,
1865.
King, Andrew G., Co. I, must. Aug. 5, 1862; disch. May 20, 1865.
Pratt, John W., Co. I, must. Aug. 5, 1862; no record.
Howley, Michael J., Co. K, must. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 17, 1863.
Newcomb, Paul W., Co. K, must. Aug. 5, 1862; disch. Jan. 30, 1863.
Brogan, Charles, Co. L, must. Dec. 29, 1864; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Dinegan, Martin, Co. L, must. Dec. 29, 1864; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Garrity, Bernard, Co. L, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Goldie, Henry F., Co. L, must. Dec. 30, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Kirvin, James C., Co. L, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Nutting, Charles A., Co. L, must. Dec. 30, 1864; disch. Sept. 28, 1865. -
Thomas, Peter, Co. L, must. Jan. 2. 1865; disch. Sept. 28, 1865.
Kerrigan, Joseph, Co. L, must. Dec. 30, 1864; disch. July 19, 1865.
Lincoln, Charles K., q.-m. sergt., Co. M, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Oct.
6, 1865; pro. 2d lieut.
Wright, George W., sergt., Co. M, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Sept. 28)
1865.
Harris, John, Co. M, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Sept. 1, 1865; deserted.
Kittrell, Albert S., Co. M, must. Jan. 2, 1865; disch. July 26, 1865 ; de-
serted.
FOURTH REGIMENT CAVALRY M. VY.
Morton, Joseph W., 2d lieut., must. Aug. 24, 1863; disch. May 15, 1865 ;
pro. captain.
Russell, Edward, asst. surg., must. Feb. 3, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Caterson, Thomas, Co. A, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Farrell, John S., Co. A, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Caldwell, Samuel P., Co. B, must. Dec. 21, 1863; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Chase, Ebenezer W., Co. B, must. Dec. 21, 1863; disch. May 28, 1864,
Hargan, John, Co. B, must. Dec. 21, 1863; died Aug. 18, 1864. °
Howley, Michael J., Co. B, must. Dec. 21, 1863; died Sept. 22, 1864.
Mullen, Andrew, Co. B, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Noy. 14, 1865.
Dailey, Timothy, Co. C, must. Jan. 6, 1864; disch. Noy. 14, 1865.
Dinegan, John H., Co. C, must. Jan. 6, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Forrester, Isaac N., Co. C, must. Jan. 6, 1864; trans. to navy June 1,
1864.
Maguire, Patrick F., Co. C, must. Dec. 31, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Sheahan, William, Co. C, must. Jan. 6, 1864; died March 26, 1864.
Brown, John, corp., Co. D, must. Jan. 9, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Bowditch, Joseph E., Co. D, must. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Fenton, Michael, Co. D, must. Jan. 9, 1864; died Aug. 31, 1864.
Pierce, Benjamin R., Co. D, must. Dec. 31, 1864; died July 14, 1865.
Price, William, Co. D, must. Jan. 9, 1864; died Oct. 14, 1864.
Pratt, William H., Co. D, must. Jan. 9, 1864; disch. Noy. 14, 1865,
Maguire, Hugh, Co. E, must. Jan, 27, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Nightingale, Edward F., Co. E, must. Feb. 18, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865,
Otis, Stephen, Co. F, must. Jan. 27, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Gibson, George W., Co. F, must. Jan. 27, 1864; deserted July 27, 1865.
Scannell, James, Co. F, must. Jan. 27, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Smith, Thomas, Co. F, must. Jan. 27, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Pettingill, William, Co. G, must. Jan. 27, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Abbott, Henry S., Co. G, must. Jan. 27, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865.
Bates, David W., Co. I, must. Feb. 18, 1864; died Sept. 9, 1864.
Feltis, William H., Co. K, must. Sept. 23, 1861; disch. April 20, 1864, to
re-enlist; re-enl. April 21, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Lamson, John H:, Co. K, must. Sept 14, 1861; disch. Jan. 24, 1865.
O’ Keefe, John, Co. K, must. March 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865.
Parker, John, Jr., Co. K, must. Sept. 22,1861; disch. April 20, 1864, to
re-enlist ; re-enl. April 21, 1864; disch. Aug. 15, 1865; pro. lieut.
U.S. Col. Troops.
Wood, James H., Co. K, must. Oct. 5, 1861; disch. Oct. 8, 1864.
Osborne, George H., Co. L, must. Feb. 18, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865.
FIFTH REGIMENT CAVALRY M. V.
| Adams, Charles F., Jr., lieut.-col., must. Feb. 15, 1864; pro. col. Feb.
15, 1865 ; resigned Aug. 1, 1865 ; brev. brig.-gen.
986
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSET''.
FIRST BATTALION FRONTIER CAVALRY M. V.
Kibbe, Charles L., Co. D, must. Jan. 2, 1865; disch. June 30, 1865.
Lapham, Joseph A., Co. D, must. Jan. 2, 1865; disch. June 30, 1865.
Marden, Frank M., Co. D, must. Jan. 2, 1865; disch. June 30, 1865.
Nine Months’ Service, 1862.
FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M.
Henry Walker, col., must. Dec. 16, 1862; disch. Aug. 28, 1863.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M.
ComPpANy A.
Josephs, Uriel, corp., must. Sept. 13, 1862; died July 7, 1863.
CoMPANY G.
This company was mustered Sept. 16, 1862; discharged Aug. 20, 1863.
Thaddeus H. Newcomb, 2d lieutenant.
Allen, Obed. F.1 Logan, William.
Bird, William M. Luzarder, John.
Blaisdell, Gilbert F. Nott, Francis L.2
Derry, George R. Parrott, John F,
Dinnegan, Daniel. Pierce, Benjamin R.
Ellis, Richard. Stiles, William.
Harmon, John. Studley, Henry 0.
Hayden, Albert A. Vance, James.
Holt, Albert A. Vincent, Levi.
Horne, Henry T. Vinal, James W.
Company H.
Carroll, William, must. Sept. 24, 1862 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1863.
Talbot, William T. H., must. Sept. 24, 1862 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1863.
FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. Y. M.
Mustered in Sept. 12, 1862; discharged June 18, 1863.
White, Samuel H., Co. B. Newcomb, Franklin H., Co. G.
Beale, George W., Co. D. Curtis, Charles B., Co. H.
Adams, Warren W., Co. G. Hersey, John W., Co. H.
Hersey, Andrew J., Co. G. Packard, Elisha, Co. H.
Hersey, Jacob H., Co. G.
FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M.
Mustered in Sept. 26, 1862; discharged July 7, 1863.
Sargent, Oscar W., Co. A. Bent, William P., Co. G.
Early, Michael, Co. B. Cain, Jonathan D., Co. G.
Gage, David K., Co. B. Jones, Abbott L., Co. G.
Johnson, John, Co. B. Pratt, Nathan C., Co. G.
Pope, Lemuel C., Co. B. Soule, Lewis M., Co. G.
Reed, John N., Jr., Co. B. White, Joseph H., Co. G.
FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. VY. M.
Mustered in Oct. 1, 1862; discharged Sept. 3, 1863.
Company G,
Rudderhan, William E., sergt., pro. 1st lieut.
Boyd, William, sergt., pro. 2d lieut.
Talbot, Henry, sergt.
Boyd, Patrick, musician.
Flemming, Garrett, killed June 30, 1863.
Flynn, William, died May 3, 1863.
O'Neil, John T.
Company I.
Robertson, James G.
Company K.
Byrne, William. O’Connor, James.
ELEVENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY M. V.
Mustered in Aug. 25, 1862; discharged May 25, 1863.
Baxter, Charles W.
Baxter, William Q.
Blanchard, Oliver J.
Jones, Thomas B.
Merritt, Charles.
Shannon, James G,
Small, Zebina.
Taplin, William H,
Thomas, Theodore B.
One Year’s Service.
SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Eccles, John, Co. G, must. Sept. 14, 1864; disch. June 4, 1865.
Blaisdell, Samuel T., Co. E, must. Sept. 23, 1864; disch. June 4, 1865.
Frost, Charles, Co. E, must. Sept. 23, 1864; no record of discharge.
1 Died March 21, 1863. 2 Killed Jan. 1, 1863.
1 SIXTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V.
Bent, F. Edward, 2d lieut., must. Feb. 28, 1865; disch. May 5, 1865; pro.
1st lieut.
Nightingale, James M., must. April 11, 1863; disch. May 5, 1865,
FOURTH REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY M. VY.
Saville, John F., ass’t surg., must. Dec. 5, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865.
Pierce, Charles E., Ist lieut., must. Sept. 2, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865.
Shackley, Jonas, 2d lieut., must. Sept. 2, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865; pro.
Ist lieut.
Baxter, W. Quincy, 2d lieut., must. Sept. 2, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865.
| Spear, Warren, 2d, Co. I, must. Aug. 17, 1864; disch. June 17, 1865.
TWENTY-NINTH (UNATTACHED) COMPANY HEAVY ARTIL-
LERY M. V.
Moloney, David, must. Aug. 30, 1864 ; disch. June 16, 1865.
Murphy, Michael, must. Aug. 30, 1864 ; disch. June 16, 1865.
Noyes, John, must. Aug. 26, 1864; disch. June 16, 1865.
Trask, Joseph E., must. Sept. 17, 1864 ; disch. June 16, 1865.
One Hundred Days’ Service, 1864.
FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M., Company C.
Rudderham, Charles, 116 days.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M., Company I.
Williams, John, sergt., 116 days.
SIXTIETH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M., Company B.
Mustered into United States service July 16, 1864, and discharged Nov.
30, 1864, 137 days.
Albert Keating, 2d lieut.
Wm. W. Penniman, drum-maj.
F. Edward Bent, capt.
Warren W. Adams, Ist lieut.
Sergeants.
George W. Beal.
Harrison Crane.
Henry T. Horne.
John W. Hersey.
William 0. Howland.
Corporals.
Thomas G. Emerson.
John D. Wells.
Albert A. Hayden.
Heury Chubbuck.
Elisha Packard.
William M. Bird.
William Sanders.
Edward P. Nightingale.
Musician.
William Boden.
Wagoner
Frank Furnald.
Privates.
Hayden, Charles M.
Hayden, Joseph W.
Hobart, Marcus M.
Holmes, Elisha B.
Hoimes, Frank W.
Kimball, Francis.
Luzarder, Horace A.
Luzarder, Moses.
Mears, George A.
Merrill, Charles M.
Newcomb, Charles A.
Newcomb, Lewis A.
Packard, George F.
Page, Charles C.
Perkins, Henry.
Pierce, Benjamin R.
Prior, Hiram B.
Randall, George.
Rogers, Thomas M.
Snow, William A.
Spear, Edward A.
Thomas, Peter.
Thomas, Richard.
Underwood, Ebenezer W.
Whicher, Charles Q.
Whitney, Adams.
Willett, George A.
Willett, William H. H.
Alden, Albert M.
Arnold, James H.
Baker, William C.
Barnes, Franklin.
Beal, Samuel.
Berry, William.
Brackett, Charles D.
Brown, Charles H.
Cain, Abel A.
Cain, John.
Crane, Benjamin F.
Davis, Edmund K.
Duggan, William E.
Eaton, George W.
Ellis, Francis C., Jr.
Elwell, Ezra.
Errell, Eusebe.
Faxon, George I.
Fitzgerald, Michael.
Glover, Erastus M.
Glover, John, Jr.
Glover, Joseph M.
Golden, James.
Golden, John.
Gray, Henry F.
Hardwick, George W.
Hardwick, George W. (2d).
Hardwick, William H.
APPENDIX.
4
987
Navy. :
The following persons served in the United States Navy, and were
credited on the quota of Quincy. The date indicates the time of enter-
ing the service:
George W. Taylor, ) were in service
Abraham Dunn, ) April, 1861.
John Griffin, May 28, 1861.
William A. Pierce, May 29, 1861.
Ephraim T. Pierce, May 30, 1861.
James Q. Smith, June 15, 1861.
Patrick Gorgan, Aug. 2, 1861.
Daniel Sullivan, Aug. 9, 1861.
Lorenzo R. Clapp, Aug. 26, 1861.
Charles H. Pray, Aug. 28, 1861.
James E. Elwell, Sept. 17, 1861.
Ezra Elwell, Sept. 17, 1861.
George W. Morton,! Sept. 25, 1861.
Jacob H. Caw, Oct. 7, 1861.
Michael Sugrue, Oct. 14, 1861.
James Crogan, October, 1861.
Cornelius Kane, Oct. 14, 1861.
James Ryan, Nov. 22, 1861.
Philip Harrington, November,
1861.
Albert P. French, Jan. 7, 1862.
Thomas H. Dolan, Jan. 27, 1862.
Christopher A. Spear, February,
1862.
Thomas T. Spear, March 4, 1862.
Alonzo Elwell, March 5, 1862.
James H. Smith, June 12, 1862.
Asa A. Pope, Sept. 1, 1862.
Ambrose B. Leloise, Sept. 6, 1862.
James R. Taylor, September, 1862.
George W. Taylor, September,
1862.
Michael Donahue, Sept. 6, 1862.
James White, Oct. 6, 1862.
James Luzarder, Jan. 15, 1863.
Edward F. Nightingale, Jan. 26,
1863.
Seth T. Pray, Jan. 28, 1863.
Albert F. Rich, February, 1863.
Joseph Madden, April 19, 1863.
Daniel Murpby, June 19, 1863.
Samuel Thomas, Jr.,! Aug. 4, 1863.
Henry A. Thomas, Aug. 17, 1863.
R. Warren Elwell, Aug. 24, 1863.
James J. Mahoney, Jan. 9, 1864.
William H. Elwell, Jan. 9, 1864.
F. Harvey Penniman, Jan. 13, 1864.
Charles H. Duggan, Jan. 13, 1864.
John A. Pope, April 14, 1864.
William Willis, April 12, 1864.
Patrick Gallagher, April 23, 1864.
Michael Donnavan, May 27, 1864.
John Driscoll, July 5, 1864.
Thomas Kelly, Aug. 9, 1864.
John Hennessy, Aug. 29, 1864.
John Tool, Aug. 30, 1864.
Henry Lunt,! Aug. 31, 1864.
William Mullen, Sept. 2, 1864.
Alexander Sproule, Sept. 3, 1864.
John Boy, Dec. 12, 1864.
John Cluse, Dec. 12, 1864.
George G. Souther, Jan. 2, 1865.
NEEDHAM.
Votes of the town of Needham relative to the pay-
ment of bounties and aid to volunteers during the war
of the Rebellion were as follows:
April 29, 1861. At atown-meeting held this Monday afternoon, Mar-
shall Newell, moderator, it was
Voted, That the sum of fifteen dollars per month shall be paid from
the treasury of this town to each and every man, a citizen of the town,
tection of our country at the present crisis, who shall discharge the
duties required of him under the general orders of the State or general
government; the same to be paid monthly for the term of six months, |
or for such part of that term as he shall continue in the service in
health or otherwise; the payment to commence (after his acceptance by
the State officers) as soon as he shall engage in preparing for the duties
required of him, and to which his whole time is necessarily devoted,
such payment to be in addition to any compensation that will be re-
ceived from the government.
Voted, That a committee to be styled “ the Military Committee,” to
consist of four, be chosen, whose duty it shall be to take the general
supervision in all matters of detail in relation to the formation of a
company in this town, to render such assistance to those having charge
of procuring volunteers as may be desired, and in providing such com-
fortable undergarments and other suitable articles of clothing for the
men in such cases as may be deemed necessary ; investigate, to some ex-
tent, the condition of those who have families, with a view to the pres-
ent or future comfort and requirements of such families; render such
assistance in getting the men ready in such cases as would facilitate the
objects to be attained ; provide suitable rooms for the examination neces-
sary by the State officers, for drill, for general headquarters during the
raising and formation of the company, and place of deposit of arms and
equipments, if necessary ; to interest themselves generally in all mat-
ters pertaining to the welfare and comfort of the men and their fami-
lies before and during their absence, if desired, and when necessary.
Said committee are hereby authorized to expend for such purposes a
1 Acting assistant paymaster.
sum not to exceed two thousand dollars, to be paid from the treasury of
this town by orders to be drawn by the selectmen on presentation of
bills contracted on account of such expenditures, which shall be ap-
proved by a majority of said committee, said committee to render an
account current of their expenditures and receipts and a report of their
transactions at the next annual meeting of the town.
E. K. Whitaker, C. B. Patten, Benjamin G. Kimball,and Calvin Perry
were chosen the Military Committee.
Voted, That the selectmen be, and are hereby, authorized and in-
structed to draw their orders upon the treasurer, payable to each of the
| soldiers who are entitled by the foregoing vote to receive the same, or to
their families or other persons authorized by such soldiers to receive the
same for them, for the sum of fifteen dollars per month, as provided in
the foregoing vote, the same to be paid monthly upon receiving the evi-
dence of the right of the several claimants to receive the same; also,
for the expenditures authorized by the Military Committee under
| authority of the vote of the town.
Voted, That the sum of eight thousand dollars be, and is hereby, ap-
propriated from any moneys that are now or may be in the treasury of
this town, and placed subject to the order of the selectmen, to meet the
several payments authorized by the foregoing votes in aid of the de-
fense of the country, this day passed; this to be deemed the war appro-
priation.
At a town-meeting held July 24, 1862, George K. Daniell, Esq., mod-
erator, it was
Voted, That the selectmen be authorized to offer a bounty of one
hundred dollars to each individual who shall, within thirty days from
date, enlist in this town, as a part of the town’s quota, for the war; the
same to be made payable when the volunteers are accepted and mustered
into the service of the United States.
Voted, That the town treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized, under
the direction of the selectmen, to borrow the sum of three thousand and
three hundred dollars, for one or more years, for the purpose indicated
in the foregoing vote.
At a town-meeting held Aug. 21, 1862, Marshall Newell, moderator, it
| was
Voted, That the town of Needham will give a bounty of two hundred
dollars to volunteers under the last call of the President, provided that
the whole quota shall be raised previous to the expiration of the time
given to raise the men.
Voted, To authorize the treasurer, under the direction of the select-
men, to effect such a loan as may be necessary to defray the expenses
incurred in raising said volunteers.
At a town-meeting held Sept. 16, 1862, Marshall Newell, moderator,
it was
Voted, To reconsider so much of the article passed at the last town-
meeting as required that the whole quota should be raised before the
: a x AES | volunteers should be entitled to the bounty.
who shall enlist or join a military organization for the defense or pro- |
Voted, That the selectmen be authorized to take such action as they
may deem necessary to procure the requisite number of volunteers to
fill up the quota of the town.
Voted, To pay the State aid to the families of volunteers, according to
the law of the commonwealth.
At the annual town-meeting held March 16, 1863, by adjournment
from March 2d, George K. Daniell, moderator, it was
Voted, That the town pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to those
volunteers who shall have served in the United States army three years,
provided they have already received no such bounty; and those who
shall have been discharged from the service for disability shattreeeive
in proportion to the time they may be so disabled (the amount not to ex-
ceed one hundred dollars). The same amount shall be allowed to the
families of such as have died, with an additional one hundred dollars
when the deceased leaves a wife, or any children under twelve years of
age.
At a town-meeting held April 6, 1863, George Jennings, moderator, it
was
Voted, To authorize their treasurer to borrow, with the approbation of
the selectmen, a requisite sum of money to pay town aid or bounty that
was grauted at the annual meeting of 1863 to the soldiers that enlisted
without bounty.
At a town-meeting held April 14, 1864, George K. Daniell, moderator,
it was
Voted, That the town raise the sum of two thousand eight hundred
and seventy-five dollars, for the purpose of refunding the amounts ad-
vanced by individuals, and paying expenses incurred in raising recruits,
under the call of the President, dated Oct. 17, 1863.
988
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Voted, That the town raise the sum of two thousand two hundred and
fifty dollars, to be applied, under the direction of the selectmen, for the
purpose of procuring this town’s proportion of the quota of volunteers
in the military service, called for from this commonwealth by the Presi-
dent, under the order of March 14, 1864, provided the amount of money
so raised and applied shall not exceed the sum of one hundred and
twenty-five dollars, including expenses fur each volunteer enlisted in
said service as a part of the quota of this town under said order.
Ata town-meeting held Aug. 4, 1864, George K. Daniell, Esq., mod-
erator, it was
Voted, To appropriate the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars
for each recruit enlisted on any quota called for by the President, at any
time between the Ist day of March, 1864. and March 1, 1865. Agree.
able to the act, in addition to an act authorizing towns and cities to raise
money for recruiting purposes, approved March 28, 1864.
Voted, To authorize the treasurer to borrow such sums as may be neces-
sary to carry out the provisions of the foregoing vote.
At a town-meeting held May 22, 1865, Marshall Newell, moderator, it
was
Voted, To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to refund to
individuals money contributed in aid of and for the purpose of filling
the quotas of the town, or furnishing men for the present war, under any
requisition, order, or call of the President or of the War Department of
the United States, during the year 1864, as authorized by the act of the
Legislature of 1865, approved April 25th.
Voted, To authorize the treasurer to borrow sufficient sums of money
to pay all reimbursements voted under the second article.
At a town-meeting held March 5, 1866, it was
Voted, To authorize the selectmen to furnish town aid to families of
deceased soldiers who are in need of aid in this town.
The following are the names of officers and enlisted
men from or credited to the town of Needham who
served in the army or navy of the United States
during the war of the Rebellion, 1861-65:
Infantry.
SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
Murray, Henry, Co. I, Jan. 24, 1865 ;1 must. out July 14, 1865.
Woodman, John, Co. E, Aug. 22, 1864; must. out July 14, 1865.
FIFTH REGIMENT (One Hundred Days).
O'Leary, Arthur W., Co. B, July 25, 1864; must. out Nov. 16, 1864.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Cameron, James, Co. G, June 13,1861; killed at Bull Run, Va., Aug. 29,
1862. |
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Wood, Ephraim A., Co. C, July 16, 1861; disch. Nov. 18, 1862, for disa-
bility; July 20, 1863, must. as Ist lieut. in 55th Regt.; res. Nov. 20,
1863.
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Fox, Franklin M., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Dec. 31, 1861, for disa-
bility.
Fuller, William, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; died at Washington, D. C., Sept.
25, 1862, of wounds at second battle of Bull Run, Va., Aug. 30, 1862.
Martel, John, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; trans. to V. R. C.
Richards, Samuel F., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. July 28, 1862, disa-
bility.
Richardson, George, Co. F, Oct. 24,1861 ; disch. Oct. 13, 1862, disability.
Smith, Cornelius D., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864, corp.
NINETEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Berry, Asa B., Co. I, Aug. 28, 1861; must. out Aug. 28, 1864.
McKinney, George, Co. F, Aug. 28, 1861; re-enl. Dec, 21, 1863 ; must.
out June 30, 1865, in Co. I.
O'Connor, Robert, Jan. 16, 1865; must. out May 6, 1865.
TWENTIETH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Coulter, John §., Co. F, Aug. 19, 1862 ; disch. Dec. 18, 1862.
Healey, Michael F., Co. K, Dec. 14, 1864; must. out July 16, 1865.
TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
Avery, George, Co. B, Sept. 2, 1861; disch. June 28, 1862, for disability. |
Bullard, Moses H., Co. G, Sept. 9, 1861; killed at Gaines’ Mills, Var:
June 27, 1862.
1 Date of muster in. |
Smith, William W., Co. B, Sept. 17, 1861; must. out Oct. 17, 1864.
Thompson, William, Co. B, Oct. 5, 1861; disch. Feb. 18, 1863, disability.
TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years).
Ambler, Artemas C., Co. C, Sept. 28, 1861; must. out Oct. 13, 1864.
Cobbett, James A., Co. K, Aug. 1, 1862; must. out June 25, 1865, to
re-enlist.
TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Eayrs, Joseph H., Co. E, Nov. 18, 1861; must. out Nov. 17, 1864,
THIRTIETH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Coulter, James C., Co. I, Dec. 18, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-enlist.
THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT (Three Years.)
Hardie, Robert, Co. K, Jan. 20, 1862; died Sept. 13, 1864, in hospital at
Baton Rouge, La.
THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
Gehling, Joseph, Co. K, Jan.5, 1864; must. out June 29, 1865.
THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years).
' Murray, Henry, Co. K, Jan. 24, 1865; trans. June 1, 1865, to 2d Inf.
Small, Edwin, Co. C, Aug. 6, 1862; disch. Jan. 19, 1865, disability.
THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Hall, David K., Co. I, Aug. 16,1862 ; died of disease at Newport News,
Va., Feb. 25, 1863; sergt.
Collier, Isaac, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; trans. to Veteran Reserve Corps.
Knapp, George L., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Manning, John §., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. Aug. 18, 1863, disability.
Monnaghan, John, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Sargent, George, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. Nov. 18, 186%, disability ;
wagoner.
Wallace, William J., Co. 1, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 13, 1865.
Walsh, Patrick, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17,
1862.
Wheeler, Samuel §., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862 ; must. out June 9, 1865.
Willcutt, William, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. Jan. 26, 1863, disability.
Wright, Samuel G., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; died on board steamer “ Des
Moines,” Aug. 15, 1863.
THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Beless, George, Co. I, Aug. 21, 1862; disch. Nov. 14, 1862, disability.
Flanagan, Patrick, Co. I, Aug. 21, 1862; must. out June 30, 1865.
Rimmele, William J., Co. I, Aug. 21, 1862; must. out June 30, 1865.
Snow, Joseph, Co. I, Aug. 21, 1862; disch. July 3, 1863, disability.
Taylor, Edwin A., Co. I, Aug. 24, 1862 ; must. out June 30, 1865.
THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Batcheller, Holland N., Co. B, Aug. 20, 1862; disch. May 5, 1863; Order
War Dept.
Hunting, Willard, Co. A, Aug. 18, 1862; died Dec. 7, 1864, in rebel
prison at Salisbury, N.C.
Knapp, Charles P., Co. A, Aug. 18, 1862; trans. Feb. 5, 1864, to V. R. C.
Morse, Daniel F., Co. A, Aug. 18,1862; must. out June 2, 1865.
Stevens, Elbridge, Co. A, Aug. 18, 1862; died in rebel prison, Richmond,
Va.
Whitaker, Channing, Co. B, Sept. 2, 1862; must. out June 19, 1865.
FORTIETH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Adams, Stephen W., Co. F, Sept. 3, 1862; trans. Dec. 3, 1863, to V.R. C. ;
wagoner.
Kennedy, Cernelius, Co. F, Sept. 3, 1862; missing in action May 16,
1864. .
Richardson, James, Co. F, Sept. 3, 1862; must. out June 16, 1865.
| Richardson, Samuel C., Co. F, Sept. 3, 1862; disch. June 30, 1865; Order
War Department.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT (One Hundred Days).
Bemis, George, Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Noy. 11, 1864.
Henderson, William H., Co. D, July 20, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
Hastings, John §., Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
Kibler, Frederick, Co. E, July 22, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Fiske, Joseph E., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out May 29, 1863; Ist sergt,
| Dewing, Joseph H., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863 ; sergt.
Bent, Thomas D., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out June 1, 1863, to en-
list in 2d Regt. H. Art.
APPENDIX.
989
Belcher, Charles H., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
Boynton, Richard F., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Bullard, William P., Co. C, Oct. 1, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Cooper, Hugh, Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Guyot, Joseph, Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
Kingsbury, William H., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; died at Beaufort, N. C.,
March 1, 1863.
Knapp, Cyrus W., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Koff, Frederick, Co. K, Sept. 16, 1862 ; deserted Oct. 2, 1862, Readville,
Mass. |
McLoud, Robert M., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863;
musician.
Marshall, John P., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
McLane, William H., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
Oakes, Joseph, Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Russell, William L., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
Seagraves, Gilbert R., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Severance, Charles R., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Sumner, Lewis N., Co. K, Sept. 16, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Wisner, George P., Co. C, Sept. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Bailey, Walter, Co. K, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Brennan, John, Co. B, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. Jan. 30, 1863, for disability.
Dadmun, Newell H., Co. K, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Fuller, Albert, Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Fuller, Ezra N., Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; died Feb. 21, 1862, at Newberne,
ING?
Greenwood, John W., Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. April 1, 1863, for
wound received in engagement at Whitehall, N. C., Dec. 16, 1862.
Hunting, Israel, Jr., Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Johnson, Albert 8., Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Lyon, Henry, Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Lyon, Edward, Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Moseley, William, Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
Newell, Charles, Co. B, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
May, Albert S., Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. Feb. 28, 1863, for wound re-
ceived in engagement at Whitehall, N. C., Dec. 16, 1862.
Whitmarsh, John G., Co. A, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out June 18, 1863.
FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Barnes, Daniel, Co. B, Oct. 11, 1862 ; must. out July 7, 1863.
Carter, Rufus B., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Coulter, George, Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Crowley, Dennis, Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; disch. for disability Nov. 4, 1862.
Estabrook, George W., Co. A, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Hammill, Hugh, Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Hatch, Ambrose P., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862 ; must. out July 7, 1863.
Hotchkiss, Willard H., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Jones, Alvah T., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863. |
Jones, Pliny M., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863. }
Morton, William H., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Palmer, George F., Co. E, Sept. 26, 1862; disch. Oct. 18, 1862, for disa-
bility.
Ragan, Timothy O., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
Richards, Samuel F., Co. B, Sept. 26, 1862; killed at Kinston, N. C., Dec. |
14, 1862.
ELEVENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Nine Months).
Wisner, Charles F., Aug. 25, 1862; must. out May 25, 1863; re-enl. in
11th Light Battery Jan. 2, 1864; must. out June 16, 1865, corporal.
FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT (Three Years). |
Holmes, Charles, Co. B, Aug. 22, 1864; must. out Aug. 29, 1865.
FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Avignon, Peter, Co. I, Feb. 4, 1864; died Aug. 1, 1864, at Anderson- |
ville, Ga.
Baldoe, Louis, Co. I, Feb. 4, 1864; died Ang. 9, 1864, at Anderson- |
ville, Ga. |
Farly, Edward, Co. D, Dec. 29, 1863; disch. April 3, 1865, for disability. |
Flattery, Patrick, Co. 1, Feb. 4, 1864; disch. June 20, 1865, for disability, |
Jufis, Pedro, Co. I, Feb. 4, 1864: must. out July 12, 1865.
Marshall, John P., Co. A, March 1, 1864; must. out July 12, 1865.
McCarty, James, Co. I, Feb. 4, 1864; must. out July 12, 1865.
Severance, Charles R., Co. A, March 1, 1864; killed May 31, 1864.
Tumbridge, John 8., Co. I, Feb. 4, 1864; disch. Sept. 9, 1864, for disa-
bility. |
SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT (One Year).
Casey, Daniel, Co. I, Jan. 16, 1865; must. out July 16, 1865.
Conroy, John, Co. I, Jan, 17, 1865; must. out July 16, 1865.
Donley, Philip, Co. I, Jan. 16, 1865; must. out July 16, 1865.
Martin, Frank 8., Co. I, Jan. 24, 1865; must. out July 16, 1865.
SIXTY-SECOND REGIMENT (One Year).
Marshall, John E., Co. C, March 24, 1865 ; must. out May 5, 1865.
Artillery.
SECOND BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Brigham, Francis O., July 31, 1861; must. out Aug. 16, 1864.
SEVENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Nichols, Stephen, Jan. 21, 1864 ; must. out Nov. 10, 1865.
TENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Herring, William, Sept. 9, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
FIRST REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Farnsworth, Abram C., Co. L, Dec. 9, 1861; must. out Dec. 17, 1864.
Murray, George M., Co. M, March 4,1862; must. out March 30, 1864, to
re-enlist.
Simpson, Frederick J., Co. G, Dec.3, 1863; died Nov. 4, 1864, at Florence
Prison, 8. C.
SECOND REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Fiske, Joseph E., Oct. 9, 1863; 2d lieut. June 4, 1863; Ist lieut. July 30,
1863; capt. Oct. 9, 1863; must. out May 15, 1865.
Fuller, Albert, Co. D, Aug. 22, 1563; q.m.-sergt.
Freeman, Joseph, Co. D, Aug. 22,1863; died July 2, 1864, at Newberne,
NaC:
Marshall, Frederick F., Co. B, Aug. 29, 1863; must. out Sept. 3, 1865;
corp.
THIRD REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY (Three Years),
Dill, John, Co. L, May 30, 1864; deserted July 10, 1864.
Withington, Charles P., Co. L, Aug. 31, 1864; must. out June 17, 1865.
FOURTH REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY (One Year).
Fuller, George, Co. B, Aug. 20, 1864; deserted May 15, 1865.
Bachman, Frederick H., Co. B, Aug. 23, 1864; must. out June 17, 1865.
Cavalry.
FIRST REGIMENT CAVALRY (Three Years).
Hurd, Edwin, Co. D, Jan. 1, 1864; must. out June 29, 1865.
SECOND REGIMENT CAVALRY (Three Years).
Carter, Warren, Co. D, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 20, 1865.
| Forrest, Henry, May 25, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Hollinbeck, William, May 25, 1864; unassigned recruit.
| Harmon, John, May 26, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Lewis, John, Co. K, May 25,1864; deserted June 25, 1864.
Morris, Edward, May 26, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Morris, Samuel, May 26, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Moore, John, Aug. 23, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Reynolds, John, May 26, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Stevens, John, May 26, 1864; must. out June 24, 1865.
Travers, William H., May 25, 1864; unassigned recruit.
THIRD REGIMENT CAVALRY (Three Years).
Woods, Albert A., Co. K, Aug. 6, 1862; died March 21, 1863, at New Or-
leans, La.
FOURTH REGIMENT CAVALRY (Three Years).
| Clark, Joseph J., Co. M, March 1, 1864; must. out Nov. 14, 1865,
McGregor, John H., asst.-surg., March 1, 1864; disch. April 28, 1864, for
disability.
Moran, Michael, Co. C, Jan. 6, 1864; must. out Nov. 14, 1865.
| Purple, Charles, corp., Co. D, Jan. 3, 1865 ; must. out Noy. 14, 1865.
Vernon, John E., Co. B, Dec. 22, 1864; deserted Sept. 18, 1865.
FIFTH REGIMENT CAVALRY (Three Years).
Boling, George, bugler, Co. L, April 22, 1864; must. out June 21, 1865.
Wilkie, Joshua H., capt., 24th unattached company infantry, one year,
Feb. 7, 1865 ; must. out May 12, 1865.
Keith, Walter D., capt., 26th unattached company infantry, one year,
Dec. 15, 1864; must. out May 12, 1865.
990 HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Veteran Reserve Corps.
Anthis, Philip, Aug. 22, 1864.
Ceolins, Clarkson, Dec. 20, 1864.
Dance, Charles W., Dec. 20, 1864.
Greany, George, Aug. 20, 1864.
Harley, William A., Aug. 15, 1864.
Huth, John, Aug. 17, 1864.
Johnson, William, Dec. 20, 1864.
McLaughlin, Patrick, Aug. 19, 1864.
Millenken, Robert, Aug. 17, 1864.
Moore, George, Dec. 20, 1864; deserted Feb, 20, 1865.
United States Colored Troops.
Lambert, Joseph, July 4, 1864, 28th Inf.
Lansing, Robert, July 4, 1864, 28th Inf.
Lasley, Frank, July 4, 1864, 28th Inf.
Navy.
Allen, Andrew, one year; shipped Feb. 15, 1863.
Anderson, Andrew, three years; shipped Aug. 22, 1864.
Andrews, Henry, one yeaf; shipped Feb. 20, 1863.
Barry, James, one year; shipped Aug. 12, 1862.
Bigelow, Albert, one year; shipped Feb. 11, 1863,
Brown, Daniel H., one year; shipped March 11, 1863.
Foster, William, three years ; shipped May 17, 1864.
Grant, George D., three years; shipped Dec. 22, 1864.
Hanson, Carl, one year; shipped April 18, 1863.
Hazard, Frank W., one year; shipped April 18, 1863.
Pheeney, William, one year; shipped March 17, 1863.
Reynolds, Bernard, one year; shipped March 16, 1863.
Shaw, William, one year; shipped Jan. 20, 1863.
Shepherd, John, three years; shipped Dec. 14, 1861.
Smith, John (3d), three years; shipped Dec. 16, 1861.
Smith, Noah, three years; shipped Dec. 17, 1861.
Smith, William E., three years; shipped Dec. 18, 1861.
Snider, Stephen, three years; shipped Dec. 26, 1861.
Sullivan, Dennis, one year; shipped Nov. 7, 1862.
Symonds, Daniel, three years ; shipped Dec. 23, 1861.
Todd, Robert, three years; shipped Dec. 14, 1861.
Tibbetts, Edward H., two years; shipped Jan. 1, 1862,
Trudo, Francis M., two years; shipped Jan. 6, 1862.
Trefry, James, three years; shipped Jan. 14, 1862.
Wallace, Charles, one year; shipped Aug. 26, 1862.
Welch, Michael, one year; shipped April 24, 1863.
White, William, one year; shipped April 14, 1863.
Williams, Michael, one year; shipped March 23, 1863.
Wentworth, George, one year; shipped Aug. 22, 1862.
Willard, Henry, one year, shipped Aug. 26, 1862.
Ward, John H., one year; shipped Aug. 26, 1862.
Withan, Francis, one year: shipped Aug. 26, 1862.
Wheeler, Henry, one year; shipped Aug. 25, 1862.
Ward, Abner, one year; shipped Aug. 25, 1862.
Williams, George J., one year; shipped Ang. 26, 1862.
Wakefield, Josiah J , one year; shipped Aug. 29, 1862.
Wood, Charles H., one year; shipped Aug, 25, 1862,
Wise, Pliney, one year; shipped Aug. 27, 1862.
Withington, Charles P., three years; shipped Feb. 13, 1862; disch. Aug.
4, 1863, for disability.
RANDOLPH.
The following is a complete record of the names of |
all the soldiers and officers in the military service
of the United States, and of all the seamen and
officers in the naval service, from the town of Ran-
dolph, during the Rebellion begun in 1861:
Alden, Hiram C.
Alden, Lucas W.
Arnold, Horatio B.
Adams, Richard.
Alden, William Hart.
Abenzeller, Anthony.
Angier, Edson J.
Austin, Ebenezer V.
Alden, Frederick H. Alden, Silas.
Alexander, Thomas.
Alden, Henry A.
Buck, Nathan E.
Burrell, George Augustus.
|
Beal, Ira, Jr.
Blencowe, W. William.
Buck, Samuel Henry.
Brundage, Levi A.
Brady, John F.
Byrne, John J.
Bossell, Joseph.
Bryant, Ira A.
Bryant, Ira.
Buckley, John.
Buckley, Jerry ©.
Buckley, J. C.
Bates, Warren.
Belcher, Leonard.
Barry, Robert C.
Bigelow, John, Jr.
Bowman, Oliver H.
Boyle, Joseph.
Boyle, Francis.
Blackman, E.
Brady, Peter.
Burrell, David L., Jr.
Burrell, Joseph.
Bowen, Michael.
Bracken, James.
Belcher, Charles H.
Burbank, Angelo A.
Belcher, Francis A.
Barry, James.
Brosnihan, Daniel.
Blencowe, Richmond.
Bean, Seth C,
Bates, William F.
Bartlett, Amasa M,
Blanchard, William F.
Brown, Walter H.
Baker, Samuel S.
Birdley, John A.
Balcom, Charles H.
Bell, William.
Brix, James.
Boice, Charles H.
Blackburn, Joshua.
Bickford, Charles F.
Banman, Christian,
Blethen, James L.
Bender, William.
Brink, Oliver J.
Burt, Charles T.
Burt, Dunham G,
Brunson, Perry.
Bracken, Andrew.
Baker, John.
Bigelow, Frederick N.
Barry, Garret C.
Blood, Nathan B.
Blood, Herbert C.
Crooker, Otis.
Curtis, John W.
Curtis, Martin William.
Cousins, Daniel.
Compass, Theodore.
Cottle, Edmund,
Crooker, Allen J.
Cox, Henry M.
Cartwright, John T.
Clark, Samuel Melvin.
Clark, Cornelius.
Cox, Richard H.
Cahill, John.
Capen, Charles M,
Croak, William Andrew.
Curtis, James L.
Curran, Timothy.
Curran, John, Jr.
Cary, Patrick.
Curtis, John.
Crosby, Patrick.
Cotter, Edward A.
Connor, John F.
Condon, Maurice.
Cole, Ephraim T.
Colbert, John.
Carroix, John.
Cary, Francis.
Cain, Friend.
Clary, Daniel.
Chandler, Frederick.
Clark, Isaac.
Croak, George H.
Cook, George W.
Chandler, Constant S.
Churchill, Millard F,
Currie, George H.
Crosby, John.
Clark, George.
Clark, Matthew, Jr.
Cushing, Albert W.
Campbell, Thomas W.
Crawford, William H,
Corrigan, Frank 8.
Cork, Richard.
Clark, John.
Cornell, Samuel J.
Cohn, Joseph.
Cane, Benjamin.
Chilson, Elisha M.
Cross, John.
Cunningham, Thomas.
Dargen, Joseph W.
Davis, Charles C.
Dawes, James E.
Downey, John.
Dawes, Charles F.
Donahoe, John J.
Donahoe, Philip.
Driscoll, Timothy.
Doody, John.
Dunton, John.
Dyer, Frederick W.
Driscoll, John A,
Deane, Ward ©.
Davis, William H.
Davis, Joseph P.
Dernan, Hugh.
Doyle, Edward.
Dooley, William.
Downey, John.
Douglass, William 8.
Dyer, Abram B.
Delano, Emery.
Dumfee, Michael.
Donalhy, Michael, Jr.
Dench, George B.
Dennehy, Daniel D.
Driscoll, James C.
Delano, Lorenzo L.
Dolland, Robert.
Desmond, Cornelius.
Dargen, James F.
Donaby, Michael.
Doherty, Patrick.
Dorr, Joseph.
Drew, D. L.
Desney, Joseph.
Diggs, Lloyd.
Davis, Henry.
Davis, David.
Doyle, James.
Dougherty, Thomas.
Dyer, Joseph W.
Desmond, John.
APPENDIX.
991
Eckenstein, Libert.
Eddy, Charles.
Eddy, Lorenzo D.
Eaton, William T.
Early, James (No. 1).
Eddy, George.
Early, James (No. 2).
Faunce, Hannibal A.
Fletcher, Eustace Jerome.
Fletcher, Samuel.
Foster, Samuel A.
Fowkes, George W.
Faunce, Leonard A.
French, George F.
Farrell, Edward.
Farmer, Charles H.
French, Charles L.
Flynn, John D.
Faunce, Addison.
Faunce, Charles A.
Faunce, Hiram 8.
Finerty, Edward.
Flynn, Edward.
Foley, John (2d).
Ford, Edwin.
Foley, John (1st).
Fox, James D.
Faunce, Alvin.
Finerty, Bartho.
Flynn, James.
Flanagan, Patrick.
Fraxwell, John.
Foley, John (3d).
Forrest, Augustus.
Faxon, Daniel, Jr.
Gill, John H.
Godwin, George H.
Goodwin, Charles H.
Geer, E. F.
Gerald, George.
Gerald, William H.
Gill, John, Jr.
Gill, William F.
Gurney, F. M.
Gear, Michael A.
Green, Patrick.
Good, John.
Gennels, Frederick.
Gurnett, Peter.
Hollis, Myron W.
Harris, Seth M.
Hayden, Zenas M.
Howard, Edward E.
Howard, Edgar.
Howard, Martin V. B.
Heath, John W.
Hodge, Samuel R.
Huzzy, Willard A.
Howland, Charles.
Henry, George.
Holbrook, Henry D.
Holbrook, Ebenezer, Jr.
Hobart, Edward K.
Hamilton, George A.
Howard, Ira.
Hogan, James H.
Hodge, Charles D.
Hodge, Oliver H. P.
Hobart, Samuel B.
Hand, Patrick.
Howard, Volney.
Hill, William F.
Harris, Job D.
Hollis, Nathan S.
Hunt, George W.
Hutchinson, Benjamin R.
Hobart, David W.
Hobart, W. M.
Hobart, F. M.
Hobart, James E.
Howard, Moses B.
Halpin, Michael.
Holbrook, Marcus M.
Hollis, George F.
Hickey, Hugh.
Hunt, James W.
Hunt, Lewis A.
Howard, Albert.
Harris, John D.
Hollis, Lemuel.
Hogan, Richard.
Hodge, Jerome R.
Halloran, Matthew O.
Hand, Peter B.
Harris, James F,
Harris, John.
Holbrook, Hiram.
Holbrook, Seth.
Howard, Henry B.
Howard, Henry M.
Howard, Simeon.
Healy, Jeremiah,
Hopkins, Jonathan.
Hollis, Galen.
Hunt, George T.
Hunt, Charles E.
Harris, Rufus F.
Holbrook, James M.
Howard, George W.
Holbrook, Joel J.
Hollis, George W.
Howard, Edwin W.
Hammond, Laban 8.
Hall, James.
Heger, Peter.
Hannavan, John.
Hodges, James.
Hoeg, Joel.
Herin, William O.
Hedericks, John.
Hatcher, Henry.
Howard, George.
Howard, Cornelius.
Hand, Thomas F.
Howard, James T.
Hunt, Caleb F.
Hanna, George B.
Ingell, Benjamin.
Ingell, John T.
Ingell, J. Wilson.
Ives, Edward L.
Ingell, Charles A.
Joy, Henry.
Jones, Leonard.
Jones, James M.
Jones, Rufus J.
Jones, James.
Jones, Walter A.
Jones, George W.
Jaquith, Franklin.
Jordan, James.
Jones, Adam W.
Jones, Obediah (2d).
Johnson, George M.
Joines, Joseph.
Knight, George E.
Knight, Nelson E.
Kiley, Henry.
Kneeland, Thomas.
King, Seth T.
King, Royal T.
Kennedy, John A.
King, Joel.
Kiley, Patrick.
Kelleher, Cornelius.
Kiley, Dennis.
Kiley, John.
Keirnan, Felix.
Keegan, Patrick.
Keegan, William.
Kiley, Henry.
Kennedy, James.
Kiley, Michael.
Kelliher, John C.
Keirnan, Edward.
Kelliher, Michael.
Kerrigan, Frank.
Kinsley, William.
Kingman, John W.
Knapp, ©. J. F.
Kissick, James H.
Kinsley, Wilson.
Kenney, Joseph,
Knight, Austin G.
Kerrigan, James.
Keefe, John.
Lovering, Isaac J.
Lovering, George M.
Loud, William.
Lyons, William.
Leavitt, Aaron.
Law, John A.
Lyons, John W.
Leonard, John W.
Leach, Charles.
Lynch, Michael.
Lally, Daniel.
Law, Thomas.
Linns, Alfred.
Lake, Peter.
Leavenworth, Charles R.
Libbey, Roscoe.
Leonard, Edward W.
Leonard, Frank.
Littlefield, John 8S.
Littlefield, Roger S.
Morton, Asa H,
Morton, Isaac.
Mann, John Andrew.
Morse,*Lysander C,
Moran, Matthew.
McCarty, John.
McCarty, Michael.
Maney, James.
Macomber, Daniel R.
McMahon, Edward.
McCue, John.
Mann, George W.
MecMair, William.
Madan, Washington.
Madan, William.
Murray, Jolin.
Miller, Charles.
Miller, Henry.
Mann, Sidney A.
Murphy, Michael.
Mullins, John.
McCabe, Joseph.
Mann, Jolin.
Masterson, Michael.
McAuliff, Richard.
McKennia, John.
McGinnis, John.
Mullins, Jeremiah.
McVey, John.
Mahoney, John.
McLaughlin, Edward.
McGrath, Thomas.
McMahon, Peter.
Morgan, Edward.
May, Albert M.
Mann, Nelson.
May, Calvin.
May, John.
Miller, Benjamin L.
Mann, Moses.
Madan, William.
Mann, George W.
Maxim, John.
Mooney, Daniel.
Murray, James.
McCalb, Joseph.
Murphy, John.
Middleton, Robert L.
Moerisey, William.
McSweeny, Daniel,
Miller, Alexander.
Mickle, Charles.
Myers, Henry.
Morrisey, William.
McNair, Richard.
Madigan, John.
Madan, Elihu.
Niles, Horace.
Niles, Jonatban §S.
Nightengale, Frederick.
Noonan, Thomas W.
Nast, John.
Nightengale, Alvan H.
Newcomb, Francis.
Nye, Oliver C.
Otis, William W.
O’Brien, John, Jr.
O’Holloran, James.
O’Neil, Jeremiah.
O’Neil, John.
O’ Neil, Daniel.
O’Riley, Frank.
O’Towle, Patrick.
O’Brien, Michael.
O’Brien, Richard,
O’ Holloran, Thomas.
O'Neil, Timothy.
Palmer, William.
Perry, William.
Poppy, Martin S.
Packard, Horace M.
Poole, Charles.
Poole, J. Franklin.
Payne, Samuel H.
Pratt, Charles E.
Pratt, E. Francis.
Poole, Marcus M.
Pierce, Leonard.
Payne, Ezra A.
Payne, Adoniram A.
Phillips, Zebulon S.
Pope, David.
Pratt, Abraham W.
Packard, Horatio.
Parker, Albert.
Pratt, Richmond T,
Paul, Leonard B.
Payson, Charles W.
Powers, John.
Pennypacker, Frank.
Paine, Jonathan 8S.
Penell, Arthur.
Perkins, Enoch.
Pratt, Henry.
Pyne, John.
Prescott, Charles.
Quimbley, John B.
Remick, Prescott.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Rienstlow, John.
Raymond, Harvey E.
Reed, Edwin.
Richards, Joseph.
Riley, James.
Riley, John F.
Rouke, John.
Riley, Alexander.
Reardon, Daniel.
Rooney, Peter.
Regan, Dennis.
Raynolds, O. A.
Rooney, John.
’ Rogers, Martin.
Ryan, William.
Reardon, Patrick.
Riley, John.
Rowell, James A.
Richards, Joseph.
Rowe, Luther.
Riley, Francis.
Randall, William.
Robbins, J. E.
Regan Charles.
Rudolph, Jacob.
Riley, Charles F.
Smith, William A.
Snow, Hiram.
Sloan, Peter S.
Sloan, George 8.
Sloan, Isaac H.
Sloan, Joseph V.
Smith, George L.
Sessler, Jacob.
Stetson, Charles T.
Spear, James.
Stetson, Albert W.
Stetson, L. Alonzo.
Stetson, Abel Columbus.
Sprague, Quincy.
Snow, William F.
Snell, George A.
Stimpson, William H.
Sullivan, Cornelius.
Smith, Henry F.
Sylvester, John A.
Sylvester, John Q. A.
Sweeney, Patrick.
Spear, George C.
Shed, William H.
Smith, George.
Spear, William B.
Shaw, Martin V. B.
Simpson, Elbridge G.
Snow, Henry.
Sprague, Alvin H,
Stetson, Francis E.
Sullivan, Patrick E,
Smith, Francis.
Stetson, George A.
Stetson, William B.
Smith, Lewis T.
Smith, George N.
Stauffer, Schoff.
Slaughter, Edward.
Smith, Asa.
Strong, Asa 8.
Slack, Henry.
Stephens, Abednego.
Salkfield, Thomas.
Smith, Henson.
Thayer, Royal W.
Thayer, Leonard.
Thayer, Levi Frank.
Thayer, Isaac, Jr.
Thayer, Henry W.
Thayer, Henry Martin.
Thayer, Henry Carter.
Thayer, Philander W.
Thayer, Nelson L.
Thayer, James Riley.
Thayer, Minot.
Thayer, Orrin T.
Thayer, James M.
Thayer, Charles Payson.
Thayer, Ephraim H.
Thayer, Samuel.
Thayer, George W.
Thayer, N. A.
Thayer, Joseph W.
Thayer, Charles Lincoln.
Thayer, Charles Luther.
Thayer, Charles H.
Thayer, Thomas HH. B.
Thayer, Warren, Jr.
Thayer, Alson W.
Thayer, Thomas B.
Thayer, Charles Packard.
Tileston, George Henry.
Turner, John P.
Tillson, William.
Townsend, Newton.
Tower, Morton F.
Turner, Warren C.
Tower, Minot.
Twohig, Maurice.
Turner, Frederick.
Taylor, Marcus.
Tower, Charles W.
Taunt, Loring.
Tynan, John.
Thompson, James.
Taylor, Ira A. E.
Tower, Christopher.
Tarbox, Elbridge G.
Townsend, Adoniram J.
Tully, Bartlett.
Turner, Benjamin F,
Upham, Lyman.
Uniack, Richard.
Uniack, Robert.
Veazie, Walter C.
Viele, Sidney B.
Valentine, George.
Wilbur, Otis F.
Wales, Hiram F.
Winnett, Wendell W.
White, William Leander.
Wales, Elisha Linfield.
White, George Bailey.
Wortman, Frank M.
Wild, Charles H.
White, Lawrence.
Willis, Thomas E.
Whitten, William.
Woods, William H.
Whalen, Thomas.
Ward, Christopher.
Whitmarsh, Thomas F,
Ward, Eugene F.
Ward, Thomas P.
Ward, Jobn.
Wilkinson, Richard.
Whieldon, Joseph.
Williams, John.
Woodman, William Horace
Weathee, Charles.
Warren, John E.
Wood, James.
White, Cornelius L.
White, Philemon.
Wren, Bernard.
Woodbury, Frank V.
Whiting, Otis S.
Whiting, Sidney S.
Whiting, Otis.
Wetherbee, Horace N.
Wetherbee, Martin P.
White, Samuel.
White, James W.
Winnett, George H.
Willard, Augustus.
Wild, Theodore 8.
White, Robert S.
Ward, Charles W.
Wetherbee, Joseph W.
Wetherbee, Orrin.
Wetherbee, Erville.
Wetherbee, David.
Whelom, Thomas.
Wilbur, Joseph W.
Weeks, Charles H.
West, Lorenzo.
Williams, Thomas.
Wing, Francis H.
Ward, Thomas F.
White, Samuel A.
Whitcomb, Ephraim F.
Washburn, George.
Young, Isaac E.
Yeaton, Stephen C.
List of Randolph Selectmen.—The list of gentle-
men who have in years past served the town of Ran-
dolph as selectinen, as printed in the body of the
| history, was furnished to the writer of the Randolph
article from what was believed to be an authoritative
source. While the sheets were passing through the
press, however, certain errors were discovered in it.
The list below given has been carefully revised, and
is thought to be entirely accurate:
1793.—Joseph White, Jr., Dr. Ebenezer Alden, Micah White, Jr.
1794.—Joseph White, Jr., Dr. Ebenezer Alden, Micah White, Jr.
1795.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1796.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1797.— Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1798.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1799.—Joseph White, Jr., Thomas French, Micah White, Jr.
1800.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1801.—Joseph White, Jr., Zacheus Thayer, Micah White, Jr.
1802.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1803.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Micah White, Jr.
1804.—Joseph White, Jr., Samuel Bass, Jonathan Belcher.
1805.—Thomas French, Samuel Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1806.—Thomas French, Samuel Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1807.—Thomas French, Joseph Porter, Micah White, Jr.
1808.—Thomas French, Nathaniel Spear, Micah White, Jr.
1809.—Thomas French, Samuel Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1810.—Thomas French, Samuel Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1811.—Thomas French, Samuel Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1812.—Jonathan Wales, Jr., Samuel Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1813.—Jonathan Wales, Jr., Jacob Whitcomb, Jr., Micah White, Jr.
1814.—Jonathan Wales, Jr., Joseph Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1815.—Jonathan Wales, Jr., Joseph Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1816 —Jonathan Wales, Jr., Joseph Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1817.—Jonathan Wales, Jr., Joseph Linfield, Micah White, Jr.
1818.—Royal Turner, Seth Mann, Zenas French.
1819.—Luther Thayer, Seth Mann, Zenas French.
1820.—Luther Thayer, Seth Mann, Zenas French.
1821.—Zenas French, Seth Mann, Royal Turner.
1822.—Joseph Linfield, Seth Mann, Royal Turner.
1823.—Joseph Linfield, Seth Mann, Royal Turner.
1824.—Joseph Linfield, Seth Mann, Royal Turner.
1825.—Joseph Linfield, Horatio B. Alden, Thomas Howard.
1826.—Lewis Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Thomas Howard.
1827.—Lewis Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Thomas Howard.
1828.—Seth Mann, Royal Turner, Lewis Whitcomb.
1829.—Seth Mann, John Porter, Henry B. Alden.
1830.—Seth Mann, John Porter, Henry B. Alden.
1831.—Joshua Spear, Jr., David Blanchard, Henry B. Alden.
1832.—Joshua Spear, Jr., David Blanchard, Henry B. Alden.
1833.—Jonathan White, Zeba Spear, Henry B. Alden.
1834.—David Blanchard, Zeba Spear, Henry B. Alden.
1835.—Joshua Spear, Jr., Zenas French, Jr., Samuel Thayer.
1836.—Joshua Spear, Jr., Zenas French, Jr., Samuel Thayer.
1837.—Joshua Spear, Jr., Zenas French, Jr., Samuel Thayer.
1838.—Joshua Spear, Jr., Zenas French, Jr., Samuel Thayer.
1839.—Benjamin Richards, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower.
1840.—Benjamin Richards, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower.
APPENDIX. 993
1841.—Benjamin Richards, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. _ 1864. Handel Pond. | 1871. George Sheldon.
1842.—Benjamin Richards, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. | 1865. Philander P. Cook. | 1873. Abraham W. Harris.
1843.— Benjamin Richards, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. 1867. James T. Ford. | 1874. George M. Warren.
1844.—Benjamin Richards, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. 1870. Lowell R. Blake. | 1876. William R. Tompkins.
1845.—Aaron Prescott, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL aS.
1846.—Jonathan Wales, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. ri a i CONN eo
1779. Thomas Man. | 1820. Allen Tillinghast.
1847.— Jonathan Wales, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower.
1848.—Jonathan Wales, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. | Lemuel Kollock. Samuel Bugbee.
1849.—Jonathan Wales, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower. 1820. Samuel Day. | 1853. Samuel Warner.
1850.—Jonathan Wales, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower.
1851.—Bradford L. Wales, Zenas French, Jr., Isaac Tower.
1852.—Davil Blanchard, Bradford L. Wales, Archibald Woodman.
1853.—John T. Jordan, Bradford L. Wales, J. White Belcher.
1854.—Seth Mann (2d), Thomas White, Jr., J. White Belcher.
1855.—Seth Mann (2d), Thomas White, Jr., J. White Belcher.
1856.—Seth Mann (2d), Jacob Whitcomb, Ephraim Mann.
1857.—Seth Mann (2d), Jacob Whitcomb, Ephraim Mann.
1858.—Lemuel 8. Whitcomb, Jacob Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Jr.
1859.—Seth Mann (2d), Jacob Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Jr.
1860.—Seth Mann (2d), Jacob Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Jr.
1861.—J. White Belcher, Lemuel 8. Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Jr. |
1862.—J. White Belcher, Seth Mann (2d), Lemuel S. Whitcomb.
1863.—J. White Belcher, Seth Mann (2d), Lemuel 8. Whitcomb.
1864.—J. White Belcher, Seth Mann (2d), John Adams.
1865.—J. White Belcher, Nathauiel Howard, John Adams.
1866.—J. White Belcher, Nathaniel Howard, John Adams.
1867.—J. White Belcher, Jacob Whitcomb, Nathaniel Howard.
1868.—J. White Belcher, Jacob Whitcomb, Horatio B. Alden, Jr.
1869.—J. White Belcher, John Underhay, Horatio B. Alden.
1870.—J. White Belcher, John Underhay, Horatio B. Alden.
1871.—J. White Belcher, John Underhay, Horatio B. Alden. |
1872.—J. White Belcher, Seth Mann (2d), Horatio B. Alden. |
1873.—J. White Belcher, John T. Flood, Seth Mann (2d).
1874.—J. White Belcher, John T. Flood, James A. Tower.
1875.—J. White Belcher, John T. Flood, James A. Tower.
1876.—John T. Flood, Seth Mann (2d), Sidney French. |
1877.—John T. Flood, James A. Tower, Daniel Howard. Ballou, Darius A.
} 1878.—John T. Flood, James A. Tower, Daniel Howard. Ballou, William C.
1879.—John T. Flood, James A. Tower, Daniel Howard. | Barnes, George F.
" 1880.—John T. Flvuod, Sidney French, Royal T. Mann. | Barnes, Henry W.
: 1881.—John T. Flood, John Berry Thayer, Royal T. Mann. | Barnicoat, John W.
1882.—John T. Flood, John Berry Thayer, Royal T. Mann. Baron, Patrick.
| 1883.—Rufus Albert Thayer, John Berry Thayer, Royal T. Mann. Baron, William D.
Barton, Albert.
Bathe, Anthony.
STATE SENATORS.
Lucus Pond.
Melatiah Everett.
Oliver Felt.
Samuel Warner, Jr.
Calvin Fisher, Jr.
Samuel Day.
Josiah J. Fiske.
Allen Tillinghast.
Ebenezer Blake.
George Hawes.
MEMBERS OF REVOLUTIONARY CONVENTIONS.
1768. Jabex Fisher. | 1774. Lemuel Kollock.
1774. Jabez Fisher. | Samuel Lethbridge.
Ebenezer Daggett.
Military Record, 1861-65.—The subjoined list
contains the names of persons who were mustered
into the military service of the United States in the
_ civil war of 1861, for Wrentham. It includes the
names both of citizens and of others who enlisted as
la part of the town’s quota:
Allen, Joseph H.
Ally, John.
Alvine, William.
Anderson, George.
Andrews, Charles.
Auty, George.
Babbitt, James B.
Cody, George.
Cole, Joseph E.
Conley, Cornelius.
Connors, Daniel.
Cook, Herbert E.
Crosby, Edmund B.
Crossley, Benjamin.
Crotty, Edward.
Crotty, Daniel.
Crotty, James P.
Cunningham, Arthur.
Cunningham, Charles T,
Daggett, Marcus L.
Daly, Michael.
Darling, Wilson.
Dart, Allen E.
WRENTHAM. Bauman, Antoine. Dart, Gustavus F.
Benn, Henry. Dermont, Joseph.
ul TRS
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT. Bennett, Aaron A. Dimond, Richard H.
1691. Samuel Fisher. 1809. James Ware. Bennett, Alonzo F. Dow, Charles 8.
Cornelius Fisher. Jacob Mann. Bennett, David S. Downs, Matthew.
1697. John Ware. 1812. Jairus Mann. | Blackinton, Jacob A. Drake, George R.
1707. John Guild. Samuel Druce. Blackinton, James E. Draper, Ebenezer.
1710. John Whiting. 1813. William Blackinton. Blackinton, Lyman D. Dunbar, John A.
1717. Ebenezer Fisher. 1821. Josiah J. Fiske. Blake, Adin P. Dupee, George S.
1719. Thomas Bacon. 1824. David Shepard. Blake, Alfred. Elliott, Sumner.
1721. Robert Ware. 1826. Ebenezer Blake. Blake, Ezra N. Emerson, James.
1723. Edward Gay. 1828. George Hawes. Blake, Jeremiah D. Engly, George.
1726. Jonathan Ware. 1829. Allen Tillinghast. Blake, William L. Fales, David.
1727.
1728.
1733.
1737.
1740.
1746.
1756.
1766.
1775.
1776.
1782.
1784.
1787.
1789.
Robert Pond.
Robert Blake.
William Man.
Timothy Metcalf.
James Blake.
John Goldsbury.
Elephalet Whiting.
Jabez Fisher.
Lemuel Kollock.
Joseph Hawes.
Ebenezer Daggett.
Benjamin Guild.
Joseph Fairbanks.
Oliver Pond.
John Whiting.
Nathan Comstock.
| 1839.
| 1842.
1843.
1846.
1831.
1834.
1837.
1849
1854
1855
1856
1858
Oliver Felt.
Lucus Pond.
John Fuller.
Shem Armsby.
Preston Pond.
Silas Metcalf.
John A. Craig.
Otis G. Cheever.
Samuel Warner.
Preston Day.
Reuben G. Metcalf.
Elisha Fisk.
Benjamin Hawes,
. Charles W. Farrington.
Preston Pond.
Edward C. Craig.
Block, Abel R.
Bonney, Frank K.
Bontelle, James H.
Brine, John.
Britton, James H.
Britton, Richard.
Brown, Charles.
Brown, George L.
Brown, Orlando.
Burroughs, Edward.
Burton, Albert W.
Bugbee, Samuel H.
Cain, John.
Caldwell, Robert.
Carroll, Timothy.
Cheever, Horace C.
Fales, Henry A.
Fales, Silas E.
Farnsworth, James P.
Farnum, Albert N.
Farrington, Watson H.
Farry, Michael.
Farry, Samuel.
Firm, Bernard.
Fisher, Daniel W.
Fisher, Harrison.
Fisher, Lewis B.
Fisher, Oliver A.
Fisher, William H.
Fletcher, Nath. F.
Fletcher, Stephen R.
Forrest, Frederic D.
1804. Cornelius Kollock. 1859. Chauncy G. Fuller. Clifford, Charles. Foster, John.
1805. Samuel Day. 1861. Harvey B. Coleman. Cobb, Alfred O. Foster, Peter.
1807. Benjamin Sheppard. 1862. Caleb W. Sayles. Cobb, Henry G. Freeman, Dexter B.
63
994
French, John.
Fubhrinan, Michael.
Gage, Samuel C.
Gage, William L.
Galvin, Maurice J.
Ganay, Robert.
Giles, William H.
Gordak, William N.
Gragg. Michael.
Green, Nelson 8S.
Green, Ebenezer.
Greer, Frederic E.
Grover, Jeremiah O.
Harney, Michael.
Harris, William A.
Harris, Warren.
Hawes, Albert E.
Hawes, Edward.
Hawes, Elijah F.
Hawes, William H.
Hawkins, Albert.
Hay, Henry E.
Hemmenway, Frank W.
Hemmenway, William W.
Henry, John.
Henry, Thomas.
Herrick, Joseph T.
Hogan, David.
Hogan, Patrick.
Hollis, Alonzo,
Hunt, Bernard.
Ide, Nathaniel.
Inman, William L.
Jordan, Hartley D.
Jordan, Henry A.
Jordan, Horatio A.
Jordan, Lowell A.
Keenan, James.
Kendall, Charles P.
Keyes, George R.
Kingsbury, Forrest B.
Kingsley, Samuel C.
Lake, Edgar B.
Lake, Peter.
Lewis, Robert.
Little, Henry.
Lord, Frost.
Maintien, George H.
Mann, Thomas H.
Marcoe, John.
Mason, Edwin A.
Mathews, John.
Maynard, Stephen.
Mayshaw, Henry.
McCarty, John.
McCarty, Daniel.
McCausland, William.
McCormick, :
McGaw, Alexander.
McNulty, Bernard.
Messinger, Charles W.
Metcalf, Edgar H.
Metcalf, Silas H.
Miles, Bradley 8.
Morrison, Charles E,
Morrison, John.
Munroe, Charles D.
Munroe, Charles E.
Murphy, Martin V.
Murphy, Matthew.
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Newman, John,
Nickerson, Albert A.
Nickerson, Silas E.
O’Connor, Patrick.
Odey, Henry.
Odey, William B.
Olmore, Winslow.
Parnett, Pias.
Partridge, Edmund F.
Pettee, William H.
Pond, Elijah,
Pond, Elbridge 8.
Pryor, Thomas.
Rand, George S.
Ray, George A.
Raymond, John.
Regan, Michael.
Rice, Henry T.
Richardson, Alfred A.
Richardson, James O.
Richardson, Warren A.
Roberts, James H.
Rockwood, Benjamin H.
Ruggles, George E.
Salisbury, Norton.
Sanborn, George G.
Sears, Albert A.
Sears, Theophilus M.
Shaw, Lewis.
Shiney, Alexander.
Short, Dennis.
Simons, George W.
Skinner, Zenas,
Smith, Francis.
Smith, Marcus M.
Smith, Richard.
Smith, William L.
Smith, William T.
Stewart, David C.
Stone, George T.
Sturdy, Albert W.
Sullivan, James.
Sullivan, Jeremiah.
Swett, C. W.
Swzor, Jolin.
Tarr, Albert.
Thain, Gilbert M.
Thayer, Emery D.
Thayer, Lyman L.
Thomas, William H.
Thompson, Jason 8.
Vaughn, Daniel 8.
Vose, Cyrus W.
Ware, Henry A.
Whitcomb, George W.
White, Rufus.
Whiting, John H.
Whiting, Lewis R.
Wiggins, James F.
Willard, Ashbel.
Willard, Daniel C.
Willard, Eber.
Willard, Le Baron B.
Williams, Edward B.
Williams, Rounsville.
Witherell, Naaman W.
Wood, Josiah A. G.
Wood, William E.
Young, Austin.
Young, Francis.
It is hardly to be expected that the foregoing list
will be found strictly accurate, notwithstanding much
time and labor have been expended in trying to make
itso. Some of our townsmen served in the military
| 1725-26. Lieut. Joshua Fisher.
organizations of other States, and that service is not
| recorded in Massachusetts.
NAMES OF THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE OTHER STATES.
Austin, John E.
Barnes, Norman K,
Barnes, Edwin H.
Butman, Warren.
Ray, Frank P.
NAMES OF THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE NAVY.
Hawes, John F.
Hawes, George A.
Hazelton, John A.
Messinger, William A.
Baxter, John.
Chapin, Thomas E,
Churchill, Gardner A.
Hawes, James FE.
DEDHAM.
The Dedham Transcript was established April 1,
1870, by John Cox, Jr., Samuel H. Cox, and Hugh
H. McQuillen, proprietors. At the end of a year
Messrs. John Cox and H. H. MeQuillen retired from
the proprietorship, and Mr. Samuel H. Cox was the
editor and proprietor from that time until Feb. 26,
1881, when it was purchased by Mr. Hugh H. Me-
Quillen, who has continued it to the present time.
It is an excellent local paper and merits its present
prosperity.
The Dedham Standard was first published in Sep-
tember, 1882, by Walter L. Wardle & Co., who have
continued to publish it up to the present time (1884).
It is a good local journal and is entitled to its success.
Dedham Representatives to the General Court.
—A list of representatives from 1696 to 1846, for con-
secutive years, was published in Mann’s “‘ Annals
of Dedham” in 1847, which is incorporated into the
following list. Before that time the sources of
making a complete list are not easily accessible.
The first representative, or deputy, was Edward
Alleyne, who served four years. In 1640 he was suc-
ceeded by Maj. Eleazer Lusher, who served many
years. Capt. Daniel Fisher, the first of that name,
served from 1658 to 1682, excepting two years. He
was Speaker of the House in 1680, His successor
was Capt. Timothy Dwight, who also served many
years. Richard Ellis and Thomas Metcalf were rep-
resentatives afterwards, and before 1696, when the
following list begins:
1735-40. John Metcalf.
1741. Joseph Ellis.
1742. Joseph Richards.
1743. Richard Ellis.
1744-50. Col. Joseph Richards,
1751. Deacon Joseph Ellis.
1752-54. Joseph Richards, Esq.
1755. Voted not to send.
1756-57. Dea. Nathaniel Sumner,
1758-59. Dea. Joseph Ellis.
1760. Capt. Jonathan Metcalf.
| 1761. Eliphalet Pond, Esq.
1762, Nathaniel Sumner, Esq.
1763. Eliphalet Pond, Esq.
1727-28. Joseph Ellis, Sr. 1764-68. Samuel Dexter, Esq.
1729. Eleazar Ellis. 1769-70. Nathaniel Sumner, Esq.
1730-34. Joseph Ellis. 1771-73. Abner Ellis.
1696. John Fuller.
1697. Thomas Metcalf.
1698. Asahel Smith.
1699, Josiah Fisher.
1700-4. Capt. Daniel Fisher.
1705-11. John Fuller.
1712-13. Capt. Daniel Fisher.
1714. Eleazar Kingsbury.
1715-17. John Fuller.
1718. Dea. Jonathan Metcalf,
1719. Capt. Samuel Guild.
1720-22. Joseph Ellis, Jr.
1723-24. Thomas Fuller.
APPENDIX.
995
1824. Pliny Bingham.
Josiah 8. Fisher.
1825-26. Richard Ellis.
1827-29. Richard Ellis.
Horace Mann.
1830. Richard Ellis.
1777. Abner Ellis. Horace Mann.
1778-79. Jonathan Metcalf. John Endicott.
1780. Abner Ellis. 1831. Theron Metcalf (in May).
1781. Abner Ellis. Richard Ellis (in November).
Ebenezer Battle. Horace Mann (in November).
1782-83. Capt. Joseph Guild. 1832. Theron Metcalf.
1784. Nathaniel Kingsbury. John W. Ames.
1785. Nathaniel Kingsbury. 1833. Theron Metcalf.
Samuel Dexter. Richard Ellis.
1786-87. Nathaniel Kingsbury. John Morse.
1788. Fisher Ames. 1834. John Endicott.
Nathaniel Kingsbury. John Morse.
1789-90. Joseph Guild. Daniel Covell.
1791. Nathaniel Ames. 1835, William Ellis.
1792-93. Nathaniel Ames. Daniel Marsh.
Nathaniel Kingsbury. John Dean (3d).
1794. Nathaniel Kingsbury. 1836. Joshua Fales.
Tsaac Bullard. John Morse.
1795-1800. Isaac Bullard. Daniel Covell.
1801. Isaac Bullard. 1837. Joshua Fales.
Ebenezer Fisher. John Morse,
1802-4. Ebenezer Fisher. | Dauiei Covell.
1805, Ebenezer Fisher. 1838-40. Joshua Fales.
John Endicott. 1841-43. Merrill D. Ellis.
1806. Ebenezer Fisher. 1844-45. Joseph Day.
John Endicott. 1846-47. Edward L. Keyes.
Isaac Bullard. 1848. Ezra Wilkinson.
1807. John Endicott. 1849-50. No representative chosen.
Isaac Bullard. 1851. Ezra Wilkinson.
Samuel H. Deane. 1852. No representative chosen.
1808-13. John Endicott. 1853-54. Waldo Colburn.
Samuel H. Deane. 1855. Curtis G. Morse.
Jonathan Richards. 1856. Ezra Wilkinson.
1814. John Endicott. 1857-59. Ezra W. Taft.
Erastus Worthington. 1860-62. Eliphalet Stone.
Col. Abner Ellis. 1863. William Bullard.
1815. Erastus Worthington. 1864. Ezra W. Taft.
Samuel H. Deane. 1865-66. Thomas L. Wakefield.
Col. Abner Ellis. 1867. Addison Boyden.
1816. John Endicott. 1868. John R. Bullard.
Abner Ellis. 1869. Eliphalet Stone.
William Ellis. 1870-71. John R. Bullard.
1817. Abner Ellis. 1872. Angustus B. Endicott.
William Ellis. 1873. Frederick D. Ely.
Timothy Gay, Jr. 1874. Augustus B. Endicott.
1818-20. William Ellis. 1875. Lewis Day.
1821. Edward Dowse. 1876-77. John Doggett Cobb.
1822. John W. Ames. 1578. Henry C. Bonney.
1823. William Ellis. 1879. Tyler Thayer.
Col. Abner Ellis. 1880. William J. Wallace.
Pliny Bingham. 1881-83. Thomas J. Baker.
1824. William Ellis. 1884. Alonzo B. Wentworth.
1774. Samuel Dexter.
Abner Ellis.
1775. Samuel Dexter.
Abner Ellis.
1776. Abner Ellis.
Jonathan Metcalf.
and men from or credited to the town of Dedham,
during the war of the Rebellion, 1861-65... The
names of those men are included who are known to
Confinement in rebel prisons, and wounds when the
cause of death or discharge, are mentioned so far as
known. Names of those who died in the service are
distinguished by an asterisk. ;
Infantry.
FIRST REGIMENT (Three Years).
Benjamin Blanchard, Co. H, May 31, 1861; must. out May 25, 1864.
SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
| James Pinney, Co. F, May 26, 1861; must. out May 25, 1864.
Lafayette Perkins (New Hampshire), Co. K, May 26,1861; vet. vol. ;
must. out June 17, 1865.
*Michael Hennilhan, Co. H, May 26, 1861; killed at Chancellorsville,
Va., May 3, 1863.
THIRD REGIMENT (Three Months).
Erastus W. Everson, sergt., Co. A, April 23, 1861; must. out July 22,
1861. (See 18th Regt., Co. H.)
FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Months).
Albert A. Nichols, sergt., Co. A, April 22, 1861; must. out July 22, 1861.
FIFTH REGIMENT (Three Months).
James H. Griggs, Co. B, May 1, 1861; prisoner July 21,1861 (Bull Run) ;
exchanged June 1, 1862. (See 33d Regt.)
Charles W. Strout, sergt., Co. C, May 1, 1861; must. out July 31, 1861.
Edwin H. Robertson, Co. E, May 1, 1861; must. out July 31, 1861.
FIFTH REGIMENT (One Hundred Days).
Charles E. Grant, Co. F, July 16, 1864; must. out Nov. 16, 1864.
Nathan 0. Weeks, Co. F, July 16, 1864; must. out Nov. 16, 1864.
Henry Weeks, Co. F, July 16, 1864; must. out Nov. 16, 1864. (See 43d
Regiment.)
SIXTH REGIMENT (One Hundred Days).
Edward F. Clark, Co. H, July 16, 1864; must. out Oct. 27, 1864.
SEVENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Albinah H. Burgess (Dorchester), Co. E, June 15, 1861; must. out March
23, 1863, for disability.
James Sheehan, Co. G, June 15, 1861; must. out June 27, 1864.
Charles E. Park, Co. G, June 15, 1861; must. out June 27, 1864.
Thomas Smeedy, Co. G, June 15, 1861; must. out June 27, 1864.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Mark Morse, musician, Co. I, June 13, 1861; must. out June 24, 1864.
Andrew Thompson, drummer, Co. F, June 13, 1861; Dec. 1, 1863, trans,
to Vet. Res. Corps.
TWELFTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
*Charles L. Carter, Co. B, June 25, 1863; re-enl. 39th Regt., Co. E.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Sigourney Wales, sergt., Co. C, July 16, 1861; pro. 2d lieut. Feb. 3, 1863;
trans. to 55th Regt. May 23, 1863.
James L. McCoy, Co. C, July 16, 1861; pro. Ist sergt.; must. out Aug.
1, 1864.
| William S. Damrell, Co. D, July 16, 1861; pro. 2d lieut. March-6,1863 ;
Military Record.—The following isa roll of officers |
Ist lieut. Jan. 8, 1864; pro. capt. April 22, 1864; prisoner of war,
1864; must. out Aug. 1, 1864.
. = | John Callahan, Co. G, July 16, 1861; disch. Feb. 19, 1863, for disability.
who served in the army or navy of the United States | : ; : i te
|
have had a connection with Dedham by birth, resi- |
dence, or enlistment upon the quotas of men furnished
by the town during the war. Names are arranged
according to the number of the regiments.
1 This roll was prepared for and printed with the exercises and ad-
dress at the dedication of Memorial Hall, Sept. 29, 1868, by Erastus |
Worthington, Esq., the writer of the history of Dedham for this work.
Where |
no rank is named, that of private is to be understood.
The date first named is the date of the muster in. |
iis | Alfred A. Bestwick, musician, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Aug. 11, 1862,
FIFTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Fred. Page, musician, Aug. 5, 1861; must. out Aug. 8, 1862, under gen-
eral order.
SIXTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Charles W. Blenus, musician, Aug. 10, 1861; must. ont Aug. 9, 1862,
under general order.
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Edward M. Onion, sergt.-maj., Aug. 24, 1861; 2d lieut. Oct. 29, 1861 ; 1st
lieut. Sept. 1, 1862; capt. May 2, 1863; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
under general order.
Isaac W. Weathers, musician, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Aug. 11, 1862,
under general order.
996
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
Isaac Wallace White, musician, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Aug. 11, 1862,
under general order.
Henry Onion, capt., Co. F, July 26, 1861; must. out Oct. 28, 1861.
*Charles W. Carroll, Ist lieut., Co. F, July 26, 1861; capt. Oct. 29, 1861;
died Sept. 2, 1862, of wounds received at 2d battle of Bull Run, Va.,
Aug, 30, 1862.
Fisher A. Baker, 2d lieut., Co. F, July 26, 1861; 1st lieut. Oct. 29, 1861;
adjt. April, 1862; lieut.-col. Ang. 25, 1864, but declined commission ;
must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
Warren B. Galucia, Ist sergt., Co. Fj Aug. 24, 1861; disch. November,
1862, for sickness. (See 56th Regt.)
James M. Pond, sergt., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; Ist sergt.; promoted 1st
lieut. Jan. 15, 1864 ; October, 1864, re-enlisted, and trans. to 23d Regt.
John K. Thompson, sergt., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for sick-
ness.
Joseph W. Pratt, sergt., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for sickness.
John D. Andrews, sergt., Co. F, Aug. 24,1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
William C. Coburn, corp., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; sergt. 1861; Ist lieut.
Jan. 15, 1864; must. out Sept. 30, 1864.
Edward Shattuck, corp., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; sergt. 1862; must. out
Sept. 2, 1864.
William Simpson, corp., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1862 for wounds
received at 2d Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862.
Henry G. Gerritzen, corp., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863, for sick-
ness,
Amasa Guild, corp., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; 1st lieut. Jan. 15, 1864; must.
out Sept. 30, 1864.
Edward F. Richards, corp., Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; q.m.-sergt. 1862 ; must
out Sept. 2, 1864.
Charles Hawkins, drummer, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, |
1864.
Elias W. Adams, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1862 for wounds re-
ceived at 2d Bull Run. (See 56th Regt., Co. H.)
George W. Brigham, Co, F, Aug. 24,1861; corp. 1861; sergt. 1862; pris-
oner at expiration of service.
Charles J. Bryant, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
James Clements, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for wounds re-
ceived at Fredericksburg.
Timothy Collins, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; corp. 1863 ; must. out Sept. 2,
1864.
*Edward G. Cox, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1862 for wounds re-
ceived at 2d Bull Run; re-enl. Ist sergt. 37th U.S. C. Troops, Jan.
18, 1864; died Oct. 22, 1864.
*Robert R. Covey, Co. F, Aug. 24,1861; killed at Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862.
Sumner A. Ellis, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1862 for wounds re- |
ceived at 2d Bull Run. (See 56th Regt., Co. H.)
Henry C. Everett, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; trans. to
32d Regt.
Franklin Fisher, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for sickness.
William P. Fairbanks, Co. F, Aug. 1861; re-enl. Jan. 1864; trans. to 32d
Regt.
Daniel C, Felton, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
Otis S. Guild, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
*Edward Holmes, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; corp. 1861; killed at 2d Bull |
Run Aug. 30, 1862.
Lewis J. Houghton, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861: must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
Harvey L. Hayford, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; re-enl. Jau. 1864; trans. to
32d Regt.
Jeremiah Hartney, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for sickness.
William W. Jones, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for sickness.
*John Keith, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; died May 29, 1864.
*Jonathan H. Keyes, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; killed at Fredericksburg,
Va., Dec. 13, 1862.
John H. Keyes, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861;
lieut. U.S. C. Troops in 1863.
*George O. Kingsbury, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; killed at Bull Run, Va.,
Aug. 30, 1862.
disch. in 1863 for promotion; 2d
*Leonard Minot, Co. I, Aug. 24, 1861; died in hospital, April 23, 1862,
Daniel F. Nichols, Co. F, Aug. 24,1861; taken prisoner Novy. 27, 1863
exchanged; trans. to U.S. C. H. Artillery; pro. capt. Nov. 1863;
disch. May, 1866.
Charles D. O’Reilley, Co. F, Aug. 24, 186!; disch. in 1863 for accidental
wound.
William L. Pierce, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for sickness.
George E. Pond, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for sickness. (See
43d Regt.)
William Parker, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1864 for sickness,
Austin E. Pratt, Co. F, Aug. 24,1861; disch. in 1863 for wounds received
at Gettysburg.
Isaac N. Parker, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1862 for wounds received
at 2d Bull Run.
Gideon A. Ryder, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; corp. 1863 ; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
Charles H. Rogers, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; corp. 1863; must. out Sept. 2,
1864.
John W. Snell, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861 ; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
*Henry D. Smith, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; killed at 2d Bull Run, Aug. 30,
1862.
*N. Roland Stevens, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; died in hospital March 1, 1862.
Cornelius D. Sullivan, Co, F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1862 for sickness.
(See 4th Cavalry.)
*Edmund L, Thomas, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861 ; died Sept. 16, 1862, of wounds
received at 2d Bull Run.
*George N. Worthen, Co. F, Aug. 24,1861; died Sept. 4, 1862, of wounds
received at 2d Bull Run.
Erastus W. Everson, Ist sergt., Co. H, Aug. 24,1861; 2d lieut., Co. B,
1862; Ist lieut., Co. B, Feb. 5, 1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Dec.
10, 1863.
*Horace S. Damrell, sergt., Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; died in hospital March
7, 1862.
#*Oscar S. Guild, Co. H, Aug. 24,1861; died in hospital Feb. 22, 1862.
*Joseph M. Jordan, Co. H, Aug. 24,1861; killed at Gaines’ Mills, Va.,
June 27, 1762.
Thomas Madden, Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; Dec. 25, 1862, trans. to 6th U. 8.
Inf.; must. out Aug. 29, 1864.
| John D. Martin, Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; re-enl. January, 1864; trans. to
32d Regt.
Herman Seffarth, Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; Aug. 10, 1862, trans. to U.S.
Res. Art.
*Cyrus D. Tewksbury, Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; re-enl. January, 1864;
killed at Petersburg, Va., July 5, 1864.
*Joseph M. Jordan, Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; killed June 27, 1862, at
Gaines’ Mills, Va.
John N. Tewksbury, Co. H, Aug. 24, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 1, 1863; trans. to
32d Regt.
Michael Burns, Co. K, Aug, 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
Patrick H. Flynn, Co. K, Aug. 24, 1861; disch.in 1862 for sickness.
Charles P. Smith, Co. K, Aug, 24, 1861; trans. to U. S. Vet. Res. Corps.
NINETEENTH REGIMFNT (Three Years).
Joseph McCaffrey, Co. I, Jan. 30, 1865; must. out June 30, 1865.
TWENTIETH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Julius Boehme, Co. B, July 26, 1861; re-enl. Feb. 23, 1864; wounded
May, 1864.
Charles J. Haas, Co, B, July 26, 1861; must. out Aug. 1, 1864.
| Julius Kajewsky, Co. B, Aug. 22, 1861; disch. for disability Feb. 21,
1863.
Emery Wiley, Co. D, Sept. 4, 1861; disch, for disability May 31, 1862.
Lewis F. Davis, Co. F, Aug. 2, 1861; disch. Aug. 26, 1861.
| John Power, corp., Co. G, July 18, 1861; taken prisoner at Ball’s Bluff;
exchanged and rejoined regiment; must. out Aug. 1, 1864.
| Andrew O’Connor, Co. I, Aug. 29, 1861; disch. for disability Dec. 1, 1862.
*Daniel Leahy, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; mortally wounded at Fredericks- |
burg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862.
Charles E. Lewis, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for sickness.
Chester R. Lawton, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; corp. 1862; re-enl. Jan. 1864;
discharged under general order, 1864.
Patrick Mears, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1863 for wounds received
at 2d Bull Run.
Patrick Mack, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; must. out Sept. 2, 1864.
William J. Marsh, Co. F, Aug. 24, 1861; disch. in 1861 for sickness.
*Albert C. Bean, Co. I, Sept. 4, 1861; died June 8, 1864, of wounds re-
ceived at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3.
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT (Three Years).
William H. Smith, Co. E, Aug. 23, 1861; trans. todd U.S. Art., Aug, 23,
1862.
TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
Thomas Sherwin, Jr., adjt, Oct. 1, 1861; maj. June 28, 1862; lieut.-col.
Oct. 17, 1862; brevet col. Sept. 30, 1864; must. out Oct. 17, 1864;
brevet col. U.S. Vols. April 20, 1865 ; brevet brig.-gen. March 13, 1865.
William N. Taylor, Co. A, Sept. 2, 1861; dropped from rolls July 29, 1863.
°
APPENDIX.
997
*John Finn, Jr., Co. B, Sept. 11, 1861; corp.; sergt.; died June 13, 1864,
of wounds received at North Anna River, May 23, 1864.
George E. Smallwood, Co, E, Sept. 13, 1861; disch. for pro. Feb. 28, 1863.
*William Heath, Co. I, Sept. 6, 1861 ; accidentally shot at Hall’s Hill,
Va., Dec. 7, 1861.
Michael Lucy, Co. I, Sept. 6, 1861; disch. for disability Feb. 17, 1863.
TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years).
*David Fletcher (Boston), Co. I, July 29, 1862; killed at Whitehall, N.C.,
Dec. 16, 1863.
TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Walter Ingalls, Co. A, Oct. 11, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1862, for disability.
* Charles W. Phipps, Co. A, Sept. 18, 1861; killed at Deep Bottom, Va.,
Aug. 16, 1864.
James B. Smith, Co. A, Sept. 19, 1861; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, March,
10, 1864.
Thomas H. Snell, Co. A, Sept.
must. out Jan. 20, 1865.
Henry C. Bonney, Co. E, Dec. 2, 1861; must. out Dec. 4, 1864.
William Howe, Co. F, Sept. 16,1861; must. out Sept. 16, 1864.
George B. Snell, Co. F, Sept. 14, 1861; must. out Sept. 18, L864.
Robert S. Bateman, corp., Co. G, Sept. 12, 1861; disch. for disability Aug.
30, 1862.
25, 1861; re-enl. Dec. 21, 1863; corporal ;
THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
John Lathrop, Ist lieut., Co. I, Aug. 13, 1862; capt. Aug. 27, 1862; re-
signed Noy. 14, 1863, on account of disability.
* William Hill, 2d lieut., Co. I, Aug. 8, 1862; 1st lieut. Aug. 27, 1862;
killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862.
John D. Cobb, sergt., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; 1st sergt.; Ist lieut. Nov.
15, 1863 ; capt. Nov. 29, 1864; not must.; must. out June 9, 1865.
Henry W. Tisdale, sergt., Co. I, Aug. 16,1862; taken prisoner at North
Anns River May 24, 1864; exch. 1865; must. out June 9, 1865.
Charles D. Pond, sergt., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
* Edward E. Hatton, corp., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Antietam, Md.,
Sept. 17, 1862.
Ferdinand Steiner, corp., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Charles D. Force, corp, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
* John G. Dymond, corp., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; died at Hampton, Va.,
March 29, 1863.
* John W. Fiske, corp., Co. I, Ang. 16, 1862; sergt. ;
and pro. 2d lieut58th Regt. (See 58th Regt.)
color sergt. ; trans.
Edmund Davis, corp., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; color corp.; disch. for
Henry 8. Waite, corp., Co. G, Oct. 9, 1861; disch. May 25, 1862, for sick- |
ness.
Patrick Coyne, Co. G, Sept. 20, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 4,1864: must. out Jan,
20, 1866.
William Keating, corp., Co. G, Dec. 5, 1861; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must.
out Jan. 20, 1866.
John H. Towne, Co. G, Sept. 16, 1861; disch. Aug. 13, 1862, for sickness.
William Hale, Co. G, Jan. 1, 1863; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864.
Benjamin F. Phipps, Co. G, Jan. 19, 1863; must. out Sept. 5, 1864.
Frederick L. Stevens, Co. G, Noy. 7, 1861; disch, June 9, 1862, for sick-
ness.
Henry C. Hollis, Co. G, Sept. 23, 1861; disch. Dec. 31, 1861.
Albert Woods, Co. G, Oct. 7, 1851; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; must. out Jan.
20, 1866.
* Julius M. Lathrop, corp., Co. I, 1861; trans. and pro. Ist lieut. 38th
Regt.
William H. Clements, musician, Co. I, Sept. 11, 1861 ; must. out Aug,
22, 1862.
Edward R. Pond, Co. I, Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. April 7, 1863, for disability.
TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Calvin N. Crosby, Co. B, Aug. 10, 1863; must. out June 3°, 1865.
* Edward Sheehan, Co. B, Dec. 13, 1861; died of disease Nov. 17, 1863,
in Washington.
Terence Mitchiell, sergt., Co. G, Jan. 5, 1862; must. out Dec. 19, 1864.
wounds received at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862.
Sabin R, Baker, drummer, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1863 for sick-
ness.
Ephraim A. Roberts, fifer and bugler, Co. 1, Aug. 16, 1862; trans. to Vet.
Res. Corps, 1864.
Clinton Bagley, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal ; sergeant; first sergeant;
sergeant-major; 2d lieut. Sept. 8, 1864; declined commission ; must.
out June 9, 1865.
Henry Baur, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps,
1863.
*John H. Birch, Co.I, Aug. 16,1862; died of fever Aug. 15, 1863, at
Overton Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
Elijah W. Bonnemort, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal ; disch. in 1865 for
wounds received at North Anna River May 24, 1864.
*George C. Bunker, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Fredericksburg Dec.
13, 1865.
J. Bradford Calder, Co. I, Aug. 16,1862; corporal; color corporal; ser-
geant; first sergeant; 2d lieut. Sept. 8, 1864; Ist lieut. Nov. 29,
1864; must. out June 9, 1865.
{ .
| Alvan B. Chase, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Seth W. Colbett, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; must. out June 9, 1865-
| *Michael Colbert, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Petersburg Mine July
50, 1864.
| Peter Curran, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
George V. Dean, Co. J, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1862 for sickness.
| Francis Donley, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
| Moses W. Downes, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disabled by wounds received at
Patrick Quinlan (Boston), Co. E, March 24, 1864; must. out June 30, |
1865.
Patrick Newman (Sharon), Co. A, April 2, 1864; must. out June 30,
1865.
Jeremiah O’Brien (Boston), Co. E, April 11, 1864; must. out June 30,
1860.
THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT (Three Years).
Robert F. Everett, sergt., Co. K, Jan. 17, 1862; must. out December,
1864.
Alonzo Swett, Co. K, Jan. 20, 1862; re-enl. Feb. 14, 1864; must. out
Sept. 9, 1865.
THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
David Kilpatrick, Co. G, May 31, 1862.
James M. Pond, Ist lieut., must. out June 29,1865. (See 18th Regt.)
* Henry C. Everett, musician, died Jan. 19, 1865. (See 18th Regt.)
William P. Fairbanks, musician, must. out June 29, 1865. (See 18th
Regt.)
Harvey L. Hayford, must. out June 29, 1865. (See 18th Regt.)
John D. Martin, must. out June 29,1865, (See 18th Regt.)
Jobn N. Tewksbury, must. out June 29, 1865. (See 18th Regt.)
THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years).
James H. Griggs, Co. D, Jan. 18, 1864, trans. and pro. com.-sergt. 37th
U.S.C. Troops. (See 5th Regt., 3 months.)
John A. Sullivan, corp., Co. C, June 3, 1862; must. out June 11, 1865.
Joseph Neas, Co. I, Jan. 5, 1865; trans. to 2d Infantry.
Ferdinand Lund, Co. K, Aug. 8, 1862; must. out June 11, 1865.
North Anna River May, 1864; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, 1864.
Jerome B. Dunlap, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1862 for sickness.
Theodore F. Dunlap, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Albert Ellis, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; must. out June 9, 1865.
Alfred Ellis, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; sergeant ; must. out June
9, 1865.
Warren Ellis, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
*Charles H. Ellis, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862: corporal; taken prisoner near
Knoxville, Tenn., in November, 1863; died in Richmond Feb. 27,
1864.
Henry Fisher, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; taken prisoner at Poplar Grove
Church Sept. 30, 1864: exchanged 1865; must. out June 9, 1865.
Benjamin Hague, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; must. out June 2, 18
Charles Hammond, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; deserted September, 1862.
Alfred T. Hartshorn, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1863 for sickness.
John Hayes, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865,
John Hogan, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Poplar Grove Church
Sept. 30, 1864; exchanged; must. out in 1865.
Patrick Holland, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1862 for wounds received
at Antietam.
John Hyde, Jr., Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Nathaniel M. Isley, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865,
Dedrick Jordan, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps in 1 863.
Conrad Krill, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Henry Krill, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
Florian Matz, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1865 for wounds received
at North Anna River in 1864.
Frederick Neas, Co. I, Aug 16, 1862; disch. in 1862 for sickness.
John Nauman, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1863 for sickness.
Albert G, Ober, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. out June 9, 1865.
55.
998
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
William E. O’Connell, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. ont June 9, 1865.
*David Phalen, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862*; died at Milldale, Miss., July 30, 1863.
Winslow Radcliffe, Co. 1, Aug. 16, 1862; disch, in 1863 for sickness.
Michael Rafferty, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; color corporal ; must.
out June 9, 1865.
Conrad Rausch, Co. J, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1862 for wounds received
at Antietam.
Conrad Schneider, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1863 for sickness.
Hiram Shufeldt, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal; sergeant; disch. for
wounds received at Petersburg Mine in 1864.
John L. Smith, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; corporal ; color corporal; sergeant;
first sergeant; 2d lieut. Jan. 9, 1865; not mustered; must. out June
9, 1865.
Joseph R. Smith, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; must. ont June 9, 1865.
*Charles I. Sulkoski, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; ‘killed at Antietam Sept. 17,
1862.
David Sullivan, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disabled by wounds received at
Fredericksburg in 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps in 1863.
William M. Titcomb, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; trans. and pro. Ist lieut. 36th
U.S. C. Troops.
*Nathan C. Treadwell, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; died Oct. 26, 1862, at Fred-
erick, Md., of wounds received at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862.
William J. Wallace, Co. I, Aug. 16,1862; taken prisoner at Poplar Grove
Church Sept. 30, 1864; exchanged in 1865; must. out June 9, 1865.
*Joseph P. White, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Antietam Sept. 17,
1862.
Robert White, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1865.
*George F. Whiting, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; died Oct. 5, 1862, of wounds
received at South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862.
Henry W. Woods, Co. I, Aug. 16, 1862; disch. in 1864 for sickness.
Weston F. Hutchins, Co. I, Dec. 31, 1863; corp.; trans. to 29th Regt. ;
must. out July 29, 1865.
THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
*Julius M. Lathrop, Ist lieut., Aug. 20, 1862; capt. Feb. 27, 1863; died
April 26, 1864, of wounds received at Cane River, La., April 23,
1864.
Edward Hogan, Co. F, Aug. 13, 1862; must. out June 30, 1865.
THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Charles L. Carter, Co. BE, Jan. 25, 1863 ; died while prisoner of war, Feb.
9, 1865. (See 12th Regt.)
FORTIETH REGIMENT (Three Years). :
*Henry M. Park (Attleboro’), corp., Co. H, August, 1862; wounded at |
Bermuda Hundred, Va., May 20, 1864; died June 20, 1864.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Henry S. Richardson (Medway), Co. B, Sept. 13, 1862; must. out Aug. |
20, 1863.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT (One Hundred Days).
Edwin H. Alger, Co. D, July 20, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
William R. Guild, Co. D, July 20,1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
Edwin P. Talbot, Co. E, July 22, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
William A. Cobb, Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
Nathan W. Fisher, Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
Melvin A. Galucia, Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
Joseph Guild, Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Noy. 11, 1864.
Edward H. Marshall, Co. K, July 18, 1864; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Cornelius O’Brien, Co. B, Oct. 11, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Antoine Schenkle, Co. B, Oct. 11, 1862: must. out July 30, 1863.
Henry Burns, Co. B, Oct. 24, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Edward A. Sumner, Ist lieut., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
James Schouler, 2d lieut., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Cornelius A. Taft, Ist sergt., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
John E, Webster, sergt., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
Alvin Fuller, sergt., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Joseph H. Lathrop, sergt., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863. (See 4th Regt. Cav.)
Francis W. Haynes, sergt., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
| Josiah E Morse, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862;
!
| Sanford 0. Morse, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Charles B. Fessenden, sergt., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; sergt.-maj. May 29,
1863; must. out July 30, 1863.
John McDonald, corp., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Emelius A. Everett, corp., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
William Chickering, Jr., corp., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863. (See 4th Regt. Cav.)
KE. Phineas Guild, corp., Co, D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Isaac A. Cox, corp., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Samuel D. Cobb, corp., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Charles D Marcy, corp, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; re-en]. U.S. Signal Corps
March 31, 1864; must. ont Ang. 17, 1865.
Eldridge P. Boyden, corp., Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863.
Melvin A. Galucia, musician, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,
1863. (See 42d Regt., 100 days.)
Frank D, Hayward, musician, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; re-enl. U.S. Signal
Corps March, 1864; must. out Aug. 17, 1865.
William H. Alexander, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Willard Babbitt, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Addison G. Baker, Co, D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Charles R. Baker, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
James E. Ball, Co. D, Oct. 11,1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Nathaniel W. Broad, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William F. Carroll, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Frank Carter, Co; D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Rufus F. Cheney, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William H. Clements, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. June 3, 1863; re-enl.
in 2d Regt. Heavy Art.
John D. Clifton, Co. D. Sept. 12,1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
James Collins, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
Patrick Cox, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Samuel H. Cox, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Albert M. Coy, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Patrick Eagan, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
George W.S. Edmands, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. ont July 30, 1863.
Lewis Ellis, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Jarvis G. Fairbanks, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1868.
Edwin E. Fisher, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
William H. Gay, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30 1863.
Michael Golden, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Clarence M. Guild, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Joseph Guild, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,1863. (See 42d
Regt., 100 days.)
Charles J. Guild, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Edward W. Guild, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Jobn A. Hahn, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 18638.
Charles E. Hartshorn, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. April 25, 1863, for
sickness.
R. Ellis Hathaway, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
| *James J. Hawkins, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; died at Readville, Nov. 4,
1862.
George E. Hooker, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
James B. Hooker, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863,
Joseph Houghton, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Martin Howard, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Francis P. Ide, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Willard L. Johnson, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
John Kiernan, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,1863. (See 14t
Lt. Batt.)
Herbert R. Lincoln, Co, D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William Marsh, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863,
Patrick McGlone, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Patrick Meagher, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
A. Mason Morse, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Charles H. Morse, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
must. out July 30, 1863.
John H. Nichols, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862 ;
31, 1864; must. out Aug. 17, 1865.
Charles M. Perkins, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
George E. Pond, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Edwin Pratt, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William H. Randall, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
George A. Rhoades, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
George L. Rhoades, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
re-enl, U.S. Signal Corps March
APPENDIX.
999
Joseph H. Richardson, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1868.
Bennett O. Rickards, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Charles H. Shackley, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. ont July 30, 1863.
James F. Shapleigh, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. ont July 30, 1863.
Nathan E. Shapleigh, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. ont July 30, 1863.
Henry H. Shaw, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William H. Sheridan, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,1863.
George H. Smith, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. ont July 30, 1863.
Francis E. Soule, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
George M. Stone, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1865.
Nathaniel H. Talbot, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Thomas Temperley, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. for sickness May 9,
1863.
Joseph N. Tibbetts, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
William R. Tibbetts, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Horace E. Towle, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Andrew Tracy, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
James H. Tucker, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862 ; must. out July 30, 1863.
James Urry, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Edwin A. Walley, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Frederick J. Walley, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; deserted Sept. 15, 1862, at
Readville.
Albert G. Webb, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Henry Weeks, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Regt., 100 days.)
John K. Wight, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
James M. Wood, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30, 1863.
Jobn S. Woods, Co. D, Sept. 12, 1862; must. out July 30,1863. (See 16th
Batt. L. A.)
(See 5th
FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Ithamar W. Copeland, Co. K, Sept. 12, 1862; disch. Jan. 14, 1863, for
sickness.
FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Samuel C. Hunt, Co. C, Sept. 26, 1862; must. out July 7, 1863.
FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (Nine Months).
William J. Hartnett, 2d iieut., Co. I, Dec. 26, 1862; res. March 1, 1863.
FIFTIETH REGIMENT (Nine Months).
Nathaniel F. Robinson (Salem), corp., Co. A, Sept. 15, 1862; must. out
Aug. 23, 1863.
FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
*John H. Bancroft, Co. A, March 4, 1863; wounded at Fort Wagner |
July 18, 1863; died of wounds at Beaufort, S. C., July 30, 1863.
Wilson Webster (Lancaster, Pa.), Co. D, March 19, 1863 ; must. out Aug.
20, 1865.
FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT
Sigourney Wales, capt., May 23, 1863; maj. Nov. 3, 1863; must. out Nov.
18, 1864. (See 13th Regt.)
(Three Years).
FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
Warren B. Galucia, 2d lieut., Sept. 5, 1863;
June 24, 1864; must. out July 12, 1865.
John Leonard, Co. B, Jan. 21, 1864.
*Anson F. Barton, Co. G, Jau. 19, 1864; died Oct. 7, 1864.
Elias W. Adams, Co. H, Jan. 27, 1864; must. out July 12, 1865. |
Sumner A. Ellis, Co. F, Jan. 12, 1864; disch. for disability June 17, |
1865.
John Neas, Co. K, Feb. 25, 1864: must. out July 12, 1865.
(Three Years).
Ist lieut. Jan. 4, 1864; capt.
(See 18th Regt.)
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
*Charles F, Everett, Co. D; killed in the Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864.
FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
*John W. Fiske, 2d lieut., Jan. 26,1864; Ist lieut. Ang. 8, 1864; killed |
at Poplar Grove Church Sept. 30, 1864, (See 35th Regt.) |
Edward S. Stewart, Jan. 1, 1864.
FIFTY-NINTIT REGIMENT (Three Years).
*Mark Kehoe (Roxbury), Co. G, March 4, 1864; diedin service Aug. 15,
1864.
*John A. Hodge (Lowell), Co. G, Feb. 20, 1864; killed July 30, 1864, at |
Petersburg, Va.
SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT (One Year).
John Collins (Boston), Co. C, Sept. 19, 1864; must. out June 4, 1865.
Paul Unglaube, Co. C, Sept. 19, 1864; must. out June 4, 1865.
James M. Moore (Somerset), Co. C, Sept. 17, 1864; must. out June 4,
1865.
James T. Holmes, Co. C, Sept. 17, 1864; must. out June 4, 1865.
William Connor (Roxbury), Co. H, Dec. 27, 1864; must. out July 16,
1865.
Dennis Hornan, Co. H, Sept. 20, 1864; must. out July 16, 1865.
THIRD BATTALION RIFLES (Three Months).
Walter R. Briggs, Co. D, May 19, 1861; must. out Aug. 3, 1861.
FIRST COMPANY SHARPSHOOTERS (Three Years).
Frederick L. Bestwick, Oct. 10, 1862; trans. to 19th Regt.; must. out
June 30, 1865.
*Edward Hutchins, sergt., Oct. 13, 1862; killed at Gettysburg July 3,
1863.
SECOND COMPANY SHARPSHOOTERS (Three Years).
*Edward J. Herring (Lynn), Oct. 1, 1861; disch. for disability March
11, 1863; died June 14, 1863.
SIXTEENTH UNATTACHED COMPANY (One Hundred Days).
Benjamin Teeling, Aug. 6, 1864; must. out Nov. 14, 1864.
FIFTY-FIRST NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY (Three
Years).
Richard B. Boynton, Co. E ; disch. for sickness.
ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND NEW YORK VOLUNTEER
INFANTRY (Three Years).
*Virgil Upham, adjutant; killed at Gettysburg July 2, 1863.
UNITED STATES REGULAR INFANTRY.
George M. Nead, Co. B, 24th Regt., April 15, 1864.
THIRTEENTH UNITED STATES VETERAN RESERVE CORPS
(Three Years).
Humphrey Lord (Boston), Co. K, Sept. 16, 1864; must. out Nov. 30,1865.
William Beard (Chelsea), Co. H, Sept. 16, 1864.
NINETEENTH UNITED STATES VETERAN
John Lang (Bolivar, N. Y ), Co. F, Aug. 15, 1864.
George W. Tarbox (Georgetown, Mass), Co. F, Aug. 13, 1864; must.
out Noy. 15, 1865.
RESERVE CORPS.
TWENTY-SECOND UNITED STATES VETERAN RESERVE
CORPS,
Robert C. Dowds, Co. D, April 24, 1864.
TWENTY-FOURTH UNITED STATES VETERAN RESERVE
CORPS.
Thomas R. Allen (Philadelphia), Co. H, April 15, 1864: must. out July
10, 1865,
William Dill, Co. H, April 15, 1864.
| William H Fahs (Bethlehem, Pa.), Co. H, April 15, 1864.
| Charles A. McQuestion (Washington, N. IH.), April 15, 1864.
William G. Thomas (Feltonville, Mich.), April 14, 1864.
FIRST BATTALION UNITED STATES VETERAN RESERVE
CORPS.
John E. Merrow (Great Falls, N. H.), Aug. 13, 1864.
Artillery.
FIRST BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
*John M. Pooler (Canton), artificer, Aug. 28, 1861; died March 14,
1863, at White Oak Church, Va.
SECOND BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
*Michael Owens, Feb. 19, 1864; died on transport “ Mississippi,’ Au-
gust, 1864.
FOURTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
William R. Garvey, Feb. 22, 1864; must. out Oct. 14, 1865.
Thomas Hayes, Sept. 19, 1864; trans. to 13th Battery January, 1865.
Franklin Upham, Sept. 19, 1864; trans. to 15th Battery January, 1865.
Daniel McLaughlin, Feb. 22, 1864; must. out Oct. 14, 1865.
Patrick O’Hara, Feb. 22, 1864; must. out Oct. 14, 1865.
1000 HISTORY OF NORFOLK
COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
NINTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Samuel B. Gear, March 4, 1864; disch. Oct. 20, 1864, for disability.
ELEVENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Charles E. Stanton, Sept. 17, 1864; must. out June 16, 1865.
TWELFTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Charles A. Foye, Sept. 9, 1864; must. out June 10, 1865.
THIRTEENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Thomas Hayes, Jan. 17, 1865; must. out June 16, 1865.
Franklin Upham, Jan. 17, 1865; must. out June 16, 1865.
FOURTEENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
John Kiernan, Feb. 27, 1864 ; must. out June 15, 1865. (See 43d Regt.,
Co. D.)
Amos J. F. Richards, Feb. 27, 1864; must. out June 15, 1865.
navy.)
(See
SIXTEENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY (Three Years).
John S. Woods, sergt., March 11, 1864 ; must. out June 27, 1865.
Henry M. Fales, March 11, 1864; must. out June 27, 1865.
Albert M. Kingsbury, Oct. 3, 1864; must. out June 27, 1865.
John H. Lyman, Oct. 3, 1864; must. out June 27, 1865,
SHERMAN’S UNITED STATES BATTERY.
Lewis P. Baker.
FIRST BATTALION HEAVY ARTILLERY (Three Years).
J. Spencer Drayton (Boston), Co. A, q.-m. sergt , Feb. 20, 1862; disch.
for pro. May 5, 1863.
William H. Hutchins, sergt., Co. B, Oct. 29, 1862; disch. Sept. 27, 1864,
for disability. :
Louis F. Poyen, sergt., Co. D, June 6, 1863 ;
must. out Sept. 12, 1865.
2d lieut. Nov. 26, 1864 ;
SECOND REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY (Three Years).
Peter Grady, Co. A, July 28, 1863; must. out Sept. 3, 1865.
Joseph Neas (Boston), Co. A, July 28, 1863; must. out Sept. 3, 1865.
Frank D. Grover, Co. B, July 29, 1863; must. out July 12, 1865.
William H. Clements, corp., Co. C, Aug. 4, 1863; must. out Sept. 3,
1865.
Bruno Tieslo, Co. C, Aug. 4, 1863; must. out Aug. 2, 1865.
Charles O. Taft, Co. D, Aug. 24, 1863; must. out Sept. 3, 1865.
Timothy Burns, Co. E, Oct. 5, 1863 ; must. out Sept. 3, 1865.
Josiah B, Whitney (Boston), corp., Co. F, Oct. 8, 1865; must. out July
31, 1865.
George W. Hewins, Co. F, Oct. 8, 1863 ; must. out July 21, 1865.
John C. Morse (Boston), Co. G, Sept. 19, 1864; trans. to Co. F, 17th
Regt., and disch. June 30, 1865.
Joseph H. Morse (Boston), Co. G, Sept. 19, 1864; trans. to Co. F, 17th
Regt., and disch. June 30, 1865.
Walter S. Kitchin, sergt., Co. G, Sept. 13, 1864; trans. to Co. F, 17th
Regt.
Thomas McEntee, Co. I, Sept. 16, 1864; trans. to 17th Infantry.
Antoine Schenkle, Aug. 22, 1863 (see 43d, Co. B); deserted Sept. 1, 1865. |
Warren Brackett (Salem), Co. K, Dec. 22, 1863; disch. for disability
Feb, 25, 1865.
TWENTY-NINTH UNATTACHED COMPANY HEAVY ARTIL-
LERY (One Year).
Robert Frazer, Sept. 16,1864; must. out June 16, 1865.
Cavalry.
FIRST REGIMENT (Three Years).
Arnold A. Rand (Boston), 2d lieut., Dec. 19, 1861; capt. Feb. 4, 1862 ;
A. A-G. U.S. Vols. June 10,1863. (See 4th Regt. Cav.)
Randolph M. Clark, Ist lieut., Dec. 26, 1861; capt. Jan. 6, 1863; must.
out Aug. 8, 1863, as Ist lieut.
William C. Paterson, chaplain, Dec. 30, 1861; resigned in 1862.
William A. King, Co A, Dec. 24, 1861; deserted Jan. 29, 1862, at Annap-
olis, Md.
John A. Goodwin (Boston), sergt., Co. B, Sept. 12, 1861; sergt.-maj ;
2d lieut. Dec. 14, 1862; Ist lieut. May 13, 1863; must. out May 15,
1865.
*Frank Miles, com.-sergt., Sept. 23, 1861; died at Hilton Head, 8. C.,
Oct. 10, 1862.
|
George B. Mussey (Boston), q.m.-sergt., Dec. 2, 1861 ; must. out Nov. 16,
1862.
| Henry Smith, Co. B, Sept. 12, 1861; disch. Dec. 25, 1862, for disability.
*William I. Tillinghast, Co. E, Dec. 11, 1861; killed at Deep Bottom,
Va., Aug. 14, 1864.
Wm. A. Barton, Co. F, Oct.17, 1861; deserted Dec. 15, 1861, at Readville.
George W. Filley, Co. F, Oct. 10, 1861; Oct. 11, 1864, must. out in Co. H.
William C. Hillery, Co. F, Oct. 19, 1861; disch. Jan. 13, 1863, for disa-
bility.
Morris Kuhn, Co. F, Sept. 19, 1861 ; deserted Nov. 24, 1861, at Readville.
Henry Thackwell, Co. G, Jan. 2, 1862; disch. Oct. 21, 1863, for disability.
Thomas McGrath, Co. H, Nov. 19, 1864; must. out June 26, 1865.
Edwin A. Parker, Co. H, Aug. 5, 1862; must. out Nov. 11, 1864.
James C. Ross, Co. H, Sept. 25, 1861; disch. Dec. 20, 1862, for disability.
Hubbard C. Jordan, corp., Co. I, Nov. 26, 1861; trans. to 4th Cav.
Augustine A. Coiburn, corp., Co. I, Sept. 24, 1861; trans. to 4th Cav.
Samuel Patterson (Stoughton), Co. I, Sept. 14, 1861; trans. to 4th Cav.
*Joseph T. Stevens, corp., Co. I, Oct. 19, 1861; died at Hilton Head, S. C.,
March 31, 1862.
James H. Wood (Quincy), Co. K, Oct. 5, 1861; trans. to 4th Cav.
Charles Reynolds, Co. K, Dec. 29, 1863; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Gerald Brannan, Co. K, Sept. 17, 1861; disch. July 30, 1862, for disability.
Joseph Dam, Co. K, Sept. 14, 1861; trans. to 4th Cav.
Cornelius D. Sullivan, sergt., Co. K, Dec. 29, 1863; disch. Dec. 28, 1864,
for disability; Co. A.
Joseph A. Noble, Co. K, Dec. 22, 1861: deserted June 12, 1862.
John Good, Co. K, Dec. 22, 1861; must. out in Co. A Jan. 26, 1865.
Thomas Golden, Co. K, Dec. 29, 1863; must. ont in Co. A June 26, 1865.
Charles Dow, Co. L, Dec. 26, 1861; disch. Jan. 16, 1863, for disability.
Benjamin Gilchrist, Co. L, Oct. 29, 1861; trans. to Co. L, 4th Cav.
Henry J. Hanks, Co. L, Oct. 7, 1861; trans. to Co. L, 4th Cay.
Edward Moran, Co. L, Sept. 17, 1861; trans. to Co. L, 4th Cav.
James T. Walsh, bugler, Co. L, Jan. 6, 1864; must. out June 26, 1865.
Frank Kerrigan, Co. L, Jan. 6, 1864; must. out June 26, 1865.
SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years).
| Urias Urry, farrier, Co. B, Jan. 13, 1863; must. out July 20, 1865,
Daniel Fallon, Co. C, Nov. 17, 1864; must. out July 20, 1865.
Frank Emile, Co. G, April 9, 1864; deserted May 20, 1864.
*John Purdy, Co. 1, Feb. 25, 1864; died May, 1865, at Danville, Va.
*Albert O. Hammond, Co. M, Jan. 4, 1864; died Sept. 12, 1864, prisoner
at Savannah, Ga.
William Kilpatrick, Aug. 4, 1863; unassigned recruit.
Daniel O’Keefe, March 23, 1864; unassigned recruit.
Charles Wood, Aug. 18, 1863; unassigned recruit.
THIRD REGIMENT (Three Years).
Christopher McNamara, Co. A, Jan, 4, 1864; deserted Aug, 23, 1865, at
Fort Kearney, N.T.
Marcus Doe, Co. L, Feb. 29, 1864; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Benjamin Gowell, Co. M (1 year), Dec. 30, 1864; must. out Sept. 28, 1865.
Frank B. Gowell, Co. M (1 year), Dec. 30, 1864; must. out Sept. 28, 1865.
David F. Grant, Co. M (1 year), Dec. 31, 1864; must. out Sept. 28, 1865.
George W. Grant, Co. M (1 year), Dec. 31, 1864; must. out Sept. 28, 1865.
James McMahon, Co. M (1 year), Dec. 31, 1864; must. out Sept. 28, 1865.
FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
Arnold A. Rand (Boston), lieut.-col., Dec. 3, 1863; col. Jan, 22, 1864; re-
signed Feb. 3, 1865. (See Ist Regt. Cav.)
William Chickering, Jr., 2d lieut., Feb. 1, 1864; Ist lieut. Dec. 10, 1864;
resigned July 12, 1865.
Joseph H. Lathrop, 2d lieut., Jan. 25,1864; Ist lieut. Jan.5, 1865; must.
out Nov. 14, 1865.
John Sheridan, Co. A, Dec. 26, 1863; disch. March 13, 1865, for disability.
George W. Kingsbury, Co. B, Dec. 21, 1863; disch. May 22, 1864, for dis-
ability.
* John E. Richardson, Co. B, Feb. 21, 1863 ; died in rebel prison Aug. 17,
1864.
Joseph H. Richardson, Co. B, Feb. 21, 1863; must. out Nov. 3, 1865.
Augustine A. Colburn, sergt., Co. I, Sept. 14, 1861; must. out Sept. 24,
1864.
Hubbard E. Jordan, corp., Co. I, Jan. 1, 1864; must. out Nov. 14, 1865.
Benjamin Gilchrist, Co. L. (See Ist Regt. Cav.)
Edward Moran, Co. L, Sept. 17, 1861 ; deserted June 6, 1864.
Henry J. Hanks, Co. L, Oct. 7, 1861; must. out Oct. 12, 1864.
Henry Flood, Co. M, March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 16, 1865,
ay
APPENDIX.
1001
FIFTH REGIMENT (Three Years).
James Leath, Co. C, Sept. 19, 1864; must. out Aug. 31, 1865.
James Minch, Co. H, March 12, 1864; disch. Dec. 15, 1864, for disability.
David Fresbie, Co. H, March 12, 1864; must. out Oct. 31, 1865.
*Daniel Carter, Co. I, March 26, 1864; killed at Petersburg, Va., June
15, 1864.
FIRST BATTALION FRONTIER CAVALRY (One Year).
Charles H. Grant, Co. D, Jan. 2, 1865; must. out June 30, 1865.
Frank Kalliher, Co. D, Jan. 2, 1865; must. out June 30, 1865.
James A. Manning, Co. D, Jan. 2, 1865; must. out June 30, 1865.
FIRST MICHIGAN CAVALRY,
*Willard F. Rhoads, killed near Centreville, Va., Nov. 3, 1863.
REGULAR CAVALRY.
Tsaac N. Grant.
United States Navy.
*Gershom J. Van Brunt, captain at opening of war; commanded U.S.
steam frigate “ Minnesota” from April, 1861, to August, 1862; com-
modore, July, 1862; supervised equipment of Banks’ expedition to
New Orleans, 1862; inspector transports, New England District, 1863 ;
died in Dedham Dec. 17, 1863.
Henry Van Brunt, lieutenant, Nov. 10, 1861; resigned Feb, 15, 1864; on
duty with North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Edward Sherwin, clerk to Cairo Inspection, Nov. 26, 1862; acting assist-
ant paymaster volunteer navy, March 31, 1863; passed assistant pay-
master U.S. N., July 23, 1866; resigned Dec. 20, 1866; at Cairo and
Yazoo River in 1862-63; South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from
May 18, 1863, to Jan. 26, 1865; afterwards at various stations.
Henry G. B. Fisher, captain’s clerk, April, 1861, to August, 1862, on
“ Minnesota.”
Henry Sherwin, captain’s clerk on “Santee,” June 5, 1861, to August,
1862, in Gulf of Mexico; chief clerk to Fleet Captain Pennock, in
Mississippi Squadron, from November, 1862, to June, 1865.
Elisha L. Turner, paymaster’s clerk “ Congress,” 1861; acting assistant
paymaster ‘‘ Chocura,” 1862.
Frederick W. Willis, surgeon’s steward, April 9, 1863, to April, 1865, on
“ Marmora.”
Samuel H. Swett, seaman, April 16, 1862; served three years on “ Min-
nesota,” “ Florida,” “ Pequod,” etc.
Charles G. Swett, seaman, December, 1861; served three years on “ Quaker
City,” “St. Lawrence,” etc.
Robert S. Edson, seaman, November, 1861; served three years on “ Sci-
ota,” ete.
Adin B. Crosby, seaman, Sept. 25, 1864; served on “Sabine” and “ Hart-
ford,” in Western Gulf Squadron.
James H. O’Brien, seaman, October, 1862, “* Onward.”
Thomas Smith, June, 1864,
Charles E. Barrows, August, 1863; served five years.
Henry G. Tillinghast, fireman, July 20, 1864, “ Connecticut.”
Patrick Murphy, Aug. 19, 1864; served one year.
John McAllister, Jr., fireman “ Minnesota,” April 18, 1861; served three
years.
Robert McAllister, fireman ‘“ Minnesota,” April 18, 1861; served three
years.
Willlam F. McAllister, coal-heaver “Sebago,” March 17, 1862; served
three years.
Amos J. F. Richards, seaman, August, 1862, one year; disch. September,
1863 ; served on gunboat “ Rescue,” Hampton Roads and siege of
Charleston.
ERRATA.
Page 45, first column, for ‘‘ Wamisit” read ** Wamesit.”
Page 50, second column, 16th line, read “a clergyman of the Church
of England.”
Page 61, second column, in 2d line of second paragraph, omit “ the.”
Page 68, second column, in 7th line of second paragraph, read “the”
for “this.” Substitute pronoun ‘‘ He” for ‘ Mr. White” in the 15th and
18th lines.
Page 79, first’column, 2d paragraph, for “ Blue Rock Bridge” read |
“Vine Rock Bridge.” Second column, 2d line, read “ Alfred Hewins.”
Page 190, first column, 38th line from top, for ‘‘ Phillipps” read ‘* Phil-
lips.”
read “seventy.”
Page 207, bottom of second column.
selectmen, see Appendix.
Page 268, 3d line, chapter xx., for “‘ were” read “ was.”
Page 278, line 18th from top, for “ thereo”’ read “‘ thereof.”
For corrected list of Randolph’s
Page 194, first column, 7th line from bottom, for “seventy-five” |
Page 284, second column, line 15th, for “ is” read “ are.”’
Page 288, line 10th, for “ way” read “sway.”
Page 303, line 36th, for “‘ Deborah” read ‘* Dorothy.”
| Page 315, line 11th, for “and two” read * many.”
12th, for “11th” read “ 1758.”
Page 318, line 28th, for “‘ houses” read ‘ house.”
| Page 327, line 25th, for “ Monatiquot” read “ Monatoquit.”
Page 341, 13th line from bottom, for “$300” read ‘* £300.”
Page 343, 10th line from top, for “ 650” read “* 450.”
Page 534, 9th line from bottom, for ‘‘ Denning” read “* Deming,”
Page 534, second column, 13th line from bottom, read 1816, ’18, ’19,
etc.
Page 534, second column, 12th ilne from bottom, read 1817, 719, ’20,
etc.
Page 534, second column, bottom line, read “‘ Amraphel’’ for “ Am-
eaphel.”
Page 544, line 10th, for ‘“‘ Medford” read ** Hartford.”
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