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OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE AS IT APPEARED IN 1763.
THE
WORCESTER BOOK :
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
in
Worcester, Massachusetts,
From 1657 to 1883.
BY
FRANKLIN P. RICE,
Member of The Worcester Society of Antiquity.
PUTNAM, DAVIS AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS.
1884.
THREE HUNDRED COPIES PRINTED.
Copyright, 1884.
By F. P. Rice.
PREFACE.
T N the preparation of this volume my purpose has been to pro-
vide a Reference Book of Dates for Worcester events, which would
readily afford often desired information as to the exact time of
any noteworthy local occurrence. With this end in view, a large
number of items have been gathered, including not only the more
important matters which are familiar in print, but also many of a
kind not usually noticed in town histories. Among the latter may
be mentioned the visits of literary, theatrical and musical celebri-
ties ; political conventions, meetings and disturbances ; exhibitions,
fairs, lectures and entertainments ; riots, accidents and calamities ;
natural phenomena ; and many things uncommon and singular.
Notes, explanatory, historical, biographical or anecdotal, have been
added ; and a complete index will be found at the end.
In the compilation of the matter I have drawn freely from the
many printed works relating to the history of Worcester, both gen-
eral and special ; from the files of the Worcester papers, (which I
have been kindly allowed to consult at my convenience at the li-
brary of the American Antiquarian Society) ; from the publications
of The Worcester Society of Antiquity, which have supplied many
original items ; and from other sources too numerous to mention.
I am also indebted to many persons for facts and statements in-
cluded in the book, some of which appear in print for the first
time.
4 PREFACE,
I have endeavored to make the statements as to time, correct ;
but where so much miscellaneous matter has been brought togeth-
er, it would be unreasonable to assume that no errors will be found.
The displayed dates have been carefully verified by the best author-
ities, and, as a whole, I think they can be relied upon. The list is
by no means complete : a second gleaning — which I leave to some
zealous antiquary of the future — would disclose many facts not
noticed in this collection.
F. P. R.
Worcester, March 26, 1884.
ERRATA.
No. 102. Supply the year "1874."
394- Second line. For Thomas read Foster.
484. The death of Mr. Maccarty was inadvertently printed un-
der July loth. He died July 2Oth.
508. For 25th read 2/sf.
" 624. For Dickinson read Turner.
* *
A few omissions from the text have been supplied in the index.
%* Dates before 1752 may be considered old style.
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS.
January i.
1 1792. Second Meeting House dedicated.
It was located on Summer street, near Lincoln square, and is now used
as a school-house.
2 1834. First issue of the Worcester Palladium.
This paper was published 44 years. The last number was dated Feb.
12, 1876. It was at first anti-Masonic, then Democratic, and finally
Republican. J. S. C. Knowlton was the founder.
3 1848. Friends' Meeting House, Oxford street, opened.
Previous to erection of this building, the meetings of the Friends were
held in Boyden's Block, Main street, south of Walnut.
4 1859. Engine House, Pleasant street, demolished by Gas
Explosion.
The building and contents were totally destroyed; and the school-house
and adjacent dwellings badly shattered. The cause was a leak in a
gas-pipe.
5 1866. First appearance, in Worcester, of Parepa.
Euphrosyne Parepa was born in Edinburgh in 1836, and died in 1874.
She was the daughter of Georgiades de Boyescu, a Wallachian noble-
man, and Elizabeth Seguin. Parepa visited the United States in 1865
and 1869. She was married to Carl Rosa in 1867.
January 2.
6 1867. Rev. Royal B. Stratton installed pastor of the Old
South Church.
He was dismissed April 25, 1872; and died January 24, 1875.
8 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
January 3.
7 1845. Execution of Thomas Barrett for murder.
The first private execution in the county.
8 1864. Great Meeting in Mechanics Hall on Sunday Eve-
ning, to further enlistments.
Judge Allen presided. Addresses were made by Maj. McCafferty and
John B. Gough. 50 enlistments followed the next day.
9 1868. Gen. Abner Doubleday visits Worcester.
Gen. Doubleday was one of the gallant defenders of Fort Sumter
during the memorable siege of April, 1861; and fired the first gun in
defense of the Union. He subsequently attained the rank of Maj. Gen.
January 4.
10 1793. Weaver's Shop of Cornelius and Peter Stowell
burned.
This shop was located on what is now the east corner of Park and
Orange streets. More than 2000 yards of cloth and stock for 700 yds
more were consumed. Loss .£300. This fire led to the formation of
the Worcester Fire Society.
The Stowells manufactured the first carpets used in the present State
House at Boston. They also carried on calico printing and fancy dyeing.
January 6.
11 1844. First issue of the Christian Citizen.
This paper was established by Elihu Burritt, and was devoted to re-
ligion, peace, anti-slavery, etc. It was published seven years.
12 1856. [Sunday] Third (now the Main Street) Baptist
Church dedicated.
13 l%59- Lecture by George D. Prentice, Editor of the
Louisville Journal.
Subject : " Present Aspect of American Politics."
14 1874. Charles Bradlaugh lectured on "The Republican
Movement in Europe."
One of the most powerful and eloquent lectures ever given in Worces-
ter.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 9
January 7.
15 1800. First issue of the Independent Gazetteer.
A weekly paper published by Nahum Mower and Daniel Greenleaf.
It was discontinued after two years.
16 1846. Skeleton of a Mastodon exhibited at hall in Central
Hotel.
It was discovered in Newburg, Orange Co., N. Y. , Length 20 feet.
Weight of bones 2002 Ibs.
17 1857. Thalberg's First Concert in Worcester.
He was assisted by Madame De Wilhorst and Signor Morelli. Price
of admission. $i. Thalberg gave another concert at Brinley Hall. Mar.
27th, and his farewell performance at Mechanics Hall, April jd. At
one of these Madame D'Angri and her daughter assisted.
Sigismund Thalberg, one of the most eminent pianists the world has
known, was born at Geneva in 1812. and died in 1871. He was a pu-
pil of Hummel. " In graceful and brilliant execution, and in manual
dexterity on the piano, he had hardly a rival."
i
January 8.
1 8 1861. Lecture by Professor Ormsby M. Mitchel, the dis-
tinguished astronomer.
The ^irst of three lectures on astronomy. Prof. Mitchel entered the
military service in defence of the Union, and became a major general.
He died October 3Oth, 1862.
January 9.
19 1837. A man run over by engine and ten cars.
The accident occurred just below the deep cut on the Boston & Wor-
cester R. R. It appears that the man. somewhat in liquor, was return-
ing after nightfall to his home in Grafton. and at Washington Square,
turned down the railroad by mistake. His horse was killed and the
sleigh demolished; but the man escaped with slight injuries.
January 10.
20 1863. Concert in Mechanics Hall by Madame Anna
Bishop, Mile Marietta Erba, Herr Zochler, M. Arbuckle and
Henry Suck. P. S. Gillmore, Conductor.
IO THE WORCESTER BOOK.
January 12.
2 1 1778. "Voted unanimously that the Confederation agreed
upon by the United States in General Congress assembled, is
agreeable to the minds of the people of this town."— Wor-
cester Town Records.
22 1814. Nine British Officers, prisoners of war, escape from
jail.
They were in Worcester on parole, and were committed to jail Dec. 3,
1813. in retaliation for similar measures of the enemy. They over-
powered the attendant and secured the keys; five of them were recap-
tured within 24 hours. A reward was offered for their detention; and
the advertisement insinuated that they had been assisted in their es-
cape by some of the Federalists of Worcester.
January 13.
23 1806. General William Eaton, "The Hero who travelled
over the Lybian Desart with his little undisciplined army ;
conquered Derne, and made the whole nation of Tripolitan
Barbarians tremble at hre presence, passed through this town
on Monday last, on his way to Boston." — Spy, Wednesday,
Jan. 15, 1806.
January 15.
24 1857. Disunion Convention.
T. W. Higginson called the convention to order. President, F. W.
Bird of Walpole; vice-presidents, Thomas Earle of Worcester, William
Lloyd Garrison of Boston, David Mann of Sterling, William Ashby of
Newburyport. Alvin Ward of Ashburnham, and Charles Brigham of
Marlborough; secretaries, James M. W. Yerrington of Boston, S.D.
Tourtelott of Worcester.
This convention was called "to consider the practicability, prob-
ability, and expediency of a separation between the free and slave
states."
Last resolution : "Resolved, that the sooner the separation takes
place, the more peaceful it will be; but that peace or war is a secondary
consideration, in view of our present perils : slavery must be conquered ;
peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must."
Speeches were made by Wm. Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I I
25 1863. Concert, Washburn Hall : Teresa Carreno, the
wpnderful Child Pianist.
She is now the wife of Gaetano Saurjt.
January 16.
26 1772. " In memory of Cap'. Thomas Sterne, he died Jan17
the i6th 1772, in the 76 year of his ^"—Inscriptions from
the Old Burial Grounds.
Thomas Stearns was son of John Stearns of Watertown. and grandson of
Charles, the emigrant. Thomas was a housewright by trade ; and came
to Worcester with his brother John, who was a blacksmith. The latter
was captain of the volunteers raised in Worcester in 1748 for defense
against the Indians. Thomas married Mary, daughter of Judge Wm.
Jennison. He was the first sexton of the town; selectman in 1748; and
_T>kept the public house known as the "King's Arms." which stood near-
' ly on the site of Lincoln House block. It was continued by his widow.
In this tavern the lories frequently met; and their famous protest of
1774 was prepared and signed here. Two conventions of Committees
of Correspondence of the County were also held in this house. Mrs.
Stearns died July 19. 1784. aged 77.
"On the first celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence in Worcester, July 22. 1776. 'a select company of the sons
of freedom' repaired to the tavern, and demanded that the sign on
which was emblazoned the royal arms, should be taken down and
burned in the street, all of which was cheerfully complied with by the
innkeeper."
27 1882. Rafael Joseffy, the eminent pianist and composer,
assisted by Miss Belini, gave a Grand Concert in Mechanics
Hall.
Before the Mechanics' Association. Joseffy was coldy received by the
large audience that filled the hall, and his fine performances were lis-
tened to with stolid indifference.
January 17.
28 1757. Lord London passed through Worcester on his way
to Boston.
John Campbell, Lord Loudon, was born 1705; died 1782. He arrived
in Virginia in July, 1756, with a commission as commander-in-chief of
I 2 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
the British forces in America; but proving incompetent he returned to
England the next year. He subsequently rose to the rank of General.
29 1778. Baron Steuben and his attendants passed through
Worcester on their way to Congress.
Frederick William Augustus, Baron Steuben, was born at Madgeburg,
Prussia. Nov. 15. 1730. He served in the wars of Frederick the Great.
Sacrificing a large income, he offered his services to the Americans,
and landed at Portsmouth, N. H., in November, 1777. Congress gave
him the commission of Inspector General, and he performed valuable
service in raising the discipline of the army. After the war he retired
to a tract of land in Oneida county granted him by the legislature of
New York, and lived the remainder of his life upon a government an-
nuity of 52.500. He died November 28, 1794. He was a man of large
heart, ever ready to relieve poverty and suffering.
30 1861. Bayard Taylor delivered his lecture on Humboldt.
31 1882. Death of Hon. Alexander H. Bullock.
He was born in Royalston, March 2. 1816; graduated at Amherst Col-
lege 1836; member of both branches of the legislature; and Governor
of Massachusetts 1866-69. He was Mayor of Worcester in 1859. Mr.
Bullock was a finished orator. A volume of his addresses has recently
been published.
January 18.
32 1838. Lecture by James G. Birney, the noted anti-slavery
advocate.
James G. Birney was born in Kentucky in 1792. He was for some
years a slave owner; but in 1834 he emancipated his servants, and en-
tered with great enthusiasm into the anti-slavery cause. He was the
candidate of the Liberty party in 1844. He died in 1857.
33 1850. Fanny Kemble read Richard n. at Flagg's Hall.
Frances Anne Kemble is a niece of the celebrated Mrs. Siddons. She
was born in London, 181 1, and at an early age performed leading parts
in tragedy and comedy. She came to the United States in 1832, and soon
after married Pierce Butler of Georgia, from whom she separated in
1845. In 1848 she began to give Shakspearian readings with great
success. She appeared in Worcester in 1850, 1857 and 1867. She is
the author of a number of volumes.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 13
January 19.
34 1777. [Sunday] Twelve Tory prisoners broke Gaol and
made their escape.
They had been sent to Worcester from New York ; and were confined
for treasonable practices. They were soon apprehended and brought
back.
35 1833. First Patient received at the State Lunatic Hospital.
36 1865. Funeral honors to Edward Everett.
The bells were tolled by order of the Mayor.
January 20.
37 1822. "In Memory of Capt. EBENEZER WISWELL, who
died Jan. 20, 1822. aged 67.
A member of Timothy Bigelow's company of minute men which left
Worcester on the alarm at Lexington, April 19. 1775. A private in a
company under the command of Capt. Jonas Hubbard in service near
Boston the same year. Corporal in Capt. Wm. Gates's company in Col.
Jonathan Holman's regiment in the Continental Army. He married
Sally Mahan of Boylston, Dec. 25. 1792." — Inscriptions from the Old
Burial Grounds.
38 1877. Charles Alb'ert Fechter as Monte Christo, at the
Worcester Theatre.
Fechter was born in London. Oct. 23, 1824; and died at Rockland
Center, Pennsylvania, Aug. 5, 1879.
January 21.
39 I793- Worcester Fire Society organized.
This society was formed " for the more effectual assistance of each other
and of their townsmen, in times of danger from fire"; and the imme-
diate incentive to its organization was the burning of Sto wells' shop,
Jan. 4, 1793. (See No. lo.) The names of the original members were,
Joseph Allen. John Nazro, Leonard Worcester, Nathaniel Paine. Sam-
uel Chandler, Ezra Waldo Weld, Dr. John Green. Samuel Brazer,
Thomas Payson, Edward Bangs. Dr. Elijah Dix, William Sever. The-
ophilus Wheeler, Dr. Oliver Fiske, John Paine, Samuel Allen, Stephen
Salisbury, Charles Chandler. John Stanton. Dr. Abraham Lincoln, Dan-
C
[A THE WORCESTER BOOK.
iel Waldo, Jr., and Isaiah Thomas. The members subsequently elect-
ed included some of the most prominent citizens of Worcester. The
Hon. Stephen Salisbury, elected in 1824, is the oldest living member.
Previous to 1822. when the Mutual Fire Society was formed, (see
under date July II.) the Worcester Fire Society was the only organiza-
tion relied upon by the town for aid in extinguishing tires. Since the
establishment of the Fire Department in 1835. the society has been
maintained as a social body. Reminiscences of its members have been
published.
40 1857. Hon. Thomas H. Benton lectured in the City Hall
. on The Preservation of the Federal Union.
41 1861. American House Block burned.
January 22.
42 1776- "Voted to make choice of two persons to serve as
civil officers (viz as Justices of the Peace) ." — Worcester Town
Records.
43 17&7" Gen. Lincoln and his troops reached Worcester to
suppress Shays's Rebellion.
The army commanded by Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, which numbered
4400. left Roxbury on the 2 1st. On their arrival at Worcester the
troops were quartered on the inhabitants, and remained three days.
They departed for Springfield on the 25th.
44 1858. Death of Judge Kinnicutt.
The Hon. Thomas Kinnicutt served the town as Selectman and Repre-
sentative; was Senator and Speaker* of the House of Representatives
in the Legislature; and Judge of Probate at the time of his death. His
age was 58.
January 23.
45 1840. Trial of Kidnappers.
Dickenson Shearer and Elias M. Turner were tried for kidnapping in
Worcester a negro boy named Sidney O. Francis. The boy was taken
to Virginia and offered for sale, but was reclaimed. The trial lasted
three days, and resulted in a verdict of guilty against both. Shearer
was sentenced to seven years in the state prison. See under date Sep-
tember 12.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 15
46 1853. Alpheus Merrifield died, aged 73.
He was Deacon of the Unitarian Church for many years; Secretary of
Overseers of the Poor; and a prominent citi/en.
January 24.
47 1784. "Erected in memory of Capt. Samuel Mower who
departed this life Janry 24th 1784, in the 64"' year of his age.
Capt. Samuel Mower, Jr., married Comfort Learned of Oxford, daugh-
ter of (Jen. Ebenezer Learned of revolutionary fame. He was a Se-
lectman in 1765. A Royalist Protester of 1774. In May, 1775, he
with others was given opportunity, by the local Committee of Corres-
pondence, to join the American troops, or find another in hi* stead, or
be considered unworthy the confidence of his fellow countrymen." —
Inscriptions from flu- Old Burial Groumh.
48 1875. The Worcester Society of Antiquity instituted.
The Worcester Society of Antiquity was formed to foster "a love and
admiration for antiquarian research and archaeological science, and to
rescue from oblivion such historical matter as would otherwise be
lost." It was re-organized under the laws of the Commonwealth. Mar.
6, 1877. Hve volumes of Collections have been published aggregating
2248 pages. They comprise the Proceedings of the Meetings, with
many valuable papers; Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds; the
Proprietary and Town Records; Records of the County Court of Ses-
sions, etc. Its valuable library and cabinet are constantly increasing.
TheJSociety occupies rooms in Bank Block, Foster street.
49 1882. 1 6 to 20 degrees below zero. Lowest temperature
recorded in Worcester.
January 25.
50 1782. Protest against Excise on Liquor. See Worcester
Town Records.
January 26.
5 1 1786. House of Samuel Flagg burned.
At what is now the corner of Main and Park streets. It was formerly
the residence of Hon. James Putnam, the refugee.
!6 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
January 27.
52 1805. "Erected in memory of Lieut. William McFarland
who departed this life Jan. 27, 1805, JEt. 83.
He was Lieutenant in the company of minute men under Capt. Benja-
min Flagg. that marched on the alarm at Lexington. Selectman, 1781-
82." — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
53 1832. "Cold Friday." 10 to 16 degrees below zero.
January 28.
54 1830. Rev. John S. C. Abbott ordained Pastor of the Cal-
vinist (now the Central) Church.
He was dismissed in 1835. Mr- Abbott was a writer of marked ability,
and his productions had a wide circulation. "The Mother at Home,"
written at Worcester, passed through many editions, and was translated
into nearly all the European languages. It was printed in Greek at
Athens, and published in Dutch at the Cape of Good Hope. Joseph
Boyden, the jeweller, a bachelor with peculiar notions in regard to the
duties of women, on seeing this book, exclaimed: "The Mother at
Home ! The amount on't is, she's never at home /"
Mr. Abbott died at Fair Haven, Conn., June 17, 1877, aged 71.
55 1863. Gen. George B. McClellan passed through Wor-
cester.
56 1867. New Post Office, on Pearl street, opened.
January 29.
5 7 1723. "At a meeting of the Selectmen of Worcester, Janur.
29 : 1 722-3. agreed with Lei1 Henry Lee to Beiuld a sufficiant
pound for reclaiming of onruly beasts, sd pound to be Thirty
three feet Square and Seven feet high : of good white oake
posts of Eight Inches deep & 6 inches thik : and good oake
Rails of 2 inches thik & 6 inches broad at ye Least, all to be
Don workman Like at or before ye first Day of March next
Ensuing ye Date hearof : Sd pound to be Erected near y*
meeting house whear y6 Selectmen Shall apoint : for which ye
SdLee is to Recive of ye Town of Worcester Six pounds money."
—Early Records of Worcester.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I 7
58 1854. Flagg's Block burned.
On the site of the present building of that name. The fire broke out
at midnight, when the temperature was be)o.w zero. Loss, £50.000.
In the upper stories was Flagg Hall, which was used as a theatre. The
building was erected by Klisha Flagg. who died in 1853.
January 30.
59 1826. "In Memory of Col. MOSES N. CHILDS, who died
Jan. 30, 1826, aged 5.1 years, 9 m & 24 days.
Was one of the founders of the Calvinist (Central) Church, and one of
eight persons who, on the 8th of Feb.. 1^22, bound themselves to de-
fray, out of their private resources, the expenses of public worship for
five years, after deducting such sums as might be voluntarily contrib-
uted by others." — Inscriptions from the Old /-in rial (/rounds.
February i.
60 1786. . Rev. Aaron Bancroft ordained Pastor of the Second
(Unitarian) Church.
6 1 1839. Elliot Cresson, the distinguished Quaker philan-
thropist, lectured in the Unitarian Church on Colonization.
62 1855. George William Curtis lectured.
63 1871. Death of the Rev. Alonzo Hill, D. D.
He was born in Harvard, Mass., June 20. 1800; graduated at Harvard
College in 1822; and was ordained Pastor of the Second {Unitarian)
Church, Worcester, in 1827.
February 2.
64 1845. First separate meeting to form Church of the Unity.
February 3.
65 1836. Union Church formed.
66 1853. Rev Horace James installed Pastor of the Old
South Church.
He resigned in the fall of 1861, and became Chaplain of the 25th Mass.
Volunteers. Subsequently he was connected with the Freedmen's De-
partment in North Carolina. After the war he preached in Lowell. He
died at Boylston, June 9, 1875.
!g THE WORCESTER BOOK.
67 1855. Mission Chapel, Summer street, dedicated.
February 5.
68 1842. Mechanics' Association formed.
At a meeting held Xov. 21. 1841. action was taken to form an associa-
tion of the Mechanics of Worcester. The names of those prominent
in the movement were : Anthony Chase. Putnam W. Taft. William
Leggate. Henry W. Miller. William M. Bickford, Levi A. Dowley, Ru-
fus I). Dunbar. John P. Kettell. James S. Woodworth, Hiram Gorham,
Joseph Pratt, Henry Goulding and Edward B. Rice. The first officers
were: President. William A. Wheeler; Vice-President, Ichabod Wash-
burn; Secretary. Albert Tolman; Treasurer, Elbridge G. Partridge.
The Association was incorporated March 9, 1850.
February 6.
69 1801. "In Memory of Lieu1 Jacob Hemenway who died
Febr 6th 1 80 1, in the 78th year of his age.
Was lieutenant in a company of 43 men under command of Capt. Aaron
Rice of Rutland, who served in the campaign of 1756. He succeeded
Capt. Rice on the death of the latter in camp. Was one of the build-
ing committee of the Old South Church in 1763. his associates being
John Chandler. Jr., Joshua Bigelow. Josiah Brewer, John Curtis. James
Putnam, Daniel Boyden, James Goodwin, David Bigelow, Samuel
Moore and Elish* Smith. Selectman 1764. One of the original mem-
bers of the American Political Society. He lived on what is now May
street, on or near the farm of the late W. W. Patch." — Inscriptions
from the Old Burial Grounds'.
70 1842. "Charles Dickens (Boz) the celebrated author,
with his wife, arrived in town on the evening of the 5th, and
left for Hartford, via Springfield, on the morning of the 7th.
While here, many of our inhabitants called on them at the
mansion of Gov. Davis, where they staid during their tarry in
town." — Sf>y, Feb. 9, 1842.
71 1874. Wilkie Collins read the "Dream Woman." Mechan-
ics Hall.
February 7.
72 1821. "Major Jedediah Healy, Died February 7, 1821,
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 19
aged 63 years. Sally his wife died Feb. i, 1821, aged 65
years.
He was matross in Capt. David Henshaw's company of Col. 'Ihomas
Craft's regiment of artillery. A cabinet-maker by trade. He lived on
the east side of Main street, where the low wooden buildings now are,
just north of the American House Hlock." — Inscriptions from the Old
Burial Grounds.
Heily was a noted wag. famous for his wit. "Who's dead ?" inquired
one of his neighbors, as he was driving the hearse to a funeral. "Peter
Smith." "What's the complaint?" Haven't heard any complaint."
replied Healy. "I think it gives very general satisfaction !" Isaiah
Thomas erected 'a large stone torn!) in the Mechanic street ground, and
on its completion, contemplated the impuMng structure with some pride.
He remarked to Healy that it had cost a large sum. who replied: "I
hope you won't lie long out of the interest of your money!"
73 1861. Concert by Stigelli and Carlotta Patti.
February 8.
74 1834. First Methodist Society formed.
Thirteen individuals met in the Town Hall and were organized as a
"Methodist Episcopal Society in the town of Worcester." They wor-
shiped in the Town Hall for three years, and first occupied a church
at the corner of Exchange and Union streets in 1837. ^ee ur>der date
February 19.
75 1856. Bay State House opened.
The Ray State Hotel was erected by a company incorporated in 1853.
The house and out-buildings occupy 30.000 square feet of land : the
lot cost $38.000; the building £100.000; and the stable §5,000. $15,
ooo worth of furniture was supplied by the corporation, the remainder
by the lessees. Warner Clifford and A. H. Foster were the first lessees.
76 1862. Lecture by Charles F. Browne, wt.Artemas Ward.
Subject: "Children in the Wood."
77 1874. Death of John Milton Earle.
He was born in Leicester in 1794; came to Worcester in 1818. and
with Anthony Chase, his brother-in-law, opened a store for the sale of
general merchandise. He was connected with the Spy from 1823 to
1858, for many years as editor; and was prominent in the anti-slavery
movement. One of the founders of the Horticultural Society; and a
member of the Society of Friends. Postmaster from 1861 to 1866.
2O THE WORCESTER BOOK.
February 9.
78 1853. Thomas F. Meager in Worcester.
He was born in Waterford, Ireland, August 3, 1823. As one of lead-
ers of the "Young Ireland" party, he was sentenced to banishment for
life to Van DiemaiTs l^ind; but escaped to the United States in 1852.
In the Rebellion he served with distinction, and was commissioned a
Brigadier General. He was appointed Secretary of Montana; and was
Acting Governor at the time of his death, which was occasioned by a
fall from the deck of a steamer, at Fort Benton. July I, 1867.
79 1856. Great Meeting in behalf of Kansas : Gen. Samuel
C. Pomeroy spoke.
80 1857. Piper's Theatre opened.
The first lessee was VVyzeman Marshall. A large audience attended
on the opening night. An address written by A. Wallace Thaxter was
spoken by Miss Mary Hill. The play was /ngomar, followed by the
farce of J/v J/usfiant/'s Afirrffr. This theatre would seat 1 200. It was
closed in 1866 or 7, and the interior remodeled. It is now the Front
Street Exchange.
February 10.
8 1 1857. Dr. Isaac I. Hayes lectured on Lift in the Arctic
Regions.
February u.
82 1770. "In memory of Capt. Palmer Goulding senior, who
died at Holden Febry y« n* A. D. 1770, in y« 75* year of
his age. He Commanded a Company at y* Reduction of
Louisburg June y* 17th A. D. 1745.
Representative to the General Court, 1741. Selectman six years. Just
previous to the organization of the town, he built the house long occu-
pied by Gouldings, which stood on Front street, east of the Common."
—Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
83 1823. Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Co. incorporated.
February 12.
84 1677. Second Indian Deed signed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 21
"The right of Pannasunet, a sagamore who had not subscribed to the
former instrument of conveyance, [see under date July 13.] was pur-
chased of his heirs and relatives." — Lincoln'} History.
85 1840. Democratic celebration of the election of Marcus
Morton, by one vote Governor of Massachusetts.
At Brinley Hall. Isaac Davis was chairman, and Dr. Henry Bigelow.
secretary. Addresses were made by George Bancroft and Benjamin K.
Hallett of Boston; and Pliny Merrick of Worcester.
Marcus Morton became Governor by the action of one honest Whig
on the returning board, namely : Charles Allen of Worcester.
86 1868. "Distinguished visitors. The Superior (criminal)
Court was honored yesterday morning by the presence of
Maj. Gen. Sickles and Gen. Cochrane of his staff. The Court
took a recess for half an hour, and the members of the bar
were presented to the visitors by Judge Devens." — Spy, Feb-
ruary ij, 1868.
February 13.
87 1783. Highway Robbery.
Mr. Jonathan Lynde of Petersham, while on his way to Worcester, was (/
robbed in a most daring manner by a footpad, within a mile of the
meeting house, on the road to Paxton. The amount taken was $90.
88 1815. "When the news of PEACE reached this town, on
Monday last, it was received by all with the utmost transports
of joy. The high degree of public gratification was immediately
demonstrated by a salute of eighteen guns in each quarter of
the town, and the ringing of bells." — Spy, Wednesday, Febru-
ary 75, 1815.
February 14.
89 1861. Ebenezer Mower died, aged 100 yrs. and 4 ms.
"Mr. Mower was a remarkable man to remember events; he could
recollect the raising of the Old South Church in 1763, when he was but
a little more than three years old. He recollected the marching of the
minute-men under Capt. Bigelow in 1775. and his death in 1790. As _
hjsjather was a loyalist, he never engaged in the struggle of the Rev-
olution, although it was his wish to do so. In the election of President
D
22 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
the November before his death, and when he was past 100, he attend-
ed meeting and cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln."— Mersey's History.
February 15.
90 1816. Fire at Adams Square.
House, wheelwright's shop and barn of Nathaniel Flagg, 2d, and Jon-
athan Knight's store were burned. Loss $2,000.
February 16.
91 1858. Benefit to Arbuckle.
Fiske's Cornet Band gave a concert for the benefit of the leader, M.
Arbuckle.
Matthew Arbuckle. the distinguished cornet player, was a musician
in a British regiment stationed in Canada; and deserted to the United
States in 1854. He came to Worcester in 1857, and was leader of the
band here for two or three years. He died in 1883.
92 1860. Lecture by Mrs. Sara J. Lippincott, otherwise Grace
Greenwood.
93 l%73- William A. Wheeler died, aged 74.
Mr. Wheeler came to Worcester from Brookfield more than forty years
before, and began a business which developed the extensive foundry
and machine shops on Thomas street, the first of the kind in the city.
He was the first president and a benefactor of the Mechanics' Associa-
tion.
February 17.
94 1846. County Peace Convention in Brinley Hall.
February 18.
95 1815. Destructive Fire.
The house, store and merchandise of Samuel Brazer; the office of Re-
joice Newton; The houses of Sewall Hamilton and Maj. Enoch Flagg;
and the bake house of Enoch and Elisha Flagg were all consumed.
These buildings were on the west side of Main street, opposite the
present location of the Bay State House and Waldo Block. The loss
was $10,000. The inhabitants subscribed $2,700, and $ i ,800 was raised
elsewhere for the relief of the sufferers.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 23
February 19.
96 1831. Worcester County Historical Society incorporated.
This society was formed "for the purpose of collecting and preserving
all materials necessary for compiling a full account of the history, stat-
istics and geography of the county." Hon. John Davis was president.
This society was short-lived, and left few results.
97 1844. Methodist Church burned.
On the corner of Exchange and Union streets. This was the first Meth-
odist church erected in Worcester.
98 1861. Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, Vice-President elect, passed
through Worcester on his way to Washington.
About 4000 persons assembled at the Western railroad station to greet
Mr..Hamlin as he passed through on the 10 A. M. train. He made a
brief address in response to their calls.
99 1861. B. P. Shillaber, author of Mrs. Partingfon, read a
'poem entitled "Life's Bright Side," in Washburn Hall.
February 20.
100 1879. Genevieve Ward appeared in the historical drama
of yane Shore.
February 21.
10 1 1842. Elihu Burritt delivered the first lecture eve* given
before the Mechanics' Association.
/tf'T*^
102 Stephen S. Foster's farm sold for non-payment of taxes.
Mr. Foster refused to pay his taxes because his wife was not allowed to
vote. The property comprised 65 acres of land and buildings, and was
sold to Osgood Flummer for gioo. and afterwards redeemed.
The sale was first advertised to take place on the 2Oth, at which time
the Smith sisters, of Glastonbury. Conn., were present.
February 22.
103 1800. Funeral honors to Washington.
At II A. M. a procession numbering 700. including 250 school boys
from 8 to 1 8. was formed at the Court House and marched to the Old
South Meeting House, the pulpit of which was draped with black broad-
cloth. An impressive oration was delivered by the Rev. Aaron Ban-
croft.
24 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
104 1836. "In Memory of Capt. Simeon Duncan, who died
February 22, 1836, aged 80 years.
Was private in Capt. Benjamin Flagg's company, April 19, 1775. Also
a private in Capt. William Gates's company, Sept. 4, 1 776. Enlisted
and was bombardier in Col. Thomas Craft's regiment of artillery. He
marched to Hadley on the alarm at Bennington, with Capt. David
Chad wick's company, Aug. 28, 1777." — Inscriptions from the Old Bur-
ial Grounds.
February 23.
105 1817. Death of Hon. Francis Blake.
One of the most distinguished lawyers of his time. He was born in
Rutland, Mass., Oct. 14, 1774; graduated at Harvard College in 1789;
studied law with Hon. John Sprague of Lancaster, and practised in
Rutland; removed to Worcester in 1802. He was a State Senator in
I.MO-I j. and Clerk of the Courts from 1816 to his death. He delivered
the 4th of July orations in Worcester in 1796 and 1812, which were
printed. Mr. Blake possessed all the qualiiications of a true orator. He
married Eliza A. Chandler.
106 1818. Worcester County Agricultural Society incorporated.
107 1840. Signor Blitz, the distinguished magician and ven-
triloquist, gave an entertainment in Brinley Hall.
February 24.
1 08 1827. Paper mill of Elijah Burbank burned.
At Quinsigamond. The fire was caused by spontaneous combustion of
cotton waste. Loss $$00.
February 25.
109 1775. Capt. Brown and Ensign De Bernicre in Worcester.
"Capt. Brown of the 53d, and Ensign De Bernicre of the loth regiment
were ordered by Gen. Gage [Wednesday. 22 Feb.] to make an expedi-
tion, examine the roads, note the distances from town to town, sketch
positions of the streams, heights, passes, and posts; and collect such
topographical information as would be useful for the advance of a de-
tachment. The report of their journey, made by the latter officer, was
found after the evacuation of the metropolis. They left Boston clis-
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 25
guised as countrymen, without uniform, and passed through Cambridge.
Watertown, and by Framingham to Shrewsbury on the old road." —
Lincoln's History.
See 2 Mass. Hist. Coll., iv. 204; History of Worcester by William
Lincoln.
no 1835. Fire Department established.
The Chief Engineers have been: Isaac Davis, 1835-6; Nathan Heard,
1837-9; Henry W. Miller. 1840-44; Joel Wilder, 1845-9; Erastus N.
Holmes, 1850-54; L. W. Sturtevant. 1855-8; Samuel A. Porter, 1859;
L. R. Hudson. 1860; Alzirus Brown, 1861-65; A- B- I'Ovell. 1866-8;
R. M. Gould. 1869-71; Simon E. Combs. 1872 to the present time.
February 26.
in 1835. Powder explosion : 4 men killed, 5 injured.
The accident was the result of the premature firing of a blast near the
deep cut on the railroad.
112 1842. First Issue of the "Worcester Waterfall and Wash-
ingtonian Delegate."
A paper in the interest of the Washingtonian temperance movement.
established by Jesse W. Goodrich. It was united with the "Cataract"
in 1843.
February 27.
113 1849. Laurel Street Methodist Episcopal Church dedi-
cated.
114 1874. Daniel Pratt, the Great American Traveller, "de-
livered a brief but impassioned address to a small audience,
[at the Western R. R. station] in which he declared his
chances for the presidency in 1876 were improving every
day."— Spy, Feb. 28.
February 28.
115 1746. Day of fasting and prayer for a minister.
Great difficulty was experienced in procuring a successor to the Rev.
Mr. Burr; and considerable time elapsed before a choice was made.
A day of fasting and prayer was observed, "to implore the divine di-
rection in the church's leading in the choice of a person to be or-
dained."
26 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
1 1 6 1854. Mad Dog excitement.
A dog supposed to be rabid ran through Main street, biting .horses and
attacking several persons. It was killed near the City Hall.
1 1 7 1868. Murder of Joseph G. Clark.
He was a professional gambler, and occupied rooms in the third story
of Union Block, where the deed was committed. The murderers, Silas^
and Charles T. James, brothers, were apprehended the next day, and'
were executed for the crime the 25th of the following September.
February 29.
118 1848. Worcester incorporated a City.
March i.
119 1736. Bounty for wolves.
"Voted that whosoever Shall Kill any grown wolf within ye Bounds of
Worcester from ye Tenth Day of march Current to ye Tenth Day of
march in ye year 1736-7, Shall be Intitled to a reward of Four pounds,
and for a wovls whelp other than Such as Shall be taken out of ye Belly
of any Bitch wolf, ye Sum of Twenty Shillings, to be payd by ye Town
of Worcester, the heads to be proceeded with agreeable to an act of
the (Jeneral Court, page 259 of ye province Law Book." — Early Records
of Worcester.
1 20 1795. Vice- President John Adams visited Worcester.
John Adams was master of the Latin Grammar School in Worcester
from 1755 to 1758. and during this time studied law with the Hon.
James Putnam. His diary contains many interesting passages descrip-
tive of his life in Worcester, and of some of the persons with whom
he became acquainted. On the 24th of April, 1 756, the future States-
man and President penned the following passage in his journal :
" But I have no books, no. time, no funds. I must therefore be con-
tented to live and die an ignorant, obscure fellow !"
1 2 i 1872. Victoria C. Woodhull delivered a lecture in Mechan-
ics Hall, to an audience of 400.
Subject: "The Impending Revolution."
122 1878. "Count Joannes" as Richard III. at the Theatre.
A large and enthusiastic audience attended. The entire performance
was a farce. Wads of paper, crackers, cabbages and other//-//// were
thrown upon the stage, and confusion prevailed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 2"J
March 2.
123 1761. "Voted That the Selectmen at the Charge of the
Town take proper care for preserving ye growth of ye Trees
sett out about the meeting House for Shades by Boxing them
& that the Inhabitants be desired not to Tye their Horses to
them." — Worcester Town Records.
124 1798. First Water Act.
"The Legislature passed 'an Act authorizing Daniel Goulding to con-
duct water in subterraneous pipes from a certain spring in his own land,
within the Town of Worcester, for the accomodation of himself and
some other inhabitants of the said Town.' By the terms of this Act the
Selectmen were authorized to take water from these pipes for the ex-
tinguishment of fires; and in this small way the first water supply was
provided for." — Report of Committee on rebuilding Lynde Brook Dam.
March 3,
125 1740. "Voted that ye Northrly part of the Town Comonly
Called North Worcester agreeable to ye Pertition Line former-
ly Run be Set of a Distinct & Seperate Township if it be ye
pleasure of ye grate & General Court in Consideration of Their
grate Distance from ye place of public worship."— Early Rec-
ords of Worcester.
This territory was incorporated as the town of Holden.
126 1740. "Worcester, march 3d. 1740. we ye Subscribers
being Inhabitants of ye Town of Worcester Protest against ye
Proceedings of ye Town meeting now held in ye meeting house
in this Town for that the Determination of ye Selectmen of
Said Town Concerning Voters in Said meeting is not accord-
ing to ye Laws of this Province in that Case made and provided
but they have totally Excluded us tho' Qualified according to
Law. Joseph Dyar, the mark x of Jezeniah Rice,
the mark x of Samuell Dunkin, william Johnson, Danil Dun-
kin, Thomas Richardson, Joseph Temple." — Early Records
of Worcester.
This is the first of a series of protests entered upon the Records by Jo-
seph Dyer, an eccentric character who combined the occupations of
28 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
lawyer and shopkeeper. For twenty years he continued to interpose
his objections to the proceedings of the town, refusing to bear his bur-
den of taxation, which could only be collected through process of law.
Finally, in 1759, he was committed to jail for the non-payment of a
fine, where he remained five years, obstinately refusing all offers of
accommodation. In 1 764 the sum necessary for his liberation was raised
by subscription ; and he was forcibly ejected from the jail, protesting
as he went. While in confinement he compiled a dictionary of the
English language, which was afterwards published. For a more ex-
tended account of him, see History of Worcester by William Lincoln.
127 1862. Rebel Generals Buckner and Tilghman passed
through Worcester on their way to Fort Warren, under guard
of six soldiers.
Simon Bolivar Buckner was a graduate of West Point, and served
with gallantry in the Mexican war. He entered the Confederate ser-
vice, and commanded a brigade at Fort Donelson. and after the flight
of his superior officers, surrendered that stronghold with 16.000 men to
Gen. C-rant. Feb. 16. 1862. He was confined in Fort Warren until the
following August, when he was exchanged and again entered upon ac-
tive duty. He finally surrendered with Kirby Smith's army at New
Orleans in 1865.
Lloyd Tilghman was a native of Maryland, born in 1816. He grad-
uated at West Point; served in the Mexican war; and became a general
in the Confederate army. He commanded at Fort Henry when that
post surrendered to Flag-Officer Foote, Feb. 6, 1862. After his ex-
change, Tilghman was ordered to Mississippi, and was killed in the
battle of Baker's Creek, May 16. 1863.
March 4.
128 1803. "ADDRESS PRONOUNCED AT WORCESTER,
(MASS.) March tfh, 1803. BY LEVI LINCOLN, junior,
A. B. Published by the unanimous request of the Company
engaged in the Celebration. Printed at Worcester by Sewall
Goodridge. 1803."
This address was intensely Republican in sentiment, and severe in its
denunciation of Federalism.
129 1829. First issue of the Worcester County Republican.
Established by Jubal Harrington as a Jacksonian Democratic Weekly
Journal. It was merged in the Palladium in 1839. Ben : Perley Poore,
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 2Q
the well known Washington correspondent, was an apprentice in the
office of this paper in 1837.
130 1846. Worcester County Medical School opened.
131 1861. Blondin performed on the tight-rope at the theatre.
132 1863. Gen. John E. Wool and Staff arrived from Nashua.
They remained in Worcester over night as the guests of Col. John \V.
Wetherell.
March 6.
133 1843. Old Central Exchange burned.
The fire began in the brick building called the York House, on the
corner of Main and Market (now Exchange) streets, and extended to
the Central Exchange erected by the Worcester Bank about 1804.
This building was occupied by the Bank. Post Office, and two print-
ing offices.
134 1853. Third (now the Main Street) Baptist Church or-
ganized.
March 7.
r35 J774- Resolution not to use Tea.
"We rest assured, that however attached we have been to that
truly Detestable herb, we can firmly resist the Charm, and thereby con-
vince our enimys in Great Britain and America, that However artfull
and allureing their Snares and gilded the bait, we have wisdom to
foersee. and Vertue to resist.
"Therefor Resolved that we will not buy. Sell, use, or any ways be
concerned with India Teas of any kind, dutied or undutied imported
from Great Britain. Holland or Else where, untill the unrightious act
imposing a duty thereon be repealed, the former on account of the
aforesaid duty, the Latter because we still maintain such a regard for
Great Britain, as to be unwilling to promote the ipterest of a rival." —
Worcester Town Records.
136 1804. Worcester Bank chartered.
March 8.
137 1762. Voted to build a New Meeting House.
The result was the erection, in 1763. of the present Old South Church.
•
E
•jO THE WORCESTER BOOK.
March 9.
138 1869. Music Hall or New Theatre dedicated.
Now the Worcester Theatre. The play on the opening night was The
Lady of Lyons, by the Boston Theatre Company.
139 1878. Col. Robert G. Ingersoll delivered his lecture on
"Skulls," in Mechanics Hall.
March 10.
140 1848. The Remains of Ex- President John Quincy Adams
passed through Worcester to Boston.
The funeral train made a short stop at Washington square, where some
thousands had assembled. Minute guns were fired and bells tolled.
Ex-ljovernor Levi Lincoln addressed the Congressional Committee in
charge of the remains, and the Hon. Isaac E. Holmes, of South Caro-
lina, replied in a most beautiful and eloquent strain.
141 1854. Indignation meeting in consequence of the death
of Maj. John H. Knight.
He was formerly station master at the Norwich depot. He received a
fatal contusion on the head by falling down stairs, as was alleged, in a
saloon at Washington square; but the verdict of the coroner's jury was
that his death was caused by a blow from a heavy weapon in the hands
of some unknown person. The meeting was called in the interest of
temperance, and to take measures to suppress the rum traffic.
March n.
142 1854. Mass Meeting to protest against the passage of the
Kansas- Nebraska bill.
At the City Hall. Speeches were made by Peter C. Bacon, Rev. Elam
Smalley. Dwight Foster, Charles Allen, Rev. Horace James, Eli Thayer
and Homer B. Sprague.
143 1860. Samuel Jennison died, aged 72.
He was for thirty years cashier of the Worcester Bank'; twenty years
treasurer of the Worcester County Institution for savings; and ten years
treasurer of the State Lunatic Asylum : also treasurer of the American
Antiquarian Society; and of the Corporation of Rural Cemetery. He
was an antiquary of some note. His residence was on Pearl Street.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 3!
March 12. •
144 1828. Central Bank incorporated.
145 1830. Worcester County Athenaeum incorporated.
The intention was to form a library for general use. Thirty-four pro-
prietors purchased shares at $25 each, and organized with Rev. George
Allen as president; Frederick W. Paine as treasurer; and William
Lincoln, secretary. Some thousands of volumes were collected; but
the association was discontinued after a few years, and the library
turned over to the American Antiquarian Society.
146 1868. Concert by Leopold De Meyer, with Madame
Gagzaniga, Signer Ardarani, Bernhard Listemann and Samuel
"Warren.
March 13.
147 1802. Gov. Caleb Strong in Worcester.
He arrived from Boston on Saturday the I3th. remained over Sunday,
and departed on Monday for his home in Northampton.
Caleb Strong was Governor of Massachusetts from 1800 to 1807;
and from 1812 to 1816. He had previously been a Justice of the Su-
preme Court and United States Senator. He was an ultra Federalist,
and entered into the wellnigh treasonable actions of his party during
the last war with Great Britain. Fortified by a decision of the Chief
Justice, he refused to comply with President Madison's requisition for
troops, and openly defied the Government at Washington. Practically,
this was nullification : the doctrine -of secession had previously been
proclaimed by a Massachusetts Representative in Congress. Governor
Strong died November yth. 1819, aged 74.
148 1883. Dr. Damrosch and Orchestra, with Teresa Carreno
and Isadora Martinez gave a Grand Concert in Mechanics
Hall.
The most finished orchestral performance ever listened to in Worcester.
March 14.
149 1737- "Whearas much damige hath been Don by black
birds, blew Jays and wood peckers by Taring up Indian Corn
& Devouring y6 Same in ye fields, &c., therefore
•j 2 THE WORCESTER BOOK. '
"Voted that Every person belonging to this Town that
Shall from the first Day of april to the last Day of may next
Kill any black birds, and for one year next coming who Shall
Kill any wood Peckers or blew Jays & bring the heads thereof
to y* Town Tresurer, Town Clerk or either of ye Selectmen
Shall be Intitled to a Premiam or Reward of three pence for
Each head, producing a Certificate thereof, & that ye Same
be Consumed to ashes."— Early Records of Worcester.
150 1861. Orson N. Heath lectured in Mechanics Hall on
"Success in Life."
Heath kept the Poetical Exchange, a second-hand furniture store, un-
der the Bay State House, Exchange street side.
151 1874. Remains of Charles Sumner passed through Wor-
cester.
3000 persons assembled at Washington square. Bells were tolled
while the funeral train was within the city limits.
March 15.
152 1848. Gen. Sam Houston in Worcester.
Gen. Houston of Texas arrived from Providence in the afternoon, and
remained at the American House about an hour, during which time he
was visited by numerous citizens. He left in the evening on the steam-
boat train for New York.
153 1867. Dedication of the new Orphans' Home.
At the corner of Main and Benefit streets. The old Home, which was
given to the Children's Friend Society by John W. Lincoln, was on
Shrewsbury street, east of the Pine Meadow settlement.
March 16.
154 1751. Order to build a new Court House.
Dimensions 36 by 40 feet. It was removed on wheels to the present
Trumbull square at the lower end of Park street, about 1801, and con-
verted into the mansion long occupied by the late George A. Trumbull.
155 1842. Sampson V. S. Wilder committed to jail for debt.
Sampson Vryling Stoddard Wilder resided in Europe for many years
as a commercial agent, and accumulated a large fortune with which he
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 33
returned to America, and retired to a princely estate in Bolton, near
his birthplace. Here he entertained LaFayette in 1824. In the finan-
cial crisis of 1837 n's wealth was suddenly swept away; and consequent
troubles followed, which finally brought him to Worcester Jail, a pris-
oner for debt. He was released by his creditor, June 14, 1842. Mr.
Wilder was a man of public spirit and generous benevolence. He died
at Elizabeth, N. J., in 1865, aged 85.
156 1873. Heavy Gale : staging at St. Paul's Church, brick
walls, and chimneys in different parts of the city blown down.
March 17.
157 1790. "Sacred to the memory of Deacon. Jacob Cham-
berlain who departed this life March ye 17th 1790 in the 71*'
year of his age. Who fulfilled the office of a Deacon in the
Church of Christ in Worcester for about 28 years with Satis-
faction to the Church and Honour to himself. He was pos-
sess'd of good natural Abilities Useful in the Society of which
he was a member Instructive and entertaining in conversation
Compassionate to the afflicted Given to hospitality — sound in
the faith- And now, we trust, has entered into his Eternal
Rest.
Deacon Jacob Chamberlain was born at a place called Oak Hill in
Newton, Nov. 28, 1719. He married Lydia Stone of Newton in early
life, when he removed to Worcester and settled on the farm now (1877)
occupied by the widow of the late Marshall Flagg, where he lived
during the residue of his life. By his first wife he had nine children,
viz: John. Sarah. Thaddeus, Lydia, Jacob, Susannah, Abigail. Mary
and William. By a second wife (widow of Abel Hey wood, who was
son of Maj. Hey wood of ancient memory in this town) he had one
daughter, Nancy.
Deacon Chamberlain was selectman of the town, 1761. A tory pro-
tester of 1774, numbered among the internal enemies by the Com-
mittee of Correspondence in 1775. and disarmed by that committee."
— Inscriptions from^the Old Burial Grounds.
158 1806. Worcester Turnpike Company incorporated.
Air line to Boston.
34
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
March 18.
159 J776- "CaP'- James Goodwin & Mr. Daniel Bigelow Jur.
was Chosen a Committee to Inspect the behavior of such per-
sons as tarry in the meeting House on Sabbath Days between
meetings and if they shall discover any misbehavior that they
inform lawfull authority of the same that offenders may be
punnished." — Worcester Town Records.
160 1825. "In Memory of Mr. CURTIS FOWLE, who died March
18, 1825, aged 80.
"An Englishman by birth — came to this Country — joined
the American army in 1775, and faithfully served during the
war.
"He married Susannah Shedd. January 23, 1785.
"From the SPY. March 23, 1825. 'Died i8th inst. Mr* Curtis Fowle
aged 80. He was an Englishman by birth, came to this country about
the year 1766, on board a British Frigate, from which he deserted. In
'775 he joined the American Army, in which he faithfully served during
the whole Revolutionary war.' " — Inscriptions from the Old Burial
Grounds,
March 19.
161 1845. Rev. George P. Smith installed Pastor of the Old
South Church.
He died Sept. 3, 1852.
162 18*57. Mechanics Hall dedicated.
The exercises began at 2 p. M. Henry S. Washburn delivered an ad-
dress, followed by remarks from Lieut. Gov. Benchley. Mayor Rich-
ardson, Ex-Gov. Lincoln, A. H. Bullock and others. In the evening,
there was a concert by Adelaide Phillips and the Boston Orchestral
Union. Carl Zerrahn, leader.
In 1854 Ichabod Washburn gave $10.000 towards the purchase of
land and the erection of a building, and an equal amount was sub-
scribed by others. The Waldo lot was purchased for $30,000. The
total cost of the building was $140. 129, 51. Elbridge Boyden was the
architect.
March 20.
163 1786. "Voted to sell the Ministerial and School Lands
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 35
lying east and near Capt. Palmer Goulding's and that it be
sold at Public Vendue." — Town Records.
Timothy Paine Esq., Capt. Samuel Brooks, Col. Timothy Bigelow, Jo-
seph Wheeler, Esq.. and Dr. Elijah Dix were chosen a committee to
sell the same, and were empowered to execute good and sufficient deed
or deeds to the purchasers. "This parcel as surveyed out by Capt.
John Pierce, May 5th. 1786, contained thirteen and one quarter acres
and twenty-three rods; and the [Mechanic street] burial ground lot
was selected near the center of the plot." The land was sold in lots
as follows: "Lot No. I. containing I 3-4 acres and sum rods, sold to
Daniel Colliding for the sum of 20 pounds; lot No. 2, containing 121
rods, sold to Silas Harrington for the sum of 19 pounds. 10 shillings,
and by him released to Jno. Jacob Wagoner who sold ye same to Jacob
Miller, ye present possessor; lot No. 3, containing 110 rods, sold to
Benj. Converse for the sum of 20 pounds. 9 shillings, which his guard-
can has since sold to Ignatius Goulding; lot No. 4, containing 82 rods
sold to Nathan Patch who foriited his earnest money, and the same has
since been sold to William Colliding for the sum of 15 pounds. 10 shill-
ings; lot No. 5. containing 5 3-4 acres and 14 rods, sold to Jonathan
Cates who foriited his earnest money, and the same has since been
sold to Abel Stowell for the sum of 27 pounds. 15 shillings; lot No. 6,
containing 2 acres and 58 rods, sold to Ignatius Goulding for the sum
of 42 pounds, 10 shillings." — Old Burial Grounds of Worcester.
164 1855. Concert in the City Hall by Paul Julien, Adelina
Patti and August Gockel.
March 21.
165 1861. Great Snowstorm : drifts 5 to 12 feet high. Two
chimneys on Lincoln House blown over, breaking through
the roof of a room where servant girls were sleeping.
166 1873. Joseph Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle, at the theatre.
March 22.
167 1814. "To the memory of Col. PHINEAS JONES, died March
22, 1814, yEt. 66
"Married Katharine Gates. April 2ist. 1772. Was sergeant in Capt.
David Chadwick's company that marched to Hadley on the alarm at
Bennington. Aug. 28, 1777.
^ 6 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
"Was chief marshal at the military celebration on the anniversary of
the Declaration of Independence in Worcester, 1789. Selectman in
1796-7. He kept the Old Jones Tavern near New Worcester." — In-
scriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
March 23.
168 1827. "In Memory of Daniel Clapp, Esq. who died March
23, 1827, aged 87.
"Was one of fifteen jurors who refused, April 19, 1774. to serve under
Chief Justice Peter Oliver, because the last House of Representatives
had impeached him for receiving his salary from the English Crown.
"Was Register of Deeds from 1784 to 1816.
'•He lived on what is now the corner of Main and Park streets" —
Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
169 1857. Frederick Douglass addressed a meeting in the
City Hall, at the close of which brief remarks were made by
Capt. John Brown, of Kansas notoriety.
170 1868. Charles Dickens read his Christmas Carol and the
Trial from Pickwick, in Mechanics Hall.
A large audience was present. The price of tickets was $2.
March 24.
171 1853. Death of Benjamin F. Newton.
Mr. Newton was District Attorney at the time of his death. He pos-
sessed excellent abilities as a lawyer. His age was 32.
1 72 1878. Death of the Rev. Seth Sweetser, D. D.
• He was born in Newburyport, March 15. 1807. He was installed pas-
tor of the Central Church in 1838. and passed the remainder of his life
in Worcester. Dr. Sweetser was an Overseer of Harvard College; was
connected with the management of other educational institutions; and
was a prominent member of the American Antiquarian Society.
March 25.
•73 *833. Quinsigamond Bank incorporated.
'74 1857. John Brown addressed a meeting in the City Hall.
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH.
A. I). 1883.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 37
March 26.
175 1851. New Unitarian Church dedicated.
The present edifice on Court Hill. It is of brick covered with mastic
in squares to represent stone work, and cost about $25.000, which sum
was raised by the sale of pews. Joel Wilder, mason, was the builder.
176 1866. Matilda Heron in Camille, at the Theatre.
March 27.
177 1860. Free Public Library opened.
Accounts were opened with two hundred persons, and 36 catalogues
were sold on the first day. The library, at this time, occupied the up-
per story of Bank Block. Foster street.
March 28.
178 1827. Rev. Alonzo Hill ordained.
X79 J855' P- T. Barnum lectured in the City Hall on Money
Making.
i So 1876. Old Men's Home established.
March 29.
181 1728. "Voted that ye Incourigment for killing of Ratle
Snakes in Sd Town Shall be three pence for every Ratle Snakes
Taile or ratle So killed & brought to one or more of ye Select-
men, who are directed to recive ye Same." — Early Records.
182 1861. John S. Rarey, the Horse Tamer, with his cele-
brated horse Cruiser, gave an exhibition in Mechanics Hall.
March 30.
183 1876.. Lynde Brook Dam carried away by a freshet.
"Dams, bridges, mills, roads and dwellings were swept away; but no
lives were lost About 5000 feet of the Boston & Albany R. R.
track was taken off. and the embankment washed away. ... At one
time the water came within 50 feet of the Horse Car track at New
Worcester." The aggregate damages paid by the city, including the
cost of the new dam. amounted to $227,000.
F
38 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
March 31.
184 1790. Death of Col. Timothy Bigelow.
He was born in Worcester, August 12, 1739. His father, Daniel Big-
elow, who married Elizabeth Whitney, came from Watertown, and
settled in the south part of Worcester, now included in Auburn, where
he died at the age of 92. Timothy was a blacksmith by trade. He
became an ardent patriot; was chosen to command the minute men;
and marched with his company to Cambridge on the alarm, April 19,
1775. He was a volunteer in the expedition against Quebec, where he
was made a prisoner. He was appointed to command the I5th Mass,
regiment; joined the northern army, and assisted in capturing Bur-
goyne. After the war he obtained a grant of land in Vermont, and
founded the town of Montpelier. He returned to Worcester in im-
poverished circumstances, and died while a prisoner for debt. The
entry in the Jail Book is that he was discharged "By Detk." See un-
der date April 19.
185 1857. John B. Gough lectured in the New Hall for the
benefit of the Mechanics Association.
The largest lecture audience that had ever assembled in Worcester.
5300. was realized.
186 1871. Worcester Choral Union incorporated.
187 1882. Visit of the Zuni Indians.
They were accompanied by Mr. Frank H. Gushing of the Smithsonian
Institution; and numbered six chiefs of high rank. They visited the
High School, Antiquarian Hall, the Wire Works and other manufac-
tories, and the Jail.
1 88 1883. Rev. George Allen died, aged 91 years, 2 months.
He was born in a house that stood on the north corner of Main and
School streets, February i, 1792. His father, the Hon. Joseph Allen,
was Clerk of the Courts and afterwards a Member of Congress; his
paternal grandmother was a sister of Samuel Adams. George Allen
graduated at Yale College in 1813; was minister at Shrewsbury from
1823 to 1840; and chaplain at the State Lunatic Hospital from 184010
1872. Mr. Allen took part in the anti-slavery agitation, contributing
much to the press, and writing several pamphlets that attracted con-
siderable attention. He was the author of the celebrated Free Soil
resolution of 1848. (See under dales June 21 and Dec. 5.) He was
a fine scholar, and a writer of wonderful power.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 39
April i.
189 1851. First Daily Morning Transcript.
This paper had no connection with the "Daily Transcript" published
^1845. Julius L. Clarke was the first editor. It was at first neutral
in politics, then Whig, and finally Republican. The name was changed
to "Worcester Evening Gazette." Jan. i. 1866. The several editors of
the "Transcript" after Mr. Clarke, were Charles E. Stevens. Edwin
Bynner. J. B. D. Cogswell, Z. K. Pangborn. William R. Hooper and
Caleb A. Wall.
190 1858. Rufus Choate lectured in Mechanics Hall on Ham-
ilton and Burr.
191 1868. Henry W. Shaw, alias Josh Billings, lectured in
Mechanics Hall on Milk.
192 1873. First issue of The Worcester Daily Press.
A Democratic Journal. The .last number was dated April 27. 1878,
when the subscription list was transferred to the Spy. This enterprize
was disastrous to those concerned; and several prominent Democrats,
it is said, were "out of pocket" $75.000 in the aggregate.
19-3 1883. Hon. Isaac Davis died, aged 83 years, 10 months.
He was born in Northborough. June 2, 1799. He graduated at Brown
University in 1822; and took up his residence in Worcester the same
year. He was admitted to the bar in 1825. He was Chief Engineer of
the Fire Department in 1835; State Senator, 1844; and Mayor in 1856,
1858. and 1861. He was the Democratic candidate for Governor in
1846 and 1847; ar|d Delegate to all the National Democratic Conven-
tions from 1828 to 1860. He acquired large wealth, mostly by real
estate transactions.
April 2.
194 1731- Worcester County incorporated.
The act took effect the loth of the following July.
April 3.
195 1865. News of the fall of Richmond received.
Bells were rung and 100 guns fired on the Common and at Quinsiga-
mond; the State Guards paraded; and there was an illumination in the
evening.
4O THE WORCESTER BOOK.
April 4.
196 1726. First Schoolmaster hired : "We ye Subscribers
Doe hearby Covenant & agree with mr. Jonas Rice to be ye
Schoole master for Sd Town of Worcester and to teaclj Such
Children & Youth as any of y6 Inhabitents Shall Send to him :
to read & to write as ye Law Directs, &c : And to keep Such
Schoole untill ye fifteenth Day of December next Ensuing ye
Date hearof : Sd Schoole to [be] Supported at the Towns
Charge. Nath11 Moore ^
Daniel Heywood [ Selectmen
Benja Flagg \of Worcester."
James Taylor J
— Early Records.
197 1831. Death of Isaiah Thomas.
He was born in Boston. January 19. 1749. The Massachusetts Spy
was established by him in 1771, and became the organ of the patriots.
A short time "before the battle of Lexington, he removed his press and
types to Worcester, where, after the war, he carried on the most ex-
tensive publishing business in the country. He was Postmaster from
1776 to 1801. Founder and patron of the American Antiquarian So-
ciety; and author of a valuable History of Printing.
198 1879. Edouard Remenyi, the celebrated violinist, at
Mechanics Hall.
199 1 88 1. Sarah Bernhardt as Marguerite Gautier in Cam i lie,
at the Theatre.
Prices of seats, Si, $2 and $3 according to location.
April 5.
200 1860. Death of Hon. Abijah Bigelow.
He was born in Westminster. Dec. 5. 1775. Graduated at Dartmouth
College, 1795. Represented this district in Congress from 1810 to
1815. Clerk of the Courts. 1817 to 1833.* He lived for many years at
the corner of Front and Church streets, in the house recently removed
to make way for Jonas G. Clarke's block.
201 1872. Escape of Sam Ferris, one of the Grafton Bank
robbers, from the Worcester Jail.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 4!
0
Sam Ferris, otherwise "Worcester Sam" was awaiting trial for robbing
the Grafton Bank, Oct. 25. 1870, by which act he and his associates
secured $180.000. Ferris effected his escape from the fourth story
window at the north end of the jail, forcing the bars by which it was
guarded with a powerful jack screw furnished by confederates outside,
and which he drew up with a rope. He then let himself down along
the dead wall, a distance of 80 feet. He has never been recaptured.
April 6.
202 I???' "Memento mori
Under this covring sleeps
the mouldring Bons
Ah - tis the frail Remains
of Capt^. William Jones
On April 6th 1777
Death him Remov'd
from toils of Earth
to joys of Heaven.
JEt 51
"Generally known as 'Tory Jones.' Kept a tavern on what is now Main
street, nearly opposite Chatham street. His house was a favorite resort
for the tories of Worcester in the early days of the Revolution. Capt.
Jones entertained Capt. Brown and Ensign De Bernicre of his majesty's
troops ordered here by Gen. Gage in the spring of 1775. [.See No. 109]
Gen. Gage at that time contemplated erecting a fortress on Chandler
Hill. William Jones married Sarah Curtis, daughter of John Curtis."
— Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
April 7.
203 1783. "Whereas a number of persons have manifested a
disposition to Set out trees for Shades near the Meeting house
& elsewhere about the Center of this Town, & the Town be-
ing desirous of encouraging Such a measure which will be
beneficial as well as ornamental
"Therefore Voted, that any person being an Inhabitant of
this Town, who shall injure or destroy such trees so set out,
shall pay a fine not exceeding twenty shillings for every of-
fence, to be disposed of to the use of the poor of the Town."
Worcester Town Records.
42 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
204 1865. Illumination for Union victories.
205 1874. All Saints [Episcopal] Church burned.
Pearl street, on the site now occupied by the fine stone residence built
for Dr. Bull. This church was of wood, built in 1847. The new A11
Saints Church, at the corner of Pleasant and Irving streets, was conse-
crated January 4th, 1877.
April 8.
206 1848. First City Election.
Ex-Gov. Lincoln and Rev. Rodney A. Miller, "a respected Divine, ran
neck and neck" for the office of Mayor. Gov. Lincoln was elected by
a close majority. Following is a list of Mayors since Lincoln: Henry
Chapin, 1849-50; Peter C. Bacon. 1851-2; John S. C. Knowlton. 1853-
4; George W. Richardson, 1855 and 1857; Isaac Davis, 1856, 1858 and
1861; Alexander H. Bullock. 1859; William W. Rice in 1860; P.Emory
Aldrich, 1862; D. Waldo Lincoln. 1863-4; Phineas Ball, 1865; James
B. Blake. 1866-70; Edward Earle, 1871; George F. Verry, 1872; Clark
Jillson. 1873, 1875-6; Edward L. Davis, 1874; Charles B. Pratt. 1877-
9; Frank H. Kelley. 1880-1; Elijah B. Stoddard, 1882; and Samuel E.
Hildreth, the present [1883] incumbent.
207 1853. Rev. Henry Ward Beecher lectured before the City
Anti-Slavery Society.
208 1873. Fanny Janauschek in Chesney Wold.
April 9.
209 1836. Citizens Bank incorporated.
210 1865. News of Lee's surrender.
The despatch announcing the event was received late on Sunday eve-
ning, and loo guns were immediately fired on the Common.
April 10.
211 1796. "Sacred to the memory of Major William Tread-
well, who died April 10, A. D. 1796, Act 46.
"He enter'd the army in 1775, and devoted his whole time
to the service of his Country, until the Independence of
America was secured, he ever courted the field of battle, &
his bravery was inclesputable.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 43
"A member of Capt. Timothy Bigelow's company of minute men which
left Worcester, April 19. 1775. He was 2d lieutenant in Col. Thomas
Crafts' regiment of artillery in the same year. About 1783 the Wor-
cester Artillery was formed, and he was chosen captain. He was an
original member of the Society of the Cincinnati." — Inscriptions from
the Old Burial Grounds.
212 1865. Celebration of Lee's surrender.
Business was generally suspended. Salutes were fired in different parts
of the city. The Fire Department and other organizations paraded.
There was a general illumination in the evening.
213 1873. Anton Rubinstein, the celebrated pianist and com-
poser, at Mechanics Hall.
He was born in Russia in 1829; and appeared in public when only
eight year% old. He became a pupil of Villoing at Moscow and
Paris; and studied composition under Dehn at Berlin. He was for a
time pianist to the Grand-Duchess Helena, and director of the Russian
Musical Society. In concert tours through Europe and the United
States, he achieved a grand success.
214 1876. Worcester Continentals organized.
They first paraded in public at the Centennial Celebration. July 4, 1876.
April ii.
215 1778. "On Saturday last arrived in Town, and on Sunday
proceeded on his way to Newport, where it is said, he is to
be exchanged for the much abused Col. Ethan Allen, Lieut.
Col. Campbell of the yist regiment." — Spy, Thursday, April
16, 1778.
t
April 12.
216 1773- "Here lies inter'd the body of Major Daniel Hey-
wood, who departed this life April 12th 1773 in ye 79th year of
his age. He was an early settler in this town and one of the ,/
first Deacons of the church in this Place, in which office he
continued to the day of his Death. This monument is erect-
ed at the desire and Expence of his Grandson & Heir, Dan-
iel Hey wood.
Psalm 90 : 10 : His epitaph.
44 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
"Was son of Deacon John Heywood of Concord, and came to Wor-
cester in 1718. Married for his first wife Hannah Ward. daughter_of
Obediah Ward. Was chosen captain of the first military company
formed in the town, and town treasurer in 1722. Held the office of
Selectman twenty years, between 1724 and 1753. and was Town Clerk
in 1753. Was major of a company in his majesty's service that marched
to the defence of the western frontier, August '8th, 1748." — Inscriptions
from the Old Burial Grounds.
April 13.
217 1731- "Whearas many Small Children Cannot attend ye
Schoole in ye Center of ye Town by Reason of ye remotness
of their Dwellings and to ye intent that all Childfin may have
ye benefite of Education, &c.
'.'Voted that a Suitable number of Schoole Dames, not ex-
ceeding five, be provided by ye Selectmen at ye Charge of ye
Town for ye teaching of Small Childrin to read, and to be
placed in ye Several parts of ye Town as ye Selectmen may
think most Conveinent, and Such Gentlewomen to be payd
by ye pole as y- Selectmen & they may agree." — Early Rec-
ords of Worcester.
218 1^67. * George H. Ward, Post 10, Grand Army of the Re-
public chartered.
April 14.
219 1772. "Here lie buried the remains of Lieut. Luke Brown,
who having taken the infection of the small pox at New York
and died of the same after his return home, viz: April 14,
1772. Aged 58. Buried here to prevent the spread of the
infection. .
Luke Brown came to Worcester from Sudbury sometime before 1750,
and kept the public house which was burned Christmas eve. 1824, and
which stood near the ancient first jail. He acquired wealth by specu-
lating in public lands. It was while on a journey to New York for the
purpose of purchasing the town now called Newfane, in Vermont, that
he caught the small pox. His body was buried on the north side of
the Jo Bill road. Report says that he had few friends, was avaricious
and procured his property not perhaps by the most honorable means.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 45
"In the French war he was lieutenant of a detachment of men from
Col. John Chandler's regiment under Capt. John Curtis, that marched
to the relief of Fort William Henry in 1 759." — Inscriptions from the
Old Burial Grounds.
220 i82o. Death of Hon. Levi Lincoln, senior.
He was born in Hingham. May 15. 1749. Came to Worcester in 1775;
Clerk of the Courts in 1775; and Judge of Probate from 1777 to 1781.
He became a member of both branches of the Legislature; and in
1800 was elected to Congress. He was Attorney General of the United
States, 1801-5; Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. 1807-8; a:nd'
became Governor in consequence of the death of Gov. Sullivan in 1809.
He was the father of a distinguished family.
221 1861'. News of the fall of Fort Sumter.
The anxiously awaited tidings were received on Sunday evening, and
great excitement prevailed. Spy extras were disposed of to the crowd
as fast as they could be printed for several hours.
April 15.
222 1865. Death of President Lincoln.
The dispatch announcing the assassination was received about midnight,
and the citizens were aroused from their beds by the tolling of bells.
News of the President's death was received early in the morning. The
City Council met at 7, and after consultation a public meeting was
called, which gathered in Mechanics Hall at 10. Hon. A. H. Bullock
presided, and the exercises were of a religious character. Stores and
dwellings wete draped, and manifestations of mourning were general.
223 1869. First performance in Worcester, of Theodore
Thomas's Orchestra.
April 16.
224 1 86 1. First War Meeting.
In the City Hall, presided over by the Mayor. Hon. Isaac Davis. Ad-
dresses were made by distinguished citizens, and "the meeting was
unanimous, hearty and enthusiastic."
225 1872. Memorial observance of the death of Samuel F. B.
Morse, inventor of the Telegraph.
In the Council Chamber, City Hall. A sketch of Prof. Morse, written
by Rev. George Allen, was read by Col. John D. Washburn.
G
46 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
April 17.
226 1828. Worcester County Institution for Savings organized.
227 1848. First City Government inaugurated.
228 1861. Departure of the Worcester Light Infantry for the
seat of war.
The Light Infantry belonged to the Sixth Regiment, hut were with the
detachment that passed safely through Baltimore at the time of the
riot. April igth, and proceeded directly to Washington. The time of
their service was mostly spent in Maryland. They arrived home on the
1st of August.
April 18.
229 1864. Departure of the 5 yth Regiment.
This regiment participated in the Batfle of the Wilderness; spent the
summer before Petersburg; and were engaged in numerous minor en-
counters until the close of the war. It was mustered out in August,
1865.
April 19.
230 1774. The Grand Jury refused to serve under Chief Jus-
tice Peter Oliver, who was charged with high crimes and mis-
demeanors by the House of Representatives.
The Grand Jury presented a remonstrance to the Court; but upon be-
ing assured that the Chief Justice would not attend, were sworn and
performed their duty.
23* J775' 11° men marched from Worcester on the alarm at
Lexington.
"Before noon, on the igth of April, an express came to the town,
shouting, as he passed through the street at full speed, 'to arms ! to
arms! war is begun!' His white horse, bloody with spurring, and
dripping with sweat, fell exhausted near the church. Another was in-
stantly procured, and the tidings went on. The bell rang out the alarm,
cannon were fired, and messengers sent to every part of the town to
collect the soldiery In a short time the minute men were
paraded on the green, under Capt! Timothy Bigelow; after fervent
prayer by the Rev. Mr. Maccarty. they took up the line of march. They
were soon followed by as many of the train bands as could be gath-
ered, under Capt. Benjamin Hagg." — Lincoln's History.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 47
232 1833. Death of Dr. William Paine.
He was the eldest son of Hon. Timothy Paine, horn in Worcester, June
5, 1750. Was educated in England; a loyalist in the Revolution;
and. was appointed Apothecary to the forces in America. After the
war he resided in the British Provinces, and on the death of his father,
returned to Worcester. "He possessed extensive professional learning
and refined literary taste, and was equally respected as a physician and
a citizen."
233 I854. Death of Hon. John Davis.
Was born in Northhorough, Jan. 13, 1787. Graduated at Yale College
in 1812; admitted to the bar in 1815. A Member of Congress from
1825 to 1833; Governor, 1833-5 anc^ '841-3; and United States Senator,
1835-41, and 1845-53. He was popularly known as "Honest John
Davis."
234 1861. Dedication of the monument to Col. Timothy Big-
elow, on the Common.
The monument was erected by Timothy Bigelow Lawrence of Boston,
a great-grandson of the revolutionary hero. A military and civic pro-
cession paraded the streets; a salute was fired; and at the monument
addresses were made by T. B. Lawrence, Esq., Mayor Davis, Ex-Gov.
Lincoln, Rev. Andrew Bigelow, n. D. and Hon. John P. Bigelow of
Boston, (grandsons of Col. Bigelow,) Hon. B. F. Thomas; and the
venerable Tyler Bigelow of Watertown, a nephew of Col. Bigelow.
April 20.
235 l859- Hon. Carl Schurz lectured in the City Hall.
236 1861. Departure of the Third Battalion of Rifles.
Made up of the Worcester City Guards, the Emmet Guards, and the
Holden Rifles; the battalion commanded by Major Charles Devens.
They were on duty about Baltimore most of their time of service, and
arrived home on the 2d of August.
April 21.
237 1830. $2,500 voted by the Town to purchase land for the
State Lunatic Hospital.
238 1848. Mechanics Bank incorporated.
48 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
April 23.
239 1865. Memorial Discourse on Abraham Lincoln by Rev.
Seth Sweetser, D. D.
This Discourse was printed.
April 24.
240 1775. John Hancock and Samuel Adams, delegates to the
Continental Congress, arrived in Worcester.
They remained two days waiting for a suitable escort to Philadelphia.
A letter written by Hancock at this time, is printed in the "Hundred
Boston Orators," page 92.
April 25.
241 1871. Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church dedicated.
April 26.
242 1845. Worcester Aqueduct Company organized.
This Company was incorporated Feb. 28, 1845, f°r tne P"rPose of con-
structing and maintaining an aqueduct, to conduct water from Bladder
Pond for the use of the town. Stephen Salisbury, Isaac Davis, Willinm
A. Wheeler, Henry W. Miller and Samuel Davis were the Committee
of Managers. The right and property of this company were purchased
by the city, June 8, 1848.
243 1852. Visit of Louis Kossuth.
He arrived at 4.30 p. M. from Springfield, and was received with ring-
ing of bells and firing of cannon; flags and decorations were displayed.
Kossuth rode in procession to the Common, where he was introduced
to the people by Mayor Bacon at the speakers' stand, and made a very
eloquent address. He also addressed a meeting at the City Hall in the
evening.
April 27.
244 1861. An effigy of Jeff. Davis was discovered hanging at
the corner of Main & Elm streets.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 49
April 28.
245 1789. "On Tuesday last, the first piece of Corduroy made
at the manufactory in this town [on School street] was taken
* from the loom." — Spy, Thursday, April jo, ij8<).
246 1846. Church of the Unity dedicated.
247 1873. Gipsies warned to depart the town.
In the ancient times in New England it was the custom upon the ap-
pearance of strangers within the town, for the constable to order them
to depart forthwith. This salutary method was revived by Mayor Jill-
son, who proclaimed that "Whereas, it has been customary in years
past for large numbers of wandering vagrants, known as 'Gipsies,' to
camp in the suburbs of the city, without any visible purpose except
'plunder'; therefore in view of this great annoyance, and the liability
that diseases dangerous to public health may break out in some of these
camps, they are ordered to forthwith leave the city." This action was
criticized as being high-handed and unconstitutional; but the Mayor
took the responsibility, and the Ciipsies went.
April 29.
248 1790. "Last Thursday in the afternoon, the Hon. John
yay, Esq., Chief Justice of the United States, arrived in this
Town, and the next morning sat out for Boston."— Spy, Thurs-
day, May 6, 1790.
249 1846. Rev. Edward Everett Hale ordained Pastor of the
Church of the Unity,
He was dismissed July 27, 1856.
250 1861 . $3000 voted by the City Council to aid enlistments.
To be expended in uniforms and equipments.
April 30.
251 1814. Rev. Samuel Austin, D. D. brought suit to recover
Ministerial Land sold by the Town.
Judgment was rendered for the demandant, but was released by the
Parish.
50 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
May i.
252 1837. The Town voted to receive its portion of the sur-
plus revenue of the United States.
The first instalment amounted to over $6,000. Of the whole amount,
$7,000 was paid towards the debt of the town, and Main street was
paved with part of the remainder.
253 1840. " HARRISONISM IN WORCESTER.
"Harrisonism exhibited itself in this Town on Friday of last
week, in a manner that has inflicted a lasting disgrace upon
the party. It was expected that a large number of delegates
to the Whig Convention at Baltimore would pass through town
that afternoon ; and accordingly certain prominent men of the
Harrison party made preparation to give them a welcome, af-
ter the established form in which Harrisonism now exhibits its
hospitality. They took a barrel of hard cider, highly charged,
it is said, with brandy, and mounted it conspicuously in the
Depot building of the Boston & Worcester Railroad. A pole
was stuck into the bunghole, across the top of which was a
signboard bearing the conspicuous inscription — 'HARD CIDER ;
Help Yourselves.' And underneath was hung a miserable
mockery of our national flag — a Harrison pocket handker-
chief. Hard crackers and cheese flanked the sides of the
barrel, and a noisy dandy negro officiated as master of cere-
monies. The cars having been delayed on the road two hours
beyond their time, and the cider having circulated freely in
the meantime, among the devotees, old and young, of the
'hard cider candidate,' the 'Harrison enthusiasm' had got to
so high a pitch when the cars came in that it burst forth as
though Pandemonium had let loose its masses. Prominent
Whigs were screaming 'hard cider' at the top of their voices ;
pails of it were thrust into the cars, along with broken cheese
and baskets of crackers, where it was caught up by Whig dan-
dies in kid gloves, with as much apparent delight as the caged
leasts in a menagerie seize tKeir daily allowance of refuse
meat."— Worcester Palladium, Wednesday, May 6, 1840.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 5!
254 1844. Quinsigamond Lodge, No. 43, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows instituted.
The first Lodge chartered in Worcester. Other Lodges are Worcester,
No. 56; Central, No. 168, formed Sept. 17, 1874; and Ridgely, No. 112.
255 1 86 1. Home Guards organized.
Consisting of the honorary and past members, and the friends of the
Worcester Light Infantry. The officers were : Captain, D. Waldo Lin-
coln; First Lieut., Henry W. Conklin; Second Lieut., W. A.Williams;
Third Lieut., Putnam W. Taft; Fourth Lieut., Ivers Phillips; Clerk,
R. M. Gould. This company was composed mostly of elderly men, and
performed escort duty, attended soldiers' funerals, etc., until replaced
by the State Guards in 1863.
May 2.
256 1818. Death of William Charles White.
Actor, dramatist, and lawyer, born in Boston in 1777. He appeared
at the Federal Street Theatre, Boston, in 1796, as Norval. , He wrote
"Orlando," a tragedy, some minor poems and plays, and two or three
novels. In 1801, he left the stage, and turned his attention to the law.
Removed to Worcester where he edited the National jF.gis for a time;
and in 1811, was appointed County Attorney. He published a Com-
pendium of the Laws of Massachusetts in 3 vols., and two orations.
257 1825. Town Hall dedicated.
An address was delivered by Hon. John Davis. The cost of the build-
ing was about $10,000. It has been enlarged and several times re-
modeled.
May 3.
258 1850. Explosion in the Mayor's office.
An attempt was made about midnight to blow up the building on Main
street, near Sudbury, in which was the office of Mayor Chapin, by means
of a 6 inch hand grenade. The concussion was very severe; the door
of the office was broken to fragments, and a piece of the shell went
through the brick wall in the rear, while the building was considerably
shattered. This outrage was one result of the temperance agitation, in
which Mayor Chapin had taken a prominent part; and the principal in
the affair was Jubal Harrington, quondam Postmaster, and editor of the
Republican, who had promised to give the Free Soilers and Temperance
52 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Agitators "hell and scissors." Harrington forfeited his bonds and fled
to California, where he became a judge and a man of consequence.
259 I775- First issue of The Massachusetts Spy in Worcester.
The Spy was issued from the press in Worcester after a suspension of
three weeks, during which time Mr. Thomas, with the aid of General
Joseph Warren and Colonel Timothy Bigelow, effected the removal of
his establishment from Boston. This number contains an account of
the Battle of Lexington, in which the publisher took part. The first
impression is in possession of the American Antiquarian Society, and
bears Mr. Thomas's certificate that it was the first thing ever printed
in Worcester.
260 1811. "On Friday last, Caleb Jephterson was exposed in
this town in the Pillory, for one hour and an half, pursuant to
his sentence, upon three several convictions, for the odious
and detestable crime of Blasphemy." — Spy, Wednesday, May
8, 1811,
May 4.
261 1750. [From the Warrant for a Town Meeting, May 4th,
1 750 : "For y6 Town to Come into Some method that People
may Sit in y* Seats [in the meeting house] assigned to pre-
vent Disorders & that they dont put themselves too forward."]
"Voted that ye late Seators give Tickitts to Such People who
have not taken their Seats properly according to ye Last Seat-
ing directing them to Sit whear they ought to prevent Disor-
der and fill up properly any Pews latley built according to y6
Design of ye Town in making the Grants."— Early Records.
May 5.
262 1779. Lemuel Burnham and Joshua Mossman were pub-
licly whipped forty stripes each, for passing counterfeit money.
May 6.
263 I6S7- The first grant of land in the vicinity of Worcester
was made by the General Court of Massachusetts to Increase
Nowell of Charlestown, and comprised 3,200 acres.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 53
264 1844. Convention of those opposed to the annexation of
Texas.
At the Town Hall. Hon. Solomon Strong of Leominster was presi-
dent. Resolutions condemnatory of the course of the administration
were adopted. Hon. Charles Allen made an address; and additional
resolutions were offered by Rev. George Allen.
May 7.
265 1872. Rum Sellers celebrate their victory by a street pa-
radte.
On the question "Shall any person be allowed to manufacture, sell, or
keep for sale, ale, porter, strong beer, or lager beer in this city," the
vote stood, yes, 2143; no, 2115. In the evening, all the liquor shops
closed doors at an early hour. A' band of music in a wagon followed
by a large and noisy crowd, went through some of the principal streets.
Bonfires were kindled in different parts of the city, and some riotous
conduct was manifested.
May 9.
266 1775- "May 10. — The commanding officer at Cambridge
has given leave to the regulars who were taken prisoners,
either to go to Boston and join their respective regiments, or
have liberty to work in the country for those who will employ
them. In consequence of which, those who were confined in
Worcester, Massachusetts, fifteen in number, heartily request-
ed to be employed by the people, not choosing to return to
their regiments to fight against their American brethren, though
some of them expressed their willingness to spill their blood
in defence of their King in a righteous cause. They all set
out yesterday for different towns."— Pennsylvania Journal,
May 24, 1775.
267 1862. Anna E. Dickinson lectured in Washburn Hall.
Her first appearance in Worcester.
268 1873. Home for Aged Females dedicated.
H
54 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
May 10.
269 1828. The Town voted to purchase the Pine Meadow
Burial Ground.
This lot comprising eight acres was bought of Samuel Hathaway for
Sioo per acre. No interments were made here' of late years; and since
1870, all the bodies have been removed to other places.
May n.
270 1801. Oliver Ellsworth passed through Worcester on his
return from France.
Ellsworth was prominent in the revolutionary councils of Connecticut,
and a member of the Convention for framing the Constitution of the
United States. He served as Senator from 1789 to 1795, when he was
appointed Chief Justice by President Washington. In 1799, he was
associated with William R. Davie and William Vans Murray, to adjust
the differences with France. He was born in 1745, and died in 1807.
271 1829. Death of Stephen Salisbury, senior.
He came to Worcester from Boston before the Revolution, and opened
a store just north of Lincoln square, in the ownership of which his
brother Samuel, who carried on the business in Boston, was concerned.
The Salisbury mansion, at the head of Main street, was erected by them.
May 12.
272 1842. Car manufactory of Bradley and Rice burned.
At Washington square. Loss, $20,000.
273 1860. Reception to Hon. Isaac Davis, on his return from
the Charleston Convention.
Col. Davis was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at
Charleston, South Carolina; and was firm in his allegiance to Stephen
A. Douglas. On his arrival home he was received at Washington sqr.
by the Worcester Light Infantry and National Band, with a large body
of citizens, and escorted to his residence, where he was addressed by
George W. Bentley and made an appropriate reply.
May 13.
«74 1726. "Voted that Thanks be returned to y6 Honrbl Adam
winthrop, Esqr. for his bounty in bestowing a Cushing on ye
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 55
Town as furniture for y° pulpit. ..and that ye Town Clerk pre-
sent his Honr. a Coppy of Sd vote." — Early Records.
275 1856. Edward Everett delivered his Oration on Washing-
ton, in the City Hall.
"After the sectional warfare of opinion and feeling reached a dangerous
height, anxious if possible to bring a counteractive and conciliating in-
fluence into play I devoted the greater part of my time for
three years to the attempt to give new strength in the hearts of my
countrymen to the last patriotic feeling in which they seemed to beat
in entire unison, — veneration and love for the name of Washington,
and reverence for the place of his rest. With this object in view, I
travelled thousands of miles, by night and by day, in midwinter and
midsummer, speaking three, four, and five times a week, in feeble
health, and under a heavy burden of domestic care and sorrow, and
inculcating the priceless value of the Union in precisely the same terms
from Maine to Georgia and from New York to St. Louis." — Public
Speech of Mr. Everett.
The Mount Vernon Fund, collected through the efforts of Mr. Everett
and which was applied to the purchase of Washington's home estate,
amounted to nearly $100,000.
276 1864. People's Savings Bank incorporated.
277 1879. August Wilhelmj, the renowned violinist, at Me-
chanics Hall.
May 14.
278 1872. Deacon Benjamin Butman died, aged 85.
He was a native of Worcester, and began mercantile life in i£o8 as a
clerk in the drug store of George Brinley, in Boston. He commenced
business in Worcester in 1816 or 17 as a dealer in West India goods.
He retired in 1836; built Butman, Brinley and Warren blocks; and
became a heavy real estate owner. President of the Central Bank,
1829-36; also president of the Citizens' Bank. About 1812, he pur-
chased 45 acres of land bounded by Mam, Pleasant, Newbury and
Chandler streets, for which he paid $7,000.
May 15.
279 1667. Capt. Daniel Gookin, Capt. Edward Johnson, Sam-
uel Andrew and Andrew Belcher, were ordered by the Gen-
5 6 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
eral Court to take an exact view of "a place about 10 miles
westward of Marlborrow called Quandsicamond ponds," and
to make report "whether it be capable to make a village," etc.
In their report the committee stated : '-Wee conceue therre may bee
enough medow forr a small plantation orr towne of about thirrty fam-
ilies," and if certain former grants were annexed, "it, may supply
about sixty families."
280 1851. Mechanics Savings Bank incorporated.
281 1851. Ralph Waldo Emerson lectured on the Fugitive
Slave Law.
282 1 861 . Charlotte Cushman as Meg Merrilies, at the theatre. '
Miss Cushman died Feb. 18, 1876, in her 6oth year.
May 16.
283 1791. Two shocks of an earthquake in this and neigh-
boring towns.
284 1832. In the SPY of this date the selectmen are criticized
for licensing "a company of strolling actors calling themselves
Circus Riders, to exhibit their fooleries here" ; and it further
says : "Who does not know that no one gets any good by at-
tending such exhibitions ? — That by going there he encour-
ages idleness, cruelty and vice ? It is hoped that this is the
last time we shall be troubled with such unwelcome visitors."
285 1874. Col. James Estabrook died, aged 77.
He was horn in Holden, and came to Worcester in 1829, when he en-
gaged in the grocery business with Gen. Nathan Heard at the old
"(jreen Store," on Main street, nearly opposite the Court House. Sub-
sequently he was in business in Boston. He was an Alderman of Wor-
cester in 1848-9; and Sheriff of the County, 1851-2. He possessed
large wealth, the result of careful investments in real estate.
May 17.
286 1806. "ERECTED in memory of MR. LEMUEL RICE ALt. 66.
and MR. LUKE RICE Ml. 62. who died within 15 minutes of
each other on May 17, 1806. Brothers which were united in
life and not divided in death.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 57
"Lemuel Rice was private in Capt. David Chadwick's company that
marched to Hadley, Aug. 28, 1777. Jailor from 1788 to 98. His
daughter married Benjamin Russell, editor of the Boston Columbian
Centinel" — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
May 18.
287 1767. Instructions to Joshua Bigelow, senior, Represent-
ative to the General Court : "That you use your Influence
to obtain a law to put an End to that unchristian and Impol-
itick Practice of making Slaves of the Humane Speices in this
Province and that you give your vote for none to serve in his
Majestys Council who you may have Reason to think will use
their Influence against such a Law or that Sustain any office
Incompatible with such Trust and in such Choice Prefer such
Gentleman only who have Distinguished themselves in the
Defence of our Liberty." — Worcester Town Records.
288 1773. Declaration of Rights approved.
This Declaration is printed in the Collections of The Worcester Society
of Antiquity, Vol. iv., page 203.
289 1854. J. S. Orr, alias "Angel Gabriel," with his brazen
trumpet, collected a crowd, and began the delivery of a "No
Popery" harangue, when he was arrested by the police for
disturbing the peace, and locked up. A large and excited
crowd gathered about the Common, where Dexter F. Parker
made a speech "full of sound and fury," as the Spy has it;
followed by others. The assemblage soon became violent :
stones were thrown, one hitting Sheriff George, VV. Richard-
son on the head ; and a rescue of the prisoner was threat-
ened. Finally, the City Guards were ordered out, and the
rioters dispersed.
"Gabriel" was a Scotchman, Sandy McSwish by name, although he
called himself Orr or Horr. His father was of the Clan Gordon. Sandy
was born on the Isle of Skye, Sept. 3, 1809. He was bound apprentice
to a weaver. His father having died, his mother married a Baptist
minister named Orr. Sandy joined a company of strolling players;
afterwards was a Methodist preacher; and then came to America and
joined the Mormons. After following various avocations, he finally
58 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
began preaching in public places against popish authority and foreign
influence. He had a horn or trumpet which he blew to attract an
audience, hence the name "Gabriel." He acted as an adjunct to the
Native American or "Know Nothing" party, which performed a praise-
worthy service in annihilating the old Whig party.
May 19.
290 1783. Protest against the return of the absentees or tories.
Printed in the Collections of The Worcester Society of Antiquity, Vol.
IV., pp. 440-444.
291 1877. Hon. Edward Earle died, aged 67.
He was born in Leicester; came to Worcester in 1832, and opened a
store for the sale of flour, on Central street. Afterwards was in the
iron trade with Joseph Pratt, from which he retired in 1848, when he
sold his interest to F. H. Inman. He then engaged in the card cloth-
ing business with his half-brother, Timothy K. Earle, from which he
withdrew a fesv years before his death. Mr. Earle was chosen Select-
man, Representative and Alderman; and in 1871, was elected Mayor
to serve the unexpired term of James G. Blake. He was a prominent
member of the Society of Friends.
292 1878. [Sunday] D. L. Moody, the celebrated Evangelist,
preached afternoon and evening in Mechanics Hall.
May 20.
293 1724. First allotment of pews in the meeting house.
See Early Records of Worcester, Book I., pp. 24-26.
294 1852. Worcester Musical Association formed.
This organization had no connection with the present Worcester County
Musical Association. It existed about three years.
295 1861. Dispatches in the Telegraph Office seized by gov-
ernment officials.
Simultaneous action took place throughout the northern states, and
considerable treason was brought to light.
296 1873. A house on Millstone hill was taken by the sheriff,
by virtue of a warrant from two justices of the peace, to be
used as a hospital for small pox patients.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 59
Considerable opposition to this action was manifested in the Board of
Aldermen, some claiming that Mayor Jillson had overstepped his au-
thority in seizing private property; but on the testimony of prominent
physicians that the exigencies of the case necessitated prompt measures,
he was sustained. At this time there were 75 cases of small pox in the
city, knowledge of which was kept from the public. Happily, the mal-
ady quickly subsided, and the building was not used.
May 21.
297 1777. "Here lyes interr'd the remains of Capt. Daniel
Ward, who departed this life May 21" 1777, in the 77th year
of his age." — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
Was son of Obediah Ward, an original settler of Worcester. Daniel
built a house opposite the Common, which he sold in 1750 to 'Sheriff
Gardner Chandler, who erected on the spot the fine mansion, occupied
later by Judge Barton, and which was removed to make way for Tay-
lor's Building.
298 1836. First Baptist Church burned.
On the site of the present edifice, east of the Common. This church
was erected in 1813. The fire was the act of an incendiary.
299 1874. Death of John P. Kettell.
He was born in Boston in 1797; came to Worcester in 1818, and
opened a shop in Lincoln square for the manufacture and sale of hats,
caps, furs, etc., in which business he continued until his death, He
occupied successively stores in Goddard's Row, Kutman Block, and
Universalist Church building, corner of Main and Foster streets. He
was one of the founders of the Mechanics Association, Selectman, and
Deacon of the First Unitarian Church.
300 1878. First National Dog Show, in Mechanics Hall.
May 22.
301 1801. Lightning struck the house of Judge Edward Bangs,
on the east side of Main street, opposite the Court House,
doing considerable damage to the wood work, and breaking
two large looking glasses.
302 1821. Rev. Arsetius B. Hull ordained Pastor of the Old
South Church.
Mr. Hull died in Worcester, May 17, 1826.
6O THE WORCESTER BOOK.
303 1852. Hope Cemetery consecrated.
The City Council and a large concourse of citizens were present. Mayor
Bacon made a short address, detailing the reasons for the purchase of
the ground. Prayer was offered by Rev. E. E. Hale, and Rev. Elam
Smalley delivered an address. The exercises closed with prayer by
Rev. S. Sweetser, and singing by the choir.
Hope Cemetery originally comprised 50 acres, and was purchased in
1851 for ^1,855. Additions have been made to the original tract.
May 23.
304 1776. "The Town voted unanimously that if the Con-
tinental Congress should declare the American Colonies in-
dependent of Great Britain that they will support the measure
with their lives and fortunes." — Worcester Town Records.
May 24.
305 1856. Indignation Meeting in consequence of the assault
on Senator Sumner.
At the City Hall. J. S. C. Knowlton presided; and speeches were
made by P. Emory Aldrich, Dr. Cutler, Judge Allen, Dexter F. Parker,
J. B. D. Cogswell and Rev. Horace James. Resolutions severely con-
demning the outrage were adopted.
May 25.
306 1767. Dwelling house of James Barber burned.
307 1861. First New Hampshire Regiment passed through
the city, bound for the seat of war.
It was received by local military companies and escorted to Mechanics
Hall, where a welcome was extended by Mayor Davis, and a collation
served.
May 26.
308 1876. Samuel J. Frost executed.
For the murder of his brother-in-law at Petersham the previous July.
When the drop fell, the force of the fall was so great that the rope cut
nearly through the neck, almost severing the head from the body.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 6 I
May 27.
309 1845. Laying of the corner stone of St. John's Church,
Temple street.
310 1854. Indignation Meeting in consequence of the seizure
in Boston of Anthony Burns, an escaped slave.
At the City Hall. Speeches were made by W. W. Rice, Dr. O. Martin,
Thomas Drew, T. W. Higginson and S. S. Foster. It was "voted unan-
imously to lay aside business Monday, [this meeting was on Saturday
evening] and proceed to Boston en masse to meet the friends of liberty
..... to take counsel upon the emergencies of the limes." 900 per-
sons went to Boston on the 271)1; and on Monday the 29th, there was
a special train with tickets at half-price, of which a large number availed
themselves.
May 28.
311 1791. "Saturday night last, Stephen Burroughs, Stephen
Cook, Stephen Cook, Jun. and Simon Wetherbee, who were
confined in the gaol in this town, effected their escape by
sawing a passage for themselves through the grates ......
One hour in the pillory, thirty stripes, and about seven weeks
imprisonment were yet due to Burroughs." — Spy, Thursday,
J^une 2,
Burroughs had, for immoralities committed, as was alleged, in Charlton
where he was teaching school, been sentenced to receive one hundred
and seventeen stripes on the naked back; to stand two hours in the
pillory; to sit one hour on the gallows with a rope around his neck;
to remain confined in prison three months; and procure bonds for his
good behavior for seven years. His conviction appears to have been un-
warranted by the evidence, which was questionable and slender, while
the sentence imposed by the judges, whose minds were evidently biased
• by the former reputation of the prisoner, was unreasonably severe and
out of proportion to the offence. There is some evidence to show that
the public sympathy in his behalf, openly expressed, was finally mani-
fested in a practical manner. In the published memoirs of Burroughs,
the statement is made "that many people in the vicinity were of opin-
ion that he was too severely punished, among whom were some of the
first characters in the county. Burroughs was aware of this, and cher-
ished secret hopes of deliverance. One night about 12 o'clock, he says
I
62 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
his prison door was forced open, and he was requested to depart. He
walked out, and passed between two ranks of people to a great dis-
tance; the number appearing to him not less than a thousand. All this
time there was a profound silence; and he departed, ignorant of the
names of his deliverers."
312 1833. Exhibition of the Blind by Dr. S. G. Howe.
In the Old South Church. A collection was taken which amounted to
$200.
3*3 I^75- Taylor's Building burned.
On Main street, opposite the Common. This building was erected on
the site of the Gardner Chandler mansion by R. C. Taylor in 1870, at
a cost of $160,000. The fire began at sunset and burned fiercely until
midnight, being confined mostly to the upper stories. In the pecuniary
loss, this conflagration was exceeded, of those which have occurred in
Worcester, only by the Merrifield fire of 1854.
May 29.
314 1868. Ex-Governor Levi Lincoln died, aged 85.
He was born in Worcester, Oct. 25, 1782. Graduated at Harvard Col-
lege in 1802, and was admitted to the bar in 1805. State Senator, 1812;
Representative, 1816-23; Speaker, 1822; Lieut.-Governor, 1823; Judge
of Supreme Court, 1824; Governor, 1825-34; Member of Congress,
1835-41; Collector of Boston, 1841 to Sept. 1843; State Senator, 1844-
45; President of the Senate, 1845; and first Mayor of Worcester, 1848.
May 30.
315 1868. First observance of Memorial or Decoration Day
by the Grand Army.
May 31.
316 1812. [Sunday] Ordinance of Baptism by Immersion first
administered in Worcester.
317 1813. "In Memory of Dean John Chamberlain who died
May 31, 1813. Mt. 68.
"Dea. John Chamberlain was the eldest son of Dea. Jacob Chamberlain.
Was disarmed by the Committee of Correspondence in May, 1775. Se-
lectman from 1785 to 1802, three years excepted. Was Deacon of the
First Parish twenty-two years from 1791 to 1812. He married Mary,
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 63
daughter of Capt. John Curtis; and his son, Hon. John Curtis Cham-
berlain, was a distinguished lawyer of Charlestown N. H., and a Mem-
ber of Congress from that state. Another son, Gen. Thomas Cham-
berlain, was Crier of the Courts for seventeen years previous to his
death, and was the first President of the Common Council of the city
of Worcester. He filled most of the military offices from corporal to
brigadier general with the highest honor to himself, and to the satis-
faction of his command. Another son, Levi, a lawyer of distinction at
Fitzwilliam, N. H., afterwards at Keene, where he died, was a member
of the Peace Congress. Another son, Henry, was also a lawyer, who
practised law in Maine and Georgia." — Inscriptions from the Old Bur-
ial Grounds.
June i.
318 1865. Eulogy on Abraham Lincoln by Alexander H. Bul-
lock.
Delivered in Mechanics Hall before the City Government and citizens
of Worcester. The Eulogy was printed by order of the City Council.
319 1872. Edward A. Sothern as Lord Dundreary, at the
Theatre.
320 1881 . Rev. Roland A. 'Wood installed Pastor of the Church
of the Unity.
The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. H. W. Bellows of N. Y.
321 1883. Mrs. Langtry, the Jersey Lily, at the Theatre.
The play was Gilbert's comedy of Pygmalion and Galatea ; and the
prices of admission were $1,00, $1,50 and $2,00. The audience was not
a large one.
June 2.
322 1776. "Her.e lies Buried the Body of Capt. James Good-
win, who departed this life June 2nd 1776, in ye 62d year of
his age.
"Capt. James Goodwin was captain of a company of men under Col.
John Chandler, which left Worcester on the alarm for the relief of
Fort William Henry in 1757. In 1760 he was captain of a company of
militia numbering forty-eight men. Selectman, 1759. A signer of the
royalist protest of 1774."— Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
323 1854. Business suspended in consequence of the rendition
of Anthony Burns.
64 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Stores were closed and draped in mourning; bells were tolled; and
flags displayed reversed and at half-mast. A meeting was held on the
Common, and adressed by W. W. Rice, Rev. Mr. Adams, Dexter F.
Parker and Adin Thayer.
324 1856. Lincoln House opened.
The rear portion of this block was erected by Hon. Levi Lincoln, about
1812, and occupied by him as a residence until 1835, when it became
the "Worcester House." In 1843, Jame^ H. Wall and Edward H.
Hemenway purchased the property, which comprised 33,000 sqr. ft.
of land, for $14,000, and erected a one-story building in front, divided
into seven stores known as the "tombs." These were removed in 1854
and the present Lincoln House Block erected, to which the old build-
ing in the rear was joined. The front portion has not been used as a
hotel for nearly twenty years.
325 1874. Worcester Firemen's Relief Association organized.
June 3.
326 1841. Universalist Society formed.
327 1862. Gottschalk, the celebrated pianist, at Washburn
Hall.
Louis Moreau Gottschalk was born at New Orleans in 1829, and died
at Rio de Janeiro in 1869. He was educated in Paris; and made his
first appearance in Europe. He returned to America in 1853, where
his performances were attended with great success. "His touch com-
bined extreme delicacy with force and dash; and his style of playing
had a dreamy and sensuous charm." He composed more than fifty
pieces for the piano.
June 4.
328 1834. Worcester Academy or Manual Labor High School
dedicated.
329 1854. [Sunday morning] Four Effigies of parties con-
cerned in the rendition of Anthony Burns, were discovered
hanging on the Common.
They were labeled as follows: i. "Pontius Pilate Loring, the Unjust
Judge." 2. "Ben Mallet, the Kidnapper." 3. "Caleb Cushing, the
Bloodhound." 4. Franklin Pierce, Satan's Journeyman."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 65
June 5.
330 1877. Inspection and acceptance of the new Lynde
Brook Dam.
June 6.
331 1804. First public parade of the Worcester Light Infantry,
Capt. Levi Thaxter.
332 1876. Anna E. Dickinson as Anne Boleyn, in her play
"A Crown of Thorns," at the Theatre.
June 7. .
333 1812. [Sunday] Rev. Dr. Austin preached two sermons
against the Baptists, who were getting a foothold in the town.
"In the first of these two sermons the Baptists were called 'a sneaking
set who hovered about the suburbs, not daring to come. into the center
of the town,' in allusion to their meeting in outer district school houses.
In the oilier discourse, (records Dea. Wilson) 'the Rev. Dr. railed
against what he was pleased to denominate the audacity of the Baptists
in approaching the droppings of his sanctuary,' alluding to their hold*-
ing a meeting on the Common." — Wallas Reminiscences.
334 1827. Rev. Rodney A. Miller ordained Pastor of the Old
South Church.
He was dismissed April 12, 1844. This was Mr. Miller's only pastorate.
He died at Troy, N. Y., Sept. 29, 1876, aged 79.
335 1861. Funeral honors to Stephen A. Douglas.
Business was suspended from 10 to n A. M.; bells were lolled, and
flags displayed at half-mast.
June 8.
336 1782. Grievances enumerated in instructions to the Rep-
resentative to the General Court.
Printed in the Colleclions of The Worcester Society of Antiquity, Vol.
IV., pp. 423-4.
337 1864. Webster Park dedicated.
A pleasure ground opened at New Worcester for the purpose of in-
creasing Iravel over the horse railroad. Tame bears and other animals
were among the attractions. The Park was closed after a few years.
66 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
June 9.
338 1862. William G. Brownlow, the noted Tennessee refugee,
addressed a meeting in Mechanics Hall.
Parson Brownlow died April 30, 1877, in his 72d year.
June 10.
339 J747- RCV- Thaddeus Maccarty installed Pastor of the
Church.
340 1866. Henry T. Weikle shot.
While arresting a drunken man the officers were set upon by a mob
which followed them to the City Hall. A thousand or more gathered
about the Police Office, throwing stones and indulging in other violent
conduct. An officer named Lowell, on being hit by a missile, fired his
revolver into the crowd, fatally wounding Weikle, an inoffensive Ger-
man, who had been attracted by the disturbance. Lowell was tried,
and sentenced to imprisonment for one year. The widow of Weikle
was paid §1000 by vote of the City Council.
341 1879. Tornado on Main street.
Most of the force was manifested near the Central Church. Trees were
broken, chimneys blown down, a building demolished, and two or
three roofs torn off.
June ii.
342 1793. Morning Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
consecrated.
By Most Worshipful Grand Master John Cutter and officers of the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. A procession marched from Masons'
Hall to the North Meeting House, where a sermon was preached by
the Rev. Aaron Bancroft.
This Lodge was chartered March u, 1793, and was the first one in
Worcester. The charter members were Nathaniel Paine, Nathaniel
Chandler, John Stanton, Ephraim Mower, Clark Chandler, Samuel
Chandler, Charles Chandler, Benjamin Andrews, Joseph Torrey, John
White, Samuel Brazer, John Stowers and Samuel Flagg. Isaiah Thomas
was the first master.
Other Lodges have been chartered as follows : ' Montacute, June 9,
1859; Athelstan, June 13, 1866; Quinsigamond, Sept. 13, 1871.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 67
343 1871. Death of John S. C. Knowlton.
He was born at Hopkinton, N. H., in December, 1798. A graduate of
Dartmouth College. He established the Worcester Palladium in 1834,
of which he was editor until his death. State Senator, 1852-3; Mayor
of Worcester, 1853-4; and Sheriffof the County, 1857 to 1871.
June 12.
344 1751. "Here lies Buried the Body of Capt. Benjamin
. Flagg, Esq who died June 12th 1751, in the 61* year of his
age.
"Benjamin Flagg was Selectman of the town for many years; Sheriff
of the County from 1743 to 1751; also Representative to the General
Court. He was a son of Benjamin Flagg who came from Watertown
to Worcester." — Inscriptions from t/ie Old Burial Grounds.
345 1845. Ex- President Martin Van Buren, accompanied by
one of his sons, arrived in town and remained at the Ameri-
can House over night.
He was visited by many citizens. Mr. Van Buren was again in Worces-
ter on the i8th of June, 1858.
346 1879. Polly Stearns Tucker died, aged 82.
Familiarly known as "Aunt Polly Tucker." She was eccentric and
unsociable; and for the last twenty-five years of her life, lived with
no company except her numerous family of cats. Her house stood on
a little triangular piece of land at the corner of Belmont and Plantation
streets. She was a daughter of Daniel Stearns.
June 13.
347 1800. "On Tuesday the i oth inst. Gen. Alexander Ham-
ilton, and his suit arrived at Oxford, to settle the business
relative to the discharge of the troops stationed there ; and
on Friday last he passed through this town on his way to
Boston." — Spy, jfune 18, 1800.
June 14.
/
348 1722. Worcester incorporated a town.
349 1848. Salem Street Church organized.
68 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
\ V,
350 1854. Merrifield's Buildings burned.
On Union, Exchange and Cypress streets. A large number of manu-
facturing establishments were destroyed, and nearly 1000 men thrown
out of employment. The loss was $500,000.
351 1864. Young Men's Christian Association formed.
June 15.
352 1825. Second visit of Lafayette.
He arrived at 2 A. M. and departed at 8 A. M., on his way to Boston to
take part in the ceremony of laying the corner stone of Bunker Hill
Monument. For notice of his first visit to Worcester, see under date
September 3.
353 1870. The Cardiff Giant exhibited in Worcester.
This stone humbug was manufactured from a block of Iowa gypsum in
a stone-cutter's shop in Chicago, and taken to Cardiff, N. Y. and buried.
After a year it was unearthed and placed on exhibition. Eminent
scientists and archaeologists were deceived, pronouncing it of great an-
tiquity, and one of the most important discoveries of the age. Its true
character was, however, soon exposed. The originators of this ingen-
ious imposition sold a three-fourths interest in the image for $30,000,
besides making a large sum by its exhibition.
June 16.
354 J777' "The Selectmen presented a list of the names of
persons whom they Esteemed Enemies to this and the other
United States of america The list of their Names is
as follows viz Nahum Willard, David Moore, Samuel Moore,
Cornelius Stowell, Jacob Chamberlain, John Curtis, Gardner
Chandler, Micah Johnson, Joshua Johnson, William Curtis,
Nathan Patch, Joseph Blair, John Barnerd, Palmer Goulding,
Jacob Stevens,' Joseph Clark & James Hart JunV— Worces-
ter Town Records.
355 1791. "Sacred to the Memory of Mr. Jonathan Rice, who
died June y« 16th 1791 in the 56* year of his age.
Selectman, 1780. A member of the Committee of Correspondence,
1778-9. A member of the American Political Society. Was one of a
committee appointed by the court to offer the agreement or covenant
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 69
for the non-consumption of British goods to the people for signature.
He was voted by the town £2, I2s., lod. for his trouble and expense
in secretly conveying, with the assistance of others, four cannon pur-
chased by the town, out of Boston in 1772. He was a deputy sheriff,
and went on the night of the second of February, 1787, with 20 horse-
men and 150 infantry, to capture or disperse a body of Shays's insur-
gents who had assembled at New Braintree. The rebels were found
posted behind a stone wall, and in the charge upon them, Sheriff Rice
was shot through the arm and hand.
356 1858. Reception of the Boston Light Infantry.
By the Worcester City Guards. They were reviewed by Mayor Davis
at the City Hall. A street parade followed.
June 17.
357 1840. Great Harrison Celebration.
A salute was fired in the morning. A log cabin 100 by 50 feet had
been erected on Salisbury street in which the Whig state convention
was held during the forenoon, and John Davis and George Hull were
nominated for governor and lieutenant governor. A procession num-
bering 10,000, comprising delegations from all parts of the state, formed
on the Common and marched to the cabin, where speeches were made
by distinguished characters. See the Spy of June 24th.
358 1863. State Guards formed.
Ivers Phillips was captain; Dana H. Fitch, first lieutenant; and John
R. Green, second lieutenant. This company succeeded the Home
Guards. For a history of its organization and services, and the names of
those enrolled, see Rev. A. P. Marvin's History of Worcester in the
War of the Rebellion, pp. 430-449. The last public appearance of the
State Guards was at the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument, July 15,
1874.
359 1863. Gen. John C. Fremont in Worcester.
360 1869. Visit of President Grant.
The President arrived at the Lincoln square station from Groton, where
he had been the guest of Secretary of the Treasury, George S. Bout-
well. A military and civic procession escorted him through the prin-
cipal streets to the Bay State House, where dinner was served. Gen.
Grant left for New York late in the afternoon.
361 1871. Fire Alarm Telegraph first operated.
J
70 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
June 19.
362 1783. William Huggins and John Mansfield executed for
burglary.
363 1841. [Saturday] Gov. William H. Seward of New York
arrived in town, and remained at the Worcester House over
Sunday.
June 20.
364 1774- Tory Protest rejected.
The Loyalists of the town offered a protest against the instructions
given the Representative, which severely criticized the attitude of the
British Government, and required him to oppose, by his vote, payment
for the tea destroyed at Boston. The protest was published in Boston
papers; and Clark Chandler, the Town Clerk, recorded it in the town
book. This entry he was forced to expunge in open meeting. See under
date Aug. 24. The instructions, protest, and proceedings are printed
in the fourth volume of the Collections of the Worcester Society of An-
tiquity.
June 21.
365 1843. Corner Stone of Holy Cross College laid.
366 1843. President John Tyler and Suite passed through
Worcester, on their return from the Bunker Hill celebration.
A few hundred persons, who hastily gathered at the station, were grat-
ified with a sight of the Chief Magistrate. It was not generally known
that the President would stop in Worcester.
367 1848. Free Soil Meeting.
In the City Hall. Albert Tolman was Chairman, and William A. Wal-
lace, Secretary. Hon. Charles Allen made a speech in vindication of
his action in repudiating the nomination of Zachary Taylor at the Phil-
adelphia Convention. Henry Wilson, of Natick.also made a brief ad-
dress. At the close of the meeting, Rev. George Allen offered the
following resolution, which excited great enthusiasm, and was after-
wards adopted by Free Soil meetings throughout the state.
"Resolved, that Massachusetts wears no chains, and spurns all
bribes; that Massachusetts goes now, and will ever go, for free soil and
free men, for free lips and a free press, for a free land and a free world."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 71
June 22.
368 1849. Worcester Gas Light Company formed.
369 1867. President Andrew Johnson and suite passed through
Worcester to Boston.
June 23.
370 1845. First Daily Paper.
The DAILY TRANSCRIPT was the first daily paper in Worcester. Julius
L. Clarke, subsequently State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner,
was editor. The Transcript was purchased by John Milton Earle, May
I, 1847, and incorporated with the "Daily Spy"; the consolidation be-
ing continued for a year as the "Transcript," when the name "Daily
Spy" was resumed.
June 24.
371 1772. First Stage from Boston to New York passed through
Worcester.
372 1848. Mass Meeting to ratify the nominations of Taylor
and Fillmore.
Hon. Ira M. Barton was Chairman, and J. C. B. Davis, Secretary. Gov.
Lincoln announced that he should, at some future time, reply to the
charges made against himself and Gov. Davis by Judge Allen, in his
speech of the 2ist. Gen. Leslie Combs of Kentucky then addressed
the meeting in defense of the Whig nominations.
373 1878. Removal of the Remains of Isaiah Thomas from
the Mechanic Street Burial Ground to Rural Cemetery.
The City Government, the Masonic fraternities, and the American An-
tiquarian Society took part in the dedication of the removed tomb. At
Mechanics Hall addresses were made by Mayor Pratt, Hon. Stephen
Salisbury, Hon. John D. Baldwin, Hon. H. O. Houghton, Hon. Mar-
shall P. Wilder and Hon. Charles W. Slack; "after which the assembly,
with the escort of many Masonic fraternities, followed the remains of
Dr. Thomas to the Rural Cemetery, where the re-interment was made
with solemn masonic rites, and a graceful eulogy was spoken by M. W.
Grand Master, Charles A. Welch."
72 THE" WORCESTER BOOK.
374 1878. Edison's Phonograph or Talking Machine exhibited.
June 25.
375 1860. A salute of 100 guns was fired in honor of the nom-
ination of Stephen A. Douglas for President.
June 26.
376 1799. "During a severe tempest, resembling in violence
the hurricanes of the West Indies, the lightning struck a build-
ing directly back of the Court House, then occupied by Isaiah
Thomas, in which were stored the types for the i amo edition
of the Bible. The electric fluid, in four distinct veins, per-
vaded the whole structure, splintering spar and stud, scatter-
ing bricks and mortar, and bursting away boards, laths and
plastering." — Lincoln's History.
June 27.
377 1862. Accident at Court Hill.
Three ladies were driving down State street in a chaise, when the horse,
taking sudden fright, jumped over the embankment into Main street,
landing in a load of shingles which was passing, and breaking its neck.
The occupants of the vehicle were buried in the debris, but escaped
with slight injuries.
378 1862. Causeway through Lake Quinsigamond completed.
Dr. John Green was the first person that passed over. The cost of the
causeway, and the improvements in the road leading to it, was $25,997.
June 28.
379 1818. Hon. Edward Bangs died, aged 62.
He was born in Harwich, Mass., Sept. 5, 1756. He entered Harvard
College in 1773, which he left to participate in the Battle of Lexington.
After graduating in 1777, he studied law with Theophilus Parsons, and
in 1 780, removed to Worcester. During Shays's Rebellion he served
under Gen. Lincoln as a volunteer. He was County Attorney for some
years; and in 1811, was appointed a Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas. He lived on Main street, opposite the Court House.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 73
380 1837. Brinley (now Grand Army) HaH opened. Aeon-
cert was given.
This building was erected by George Brinley and Benjamin Butman.
The work was done by Mason H. Morse, from plans by Capt. Lewis
Bigelow, who also made the plans for Butman Block, south of Elm st.
381 1848. State Convention : Free Soil Party organized.
Hon. Samuel Hoar of Concord was President. An address endorsing
the action of Charles Allen and Henry Wilson at the Philadelphia Con-
vention was adopted. Speeches were made by Joshua R. Giddings and
Lewis D. Campbell of Ohio; Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson, Charles
Francis Adams, and other prominent anti-slavery leaders.
382 1861. Camp Scott, at South Worcester, occupied by the
Fifteenth Regiment.
383 1863. [Sunday.] Funeral of Gen. George B. Boomer.
At the Third Baptist Church. The City Government, State Guards and
Highland Cadets attended. Gen. Boomer was killed at the Battle of
Champion Hill, on May 22d. He was a resident of Missouri; but was
brought to Worcester, where his father, the Rev. Job B. Boomer, was
then living, for interment. A fine monument marks his resting place
in Rural Cemetery.
June 29.
384 1797. "In memory of Capt. John Curtis, who died June
29th 1797 in ye 90 yr of his age.
"Son of Ephraim Curtis, was born at Sudbury, Sept. 21, 1707. Married
R_ebekah Waite, probably of Sudbury, by whom he had all his children,
viz : John, James, Joseph, Mary, William, Sarah and Tyler. He mar-
ried for a second wife, Elizabeth Robbins, who was a daughter of Rev.
Mr. Prentice of Lancaster. Capt. Curtis for many years kept a public
house which was a general rendezvous for all the ministers passing to
and fro.
"He held important civil offices, among which were those of Deputy
Sheriff and Coroner. He was Captain of a detachment of men from
Col. John Chandler, Jr.'s regiment that marched from Worcester on
the alarm for the relief of Fort William Henry in 1757. During the
revolutionary war, he sympathized with the royal cause, and was a
signer of the tory protest of 1774. Also, deemed an internal enemy
and disarmed in 1775."— Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
74 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
385 1847. President Polk, James Buchanan, Mr. Clifford and
Commodore Stewart passed through Worcester on their way
to Boston.
The train reached Worcester at 10 A. M.; but owing to some misunder-
standing about the time, only a few persons were at the station, some
of whom were favored with an introduction.
June 30.
386 1730. "Here lyes interred the Remains of John Young
who was born in the Isl of Bert, near Londonderry in the
Kingdom of Ireland. He departed this life June 3Oth 1730,
aged 107." — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
387 1841. Baptist Church, on Salem street, struck by light-
ning.
400 school children had gathered with their teachers to arrange for
the celebration of the 3d of July; and were dismissed just as the stroke
came. About 250 were then inside the building, and nearly all of them
were thrown to the floor. 15 or 20 were prostrated in a heap near the
door. Two girls had their shoes torn off by the lightning, and one had
the bottoms of her feet blistered; but none were seriously injured.
No rain was falling at the time.
July i.
388 1775- Gen. Washington, accompanied by Gen. Charles
Lee, passed through Worcester, on his way to Cambridge to
take command of the American army.
Washington was also accompanied by his private secretary, Col. Joseph
Reed. At Springfield he was joined by Dr. Church and Hon. Moses
dill, a committee of the Provincial Congress; and the party was es-
corted from^Brookfield by a Worcester company of horsemen, under
command of Capt. James Chadwick. The Generafcand suite were en-
tertained at the Stearns tavern, site of the Lincoln House.
389 1844. Ole Bull's first appearance in Worcester.
At Brinley Hall. He played here for the last time, April 27, 1880.
He was born at Bergen in Norway, Feb. 5, 1810; and died there, Aug.
1 8, 1880.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 75
390 1855. Five Cent Savings Bank opened.
391 1865. Admiral David G. Farragut arrived in Worcester.
He remained in the city over Sunday.
July 2.
392 1778. Execution of William Brooks, James Buchanan,
Ezra Ross and Bathsheba Spooner, for the murder of Joshua
Spooner of Brookfield, husband of the woman.
She was a daughter of Gen. Timothy Ruggles of Hardwick.
393 1826. Jeremiah Stiles drowned in Lake Quinsigamond.
He was a man of many and varied talents; a portrait painter of more
than ordinary merit, and a poet of no mean pretensions. His familiarity r
with the English classics was wonderful. He painted carriages and
signs for a living.
394 1836. American Temperance House, at the corner of
/v Main and Thomas streets, opened by Eleazar Porter & Co.
This hotel was discontinued after about twenty years, and was then
converted into the present American House Block. Mr. Porter, the
first proprietor, formerly kept the Worcester Temperance House, cor.
Thomas street.
395 1863. Rev. Edward A. Walker installed Pastor of the Old
South Church.
He died at Marquette, Mich., April 10, 1866, aged 31.
July 3-
396 1819. [Saturday] Republican Celebration of Independ-
ence : procession escorted by the Worcester Light Infantry,
Capt. Sewall Hamilton. Oration* by Edward D. Bangs, in
the Old South Church.
397 1835. First Passenger Train over the Boston and Wor-
cester Railroad.
The Directors and their friends made the trip from Boston to Worces-
ter and return. On Saturday, the 4th, four trips each way were made,
and more than 1500 passengers carried. For celebration, see July 6.
* Oration printed.
76 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
398 1841. [Saturday] Independence celebrated: the Cold
Water Army of school children, numbering 1 200, with Wor-
cester and other Temperance Societies, held a picnic in the
grove back of the hospital.
July 4-
399 1789. Celebrated by a Company of Horse under com-
mand of Capt. Denny of Leicester ; the Worcester Train of
Artillery, Capt. Stanton ; and two companies of Militia, Cap-
tains How and Hey wood ; the whole under command of Maj.
Phinehas Jones. They paraded the town and were reviewed
on the Common. In the evening, the officers and a number
of private gentlemen sat down to an elegant entertainment, at
which toasts suitable to the occasion were drank.
400 1791. A salute with ringing of bells in the morning. Mil-
itary parade of company of Artillery, one of horse, and two
other companies in complete uniform. An oration * was de-
livered by Edward Bangs, and an original ode was sung. "Af-
ter which, the officers and a number of other reputable citizens
adjourned to Capt. Heywood's Inn, [site of the Bay State
House] where a very handsome but economical entertainment
was provided, of which they heartily and sociably partook."
— Spy. Fireworks in the evening.
401 ^792. A salute and ringing of bells. In the forenoon a
military parade of the Artillery and two companies of infantry.
"A large number of gentlemen met at Heywood's Ion, dined
under an arbor built for the purpose, and drank fourteen toasts,
with the discharge of fourteen cannon. The day was other-
wise spent in social mirth, &c, becoming the occasion." — Spy.
402 1793. "In this town a spirit of manly independence pre-
vailed. The company of Artillery paraded in the morning ;
marched up and down the street, exhibiting a very martial and
respectable appearance ; fired fifteen guns ; and were dis-
missed." A repast was provided at Heywood's tavern, at
which toasts were drank.
* Oration printed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 77
4°3 I795- Salute and ringing of bells in the morning. A pro-
cession formed at Free Masons' Hall and proceeded to the
South Meeting House, where "Mr. Joseph Allen, juii. pro-
nounced an oration * fraught with the genuine, manly prin-
ciples of republican Liberty." The company dined at Masons'
Hall.
404 1796. Ringing of bells and display of flags. The com-
'pany of Artillery, commanded by Capt. Torrey, paraded at 10.
At n, a procession was formed at Mower's tavern, and pro-
ceeded to the South Meeting House, where an oration* was
delivered by Francis Blake. Dinner at Mower's, with toasts
and discharges of cannon.
4°5 I797- "As Aurora arose smiling she was saluted by 16 dis-
charges from the cannon of the Artillery company. The bells
rang and the Flag of the Union was displayed." A procession
was formed at Mower's Inn, and proceeded to the South
Meeting House, where an oration* was delivered by Doctor
Oliver Fiske. A dinner followed. The Worcester Train of
Artillery had a supper at Heywood's tavern, and "the anniver-
sary was closed with decent hilarity."
406 1798. Salute and ringing of bells. A procession formed
at Masons' Hall and marched to the South Meeting House.
The Divine Blessing was invoked by Rev. Joseph Sumner of
Shrewsbury ; and Rev. Samuel Austin delivered an oration.*
"The celebrated song 'Adams and Liberty' succeeded the
oration, and enlivened the patriotic glow excited by the Day,
the Oration, and the particular situation of our Country."-
Spy.
407 1799. Capt. Healy's Artillery Company escorted the pro-
cession to the South Meeting House, where "a select band
performed a number of appropriate pieces of Music A
large assembly of Ladies and Gentlemen were unhappily dis-
appointed of an expected oration. Mr. Pfelatiah] Hitch-
cock, the Orator of the day, on his way from Brookfield to
* Orations printed.
K
78 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Worcester, was suddenly seized with a billious colic and was
unable to reach town."
408 1800. Artillery parade. Oration* by Edward Bangs, in
the North [Dr. Bancroft's] Meeting House.
409 1801. Oration* by Isaac Story of Sterling.
410 1803. Oration * by John William Caldwell, at the South
Meeting House.
411 1804. Oration* by William Charles White of Rutland.
41 2 1805. Procession escorted by the Artillery Company, Capt.
Slater ; and the Infantry Company, Capt. Flagg. Oration *
by Daniel Waldo Lincoln. [Brother of Gov. Levi Lincoln.]
413 1808. "The Democrats formed a great procession of ''such
as they were,' and had a very 'magnificent' oration* delivered
by MAJOR [Estes] HOW, who two years since delivered as
'magnificent' a FEDERAL one in Sutton. — Thus we go up,
up, up ! — and thus we go down, down, down ! " — SPY.
414 1810. Civic and military celebration. Oration* by Levi
Heywood.
415 1811. Celebration by young men between 16 and 21.
Oration* by John W. Hubbard, in the South Meeting House.
416 1812. Celebrated by the Washington Benevolent Society
of the County, with a procession escorted by the Light In-
fantry, Capt. John W. Lincoln. Oration* by Francis Blake,
in Dr. Bancroft's Meeting House. Dinner in a building erect-
ed for the purpose.
Also celebrated by the Republicans, with a procession es-
corted by the Artillery. Oration* by Enoch Lincoln, and an
ode by Edward D. Bangs. Fireworks in the evening.
417 1814. Celebration by Federal Republicans escorted by
the Light Infantry. Oration by Edwin A. White, at Dr. Ban-
croft's Church.
Also a civic procession escorted by the Artillery. Oration *
by Rejoice Newton, at the Old South Church.
* Orations printed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 79
418 1815. Oration* by Peleg Sprague.
419 1816. Oration* by John Davis, in the Old South Church.
420 1817. Military parade. Oration* by Pliny Merrick, in
the Old South Church. An ode composed by Edward D.
Bangs was sung by Capt. Sewall Hamilton. A dinner was
served in a bower opposite Mr. Hathaway's tavern. Isaiah
Thomas presided at the dinner, of which 300 partook.
421 1818. Parade of Worcester Light Infantry. Oration* by
Austin Denny, in the Old South Church.
422 1820. Parade of the Light Infantry, Capt. John Coolidge.
Oration by Charles H. Warren.
423 1821. Republican celebration, with an address by Henry
Rogers, editor of the National dZgis. ,
424 1822. The observance of the anniversary was religious in
character. An address was delivered in the Old South Church
by Rev. Jonathan Going.
425 1823. Democratic celebration. Oration by Francis B.
Stebbins. A dinner, presided over by Otis Corbett, was served
in a bovver near the hotel of Nathaniel Eaton. The procession
was escorted by the Worcester Rifle Corps, Capt. Nathaniel
Gates.
426 1825. Celebration by the Light Infantry, with an oration
by Richard Hampton Vose, a member of the company.
427 1825. House of Moses Whipple struck by lightning, set
on fire, and entirely consumed.
428 1826. First Celebration of Independence under the aus-
pices of the town authorities. The procession, under com-
mand of Brig.-Gen. Nathan Heard, comprised the Worcester
Rifles, Capt. Thomas Howe ; Worcester Artillery, Capt Elijah
Flagg ; and the Light Infantry, Capt. John Whittemore. Ora-
tion by Charles Allen. Dinner in the Town Hall, presided
over by Isaiah Thomas. Music by the Worcester Harmonic
Society, Emory Perry, President.
* Orations printed.
8O THE WORCESTER BOOK.
429 1827. Celebrated by Odd Fellows. Oration in Dr. Ban-
croft's Church by Thomas Kinnicutt, with a poem by Rich-
ard Hampton Vose.
430 1829. Military procession of the Providence Light Infantry,
Capt. Field ; Leicester Light Infantry, Capt. Joseph D. Sar-
gent ; Worcester Light Infantry, Capt. Charles A. Hamilton ;
and Worcester Artillery, Capt. Leonard W. Stowell. Oration
in the Old South Church by John Davis, with an ode by Em-
ory Washburn.
431 1831. Two processions and celebrations with orations by
Edwin Conant and Samuel M. Burnside-.
432 1832. Two celebrations. The anti-Jackson party listened
to an oration by George Fplsom, in the Old South Church.
Benjamin F. Thomas delivered an oration in the North
Church.
433 *&33- Celebration under the auspices of the town author-
ities. A military parade. Oration * by Edward Everett.
Oratorio, directed by Emory Perry, and grand ball at Esta-
brook's Hotel.
434 1834. Whig celebration. Oration by Franklin Dexter, in
the Brick Church.
435 l836- Whig celebration. Oration by Benjamin F. Thomas.
436 1837. Celebrated by the Jackson Democrats.
"In this town the Tories celebrated the success of their ef-
forts in introducing the Jackson Currency, and in causing
those 'to break' who 'trade on credit.' Their orator was
Robert Rantoul, Jr. of Gloucester, Cape Ann, a man of talents
worthy of a better cause ...... The dinner was provided
at Brinley Hall, of which near two hundred and fifty of 'the
faithful ' partook."— Spy, July 5.
437 1838- Temperance Festival. Dr. Walter Channing of
* Oration printed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 8 I
Boston, Hon. Mr. Hoar of Concord, and Hon. Mr. Lawrence
of Belchertown made addresses.
438 1839. Oration at New Worcester by William Lincoln ;
Anti-Slavery meeting in Union Church ; and Young Ladies'
Picnic at Lincoln Grove.
439 1840. Democratic celebration. Oration by Rev. Orestes
A. Brownson.
440 1842. Picnic of the Cold Water Army at Hospital Grove.
Temperance Festival of the Washingtonians in the evening.
Wendell Phillips made an address at the Town Hall in the
morning, and one at Brinley Hall in the afternoon.
441 1843. Picnic of Cold Water Army at Hospital Grove.
Washingtonian Festival at Town Hall in the evening.
442 1844. Two celebrations. The Whig "Clay Club" marched
to the residence of Ex-Gov. Lincoln, and were presented with
a banner by Col. A. H Bullock, in the name of the Whig La-
dies of the town. Edwin Conant, president of the Club, re-
plied in an appropriate manner. A public dinner followed, .
with speeches from Hon. Charles Hudson, Hon. Thomas
Kinnicutt and others.
The Democrats celebrated with an oration by George Ban-
croft in the First Baptist Church, and a dinner at Brinley Hall.
Large numbers were present from all parts of the county.
There was also a Temperance celebration.
443 1845. Temperance celebration.
444 1846. Temperance celebration. A display of fireworks in
the evening under direction of Dr. Mathew.
445 1847. Fireworks on the Common in the evening, under
direction of Dr. Mathew.
446 1850. Parade of the Worcester Light Infantry, Capt. Ed-
ward Lamb. The Worcester Guards also paraded. A poem
was read at the dinner by Charles Thurber.
447 1851. Free Soil celebration. Oration by John P. Hale.
82 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
448 1853. The City Government appropriated $1,500. The
military procession of the Jackson Guards, Capt. Driscoll ;
the Worcester Light Infantry, Capt. Russell ; and the Fire
Department, was under the command of Chief Marshal Jon-
athan Day. An oration was delivered by Francis Wayland,
in the Old South Church. Dinner in the City Hall.
This was the first public appearance of the Jackson Guards, an Irish
company formed the winter before. It was disbanded by Gov. Gardner
during the Know Nothing frenzy.
449 1856. The Steam Calliope was played. A floral proces-
sion at 8 A. M. was not fully carried out on account of rain.
At 10 the mounted Continentals paraded, under command of
Charles B. Pratt. At n Charles Hersey's "Minute Men"
were called by the arrival of the mounted messenger with his
cry (feebly given) of "To arms ! War is begun /" At noon
a procession commanded by Gen. George Hobbs, marched
through the principal streets to the Common, where dinner
was served in a tent. Oration by Homer B. Sprague. At 5
p. M. the Butchers and Provision Dealers paraded in white
frocks and caps.
450 1857. Celebrated by two free fights, one at the Providence
railroad station, the other in Pine Meadow.
451 1859. Hersey's Minute Men. The messenger was Mr.
Lucian Prince, who startled the whole Blackstone valley with
his stentorian shout of "To Arms!" as he galloped his horse
through Main street.
452 1860. Corner Stone of the Free Public Library building
laid, with addresses by Mayor Rice and others. A military
procession, and a dinner at Mechanics Hall. There was also
a balloon ascension.
453 1862. Burlesque parade.
454 1865. Ovation to returned Soldiers. Several arches were
erected on Main and other streets. Military parade, which in-
cluded the veterans, in the forenoon." Trades' procession in
the afternoon.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 83
455 1868. Studlefunk parade in the morning. Military and
civic procession at noon. The Military Division, under com-
mand of Col. Robert H. Chamberlain, consisted of six com-
panies of the loth Regiment, M. V. M. ; the State Guards,
Lieut. -Col. David M. Woodward ; and the Highland Cadets,
Capt. L. G. White. The Fire Department, A. B. Lovell, Chief
Engineer, formed a part of the procession. There was also a
cavalcade, consisting of gentlemen mounted and driving light
and fancy teams, and draft horses ; in all about 500 horses.
456 1869. Corner stone of St. Paul's Church laid.
45 7 1870. Monument to Capt. Peter Slater, one of the Boston
Tea Party, dedicated at Hope Cemetery with addresses by
Henry Chapin, Isaac Dav^is, Henry L. Chandler of Lexing-
ton, Albert Tolman, Rev. A. P. Marvin and A. B. R. Sprague.
458 1872. Studlefunk parade.
459 1873. Studlefunk parade.
460 1876. Centennial celebration. Studlefunk parade in the
early morning. Singing of National Songs by the School
children in a large tent on the Common. An extensive mil-
itary and civic procession in the forenoon, on which occasion
the Worcester Continentals made their first public appearance.
The Centennial Oration * was delivered in Mechanics Hall by
Benjamin F. Thomas ; and an Ode written by the Mayor,
Clark Jillson, was sung by the pupils of the High school.
461 1879. Fatal accident at Lake Quinsigamond. The steam-
er "Isaac Davis" was boarded by a large and unmanageable
crowd, which rushed upon the upper deck, causing the boat
to careen over. Five persons lost their lives, and a number
were injured.
-462 1883. Studlefunk procession.
%* For other Celebrations of Independence, see under dates July 3d,
5th, 6th, 8th and 22d
* Oration printed.
84 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
July 5-
463 1790. [Monday] The anniversary of Independence was
celebrated by the Worcester Artillery Company. "At n
o'clock they paraded before Mr. Mower's tavern, [present
location of Clark's block, cor. Mechanic St.] and at i o'clock
they marched on to the hill by the Court House and fired a
national salute ; after which they returned to the place of pa-
rade." The officers and several private gentlemen partook
of a handsome entertainment, at which toasts were drank.
"The company was in complete uniform, and made a very
handsome appearance."
464 1802. [Monday] Independence celebrated by a parade
of the Artillery Company, and an oration* by the Rev. Zepha-
niah Swift Moore of Leicester.
465 1805. Death of William Cald well, aged 52.
He was Sheriff of the County from 179310 1805. His death was caused
in part by an attempt at suicide some time before, while suffering under
depression of spirits.
466 1824. [Monday] Independence celebrated. A proces-
si9n "numbering 80 in line, including boys," escorted by the
Light Infantry, Capt. Artemas Ward. Oration by William
Lincoln.
467 1830. [Monday] Independence celebrated. Oration by
Peter C. Bacon in Rev. Mr. Abbott's [the Central] Church.
At the dinner Isaac Goodwin offered the following toast :
"Our venerable townsman, Isaiah Thomas, Esq., who first
promulgated the Declaration of Independence to the inhabi-
tants of this vicinity from the church and press."
468 1852. [Monday] Whig celebration. A large tent was
erected on the Common, in which speeches were made by
Ex-Gov. Lincoln, Emory Washburn, and Col. Lee of Temple-
ton. The Worcester Light Infantry, Capt. Childs, performed
escort duty.
* Oration printed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 85
July 6.
469 1806. Robbery of the sEgis Office.
"In December, 1805, the whole [^gis] property was attached under
a claim growing out of debts of the printer, Samuel Getting, and the
publication suspended. The democratic citizens, roused to exertions,
procured new apparatus, which they vested in trustees, and the /Egis
again appeared, Feb. 19, 1806, in deplorable dishabille for a time, but
soon regained neatness and beauty. A new calamity occurred to in-
terrupt its prosperity. On Sunday, the 6th of July, during the hours
of worship, a part of the types were removed, and the sheets, impressed
on one side, carried away by Getting, who, on the next Wednesday, in
his individual capacity, sent out the paper in handsome form, while the
trustees of the subscription fund were scarcely able to communicate
their misfortune. A curious state followed, realizing the confusion of
external identity, imagined in the Gomedy of Errors. Two papers were
published in the same town, on the same day, claiming to be 'the true
/Egis.' A contest painful to retrace ensued, disturbing the repose of
the village, proceeding almost from words to blows in private discussion,
and furnishing subjects for judicial investigation. The good sense of
the community, for a time amused by the the bitter feeling of the com-
batants, and the personal insult degrading pages which should have
been devoted to common improvement, at length acted on the source
of the commotion, and after a few months of infamous existence, the
false print disappeared." — Lincoln's History.
470 1835. Celebration of the Completion of the Boston and
Worcester Railroad.
A*procession composed of about 300 citizens of Boston and vicinity,
was escorted by citizens of Worcester and the Light Infantry, Capt.
Charles H. Geer. A dinner was served in the Town Hall, at which
Ex-Gov. Lincoln presided. Speeches were made by the presiding of-
ficer; Hon. Nathan Hale, President of the Railroad Company; Hon.
Edward Everett and others. During the dinner about 500 ladies were
given a ride in the cars to Westborough and return. Hon. Charles
Allen was chairman of the committee of arrangements.
471 1836. Union Church dedicated.
•
July 7-
472 1811. "In Memory of Capt. William Gates, who died July
7, 1811, Mi. 76.
86 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
"Capt. William Gates was first sergeant in the company of minute men
under the command of Capt. Timothy Bigelow, which marched from
Worcester on the alarm at Lexington, April 19, 1775. .Second lieuten-
ant in a company under the command of Capt. Jonas Hubbard, which
served three months near Boston the same year. Captain of a com-
pany in Col. Jonathan Holman's regiment in the Continental Army.
Town Treasurer, 1780-81." — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
473 1834. Foundation of the first Catholic Church in Wor-
cester laid on Temple street.
474 1869. Plymouth Church organized.
July 8.
475 J779' "Sunday se'night being the anniversary of the In-
dependence of America, the celebration of that day was post-
poned by the Sons of Freedom, in this Town, until Thursday
last. The morning of that day was ushered in by the ringing
of bells, the firing of cannon, and a display of the Continental
Flag; at 12 o'clock, thirteen cannon were fired ; in the eve-
ning the Court House was illuminated, thirteen rockets were
fired, and a display of other fireworks ; greatly to the satis-
faction of many respectable and staunch friends to the com-
mon cause of our nation, who were assembled at the Court
House from this and adjacent towns. Mutual congratulations
were given, and a number of toasts suitable to the occasion
were drank." — Spy, July 15.
476 1831. Siamese Twins exhibited in Worcester.
The "Siamese Twins, Chang and Eng were born at Bangesau, on the
north-west corner of the Gulf of Siam in 1810. The father was a China-
man, the mother a Siamo-Chinese woman. They were brought to the
United States at the age of 18 by Capt. Abel Coffin, and exhibited
throughout this country and Europe; realized a competence; married
two sisters (mulattoes) in 1842, and settled in Surrey Co., N. C. Each
has 9 children. They revisited Europe in 1868-9."— Drake's Diet. Am.
Biog. The Twins died Jan. 17, 1874.
477 J8s6. Steam Calliope excursion to Fitchburg to attend a
Fremont meeting.
The instrument astonished the residents of the County, discoursing mu-
sic which could he heard for miles as the train moved along. The late
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 87
Elijah H. Marshall of Worcester informed the writer that he distinctly
heard the music as the train approached Fitchburg, in Luqenburg,
where he was visiting, and thought it was a hand-organ close by. The
Calliope is an adaptation of the steam whistle to the musical scale, and
was invented by J. C. Stoddard of Worcester.
478 1863. Funeral of Col. George H. Ward.
At the Salem Street Church. The services were conducted by Rev.
Mr. Richardson, assisted by Rev. Dr. Hill and Rev. T. E. St. John.
The funeral procession included the State Guard, Highland Cadets,
City Guard, Members of the Fifteenth Regiment, City Government and
ex-Mayors, among whom was the venerable ex-Gov. Lincoln, who
marched the whole distance to Rural Cemetery. Morning Star Ma-
sonic Lodge also attended.
Col. Ward belonged to the Fifteenth Regiment, and lost a leg at
Ball's Bluff. Returning to duty he was placed in command of a brig-
ade, and fell, mortally wounded, in the Battle of Gettysburg.
479 1883. Death of Hon. John D. Baldwin.
He was born at North Stonington, Conn., in 1810; studied for the min-
istry and preached for a time, but afterwards adopted journalism as a
profession. He was connected with the press at Hartford; was editor
of the Commonwealth at Boston; and in 1859 purchased the Spy. He
was a delegate to the Chicago Convention of 1860, and a Member of
Congress from 1863 to 1869. Author of two works on archaeology, and
genealogies of the Baldwin and Denison families.
July 9.
480 1845. Death of Hon. Daniel Waldo, aged 82.
He was born in Boston, and in 1782, came to Worcester with his father,
Daniel Waldo, senior, and engaged in business. Mr. Waldo acquired
large wealth, which he liberally dispensed. He built the Central Church
and presented it to the society; and also gave the land for Rural Cem-
etery. In business his habits were exact : he once sent a special mes-
senger to Holden to collect a bill of ten cents. His elegant mansion,
occupied by himself and maiden sisters, stood where Mechanics Hall
building now is. Mr. Waldo was a member of the famous Hartford
Convention.
481 1845. Rockwell and Stone's Mammoth Circus exhibited
on lot at the corner of Main and Chandler streets, present
location of Trinity Church.
88 THE WORCESTER BOOK. .
482 1871. French Catholic Church on Park street dedicated.
The Society was formed in 1869.
July 10.
483 I73I- Worcester County erected.
484 1784. Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty died. ?$**-*? >4^
He was born in Boston in 1721. In his youth he followed a seafaring
life, which a delicate constitution induced him to abandon. He grad-
uated at Harvard College in 1739, and three years later was ordained
pastor over the church in Kingston, Mass. He was the minister of
Worcester from 1747 to his death in 1784.
485 1784. House of Bezaleel Stearns, in the Gore between
Worcester and Grafton, destroyed by fire.
486 1856. Worcester County Fremont Club formed.
487 1860. Rosa Bonheur's Horse Fair exhibited in Horti-
cultural Hall.
The picture remained here two weeks.
July ii.
488 1822. Mutual Fire Society forrned.
The Mutual Fire Society had its origin as follows :
"The Hon. Daniel Waldo was a member of the Fire Clttb [i. e. the
Worcester Fire Society] formed in 1793, and a by-law of this "Club"
provided that no person should become a member of it except by a
unanimous ballot. An ecclesiastical fire was, and for years had been,
raging in the Old South Church, which set the whole town in a blaze.
Mr. Waldo seceded from the Old South Society, and built, at his own
expense, a new meeting house, which was completed in 1823, and has
been successively called the Calvinist Church, the Central Church, and
often at first, the Waldo Church. Gen. Nathan Heard arid Hon. John
Davis retained their membership in the Old South Church, and were
both decided friends of its pastor, Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, a college
classmate of Mr. Davis, but the special object of Mr. Waldo's dislike
and hostile measures. It so happened, that, without any purpose of in-
volving or affecting ecclesiastical matters, Mr. Heard and Mr. Davis were
proposed as members of the old Fire Club, and on balloting for their
admission, each was Hacked by the single ballot of Mr. Waldo; and
THE CENTRAL CHURCH.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 89
his exclusion of them from membership led to the formation of the
MUTUAL FIRE SOCIETY." — Manuscript of the Rev. George Allen.
The original members of this body were Artemas Ward, Austin
Denny, Lewis Bigelow, Jonathan Wentworth, Elisha Flagg, Nathan
Heard, jun., John Davis, John C'oolidge, Stephen Goddard, Joseph
Swett, Henry Rogers, Aaron Howe, Sewall Hamilton, Thomas B. Eaton,
Simeon Hurt, Harmon Chamberlin, Benjamin Howard, Enoch Flagg,
Daniel Hey wood, William Manning, John F. Clark and John M. Earle.
The following were subsequently admitted : Benjamin Butman,
Frederick W. Paine, William D. Wheeler, Gardner A. Paine, William
Hovey, Willard Brown, Cyrus Stock well, Asael Bellows, Francis T.
Merrick, Lovell Baker, Luther Burnett, jr., Samuel Harrington, jr.,
George Day, L. W. Stowell, Zenas Studley, Lewis Lilley, Richard
Mills, Albert Brown, Samuel Banister, Alpheus Merrifield. Silas Bailey,
James Worthington, Benjamin Porter, William M. Town, William B.
Fox, Samuel Congdon and David Wilder.
489 1840. First issue of The North Bend, a paper published
at the office of the Spy, in the interest of Harrison for Presi-
dent and John Davis for Governor. It was discontinued after
the canvass.
490 1854. Worcester County Kansas League formed.
For the encouragement of emigration to Kansas.
491 1860. First Public Parade of the Emmet Guards, M. J.
McCafferty, Captain.
492 1863. Draft in Worcester.
The number drafted in the different wards was as follows. In ward I,
88; 2, 85; 3, 39; 4, 89; 5, 87; 6, 91; 7, 121; 8, 102.
July 12.
493 I73I- First Probate Court in Worcester.
494 1862. War Meeting in Mechanics Hall.
"The immense losses incurred by our armies on the Peninsula, in the
Shenandoah valley, and elsewhere, made it necessary to call for more
troops. Accordingly a great meeting was held on the I2th of July, in
Mechanics Hall, by request of the Mayor, 'to respond to the call of
the Governor, for immediate action in relation to the recruiting of vol-
unteers, to fill up at once the quota of Worcester under said call.' " —
Marvin. Ex-Gov. Lincoln, Gen. Devens, and Rev. Merrill Richardson
spoke.
90 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
•
July 13-
495 1674. First Indian Deed of Worcester signed.
"A deed of eight miles square, for the consideration of 'twelve pounds
lawful money of New England, within three months after the
date to be paid and satisfied,' was executed, with great formality, . . .
by Solomon, alias Woonaskochu, sagamore of Tataesit, and John, alias
Hoorrawannonit, sagamore of Packachoag." — Lincoln's History. The
Indians received, on account, two coats and four yards of trucking
cloth.
July 14.
496 1776. The Declaration of Independence was first read in
Worcester.
The messenger bearing the Declaration to Boston was intercepted and
a copy obtained, which was read to the people from the porch of the
Old South Church by Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer.
July 15-
497 l835- RCV- David Peabody installed Pastor of the Central
Church.
He was dismissed in 1838, and died while Professor of Rhetoric in
Dartmouth College at Hanover, N. H., Oct. 17, 1839, aged 34.
498 1874. Soldiers' Monument dedicated.
Seven thousand dollars was appropriated by the City Government for
the occasion. The procession, under command of Gen. Josiah Pickett,
included the City Government and guests, veterans of the war, nearly
all the Grand Army posts in the County, with numerous societies and
lodges, and the Fire Department. The old State Guard paraded for
the last time. At the Monument Hon. Benjamin F. Thomas read an
original poem; and addresses were made by ex-Gov. Bullock, Gen.
Devens, George Crompton, Esq. and Mayor Edward L. Davis. Vice-
President Wilson and Gen. Burnside were present.
The Monument was designed by Randolph Rogers, and cost $50,000.
July 16.
499 1810. Peter Stowell died, aged 48.
Peter Stowell was a son of Cornelius Stowell who came here soon after
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 9!
the organization of the town, and married a daughter of Palmer Gould-
ing, senior. Cornelius Stowell about 1790 took his sons, Peter and
Ebenezer, into partnership with him, and began the business of manu-
facturing woolen cloths. Jan. 4th, 1793, their shop was burned. In
1804, the sons, Peter and Ebenezer, commenced the weaving of car-
pets, plaids, &c., and at one time had six looms of their own invention
and construction in operation. They made the first carpets used in the
State House at Boston. Peter married Betsey, daughter of Capt. Israel
Jenison.
500 1866. Reception in Mechanics Hall to James Stephess,
the Fenian Head Center.
501 1870. Centennial of the Massachusetts Spy.
It was observed by a dinner at the Bay State House, followed by re-
marks from Hon. J. D. Baldwin, Judge B. F. Thomas, Hon. J. M. Earle,
ex-Gov. Bullock, and Messrs. Adin Thayer, C. H. Doe, J. E. Greene,
C. H. Woodwell and George Jaques. The next issue of the Spy con-
tained fac-similes of the first number published in Boston in 1770, and
of the first copy printed in Worcester in 1775.
July 17.
502 1725. Indians pursued in Worcester.
See a letter of Benjamin Flagg printed in Lincoln's History.
503 1776. The Declaration of Independence first appeared in
print in New England, in the Massachusetts Spy.
504 1793. Death of Hon. Timothy Paine.
He was a son of Hon. Nathaniel Paine of Bristol, R. I., and was born
in 1 730. Came to Worcester when a child. He was Clerk of the
Courts from 1750 to 1774; Register of Probate, 175610 1767; Register
of Deeds, 1761 to 1775; and a Member of the Executive Council from
" • 176610 1773. Appointed one of the Mandamus Councillors in 1774,
he was forced to resign by a popular demonstration. He also filled the
offices of Selectman, Town Clerk, and Representative. Although of
loyal sympathies during the Revolution, he does not appear to have
forfeited, in any degree, the esteem of his fellow townsmen.
505 1854. First party of emigrants departed for Kansas.
A large number started from Boston, and were joined at Worcester by
those belonging in this vicinity.
92 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
506 1860. Stephen A. Douglas passed through Worcester.
A large crowd assembled at Washington square, and a salute was fired.
Mr Douglas made a brief speech from the platform of the car. He
passed through the city again on the ist of August.
July 18.
507 1867. Death of Hon. Ira M. Barton.
He was born at Oxford, Oct. 25, 1796; graduated at Brown University
in 1819; and practised law in Oxford from 1822 to 1834, when'he re-
moved to Worcester. He was a Representative, 1830-32, and 1846;
State Senator, 1833-4; Elector on the Harrison ticket in 1840; and
Judge of Probate, 1836-44. He resided until his death in the Gardner
Chandler mansion, opposite the Common.
July 19.
508 1861. Camp Lincoln, at the Agricultural ground, occu-
pied by the *5th Regiment.
509 1862. War Meeting in the City Hall.
Addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Richardson, Major McCafferty and
Gen. Devens. A "Committee of Safety" of one hundred was chosen
to take in charge the business of recruiting.
July 20.
510 1818. The Elephant Columbus was exhibited at Hatha-
way's Tavern. Admission 25 cents.
511 1845. Second [Laurel street] Methodist Church formed.
512 1852. Holy Cross College burned.
513 1854. Republican Party organized.
The preliminary organization first attempted in a hall, was adjourned
to the Common; Putnam W. Taft was President, and W. H. Harris and
Thomas Drew, Secretaries. Permanent organization was effected by
the choice of Oliver B. Morris of Springfield as President, with ten
Vice-Presidents. Speeches were made by Henry Wilson, Rev. John
Pierpont, Theodore Parker and others. Resolutions in stout opposition
to the slave power were adopted; and the convention adjourned to
^ meet in September for the purpose of nominating state officers.
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NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 93
July 21.
5 14 1864. The Fifteenth Regiment arrived home from the war.
It was honored the next day with a grand public reception.
July 22.
515 1776. First Celebration of Independence.
Cannon were fired, bells were rung, bonfires lighted, and the colors of
the Colonies displayed. "The Declaration of Independence of the
United States was read to a large and respectable body, among whom
were the Selectmen and Committee of Correspondence, assembled on
the occasion, who testified their approbation by repeated huzzas." A
large number repaired to the "King's Arms" tavern, where the obnox-
ious sign was destroyed, [see ante, No. 26.] and the company partook
of a dinner at which toasts were drank.
516 1802. "Mrs. Gannet's Exhibition. The Ladies and Gen-
tlemen of Worcester are respectfully informed that Mrs. Gan-
net, the celebrated American Heroine, who served nearly three
years with great reputation in our Revolutionary Army, will,
at the request of a number of respectable characters, deliver
an Address to the inhabitants of this town, in the Court House,
to-morrow, at 5 o'clock, p. M.
• "figg" Tickets may be had of I. Thomas, Jun., price 25 cents
— children half-price." — Spy, July 21.
"Deborah Sampson, who served three years as a soldier in the Revo-
lutionary army, was born in Plympton, Mass., 17 Dec., 1760; died 29
April, 1827. Her poverty and her patriotism led her to enlist in the
4th Mass. Regiment under the name of Robert ShurtlefF. She was
wounded in a skirmish at Tarrytown; was present at Yorktown;
and after the war married Benjamin Gannett, a farmer of Sharon, and
received a pension. She published ' Female Review' (i2mo, Dedham,
1797), probably written by herself. A new edition, with introduction
and notes by Rev. John A. Vinton, was published in 1866." — Drake's
Diet. Am. Biog.
517 1847. Funeral of Capt. George Lincoln, killed in'the Bat-
tle of Buena Vista, Mexico, February 23, 1847.
The remains arrived from Boston at 1 1 A. M., under escort of the New
England Guards. A procession of military formed on the Common
M
94 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
under command of Gen. George Hobbs, and with civic bodies under
direction of Col. Isaac Davis, proceeded to the house of ex-Gov. Lin-
coln, where the remains were received with military honors. The arms
of the deceased, with his cap, plume and belt, were placed upon the
coffin. His charger, which he rode on the fatal battle field, was led by
a corporal of the U. S. Army. The procession moved through Elm,
West, Pleasant and Main streets, to the First Unitarian Church, where
services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Hill.
518 1859. Boiler Explosion at the Wire Works, Grove street.
The large steam boiler, 30 feet long, 4 feet in diameter, and weighing
5 tons, exploded with tremendous force, shattering the engine house
of brick, and demolishing walls of buildings adjacent. Several work-
men were severely injured. The boiler shot into the air 200 feet and
landing in a garden on Lincoln street, 1-4 of a mile distant, rebounded
across the street, and entered the earth 4 feet.
July 24.
519 1817. "New Circus. Mechanick street, (near the South
Meeting House), Worcester. Mr. West's Stud of performing
Horses, for a few nights only. Boxes, one dollar. Pit, fifty
cents."
520 1845. First Daily Spy published.
See ante, No. 370.
July 25.
521 1850. Death of Samuel M. Burnside.
He was born at Northumberland, N. H., in 1783; studied law with
Judge Ward of Boston; and commenced practice in \\estborough in
1810. He removed to Worcester the same year, where he lived the
remainder of his life. His residence for some years was the Jedediah
Healy house, between the present American House and Union blocks,
on Main street; later, he built the fine residence on Chestnut street, now
occupied by his daughters. Mr. Burnside's reputation for learning in
his profession was high.
July 26.
522 1809. First issue of The Scorpion.
A virulent political paper, published weekly. Only three numbers
were printed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 95
523 1826. Attempt to break the Worcester Bank.
A person representing himself as an agent of the Suffolk Bank of Bos-
ton presented hills of the Worcester Bank to the amount of 548,000,
and demanded the specie, which was more cash than the bank had in
its possession. He was paid in part, and offered a draft for the re-
mainder, which was refused. The next day the property of the bank
was attached, but in the meantime provision had been made for the
payment of the amount. The action of the Suffolk Bank was in con-
sequence of the refusal of the directors of the Worcester Bank to main-
tain a deposit with the former for the redemption of its notes. A full
account of this affair will be found at page 364 of Hersey's History.
524 1832. First Menagerie : Lion, Tiger, etc., exhibited at
Central Hotel.
525 1859. First Regatta of College crews at Lake Quinsiga-
mond.
Regattas were held here yearly until 1870.
526 1862. Great War Meeting on the Common. *
The Meeting was called at 1 1 A. M., and nearly all business was sus-
pended. Addresses were made by Col. Wells of the 34th Regt., Gov.
Andrew, John B. dough and others.
July 28.
527 1860. A Bell and Everett Flag was displayed at Central
Exchange.
July 29.
528 1861. Reception of the 1 3th Regiment.
The Regiment left Boston at 5 p. M., and reached Worcester at 7.15.
It was received by four companies from Camp Scott under command
of Lt.-Col. Ward ; and marched and counter-marched through Main
street to the City Hall, where a collation was provided. The Regi-
ment departed at 9.30.
July 30.
529 1840. Log Cabin Meeting.
"Gov. Lincoln's speech is spoken of as one of uncommon ability. He
fixed the lie on the Palladium man in reference to the charges against
himself and Gov. Davis." — Spy, Aug. j.
96 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
July 31-
530 1831. Sunday Evening Concert in the South Meeting
House, by the Worcester Harmonic Society, for the benefit
of Mr. Emory Perry, the President. Tickets 25 cents.
13 i l&73- Worcester and Shrewsbury Railroad opened.
August i.
532 1861. Return of the Worcester Light Infantry from the
war.
533 1862. Great War Meeting in Mechanics Hall under the
auspices of the Freedom Club.
August 2.
534 1824. Corner Stone of Town Hall laid with Masonic cere-
monies.
August 3.
535 I775- "Last Thursday the prisoners who were taken at
Light House Island arrived here, under guard, from Head
Quarters at Cambridge. There were twenty-two marines,
(including two Serjeants and two corporals ; the Lieutenant
who commanded the party belonged to the Preston, and was
with three others killed on the spot ; seven were wounded),
and twelve tory carpenters, (among whom was the infamous
Jonathan Hampton of New York), in all thirty-four. The
Saturday following they were according to order, sent from
this town to Springfield, where they are to remain for the
present."— Spy, Aug. 9, 1773.
536 1821. The West Point Cadets, under command of Major
Worth, arrived in town at 6 A. M. on their return from Boston.
They encamped on an eminence adjacent to Back (now Summer) st.
At 1 1 A. M. the battalion marched to the hotel of Howe and White.
In the evening they were received at the mansion of Hon. I.evi Lincoln,
and left town at 4 A. M. the next day.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 97
537 ^35' Visit of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com-
pany of Boston.
The Company encamped west of the town, and remained three days.
August 4.
538 1799- "In Memory of SAMUEL BRIDGE, Deac. of the zd
Church in Worcester In life he exhibited the virtues of the
active & useful Citizen, and graces of the pious & cheerful
' Christian. He was an example of fidelity and punctuality.
A pattern of decency and order, and A promoter of every
plan of public utility or private benevolence. Obiit the 4th
of August 1799 sEfatis 65.
"Married Mary Goodwin, March i,st, 1757. Lived on the east side of
what is now Lincoln street. Was a constable of the town of Worces-
ter. A signer of the royalist protest of 1774. Crier of the Courts from
1779 to 1799." — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
339 1864. National Fast and Great Storm.
340 1879. Anthony Chase died, aged 88.
He was horn in Paxton, and came to Worcester in 1816. Was in bus-
iness with his brother-in-law, John Milton Earle, also connected with
him in the publication of the Spy. He was the first agent of the Black-
stone canal; County Treasurer, 1831-65 (succeeded by his son); Sec-
retary Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Co., 1832-52, and President
1852-79; also connected with other financial institutions. A member
of the Society of Friends.
August 5.
541 1757. Lord Howe passed through Worcester from Boston
to New York.
George Augustus, Lord Viscount Howe was the eldest son of the sec-
ond Lord Howe, born in 1724. He succeeded to the title in 1735. As
Colonel of the Royal Americans he was ordered to this country in 1757,
and was appointed Brigadier-General in December of that year. He
was killed in a skirmish near Ticonderoga, July 6, 1758. Massachu-
setts erected a monument to his memory in Westminster Abbey.
542 1851. Celebration of Emancipation in the West Indies.
Speeches were made by H. I. Bowditch, Parker Pillsbury, William
Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and others.
98 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
543 l&73- Corner Stone of Piedmont Church laid.
August 6.
544 1803. "Erected To the Memory of LIEU* BENJR STOWELL,
who died August 6, 1803. M. 73.
"Was lieutenant in Capt. Johnson's company which served under Gen.
Amherst in the campaign of 1779. Selectman, 1777." — Inscriptions
from the Old Burial Grounds.
545 1840. S. G. Goodrich, (Peter Parley), addressed a Har-
rison meeting.
546 1840. Ladies' meeting in aid of the Bunker Hill Monu-
ment building fund.
547 1858. 100 guns were fired and the church bells rung for
the success of the Atlantic Cable.
548 1869. Death of Hon. Charles Allep.
He was a son of Hon. Joseph Allen and brother of Rev. George Allen,
born in Worcester August 9, 1797. Admitted to the bar in 1818 he
practised in New Braintree, but soon returned to Worcester; member
of both branches of the Legislature; one of the N. E. Boundary Com-
missioners in 1842; Judge Court of Common Pleas, 1842-4; Chief Jus-
tice of Suffolk Co. Superior Court, 1858-9, and of Mass. Superior Court,
1859-67. In 1848, he dissolved the Whig party at the Philadelphia
Convention, by "spurning the bribe" of the vice-presidency offered to
Massachusetts; and the ensuing fall was elected to Congress, serving
two terms. He was a member of the Peace Convention of 1861.
August 7.
549 1861. A flag was presented to the Fifteenth Regiment by
the Ladies of Worcester.
The ceremony took place in the City HalJ, and the presentation speech
was by the Hon. George F. Hoar, to which Col. Devens made an ap-
propriate response.
August 8.
55° J779- Deacon Chamberlain left the Church on account of
innovation in singing.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 99
"Anciently, those who joined in singing the devotional poetry of reli-
gious exercises, were dispersed through the congregation After
the clergyman had read the whole psalm, he repeated the first line,
which was sung by those who were able to aid in the pious melody :
the eldest deacon then pronounced the next line, which was sung in a
similar manner, and the exercises of singing and reading went on al-
ternately By resolution of the town, Aug. 5, 1779, [it was]
'voted, that the mode of singing in the congregation here, be without
reading the psalms, line by line, to be sung.'
"The sabbath succeeding, . . . after the hymn had been read by the
minister, the aged and venerable Deacon Chamberlain, unwilling to
desert the custom of his fathers, rose and read the first line according
to his usual practice. The singers, prepared to carry the alteration in-
to effect, proceeded, without pausing at its conclusion : the white-haired
officer of the church, with the full power of his voice, read on, until
the louder notes of the collected body overpowered the attempt to re-
sist improvement, and the deacon, deeply mortitied at the triumph of
musical reformation, seized his hat, and retired from the meeting house
in tears." — Lincoln's History.
551 1861. Departure of the Fifteenth Regiment.
The Regiment participated in the disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, and
also in the battles of Fair Oaks, Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness
and others. It arrived home July 21, 1864, with its numbers reduced to
150 men.
August 9.
552 1856. Hon. Henry B. Stanton addressed a Fr^nront
meeting.
August 10.
553 I73I- First Inferior Courts in the county.
554 1808. Gen. Moreau passed through Worcester on his way
to Ballston springs.
"We have yet to learn what this great General is about in this country;
we think the time is not far distant when the mystery will be unravelled.
God grant that our fears may prove groundless." — Spy, Aug. 17.
Jean Victor Moreau, one of the most eminent generals of France,
was born at Morlaix in Brittany, Aug. n, 1763. Jealous of the ability
and power of Napoleon, he was implicated in a conspiracy against him,
100 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
and in 1804 was exiled to the United States. He lived with his wife
at Morrisville, Pa., and at New York until 1813, when he returned to
Europe, and co-operated with the allies against France. He was mor-
tally wounded at the battle of Dresden, August 27, 1813.
555 1835. Assault on the Rev. Orange Scott. ,
Mr. Scott was delivering an anti-slavery lecture in the Town Hall, when
Levi Lincoln, jr., and Patrick Doyle entered and walked directly to the
desk. The former seized the lecturer's notes and deliberately tore
them in pieces, while Doyle, who was a stout Irishman, laid hold of the
lecturer with the intention of dragging him out; several persons inter-
fered and he desisted. The meeting at once dispersed.
• t
August n.
556 1805. [Sunday] Court House struck by lightning.
"The lightning touched the front pediment, threw off the shingles,
shivered the diamond glass of the large eastern window, shattered the
Venetian blind, and splintered the style of the door."
August 12.
557 1812. Convention of delegates from 41 towns met at
Worcester, for the purpose of expressing disapprobation of the
war with Great Britain.
August 13.
558 1846. Funeral of Bishop Fenwick.
He died in Boston the loth, and was buried with imposing ceremonies
at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, on the 13th.
Benedict J. Fenwick was born in Maryland in 1782. Joining the
Jesuits, he became President of Georgetown College, and in 1825 was
consecrated Roman Catholic Bishop of Boston. He increased the num-
ber of churches in his diocese from two to fifty.
August 15.
559 1862. Departure of the Thirty-fourth Regiment.
This Regiment was in the battles of New Market, Cedar Creek, Pied-
mont, Lynchburg, Winchester and others. It was mustered out July 6,
1865.
560 1875. [Sunday] Union Railroad Station first occupied.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. IOI
August 16.
561 1845. Park Street Methodist Church dedicated.
August 17.
562 1786. Johnson Green executed for burglary.
563 1820. Central Church organized.
564 1861. John G. Whittier visited Worcester.
565 1882. Death of Judge Hartley Williams.
He was born at Mercer, Me., and came to Worcester in 1843. He
studied law with Hon. F. H. Dewey, and afterwards was his partner for
1 3 years; was Alderman in 1854; Senator, 1862-3; member of Gov-
ernor's Council, 1864-5; District Attorney, 1 866-8; and Judge of the
Municipal and Central District Courts at Worcester from 1868 until his
death. He was the first President of the Natives of Maine, and was
struck with paralysis while presiding at one of their meetings, March
30, preceding his decease.
August 19.
566 1839. Death of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D.
He was born at Reading, Mass., Nov. 10, 1755; graduated at Harvard
College in 1778; and was ordained Pastor of the Second Church in
Worcester, Feb. I, 1786. He married Lucretia, daughter of Hon.
John Chandler, the refugee, Oct. 21, 1786. Dr. Bancroft was a Fellow
of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; and was prominently
connected with other educational, literary and religious institutions.
567 1868. The Chinese Embassy arrived in Worcester.
Hon. Anson Burlingame, Ambassador; and Chih ta-jen and Sun ta-jen,
Associate Ambassadors, and suite, reached here in the afternoon, and
remained at the Bay State House over night.
August 20.
568 1829. New Brick Meeting House of the Unitarian Society
dedicated.
This building occupied the site of the present edifice on Court Hill. It
was destroyed by fire, Aug. 24, 1849.
N
IO2 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
August 21.
569 1735- Gov. Belcher, accompanied by his Council, passed
through Worcester on his way to Albany to hold a conference
with the Six Nations.
He was waited on in Worcester by the Justices of the Court of General
Sessions, and an address was read by the Hon. John Chandler, to which
the .Governor replied 'in a gracious manner.
570 1788. First issue of the American Herald and Worcester
Recorder.
The Herald had been published in Boston the seven years preceding,
and was continued in Worcester two years and two months. Edward
Eveleth Powers, bookseller and printer, was the publisher.
AugUSt 22.
571 1774. Hon. Timothy Paine was forced to resign his office
of Mandamus Councilor by a mob of fifteen hundred persons.
He was required to write his resignation, and was then obliged to read
it to the people "with his hat off"; after which the crowd withdrew to
pay a visit to the Hon. John Murray of Rutland, another Councilor.
An interesting account of this affair is printed in Lovell's Worcester in
the War of the Revolution.
572 1838. The large Machine Shop of Henry Goulding & Co.
on School street, was destroyed by fire.
573 1861. Ex- President Franklin Pierce in Worcester.
August 23.
574 1824. Burials on the Common prohibited.
575 1861. Departure of the Twenty-first Regiment.
This Regiment embarked for North Carolina on the Burnside expedi-
tion, and took part in the battles of Roanoke and Newbern. The next
spring it was sent to Virginia, and was in the battles of second Bull Run,
Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness
and others. It was mustered out Aug. 30, 1864.
576 1877. Visit of President Hayes.
He was on his return to Washington from the Bennington Centennial,
and was accompanied by Mrs. Hayes, Secretary Evarts, Postmaster
General Key and Attorney General Devens. The party arrived at 6.50
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NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 103
p. M., and was escorted in procession to the Bay State House. A sa-
lute was fired. A reception was held at Senator Hoar's residence and
the visitors left the city at 10 p. M.
August 24.
577 J774- Clark Chandler was forced to obliterate the Tory
Protest recorded in the town book.
This protest had been rejected by the Patriots in town meeting, June
20, 1774. (See ante, No. 364.) When the fact that it had been en-
tered upon the records came to light, a storm of indignation was excited,
and the town clerk was obliged in open meeting to obliterate the entry
with a pen, and was also required to dip his fingers in ink and rub them
over the page.
578 1820. Dedication of Antiquarian Hall, Summer street.
An oration was given by Isaac Goodwin. This building was erected
by Isaiah Thomas and presented to 'the society. The main building
was 46 feet long and 36 feet wide, with a cupola. Wings were added
in 1832, each 28 by 21 feet. This building was, on account of damp-
ness and other considerations, abandoned in 1853, and the collections
removed to the new hall on Court Hill.
579 1849. Unitarian Meeting House burned.
It \\as erected in 1829 at an expense of $i 7,000. See ante, No. 568.
580 1872. Death of George Jaques.
He was born in Brooklyn, Conn., Feb. 18, 1816. After attending Lei-
cester Academy, he entered Brown University and graduated in 1836.
For several years he devoted himself to teaching school in Virginia and
Massachusetts; later he was engaged in horticultural pursuits and in
the care of his estate. He was one of the founders and a prominent
member of the Horticultural Society, and compiled the first volume of
its transactions. He. visited Europe in 1856. In 1871 he presented a
lot of about four acres of land to the city as a site for a public hospital ;
and by his will bequeathed the bulk of his property for the support of
that institution. The wishes of the testator were carried out only after
much delay and with manifest reluctance by those having the matter
in charge.
Many of Mr. Jaques's household effects and family heirlooms were
hustled to the auction room and disposed of to a crowd of the curious
and vulgar, while his private papers were scattered broadcast. From
materials rescued from junk dealers and book-sharks, Mr. Albert A.
Lovell compiled and published a memorial volume comprising a sketch
of his life and selections from his journals.
104 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
August 27.
581 1733- Millstone Hill granted to the town forever.
See Records of the Proprietors.
582 1781. "Monday last the Hon John Sullivan Esq., Mem-
ber of Congress from the State of New- Hampshire passed
through this town from Philadelphia. The celebrated Chev-
alier John Paul Jones, Capt. in the American Navy, was in
company with Gen. Sullivan ; he was also from Philadelphia,
bound to the eastward." — Spv, Aug. jo.
August 28.
583 1861. Hon. Joseph Holt, the loyal Kentuckian, passed
through Worcester.
August 29.
584 1856. Lucretia Mott addressed a meeting in Horticultural
Hall.
585 1860. Republican Convention : John A. Andrevt first
nominated for governor.
586 1868. Free Public Market opened.
Front street, north side of City Hall. It was discontinued after a year
or two.
August 30.
587 1814. "Horrible depravity.' When the news of the cap-
ture of Washington reached this town, some of the leading
federalists openly expressed their gratification, mingled with
a regret that the President was not involved in the destruction
of the Capital !" — National sEgis, Aug. 31.
588 1854. First issue of the Worcester Evening Journal.
I he Rev. David Higgins was editor until Jan. i, 1855, when Dexter F.
Parker assumed the management of the paper and conducted it in
the interest of the "Know Nothing" party. The last number was dated
May 26, 1855.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 105
589 1862. Visit of Gen. Corcoran.
He was given a public reception on the Common at 8 A. M.; a salute
was fired and bells were rung. He made a speech to the large crowd
assembled, and left for Springfield at 10. "At the depot a large num-
ber of ladies availed themselves of the privilege accorded to them by
kissing their hero." — Spy.
Michael Corcoran was born in Ireland, Sept. 21, 1827, ancl came to
America in 1849. As Colonel of the 69th N. Y. he responded to the
call for troops; was taken prisoner at Bull Run, and suffered in rebel
prisons for more than a year. After his exchange he returned to duty,
and died near Fairfax C. H., Va., Dec. 22, 1863.
August 31.
590 1863. Celebration at the opening of the Horse Railroad.
A salute was fired at New Worcester; addresses were made in Coes's
grove by James .B. Blake, president of the road; Mayor D. W. Lincoln
and others; and an original poem was read by Judge Chapin.
September i.
591 1847. First issue of the Worcester Daily Journal.
The second number appeared Sept. 15; after that date it was issued
daily. It was discontinued in Oct., 1849.
592 1847. Henri Herz, composer and first pianist to the King
of the French ; and Camillo Sivori, the only pupil of the great
Paganini. at Brinley Hall.
593 1858. Illumination and military parade for the success of
the Atlantic Cable.
September 2.
594 1777- "On Tuesday arrived here from the northward be-
tween four and five hundred prisoners, and yesterday they sat
out for Boston, under a strong guard commanded by Lieuten-
ant Colonel Paul Revere." — Spy, Thursday, Sept. 4, 1777.
595 1851. Powers's "Greek Slave" on exhibition at Flagg Hall.
596 1862. Departure of the Thirty-sixth Regiment.
This Regiment was in the battles of Fredericksburg, the Wilderness,
IO6 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Spottsylvania C. H. and others, and performed much hard service and
many long marches. It was mustered out June 21, 1865.
September 3.
597 1823. First issue of the Massachusetts Yeoman.
Thi% paper was founded by Austin Denny, and was conducted in the
interest of the Anti-Masonic party. It was consolidated with the Algis
in 1833.
598 1824. Lafayette in Worcester.
He arrived at 10 A. M. with a large military escort, and was received by
Hon. Levi Lincoln, at his mansion, with an address of welcome, to
which he responded. The streets were handsomely decorated with
flags and mottoes. After partaking of breakfast and reviewing the
troops, Lafayette proceeded on his way at 2 P. M.
599 1855. Corner stone of Mechanics Hall laid.
A procession of military and other bodies paraded; Henry S. Wash-
burn delivered an address; and a dinner was served in Agricultural
Hall.
600 1878. First New England Fair in Worcester.
The Fair was held here annually from 1878 to 1882.
September 4.
60 1 1788. Stone Jail completed.
At what is now Lincoln square. It was judged at the time of its erec-
tion to have been "the second stone building of consequence in the
Commonwealth; none being thought superior except the Stone Chapel
in Boston." It was asserted that it would not need any repairs, except-
ing the roof, for two or three centuries ! It was taken down in 1835.
602 1850. Mozart Society formed.
United with the Beethoven Society in Nov. 1866, to form the Worces-
ter Mozart and Beethoven Choral Union, which became, in 1871, the
Worcester Choral Union.
603 1861. Opening of the Free Public Library Building, Elm
street.
604 1871. First Passenger Train, Boston, Barre and Gardner
Railroad.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 1 07
September 5.
605 1786. Courts prevented from sitting by Shays's insurgents.
606 1861. Gen. B. F. Butler spoke on the Common.
He was on his way to Lowell from the seat of war, on a ten days' fur-
lough.
607 1881. Death of Samuel K. Haven, LL. D.
He was born in Dedham, Mass., May 28, 1806. Entered Harvard Col-
lege and completed his course at Amherst. In 1837, he became Li-
brarian to the American Antiquarian Society. He was the author of
Historical Address at Dedham, 1836; Archaeology of the United States,
1855, published by the Smithsonian Institution; and other works.
September 6.
608 1774. The Courts were adjourned by a mob of 6000 men.
They did not resume their functions until after their re-organization in
1776.
609 1779- "Monday last the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minis-
ter Plenipotentiary from the Court of France to these States,
with his Secretary, attendants, &c., escorted by a party of light
dragoons, passed through this town from Boston, on their way
to Philadelphia." — Spy, Thursday, Sept. 9, 1779.
Anne Caesar de la Luzerne was born at Paris in 1741. He served in
the Seven-Years' War; afterwards was Minister to Bavaria; to the
United States from 1779 to 1783; and to London, where he died Sept.
14, 1791. While in this country he conducted himself in a manner
that won the affection and esteem of all.
6 10 1783. First issue of the Massachusetts Herald or Wor-
cester Journal.
This was intended as an abridgement of the Spy, to be published in
quarto form every Saturday. Only four numbers were issued.
611 1788. Last Proprietors' Meeting.
612 1856. Reception to Hon. Nathaniel P. Banks, Speaker of
the U. S. House of Representatives, at the Lincoln House.
613 1861 . Hon . Horace Maynard, of Tennessee, spoke in the
City Hall.
IO8 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
614 1881. Yellow Day.
This may be ranked with the celebrated dark day in New England a
century before. Lights were kept burning in the stores, and at times
it was hardly possible to read in the open air. The writer enjoyed the
novelty of eating dinner by lamp-light before an open window at noon-
time. The next day it was found that all the sun flowers had sickened
and died.
•
September 7.
615 1864. Gen. Burnside was serenaded at the Bay State
House, and made a short speech.
616 1881. Death of Stephen S. Foster.
Stephen Symonds Foster was born at Canterbury, N. H., Nov. 17, 1809.
Graduated at Dartmouth College in 1838. He became one of the fore-
most anti-slavery agitators of the Garrisonian stripe, and by his methods
brought upon himself much personal abuse and ill treatment. He
married Abby Kelly in 1845. Author of "The Brotherhood of Thieves,
a true picture of the American Clergy."
617 1881. Visit of Gen. Sherman.
He arrived at 10 A. M., and was escorted to the N. E. Fair grounds by
military bodies. In the afternoon he visited Grand Army Post 10, and
other institutions. On the morning of the 8th, he visited Shrewsbury
and the tomb of Gen. Artemas Ward.
September 8.
618 1774. Convention of Blacksmiths of Worcester County.
Ross Wyman of Shrewsbury was chairman. "They resolved that they
would not, nor either of them, do any work for the tories, nor for any
one in their employ, nor for any one who had not signed the non-con-
sumption agreement agreed upon and signed by the Congress at Phil-
adelphia; and requested all denominations of artificers to call meetings
of their craft and adopt like measures,"
619 1838. The Rural Cemetery consecrated.
The land was given by Hon. Daniel Waldo. At the consecration, an
address was delivered by Hon. Levi Lincoln, which was printed.
620 1858. Great Firemen's Muster.
The Muster lasted three days; 53 companies from other places attended.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. IOQ
September g.
621 1878. Death of Gen. Nathan Heard.
He was born in Worcester, March 25, 1790. He succeeded his father
as keeper of the Stone Jail at Lincoln square from 1812 to 1822; was
afterwards in business with Col. James Estabrook, and with his brother-
in-law Geo. M. Rice; also employed at the Custom House in Boston.
Representative, 1837-9; Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, 1837-
40. He attained the rank of Brigadier-General in the Militia.
September u.
622 1814. Worcester Light Infantry and Worcester Artillery
marched to Boston to repel British invasion.
They remained in camp at South Boston until Oct. 31, when they re-
turned to Worcester.
623 1874. State Normal School dedicated.
Addresses were made by Hon. Henry Chapin, Hon. Emory Washburn,
Rev. Dr. Miner, Prof. Russell and others.
September 12.
624 1839. A Negro Boy kidnapped.
Two men named Shearer and Dickinson kidnapped a boy 8 years old,
the son of a colored man named John F. Francis. They took the child
to Virginia and attempted to sell him, but were arrested and returned
to Worcester, tried and sentenced to imprisonment. See ante, No. 45.
625 1843. Gen. Tom Thumb's first exhibition in Worcester.
He died in 1883.
626 1848. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, addressed a Whig
meeting in the City Hall.
September 14.
627 1849. Young Men's Rhetorical Society organized.
The Society was formed in an upper room of Waldo Block, and was
incorporated in 1853.
September 15.
628 1684. The name Worcester was given to the plantation
near Quinsigamond Pond.
O
HO THE WORCESTER BOOK.
629 1859. Benjamin F. Butler nominated for Governor by the
Democratic Convention.
September 17.
630 1674. John Eliot and Daniel Gookin visited the Indians
at Pakachoag.
631 J757- Gen. Amherst and his army passed through Wor-
cester.
He was on his way to the westward with an army of 4,500, and was
joined at Worcester by a company under Capt. Samuel Clark Paine.
Jeffrey Amherst was born at Kent, England, Jan. 29, 1717, and died
Aug. 3, 1797. He was appointed to command the forces in America,
and conducted the movements which led to the surrender of all the
French possessions in the north. He received many honors, was made a
Baron, and became Field-Marshal.
632 1878. Mechanics Hall forcibly entered by Butler dele-
gates to the Democratic Convention.
The Democratic State Central Committee hnving manifested the inten-
tion of excluding from the Convention all in favor of the nomination of
Gen. Butler, who comprised nine-tenths of the delegates, the Butler
men took forcible possession of the hall about 3 A. M., by breaking the
lock of a door. The "Silver-Tops" adjourned to Faneuil Hall.
633 1878. Dennis Kearney, of California, addressed a crowd
at Salem square.
He visited Worcester again, Nov. 4.
September 18.
^34 J857- Visit and parade of the Woonsocket Guards, and
Mechanics Riflemen of Providence.
They were accompanied by Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper of the
U. S. army. Gen. Cooper was born in New York in 1796; graduated
at West Point; served in Florida and Mexican wars; and was appointed
Adj. -Gen. in 1852. He resigned in 1861, and became Adj.-Gen. of the
rebel army. He died Dec. 1876.
635 J872. Piedmont Church formed.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I I 1
September 19.
636 1741. "Here lies Buried ye Body of William Jenison Esq'r.
He was born at Watertown April ye i yth 1676, who decd Seplm
ye i9m 1741, in ye 66th year of his age.
"He was one of ye Judges for ye Inferiour Court for y«
County of Worcester.
"Was Selectman ten years between 1727 and 1741. Representative to
the General Court, 1731-2. He gave the land upon which the first
Court House was ordered to be built in 1732." — Inscriptions from the
Old Burial Grounds.
637 1817. Long Pond Bridge sunk.
It suddenly gave way and disappeared, leaving but a few shapeless tim-
bers. The bridge was constructed somewhat upon the principle of a
wharf, and was intended to form a solid road. It was so far completed
that carriages and wagons loaded had passed over it for several days.
The disaster was caused by loading it with stones and gravel. Loss,
$10,000. The water at this point is 65 feet deep.
638 1825. "In memory of JOHN W. HUBBARD, ESQ. Attorney
at Law, who died Sept. 19, 1825, aged 32 years.
"John W. Hubbard was an adopted son of Rev. Dr. Samuel Austin, . .
and nephew of Mrs. Austin He was born at Brookfield, Vt.;
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1814; and Studied law with Gov. Van
Ness of Burlington, Vt., and with S. M. Burnside, Esq. of Worcester.
He delivered the 4th of July oration at Worcester in 1811. . .
One of the founders of the Central Church. . . . He owned an estate
on Main street, comprising several acres on each side of what is now
Austin street." — Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
639 1838. Rev. Elam Smalley installed Pastor of the Union
Church.
Before his settlement here, Mr. Smalley was nine years associate pas-
tor with Rev. Dr. Emmons at Franklin. Dr. Smalley resigned his
charge in Worcester in 1854, and was installed over a church at Troy,
N. Y., where he died July 30, 1858. He was author of The Worcester
Pulpit.
640 1840. Worcester County Horticultural Society formed.
I I 2 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
September 20.
641 I753- "In memory of Jonas Rice Esq, who died Septr
20th 1753, in the 81" year of his age.
"He was the first settler in Worcester, & one of the Judges
of the Inferior Court for Worcester." — Inscriptions from the
Old Burial Grounds.
Jonas Rice came to Worcester from Marlborough in 1713, and for
about a year was the only resident of the town. He was the first
Schoolmaster (see ante, No. 196.); Selectman and Town Clerk for
many years; Judge of the Inferior Court; and Deacon of the Church,
174810 1753.
642 1867. Death of Calvin Willard, aged 82.
Mr. Willard was Sheriff of the County from 1824 to 1844. He was a
native of Harvard.
September 21.
643 1774. Convention of Committees of Correspondence of
the County.
September 22.
644 1731. First Superior Court.
645 1863. Celebration of the hundreth anniversary of the
erection of the Old South Meeting House.
An introductory address was made by Hon. Ira M. Barton; an histori-
cal discourse was delivered by Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. i>.; and other
interesting exercises followed.
September 23.
646 1746. "at a meeting of ye Qualified voters Regulerly as-
sembled on Tuesday Sepr 23 : 1 746
"This meeting by means of ye Qovrners Sending for a Large
number of men to oppose y6 Suposed french Invasion was-
Brooke up." — Early Records.
647 1815. The Great Gale prevailed throughout New England.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I 1 3
648 1881. Stephen S. Foster Memorial Meeting.
In Horticultural Hall. Rev. Samuel May presided, and addresses were
made by Parker Pillsbury, Lucy Stone, Rev. H. T. Cheever and Wen-
dell Phillips.
September 24.
649 1745. "voted that whoever Shall for the future during ye
Space of three years .... in ye tims of ye . . Court . . in
this Town presume to Run Races on horse back or pace their
horses For Tryall in ye Countrey Road from ye house of mr.
Joshua Eaton to y6 house whear Richard wheelor Lives [the
present Main street] Shall forfitt the Sum of Twenty Shillings
Lawfull money to ye use of ye poare of this Town." — Early
Records.
650 1851. Mademoiselle Teresa Parodi at Brinley Hall.
Tickets $i. She gave another concert in the same hall the Qth of Oct.
following; she also appeared in Worcester, Oct. 15, 1856.
September 25.
651 1727. "Voted that the Inhabitants of Worcester Contribut
once a month on ye Lords Day after Divine Service for the
Suport of ye minister in Sd Town untill a Rate can properly be
made according to Contract : Each parson to papre up his
money & Subscrib his name on ye papre that So accompt may
be taken of Each Parsons money and" to be Elowed on his
Rate when made." — Early Records.
652 1822. Oratorio by the Handel and Haydn Society of
Boston.
In the Old South Church, on the evening of the Cattle Show, and in
connection with it.
653 1868. Silas and Charles T. James executed for murder.
See ante, No 117.
September 26.
654 1804. Worcester District Medical Society organized.
This succeeded the Worcester Co. Society formed in 1794.
I I 4 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
655 l855- Baby Show at Fla£g Hal1-
It continued four days. Prizes to the amount of $400 were offered, but
the managers absconded leaving these and numerous bills unpaid.
656 1881. Funeral Honors to President Garfield.
A meeting was held in Mechanics Hall at noon, and addresses were
made by Senator Hoar, ex-Gov. Bullock, Hon. W. W. Rice and others.
September 27.
657 1803. New Court House opened. ,
658 1837. Gerritt Smith and the Grimke sisters addressed an
anti-slavery meeting.
659 1848. First Mechanics' Fair.
In Nashua Hall, present location of the Dean building. This Fair
closed October 3d. Others were held in 1849, 1851, 1857 and 1866.
660 1862. George Francis Train lectured in Mechanics Hall.
66 1 1877. Madame Eugenia Pappenheim at the Music Festi-
val.
September 28.
662 1722. First Town Meeting.
September 29.
663 1790. Rev. Samuel Austin installed Pastor of the First
Church.
He was born at New Haven, Conn., Nov. 7, 1760. A graduate of Yale
College. He preached at Fair Haven from 1786 to 1790; at Worces-
ter from 1790 to 1815, when he became President of the University of
Vermont, which office he held until 1821; and at Newport, R. I., from
1821 to 1825. His connection with the church in Worcester was not
severed until Dec. 23, 1818. In 1807, Williams College conferred upon
him the degree of u. n. Dr. Austin was afflicted with melancholia dur-
ing his last years, and his death, which took place at Glastonbury, Conn.,
Dec. 4, 1830, resulted from an over-dose of laudanum, administered to
afford temporary relief from his sufferings. His wife was a daughter of
Rev. Samuel Hopkins, i». D., of Hartley.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I I 5
September 30.
664 I796- Rev. Timothy Dwight passed through Worcester.
"Few towns in New England exhibit so uniform an appearance of neat-
ness and taste; or contain so great a proportion of good buildings, and
so small a proportion of those which are indifferent, as Worcester." —
Travels, Vol. /., page 366.
665 1845. New Court House dedicated.
An address was delivered by Chief Justice Shaw. This Court House
was b'uilt of Quincy granite, and cost about §100,000.
October i.
666 1801. Corner Stone of the Brick Court House laid by
Isaiah Thomas.
667 1839. Western Railroad opened.
First regular train from Worcester to Springfield.
668 1876. Wong Chin Foo lectured in Washburn Hall.
He has since edited The Chinese- American, a paper published at New
York in the Chinese and English languages.
October 2.
669 1798. Mechanic Street Burial Ground surveyed and laid
out.
670 1829. Historical Address delivered before the Worcester
County Bar, by Joseph Willard of Lancaster.
671 1852. John W. Lincoln died, aged 64,
He was Selectman, Representative to the General Court, State Sena-
tor, and Sheriff of the County seven years from 1844. He presented
the Children's Friend Society with the estate at East Worcester, which
was for some years the Orphans' Home.
672 1863. Worcester County Musical Society formed.
673 1876. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of
Boston celebrated its annual field day in Worcester.
The Company was received and entertained by the Worcester Con-
tinentals.
I 1 6 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
October 3.
674 1800. Birth of George Bancroft.
George Bancroft, distinguished as a historian and politician, was son
of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D. He graduated at Harvard College in
1817, and afterwards studied at German universities. After his return
he was tutor at Harvard, and preceptor of a school at Northampton.
About 1835, he entered into politics, allying himself with the Demo-
cratic party; wrote many addresses and resolutions, and delivered sev-
eral orations in its interest; was Collector of Boston, 1838-41; Demo-
cratic candidate for Governor, 1844; Secretary of the Navy in Folk's
cabinet, 1845; Minister to England, 1846-9; and Minister to Germany.
1867-74. His History of the United States, begun more than fifty
years ago, has just been completed. The house in which Mr. Bancroft
was born is still standing on Salisbury street, near the Highland School,
and is now the residence of John B. Pratt.
675 1859. Dr. George B. Windship lectured on Physical Cul-
ture.
In Washburn Hall. Dr. Windship was an enthusiast on the subject of
physical training; by practice he was enabled to lift a weight of 2007
pounds. He died Sept. 12, 1876.
October 4.
676 1831. Celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the
Incorporation of the County.
By the Worcester County Historical Society. A procession marched
to the Old South Church, where an address was delivered by Hon.
John Davis. A dinner was served at Estabrook's hotel.
October 5.
677 1843. Death of William Lincoln.
He was born in Worcester, Sept. 26, 1802; graduated at Harvard Col-
lege, 1822; edited the ^Egis, and with C. C. Baldwin, published the
Worcester Magazine. He was a Representative, 1836-7 and 1841.
His History of Worcester was published in 1837.
October 6.
678 1806. Thomas Street opened.
BIRTHPLACE OF GEORGE BANCROFT.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I I 7
This street was laid out and given to the town by Isaiah Thomas. The
following memorandum was found in one of his almanacs: "1806.
Oct. 6. Finished work on the new street. The Selectmen came and
surveyed it and laid it out in form. The Light Infantry company, un-
der arms, commanded by Capt. Flagg, marched through it, halted on
the bridge, and discharged three vollies. The gentlemen of the street
prepared a large tub and two pails full of excellent punch, and the Se-
lectmen, at the request of those present, and in conformity to their own
proposal, named the street Thomas street. The Infantry company had
as much punch as they chose to drink, and all present. Three cheers
were given, and the company* marched off."
679 1829. Harrison Gray Otis and Edward Everett visited the
Cattle Show in Worcester.
150 yoke of oxen were driven through Main street. At the dinner
speeches were made by the distinguished guests. .
Harrison Gray Otis was a nephew of the revolutionary patriot, James
Otis. He was born in Boston, Oct. 8, 1765; graduated at Harvard
College in 1783; and by his brilliant talents soon gained a "high posi-
tion at the bar; was a Member of Congress, 1797 to 1801; Speaker of
the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 1803-5; President of the
State Senate, 1805-11; Judge of Court of Common Pleas, 1814-18;
United States Senator, 1817-22; and Mayor of Boston, 1829-32. Dur-
ing the troubles with Great Britain, Mr. Otis was a vehement Federal-
ist, and was one of the patty of mischievous spirits who were respon-
sible for that egregious political blunder, the Hartford Convention. He
died in Boston, Oct. 28, 1848.
680 1857. Lola Montez lectured in Brinley Hall. Subject :
"Beautiful Women."
Lola Montez, Maria Dolores Porris, Countess of Landsfeld, was born
at Limerick, Ireland, about 1820, and died at New York in 1861. At
an early age she married Capt. James, and accompanied him to India,
but they soon separated. After leading an erratic life in the capitals
of Europe, appearing in the streets and theatres as a danseuse and
singer, she found her way to Munich, and for some time exerted
a powerful influence over King Louis of Bavaria, who made her a
countess. She was finally obliged to leave the country. In 1849 she
was married to an English gentleman, but his family caused her to be
prosecuted for bigamy, as her former husband was living. She came
to America in 1851, in the same ship with Kossuth, and appeared
in various places in theatres and on the lecture platform.
I I g THE WORCESTER BOOK.
681 1877. Sale of the old Foster street Depot.
The building was sold by Auctioneer B. W. Abbott, in eight sections
as follows: I, #30; 2, $25; 3, #30; 4, $100; 5, #41; 6, $26; 7, $10;
8, $5.50. Total, $277.50. The frame of the first part of this building
was raised May 31, 1835.
October 7.
682 1819. First Cattle Show in Worcester.
683 1828. Blackstone Canal opened.
The canal boat Lady Carrington arrived from Providence, and was
received with firing of cannon and ringing of bells. The last toll on
this canal was collected Nov. 9, 1848. A History of the Blackstone
Canal, by Israel Plummer, will be found in the first volume of the Col-
lections of The Worcester Society of Antiquity.
684 1835. Joice Heth, nurse of Gen. George Washington,
aged 161 years, was exhibited at Stowell's Railroad House.
Remained here four days; admission 25 cents. This was Barn urn's
first venture as a showman.
October 8.
685 1818. "In Memory of Col. BENJAMIN FLAGG who died
t)ct. 8, 1818, aged 95,
"He commanded a company of minute men which left Worcester,
April 19, 1775, on the alarm at Lexington, and attained the rank of
Colonel in the Revolutionary Service. Selectman from 1766 to 77 in-
clusive. An original member of the American Political Society." —
Inscriptions from the Old Btirial Grounds.
Col. Flagg left 4 children, 41 grandchildren and 83 great-grand-
children.
686 1879. Hon. Zachariah Chandler, of Michigan, spoke at a
Republican meeting in the Rink, on Foster street.
He died suddenly at Chicago, Nov. i, 1879.
October 9.
687 1760. "We hear from Worcester that on the evening of
the gth inst. the house of Mr. Sheriff Chandler and others of
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. I 19
that town were beautifully illuminated on account of the suc-
cess of his Majesty's Arms in America." — Boston News-Let-
ter, Oct. 16, 1760.
The success referred to was the taking of Montreal by Amherst, Sept.
8, 1760.
688 1816. Rev. Charles A. Goodrich ordained Pastor of the
Old South Church.
He was dismissed Nov. 14, 1820, and afterwards preached at Berlin
and Elartford, Conn. He was at one time a member of the Connecti-
cut Senate, and was author of several historical and other books. A
brother of Samuel G., widely known as Peter Parley. Mr. Goodrich
died at Hartford, Jan. 4, 1862, aged 72.
689 1826. President John Quincy Adams visited Worcester.
He remained three days the guest of Gov. Lincoln. The President at-
tended the Cattle Show on the nth.
690 1867. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan visited Worcester!
He arrived from Boston at 9 A. M., and was received by military bodies
and escorted through the principal streets.
October 10.
691 1865. Visit and parade of the Putnam Phalanx of Hart-
ford, Conn.
692 1866. 25th anniversary of the Universalist Church, and
installation of Rev. B. F. Bowles.
October n.
693 1842. First exhibition of the • Worcester County Horti-
cultural Society.
At the hall of the Society of Friends, over Joseph Boyden's jewelry
store, corner of Walnut street. The exhibition lasted two days.
694 1843. Hon. Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, attended
the Cattle Show.
Richard M. Johnson was a Representative and Senator from Kentucky
for many years, and Vice-President, 1837-41. It has been said that he
killed Tecumseh at the battle of the Thames. He died in 1850, aged
69.
120 THE, WORCESTER BOOK.
October 13.
695 1725- Rev. Isaac Burr ordained,
lie was dismissed, March, 1745.
696 1846. John P. Hale spoke in the Town Hall.
697 1878. Death of Hon. Henry Chapin. . •
He was born in Upton, 1811; graduated at Brown University, 1835;
and came to Worcester in 1846. He was Mayor in 1849-50, and Judge
of Probate from 1858 until his death.
698 1882. President Arthur and suite passed through Worces-
ter, on their return from the Webster Centennial celebration
at Marshfield.
October 14.
699 1740. Visit of Rev. George Whitefield.
700 1867. Parade of the Amoskeag Veterans.
701 1873. Dedication of the Worcester Academy building on
Union Hill.
October 15.
702 1823. Dedication of the Central Church and ordination
of Rev. L. Ives Hoadly.
Mr. Hoadly was dismissed May 19, 1829. HC died at New Haven,
March, 1883, aged 92.
October 17.
703 1860. The Prince of Wales and suite passed through
Worcester on their way to Boston.
The Prince appeared on the platform of the car, and was greeted with
cheers by the large crowd assembled, which he acknowledged by
bowing.
704 1865. Death of Dr. John Green.
He was born in Worcester, April 19, 1784; graduated at Brown Uni-
versity, 1804; and practised medicine here more than fifty years. He
gave his valuable library to the city, and endowed it.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 121
705 1872. Remarkable accident on Beacon street.
A horse, attached to a carriage in which was a lady, went over the em-
bankment at the head of Sycamore street, and rolled down 70 feet to
the railroad track below. The carriage was broken to pieces, but the
woman and horse were not injured.
October 18.
706 J744- Edward Fitzpatrick executed for murder.
707 1814. "In Memory of SAMUEL CURTIS Esq. who died Oct.
1 8, 1814. JEt. 84.
»^
"He was one of the leading Whigs of Worcester during the war of the
Revolution. Was one of the committee who reported the constitution
and rules of the American Political Society in 1773. In 1776, he was
elected magistrate to exercise the powers of Justice of the Peace for
the preservation of good order. Was a member of many important
revolutionary committees. Selectman, 1766, 75, 90 to 95. Represent-
ative to the General Court, 1778 to 1785, 1802, 1804, 1806." — In-
scriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
708 1848. Caleb Gushing spoke at a Democratic meeting in
the City Hall, as candidate for Governor.
October 20.
709 I745- Jeffrey, a Negro, executed for murder.
710 1768. Arthur, a Negro, executed for rape.
711 1783. First regular stage from Boston to Worcester.
712 1831. Daniel Webster arjd the Everett brothers attended
the Cattle Show in Worcester.
713 1849. Father Mathew, the distinguished Irish temperance
agitator, visited Worcester.
He arrived Saturday, 2Oth; preached at the Catholic church Sunday;
and received signatures to the pledge at the City Hall on Monday.
Theobald Mathew was born in Tipperary county, Ireland, in 1790.
Educated as a Catholic priest, he performed missionary service at Cork,
founded a temperance society, and administered the pledge to 150,000
persons in that place alone. He travelled in the interest of temperance
through Ireland, England, and the United States. Queen Victoria be-
stowed upon him an annuity of ,£500. He died in 1856.
I 2 2 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
714 1870. Earthquake Shock.
Buildings were jarred and door hells rung.
October 21.
715 I7I3- Permanent settlement of Worcester.
716 1742. Jabez Green executed for murder.
October 22.
7 1 7 1783. First stage from Hartford to Boston passed through
Worcester.
October 23.
718 1789. President Washington passed through Worcester.
He arrived early in the morning, and was received with salutes of can-
non by the Worcester Artillery. The President took breakfast at the
"United States Arms," [now Exchange Hotel], and then proceeded on
his way to Boston.
719 1850. Woman's Rights Convention.
October 24.
720 1732. "In answer to y6 Petition of ye Revd mr. Isaac Burr,
Voted that ye Sum of Twenty Pounds be assessed according
to Law on the Inhabitants and Estates of ye Town of Worces-
ter to be payd to mr. Burr, which Sum the town Cherfully
grant and earnestly Desire that he Lay ye Same out in pur-
chising an addition to his Library." — Early Records.
721 1812. The American Antiquarian Society incorporated.
"The persons named in the act were gentlemen eminent for their learn-
ing and ability, who stood high in the confidence of the public, viz :
Isaiah Thomas, Levi Lincoln, Harrison G. Otis, Timothy Bigelow,
Nathaniel Paine, Edward Bangs, John T. Kirkland, Aaron Bancroft,
Jonathan H. Lyman, Elijah H. Mills, Elisha Hammond, Timothy Wil-
liams, William D. Peck, John Lowell, Edmund Dwight, Eleazer James,
Josiah Quincy, William S. Shaw, Francis Blake, Levi Lincoln, Jr.,
Samuel M. Burnside, Benjamin Russell, Thaddeus M. Harris, Redford
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 123
Webster, Thomas Wallcutt, Ebenezer T. Andrews, Isaiah Thomas, Jr.,
William Wells." Of these, Isaiah Thomas was the master-spirit, and
on its incorporation, he presented the Society with his private library;
and in 1820, erected a building for its reception. The Society removed
to its present quarters in 1853. The library now comprises over 70,000
volumes; the aggregate of the several permanent funds is about $80,
ooo. The interior of the library is arranged with fine effect; and the
cordial welcome extended, and absense of red tape, make it a pleasant
resort for the student or antiquary.
722 1864. Dale Hospital occupied.
This building, now the Worcester Academy, was erected for a medical
college, and afterwards used for a female seminary. It was occupied
by the Government, during the latter part of the Rebellion, as a hos-
pital for disabled soldiers. It was formally inaugurated, Feb. 22, 1865.
October 25.
723 1770. William Lindsay executed for burglary.
724 1847. Providence and Worcester railroad opened.
725 1871. City Hospital opened.
In the Abijah Bigelow house, corner of Front and Church streets.
October 26.
726 1864. Trial and presentation of the organ in Mechanics
Hall.
October 27.
727 1868. Gen. O. O. Howard lectured in Mechanics Hall.
October 28.
728 1859. Benjamin F. Butler spoke in the City Hall as Dem-
cratic candidate for Governor.
He was elected 23 years later.
October 29.
•
729 1868. David R. Locke, otherwise Petroleum V. Nasty,
lectured in Mechanics Hall. Subject : "Cussed be Canaan."
124 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
October 30.
730 1852. Charles Francis Adams spoke at a grand rally of
the Free Democracy.
731 1854. Butman Riot.
Asa O. Butman, Deputy United States Marshal, came to Worcester for
the purpose of seizing an escaped slave named William H. Jankins.
The friends of the slave gathered in large numbers, and in the attempt
to get Butman out of the city by a few who interposed between him
and the mob, he wellnigh became a victim of its fury. A graphic ac-
count of this affair, by Rev. Albert Tyler, will be found in the first vol-
ume of the Collections of The Worcester Society of Antiquity.
October 31.
732 1722. Rev. Andrew Gardner dismissed.
He was the first Minister of Worcester, settled in 1719. Afterwards
preached in Lunenburg, and died in New Hampshire, at an advanced
age, in 1793. He was noted for hi* eccentricities.
733 I793- Samuel Frost executed for murder.
734 1805. Nathaniel Mower's hat shop burned.
735 1842. John B. Gough signed the pledge.
He was reclaimed by Joel D. Stratton, Sunday evening, Oct. 30, 1842;
and the next evening took the pledge, at a temperance meeting in the
Town Hall. Stratton was at that time employed by Thomas Tucker,
who kept the American Temperance House. He died Nov. 4, 1860.
A sketch of his life, by Rev. Horace James, was published.
736 1844. Swiss Bell Ringers at Brinley Hall.
737 1861. Departure of the Twenty-fifth Regiment.
This Regiment embarked with the Burnside expedition; took part in
the battles of Roanoke Island and Newbern; and performed service in
North Carolina until the fall of 1863. The next spring and summer
the Regiment saw hard service, passed through Drewry's Bluff, Cold
Harbor and other battles, and spent the hot months before Peters-
burg. It arrived home, (excepting a portion that re-enlisted the win-
ter before), October 13, 1864.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS.
November i.
738 1851. Joshua R. Giddings addressed a Free Soil meeting
in the Foster street Depot.
He spoke in the City Hall in the forenoon. It was charged that the
Whigs engaged the hall for the evening to keep the Free Soil men
out, and the use of the depot was tendered. Over 3000 were present.
739 1851. Hon. George S. Hillard addressed the Whigs at
the City Hall.
740 1859. Dr. J. G. Holland lectured on "Art and Life," in
Mechanics Hall.
741 1875. ^r- Hans Guido Von Biilow at Mechanics Hall.
One of the most eminent pianists of the present time. He was born
at Dresden, Jan. 8, 1830. Was assisted by Liszt and Wagner, and
made his first appearance as a pianist in 1852. His compositions are
numerous and of a high order. . He is now an inmate of an insane
asylum. He married a daughter of Liszt from whom he was divorced;
she then became the wife of Wagner.
November 2.
742 1865. Edwin Forrest at the Theatre.
He appeared the evenings of the 2d and jd, in Richelieu and Lear.
November 3.
743 1856. Dr. Charles Robinson, the Free Soil Governor of
Kansas, addressed a meeting at the City Hall.
- 744 1859. Henry D. Thoreau lectured on John Brown, at
Washburn Hall.
November 4.
745 I777- Gen. Burgoyne and Hessian prisoners captured at
Saratoga passed through Worcester.
746 1829. Worcester Lyceum formed.
747 1833. Henry Clay visited Worcester.
Q
126 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
He was the guest of Gov. Lincoln. On the 5th, he was welcomed at
the Town Hall by Hon. John Davis, and made a speech. In the af-
ternoon he visited Millbury. On the 6th he departed for Hartford.
748 1848. Charles Sumner spoke at a Van Buren meeting.
Sumner, at this time, was disfavored by the so-called respectable ele-
ment of the state, on account of his association with the Abolitionists.
After Mr. Sumner had been elected Senator, the following editorial
appeared in the Boston Daily Advertiser of April 25, 1851.
"It is unnecessary for us to add anything to what we have already
said of the disgraceful character of the coalition by which this object
has been accomplished. It is the grossest outrage upon the feelings
of the majority of the people of the state, l>y a combination of two
minorities, which we have known to be perpetrated in any of the states
of the Union. We regard this event as a most unfortunate one for the
reputation of the state, and one which must paralyze its influence in
the councils of the Union."
The above remains one of many evidences of the political wisdom
and foresight of the Old Whig Party of Massachusetts.
" O Time ! whose vewlicts mock our own.
The only righteous judge art thou ! "
749 1849. Father Mathew's Mutual Benevolent Total Absti-
nence Society formed.
November 5.
750 1788. Two Camels, late from Arabia, arrived in town with
their keeper.
November 6.
751 1848. Daniel Webster spoke three hours at the City Hall
for Taylor and Fillmore.
Just before the meeting, a Free Soil procession paraded the streets with
torches, and Webster noticed the large number it comprised. Gov.
Lincoln remarked that they were mostly boys. "But these boys will
soon be men," replied the great statesman. Webster was brought here
at this time to denounce Charles AJlen, (then running for Congress on
the Free Soil ticket), but he made no allusion to him. The next day,
Judge Allen was triumphantly elected over the Whjg incumbent, Hon.
Charles Hudson.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 127
November 7.
752 1714- Birth of the first male child in Worcester : Adonijah,
son of Jonas Rice.
753 1781. Celebration of the surrender of Cornwallis, news of
which was received the evening before.
November 8.
754 1861. First appearance in Worcester of Brignoli.
Signor Pasqualino Urignoli, long a favorite tenor with the American
public, was horn at Milan in 1832.
755 1882. Christine Nilsson at Mechanics Hall.
Tickets, $i., $2. and $3. A small audience attended.
November 9.
/
756 1871. Samuel L. Clemens, otherwise Mark Twain, lec-
tured in Mechanics Hall on "Artemas Ward."
November 10.
757 J77^- Wedding of Hannah, daughter of Sheriff Gardner
Chandler, and John Williams of Boston.
Hepsy IIeniming\vay said she well recollected the marriage, "for Bur-
goyne's Band came down from Rutland, and played before the house
of Sheriff Chandler all that evening."
758 1858. Frederick Warren shot.
Mr. Warren was City Marshal. He received a fatal wound by the ac-
cidental discharge of a revolver in the hands of Henry W. Hendricks,
a deputy sheriff of Charleston, S. C, and died on the I3th. A public
funeral was held on the 1 5th.
November n.
759 I779- Robert Young executed for rape.
He was one of the Convention troops.
760 1868. Worcester Free Institute of Industrial Science ded-
icated.
128 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
November 12.
761 1861. Funeral of Lieut. John William Grout.
He was a member of the I5th Regiment, and was killed in the battle
of Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861.
762 1866. Clara Barton lectured on "Work and Incidents of
Army Life."
763 1866. Maggie Mitchell in Fanchon, at the Theatre.
764 1883. Heavy Gale : car with nine passengers blown from
the track of the Worcester and Shrewsbury railroad. No one
was injured,
November 13.
765 1849. Peace Celebration : reception to Elihu Burritt on
his return from Europe.
November 14.
766 1864. Lynde Brook water let on.
November 15.
767 1865. Blind Tom at Mechanics Hall.
He was born a slave in 1838. He possessed little intelligence, but
could perform the most difficult pieces of music on the piano after once
hearing them.
768 1871. Batchelder's painting of the Battle of Gettysburg
exhibited at Horticultural Hall.
November 16.
769 1775. Post Office established in Worcester.
Isaiah Thomas was appointed Postmaster, and held the office until 1801.
His successors have been : James Wilson, 1801 to 1833; Jubal Har-
rington, 1833 to 1839; Maturin L. Fisher, 1839 to 1849; Edward W.
Lincoln, 184910 1854; Emory Banister, 1854 to 1861; John Milton
Earle, 1861 to 1867; and Josiah Pickett, the present incumbent, ap-
pointed in 1867.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 129
77° J795- Worcester Association of Mutual Aid in Detecting
Thieves formed.
November 17.
771 i?77- "On Monday last arrived here, and on Tuesday
proceeded on their way to Boston, upder an escort of light
dragoons, his Excellency the President of the Continental
Congress [John Hancock] and his lady." — Spy, Nov. 21.
772 1883. Corner Stone of the first Swedish Methodist Church
in New England laid at Quinsigamond.
November 18.
773 I77^- "Last Monday passed through this town under guard,
about 1 20 tories brought from Phillips Manor and places ad-
• jacent ; 30 of whom were enlisted under the infamous Major
Rogers and taken in a late skirmish." — Spy, Nov. 20.
November 19.
774 1857. Park Benjamin read a poem entitled Hard Times.
775 1869. Edwin Booth in Hamlet, at the Theatre.
November 21.
776 1786. Court closed by Shays's insurgents.
777 l837- John Bel1 of Tennessee, William J. Graves of Ken-
tucky, and Gov. Edward Everett, addressed a meeting in the
Unitarian Church, and were g'iven a supper at the Worcester
House.
John Bell was born near Nashville, Tenn., in 1797, and died there in
1869. He was a Member of Congress, 1827-41 (Speaker one term);
Secretary of War, 1841; Senator, 1847-58; and Union candidate for
President, with Edward Everett as Vice-President, in 1860. William
J. Graves is chiefly noted for having killed Jonathan Cilley in a duel, in
1838. He was a Member of Congress from Kentucky, 1835-41; and
died in 1848, aged 43- Edward Everett, eminent as an orator, scholar,
and politician, was born at Dorchester, Mass., Oct. ii, 1794. He was
130 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
educated at Harvard and German universities, and became pastor of
the Brattle Street Unitarian Church in Boston. Finding politics more
congenial to his talents than preaching, he entered Congress in 1825,
and served ten years; was Governor, 1835-40; Minister to England,
1841-5; President of Harvard University, 1846-9; Secretary of State,
1852-3; and Senator, 1853-4. He died Jan. J5, 1865.
778 1877. Railroad tracks removed from the Common.
November 22.
779 1864. Celebration of the completion of the Water Works.
The dam at Leicester was inspected; a meeting was held in Mechanics
Hall, with addresses by Mayor D. W. Lincoln and others; and the
Fire Department, City Officials, etc., headed by the Cornet Band, pro-
ceeded to the corner of Main and Myrtle streets, where the new works
were tested in the presence of a large assembly.
November 24.
780 1737- Hugh Henderson, alias John Hamilton, executed
for burglary.
The first execution in this county.
781 1836. Rev. Jonathan E. Woodbridge installed first Pastor
of the Union Church.
782 1870. Olive Logan lectured in Mechanics Hall.
783 1871. Peace Meeting to celebrate the Washington Treaty.
In Mechanics Hall. Addresses were made by Mayor Edward Earle,
Hon. P. Emory Aldrich, Rev. J. B. Miles, Hon. Amasa Walker and
Elihu Burritt.
November 25.
784 1761. "In memory of Deacon Nathaniel Moore, who died
Novnir 25 : A. D. 1761 Aetat 84 years.
"Came from Sudbury. Was the third settler of the town of Worcester,
arriving here in 1715 or 1716. He was Deacon of the First Church
from its foundation, and remained in that office until his death. Was
Selectman of the town for eleven years between 1722 and 1740. Town
Treasurer, 1725 and 1731. He married Grace Rice, sister of Jonas
Rice, the first permanent settler. She died in 1768, aged 94 years." —
Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 13!
785 1862. Departure of the Fifty-first Regiment.
This Regiment enlisted for nine months, and spent most of its time of
service in North Carolina. It arrived home July 21, 1863.
November 27.
786 1843. The Town was authorized to purchase Bladder
Pond for a water supply.
787 1868. Gen. Kilpatrick lectured in Mechanics Hall on
"Sherman's Grand March to the Sea."
Judson Kilpatrick was born in New Jersey in 1836, and graduated at
West Point in 1861. He was an efficient cavalry officer in the Rebel-
lion, and attained the rank of Major General. In 1865 he was ap-
pointed Minister to Chili, and died there Dec. 6, 1881.
788 1883. Matthew Arnold, the English philosopher and critic,
lectured on "Literature and Science" at Horticultural Hall.
Admission jKl. About 300 attended.
"Mr. Matthew Arnold after his recent visit here being asked by a Bos-
ton friend how he liked Worcester, said he did not enjoy himself very
much; that, having no invitations, he thought he would try an Ameri-
can inn, and found one named the "Bay Horse," where, as they only had
noon dinners, he could get nothing to eat but cold oysters. Our hos-
telry, famed in political and other annals, would scarcely be recognized
by its best friends under the very English name of the "Bay Hor»e."—
Spy, Jan. //, 1884.
November 28.
789 1873. Rev. Newman Hall, of London, lectured in Me-
chanics Hall.
He preached at the Union Church on the afternoon of Saturday, Nov.
2Qth.
790 1875. Remains of Vice- President Wilson arrived in Wor-
cester.
Henry Wilson died at Washington, Nov. 22, 1875. His remains ar-
rived here Sunday morning at 4.50, and remained until 8.30. At 7,
the City Guards escorted the City Government and distinguished citi-
zens to the Union Station. The remains were placed in the vestibule
and viewed by a large number.
791 1883. Serious accident on the Boston, Barre and Gardner
railroad, near North Worcester.
132 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
A car on the afternoon inward bound train left the track and rolled
down an embankment. A large number were injured; two fatally.
November 29.
792 1856. New England Non-Resistance Convention.
W. L. Garrison, S. S. Foster, Rev. Adin Ballou and others spoke.
793 l&59- Alvan Allen killed on the railroad.
He was run over between Front and Mechanic streets, near the Foster
street station. Mr. Allen came from Sturbridge in 1835, anc' was mail
agent between Worcester and Hartford until the opening of the Wes-
tern railroad. Afterwards in the grocery business and a dealer in pianos.
He was a member of the Common Council; City Marshal, 1853; and
Auditor in 1858.
November 30.
794 1850. George Thompson, the celebrated English Ab-
olitionist, visited Worcester.
His presence in Boston in 1835 was tne cause of the Garrison riot. Mr.
Thompson was again in Worcester during the Rebellion.
December i.
795 1856. Worcester School of Design and Academy of Fine
Arts established.
Located on the upper floor of Clark's block, corner of Mechanic and
Main streets. The school was maintained about five years.
796 1862. Rev. William R. Huntington ordained Rector of
All Saints Church.'
He resigned Dec. i, 1883, to become Rector of Grace Church, New
York City.
December 2.
797 I^75- "This day all the houses in Quonsukamuck were
burnt by 'the Indians." — Increase Mather.
The buildings had been deserted by the inhabitants, through fear of
Indian attack, some time before.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 133
798 1801. First issue of the National ^Egis.
This paper was founded to sustain the principles of Thomas Jefferson
against the misrepresentation and abuse of the Federalists of Massa-
chusetts. It was published until 1833, when it was merged with the
Yeoman. It was edited successively by Francis Blake, Edward Bangs,
Levi Lincoln, Samuel Brazer, William Charles White, Enoch Lincoln,
Edward D. Bangs, Pliny Merrick, William Lincoln, Christopher C.
Baldwin and William N. Green. The paper was re-established in 1838,
and in 1857 was merged with the Transcript, which was succeeded by
the present Gazette.
799 1879. Death of Rev. William M. Parry.
He was a native of Nottingham, England, and came to this country in
1872, and was acting Pastor of the Old South Church for about two
years. He possessed genius, learning and ability, but was erratic and
eccentric. He organized the Tabernacle Church in 1874. In his will
he made special request that his friends and the newspapers would
make no mention of his decease or of anything concerning him. which
was disregarded.
December 3.
800 1881. New City (or Jaques) Hospital opened.
December 4.
80 1 1862. A deserter was shot on the Common.
A company of about 100 deserters from Fort Independence passed
through Worcester in the steamboat train in the evening. Two or
more jumped from the train, and one, named Michael Farrel, aged 22,
was fired at by the guard and shot through, the body. He died on the
6th.
802 1873. Fall of a building on Main street.
The north wall of the unfinished building opposite the Old South
Church, belonging to Gross and Strauss, fell about 5 A. M., in conse-
quence of the freezing of the mortar. The low wooden building
adjoining, occupied as a music store, was entirely demolished.
803 1873. Edward Jenkins lectured in Mechanics Hall on
"The England of to-day."
He is the author of "Jinx's Baby."
R
134 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
December 5.
804 1837. Convention of Ministers of Worcester County called
to express sentiments against slavery.
This was brought about principally by the efforts of Rev. George Allen,
and clergymen of various denominations to the number of about eighty
attended. A "Declaration" offered by Mr. Allen was considered too
radical, and the Convention adjourned to meet the i6th of the follow-
ing January, when a manifesto (substantially Mr. Allen's) was put
forth which had great influence in shaping public sentiment on the
slavery question.
805 1873. Bret Harte lectured on "The Argonauts of '49."
December 6.
806 1786. Arrival of Daniel Shays.
The leader of the insurgents arrived from Rutland with 350 men which
with those already here, increased his force to nearly 1000. The Court
House had been seized by the rebels on the 3d, and they remained in
possession of the town about a week.
807 1817. "Col. Ebenezer Lovel Died Dec. 6, 1817, aged 88
years.
"An officer in the Revolutionary war. Was ensign in the company of
Capt. Benjamin Flagg, which left Worcester on the alarm at Lexington
in 1775. Was one of the 'Committee of Inspection' chosen in 1774 to
examine from time to time the merchants and traders of the to\\n, and
see that no imported goods were offered for sale in violation of the
'solemn league and covenant.' Selectman, 1778, 79, 84. Represent-
ative to the General Court, 1777. One of the original members of the
American Political Society ''-inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
808 1875. Prof. Richard A. Proctor, the English astronomer,
lectured in Plymouth Chapel on "Other Worlds and other
Suns than ours."
He subsequently lectured several times in Worcester.
809 1882. Transit of Venus.
It was observed in Worcester at the High School, State Normal School,
Free Institute and Worcester Academy. At the High School, Princi-
pal Roe obligingly gratified a large number of persons with a view of
the phenomenon, which will not occur again until the year 2005.
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NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 135
December 7.
8 10 1825. Horace Carter executed for rape.
811 1869. Death of Dr. Benjamin F. Heywood.
He was a son of Hon. Benjamin Heywood of Worcester, born April
24, 1792. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1812; took the de-
gree of M. D., 1813; and practised here many years.
December 8.
812 1763. The Old South' Meeting House first used for relig-
ious purposes.
813 1829. Anti-Masonic Convention at the Court House.
814 1872. Free Public Library opened Sunday.
"And God said. Let there be light."
December 9.
815 1812. First Baptist Church formed.
816 1819. "In Memory of Mr. DANIEL BAIRD who died
Dec. 9, 1819, aged 77.
"Married Jane Smith, January 8th, 1768, and kept the Baird Tavern.
"He was sergeant in Capt. Benjamin Flagg's company that marched
from Worcester on the alarm at Lexington, April 19, 1775. Sergeant
in Col. Crafts' regiment of artillery, 1776. Private in Capt. David
Chadwick's company that marched to Hadley on the alarm at Benning-
ton, Aug. 28, 1777.
"Mr. Baird held the office of Selectman for five years commencing
with 1785, and was a member of the American Political Society." —
Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
Mr. Bair'd was concerned in Shays's Rebellion, and was confined in
Boston Gaol, March 5, 1787.
817 1819. Worcester County Anti-Slavery Convention.
At the Court House. It was called to take action to prevent the fur-
ther introduction of slavery into new states.
December 10.
818 1775. "On Sunday last the lady of his Excellency General
136 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Washington, and the lady of General Gates, with their attend-
ants, passed through this town on their way to Cambridge."
—Spy.
819 1851. "Jenny Lind, assisted by Otto Goldschmidt, Signer
Belletti and Mr. Joseph Burke, gave a concert at the City
Hall.
Tickets $2., $3. and $4. Every seat was taken. A large number gath-
ered about the building to catch such notes as might escape through
the walls. This was her farewell concert in Massachusetts.
"Jenny never sang better, or gave better satisfaction." — Spy.
She occupied rooms at the Worcester House.
820 1856. B. L. Batchelder of Sutton drew a barrel of beans
on a hand-sled from Sutton to Worcester, in fulfillment of an
election wager with T. W. Short of Worcester.
The bet was made on the result of the presidential contest : Buchanan
vs. Fremont. Mr. Batchelder, wearing snow-shoes, left Sutton at 10
A. M., and arrived at the lower end of Green street at 3.30, where he
was awaited by a large concourse. A procession was formed, headed
by a band of music, and proceeded through Main street to the Bay
State House, Mr. Short riding in a barouche. Here the beans were
delivered to Mr. Short, Mr. Z. K. Pangborn making the presentation
speech, to which Mr. Calvin E. Pratt responded, speaking from the top
of an. omnibus. An immense crowd blocked the street. A bean sup-
per was served to a large company.
December n.
821 1823. David Brown, a Cherokee, delivered an address in
the Old South Church, in aid of a mission to establish schools
among the Cherokees of the Arkansas.
822 1873. Thomas Nast lectured on -"Caricature."
December 12.
823 1848. Salem Street Church dedicated.
824 1855. William M. Thackeray lectured in the City Hall.
825 1874. Death of Alexander H. Wilder.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 137
He was born in Lancaster, and came to Worcester in 1823 as a clerk
in the Registry of Deeds, and succeeded Artemas Ward as Register in
1846, retaining the office until his death.
December 13.
826 1835. First Episcopal Service in Worcester.
827 1866. John G. Saxe read a poem entitled "Love," at
Mechanics Hall.
December 15.
828 1717- First recorded death in Worcester: Rachel Kil-
lough, daughter of John and Jean Killough.
829 1861. Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson of New York lectured
in Mechanics Hall on ''The Union, its perils and hopes."
December 16.
830 1870. Gas Explosion resulting in the death of Mayor
James B. Blake.
Mayor Blake was Superintendent of the Gas Works, and going in the
evening with the foreman, who carried a lighted lantern, to inspect
some repairs in the purifying room, a severe explosion ensued in con-
sequence of the escape of gas from an open stopcock. The building
was demolished and the Mayor and his attendant severely burned and
bruised. Mr. Blake died about 36 hours after the accident. A pub-
lic funeral was held in Mechanics Hall on Thursday, Dec. 22.
I
December 18.
831 1848. Worcester and Nashua Railroad opened.
December 19.
832 1768. "Here lies Buried ye Body of Gershom Rice, who
died Dec™ ye igih A. D. 1768, in ye iO2d year of his age.
"Gershom Rice was son of Thomas, who was the third son of the emi-
grant, Edmund Rice, wh*came from England and settled in Sudbury
in 1639, and afterwards removed to Marlboro', where he died May 3,
138 THE WORCESTER BOOK.
1663. Gershom Rice was the second settler of Worcester, coming here
in 1715. Selectman, 1724, 27, 31, 33, 36, 46. Town Treasurer, 1736.
It was at his house that religious services were first held in the town."
— Inscriptions from the Old Burial Grounds.
833 1838. Rev. Seth Sweetser installed Pastor of the Central
Church.
December 20.
834 1810. "ERECTED In memory of EPHRAIM MOWER Esq.
who departed this life Dec. 20, 1810, y£t. 62.
"Married Thankful Hersey of Leicester, and kept the hotel which
stood near the corner of Main and Mechanic streets, on the site now
occupied by Clark's block. Was one of the original founders of the
Second Parish Church in Worcester, organized in 1785, and at the first
meeting of the members of the parish called for the election of officers
in 1789, Mr. Mower was chosen collector. Selectman from 1790 to
1810 inclusive. Representative to the General Court from 1806 to
1810, and Crier of the Courts from 1800 to 1807." — Inscriptions from
the Old Burial Grounds.
December 21.
835 1882. First issue of the New England Home Journal.
December 22.
836 1825. Edmund Kean, the celebrated English tragedian,
remained in Worcester over night.
He passed through Worcester on the 2Oth, and attempted to play in
Boston on the evening of the 2ist, but was prevented by riotous demon-
strations. He left Boston and arrived in this town, well armed, on the
night of the 22d, and departed for New York the next morning.
Edmund Kean, one of the greatest lights of the English stage, was
born in London in 1787, and achieved his greatest triumphs at the
Drury Lane theatre. His principal characters were Othello, Shylock,
Richard III., and Sir Giles Overreach. He visited this country twice.
Dissolute habits hastened his death, which occurred May 15, 1833.
837 1858. Rev. Rush R. Shippen installed Pastor of the
Church of the Unity.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS. 139
December 23.
838 1859. Free Public Library established by ordinance.
839 1873. First exercise of the Veto Power by the Mayor.
Mayor Jillson vetoed an order authorizing the laying out of a street
(the Boulevard) over Elm Park.
December 24.
840 1824. "Hancock Arms" or Butman tavern burned.
841 1839. George Combe, the eminent Scotch Phrenologist,
lectured in Worcester.
842 1868. Paul B. Du Chaillu lectured on African Travels.
December 26.
843 1865. Hon. Schuyler Colfax gave a lecture descriptive of
his tour across the Continent.
December 27.
1773. American Political Society formed.
1859. A Steam Fire Engine was exhibited on the Common.
December 28.
846 1841. Second Baptist Church organized
December 30.
847 1868. Death of Ichabod Washburn.
He was born in Kingston, Aug. u, 1798; came to Worcester about
1820 and engaged in the manufacture of lead pipe and wire; and in
1834 established a wire factory on Grove street — the foundation of the
present extensive works of the Washburn and Moen Company.
848 1871. New High School Building dedicated.
849 1881. Eulogy on President Garfield by Hon. George F.
Hoar.
December 31.
850 1875. Illumination in honor of the Centennial Year.
GENERAL INDEX.
GENERAL INDEX.
"** The figures refer to the Paragraphs.
Abbott, Rev. J. S. C., 54.
Absentees, see 7^ories.
Academy of Fine Arts, 795.
Academy, Worcester, 328, 701, 722.
Accidents, 377, 461, 705, 758, 764.
- Adams, Chas. Francis, 381, 730.
John, 1 20.
Rev. J. G., 323.
— John Quincy, 140, 689.
— Samuel, 188, 240.
"Adams and Liberty," song, 406.
/Egis, see National sEgis.
Agricultural Society, 106.
Aldrich, P. Emory, 206, 305, 783.
Allen, Alvin, 793.
Charles, 8, 85, 142, 264, 305, 367,
381,428,470, 548, 751.
Gen. Ethan, 215.
Rev. George, 145, 188, 225, 264,
367, 488, 804.
Joseph, 39, 1 88.
Joseph, Jr., 403.
Samuel, 39.
All Saints Church, 205.
American Antiquarian Society, 721.
Herald, 570.
House, 41.
Political Society, 69, 844.
Temperance House, 394.
Amherst, Gen., 631.
Amoskeag Veterans, 70x3.
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co.,
537. 673-
-Andrew, Gov., 526, 585.
Samuel, 279.
Andrews, Benjamin, 342.
"Angel Gabriel," 289.
Anti-Masonic Convention, 813.
Antiquarian Hall, 578.
Anti-Slavery Conventions, 804, 817.
Aqueduct Company, 242.
Arbuckle, Matthew, 20, 91.
Ardarani, Signor, 146.
Arnold, Matthew, 788.
-Arthur, President, 698.
Arthur, a negro, 710.
Artillery, Worcester, 399-402, 404,
405, 407, 408, 412, 416, 417,
428, 430, 463, 464, 622.
Ashby, William, 24.
Athenaeum, Worcester County, 145.
Atlantic Cable celebrations, 547, 593.
Austin, Rev. Samuel, 251, 333, 406,
638, 663.
B
Baby Show, 655.
Bacon, Peter C., 142, 206, 243, 303,
467.
Bailey, Silas, 488.
Baird, Daniel, 816.
Baker, Lovell, 488.
Baldwin, Christopher. C., 677, 798.
John D., 373,479. 5°'-
Ball, Phinehas, 206.
Ballon, Rev. Adin, 792.
Bancroft, Rev. Aaron, 60, 103, 566,
721.
George, 85, 442, 674.
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Bangs, Edward, 39, 301, 379, 400,
408, 721.
Edward D., 396, 416, 420, 798.
Banister, Emory, 769.
Samuel, 488.
Bank, Worcester, attempt to break,
523-
•Banks, Nathaniel P., 612.
Banks, 136, 144, 173, 209, 226, 238,
276, 390.
Baptism first administered, 316.
Baptist Churches, 12, 134, 298, 815,
846.
Baptists denounced, 333.
Barber, James, 306.
Barnard, John, 354.
• Barnum, P. T., 179.
Barrett, Thomas, 7.
Barton, Clara, 762.
Ira M., 372, 507.
Batchelder, B. L., 820.
Bay State House, 75. _^
Beans, barrel of, 820.
Beecher, Rev. H. W., 207.
Belcher, Andrew, 279.
Gov. 569.
Bell, John, 777.
Bell and Everett flag, 527.
Bell Ringers, 736.
Belletti, Signor, 819.
Bellows, Asael, 488.
Rev. H. W., 320.
Benchley, Lt.-Gov., 162.
Benjamin, Park, 774.
Bentley, George W., 273.
Benton, Thomas H., 40.
-Bernhardt, Sara, 199.
Bickford, William M., 68.
Bigelow, Abijah, 200.
Rev. Andrew, 234.
Daniel, 184.
Daniel, Jr., 159.
David, 69.
Bigelow, John P., 234.
Joshua, 69.
Lewis, 380, 488.
Timothy, 163, 184, 231, 234, 259.
Tyler, 234.
Bird, F. W., 24.
Birds, bounty for, 149.
Birney, James G., 32.
Birth, first, 752.
Bishop, Madame Anna, 20.
Blacksmiths' Convention, 618.
Blackstone Canal, 683.
Bladder Pond, 786.
Blair, Joseph, 354.
Blake, Francis, 105, 404, 416, 721,
798.
James B., 206, 590, 830.
Blasphemy punished, 260.
Blind Tom, 767.
Blind, exhibition of the, 312.
Blitz, Signor, 107.
Blondin, 131.
Boiler explosion, 518.
Boomer, Gen. George B., 383.
Booth, Edwin, 775.
Boston, Barre and Gardner railroad,
604.
Boston and Worcester railroad, 397,
470.
Boyden, Daniel, 69.
Joseph, 54.
Bowditch, H. I., 542.
Bradlaugh, Charles, 14.
Bradley, Osgood, 272.
Brazer, Samuel, 39, 95, 342, 798.
Brewer, Josiah, 69.
Bridge, Samuel, 538.
Bridge sunk, 637.
Brigham, Charles, 24.
Brignoli, 754.
Brinley, George, 278, 380.
Brinley Hall, 3^0.
British officers escape, 22.
GENERAL INDEX.
145
Brooks, Samuel, 163.
William, 392.
Brown, Albert, 488.
Alzirus, no.
Capt. (British Army) 109, 202.
David, 821.
Capt. John, 169, 174.
Luke, 219.
Willard, 488.
—Browne, Charles F., (Artemas Ward)
76.
— Brownlow, Parson, 338.
Brownson, O. A., 439.
_^ Buchanan, President, 385.
James, (executed for murder)
392.
Buckner, Gen. S. B., 127.
- Bull, Ole, 389.
Bullock, Alex. H., 31, 162, 206, 222,
318, 442, 498, 501, 656.
Bulow, Dr. Hans Von, 741.
Bunker Hill Monument fund, 546.
Burbank, Elijah, 108.
— • Burgoyne, Gen., 745.
Burial Places, 269, 303, 619, 669.
Burials on the Common prohibited
574-
Burke, Joseph, 819.
— -Burlingame, Anson, 567.
Burnett, Luther, 488.
Burnham, Lemuel, 262.
Burns, Anthony, 310, 323, 329.
— Burnside, Gen., 498, 615.
S. M., 43'» 52I> 721-
Burr, Rev. Isaac, 115, 695, 720.
Burritt, Elihu, u, ioi, 765, 783.
Burroughs, Stephen, 311.
Burt, Simeon, 488.
— Butler, Geri., 606, 629, 632, 728.
Butman, Asa O., 731.
Benjamin, 278, 380, 488.
Butman Riot, 731.
Tavern, 840.
Bynner, Edwin, 189.
C
Caldwell, John \V., 410.
William, 465.
Calliope, Steam, 449, 477.
Calvinist Church, see Central Church.
Camels, 750.
Campbell, Lewis D., 381.
Col., 215.
Camp Scott, 382.
Canal, Blackstone, 683.
Cardiff Giant, 353.
Carreno, Teresa, 25, 148.
Carter, Horace, 810.
Catholic Church, first, 473.
1 Cattle Show, first., 682.
; Causeway completed, 378.
I Cemeteries, 269, 303, 619, 669.
Centenarians, 89, 386, 684, 832.
Centennial celebration, 460.
Central Bank, 144.
Church, 488, 563, 702.
Exchange, 133.
Chadwick, James, 388.
Chamberlain, Henry, 317.
Jacob, 157, 317, 354. 55°-
J.C., 317.
John, 317.
Levi, 317.
Robert H., 455.
Chamberlin, Harmon, 488.
Chandler, Charles, 39, 342.
Clark, 342, 364. 577-
.Eliza A., 105.
Gardner, 297, 354. 687, 757-
Hannah, 757.
Henry L., 457.
John, 69, 569.
Lucretia, 566.
Nathaniel, 342.
Samuel, 39, 342.
Zachariah, 686.
Channing, Walter, 437.
146
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Chapin, Henry, 206, 258, 457, 590,
623, 697.
Chase, Anthony, 68, 77, 540.
Cheever, Rev. H. T., 648.
Cherokee Missions, 821.
Children's Friend Society, 153.
Childs, Moses N., 59.
^Chinese Embassy, 567.
Choate, Rufus, 190.
Choral Union, 186.
"Christian Citizen," newspaper, n.
Cilley, Jonathan, 777.
Circus condemned, 284.
Circuses, 481, 519.
Citizens Bank, 209.
City chartered, 118.
City Government, first, 227.
Guards, 236.
Hall, see Town Hall.
Hospital, 725, 800.
Clapp, Daniel, 168.
Clark, John F., 488.
Joseph, 354.
Joseph G., 117.
Clarke, Julius L., 189, 370.
Clay, Henry, 747.
Clay Club, 442.
Clemens, S. L., (Mark Twain) 756.
Clifford, Nathan, 385.
Warner, 75.
Cochrane, Gen., 86.
Cogswell, J. B. D., 189, 305.
Colfax, Schuyler, 843.
Coffin, Abel, 476.
Cold Snaps, 49, 53.
Cold Water Army, 398, 440, 441.
Collins, Wilkie, 71.
Combe, George, 841.
Combs, Leslie, 372.
S. E., no.
Commonwealth Club, organized Jan.
26, 1880; incorporated Nov.
29, 1881.
Conant, Edwin, 431, 442.
Confederation approved, 21.
Congdon, Samuel, 488.
Conklin, Henry W., 255.
Continentals, Worcester, 214.
Convention, Anti-Texas, 264.
Anti-War, 557.
Disunion, 24.
Converse, Benjamin, 163.
Cook, Stephen, 311.
Coolidge, John, 422, 488.
Cooper, Adj. -Gen., 634.
Corbett, Otis, 425.
Corcoran, Gen., 589.
Corduroy, first piece, 245.
Cornwallis's surrender, 753.
Cotting, Samuel, 469.
Counterfeit Money, punishment for
passing, 262.
County incorporated, 194; erected,
483-
looth anniversary, 676.
Court Houses, 154, 556, 657, 665, 666.
Courts, first Inferior, 553.
Superior, 644.
Courts closed, 605, 608.
Cresson, Elliott, 61.
Crompton, George, 498.
Curtis, Geo. William, 62.
John, 69, 202, 354, 384.
Mary, 317.
Samuel, 707.
Sarah, 202.
William, 354.
Gushing, Caleb, 329, 708.
Frank H., 187.
Cushion for pulpit, 274.
Cushman, Charlotte, 282.
Cutler, Rev. E., 305.
Cutter, John, 342.
D
Daily Journal, 591.
Newspaper, first, 370.
GENERAL INDKX.
'47
Daily Spy, see Sfy.
Transcript, 370.
Dale Hospital, 722.
Damrosch, Dr. Leopold, 148.
Davie, William R., 270.
Davis, Edward L., 206, 498.
Isaac, 85, 1 10, 193, 206, 224, 234,
242,273,307,356,457,517.
J. C. B., 372.
Jeff., 244.
John, 96, 233, 257, 357, 419, 430,
488, 747.
Samuel, 242.
Day, George, 488.
Jonathan, 448.
D'Angri, Madame, 17.
Death, first recorded, 828.
De Bernicre, Ensign, 109, 202.
Declaration of Independence, 496,
5°3-
Decoration Day, 315.
Deeds, Indian, 84, 495.
De Meyer, Leopold, 146.
Denny, Austin, 421, 488.
Capt., 399.
Depot, Foster street, 68 1.
Deserter shot, 801.
Devens, Charles, 86, 236, 494, 498^
5°9» 549. 576-
Dexter, Franklin, 434.
•—Dickens, Charles, 70, 170.
Dickinson, Anna E., 267, 332.
Daniel S., 829.
Disunion Convention, 24.
Dix, Dr. Elijah, 39, 163.
Doe, C. H., 501.
Dog Show, 300.
. — - Doubleday, Gen., 9.
^ Douglas, Stephen A., 335, 375, 506.
Douglass, Frederick, 169.
Dowley, Levi A., 68.
Doyle, Patrick, 555.
Draft, 492.
Drew, Thomas, 310, 513.
Dualin Explosion, see Explosions.
Du Chaillu, P. B., 842.
Dunbar, Rufus D., 68.
Duncan, Daniel, 126.
Samuel, 126.
Simeon, .104.
Dwight, Edmund, 721.
•» Rev. Timothy, 664.
Dyer, Joseph, 126.
E
Earle, Edward, 206, 291, 783.
John Milton, 77, 370, 488, 501,
540, 769.
Thomas, 24.
Timothy K., 291.
Earthquakes, 283, 714.
Eaton, Joshua, 649.
Nathaniel, 425.
Thomas B., 488.
— » Gen. William, 23.
Effigies, 244, 329.
Election, first city, 206.
Election Bet, 820.
Elephant "Columbus," 510.
Eliot, John, 630.
Ellsworth, Oliver, 270.
Emancipation in West Indies cele-
brated, 542.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 281.
Emmet Guards, 236, 491.
Enemies, list of, 354.
Engine House blown up, 4.
Engine, Steam Fire, 845.
Engineers, Chief, 1 10.
Envelope Contribution, 651.
Episcopal Church, 205.
First Service, 826.
Erba, Marietta, 20.
Escape of prisoners, 22, 34.
Estabrook, James, 285, 621.
Eulogies, 239, 318, 849.
148
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Evarts, William M., 576.
Evening Gazette, Worcester, 189, 798.
Journal, 588.
Everett brothers, 712.
Edward, 36, 275, 433, 470, 679,
712, 777.
Excise on liquor, protest against, 50.
Executions, 7, 308, 362, 392, 562,
706, 709, 710, 716, 723, 733,
759, 780, 8to.
Exchange, Central, 133.
Front street, 80.
Explosions. Dualin explosion, B. & A.
R. R., near Junction, June 23,
1870. One man killed and
about thirty persons injured.
Many buildings shattered.
Other explosions: 4, in, 258,
518, 830.
F
—
Fairs, Mechanics, 659.
New England, 600.
Farragut, Admiral, 391.
Fall of a building, 802.
Farrel, Michael, 801,
Fast, for a minister, 115.
National, 539.
Father Mathew's Total Abstinence
Society, 749.
Fechter, Chas. Albert, 38.
Fenian Head Center, 500.
Fenwick, Bishop, 558.
Fifteenth Regiment, 514, 549, 551.
Fifty-first Regiment, 785.
Fifty-seventh Regiment, 229.
Fire Alarm Telegraph, 361.
Department established, 1 10.
Engine, Steam, 845.
Societies: Mutual, 488; Worces-
ter, 39, 488.
Firemen's Muster, 620.
Relief Association, 325.
Fires, 10, 41, 51, 58, 90, 95, 97, 108,
133, 205, 272/298, 306, 313,
350, 485, 512, 568, 572, 579,
734, 797, 840.
Fisher, Maturin L., 769.
Fiske, Dr.. Oliver, 39, 405.
Fitch, Dana H., 358.
Fitzpatrick, Edward, 706.
Five Cents Savings Bank, 390.
Flagg, Benjamin, 196, 231, 344, 502,
685.
Elijah, 428.
Elisha, 58, 95, 488.
Enoch, 95, 488.
Nathaniel, 90.
Samuel, 51, 342.
Flagg Hall, 58.
Flagg's Block burned, 58 .
Flags presented, 442, 549.
Folsom, George, 432.
Forrest, Edwin, 742.
Foster, A. H., 75.
Dwight, 142.
Stephen S., 102, 310, 616, 648,
792.
Fowle, Curtis, 160.
Fox, William B., 488.
Francis, John F., 624.
Sidney O., 45.
Free Institute, 760.
Free Public Library, 177, 452, 603,
838.
Free Soil Meeting, 367.
Party organized, 381.
Resolution, 367.
Freedom Club, 533.
Fremont, John C., 359.
Fremont Club, 486.
Meetings, 477, 552.
French Catholic Church, 482.
French invasion, 646.
Friends' Meeting House, 3.
Front Street Exchange, 80.
GENERAL INDEX.
149
Frost, Samuel, 733. ) both executed
Samuel J., 308. J for murder.
Gabriel, 289.
Gagzaniga, Madame, 146.
Gales, 156, 647, 764.
Gannett, Deborah, 516.
Gardner, Rev. Andrew, 732.
Garfield, President, 656, 849.
Garrison, William Lloyd, 24, 542, 792.
Gas Explosions, 4, 830.
Gas Light Company, 368.
Gates, Mrs. Gen., 818.
Jonathan, 163.
Katharine, 167.
Nathaniel, 425.
William, 472.
Gazette, Worcester Evening, 189, 798.
Geer, Charles II.. 470.
Gettysburg Battle, painting, 768.
Giddings, Joshua R., 381, 738.
Gill, Moses, 388.
Gillmore, P. S., 20.
Gipsies warned to depart, 247.
Gockel, August, 164.
Goddard, Stephen, 488.
Going, Rev. Jonathan, 424.
Goldschmidt, Otto, 819.
Goodridge, Sewall, 128.
Goodrich, Rev. C. A., 488, 688.
Jesse W., 112.
Samuel G., (Peter Parley) 545.^
Goodwin, Isaac, 467, 578.
James, 69, 159, 322.
Mary, 538.
Gookin, Daniel, 279, 630.
Gorham, Hiram, 68.
Gottschalk, L. M., 327.
Gough, John B., 8, 185, 526, 735.
Gould, R. M., no, 255.
Goulding, Daniel, 124, 163.
Henry, 68, 572.
Ignatius, 163.
Goulding, Palmer, 82, 163, 354.
William, 163.
Grand Army Post chartered, 218.
Grant, President, 360.
Graves, William J., 777.
"Greek Slave" exhibited, 595.
Green, Jabez, 716.
Dr. John, Sr., 39.
Dr. John, Jr., 378, 704.
John R., 358.
Johnson, 562.
William N., 798.
Greene, J. Evarts, 501.
Greenleaf, Daniel, 15.
Grievances enumerated, 336.
Grimke sisters, 658.
Grout, John William, 761.
H
Hale, Rev. E. E., 249, 303.
John P., 447, 696.
Nathan, 470.
Hall, Rev. Edward H., was installed
colleague pastor with Rev. L)r.
Hill, Feb. 10, 1869; resigned
Jan. II, 1882.
Rev. Newman, 789.
Hallett, Benjamin F., 85, 329.
Hamilton, Alexander, 347.
Charles A., 430.
Sewall, 95, 396, 420, 488.
Hamlin, Hannibal. 98.
Hammond, Elisha, 721.
Hampton, Jonathan 535.
•Hancock, John, 240, 771.
Hancock Arms Tavern, 840.
Handel and Haydn Society, 652.
Harmonic Society, 428, 530.
Harrington, Jubal, 129, 258, 769.
Samuel, 488.
Silas, 163.
Harris, Thaddeus M., 721.
W. H., 513.
150
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
''
Harrison celebration, 357.
Harrisonism, 253.
Hart, James,, 354.
. Harte, Bret, 805.
Hathaway, Samuel, 269.
Haven, Samuel F., 607.
Hayes, Dr. I. I., 81.
President, 576.
Healy, Jedediah, 72, 407.
Heard, Nathan, no, 285, 428, 488,
621.
Heath, Orson N., 150.
Hemenway, Edward H., 324.
Jacob, 69.
Henderson, Hugh, 780.
Hendricks, H. W., 758.
Heron, Matilda, 176.
Hersey, Thankful, 834.
Herz, Henri, 592.
Hessian prisoners, 745.
Hey wood, Abel, 157.
Dr. B. F., 811.
Daniel, 196, 216, 488.
Levi, 414.
Higgins, Rev. David, 588.
Higginson, T. W., 24, 310.
High School dedicated, 848.
Hildreth, S. E., 206.
Hill, Rev. Alonzo, 63, 178, 478.
Mary, 80.
Hillard, George S., 739.
Historical Society, Worcester County,
96.
Hitchcock, Peletiah, 407.
Hoadley, Rev. L. I., 702.
Hoar, George F., 549, 656, 849.
Samuel, 381, 437.
Hobbs, George, 449, 517.
Holden, 125.
Holden Rifles, 236.
Holland, Dr. J. G., 740.
Holy Cross College, 365, 512.
Holmes, Erastus N., no.
Holmes, Isaac E., 140.
Holt, Joseph, 583.
Home Guards, 255.
Home for Aged Females, 268.
Hooper, William R., 189.
Hope Cemetery, 303.
"Horse Fair," painting, 487.
Horse racing forbidden, 649.
Horse Railroad, 590.
Horticultural Society, 640, 693.
Hospital, City, 725, 800.
State Lunatic, 237.
Houghton, H. 0., 373.
Houston, Gen. Sam, 152.
Hovey, William, 488.
Howard, Benjamin, 488.
Gen. O. O., 727.
Howe, Aaron, 488.
Estes, 413.
Lord, 541.
Dr. S. G., 312.
Thomas, 428.
Hubbard, John W., 415, 638.
Hudson, Charles, 442, 751.
L. R., no.
Huggins, William, 362.
Hull, Rev. A. B., 302.
George, 357.
Huntington, Rev. William R., 796.
I
Illuminations, 195, 204, 212,687, ^5°-
Incorporation of town, 348; of city,
118.
Independence, celebrated, 26, 475,
575. See under July 4.
Declaration, see Declaration.
Sustained, 304.
Independent Gazetteer, 15.
Indian Deeds, 84, 495.
Indians pursued, 502.
Indignation Meetings, 141, 305, 310.
Ingersoll, Robert G., 139.
Inman, F. H., 291.
GENERAL INDEX.
J
Jackson Guards, 448.
Jail, Stone, 601.
James brothers, 117, 653.
Eleazer, 721.
Rev. Horace, 66, 142, 305, 735.
Janauschek, Fanny, 208.
Jankins, William H., 731.
Jaques, George, 501, 580.
. Jay, John, 248.
-Jefferson, Joseph, 166.
Jeffrey, a negro, 709.
Jenison, Betsy, 499.
Samuel, 143.
William, 636.
Jenkins, Edward, 803.
Jephterson, Caleb, 260.
Jillson, Clark, 206, 247, 296, 460, 839
Joannes, Count, 122.
Johnson, Edward, 279.
Joshua, 354.
Micah, 354.
President, 369.
— Richard M., 694.
William, 126.
Joice Heth, 684.
- Jones, John Paul, 582.
Phinehas, 167, 399.
William, 202.
Joseffy, Rafael, 27.
Julien, Paul, 164.
Justices of the Peace chosen, 42.
K
Kansas, Emigrants to, 505.
League, 490.
Meeting, 79.
-Nebraska Meeting, 142.
- Kean, Edmund, 836.
Kearney, Dennis, 633.
Kelley, Dr. F. H., 206.
Kelly, Abby, 616.
_ Kemble, Fanny, 33.
Kettell, John P., 68, 299.
Key, Postmaster-General, 576.
Kidnapping, case of, 45, 624.
Killough, Rachel, 828.
Kilpatrick, Gen., 787.
King's Arms Tavern, 26, 515.
Kinnicutt, Thomas, 44, 429, 442.
Kirkland, J. T., 721.
Kossuth, 243.
Knight, John H., 141.
Jonathan, 90.
Knowlton, J. S. C, 2, 206, 305, 343-
Lafayette, 352, 598.
Lamb, Edward, 446.
Land, first grant, 263.
Langtry, Mrs., 321.
Laurel Street Church, 113, 511.
Lawrence, Myron W., 437.
Timothy Bigelow, 234.
Learned, Comfort, 47.
Lee, Gen. Charles, 388.
Henry, 57.
Lee's surrender, 210, 212.
Leggate, William, 68.
Lexington Battle, 231.
Library, see Free Public Library.
opened Sunday, 814.
Minister's, 720.
Light Infantry, Boston, 356.
Leicester, 430.
Worcester, 228, 331. 4»2, 4«6,
417.532,622.
Lightning, damage by, 301, 376, 387.
427. 556-
Lilley, Lewis, 488.
Lincoln, Dr. Abraham, 39.
Daniel Waldo, Sr., 412.
Daniel Waldo, Jr., 206, 255, 59°,
779-
Edward W., 769.
Knoch, 416, 798-
152
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Lincoln, Gen., 43.
George, 517.
John W., 153, 416, 671.
Levi, Sr., 220, 721.
Levi, Jr., 128, 140, 162, 206, 234,
314, 324, 372, 468, 470, 478,
494, 5 '7» 529, 536, 598, 619,
721, 747, 751, 798.
Levi, 3d, 555.
— - President, 222, 239, 318, 626.
William, 145, 438, 466, 677, 798.
Lincoln, Camp, 508.
House, 324.
Lind, Jenny, 819.
Lindsay, William, 723.
• Lippincott, Sara J., (Grace Green-
wood) 92.
Listemann, Bernhard, 146.
Locke, D. R., (Nasby) 729.
Logan, Olive, 782.
Log Cabin Meeting, 529.
Loring, Judge, 329.
Loudon, Lord, 28.
Lovell, Albert A., 571, 580.
A. B., no, 455.
Ebenezer, 807.
Lowell, John, 721.
Lunatic Asylum, see Hospital.
Luzerne, Chevalier, 609.
Lyceum formed, 746.
Lyman, Jonathan H., 721.
Lynde, Jonathan, 87.
Lynde Brook, dam carried off, 188.
New dam accepted, 330.
Water introduced, 766.
M
Maccarty, Rev. Thaddeus, 231, 339,
484.
Mad dog, 1 1 6.
Mahan, Sally, 37.
Mann, David, 24.
Manning, William, 488.
Mansfield, John, 362.
Manual Labor School, 328.
Market, Free Public, 586.
Market street, (now Exchange st.)
133-
Martin, Pr. O., 310.
Marvin, Rev. A. P., 457.
Marshall, Elijah H., 477.
Martinez, Isadora, 148.
Masonic Lodges, 342.
Mass Meeting, 372.
Massachusetts Herald, 610.
Spy, 197, 259, s01-
Yeoman, 597, 798.
Mastodon exhibited, 16.
Mathew, Dr., 444, 445.
Father, 713.
i May, Rev. Samuel, 648.
I Maynard, Horace, 613.
Mayors, list of, 206.
McCafferty, M. J., 8, 491, 509.
McClellan, Gen., 55.
McFarland, William, 52.
McSwish, Sandy, 289.
Meagher, Thomas F., 78.
Mechanic St. Burial Ground, 669.
Mechanics Association, 68.
Bank, 238.
Savings Bank, 280.
Fairs, 659.
Hall, 162, 599.
Riflemen, 634.
Medical School, 130.
Society, 654.
Meeting House first used, 812.
Plan of, faces page 135.
Memorial Day, 315.
Menagerie, first, 524.
Merrick, Francis T., 488.
Pliny, 85, 420, 798.
Merrirield, Alpheus, 46, 488.
Merrifield Fire, 350.
Methodist Churches, 97, 113, 241,
511, 561, 772.
GENERAL INDEX.
153
Methodist Society, first, 74.
Miles, Rev. J. B., 783.
Miller, Henry W., 68, no, 242.
Jacob, 163.
Rev. Rodney A., 206, 334. • u__*
Mills, Elijah H., 721.
Richard, 488.
Millstone Hill, 581.
Miner, Rev. A. A., 623.
Ministerial Land, 163, 251,
Ministers, convention of, 804.
"Minute Men," Hersey's, 449, 451.
Misbehavior in meeting house, 159.
Mission Chapel, 67.
Mitchel, Prof., 18.
- Mitchell, Maggie, 763.
Money voted, 237, 250.
-Montez, Lola, 680.
Monuments dedicated, 234, 457,498.
Moody, D. L., 292.
Moore, David, 354.
Nathaniel, 196, 786.
Samuel, 69, 354.
Rev. Zephaniah Swift, 464.
« Moreau, Gen., 554.
Morelli, Signor, 17.
Morris, Oliver B., 513.
Morse, Mason H., 380.
S. F. B., 225.
Morton, Gov.f 85.
Mossman, Joshua, 262.
- Mott, Lucretia, 584.
Mount Vernon Fund, 275.
Mower, Ebenezer, 89.
Ephraim, 342, 834.
Nahum, 15.
Nathaniel, 734.
Samuel, 47.
Mozart Society, 602.
Murders, 117, 141.
Murray, John, 571.
William Vans, 270.
Music Hall, 138.
Musical Associations, 294, 672.
Muster, Firemen's, 620.
N
Nashua Hall, 659.
Nast, Thomas, 822.
National /Egis, 469, 798.
Nazro, John, 39.
New England Home Journal, 835.
New Hampshire Regiment, 307.
Newspapers, 2, n, 15, 112, 129, 189,
192, 197. 3?0» 489. 520, 522,
570, 588, 591, 597, 610, 798,
835-
Newton, Benjamin F., 171.
Rejoice, 95, 417.
Nilsson, 755.
Non- Resistance Convention, 792.
Normal School, State, 623.
"North Bend," newspaper, 489.
North Worcester, 125.
Norwich and Worcester railroad
opened March II, 1840.
Nowell, Increase, 263.
Nullification in Massachusetts, 147.
Odd Fellows' Lodges, 254.
Old Men's Home, 180.
Old South Church, 69, 137, 645.
. Oliver, Chief-Justice, 1 68, 230.
Oratorio, 652.
Organ in Mechanics Hall, 726.
Orphans' Home, 153.
Orr, J. S., (Gabriel) 289.
Otis, Harrison Gray, 679, 721.
Paine, Fred. W., 145, 488.
Gardner A., 488.
John, 39.
Nathaniel, 39, 342, 721.
Samuel Clarke, 630.
Timothy, 163, 504, 571.
Dr. William, 232.
154
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Palladium, Worcester, 2.
Pangborn, Z. K., 189, 820.
Pannasunet, 84.
-Pappenheim, Madame, 661.
Parepa, 5.
Parker, Dexter F., 289, 305, 588.
Theodore, 513.
Parodi, Teresa, 650.
Parry, Rev. William M., 799.
Partridge, Elbridge G., 68.
Patch, Nathan, 163, 354.
W. W., 69.
-Patti, Adelina, 164.
Carlotta, 73.
Payson, Thomas, 39.
Peabody, Rev. David, 497.
Peace, of 1815, 88.
Celebrations, 765, 783.
Convention, 94.
Peck, William D., 721.
Peoples Savings Bank, 276.
Ferris, Sam., escape of, 201.
Perry, Emory, 428, 433, 530.
Pews allotted, 293.
Phillips, Adelaide, 162.
Ivers, 255, 358.
Wendell, 24, 440, 542, 648.
Phonograph, 374.
Pickett, Josiah, 498, 769.
Piedmont Church, 543, 635.
Pierce, Franklin, 329, 573.
John, 163.
Pierpont, Rev. John, 513.
Pillory, 260.
Pillsbury, Parker, 542, 648.
Pine Meadow Burial Ground, 269.
Piper's Theatre, 80.
Plymouth Church, 474.
"Poetical Exchange," 150.
Polk, President, 385.
Pomeroy, S. C., 79.
"Poore, Ben: Perley, 129.
Porter, Benjamin, 488.
.
Porter, Eleazer, 394.
Samuel A., no.
Postmasters, list of, 769.
Post Office, established, 769.
at Pearl St., 56.
Pound, 57.
Pratt, Calvin E., 820.
Charles B., 206, 373, 449.
Daniel, (G. A. T.) 114.
Joseph, 68, 291.
Prentice, George D., 13.
Press, Worcester Daily, 192.
Prince, Lucian, 451.
Prisoners of war, 535, 594.
released, 266.
Probate Court, 493.
Proctor, Prof., 808.
Proprietors' Meeting, last, 6n.
Protests, 126.
Providence and Worcester railroad,
724.
Providence Light Infantry, 430.
Putnam, James, 51, -69, 120.
Putnam Phalanx, 691.
Q
Quincy, Josiah, 721.
Quinsigamond Bank, 173.
R
Railroad, Accidents, 19, 764, 791,
793-
Celebration, 470.
Tracks removed, 778.
'Rantoul, Robert, 436.
Rarey, John S., 182.
Rattlesnakes, bounty for, 181.
Real Estate prices, 163, 278.
Rebel prisoners, 127.
Reed, Joseph, 388.
Regatta, first, 525.
Regiments, departure of, 229, 551,
559, 575, 596, 737, 7»5-
Remenyi, Edouarcl, 198.
GENERAL INDEX.
'55
Republican, Worcester County, 129.
Republican Party organized, 513.
Reservoir destroyed, 183.
Revere, Paul, 594.
Rice, Aaron, 69.
Adonijah, 752.
Edward B., 68, 272.
George M., 621.
Gershom, 832.
Grace, 784.
Jezeniah, 126.
Jonas, 196, 641.
Jonathan, 355.
Lemuel and Luke, 286.
William W., 206, 310, 323, 452,
656.
Richardson, Geo. W., 162, 206, 289.
Rev. Merrill, 478, 494, 509.
Thomas, 126.
Richmond, fall of, 195.
Rights, Declaration of, 288.
St. Paul's Church, 456.
Salem St. Church, 349, 823.
Salisbury, Samuel, 271.
Stephen, 1st., 39, 271.
Stephen, 2d., 39, 242, 373.
Sampson, Deborah, 516.
Sargent, J. D., 430.
Savings Hanks, 226, 276, 280, 390.
Saxe, John G., 827.
' School Dames, 217.
I Schoolmaster, first, 196.
,- — | Schurz, Carl, 235.
"Scorpion," the, 522.
Scott, Rev. Orange, assault on, 555.
Secession in Massachusetts, 147.
Second Church, see Unitarian
Church, first.
Settlement, permanent, 715.
Sever, William, 39.
Seward, William H., 363.
Shade Trees protected, 123, 203.
Riots : two scandalous riots occurred^ Shaw, Henry W., (Josh Billings) 191.
in Worcester in July, 1807;
one on the loth, the other on
the 1 7th of that month.
Other Riots: 289, 340, 731.
Robbery, 87.^
Robbins, Elizabeth (Prentice), 384.
Robinson, Dr. Charles, 743.
Roe, Alfred S., 809.
Rogers, Henry, 423, 488.
Randolph, 498.
Major, 773.
Ross. Ezra, 392.
Rubinstein, Anton, 213.
Rumsellers' triumph, 265.
Rural Cemetery, 619.
Russell, Benjamin, 286, 721.
Prof. E. H., 623.
St. John, Rev. T. E., 478.
St. John's Church, 309.
William S., 721.
Shays, Daniel, 806.
Shays's Rebellion, 43, 355, 605, 776,
806, 8 1 6.
Shearer, Dickinson, 45, 624.
Shedd, Susannah, 160.
Sheridan, Gen., 690.
Sherman, Gen., 617.
Shillaber, B. P., (Mrs. Partington) 99.
Shippen, Rev. R. R., 837.
Short, T. W., 820.
Siamese Twins, 476.
Sickles, Gen., 86.
Singing, innovation in, 550.
Sivori, Camillo, 592.
Slack, Charles W., 373.
Slater, Peter, 412, 457.
Slavery condemned, 287.
Small-pox epidemic, 296.
Smalley, Rev. E., 142, 303, 639.
Smith, Elisha, 69.
156
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Smith, Rev. Geo. P., 161.
Gerritt, 658.
Jane, 816.
Sisters, 102.
Snowstorm, 165.
Soldiers' Monument, 498.
— Sothern, E. A., 319.
Spooner, Bathsheba and Joshua, 392.
Sprague, Homer B., 142, 449.
Peleg, 418.
Spy, centennial, 501.
Worcester Daily, 370, 520.
Weekly, see Massachusetts Spy.
• Stages, 371, 711, 717.
Stanton, Henry B., 552.
John, 39, 342, 399.
State Guard, 358, 498.
State Normal School, 623.
• State Lunatic Hospital, see Hospital.
New Hospital opened Oct. 27,'77.
Steam Fire Engine, 845.
Stearns, Bezaleel, 485.
Daniel, 346.
Thomas, 26.
Stebbins, F. B., 425. ^-
Stephens, James, 500.
Steuben, Baron, 29.
Stevens, Charles E., 189.
Jacob, 354.
~ Stewart, Commodore, 385.
Stigelli, 73.
Stiles, Jeremiah, 393.
Stockwell, Cyrus, 488.
Stoddard, E. B., 206.
J. C, 477.
"~ Stone, Lucy, 648.
Lydia, 157.
Story, Isaac, 409.
Stowell, Abel, 163.
Benjamin, 544.
Cornelius, 10, 354.
L. W., 430, 488.
Peter, 10, 499.
Stowers, John, 342.
Stratton, Joel D., 735:
Rev. R. B., 6.
Strong, Caleb, 147.
Solomon, 264.
Studlefunk parades, 455, 458, 459,
462.
Studley, Zenas, 488.
Sturtevant, L. W., 1 10.
Suck, Henry, 20.
Sullivan, John, 582.
Sumner, Charles, 151, 305, 381, 748.
Rev. Joseph, 406.
Sumter, Fort, 221.
Sunday evening concert, 530.
Surplus Revenue of U. S., 252.
Swedish Methodist Church, 772.
Svveetser, Rev. Seth, 172, 239, 303,
833-
Swett, Joseph, 488.
Swiss Bell Ringers, 736.
Taft, Putnam W., 68, 255, 513.
Taylor, Bayard, 30.
James, 196.
R. c., 313.
Taylor and Fillmore Meeting, 372.
Taylor's Building burned, 313.
Tea, resolution against, 135.
Telegraph Despatches seized, 295.
Temperance celebrations, 437, 440,
441, 443, 444.
Temperature, low, 49, 53.
Temple, Joseph, 126.
Thackeray, William M., 824.
Thalberg, Sigismund, 17.
Thayer, Adin, 501.
Eli, 142.
Thaxter, A. Wallace, 80.
Levi, 331.
Theatres, 58, 80, 138.
Thief Detecting Society, 770.
GENERAL INDEX.
157
Thirteenth Regiment, 528.
Thirty-fourth Regiment, 559.
Thirty-sixth Regiment, 596.
Thomas, Benjamin F., 234, 432, 435,
460, 498, 501.
Isaiah, 39, 72, 197, 259, 342, 373,
376, 428, 467, 496, 578, 678,
721, 769.
Isaiah, Jr., 721.
Theodore, 223.
Thomas Street, 678.
. Thompson, George, 794.
.r Thoreau, Henry D., 744.
Thurber, Charles, 446.
-Tilghman, Gen., 127.
Tolman, Albert, 68, 367, 457.
- Tom Thumb, 625.
Tombs, the, 324.
Tories, 34, 290, 354, 773.
Tornado, 341.
Tory Protest, 364, 577.
Torrey, Joseph, 342, 404.
Tourtelott, S. D., 24.
Town, William M., 488.
Town, Hall, 257, 534.
Incorporation, 348.
Meeting, first, 662.
Township viewed, 279.
Train, George Francis, 662.
Transcript, Daily, 370, 798.
Daily Morning, 189.
Treadwell, William, 211.
Trees, see Shade Trees.
Trinity M. E. Church, 241.
Tucker, Polly Stearns, 346.
Thomas, 735.
Turnpike, 158.
Twenty-fifth Regiment, 737.
Twenty-first Regiment, 508, 575.
Tyler, Rev. Albert, 731.
President, 366.
U
Union Church, 65, 471.
Union Railway Station, 560.
Unitarian, Church, first, I, 175, 568,
579-
Unity, Church of the, 64, 246, 249.
Universalist Society, 326, 692.
V
Van Buren, Martin, 345.
Venus, transit of, 809.
Verry, George F., 206.
Veto by the Mayor, first, 839.
Vinton, Rev. John A., 516.
Vose, Richard Hampton, 426, 429.
W
Wagoner, J. J., 163.
Waite, Rebekah, 384.
Waldo, Daniel, 39, 480. 488, 619.
Waldo Church, 488.
Wales, Prince of, 703.
Walker, Amasa, 783.
Rev. E. A., 395.
Wall, Caleb A., 189.
James H., 324.
Wallace, William A., 367.
Wallcutt, Thomas, 721.
War Meetings, 8, 224, 494, 509, 526,
533-
Ward, Alvin, 24.
Artemas, 466, 488, 825.
Daniel, 297.
Genevieve, 100.
George H., 478, 528.
Hannah, 216.
Obediah, 216.
Warren, Charles H., 422.
Frederick, 758.
Gen., 259.
Samuel, 146.
Washburn, Emory, 43°» 468-
Henry S., 162.
158
THE WORCESTER BOOK.
Washburn, Ichabod, 68, 162, 847.
John D., 225.
Washington, Gen., 103, 388, 718.
Lady, 818.
Washington, capture of, 587.
Treaty of, 783.
Washington Benevolent Society, 416.
Water, first Act, 124.
Supply, 786.
Works, 766, 779.
"Waterfall," the, 112.
Way land, Francis, 448.
•Webster, Daniel, 712, 751.
Redford, 721.
Webster Park, 337.
Weikle, H. T., 340.
Weld, Ezra Waldo, 39.
Wells, Col., 526.
William, 721.
Welsh, C. W., 373.
Wentworth, Jonathan, 488.
West Point Cadets, 536.
Western railroad, 607.
Wetherbee, Simon, 311.
Wheeler, Joseph, 163.
Richard, 649.
Theophilus, 39.
William A., 68, 93, 242.
William D., 488.
Whig Party, sagacity of, 748.
Whipping administered, 262.
Whipple, Moses, 427.
White, Edwin A., 417.
John, 342.
L. G., 455.
William Charles, 256, 411, 798.
" Whitefield, Rev. George, 699.
Whitney, Elizabeth, 184.
Whittemore, John, 428.
' Whittier, J. G., 564.
Wilder, Alexander H., 825.
David, 488.
Joel, 1 10, 175.
Wilder, Marshall P., 373.
S. V. S., 155.
Wilhelmj, August, 277.
Wilhorst, Madame, 17.
Willard, Calvin, 642.
Joseph, 670.
Nahum, 354.
Williams, Hartley, 565.
Timothy, 721.
W. A., 255.
-4~Wilson, Henry, 367, 381, 498, 513,
790.
James, 769.
Windship, Dr., 675.
Winthrop, Adam, 274.
Wiswell, Ebenezer, 37.
Wolves, bounty for, 119.
Woman's Rights Convention, 719.
Wong Chin Foo, 668.
Wood, Rev. Roland A., 320.
Woodbridge, Rev. J. E., 781.
Woodhull, Victoria C., 121.
Woodward, David M., 455.
Woodworth, James S., 68.
Wool, Gen., 132.
Woonsocket Guards, 634.
Worcester, Leonard, 39.
Worcester, name given, 628.
Academy, 328, 701, 722.
Bank, 136.
House, 324.
Magazine, 677.
Mutual Fire Insurance Co., 83.
and Nashua railroad, 831.
Rifles, 425, 428.
and Shrewsbury railroad, 531.
Society of Antiquity, 48.
J^° Many titles which properly
have Worcester or Worcester County
prefixed to them, as Worcester Light
Infantry, Worcester Palladium, Wor-
cester County Horticultural Society,
etc., are indexed as Light Infantry,
GENERAL INDEX.
159
Palladium, Horticultural Society, etc.
Worth, Major, 536.
Worthington, James, 488.
Yellow Day, 614.
Yerrington, J. M. W., 24.
York House, 133.
Young, John, 386.
Young, Robert, 759.
Young Men's, Christian Association,
351-
Rhetorical Society, 627.
Zerrahn, Carl, 162.
Zochler, Herr, 20.
Zuni Indians, 187.
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